Hey there, I’m Dr. Dave. After spending 51 days on the road, I’m finally back in my studio, but honestly, I already miss the road. As much as I enjoy being back home, the experience of traveling and having the space to think deeply about my life has opened my eyes in unexpected ways.
While traveling, I’ve been reflecting on something that’s been bugging me for a long time: a subtle but powerful form of anxiety that I experience in certain situations. I’m talking about situations that shouldn’t feel stressful at all—like pulling into a hotel, a restaurant, or any place where I expect peace and quiet—only to find myself surrounded by crowds of people, or worse, a tour bus of 80+ people arriving right before me.
I’m sure you’ve been there: you’re trying to check into a hotel after a long drive, or you’ve found the perfect spot for a meal, only to have the atmosphere completely disrupted by an unexpected crowd. For me, this kind of thing creates a level of discomfort that hits me physically—my chest tightens, my nerves tighten, and my entire system starts to brace for what feels like an unavoidable discomfort.
Here’s the kicker: I’ve been microdosing with psilocybin for over four years now, and my anxiety and depression have practically disappeared. You’d think something like situational anxiety would have disappeared as well, right? But here I am, still dealing with it.
I’ve come to realize that this is a deeper layer of anxiety—something that’s not about general worry or fear, but more about losing control over my environment or having my expectations of peace shattered unexpectedly. It’s like my nervous system is trying to protect me from something, but instead, it ends up creating the very tension I’m trying to avoid.
And here’s the thing: I’m not the only one. I know this because I’ve heard from so many of you, people who feel similar tensions in everyday situations—whether it’s at a crowded airport, in a waiting room, or just when you find yourself in a situation that you weren’t prepared for. If you can relate, know that you’re not broken or too sensitive. We’re just tuned in to our surroundings, and that awareness, while uncomfortable, can eventually become a strength.
I’m sharing this with you today because I’m ready to work through this next layer of discomfort. I’ve dealt with my anxiety and depression, but this feels like something new—something that I can address with the same tools I’ve used before, but now I need to take it a step further.
This episode of Microdose U is all about this personal struggle I’ve been dealing with, and I want to invite you to listen in and see if any of this resonates with you. I’m opening up because I know I’m not alone in this, and I want to take this journey with you. We’re not just talking about overcoming anxiety; we’re talking about working through the deeper layers of discomfort that prevent us from experiencing peace in everyday life.
If you’ve ever felt like your peace was stolen by unexpected crowds, waiting in line, or situations that just seem to push all the wrong buttons, I want you to listen to this episode. I’m sharing not just my struggles but also the steps I’m taking to work through them, and I believe this could be a valuable insight for anyone dealing with similar feelings.
So, what’s the takeaway from today’s episode?
- Embrace the discomfort: We all have those moments where we feel like we’re about to lose control. But instead of resisting, let’s see it as an opportunity to grow. I’m learning to accept these moments with more grace, even if it means facing them head-on.
- Don’t expect perfection: Just because you’ve healed in one area doesn’t mean you’re immune to challenges. Personal growth is a continual process, and that’s okay. There’s no shame in dealing with ongoing struggles.
- You’re not alone: There are so many of us going through similar experiences. Whether you’re working on anxiety, perfectionism, or situational stress, you don’t have to go through it alone. We’re here, growing together.
This episode isn’t just for those who microdose—it’s for anyone who has ever struggled with situations that seem small on the surface but trigger deeper discomfort. It’s for those who are looking for real, actionable ways to transform anxiety into personal growth.
Here are Questions from the Mailbag:
Question: Is 150 mg of psilocybin and 300 mg of lion’s mane still a microdose?
Answer:
The short answer is no, 150 mg of pure psilocybin is not a microdose. For a microdose, you want to use the whole dried mushroom, and 150 mg of pure psilocybin would be considered a larger dose. However, 150 mg of dried ground magic mushrooms is absolutely a microdose. Generally, microdosing falls between 50 mg and 300 mg of dried mushrooms. So, while the combination of psilocybin and lion’s mane may be beneficial for cognitive function, be mindful of your measurements.
Question: Can my 65-year-old mother with type 2 diabetes and hypertension safely microdose fresh truffles?
Answer:
First, let me make it clear that this is not medical advice, and I encourage you to consult a doctor before beginning any new supplement. However, from what I’ve researched, psilocybin, including in truffles, doesn’t negatively affect type 2 diabetes or hypertension. While it’s true that psilocybin could theoretically raise blood pressure slightly, a microdose shouldn’t have any significant effect on her blood pressure or diabetes, especially if it’s being carefully managed. Always err on the side of caution and check with a healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen.
Question: I don’t have ground mushrooms, just whole dried mushrooms. What can I do?
Answer:
The solution here is simple: grind them. I recommend using a small, inexpensive coffee grinder to grind your dried mushrooms. This ensures that the psilocybin is evenly distributed throughout the mushroom. Without grinding them, you risk getting an uneven dose from different parts of the mushroom, which could affect the consistency of your microdosing experience. So, grab a grinder, grind the mushrooms, and mix them well to ensure a consistent microdose.
I’d love for you to listen to this episode and share your thoughts with me. Let’s work through this next layer of discomfort together. I’m with you every step of the way.
Thank you so much for your time, and as always, I love you.
Dr. Dave
P.S. If you’d like to learn more about microdosing and start your own journey, grab my free 5-part email course.
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Nothing in this podcast is to be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before microdosing. Also, only use these medicines safely where it is legal or decriminalized.
