Entrepreneurs are known for their ability to challenge the status quo, blaze new trails with their innovative ideas, and bring them to life. Among these remarkable individuals is Matt Zemon, a successful entrepreneur, #1 Amazon best-selling author, and now a passionate advocate for psychedelic medicine. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 1972, Zemon’s path has taken him from the world of business to a newfound dedication to research, creativity, and advocacy in the realms of psychedelics.
Zemon’s entrepreneurial journey began in 1996 when he founded Red Sky Productions, an entertainment company focused on promoting Native American talent and producing theatrical productions and albums inspired by Native American dances and music. In 2001, he established the Brand Foundry, a specialized marketing agency catering to the cruise industry, which he skillfully managed until 2004. During this time, Zemon also served as the chief operating officer for the international franchising of the Original Canopy Tour, overseeing operations for over two years.
As his ventures expanded, Zemon ventured into the telecommunications industry, establishing a private cable operation that provided television and internet solutions to various sectors, including hospitality, apartment complexes, and assisted living organizations. In 2006 he founded Bernard, an outsourcing consultancy provider working with cable providers. From 2014 to 2016, he held the position of chief operating officer at LiveAnswer, Inc., a telecommunications company, and later served as vice president-general manager from 2016 to 2018 following its successful sale to Stericycle. In 2021, Zemon co-founded Psychable, an online community dedicated to engaging and promoting professionals working with legal psychedelics. He served as the company’s chief strategy officer until 2022. In 2022, Zemon co-founded HAPPŸŸ, a telemedicine, mental health, and well-being platform. Throughout much of this time, Zemon was an active member of the Raleigh-Durham chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) which he joined in 2009 and served on its board for six years, including as President.
Always creative, Zemon had the opportunity to work as a producer at multiple times in his career. Zemon conceived, co-wrote, and co-produced the stage show TRIBE which was staged in Arizona, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and Minnesota in 1997 and 1998. The production co-produced by the Ordway Music Theater under the leadership of Tony-award-winning producer Kevin McCollum received positive reviews. Variety Magazine said TRIBE was “perhaps the greatest concentration of American Indian talent ever assembled.” TRIBE was directed by Raoul Trujillo and choreographed by Alejandro Ronceria.
Zemon co-produced and co-arranged the music for Tonemah’s The Ghosts of St. Augustine record, which was released nationally in 1997. The national distribution of this album enabled Zemon to become a member of the Producer & Engineers Wing of The Recording Academy and to vote annually for the Grammy Awards. The Ghosts of St. Augustine included performances by Pura Fe (Shanachie Records), Robert Tree Cody (Canyon Records), Cary Morin, Willie French Lowery, Benito Concha, and Tony Redhouse.
Zemon also co-wrote and co-produced A Jaguar’s Tale with Alejandro Ronceria, which was staged in Cozumel, Mexico in 2003.
While Zemon’s entrepreneurial journey showcased his versatility and ability to thrive in diverse industries, it was a personal experience with psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms) during a guided journey in 2019 that sparked his deep interest in psychedelics. Intrigued by the positive effects he encountered, Zemon immersed himself in the study and research of various psychedelics, connecting with individuals involved in psychedelic work to highlight their positive aspects.
After receiving his Masters of Science degree in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health from King’s College London, and recognizing a significant gap in accessible and unbiased information on psychedelics for the general public, Zemon took it upon himself to develop “Psychedelics for Everyone” in 2022. This groundbreaking book aims to bridge the knowledge gap by providing comprehensive, factual information on numerous psychedelic drugs, supported by medical reviews for accuracy. Zemon’s objective is to offer objective, science-based insights and practical advice for safe psychedelic usage. Drawing from his own experiences as a psychedelic user, Zemon invites readers into a world they may not have realized existed.
The success of “Psychedelics for Everyone” has been exceptional, earning the book the prestigious #1 Amazon Best Seller position in 19 categories. It has also received numerous awards, including a Gold Award for Best Adult Nonfiction Book from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, a Silver Award from the Nonfiction Authors Association, and a Da Vinci Eye Award from the Eric Hoffer Book Awards. Building on this achievement, Zemon released his second book, “Beyond the Trip: A Journal for Psychedelic Preparation and Integration,” in 2023. This new work offers readers tools and exercises to enhance their psychedelic experiences.
Beyond his role as an author, Matt Zemon has fully dedicated himself to becoming a vocal advocate for psychedelic medicine, an entrepreneur, and a proponent of responsible psychedelic usage, appearing regularly on television, radio, and podcasts. He is an active member of the Association of Entheogenic Practitioners, a religious professional organization and mutual aid society uniting practitioners from diverse traditions who share a sincere belief in the religious nature of the entheogenic experience. Zemon is also a founding member of the Microdosing Collective, emphasizing his commitment to expanding safe access to entheogenic experiences.
By demystifying psychedelics and making them more accessible to a broad audience, Zemon has undertaken initiatives that showcase his adaptability and innovative problem-solving abilities. Through his pioneering work in the psychedelic movement, he continues to inspire and educate others. By disseminating accurate information, promoting safe practices, and encouraging responsible usage, he strives to facilitate positive change and advance psychedelics as a transformative tool for spiritual growth and mental well-being.
Matt Zemon’s transformative journey from entrepreneur to psychedelic medicine advocate highlights the remarkable fusion of his business acumen with his newfound passion. By harnessing the skills and mindset cultivated through his entrepreneurial ventures, Zemon has successfully navigated the uncharted territory of psychedelics, leaving an indelible mark on both worlds. As a pioneer at the intersection of business and psychedelics, Zemon continues to inspire others, leaving a lasting impact on both realms and forging a path towards a more enlightened and transformative future.
