Wednesday, August 23rd, 2023 from 12:00-1:30pm PST

Some of the biggest mentions of psychedelics in the mainstream media that have received a lot of attention were those of famous figures speaking on their life changing experiences with plant medicines, one of those people being Aaron Rogers who is quarterback of the New York Jets. This opened up the conversation in pop culture about the intersection of athletics and psychedelics, and further provided a shift in the perception of psychedelics by the public. How can psychedelics influence the minds of those who regularly practice aggressive physical contact sports? How have psychedelics shifted athletes’ mindsets on things such as physical health, wellbeing, and spirituality? This forum will discuss these topics and more with various elite athletes who have had experiences with psychedelics which have majorly impacted their perspectives in many regards. Join us in this forum with Riley Cote, who has played 8 years of professional hockey including 4 with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers, Kenny Stills, who is an American football wide receiver who was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft and played for various teams including the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills, and Anna Symonds, who is a plant medicine advocate and retired Women’s Premier League rugby player whose 20 year playing career includes championships in the US and Australia.

Riley Cote played 8 years of professional hockey including 4 with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers. His hard style of play eventually took its toll and he decided to retire from playing in 2011 at the ripe age of 28 and committed to a life of mindfulness, healing, and to the integration of sacred earth medicines in his recovery of post-concussion syndrome, and substance abuse issues. Riley is a creative entrepreneur, certified Yoga teacher and founded Cote Culture, a mindfulness coaching program that teaches the power of mindfulness and meditation. Cote works with high level performers, athletes, first responders and military veterans integrating mindfulness practice with psychedelic & earth medicine integration. Riley is a partner in a cannabis cultivation operation in New Jersey called Tribe NJ and is also a partner in Flō Livity a functional cannabinoid company and Advanced Alchemy Labs, a cannabinoid extraction facility & curriculum with a PA state university (Cheyney University). Riley is an advisor of Wake Network, a psilocybin retreat & functional mushroom company focusing on precision medicine that supports mental health and brain regeneration.

Kenny Stills is a professional football player renowned for his impressive skills and contributions to the game. Born on April 22, 1992, in San Diego, California, Stills showed remarkable talent from a young age. He excelled in both football and track and field during his high school years, displaying exceptional speed and agility that would later become his trademark on the field. Stills went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he continued to impress as a wide receiver for the Sooners. His remarkable speed and precise route-running ability made him a prominent figure in college football. In 2013, he declared for the NFL Draft and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round. Stills wasted no time showcasing his skills in the professional arena, quickly becoming an integral part of the Saints’ offense. Throughout his professional career, Stills played for multiple teams, including the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. He consistently displayed his versatility as a receiver, with a knack for explosive plays and an uncanny ability to stretch the field. Beyond his on-field achievements, Stills has also been an active advocate for social justice issues, using his platform to raise awareness and create positive change. With a combination of talent, athleticism, and a strong commitment to social activism, Kenny Stills has left an indelible mark on the world of professional football.

Anna Symonds is a plant medicine advocate and retired Women’s Premier League rugby player whose 20 year playing career includes championships in the US and Australia. Anna is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Etheridge Foundation, which helps to fund research on plant medicine treatments for opioid use disorder. Anna is also active with other nonprofits including the Last Prisoner Project, Athletes for CARE, and the Concussion Legacy Foundation.

This talk will be recorded and immediately available for rewatch for all attendees.

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Elite Athletes and Psychedelics