Catch It While You Can…

by Randy Dunbar | Apr 10, 2021

The drive to the Griffith Observatory is always a fun-filled drive. It is where Vermont Avenue meets the hills as one passes the rich homes of Los Feliz, the open spaces where the coyotes roam, the Greek Theater and up the hill to the Observatory. On a recent Friday night, the drive was interrupted by the twinkling of lights on the left—and a parking lot full of parked cars! Turns out, it was The Cinespia Drive-In at The Greek Theatre, a drive-in movie presentation in Griffith Park.

Make it an “Only In LA” event (an event that is popular but you need to be on some very hip list to know about it), but it looks like great fun. On April 17, the film Hairspray will be played against the backdrop of foliage and landscape. Here’s what we know:

Sat, April 17, 2021, 8:00 PM PDT Doors at 6:30 PM It is $45 per car.

Limit 4 customers per car.

Patrons must remain in their car, masks must be worn when using restroom.

Bring food and drink, no alcohol permitted. (ah huh)

Occupants of your car must be members of your household.

Add to Calendar

Field Trip Health Opens Doors in Los Angeles + Q&A

by Dennis Richardson | Apr 9, 2021

2020 was a lot on our brains. Life can also be a lot on our brains. How do we cope with all of the trauma, anxiety, and baggage so that we’re not weighed down? A few options may have come to mind, but it’s unlikely that you’ve ever thought about anything like this!

Introducing Field Trip Health, the groundbreaking company redefining mental well-being and consciousness through psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy, recently opened its doors to Los Angelenos. We’re excited to share the news of Field Trip Health’s Los Angeles clinic opening, and highlight the revolutionary work FTH is doing to revolutionize mental health treatments using psychedelic-enhanced psycho-therapy.

Super exciting for frequent travelers — Field Trip Health now has Clinics opened in Toronto, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston, so far, with a clinic coming to Amsterdam soon! At the FTH clinics, legally administered psychedelic-enhanced therapy, mindfulness, and self-care are blended with a series of sessions with trained psychotherapists. Field Trip Health takes a step-by-step, medically-supervised, integrated approach using ketamine-enhanced psychotherapy to help people heal from tough-to-beat mental conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Field Trip’s forward-thinking and progressive therapy methods are revolutionizing the health-care industry as we know it, with the continuing embrace of psychedelics leading to a mental health revolution.

And, while you may imagine a clinic to be sterile, the clinic space is intentionally designed to promote the healing journey — clean, quiet, and alive with light + plant life, reimagined to replicate a nature-inspired oasis of peace.

A Q&A With founder Ronan Levy

Q: There’s therapy, and then there’s psychedelic-enhanced psychotherapy. How did you discover all that this alternative approach to mental health had to offer?

RDL: My journey to psychedelic enhanced therapies started about 15 years ago when I started work with meditation and metaphysics as part of my personal growth journey. (I was in the process of a breakup so sought support to help through that process.) But my interest in psychedelics was really piqued when I read Tibetan Peach Pie by Tom Robbins, in which he described his first psychedelic experience in the 1960s in a psychologist’s office. This opened my mind to the expansive potential of psychedelics. Fast forward a few years and my work within medical cannabis showed me just how therapeutic plant medicines can be. The combination led to the birth of Field Trip.

Q: Drugs typically make people feel good, right? What was the mindset you had when you decided that psychedelics were the way to go in helping treat mental health issues? Did you think it would be taken seriously from the start?

RDL: Drugs, when used therapeutically, can act as a filter that helps people tap into different levels of awareness. This is true about certain pharmaceuticals as well as plant-based medicines. I remember the moment when we decided to lean into psychedelics. It was electric. Everything in me knew that it was not only an incredible entrepreneurial opportunity, but also an incredible opportunity to create global scale impact. I had no concerns about being taken seriously — the objective data and evidence speaks for itself.

Q: Could you describe one of your favorite success stories?

RDL: I can’t speak to individual experiences out of respect for privacy, but we’ve seen incredible results both objectively and subjectively. Objectively, people’s depression and anxiety scores drop markedly and for an extended period after a journey with Field Trip. Subjectively, we’ve had survivors of sexual trauma report being able to see themselves as beautiful for the first time that they could remember, military veterans saying they’ve felt empathy for the first time in years. Powerful, beautiful stories of just how transformative these experiences can be.

Q: Based on the photos, it’s clear that FTH wants visitors to feel comforted from the moment they first step foot inside. What can visitors expect the process to be like upon their first visit?

