Ep. 109 | How Psilocybin Microdosing Supports Menopause: A Brain-Based Guide

Ep. 111: How MDMA Is Transforming Love, Aging & GriefMany people think MDMA is a party drug. What if it’s actually a medicine for seniors?Join us for this deeply personal, science-backed live recording of our August virtual Psychedelic Salon. I was joined by Charley Wininger, licensed therapist and author of Listening to Ecstasy, and his wife Shelly, who introduced Charley to MDMA and inadvertently changed both their lives.This episode unpacks how MDMA has enhanced their relationship, deepened their intimacy, helped process grief, and brought unexpected youthful vitality back into their lives. We touch on everything from safe use protocols to sex, aging, grief, and even using MDMA to support decision-making during divorce.It’s a joyful, intimate conversation rooted in love, community, and years of experience. A must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of psychedelics, aging, and emotional healing.🔵 Key Takeaways- MDMA can bring back vitality, joy, and intimacy in aging couples.- Grief and trauma are central to many people’s suffering—and MDMA can offer a path to healing.- Proper protocols and post-use care make a huge difference in experience and recovery.- Seniors face unique considerations around prescription meds and safety—but age isn’t a disqualifier.- Community, connection, and shared experiences amplify MDMA’s therapeutic effects.🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Introduction by April Pride[01:00] Charley and Shelly’s love story and MDMA origin[04:00] MDMA for connection, not just therapy[07:00] Microdosing vs. full doses for aging bodies[10:00] Reclaiming joy and youth in your 60s and 70s[13:00] Protocols, safety, and navigating medications[17:00] Using MDMA to address grief after major loss[22:00] Intimacy, sex, and MDMA in long-term relationships[27:00] Can MDMA help save or end a marriage?[31:00] FDA, safety concerns, and overlooked age groups[37:00] Community healing: Potlucks, shared rolls, and one pulse[41:00] Advice for couples using MDMA without a guide[49:00] Final reflections and upcoming events🔵 Featured GuestsCharley Wininger – Licensed therapist, author of Listening to Ecstasy📘 charleywininger.comShelly Wininger – Former critical care nurse, cannabis advocate, and spiritual explorerSubscribe to get SetSet with psychedelics!Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psilocybin-mushrooms-beyond-the-tripHosted by April PrideSign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

110. Psychedelic Salon: Have a Good TripWhy are so many women turning to psilocybin—and what don’t they know they’re missing? In this Salon, April Pride hosts Eugenia Bone, celebrated food and nature writer, and Renee Davis, mycologist and environmental engineer, for a candid, science-rooted discussion about Eugenia’s new book Have a Good Trip. Together, they explore how psilocybin mushrooms sit at the crossroads of personal curiosity, ecological science, and an emerging industry still battling misinformation. From the surprising realities of “bad trips,” to what fungi can teach us about systems thinking—and even why the DEA leaves some mushroom churches alone—this conversation balances personal stories with journalistic rigor. It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in the swirl of psychedelic headlines.🔵 Key Takeaways• Psychedelic mushrooms amplify who you already are—not necessarily transform you into someone new.• The psilocybin world sits at the collision of underground community wisdom and formal scientific research, creating tensions—and opportunities—for the emerging industry.• Bad trips and derealization are more common than the psychedelic community often admits, highlighting the importance of nuanced conversation and integration support.• Fungal ecology offers a blueprint for understanding complex systems—and inspires applications from soil health to mental health.• Psilocybin mushrooms remain largely illegal, but surprising legal gray zones exist, like the Netherlands’ “magic truffles” loophole and the quiet tolerance for religious use in U.S. psychedelic churches.Subscribe to get SetSet with psychedelics!Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psilocybin-mushrooms-beyond-the-tripHosted by April PrideSign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

109. How Psilocybin Microdosing Supports Menopause: A Brain-Based GuideHow can women navigate the emotional, cognitive, and hormonal rollercoaster of perimenopause and menopause? In this episode, April Pride explores how psilocybin microdosing may offer real support for women in midlife. From balancing neuroplasticity and mood to improving sexual function and breaking addictive patterns, this conversation highlights the science, lived experience, and emerging protocols behind psilocybin’s potential to ease this complex life stage. If you're wondering how to recalibrate your brain (not just your hormones), this episode offers data-backed, compassionate insights into how psychedelics fit into midlife care.🔵 Key Takeaways-Hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause deeply impact brain function, mood, and resilience.-Psilocybin may support neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, and cognitive clarity during these transitions.-Microdosing could help improve libido, body image, and intimacy—areas often impacted by hormonal decline.-Midlife women are increasingly self-medicating with psychedelics to manage menopause-related symptoms.-Community support and intentional protocols are critical for safe, effective microdosing.Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/how-psilocybin-microdosing-supports-menopauseHosted by April PrideSign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

