Slay The Gatekeeper: Episode Summary
Title: Slay The Gatekeeper
Host: Courtney Johnson
Guest: Paul Austin
Episode: Un-Gatekeeping Microdosing for Human Optimization
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Introduction
In this enlightening episode of Slay The Gatekeeper, host Courtney Johnson sits down with Paul Austin to delve deep into the often-misunderstood world of microdosing psychedelics. Together, they explore the barriers surrounding microdosing, its benefits, personal experiences, and the future of psychedelics in mental health and personal development.
The Landscape of Microdosing: Statistics and Trends
Paul Austin kicks off the conversation by highlighting the growing acceptance and usage of psychedelics in the United States:
- Support for Legalization: "61% of Americans now support legal psychedelic therapy." [(00:57)]
- Usage Statistics: In the previous year, "8 million Americans took mushrooms, with 4 million of those opting for microdosing." [(00:57)]
- Growth in Popularity: The number of people using psychedelics quadrupled from 2019 to 2023, signaling a significant cultural shift despite their Schedule I status federally. [(00:57)]
Personal Experiences with Microdosing
Courtney Johnson shares her transformative journey with microdosing:
- Medication Reduction: "I got off of ADHD stimulant medication... I really stopped drinking a lot." [(05:28)]
- Enhanced Creativity: "I'm so much more creative. And yeah, it's really crazy that it again is so underground or people are gatekeeping this..." [(05:28)]
Target Audience and Archetypes in Microdosing
Paul outlines the diverse group of individuals turning to microdosing, categorizing them into three main archetypes:
- Stay-at-Home Parents: Often dealing with feelings of loneliness or isolation and seeking support beyond psychiatric medications. [(06:22)]
- Tech Consciousness Enthusiasts: Individuals aiming for increased productivity, focus, and energy—sometimes referred to colloquially as the "tech bro" archetype. [(06:22)]
- People in Transition: Those undergoing significant life changes, such as career shifts, retirement, or recovering from antidepressant dependency. [(06:22)]
He emphasizes the breadth of the community, ranging from young adults in their 20s to seniors in their 80s. [(06:22)]
The Benefits of Microdosing
According to Paul, microdosing offers multifaceted benefits supported by early clinical research:
- Mood Enhancement: Users report improved moods and reduced depressive symptoms. [(01:59)]
- Increased Energy: Many experience a noticeable boost in energy levels. [(01:59)]
- Better Sleep: Improved sleep patterns are commonly noted. [(01:59)]
Paul views microdosing as a lifestyle practice, akin to mindful eating or regular exercise, fostering systemic benefits across various life dimensions. [(05:28)]
Paul Austin's Journey into Microdosing
Paul recounts his personal and professional journey:
- Early Experiences: Started experimenting with psychedelics at 19, evolving from recreational use to a tool for personal development. [(10:00)]
- Global Exploration: Lived in Turkey and Thailand, integrating his experiences with microdosing into his burgeoning interest in digital nomadism and personal growth. [(10:00)]
- Educational Contributions: Initiated Third Wave, publishing educational content and advocating for the clinical benefits of microdosing. [(10:00)]
He emphasizes the historical continuity of psychedelic use and its re-emergence in modern times. [(10:00)]
Addressing Fears and Misconceptions
One of the primary concerns surrounding psychedelics is the fear of adverse psychological effects:
- Common Fears: "I'm going to do a bunch of mushrooms or I'm going to do a bunch of LSD and it's going to fry my brain." [(16:25)]
- Reassurance Through Education: Paul likens starting with microdosing to learning to swim—beginning in the shallow end to build confidence and safety. [(16:25)]
He underscores the non-addictive nature of psychedelics when used responsibly, contrasting them with substances like cocaine and heroin. [(16:25)]
Historical Context of Psychedelics
Paul provides a rich historical perspective:
- Ancient Practices: References the Eleusinian Mysteries of ancient Greece and Rome, where intellectual elites like Plato and Aristotle engaged in psychedelic rituals. [(31:03)]
- Suppression by Organized Religion: Highlights how the rise of Christianity led to the suppression and criminalization of psychedelic practices to maintain societal control. [(31:03)]
This history underscores the longstanding gatekeeping mechanisms that have limited widespread access to psychedelics. [(31:03)]
Paul's Vision for the Future
Paul shares an ambitious vision:
- Legalization and Accessibility: Aspires for psychedelics to replace conventional psychiatric medications, offering a more holistic and less addictive alternative. [(33:47)]
- Environmental Harmony: Envisions a world where business practices are regenerative rather than extractive, influenced by the interconnectedness fostered through psychedelic experiences. [(33:47)]
His dream extends to fostering equitable and healthier ecosystems through the wisdom gained from psychedelic use. [(33:47)]
How to Support the Microdosing Movement
For listeners inspired to contribute to the movement, Paul offers actionable steps:
- Join the Microdosing Collective: A nonprofit aimed at creating regulatory policies for legal microdosing. [(35:18)]
- Deepen Educational Engagement: Encourage continuous learning through podcasts, books, and other educational resources to become effective advocates. [(35:18)]
By expanding one's knowledge and sharing credible information, supporters can help bridge the information equity gap surrounding psychedelics. [(33:47)]
Recommendations for Beginners
Paul provides a thoughtful roadmap for those interested in exploring microdosing:
- Float Tanks: Begin with float tanks to acclimate to silence and self-reflection. [(37:07)]
- Breathwork: Practice breathwork to enhance breathing techniques and stress regulation. [(37:07)]
- Cold Plunge: Engage in cold plunges to improve breath control under stress, a useful skill during psychedelic experiences. [(37:07)]
- Microdosing: Gradually introduce microdosing, starting with low doses and maintaining a controlled schedule. [(37:07)]
He advises having a support system—friends, coaches, or therapists—to guide and assist throughout the microdosing journey. [(37:07)]
Paul also emphasizes the importance of embracing all emotions that may surface during this process, fostering a holistic approach to personal growth. [(37:07)]
Conclusion
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the nuanced world of microdosing psychedelics. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Courtney Johnson and Paul Austin dismantle longstanding gatekeeping barriers, advocating for informed, responsible, and transformative use of psychedelics in modern society.
Notable Quotes
- "61% of Americans now support legal psychedelic therapy." – Paul Austin [(00:57)]
- "I got off of ADHD stimulant medication... I really stopped drinking a lot." – Courtney Johnson [(05:28)]
- "I'm going to do a bunch of mushrooms or I'm going to do a bunch of LSD and it's going to fry my brain." – Courtney Johnson [(16:25)]
- "We have been using these substances for like, forever, for thousands of years." – Paul Austin [(31:31)]
- "My dream is for psychedelics to be legal and accessible to everyone." – Paul Austin [(33:47)]
- "Microdosing is not like other substances, that it does take some time." – Paul Austin [(37:07)]
Resources Mentioned
- "A Really Good Day: How Microdosing Made a Difference in My Mood, My Marriage and My Life" by Ilette Waldman
- "Chasing the Scream" by Johann Hari
- Third Wave: www.thirdwave.co
Connect with Paul Austin
- Website: Third Wave
- Social Media: @paulaustin3w on Twitter and LinkedIn
- Podcast & Newsletter: Available on Third Wave's official website
This summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights shared in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts of microdosing and psychedelics.