Microdosing for Midlife — Week 5: Mask Off — Authenticity for Real

123. Microdosing for Midlife: Emotional Resilience(Week 6)Week 6 explores extinction learning, emotional resilience, and how microdosing may support gradual rewiring of fear-based patterns in midlife.Episode SummaryThis episode is part Week 6 of Microdosing for Midlife—a 12-part audio companion to the original Substack series.In this conversation, April explores emotional resilience not as toughness or avoidance, but as the ability to update old responses in real time. Using entrepreneurship as metaphor, she reflects on how repeated attempts, setbacks, and recalibration build resilience—and how microdosing psilocybin intersects with that process.The episode introduces the neuroscience concept of extinction learning—the brain’s ability to replace outdated fear responses with more informed ones. Rather than positioning microdosing as a cure or shortcut, April frames it as a catalyst for noticing habitual reactions, pausing before reenactment, and building new neural pathways through integration.If the written post focused on the science and story, this episode explores how resilience is practiced—not performed—especially in midlife when old coping strategies no longer serve.🔵 Key TakeawaysWhat extinction learning means in practical termsHow emotional resilience differs from emotional suppressionWhy microdosing is described as a catalyst—not a quick fixThe role of integration in reinforcing new neural pathwaysHow midlife transitions resurface habitual responsesWhy subtle shifts often matter more than dramatic breakthroughsOne reflection to carry into the week ahead🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Episode opening[02:00] Entrepreneurship and resilience as metaphor[04:30] Extinction learning explained[07:00] Personal example of breaking habitual responses[10:00] Integration and grounding practices[13:00] Midlife transitions and emotional awareness[16:00] What to carry forward🔵 ResourcesMicro-Psyched 12-Week Microdosing ProgramWomen in the Wild gatherings - Reserve your spot in SeattleUpcoming Psychedelic Salon ticketsFollow April on SubstackOriginal Microdosing for Midlife Substack post: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/microdosing-psilocybin-for-emotional-resilienceHosted by April Pride @aprilpride_Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

122. Microdosing for Midlife: Stability & Nervous System Change (Week 5)Week 5 explores masking, authenticity, the Default Mode Network, and how microdosing may soften rigid self-narratives in midlife.Episode SummaryThis episode is part Week 5 of Microdosing for Midlife—a 12-part audio companion to the original Substack series.In this conversation, April explores authenticity not as a dramatic revelation, but as a gradual unmasking. Rather than chasing peak experiences or forced breakthroughs, she reflects on how microdosing intersects with identity, ego softening, and the quiet recognition of truths long postponed. The episode examines the difference between escape and exposure—and why midlife often demands something more sustainable than either.Drawing from neuroscience, lived experience, and even a bridge to quantum physics, April considers how the Default Mode Network (DMN) reinforces self-stories—and how gentle disruptions may create space for new ones. This is not about dramatic ego dissolution. It’s about noticing the yes that’s actually a no, the roles we’ve outgrown, and the parts of ourselves we’ve hidden to stay acceptable.If you’ve read the original essay, this episode deepens it. If you haven’t, it stands on its own—and may send you back to read more closely.🔵 Key TakeawaysHow “masking” functions psychologically and neurologicallyThe role of the Default Mode Network in identity and self-storyWhy escape and authenticity are often confusedHow microdosing may soften rigid self-narrativesThe difference between forced revelation and sustained alignmentWhat flow actually represents in midlife transitionOne reflection to carry into the week ahead🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Episode opening[02:00] Masking, escape, and authenticity[05:00] A personal mask-off moment[07:00] Default Mode Network and ego narratives[10:00] Observation and identity[13:00] Flow and sustained alignment[15:00] What to carry forward🔵 ResourcesMicro-Psyched 12-Week Microdosing ProgramUpcoming Psychedelic Salon ticketsFollow April on SubstackOriginal Microdosing for Midlife Substack post: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/microdosing-for-authenticityHosted by April Pride @aprilpride_Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