RDL: Yes, we’ve designed all of our Field Trip Health locations to be bright, warm and inviting. The evidence indicates that set and setting (the preparation as well as the physical location) play an important role in the therapeutic outcomes so we’ve leaned into that very thoughtfully in the design of our locations. Similarly, we want people to feel safe, comfortable and supported every step along the way, from the initial assessments (to make sure psychedelic assisted therapy is appropriate for you), to meeting your therapeutic team, to all the information and tools you are provided with throughout the journey.

Q: Can you share a bit about why you chose LA as a location for one of your clinics and the main reasons that LA patients have for undergoing treatment?

RDL: As persuasive as the data is around psychedelic assisted therapies, we knew that it’s going to take time to challenge old stigmas and ideas around psychedelics. So we focussed on opening our first locations in cosmopolitan centers such as Toronto, New York and LA that have greater influence on social and cultural trends. Also, these cities are generally known for their progressiveness so we anticipated a more receptive audience. In LA, we are seeing people for a wide range of reasons but primarily it’s people dealing with the anxieties of a fast-paced life, as well as depression.

Q: What were some of the challenges you faced while creating FTH, and how did you overcome them?

RDL: Truthfully, as far as startups goes, launching Field Trip has gone as elegantly as we could imagine. For those who have been touched by psychedelics, there is a palpable desire to see legal access to these therapies and we’ve been able to tune into that momentum.

Q: What do you say to a doubtful reader struggling with mental health conditions to convince them why they should pay FTH a visit?

RDL: Don’t ignore your doubts! All emotions are valid and real and should be considered. But also don’t ignore information and evidence. Seek to be fully informed and I think you’ll find that the reasons that support exploring psychedelic therapies outweigh the risks and reservations. But ultimately the decision is yours to make and we’ll be supportive of you whatever path you choose.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

RDL: For anyone looking to get an understanding of psychedelics or what the process of psychedelic integration looks like, download our app, Trip, from iTunes or Google Play, or find it here www.tripapp.co. You can also learn more about Field Trip Health on our podcast: Field Tripping with Ronan Levy.

Website: https://www.fieldtriphealth.com

Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/fieldtriphealth/?hl=en

Renowned Mexican-American Duo Launch New Cristalino Tequila, Dahlia

by Dennis Richardson | Apr 9, 2021

The Mexican-American entrepreneurial duo behind the largest independent mezcal brand in the country, El Silencio, has just added a new, bright and seductive Cristalino Tequila, to their portfolio: Dahlia!

Dahlia launched in February with it’s sights set on a new wave of tequila aficionados, offering an enchanting, modern and masterful Cristalino expression that can be sipped or mixed, day or night. A 100% Blue Weber Agave Reposado Tequila, each drop is filtered through charcoal for purity and balance. The end result is a smooth, clean, true transformation of agave into art that straddles time by honoring the past.

Made in Oaxaca, Dahlia is the vision of Fausto Zapata and Vicente Cirenos — the Mexican-American entrepreneurs behind the largest independent mezcal brand in the — known as El Silencio. As is the case with their award-winning mezcal, there is no famous face of the brand – the star of this show is in the bottle. Packaged in a captivating glass vessel reminiscent of a classic perfume bottle, Dahlia is created for the new wave of tequila aficionados as an enchanting Cristalino Tequila that can be sipped or mixed, day or night. Dahlia is available nationwide at here at a retail price of $39.99.

About El Silencio

El Silencio has revived the ancient art of artisanal mezcal, pioneering a unique approach and delivering the hand-crafted spirit to a new generation of creative drinkers and cultural innovators. El Silencio is made in Oaxaca, Mexico using the traditional process carried on by generations of Mezcaleros. Meticulously picked agaves are roasted, crushed and double distilled resulting in a full-bodied flavor. El Silencio goes beyond the bottle, transforming the ordinary and disrupting the status quo.

About The Founders

Co-Founder and CEO, Fausto Zapata’s affinity for Mezcal, along with the creative inspiration that came from both his love of craft spirits and a deep passion for the storied state of Oaxaca, drove him — along with his business partner Vicente Cisneros — to launch Mezcal El Silencio in September of 2013. Since then, Silencio has become the leading premium artisanal Mezcal and a focal point in the spirits industry currently being served in establishments across the Country.

Prior to Mezcal El Silencio, Mr. Zapata was a private real estate developer and investor with projects in both Los Angeles and Mexico. A serial entrepreneur at heart, Mr. Zapata has helped launch more than a half-dozen companies, many in the food and beverage industry, but also in financial services, media and technology.

