People are the Answer

SHOW NOTES:

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ywqLDnnvNB0

Jeremy Gardner is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Mystic Ventures, a venture fund focused on psychedelic medicine. 

In this episode, Jeremy joins the podcast to share his journey from rebellious youth to impactful investor. He discusses his early work in crypto, passion for psychedelics, views on masculinity, and the importance of empathy in leadership and life. We also explore his filmmaking journey and direct philanthropic work that’s changing lives around the world.

Chapters:

00:00 – Existential Drive & Crypto Disillusionment Jeremy talks about being driven by impact, not money, and shares insights from the crypto industry.

07:25 – Van Life & Love for Colorado Jeremy discusses traveling in a camper van, visiting Colorado, and enjoying nature and freedom.

11:02 – Childhood & Upbringing in Northampton He reflects on growing up in a progressive town and how that shaped his worldview.

18:40 – School Struggles & Formative Japan Experience Jeremy shares about getting arrested, ADHD, and a life-changing stint in Japan as a kid.

26:25 – College Chaos & Rediscovering Purpose Stories of dropping out, psychedelic revelations, and developing a self-designed major at Bard.

34:15 – Political Internship & Occupy Wall Street Roots Jeremy details his work at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and how Occupy led him to crypto.

42:50 – Founding the Blockchain Education Network How Jeremy launched a global student movement that became foundational in crypto education.

50:00 – Reflections on Crypto’s Evolution He critiques the industry’s trajectory, Wall Street influences, and his return to crypto with a new company.

55:42 – MadeMan Skincare & Positive Masculinity Jeremy shares the vision behind his skincare brand aimed at redefining masculinity.

1:00:05 – Psychedelics, Purpose & Mystic Ventures His lifelong relationship with psychedelics and launching Mystic Ventures to support ethical psychedelic businesses.

1:10:50 – Investing Ethically & Impact Over Profit Jeremy discusses founder alignment, success metrics, and why impact drives his portfolio decisions.

1:18:15 – Filmmaking & Crypto Castle Productions From dream to reality—producing films, lessons from Cannes to Netflix, and staying creatively fulfilled.

1:28:50 – Making Impact Tangible Stories of helping people directly, including funding food aid in Afghanistan and empowering entrepreneurs.

1:36:40 – Global Empathy, Conflict & Perspective Deep dive into Middle East politics, the need for empathy, and perspectives on conflict and identity.

1:45:35 – Legacy, Gratitude & What Matters Most Jeremy reflects on life satisfaction, fulfillment, and what he’s most grateful for if it all ended tomorrow.

Jeremy:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jg1578/

https://www.instagram.com/gonzogardner/

https://x.com/Disruptepreneur

Mystic Ventures:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mystic-ventures/

https://venture.angellist.com/v/back/mystic-ventures-2

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 6/16/25

SHOW NOTES:

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/D7zlefTWd5g

Bryan Mauk is a passionate social entrepreneur and advocate for criminal justice and drug policy reform. He currently leads End It For Good, championing health-centered approaches to addiction and incarceration, building on decades of grassroots and executive experience in housing, reentry, and digital access. 

In this episode, Bryan and Jeffrey discuss social impact, recovery & scaling reform. Bryan also shares his journey from teen volunteer to national nonprofit leader. Learn how his early work with the unhoused inspired a lifelong mission of healing trauma, empowering second chances, and advancing compassionate drug policy with End It For Good.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro Clip

0:55 - What Motivates You?

2:50 - Early Life

10:23 - College Experience

17:53 - PC's for People

21:33 - End It For Good 

26:47 - Making Your Mark

37:21 - Upcoming Initiatives  

41:54 - When Work Affected Change

46:54 - Mentor

50:35 - Ask Jeff a Question

52:21 - Most Grateful for 

54:11 - Most Proud of

56:35 - Snap Your Fingers

59:47 - How to Support

Bryan:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mauk-77a04310/

End It For Good:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/enditforgoodms/

https://enditforgood.com/

https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/

https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/

Other resources:

The PBS documentary “Her Time” is actually called “Apart” - https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/apart/

Free copy of End It For Good founder Christina Dent’s book, Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction, to the first 5 listeners that email them at [email protected] and include the name People are the Answer! 