121. Microdosing for Midlife: Stability & Nervous System Change (Week 4)Week 4 of Microdosing for Midlife explores how nervous system stability shapes identity, growth, and long-term change in midlife.Episode SummaryThis episode is part Week 4 of Microdosing for Midlife—a 12-part audio companion to the original Substack series.In this conversation, April expands on what it actually means to feel stable while undergoing change. Midlife often brings visible transitions—shifts in hormones, identity, relationships, ambition—but underneath those external markers is something quieter: the nervous system recalibrating itself. Rather than focusing on dramatic breakthroughs, this episode examines how safety, steadiness, and subtle internal shifts create sustainable growth.Instead of chasing intensity, April reflects on how microdosing can support capacity—capacity to tolerate discomfort, to remain present in uncertainty, and to integrate insight gradually. The real work is not in peak moments. It’s in the ability to return to baseline without abandoning yourself.🔵 Key TakeawaysHow nervous system stability shapes long-term growth in midlifeWhy intensity is often mistaken for progressHow subtle shifts accumulate into meaningful identity changeWhat “capacity building” looks like beyond insightA reflection question to carry into the week ahead🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Episode opening[02:00] Framing the week’s theme[08:30] Nervous system stability vs intensity[15:00] Capacity building in midlife[22:00] Integration reflection[27:00] What to carry forward🔵 ResourcesMicro-Psyched 12-Week Microdosing ProgramUpcoming Psychedelic Salon ticketsFollow April on SubstackOriginal Microdosing for Midlife Substack post:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/vagus-nerve-menopause-psilocybin-intuition-body-trustHosted by April Pride @aprilpride_ Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset Get full access to SetSet with April Pride at aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe

120. Microdosing for Midlife: Hormones, Perception, and Libido (Week 3)Exploring how menopause, perception shifts, and nervous system regulation intersect with midlife libido.Episode SummaryThis episode continues Week 3 of Microdosing for Midlife, April Pride’s 12-part audio companion to her Substack series exploring microdosing through the lens of midlife transition.In this conversation, April examines one of the most quietly asked questions among women in perimenopause and menopause: can microdosing influence hormones or libido? Rather than positioning psilocybin as a hormonal intervention, she reframes the inquiry around perception, serotonin signaling, emotional regulation, and nervous system safety.The episode explores how estrogen fluctuations affect mood stability, why cortisol and stress patterns shape desire, and how subtle perceptual shifts—rather than dramatic sensations—may influence connection and intimacy. Through personal reflection and grounded science, April centers integration over hype.🔵 Key Takeaways• Sub-perceptual microdosing is about perception shifts, not noticeable psychedelic effects• Estrogen plays a role in serotonin regulation and emotional stability• Hormonal fluctuations in midlife can increase anxiety and mood vulnerability• Libido is influenced by stress regulation and psychological safety• Psilocybin research currently focuses on emotional systems—not hormone “balancing”• Interoception (body awareness) may shift during midlife transitions• Structured integration matters more than isolated insight🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Episode disclaimer and introduction[01:00] The neurobiology of change and structured microdosing[02:00] Sensation vs. perception in microdosing[04:00] Rewriting grief narratives and identity shifts[05:00] Estrogen, serotonin, and cortisol interactions[06:30] Oxytocin, connection, and emotional openness[08:00] Interoception and body awareness[09:00] Libido and menopause[10:00] Emotional safety and renewed desire[11:00] Closing reflections🔵 Additional ResourcesMicro-Psyched Microdosing GuideOriginal Week 3 post on SubstackWomen in the Wild - Reserve your spot!Learn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/microdosing-for-midlife-week-3-hormones-libidoHosted by April PrideSubscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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

119. Microdosing for Midlife: Brain Science of Change (Week 2)Week 2 of Microdosing for Midlife explores estrogen, menopause, hormone therapy, and cognitive health—plus how psilocybin supports neuroplasticity.Episode SummaryThis episode marks Week 2 of Microdosing for Midlife, a 12-week audio series exploring how psilocybin microdosing for women intersects with hormonal change, emotional regulation, and cognitive resilience during midlife.In this installment, April Pride expands on a central question that surfaced after Week 1: whether being “spared” classic menopausal symptoms—or choosing not to take hormone replacement therapy—puts women at greater risk for cognitive decline. Drawing from current research, April reframes the fear-driven narrative around menopause, estrogen, and dementia, offering a more nuanced and reassuring understanding of what actually shapes long-term brain health.The episode also explores estrogen’s role as a neuroprotectant, how the midlife brain becomes more vulnerable to stress-based patterning, and why psychedelics like psilocybin may support neuroplasticity by softening rigid survival scripts. Through personal reflection and lived experience, April illustrates how subtle shifts in perception—not emotional erasure—can change one’s relationship to anxiety, grief, and uncertainty.This episode functions as an audio companion to the written Week 2 essay, adding scientific context, integration insights, and real-life application without replacing the original post.🔵 Key Takeaways• Menopause as a neurological transition, not just a hormonal one• Estrogen’s role in cognition, mood, and neuroprotection• Why high symptom burden—not absence of symptoms—is linked to later cognitive risk• What hormone therapy does and does not do for long-term cognition• The default mode network and midlife rumination patterns• Psychedelics, neuroplasticity, and loosening fear-based survival scripts• Microdosing as a tool for integration rather than emotional suppression🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Reflections on Psychedelic Salon and Women in the Wild[02:30] Introducing Week 2 and the HRT cognition question[03:45] Menopausal symptoms and cognitive risk[05:00] What hormone therapy research actually shows[06:30] Estrogen as a neuroprotectant[08:30] Brain changes during midlife[10:00] Psychedelics and neuroplasticity[11:30] Personal reflections on anxiety and action[13:30] Reflection questions for listeners[15:00] Micro-Psyched program overview and what’s next🔵 Additional ResourcesOriginal Week 2 post on SubstackEpisode 55: Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: Brain Effects ExplainedWomen in the Wild - Reserve your spot! Learn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/microdosing-for-midlife-estrogen-cognitionHosted by April PrideSubscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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

