79. Weaving a New Type of Magic: The JLS Fund & Psychedelic Philanthropy with Simeon Schnapper

Simeon Schnapper is a psychedelic philanthropist, futurist, and managing partner of JLS Fund, formed to aid investment in the booming intersection of science, technology, and neurology investigating the use of plant-based and psychedelic medicines to heal illness and enhance wellness. 

Simeon initially found his way into a burgeoning career in the world of the performing arts, becoming a staple of the Chicago theater and improv scene, and even releasing a feature film, “Dot,” as a star-writer-producer-director in 2002. He taught thousands of students in his time as a faculty member of the Second City Conservatory.

That list of achievements would be more than enough for most people, but Simeon was slowly drawn away from the arts in favor of work in the world of tech and business. He founded Youtopia, a highly successful engagement platform, as well as the world’s first Visionary Art Gallery and Medical Marijuana Dispensary, and co-founded The Family Office Funding Challenge. He even spent time as President of The Hinman Foundation, a nonprofit focused on providing grants to community-based organizations, and now he works for the JLS fund, furthering their assistance and research in the field of psychedelic and plant-based medicines. 

We start off by discussing Simeon’s upbringing after being born to Peace Corp parents which set his early life up as a constant discovery and exploration across different countries and cultures. With that diverse foundation, a personal ethos of exploration and helping those in need became deeply ingrained in his belief system. 

We also discuss the world of psychedelics and plant-based medicines, as well as how the associated social landscape has changed. It’s still a volatile subject, politically; Simeon weighs in on the stigma and stability of the industry, as well as where anyone interested in the benefits of psychedelics can start their own journey to enlightenment.

What Brett asks:

• [00:57] Let’s start at the beginning. Tell me about your childhood.
• [06:15] What were you like as a child? 
• [08:20] Were you an entrepreneurial kid?
• [11:30] What was it about business that drew you away from your creative pursuits?
• [20:40] Was growing up with Peace Corp parents exciting?
• [23:00] Where did the freedom of your childhood lead you?
• [30:00] How do you feel about the notion that your entire life experience has fed into what you do now?
• [37:20] How does it feel to be doing good in an area that’s so heavily stigmatized?
• [45:10] Do you worry that things in the area of psychedelics are changing so fast that it could all be shut down?
• [53:30] Where do you recommend people start with psychedelics?
• [58:20] Any final thoughts?

To learn more about intentional living, and for the complete show notes, visit: gravityproject.com

Resources:

• JLS Fund
• Simeon on LinkedIn
• The New York Times: “MDMA Reaches Next Step Toward Approval for Treatment”

Gravity is a production of Crate Media.