Creativity requires presence, not escape

In this episode of Rebel, Reject, Create, David Chislett speaks with creative director and designer Rakesh Kanhai about psychedelics, creativity, mental health, and the growing pressure placed on creatives in modern society. After organising an event in Amsterdam exploring the relationship between psychedelics and artistic practice, Rakesh shares his own deeply personal experiences with ayahuasca, LSD, psilocybin, and cannabis — including the dangers of dependency, the importance of integration, and why he believes these substances should never become mere productivity tools. The conversation explores spirituality, addiction, self-reflection, creativity, consumer culture, indigenous knowledge, and what it really means to grow as a human being and artist. This is not a conversation glorifying drugs. It’s a conversation about consciousness, coping, healing, and responsibility. Follow Rakesh on Instagram for more info:   / dj_kesh