Podcast Summary: "Un-Gatekeeping Healing Beyond the Norm: Slaying Stigmas with Psychedelics + Microdosing"

Podcast Title: Slay The Gatekeeper
Host: Courtney Johnson
Guests: Rachel Pastor & Tiffany Heard
Release Date: May 20, 2025

Courtney Johnson hosts an enlightening episode on Slay The Gatekeeper, focusing on breaking down stigmas surrounding psychedelics and microdosing. Joined by experts Rachel Pastor and Tiffany Heard, the discussion delves into the transformative potential of psychedelics in personal growth, business leadership, and mental health.

1. Introduction to Gatekeeping in Psychedelics [00:00 - 01:40]

Courtney opens the episode by addressing the prevalent gatekeeping in the psychedelic community. She shares her observation that 100% of successful entrepreneurs she knows have either microdosed or undergone significant plant medicine experiences, yet 99% keep it a secret from the general public.

Courtney Johnson [01:01]:
"100% of the successful entrepreneurs that I am friends with either regularly microdose or have had a lot of plant medicine experience… 99% of them gatekeep it to the general public."

Rachel Pastor echoes Courtney's frustration, highlighting that many fear judgment and cancellation for sharing their experiences.

Rachel Pastor [01:55]:
"There's shame around it. And I think that oftentimes people are worried about judgment… they're worried about being canceled."

2. Shifting Perspectives and the Evolution of Psychedelics [02:20 - 03:08]

Tiffany Heard discusses the historical stigma associated with psychedelics, emphasizing their ancient use as "the original medicine." She notes a positive shift due to increasing research and scientific backing, leading to broader acceptance.

Tiffany Heard [02:20]:
"There's been a lot of fear around the legalities and things along those lines… because of all the studies, all the research, all the amazing data that's out today that's backing the science of the impact and the benefits and the value of these medicines."

3. Microdosing for Business Leadership [10:11 - 12:04]

Courtney introduces the first "cheat code": microdosing for business leadership. She inquires about how psychedelics impact leadership and business success.

Tiffany explains that microdosing enhances creativity, problem-solving, and team connection by increasing neuroplasticity and reducing fear responses.

Tiffany Heard [10:30]:
"Microdosing has helped me tremendously in my own business… it's creating new neural pathways and allowing us to be a lot more open and adaptive to making changes."

Rachel shares her personal journey, illustrating how plant medicine fostered greater self-awareness, empathy, and creative problem-solving in her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Rachel Pastor [12:04]:
"Plant medicine was a huge impact in that for me because… it brought so much more empathy, so much more compassion and awareness in how I'm showing up in who I'm being in the world."

4. Microdosing as an Alternative to SSRIs [13:43 - 19:04]

The conversation shifts to microdosing as a potential alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals like SSRIs. Courtney shares her own experience of discontinuing Vyvanse through microdosing.

Courtney Johnson [13:43]:
"I've shared it on my podcast a lot. But microdosing has helped me tremendously in my own business."

Tiffany delves into her seven-year journey of transitioning off medications like Lexapro and Adderall by adopting microdosing protocols. She emphasizes the profound personal transformations and the liberation from suppressed emotions that medication often brings.

Tiffany Heard [14:11]:
"Within three months, I was getting off these medications and going deeper into the root of what's creating this… it really opened up this whole new path of me not only stepping into my purpose and my truth but also making one of the biggest changes in my life."

5. Branding and Messaging for Psychedelics [04:18 - 08:19]

Rachel and Tiffany discuss the importance of grounded branding for psychedelics to appeal to a broader audience. They advocate for language and visuals that resonate with everyday people, moving away from the "woo woo" image often associated with psychedelics.

Rachel Pastor [05:31]:
"Golden Rule was created to bridge the gaps, to help any everyday people feel comfortable to try this beautiful medicine."

Tiffany highlights the shift from viewing psychedelics as countercultural to recognizing their role in peak performance and holistic therapy.

Tiffany Heard [07:27]:
"There's this whole opportunity for peak performance and innovative ideas to come forward through working with psychedelics in a therapeutic and holistic manner."

6. Microdosing Protocols and Education [22:51 - 24:28]

The guests outline various microdosing protocols, such as the Fadiman protocol (microdosing every three days) and the Paul Stamets protocol (four days on, three days off with psilocybin, niacin, and lion's mane). They stress the importance of following a structured approach for at least 30 to 90 days to observe significant benefits.

Tiffany Heard [23:04]:
"The consistency is really where it is. Three to four times a week, 30 days minimum, 90 days maximum."

Rachel advises newcomers to adhere to protocols diligently before transitioning to intuitive dosing based on personal responses.

Rachel Pastor [24:28]:
"Anybody first starting out though, always do a protocol for at least 30 to 90 days, preferably 90 days."

7. Tools and Techniques: NLP and Reframing [32:37 - 40:52]

Rachel introduces Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as a powerful tool in both her personal life and business. She explains how NLP complements psychedelic use by rewiring thought patterns and behaviors.

Rachel Pastor [32:50]:
"NLP helps rearrange those folders and pull different folders out. Oddly, and not oddly at all, psychedelics work very similarly."