118. Microdosing for Midlife: Intention Setting, Integration, and Finding Your Dose (Week 1)Week 1 of Microdosing for Midlife explores intention setting, finding the right microdose, and integrating psilocybin gently during midlife transitions.Episode SummaryThis episode marks Week 1 of Microdosing for Midlife, a 12-week audio series exploring how psilocybin microdosing for women can support emotional awareness, intention, and integration during midlife transitions.In this opening installment, April Pride reads and expands on the first essay in the series, focused on intention setting and finding the right dose, while grounding the conversation in lived experience. Drawing from her own midlife hormonal transition, grief, and identity shifts, April frames microdosing as an integration practice that unfolds during daily life, rather than something that happens after a peak experience.The episode introduces why midlife—particularly during perimenopause and emotional regulation shifts—can be a uniquely potent time for this work. Listeners are invited to consider intention not as an outcome-driven goal, but as a present-moment orientation that supports nervous system regulation in midlife and long-term change.This episode serves as an audio companion to a Substack essay, offering context, reflection, and integration insights that stand on their own without replacing the original written post.🔵 Key Takeaways• Why midlife is a neurological, hormonal, and emotional transition• How microdosing supports integration during daily life• Intention setting in microdosing versus goal-setting• Nervous system regulation in midlife• Hormones, neurotransmitters, and emotional resilience• Microdosing protocol safety considerations• Why community-based psychedelic education supports accountability🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Series introduction and safety framing[02:00] Why this series is being shared as audio[03:00] Midlife as a period of sovereignty and transformation[04:30] Psychedelic integration practice in real time[05:30] Intention versus goals in microdosing[06:45] Hormones, neurotransmitters, and the midlife brain[07:45] Finding the right microdose and cadence[09:00] Safety considerations before beginning[09:45] Why microdosing should not be done in isolation[11:00] Listener questions and common concerns[12:30] What’s next in the 12-week microdosing series🔵 Additional ResourcesOriginal Week 1 post on SubstackEpisode 72: Preparing for a Psychedelic Journey SafelyWomen in the Wild applicationLearn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/microdosing-for-midlife-intention-integration-week-1Hosted by April Pride Subscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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

117. Ibogaine Therapy Safety & Ethics: What Responsible Care Really Looks LikeA grounded conversation on ibogaine therapy safety and ethics—covering medical oversight, risks, integration, and responsible psychedelic care.Episode SummaryIbogaine is often described as a breakthrough for addiction, trauma, and PTSD—but it’s also one of the most medically complex psychedelic therapies in use today. In this episode, April Pride sits down with Tom Feegel and Talia Eisenberg, co-founders of Beond Ibogaine, to explore what ethical, medically supported ibogaine care actually requires.Together, they unpack the difference between iboga and ibogaine, why cardiac screening and clinical monitoring are non-negotiable, and how integration—not intensity—is where real change happens. Talia shares her personal recovery story, Tom explains Beond’s safety-first model, and April grounds the conversation in harm reduction, nervous system care, and responsibility. This episode will help you understand the real risks, the emerging science, and the ethical questions shaping ibogaine’s future—without hype or shortcuts.🔵 Key TakeawaysIboga and ibogaine are not the same—and that distinction matters for safety, dosing, and ethics.Ibogaine carries real cardiac risk and should never be used without medical screening and monitoring.Post-acute withdrawal can last weeks or months and is a major relapse risk without support.Whole-plant medicines vary in potency; predictability is a safety issue, not a comfort preference.Integration starts before the medicine and continues long after—it’s a way of living, not a checklist.🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Safety disclaimer, why harm reduction matters, and setting the context[01:00] Iboga vs. ibogaine: what’s the difference and why it matters[03:00] Tom’s story: trauma, recovery, and building the place that didn’t exist[07:30] Talia’s first ibogaine experience and the risks of unregulated care[09:00] What post-acute withdrawal really looks like[12:00] Spiritual seeking, Osho, and early inner guidance[14:00] “Root medicine” and why support after the experience is critical[17:00] Potency variability: mushrooms, cannabis, and iboga compared[18:00] Cardiac risk, medical screening, and ethical boundaries[23:00] PTSD, TBI, and what the emerging research suggests[27:00] Cannabis use disorder, ketamine, kratom, and modern dependency patterns[31:00] What a medically supported ibogaine program actually includes[34:00] Integration vs. activation: turning insight into lived change[38:00] How to evaluate whether ibogaine care is right for you🔵 GuestsFollow Tom Feegel & Talia Eisenberg: Beond Ibogaine | https://beondibogaine.com | https://www.instagram.com/beondibogaine🔵 Additional ResourcesSetSet Psychedelic CardsWomen in the Wild applicationLearn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/ibogaine-therapy-safety-and-ethicsHosted by April PrideSubscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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

