WEDNESDAY: “From War to Wonder: Psychedelics, Brain Science, and the Art of Reorienting the Mind” with Bill Edmonds
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| The District House is a weekly gathering and core benefit of District216. Guests are welcome to arrive for part or all of the evening to meet community members, connect with visiting speakers, and engage in thoughtful conversations across psychedelics, wellness, creativity, and conscious culture.
Topic: “From War to Wonder: Psychedelics, Brain Science, and the Art of Reorienting the Mind”
Description: After three decades in Special Forces and years spent on the inner battlefield of trauma, Bill came to see that the deepest wounds are not only psychological or neurological — they are spiritual. This conversation explores how psychedelics, meditation, and modern neuroscience converge to help the nervous system remember safety, the heart rediscover meaning, and the self dissolve into something larger than the story of pain. Together we’ll explore transformation as a living process, not a concept — how the meeting of brain science and contemplative wisdom within guided, intentional altered states can rewire the mind, open the heart, and reveal the wholeness that was never lost.
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 5pm to 9pm (Speaker at 6:30pm)
Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)
Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.
Guests Welcome to purchase $25 tickets to The District House evenings.
Note: We will be filming the speaker for the District216 Change Your Lens Series. Refreshments provided. |
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SPEAKER BIO
Speaker: Bill Edmonds, Former Special Forces Officer and Clinician
Bill R. Edmonds is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer who spent more than three decades operating in some of the most complex environments on earth—across Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Somalia, Kosovo, and throughout Africa. Decorated with the Bronze Star with Valor, Purple Heart, and National Intelligence Award, Bill’s battlefield now lies within.
After a long career marked by trauma and transformation, Bill turned toward healing. He is a meditation teacher, clinical social worker, ordained minister, and psychedelic-assisted therapist whose work bridges neuroscience, contemplative wisdom, and ceremony. Through his private practice, CompassionateNudge | CompassionateNudge.com, he guides veterans, first responders, and seekers through carefully structured and curated journeys of self-inquiry and consciousness exploration—helping the nervous system remember safety, the heart rediscover meaning, and the mind awaken to its original clarity.
Bill is the author of the acclaimed memoir God Is Not Here and a contributor to War and Moral Injury: A Reader, A Compassionate Nudge, After Moral Injury, and A Soldier’s Story. His story has been featured in The Atlantic, USA Today, and Apple TV+’s The Line. He holds master’s degrees from the University of Southern California, the Naval Postgraduate School, and King’s College London. He lives in Cambria, California with his wife, Cheryl, and their two daughters, Natalie and Ava. |
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RECAP: “The Ritual of Intention – Edward Crowe on High-Dose Psilocybin Ceremonies & Integration”
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| Edward began with a presentation that framed high-dose psilocybin ceremonies as a pathway of preparation, surrender, and renewal. He spoke about how intention acts like a compass in expanded states, helping participants move beyond habitual cognitive loops and into a more honest relationship with self, spirit, and meaning. Rather than glorifying intensity, he emphasized reverence, respect, and responsibility, highlighting that the depth of the experience isn’t the point on its own. What matters is how the experience is held, and what you do with what you’re shown.
A powerful thread throughout the night was Edward’s deep commitment to care. He shared that he has guided 9-gram journeys and that he does not charge money for the work. He offers these experiences out of respect for the mushroom and a desire to support people in learning how to heal on their own. That philosophy shaped the tone of the evening: grounded, values-led, and deeply human. It wasn’t about spectacle. It was about service, safety, and stewardship. |
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WED., MARCH 18 – WORKSHOP “Zendo Stero: Music Mindfulness Journey” with Leonardo Canneto
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| Interactive Workshop: “Zendo Stero: Music Mindfulness Journey”
Description: Zendo Stereo offers a psychedelic listening experience where we gather in community, lie down, and close our eyes, using wireless headphones and sub bass speakers to enjoy a seamless 1-hour journey of carefully selected music and sound with simple prompts to deepen your mindfulness practice. This experience helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost creativity. You will be guided with simple prompts for a powerful musical journey, helping calm your nervous system, create space for self-reflection, and reconnect with your inner self.
Mats, pillows, and blankets are provided.
When: Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Workshop at 6:30pm)
Where: LoDo Studios, 216 E. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101(Please only park across the street on the Office Max side of the lot.)
Members are Free to attend The District House evenings, and are prioritized when we reach capacity.
Guests Welcome to purchase $40 tickets to this event. (Discounted from $60)
Note: We will NOT be filming this event. Refreshments provided.
Note: Mats, pillows, and blankets are provided. |
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NEXT MARQUEE EVENT: Addiction & Psychedelics
SAT., May 9, 2026
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? District216 Presents: Addiction & Psychedelics
? A Marquee Evening of Healing, Exploration, and Connection ?
?? Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 5–10PM | LoDo Studios, Santa Barbara, CA
? A ONE-OF-A-KIND NIGHT AWAITS ?
Join us for an unforgettable experience at District216’s next Marquee Event—an exclusive gathering at the crossroads of Addiction and Psychedelic Exploration.
?? Explore, Expand, and Elevate — whether you’re a seasoned psychonaut, a wellness seeker, or simply curious, this evening is designed to inspire, educate, and ignite your journey.
?? All experience levels welcome — from curious first-timers to seasoned psychonauts.
?? Sober community welcome — we welcome those who abstain. And this is an alcohol-free event.
?? Dress Code — come vibrantly, come festive! We love bold colors, playful ‘fits, and expressive style. ? Evenings can get cool, so bring a cozy layer for the outdoor music vibes.
?? Space is limited — purchase tickets today and step into the future of connection and healing!
?? ALL-INCLUSIVE TICKETS ??
? Expect an Immersive Journey Featuring: ?
- ? Fireside Chats & ? Discussion Panels with visionary leaders
- ? Live Music and ?? Visual Performances
- ? Interactive Workshops and ???? Experiential Activations
- ?? Rooftop Terpene Lounge & ? Curated Vendor Marketplace
- ? Dinner by TBD & ? Functional Elixirs
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In March at The District House, we’re welcoming Dr. Tom Pinkson, Bill Edmonds, and Leonardo Canneto’s Zendo Stereo experience—plus our community-led Conscious Connections Roundtable. We’re excited for deep learning, immersive experience, and real conversation that keeps the medicine moving into everyday life. ?
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? District216 Online is Live on Circle App! ? ?? ?
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? Latest Interviews from
The District House
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? Past Discussion Panels from Marquee Events
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District216 Memberships Explained
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