108. Why Bong Design Matters for Modern Women: Esther Ramirez from Session GoodsWhat if your bong could live on your coffee table—without shame or splashback? In this 4/20 Easter special, April Pride sits down with Esther Lenore Ramirez, co-founder and CEO of Session Goods, to explore how minimalist bong design supports women who want elegant, intentional tools for cannabis. From design trade-offs (no percs, no ice pinches) to the bong’s global history, this episode reclaims what it means to be a woman who smokes. Esther shares how clean glassware, thoughtful accessories, and user-friendly dimensions offer a new kind of cannabis ritual—especially for women coming back to the plant after a long hiatus.🔵 Key Takeaways-Designing a bong for your lifestyle means no splash guards, no logos—just clean lines and easy cleanup.-Session Goods took cues from wine decanters and candle bases to create pieces that blend in beautifully.-Glass fuming, color limitations, and mouthpiece angles all matter—especially when lipstick and group sharing are in play.-The word “bong” likely comes from Thai, but the evolution of glassblowing gave us the modern version we know today.-Homegrown cannabis or mushroom gifts add emotional connection and storytelling to the ritual of use.Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/modern-bong-design-for-women-who-smokeHosted by April PrideSign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

For more information on Bicycle Day and LSD, SUBSCRIBE wherever you listen to podcastsSUBSCRIBE to Get SetSet with April Pride on Substack aprilpride.substack.comGet tickets to SetSet events ⁠⁠⁠⁠- getsetset.com/pages/eventsVisit SetSet's website ⁠⁠getsetset.com, enter SHOW20 at checkout for 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SetSet's Psychedelic Cards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  - getsetset.com/products/setset-card-deckWEB | getsetset.comIG | @getsetsetYouTube | youtube.com/@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

Psilocybin for Menstrual Cycles & Menopause: A Women’s Wellness Protocol Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

Get tickets to Psychedelic Salon ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit SetSet's website ⁠⁠getsetset.com, enter SHOW20 at checkout for 20% off ⁠⁠⁠SetSet's Psychedelic Cards⁠⁠⁠. You can also find these clinician-backed resources: Universal Integration Program⁠ - https://getsetset.com/products/universal-integrationWEB | getsetset.comIG | @getsetsetYouTube | youtube.com/@getsetsetTransformative Power of Natural Psychedelics: Healing, Community, and ConsciousnessIn this episode, the discussion revolves around the importance of trust among women and the larger issue of a survival instinct that hinders deeper human connections. It highlights how trauma and competition affect interpersonal dynamics and emphasizes the potential of natural psychedelics to foster unity, love, and a cooperative spirit. The conversation touches upon the therapeutic potential of psychedelics in treating trauma, addictions, and psychological issues, outlining the integration process post-retreat. The dialogue also explores the need for responsible and legal use of psychedelics, addressing issues within the decriminalized framework and the risks of untrained individuals administering these substances. The speakers emphasize the importance of proper education, community support, and the careful preparation of facilitators. They underline the necessity of blending shamanic traditions with modern therapeutic techniques and the critical role of authentic connection and support in the healing process.00:00 The Importance of Trust Among Women00:24 Survival Instincts and Trauma01:35 Natural Psychedelics and Therapy02:12 Healing Through Psychedelics04:00 Integration and Daily Life05:31 Community Support and Online Meetings09:15 Legalization and Responsible Use12:18 Education and Preparation for Facilitators24:38 Existential Questions and Quality of Life30:33 Conclusion and Contact Information Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

Integrating Science and Spirituality: Healing Through Consciousness and PsychedelicsGet tickets to Psychedelic Salon ⁠⁠here⁠⁠Visit SetSet's website ⁠⁠getsetset.com, enter SHOW20 at checkout for 20% off ⁠⁠⁠SetSet's Psychedelic Cards⁠⁠⁠. You can also find these clinician-backed resources: Universal Integration Program⁠ - https://getsetset.com/products/universal-integrationWEB | getsetset.comIG | @getsetsetYouTube | youtube.com/@getsetsetIn this episode, the speaker recounts their journey of integrating science and spirituality, which began with their experiences in meditation and surfing at a young age. The focus is on creating methods and sacred spaces that combine psychotherapy, psychology, and spirituality for holistic healing. Key topics include the mindful use of natural psychedelics, the importance of conscious language as a facilitator, and the integration of science and spirituality in the healing process. The discussion also explores the speaker's work with various groups, such as cancer patients, people with trauma, and military personnel, with a particular focus on creating safe spaces for women and addressing their unique healing needs.00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey01:19 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality02:25 The Importance of Language in Facilitation06:49 Choosing the Right Retreat10:42 Working with Cancer Patients12:23 Trauma and Healing14:59 Shamanic Path and Collective Healing22:04 The Role of Women in Healing32:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