116. Psychedelics and Aging: Meaning in Later LifeAn educational conversation on psychedelics and aging, exploring meaning-making, grief, safety, and integration through lived experience and research.Episode SummaryWhat happens when psychedelic experiences arrive later in life—after careers, caregiving, grief, and loss have already shaped the nervous system? In this episode, April Pride sits down with journalist and author Abbie Rosner to explore psychedelics and aging through the lens of elderhood, meaning-making, and maturity. Rather than framing psychedelics as a return to youth, this conversation looks at how these experiences can land differently for older adults—bringing reflection, perspective, and emotional capacity rather than novelty or intensity. Together, April and Abbie discuss research on end-of-life anxiety, lived experiences of grief and joy, and why preparation, support, and integration matter more than peak experiences. This episode offers a grounded, harm-reduction–oriented exploration of what psychedelics may offer later in life—without hype, pressure, or promises.🔵 Key TakeawaysPsychedelics often land differently later in life because the nervous system carries decades of lived experience.Elderhood is not decline—it’s integration of youth, age, wisdom, and impermanence.Research on psychedelics and end-of-life anxiety points to increased emotional capacity, not the elimination of grief or fear.Challenging experiences are not uncommon, but preparation and support can reduce long-term difficulty.Community becomes increasingly important for integration, care, and meaning as we age.🔵 Timestamps[00:00] Why psychedelics and aging require a different conversation[02:30] Abbie Rosner’s journey into psychedelics later in life[05:30] Seniors vs. elders and why language matters[07:15] Elderhood as integration, not decline[11:25] Meaning making, mortality, and end-of-life research[14:20] What older adults seek from psychedelic experiences[21:00] Harm reduction, challenging experiences, and safety[26:00] Preparation pathways: legal, underground, and supported options[29:00] Psychedelics, grief, and emotional release[33:00] Community, mutual care, and aging with intention[36:50] Integration over intensity: closing reflections🔵 GuestsAbbie Rosner is a journalist and author focused on psychedelics and aging, and elderhood. Her forthcoming book explores how psychedelic experiences intersect with meaning making, grief, and community later in life.Follow Abbie Rosner: Elderevolution on Substack | Instagram — @elderevolution🔵 Additional ResourcesSetSet Psychedelic CardsWomen in the Wild applicationLearn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psychedelics-and-agingHosted by April PrideSubscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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