Christina Dent’s been on PatA podcast twice: Episode #’s 4 and 94

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 4/24/25

SHOW NOTES:

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/NO9xrHpgBOc

In Episode 106 of People Are the Answer, Taylor West, Executive Director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, joins Jeffrey Zucker to discuss her path from political advocacy to pioneering work in psychedelic-assisted therapy policy. Taylor opens up about the human side of policymaking, the challenges and revelations of parenting, and her vision for realigning economic incentives to better serve humanity. A powerful conversation on healing, storytelling, and purposeful change.

Chapters:

• 0:00 - Intro Clip

• 1:26 - Introductions

• 2:35 - What Motivates You?

• 6:28 - Where did you grow up?

• 14:42 - Policy Reform

• 19:50 - First Steps Post College

• 29:21 - Political Campaigning

• 35:52 - Legalization of Adult Use Cannabis

• 44:36 - Psychedelics

• 57:19 - Healing Advocacy Fund

• 1:07:16 - Finding Balance

• 1:14:14 - When Work Affected Change

• 1:17:23 - Ask Jeff a Question

• 1:20:59 - Most Grateful for

• 1:29:27 - Snap Your Fingers

• 1:33:41 - How to Support

Taylor:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-west-34736455/

Healing Advocacy Fund:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-advocacy-fund/

https://healingadvocacyfund.org/

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case
Recording date: 4/9/25

 📣 Share your story to support the movement

💬 Subscribe for more human-centered conversations

SHOW NOTES:

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Eu4LRqArAj4

Bennie Fowler is a Super Bowl-winning former NFL wide receiver turned leadership coach, speaker, and author. Drawing on his experience with elite teams and iconic quarterbacks, he now empowers individuals and organizations through mentorship, mindset training, and purpose-driven communication.

Chapters:

• 0:58 - Intro

• 2:33 - What Motivates You?

• 7:07 - Where Did You Grow Up?

• 10:42 - Giving Back

• 16:00 - Collegiate Ball

• 21:53 - Peyton Manning's Last Career Pass

• 23:32 - Denver

• 26:12 - Sports Retirement

• 29:21 - Silver Spoon: The Imperfect Guide to Success

• 32:35 - Life After Retirement

• 37:06 - Entrepreneurship

• 39:04 - When Work Affected Change

• 40:24 - Mentors

• 44:12 - Staying Involved with the Broncos

• 47:26 - Most Grateful for

• 48:40 - Snap Your Fingers

• 51:23 - How to Support

Bennie:

​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennie-fowler-iii-a43027173/

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/silver-spoon-the-imperfect-guide-to-success_bennie-fowler/26139897/item/53977891/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=low_vol_backlist_standard_shopping_retention_17605068861&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=606977662558&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z22cnMpSd6JxaINLz3xMZpYNXt9ShwBCuoRKPRiL0Zzbmg1Fe9GUn8aAmBkEALw_wcB#idiq=53977891&edition=27636296

CapRock:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/caprock-alignedwealth/

​​https://caprock.com/

Other resources:

Broncos podcast - https://thednvr.com/broncos/podcast/page/2/

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 4/8/25

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j_ArBxK8Gfk

Pamela Metzger, Director of the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at SMU, shares her transformative journey as a dedicated public defender who navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, advocating for thousands of detainees in New Orleans. Discover how this life-changing experience led to systemic reforms in criminal justice, focusing on the right to counsel and prosecutorial practices. Learn about the innovative approaches being implemented to ensure justice and empathy in the legal system.

Chapters:

0:00 - Clip

0:56 - Intro

1:32 - What Motivates You?

