Michael Pollan is the author of six New York Times bestsellers, including the recent How to Change Your Mind. A self-described “reluctant psychonaut,” his brand of immersive journalism has done much to open up the world of psychedelics to the mainstream.

In his keynote address at Esalen, he speaks about his deep connection with plants and nature, why the psychedelic renaissance is occurring at this moment, why a healthy dose of skepticism is helpful in avoiding “psychedelic evangelism,” how to create a balanced conversation around psychedelics, his own experience of ego dissolution on magic mushrooms, and more.