The discussion moves to reframing—a cognitive technique to shift perspectives. They provide practical examples of how changing language (e.g., from "I have to" to "I get to") can transform one's mindset.

Courtney Johnson [40:50]:
"Eliminating 'should' from your vocabulary is a big game changer."

8. Embracing Feminine and Masculine Energies [42:02 - 52:50]

The conversation explores the balance between feminine and masculine energies in leadership and personal growth. Rachel shares her journey of embracing feminine energy, which led to greater compassion and reduced burnout.

Rachel Pastor [45:07]:
"The quieter I've gotten, actually, the further it's taken me… surrendering and trusting has been crucial."

Tiffany adds that working with plant medicines like ayahuasca helped her tap into her feminine side, fostering creativity and emotional expression.

Tiffany Heard [49:35]:
"Working with psychedelics has allowed me to tap more deeply into my feminine in so many ways."

Courtney emphasizes the societal undervaluing of feminine traits and the power they hold in transforming leadership dynamics.

Courtney Johnson [52:50]:
"Psychedelics have been pushed down in our society, and our inherent feminine traits are seen as lesser than, are suppressed. That's where a lot of our power comes from."

9. Future of Microdosing and Target Audiences [54:10 - 57:14]

Rachel and Tiffany discuss the future of microdosing, envisioning it becoming as accessible as wellness supplements. They aim to broaden its reach beyond current demographics, targeting leaders, first responders, and high-stress professions like police and military.

Rachel Pastor [54:24]:
"There's a lot more PTSD there than even people working those positions would like to admit."

Tiffany is optimistic about microdosing evolving into a holistic alternative to pharmaceuticals, emphasizing its non-addictive nature and comprehensive benefits.

Tiffany Heard [56:30]:
"It's a holistic route to even getting on medications… it's here and it's going to stay and continue to progress."

10. Golden Rule: Mission and Offerings [19:04 - 60:40]

Rachel and Tiffany introduce their business, Golden Rule, which offers microdosing products alongside educational resources. They highlight the company's commitment to inclusivity, supporting individuals across various life challenges such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Rachel Pastor [21:54]:
"It's been really that… helping people live a more elevated life in the most beautiful way."

They discuss the comprehensive support Golden Rule provides, including protocols, community calls, and educational content, ensuring users are not navigating their journey alone.

Tiffany Heard [22:51]:
"Running programs, educational community calls, really informing people how to work with something that can accelerate and support you in reaching your goals."

11. Conclusion and Future Initiatives [58:53 - End]

The episode concludes with the guests sharing upcoming initiatives like Golden Rule's Blueprint—a 51-video series guiding users through microdosing and macrodosing journeys. They express a desire to expand their reach to more leaders and high-stress professions, fostering empathy and compassion through psychedelics.

Rachel Pastor [60:07]:
"Our website is goldenrulemushrooms.com… that's the best place to go for any questions."

Courtney wraps up by encouraging listeners to connect with Golden Rule for further support and information.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Courtney Johnson [01:01]:
  "100% of the successful entrepreneurs that I am friends with either regularly microdose or have had a lot of plant medicine experience… 99% of them gatekeep it to the general public."

• Rachel Pastor [01:55]:
  "There's shame around it. And I think that oftentimes people are worried about judgment… they're worried about being canceled."

• Tiffany Heard [02:20]:
  "There's been a lot of fear around the legalities and things along those lines… because of all the studies, all the research, all the amazing data that's out today that's backing the science of the impact and the benefits and the value of these medicines."

• Tiffany Heard [10:30]:
  "Microdosing has helped me tremendously in my own business… it's creating new neural pathways and allowing us to be a lot more open and adaptive to making changes."

• Rachel Pastor [12:04]:
  "Plant medicine was a huge impact in that for me because… it brought so much more empathy, so much more compassion and awareness in how I'm showing up in who I'm being in the world."

• Tiffany Heard [14:11]:
  "Within three months, I was getting off these medications and going deeper into the root of what's creating this… it really opened up this whole new path of me not only stepping into my purpose and my truth but also making one of the biggest changes in my life."

• Rachel Pastor [32:50]:
  "NLP helps rearrange those folders and pull different folders out. Oddly, and not oddly at all, psychedelics work very similarly."

• Courtney Johnson [40:50]:
  "Eliminating 'should' from your vocabulary is a big game changer."

• Tiffany Heard [49:35]:
  "Working with psychedelics has allowed me to tap more deeply into my feminine in so many ways."

• Courtney Johnson [52:50]:
  "Psychedelics have been pushed down in our society, and our inherent feminine traits are seen as lesser than, are suppressed. That's where a lot of our power comes from."

• Tiffany Heard [56:30]:
  "It's a holistic route to even getting on medications… it's here and it's going to stay and continue to progress."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Slay The Gatekeeper serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding and embracing the benefits of psychedelics and microdosing. By demystifying these practices and presenting them through a grounded, accessible lens, Courtney Johnson, Rachel Pastor, and Tiffany Heard advocate for a future where psychedelics are mainstream tools for healing, leadership, and personal growth.

For more information or to connect with Golden Rule, visit goldenrulemushrooms.com or follow their Instagram handles @GoldenRuleMicrodose and @GoldenRuleMushrooms.