4:50 - Law School

6:54 - Upbringing

12:14 - Women's Resources

17:24 - Steps After Law School

20:33 - Running University Clinics

22:25 - Katrina

37:20 - When You Were Recruited

42:47 - AI

52:02 - Randomized Control

58:01 - Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center

59:37 - To Those Who Think Everyone in CJ System is Bad

1:06:44 - Reaching Across the Aisle

1:12:42 - Passions Outside of Criminal Justice

1:16:43 - Most Grateful for

1:18:53 - Snap Your Fingers

1:20:37 - How to Support

Pamela Metzger:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-metzger-07b90715a/

Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/deasoncenter/

https://www.smu.edu/law/centers-and-initiatives/deason-center

https://www.instagram.com/smulawdeason/

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 1/30/25

Show notes:

In this episode, Pip Lawrence, the co-founder and Managing Partner of Delphi VC, and Jeffrey Zucker discuss growing up in the nonprofit world, neuroscience, Wall Street in ‘08, and psychedelic therapy.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:09 - Delphi VC

4:03 - What Motivates You?

8:24 - What Made You Want to Give Back?

11:30 - From College to VC

18:46 - Cognitive Neuroscience and Art

26:27 - Psychedelics

32:44 - Balancing Mission and Impact

38:26 - Delphi's Portfolio

45:38 - Toxins in Cannabis

50:48 - Women's Health

54:57 - Conservation

1:00:45 - Great Grandson of a Congressman

1:04:51 - AI & Lessons from the Holocaust

1:14:52 - Snap Your Fingers

1:16:41 - How to Support

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/hP-R3gsLeBQ

Delphi VC:

https://www.delphi.vc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/delphi-vc/

https://www.instagram.com/delphi.vc/

https://x.com/Delphi_VC

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 12/11/24

Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and Jeff Zucker discuss activism, psychedelics, epigenetics, generational trauma, and more.

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/xlsVDPRvDtE

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:34 - People are the Answer

4:37 - Put it Into Practice

5:56 - Intention

10:24 - Fear and Motivation

12:05 - What Motivates You?

19:45 - How Relatives Coped with the Holocaust

24:36 - Epigenetics of Trauma

26:29 - Giving Back in Early Life

33:43 - Global Spirituality

39:49 - What Lead to Starting MAPS?

52:44 - How Do We Move Forward with MDMA?

57:08 - State Level an Option?

1:00:28 - MAPS Cannabis Project

1:02:18 - Medical Cannabis in SC

1:05:02 - How Do You Avoid Burnout?

1:07:18 - What is MAPS Working on Now?

1:11:04 - Oregon Recriminalization

1:13:17 - Snap Your Fingers

1:15:26 - How to Support

Rick Doblin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdoblin/

https://www.instagram.com/rickdoblinphd/

MAPS:

https://maps.org/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mapsnews/

https://www.instagram.com/maps__org/

https://www.facebook.com/mapsmdma

https://twitter.com/MAPS

https://www.youtube.com/c/mapsmdma

https://www.reddit.com/user/MAPSPsychedelic/?rdt=36196

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 12/3/24

Show notes:

In this episode, Cortney and Jeffrey discuss his learnings in his grandparents grocery store as a kid, his dedication to academics, how he sometimes spent years opening up opportunities, building and growing a business that helped fitness trainers build thriving businesses, living all over the world, changing education, and much more

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qknWDZeSCDw

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 10/31/24

Cortney Woodruff:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-woodruff-7182222b/

https://www.instagram.com/tvcort/

Assemble:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/assembleftobegreat/

https://www.assemble.fyi/

https://www.instagram.com/assemble.fyi/

https://x.com/AssembleFYi

Bio:

Cortney Woodruff is the American tech investor, entrepreneur, and founder, CEO of Trainersvault as well as the Co-founder & CEO of the online education platform, Assemble. The international businessman and former Division 1 athlete integrates fitness, finance, tech, and entertainment to empower Black and brown youth through instruction. Woodruff’s mission merges worlds and creates opportunity by connecting Black thought leaders across industries to a broad learning community. The Jackson, Mississippi native has lived in over 10 cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia throughout a self-started career raising seed capital. Dedicated to normalizing success in the Black community, his work combines an expansive worldview with a thriving professional network. Woodruff lives in Los Angeles, California.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

3:36 - What motivates you?

4:35 - Early Life

9:01 - Success in Mississippi

11:59 - Education

17:10 - First Start Up

19:11 - Trainer's Vault

44:13 - Assemble

56:12 - How to Access Assemble

56:59 - How Does Assemble Recruit Experts?