Through Mr. Zapata’s leadership, Silencio has been a strong supporter of The Chase Foundation, LAPD’s Hollenbeck PAL, LA Loves Alex’s Lemonade, #PorOaxaca and Keep the Memory Alive, among other charities. A Mexico City native, Mr. Zapata resides in Pacific Palisades with his two children, Alexia and Adriano. In his spare time you’ll usually find him skydiving, rock-climbing, skiing, or trail running on the Santa Monica canyons, all of which are usually followed by a glass of Mezcal El Silencio on the rocks.

President and CMO, Vicente Cisneros, has been the creative force behind the explosive brand Mezcal El Silencio since the spark of its conception over seven years ago. Throughout the company’s thrilling journey, he has led the emergence of product design, aesthetic development, and marketing implementation strategies. He is responsible for taking a unique product and expanding it into impactful images that deliver a distinctly provocative, mystical and cutting-edge experience.

With over twenty years of expertise under his belt, Vicente has directed the company’s creative output by developing a unique in-house digital marketing machine. This powerhouse of content creation and production remains in constant pursuit of cultural innovation and imaginative evolution, creating an unmistakable image for a quality product that promises elevated design to consumers. Establishing a clear brand identity has been fundamental to his work and vision for the company.

Ultimate Ears & Westbrook Media Announce Partnership

by Anthony Stafford | Apr 5, 2021

Ultimate Ears (from Logitech) and Westbrook Media (Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s digital content studio) have announced a year-long partnership to celebrate creativity and technology.

The collaboration will leverage Westbrook Media’s creator-driven, innovative storytelling approach by using short films to bridge traditional entertainment with branded content that puts the product at the center of the story. The first project from this partnership will feature Jaden and Willow Smith and focus on the recently launched UE FITS, the world’s first truly wireless earphones with instant custom-fit.

Logitech has made strides in honoring creators this year and, most recently, the brand partnered with TikTok by reimagining the award show experience with its first-ever Logitech Song Breaker Awards, celebrating top creators who changed the face of music in 2020. Ahead of his exclusive performance at the awards, 24KGoldn tried on a pair UE FITS himself.

About Ultimate Ears

Ultimate Ears redefined wireless earphones by recognizing that each person’s ear is unique, and consumers should not have to conform to standard tip sizes of small, medium and large. With Lightform technology, UE FITS mold to fit each person’s ears in under 60 seconds to deliver all-day comfort and an exceptional audio experience. This creative collaboration between Ultimate Ears and Westbrook Media shares this same spirit of innovation and inclusivity.

In addition to the UE FITS campaign, Ultimate Ears will also be participating in Creator Days with Westbrook, where it links talent with digital native creators to produce original social content.

https://www.ultimateears.com/en-us

The Return of Travel

by Randy Dunbar | Apr 4, 2021

Sun, Fun, and the Magic Nights

photo gallery

Duration: 3 days, 2 nights

Palm Springs

Budget: $1500

Miles Travelled: 3,000

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam

voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non

numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat

Sight Seeing 90% 90%
Food 70% 70%
Transportation 50% 50%
Activities 80% 80%

Trip Video

Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam.

Photo Gallery

Best Food & Drink

1. The Tropicale Palm Springs

A chic and sophisticated décor provides the setting for our distinctive “world cuisine”, a provocative mix of zesty influences that creates a delightful dining experience in Palm Springs, California. Plush high-backed semicircular banquettes surround our dining room and offer comfortable and private seating. The cuisine has a light, exotic feel with an emphasis on Pacific Rim specialties, from Chilean Sea Bass baked in Banana Leaves or Kahlua-Barbecued Pork Chops to all sorts of tasty tapas, salads, wood-fired pizzas, and desserts. The Coral Seas Lounge, a hip mid-century style bar is lined with sexy black leather bar-stools and is reminiscent of the upbeat lounges of old Palm Springs. It wraps around the dining room and leads outside to a lush, tropical, 2000 square foot dining patio where a variety of specialty cocktails and old-school favorites are mixed – an ideal place where friends gather and martinis are sipped under the starlit desert sky.. Map

2. Vestibulum ante ipsum

Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis Map

3. Amet Sit Consecteture

Donec rutrum congue leo eget malesuada. Donec sollicitudin molestie malesuada. Vivamus suscipit tortor eget felis Map

Day 1

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit,

sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore.

Day 2

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit,

sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore.

Day 3