Amanda Feilding is the founder and executive director of the Beckley Foundation, and is widely recognised as one of the driving forces behind the current psychedelic research renaissance. By establishing key research collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious universities, she has propelled the field forward over the last 20 years, conducting several landmark studies, such as the world’s first LSD brain imaging study.   Since its inception, the Beckley Foundation has been at the forefront of the development of evidence-based drug policy. Through a series of pivotal international seminars at the House of Lords, over 50 much-cited reports and numerous meetings with thought-leaders, academics, policy-makers and the public, Amanda has ensured that the Beckley Foundation is a leader in the movement for drug policy reform. Through her work with the Beckley Foundation, Amanda is bridging the gap between science and policy, allowing them to complement and inform one another, ultimately harnessing our knowledge of the benefits of many prohibited substances to maximise human wellbeing. In this conversation, we dive deep into Amanda’s personal life experience and work in the field over the last several decades.   I know that this conversation will be the first of many with Amanda, and I hope you enjoy getting to know this Psychedelic Queen as much as I did!   What you will learn:    Why LSD is such a powerful tool for consciousness exploration with specific attention to the brain and the safety profile of this compound The importance of questioning authorities and being an independent thinker The devastating problem of current drug policy  How LSD can bridge the gap between science and religion  Why trappanation (drilling a hole in the human skill) may be of value for humans now   Resources   Beckley Foundation  Instagram: @beckleyresearch