NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for mental health advice. This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of psychedelics and the brain which remains an ongoing field of study. Experiments discussed in this talk should not be performed outside of accredited research settings. We've flagged this talk because it falls outside the content guidelines TED gives TEDx organizers. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWhat if the most meaningful part of a psychedelic experience isn’t the medicine, but what it awakens in you? In this thought-provoking talk, Matt Zemon, MSc, challenges the growing narrative around psychedelics as "miracle" medicines. Instead, he offers a grounded perspective: that these substances, when used responsibly, may simply create conditions for individuals to access their own inner wisdom. Matt explores how psychedelics can spark profound spiritual insight and emotional transformation—not as an escape from suffering, but as an invitation to face it, understand it, and ultimately transform it.Matt Zemon is an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness, blending academic rigor with compassionate advocacy for safe, intentional use. He is the best-selling author of Psychedelics for Everyone, The Beginner’s Guide to Psychedelics, The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics, and Beyond the Trip. With a Master's in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health, Matt collaborates with healthcare professionals and entheogenic communities to promote mindful, risk-reduced approaches to psychedelic healing. His work empowers veterans, spiritual seekers, and others on the path of personal growth to engage these experiences with care and respect. Matt Zemon, MSc, specializes in the impact of psychedelics on mental health. He is the author of three best-selling books, including The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics, Psychedelics for Everyone, and Beyond the Trip. Holding a Master's degree in psychology and neuroscience from King's College London, Matt merges academic insights with a passion for safe and sacred psychedelic use, focusing on broadening understanding and access to these transformative substances. In addition, he consults with medical practitioners, contributing his expertise to further the responsible integration of psychedelics in healthcare. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 5:53The Power of Music: How Music Can Change Lives | Rosalind Prescott | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchoolMusic has the power to make us dance, cry—or sing. Rosalind will show us how music can do more than entertain; it can truly transform lives. Rosalind is a 15 year old student at Regents International School Bangkok. Rosalind was born and raised in England, yet moved to Bangkok in 2023. She has a passion for public speaking and advocacy. She is a member of several ECAs, attends every model united nations conference she can, is a TISAC champion debater and won the national debate competition in Thailand at 14. Other than her public speaking hobbies, Rosalind loves to listen to music, read and go on walks as much as she can. Being a junior house captain has taught Rosalind leadership skills that she brings into every walk of life - including school and MUN. Rosalind wishes to change the world through her love for public speaking and she hopes to one day make a difference in the world with her words. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:28The Power of Taking the First Step | Friso Poldervaart | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchoolStarting something new is hard— Friso is here to remind us that all journeys, start with just one brave step. Friso Poldervaart is an innovative entrepreneur and passionate community advocate with a deep commitment to creating positive social impact. With years of experience in business development and social entrepreneurship, Friso has focused his efforts on bridging the gap between social responsibility and business success. As the founder of the Bangkok Community Help Foundation, he has dedicated himself to empowering marginalized communities in Bangkok by providing essential resources and creating sustainable initiatives that address issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare. Friso’s ability to bring together local and global networks has led to meaningful change, improving the lives of those in need. Through his leadership and commitment, he continues to inspire others to take action, contribute to positive social change, and build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:03The Power of Questioning | Meredith Prescott | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchoolWhy? It’s the first word in every kid’s vocabulary—and every revolutionary idea. Meredith is here to show us how asking the right questions can lead to powerful answers. Meredith is a 15 year old girl in Regents International School Bangkok. She enjoys participating in a number of extracurricular activities, such as Model United Nations, debate and is very interested in the current affairs around the world, as well as locally. She moved to Thailand in the summer of 2023 and has enjoyed exploring and immersing herself in the culture. She hopes to work in politics and global affairs in the future. This will be an opportunity for her to hone her public speaking and communication skills - which she really appreciates. She hopes that her talk will implore her audience to think outside the box and reflect upon their everyday decisions. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 5:26The Power of Awareness: Harnessing Overthinking for Growth | Jessie Kim | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchoolHave you ever overthought a text message for so long that the person called you instead? Then you’ll relate to Jessie, who’s about to convince us that maybe—just maybe—overthinking has a purpose after all. Born in Korea and raised in Thailand, Jessie is a 13 year old Year 8 student at Regent's International School. Her hobbies are cooking, singing, writing lyrics, basketball and football. At a young age, she has participated in a wide variety of academic, music, and sports competitions throughout her school life. Whether it’s trying to solve a complicated question or pushing her limits in a sports competition, Jessie always tries to learn and grow from each experience. She enjoys being a part of a community. She has been a part of the student council for three consecutive years, she was one of the student leaders for the Round Square Conference, and she has her very own band with her friends who all enjoy performing. Jessie is very passionate about self-awareness and personal growth, therefore, in her speech, she aims to express how self-awareness can be used as a tool for growth, with the intention of persuading others to embrace challenges and transform weaknesses into strengths. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 6:04The Power of Discipline | Edgar Naikyan | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchoolDiscipline is doing what needs to be done—even when Netflix has a new season out. Edgar is here to talk about the kind of discipline that builds better people, not just dodges distractions. Edgar Naikyan is 17 years old. For the past three years, he has been studying at Regent’s, a place that has shaped him. He believes achieving any goal requires dedication, consistency, and, most importantly, discipline. Without these, dreams remain just dreams. One of his core values is embracing every opportunity. With every challenge, new doors open, leading to growth. At school, he has taken on various leadership roles, some examples: House Captain, Boarding Councillor, Cultural Committee member, and Russian teacher for primary students. These roles have strengthened his leadership, responsibility, and teamwork skills. His father often tells me, “To succeed, you must find hidden opportunities and take them.” This mindset has guided him, pushing him to improve and strive for excellence. This talk is another step in his growth. Life is a constant learning process, and he is determined to make the most of every experience. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 4:31The Power of Taking Risks | Arame Marukyan | TEDxYouth@RegentsSchoolSome people take risks by skydiving. Others by trying a new haircut. Arame is here to show us that whether big or small, taking risks might just be the key to unlocking our potential. Arame is a 17-year-old student at Regent’s International School, originally from Yerevan, Armenia. He is passionate about entrepreneurship and business, fascinated by philosophy, history, and politics, and enjoys chess, football, and calisthenics. He graduated from a music school in Armenia and has played the guitar for over eight years. From a young age, Arame excelled in both chess and classical music, winning multiple competitions, including a prestigious Grand Prix in 2024. His love for philosophy has shaped his mindset on ambition and risk-taking. He firmly believes that the ability to take risks is the most essential skill for success. Arame aspires to become an entrepreneur and establish his own company. His passion for public speaking and performance emerged early—at just nine years old, he led his team to victory on a televised game show. Over the years, he has performed in various concert halls in front of hundreds of people, strengthening his confidence on stage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