115. 5-MeO-DMT Experience ExplainedA grounded conversation on the 5-MeO-DMT experience—how it affects the nervous system, how it differs from DMT, and why safety and integration matter.Episode SummaryWhat is 5-MeO-DMT, and why do people describe it so differently from other psychedelics?In this episode, April Pride sits down with licensed clinicians and facilitators Roger and Dustin to explore the 5-MeO-DMT experience through both lived experience and emerging neuroscience. Often referred to as the God molecule psychedelic, 5-MeO-DMT is widely described as a non-visual psychedelic experience—one that quiets the nervous system rather than amplifying imagery, stories, or symbols.Together, they break down 5-MeO-DMT vs DMT, explain how this compound interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, and discuss why many people report profound ego dissolution, nervous system regulation, and long-term shifts in how they experience safety and connection.This episode also centers women and psychedelics, examining why women—particularly those who have spent years in control, caretaking, or emotional labor—may feel especially drawn to this form of surrender-based medicine.If you’re seeking grounded insight into psychedelic harm reduction, integration after 5-MeO-DMT, and what makes this medicine fundamentally different from other psychedelic experiences, this conversation is an essential listen.🔵 Key TakeawaysThe 5-MeO-DMT experience is often felt rather than seen, with little to no visuals or narrative contentUnlike classic psychedelics, 5-MeO-DMT is widely described as a non-visual psychedelic experienceUnderstanding 5-MeO-DMT vs DMT is critical—many vape pens labeled “DMT” contain N-N-DMT, not 5-MeO-DMT5-MeO-DMT strongly activates both 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, impacting cognition and nervous system regulationThe medicine often quiets the nervous system rather than stimulating imagery or meaning-makingSynthetic 5-MeO-DMT allows for more precise dosing and supports harm reduction by protecting the Sonoran Desert toadWomen may experience particular resonance due to lifelong patterns of regulation, control, and emotional laborPsychedelic integration after 5-MeO-DMT is essential; the effects unfold over time, not just during the sessionScreening, contraindications, and aftercare are non-negotiable components of responsible psychedelic use🔵 Timestamps[00:00] What people mean when they describe the God molecule psychedelic[02:10] How Roger and Dustin came to work with 5-MeO-DMT[03:36] Why this is a non-visual psychedelic experience[04:22] Synthetic vs toad-derived 5-MeO-DMT and harm reduction[06:57] Why some therapeutic “stuckness” responds differently to 5-MeO-DMT[08:28] Serotonin receptors and psychedelics: the double-door explanation[10:00] Nervous system regulation and surrender, especially for women[11:14] Gamma brainwaves, endogenous release, and embodied remembering[13:41] April’s experience with DMT vapes and common confusion[16:19] Clear distinctions between 5-MeO-DMT vs DMT[18:30] Health risks, medications, and serotonin syndrome[20:30] Ketamine, DMT, and the limits of comparison[22:53] Why women and psychedelics intersect uniquely here[23:21] Integration, meaning-making, and what comes after the experience🔵 GuestsRoger & DustinLicensed clinicians and facilitators at Sky Mountain Retreats, specializing in carefully screened, harm-reduction-focused 5-MeO-DMT experiences with an emphasis on preparation, precision dosing, and long-term integration.🔵 Additional ResourcesSetSet Psychedelic CardsWomen in the Wild applicationLearn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/5-meo-dmt-experience-nervous-system-safetyHosted by April PrideSubscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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

114. How to Start Microdosing with PsilocybinA science-backed guide to microdosing psychedelics with SetSet’s 12-week protocol, featuring expert insight and lived experience.Episode SummaryIf you’ve been microdose-curious — or maybe you’re already experimenting and want a little more structure — this episode is your map. Host April Pride pulls together insights from SetSet collaborators including author Amy Wong, integrative therapist Kendra Bloom, and medicine woman Sand Symes.You’ll learn exactly what microdosing is, why it works, and how SetSet’s 12-week Micro-Psyched protocol guides real, sustainable shifts—especially for women navigating overwhelm, transitions, or burnout.Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced journeyer seeking structure, this episode will help you align mindset, medicine, and method.🔵 Key TakeawaysMicrodosing is a sub-perceptual, regular-dose protocol designed to shift your mental patterns gently over time.There are three main microdosing personas: psychedelic curious, psychedelic conscious, and providers supporting others.Microdosing supports subtle but profound behavior changes—like reducing compulsions or regaining clarity.SetSet’s 12-week structure mirrors the natural cycle of change: preparation, resistance, and consolidation.Real change doesn’t require fireworks. Tiny, steady choices reshape your reality.🔵 Timestamps00:36 What microdosing really is and how it works (Amy Wong)02:10 Three types of people who join SetSet’s protocol08:45 Why structure matters: stories from women in Micro-Psyched13:20 Real-life benefits from microdosing: cravings, clarity, choice18:00 Why 12 weeks? The brain’s timeline for transformation21:40 Live workshops: coming to Seattle in 202524:00 What’s included in SetSet’s Annual Membership27:10 Final reflections: microdosing as a relationship, not a hack🔵 GuestsAmy Wong: Author of Living on Purpose | amywong.comKendra Bloom: Therapist, Integration Specialist | @kendrabloomSand Symes: Medicine woman and facilitator | @sandsymes🔵 Additional ResourcesQ: How Do Psychedelics Unlock Creativity?Micro-Psyched 12-Week Microdosing ProgramWomen in the Wild applicationLearn more about this episode: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/how-to-start-microdosing-psilocybinHosted by April PrideSubscribe for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/subscribe 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