Becoming the Bridge: A Night of ‘Sexual Healing & Psychedelics’ for 8th District216 Marquee Event
For the 8th Marquee Event in just over two years District216 became a portal—a space where walls dissolved, pathways formed, and a new conversation emerged. Sexual healing, psychedelics, and the power of human connection took center stage as we explored how these transformative tools can help us bridge the gaps—within ourselves, in our relationships, and in society at large.
With a lineup of inspiring speakers, immersive experiences, and electrifying performances, the night wove together education, embodiment, and community in a way that left everyone deeply moved. Here’s a look at what unfolded.
Grounding Meditation with Alisa Marie
The night began with a deep, centering breathwork session led by Alisa Marie. Through guided meditation, she invited the room to slow down, land in their bodies, and set personal intentions for the evening. As collective inhales and exhales created a shared rhythm, the space softened, preparing everyone to dive into the night’s explorations.
Framing the Night: MC Kat Walsh Sets the Stage
Our guide for the night, Kat Walsh, host of Trip On This Podcast, took the mic and framed the themes that would unfold:
➡️ How can psychedelics and sexuality serve as powerful tools for transformation?
➡️ What does it mean to reclaim intimacy and connection in a world that often suppresses it?
➡️ How do we bridge the gaps—within ourselves, in our relationships, and in society?
With that, the journey began.
“Becoming the Bridge”: Jacob Tell’s Opening Speech
Next, Jacob Tell delivered a powerful speech that resonated deeply with the crowd. Speaking on bio-individuality, neurodiversity, and the importance of wholeness, compassion, and justice, his words landed with undeniable impact.
“Walls crumble. Pathways form. And if we choose, we can be the bridge.”
As his final words hung in the air, the audience erupted into a huge round of applause, setting the tone for an evening of insight, healing, and deep connection.
Fireside Chat: Hannah Jo & Yossef Sagi on Sexual Healing
The fireside chat with Hannah Jo and Yossef Sagi took the audience on a profound journey into the world of sexual healing, trauma integration, and nervous system regulation. Their discussion touched on:
💫 How psychedelics can support the release of suppressed emotions tied to sexuality
💫 Why conscious facilitation is crucial for healing intimacy wounds
💫 The importance of trust, embodiment, and pleasure as part of healing
Their conversation was raw, illuminating, and filled with “aha” moments that left the audience reflecting on their own healing journeys.
Discussion Panel: Expanding the Conversation
Following the fireside chat, Kat Walsh moderated an insightful discussion panel featuring:
🔹 Susannah Stokes – Sexuality and trauma-informed healing
🔹 Parham Farsi – Psychedelics, psychology, and the nervous system
🔹 Alisa Marie – Somatic healing and embodied connection
Together, they explored:
✨ Cultural perspectives on sexuality and psychedelics
✨ The intersection of trauma work, pleasure, and plant medicine
✨ How to integrate these practices into everyday life
The conversation was thought-provoking, engaging, and rich with real-world applications.
Workshops: Embodied Learning & Practice
Throughout the night, guests had the opportunity to dive deeper into interactive workshops designed to bring these concepts into practice:
💡 “Fears, Desires, and Boundaries: How to Have a Consent Talk” – Led by Yossef Sagi, this workshop provided a practical framework for navigating conversations about consent, pleasure, and intimacy.
💡 “Tantric Embodiment” – Hosted by The Studio X Workshop, this session guided participants through breath, movement, and intention to explore deeper intimacy with themselves and others.
💡 “Mindful Touch” – Rinna of Sex Positive 805 led a hands-on exploration of touch as a tool for connection, healing, and deepening trust.
💡 “Love Lounge: A Sanctuary for Soulful Connection” – Jenn Bodhi created an intimate space for heart-opening conversations, conscious connection, and relational presence.
Music as Medicine: Three Electrifying Performances
Music played a key role in the night’s energy, creating a sonic journey that moved attendees through different emotional and energetic spaces:
🎶 DJ KiaOra (8PM - 8:45PM) kicked off the night with deep, hypnotic beats that set the tone for embodied movement.
🎭 Sam Sharman + CTLN (8:45PM - 9PM) blended burlesque and song, weaving sensuality, performance, and storytelling into an unforgettable moment.
🎧 DJ Kat Walsh (9PM - 10PM) closed out the night with a high-vibe set that had the entire space moving and pulsing with collective energy.
Immersive Experiences & Interactive Art
Beyond the discussions and music, the night was filled with immersive experiences designed to engage all the senses:
🎨 Fine Art – Paintings in the gallery by Orielle Anais
🖼️ Poster Art by Devin Sarantinos – Psychedelic and sensual visual storytelling
🌀 Shiftwave Chairs – Immersive relaxation and nervous system recalibration
🔮 Enchanted Loft – Featuring AstroloTea, tarot readings, and cozy sanctuary vibes
✨ Projection Visuals by Michael Strauss – A hypnotic, ever-evolving visual landscape
💡 Experience Curation by Decelorator Lightsmith Visual – Light and space activation
🌀 Visual Alchemy by Altarbeast – Psychedelic and sensual light projections
🎥 Projections by UDOTAI – Psychedelic visuals illuminating the building walls with intention and movement.
The energy in the space was magnetic, with guests weaving between thought-provoking discussions, sensual movement, immersive art, and deep connection.
Closing Reflections: A Night of Transformation
As the night came to an end, the feeling in the air was undeniable:
This wasn’t just an event—it was a portal.
A portal to healing, intimacy, transformation, and radical connection. A space where vulnerability became power, where pleasure became sacred, and where community became the foundation for evolution.
💫 Thank you to everyone who made this night possible—the speakers, artists, facilitators, and, most of all, the District216 community that showed up with open hearts.
This is just the beginning.
📸 Photo highlights from Stephen Lewis!
And if you were there, drop a comment below—what was your biggest takeaway?