59:54 - Future of Assemble

1:02:59 - Evolution of Education

1:09:16 - When Work Affected Change

1:12:39 - Ask Jeff a Question

1:16:30 - Snap Your Fingers

1:20:06 - How to Support

Show notes:

In this episode, Alex, Vin, and Jeffrey discuss their first venture together, developing projects, and their wild trips. They talk about the significance of the pod’s 100th episode, parenting philosophies, AI, the future, Gushers and more

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/w9y0lTmzEg8

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 10/23/24

Alex Hodara

https://www.instagram.com/alexhodara/

Rocket Club:

https://www.instagram.com/rocketclub/

https://rocketclub.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkWY7bqg2GBYavVf99cPo3zLLnd_wfcj90cKRwiTjmgUFLWUCazWamKAc_aem_8LsZ3B56poZ1JpCtd5PQbg

Vin Vomero

https://www.instagram.com/vinnyboombatzz/

FoxyAI:

https://foxyai.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/foxy-ai/

Other resources:

Jeff’s Episodes - 

85.1 https://youtu.be/hC3BlY5QvKA?si=HVvA5exgEf5OEDq_

85.2 https://youtu.be/eSGC8WB2ssI?si=n0v2hdgU1X-Wk4C5

https://www.instagram.com/dfwdisneydad/

https://dailydad.com/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

1:50 - Get to Know Vin

3:05 - What Motivates Vin

5:30 - FoxyAI

7:06 - Alex and Rocket Club

10:55 - HPM

19:07 - Vin, Snap Your Fingers

22:54 - Alex, Snap Your Fingers

25:22 - Vin's Note to Jeff's Sons

26:20 - Jeff's Parents Inspiring Jeff

30:55 - Others Inspiring Jeff

32:55 - HPM Accidental Super Bowl Trip

39:51 - Hockey in Jamaica

42:35 - Disney Adults

47:02 - Parenting

54:27 - Reflecting

58:11 - Future Predictions

Show notes:

In this episode, Bill and Jeffrey discuss his unique path from Harlem through prestigious educational institutions, ultimately leading him to degrees at Harvard and MIT and working in software. After spending 9 years helping an education business with their digital transformation, he created JobReady, developing career-aligned course collections, enabling job seekers to follow pathways that lead to jobs and promotions. We discuss the company’s exit, how he found Education Design Lab, the lives changed along the way, and much more!

Learn more:

Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/W2fW6ZpF_2o

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 10/10/24

Bill Hughes

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhughes316/

Education Design Lab:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/education-design-lab/

https://eddesignlab.org/

https://www.instagram.com/educationdesignlab/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vgVHYOkJk6RIY6HJnyQBA

Other resources:

https://www.open4learning.com/

https://innovationlabs.harvard.edu/

https://www.edc.org/careers-edc?utm_source=edc&utm_medium=LN&utm_content=job&utm_campaign=smedcorg

Bio:

Software executive focused on new ventures, strategy, innovation, and product management.

As CEO and Founder of JobReady, his goal is to deliver high-quality, affordable, relevant career pathways and credentials for the 21st century to a million job seekers and career shifters. JobReady is developing career-aligned course collections from the thousands of courses available, enabling job seekers to follow pathways that lead to jobs and promotions. Initial pathways will include cybersecurity, data science, project management, leadership, IT skills, business skills, and certification prep. Message Bill directly for more information about JobReady and how you can learn more.

Expertise: Corporate strategy, business development, new ventures, win-win deals, software product management, new product development, venture capital, entrepreneurship, strategic consulting, project management, software development, financial analysis, analytical modeling, software patents. 

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:37 - New Majority Learner

4:51 - What Motivates You?

11:37 - Education

12:55 - Pearson

17:29 - Job Ready

21:59 - Education Design Lab

37:08 - Generative AI

49:54 - Why Can't We Get Re-Routed?

57:53 - EDL's Future

1:07:14 - When Work Affected Change

1:09:48 - Most Grateful for

1:12:53 - Snap Your Fingers

1:16:28 - How to Support