Get tickets to Psychedelic Salon ⁠here⁠Visit SetSet's website ⁠⁠getsetset.com, enter SHOW20 at checkout for 20% off ⁠⁠SetSet's Psychedelic Cards⁠⁠. You can also find these clinician-backed resources on psilocybin:⁠The Ultimate Psilocybin Guide⁠ ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠Micro-Psyched 12-week Microdosing Program⁠ ⁠⁠⁠here⁠WEB | getsetset.comIG | @getsetsetYouTube | youtube.com/@getsetsetExploring Feminine Energy & Healing with Sand Symes"How can psychedelics lead us to confront and release our deepest wounds?" In Part 2 of her conversation with April Pride, Sand Symes delves into her approach to guiding women through emotional healing and self-discovery with plant medicine. Sand discusses the techniques she uses to create a safe space for deep emotional release and the importance of integration in the healing process.After listening to this episode, you’ll have a better understanding of:The transformative power of psychedelics for emotional healingHow Sand creates safe, supportive environments for self-discoveryThe role of integration in lasting changeDiscover Sand's approach to safe spaces for women, the significance of integration post-psychedelic journeys, and the importance of feminine wisdom in the healing process. Learn how microdosing psilocybin mushrooms can initiate profound life changes and how to integrate these experiences into everyday life. Don't miss out on the valuable knowledge shared by Sand Symes through decades of experience in the medicine world.00:00 Introduction to SetSet Show00:32 Deep Dive into Plant Medicine with Sand Symes01:10 Microdosing: A Gateway to Transformation01:40 The Subtle Power of Microdosing10:08 Integration: Making the Most of Psychedelic Experiences15:05 The Importance of Community in Healing19:12 Conclusion and How to Connect with Sand Symes20:24 SetSet Show Announcements and OffersMore about Sand Symes:Sand Symes – Mentor to Visionary Leaders | Psychedelic Integration Expert | Transformational Guide with 40+ Years of ExperienceAs a trusted mentor to visionaries, pioneers, and C-suite leaders, I guide those who are redefining industries and creating lasting legacies. My work is at the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, blending Sacred Medicine practices, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and cutting-edge trauma research to unlock untapped potential and deepen alignment in life and leadership.With a background as a Social Worker and decades of experience in women’s transformation, I bring a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by those at the helm of innovation and change. My approach is not about fixing what’s broken—it’s about amplifying what’s possible.Who I Work With:I partner with visionary women, pioneers, and leaders who are ready to:Align their leadership with their core values and highest vision.Break free from old stories and patterns that no longer serve their growth.Expand their capacity for resilience, creativity, and transformative impact.How I Work:I create a space for bold reflection, deep clarity, and actionable breakthroughs. My approach combines:Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science: Leveraging Sacred Medicine traditions, neuroscience, and psychology.Internal Family Systems (IFS): Reintegrating protective parts and uncovering authentic leadership from within.Neuroscience-Driven Leadership Growth: Using the latest insights in trauma and post-traumatic growth to rewire limiting beliefs.Psychedelic Integration: Facilitating the integration of altered states to spark creativity, unlock resilience, and deepen self-awareness.What Clients Say:Clients describe my work as "life-changing," "a bridge between vision and action," and "a transformative experience that expands their impact and deliverables."For more information, visit: https://www.sandsymes.com Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

Exploring the Intersection of Psychedelics and Creativity: Live at Town Hall SeattleIn this bonus episode of the SetSet Show, recorded live at Town Hall Seattle's inaugural Psychedelic Salon, host April Pride delves into the powerful relationship between psychedelics and creativity. Alongside fine art photographer Rachel Demy and co-founder of The Stranger and The Onion Tim Keck, the trio discusses how psychedelic experiences can reshape our relationship with fear, enhance creative processes, and provide profound spiritual and personal revelations. They explore the nuances of different substances like psilocybin, ketamine, and ayahuasca, and answer thoughtful audience questions about set and setting, mental health, and more. Tune in for an honest, vibrant conversation filled with humor, wisdom, and real-world insights on unlocking creativity, healing trauma, and expanding perspectives with psychedelics.00:00 Introduction to the SetSet Show00:31 Live at Town Hall Seattle: Special Guests00:48 Exploring Psychedelics and Creativity01:17 Audience Questions and Insights01:49 Event Announcements and Opening Remarks02:44 Meet the Panelists: April, Rachel, and Tim06:18 Tim Keck's Psychedelic Journey07:02 Rachel Demy's Psychedelic Experiences20:48 Psychedelics and Overcoming Fear33:53 Spiritual Revelations and Audience Interaction39:10 Creative Self vs. Tripping Self39:25 Photography and MDMA40:08 Writing and Problem Solving on Psychedelics40:50 Set and Setting for Psychedelic Experiences42:40 Stimulating Creativity with Psychedelics44:08 Ketamine: Therapeutic Uses and Experiences47:37 Psychedelics and Creative Work52:06 Cultural Perspectives on Psychedelics58:40 Solo vs. Supported Psychedelic Trips59:54 ADHD Meds and Psychedelics01:03:49 Curiosity About Higher Doses01:06:39 Concluding Thoughts and Final QuestionsVisit SetSet's website ⁠⁠getsetset.com, enter SHOW20 at checkout for 20% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SetSet's Psychedelic Cards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.You can also find these clinician-backed resources on psilocybin:⁠The Ultimate Psilocybin Guide⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Micro-Psyched 12-week Microdosing Program⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠WEB | getsetset.comIG | @getsetsetYouTube | youtube.com/@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe