About Me

Hey, I’m Brendon - some people call me Cosmic Otter.

Background & Education

I hold a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Computer Science, and Masters in Data Science. I’ve worked on some interesting projects over the years, but ultimately found computer-based work to be dull and depleting for my soul. I have concerns about where we’re headed collectively with AI.

Path of Awakening

Yoga, meditation, and psychedelics have opened me up in ways I could never have imagined. At the age of 19, after years of rejecting any notion of spirit, a deep hot yoga practice catalyzed my first altered state of consciousness. That moment set me on a path of self-inquiry that brought me here.

A man with a beard sitting cross-legged on a wooden porch, smiling at the camera, wearing a purple patterned short-sleeve shirt, with a background of green trees and foliage. Brendon Campbell. Cosmic Otter. Psychedelic Facilitator. 5-MeO-DMT Guide.

Psychedelics & Community Work

I eventually found my way to psychedelics in my late twenties and started volunteering with the nonprofit MAPS Canada in 2020. I played the role of podcast producer and led a team to write, record, edit, and launch the first season of their podcast in 2021. In 2022 I completed Toad School, a workshop on 5-MeO-DMT facilitation, and since then have been working as a facilitator at group weekend retreats with Earthlings. I’ve also sat and served at Vipassana silent meditation retreats.

Ceremonial Facilitation Philosophy

Ceremonial psychedelic facilitation is the most meaningful and fulfilling work I get to do. It’s an honour to be part of people’s process in this space. I aim to provide an empathetic safe grounding presence for others to feel, heal, and explore healthy forms of spirituality. For me, healthy spirituality is anything that prioritizes direct personal experience of the divine over external authority. Curiosity and self-inquiry over dogma and hierarchy.

Trauma-Informed Approach

A trauma informed approach is core to how I do this work; prioritizing safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment. If we work together you have agency at each step of the container we co-create.

What people are saying.

  • “I had a truly fantastic experience with Brendon as my facilitator. His caring, and attentive energy went a long way making me feel safe and prepared for my first time with 5. He curated an impeccable setting for our group and led us through the experience with expertise. Would highly recommend him to anyone who's looking to sit with the medicine for the first time. Excited for our next one!”

    - GS, 31, Management Consultant

  • "I’m 78 and, in my younger years, experienced mescaline, psilocybin, LSD, and MDMA. Over the three years I’ve known Brendon, he has become very dear to me. I trust his sensibilities, so I was eager to try 5-MeO-DMT with him last fall. I first had a lower-dose session, and then, a couple of months later, a higher-dose session. What I remember most is Brendon gently easing me back onto the mat as I exhaled, while my body and being seemed to liquefy. I slowly emerged in a quiet state of serene well-being that remains accessible to me. Brendon was unobtrusively by my side throughout, intuitively offering a hand to hold as needed."

    - Susan Parker, 78, Poet

  • "Having worked alongside Brendon numerous times at Self Contact Retreat, and having entrusted him to hold space for one of my own journeys, I wholeheartedly recommend him as a facilitator. Brendon brings a compassionate, grounded, and steady masculine presence to each session. I have yet to see a situation arise that he did not respond to with calmness and thoughtful consideration. He is knowledgeable, deeply ethical in his approach, and consistently brings care and integrity to his work."

    - Sagan Bolliger, Co-founder and 5-MeO-DMT Facilitator, Earthlings Institute

  • “I couldn't have dreamt of a better guide than Brendon for my first trip. He showed up with the preparedness, empathy and care I needed. All the way from setting an intention to integrating the day's learnings, Brendon was instrumental in creating the space for this deeply impactful introspective journey - a milestone. Thank you, beautiful otter 🙏🏼”

    - CAG, 32

  • “Brendon has an incredible calming and grounding presence. His energy immediately drew me in and I felt a great connection to him that persisted throughout my entire experience. His intuition as a facilitator was one of the highlights of my journey and he created such a loving kind environment. He knew exactly what was needed in the moment and is able to read the situation extremely well and intrinsically know what is needed.”

    ⁃ MP, 38, Heavy Equipment

  • “Brendon is a compassionate, loving, and professional facilitator of my and his favourite psychedelic medicine, 5-MeO-DMT. He is also a supportive presence and guide for personal growth. I value Brendon deeply as a friend and colleague, and I wholeheartedly recommend his service to anyone who feels called, without reservation.”

    ⁃ Helena Zhu, Co-founder and 5-MeO-DMT Facilitator, Earthlings Institute

  • “What stood out to me immediately and throughout the most vulnerable parts of my journey was Brendon's ability to be gentle and understanding while being the strong, confident and grounding presence I needed. His intuitive approach to providing support helped me dive and heal deeper than I thought possible coming into the experience. He was open and receptive to my individual requests and made me feel confident in the safety of the medicine and the space. I plan to journey again with Brendon when it calls, this time in the company of a genuine friend.”

    - JL, Former Military

  • “Brendon is a very conscientious, very attentive, completely well intentioned facilitator. He has experience and compassion. I have worked with him directly and know him to be one of the most authentic and proficient facilitators I’ve ever worked with.  You will be in very safe hands.”

    - Kai, 55

Get in Touch

Interested in working together? I typically start with a free 20 minute consultation call, giving us both an opportunity to feel into whether this would be a good fit. Looking forward to chatting with you!