See through the BS with The Microdose Diet

Welcome back to The Microdose Diet a newsletter about getting more success, passion and happiness in your life and career by using alternative medicines, such as microdosing psychedelics. 🍄

In recent years, a very peculiar trend has emerged within the celebrity sphere: actors transforming into self-development gurus. Figures like Matthew McConaughey, Will Smith, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Russell Brand, known for their prowess on the screen, have pivoted to sharing life advice, wisdom, and personal insights.

While these transformations may seem initially intriguing, there are underlying aspects that might be perceived as both fascinating and, in some ways, a cause for great concern.

So why is it scary to see so many actors turning into self-development gurus and what does it mean for you?!

Read on and you shall know!!

Before jumping to our four Actor-Gurus, here is some context of why you should be cautious around celebrity’s content and endorsements.

🤑It Is Only About Monetizing Attention

Whether to sell creams, underwear, make-up, books, clothes, cars, perfumes or self-development programs, celebrities (not just actors) understand very well that they are seating on a gold-mine. They navigate a landscape where the monetization of attention is not just a trend but a fundamental aspect of their success. Social media platforms have transformed the traditional dynamics of fame, allowing stars to connect directly with their fan base and capitalize on their attention.

Endorsement deals, sponsored content, and partnerships have become lucrative avenues for celebrities to turn their massive followings into substantial revenue streams. The more attention a celebrity commands, the more valuable they become to brands seeking exposure in a crowded digital space.

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👉What Does It Mean For You (and Your Children, Your Spouse, Your Employees)?

The entertainment industry is built on the art of illusion, where celebrities inhabit characters crafted by business people. When they transition into the self-help realm, questions about the authenticity of their newfound personas arise. Are they truly living the principles they preach, or is it another performance? So how do you navigate this era of smoke and mirrors?

1. Question Everything!

Approach celebrity advice with a critical eye. Question the motives behind the transformation and assess whether the guidance aligns with your individual needs and values. “Is it really true?” has to be the de facto question of anyone opening social media, and media in general. It is one thing to blindly accept the recommendation regarding a perfume, a watch, or even a car, it is another to listen to life advices.

2. Seek Diverse Perspectives

Instead of relying solely on celebrity gurus, seek advice from a diverse range of experts with varied backgrounds and qualifications. Especially when it comes to personal development, a well-rounded approach involves considering multiple perspectives.

3. Get Off the Auto-Pilot

When we are on auto-pilot we are extremely susceptible to others’ influence, and this rarely goes in the direction of our best interest. How do you get off autopilot? Be more present to what is going on around you. How do you become more present? A combo of microdosing psilocybin, tapping, journaling, visualization, guided meditation (in other words The Microdose Diet) will help you decondition and be more attune to what is really going on around you.

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From the least offensive to the most here is an account of our super-stars turned role-models on how to live one’s best life…

👑Matthew McConaughey: The Alt-Right Philosopher King of Hollywood

Matthew McConaughey has transitioned into a new role as a motivational speaker and author. His book, "Greenlights," serves as both a memoir and a guide to living life to the fullest. However, this shift from Hollywood to offering life advice has raised questions about the authenticity of such a transformation…

Alt-Right Action Man: McConaughey has faced criticism for his perceived political affiliations, with some accusing him of expressing right-leaning views and flirting with alt-right figures in interviews and podcasts.
Self-Help Guru Image: Questions have emerged in relation to his "Art of Livin'" live event and association with self-development speakers, leading to debates about the authenticity of his involvement in this space.
Money, Money, Money: McConaughey's collaboration with Tony Robbins, a prominent figure in the self-help and MLM (multi-level marketing) industry, has also been a point of discussion, with concerns about the potential association with MLM schemes.

Who wouldn’t want life advice from an alt-right opportunist looking for new monetization avenues?!

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🤴Will Smith: The Fresh Prince of Personal Relationships

Will Smith has ventured into the world of self-help and personal development through social media platforms and his digital series, "Will Smith's Bucket List." However, Will Smith has been involved in more than one controversies throughout his career, including:

The Slap: The infamous incident at the 2022 Oscars, where Smith slapped Chris Rock after a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith, sparked widespread discussion and criticism.
Assault, Cheating, and Scientology: Smith has faced allegations and controversies related to assault, cheating, and his alleged involvement with Scientology.
Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll: His memoir "Will" has revealed personal details and challenges, such as his experiences with drug use, family violence, and marital issues.
Relationships Trainwreck: Smith has been involved in public feuds and conflicts with co-stars, including a well-known feud with his "Fresh Prince" co-star Janet Hubert.

How about receiving worthy advice on How to Assault your Boss an Hour Before Receiving a Promotion?

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🏋️Arnold Schwarzenegger: Pumping Steroids into Personal Growth

Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bodybuilding icon turned actor and politician, has embraced the role of a motivational speaker and self-help author. His books, "Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story," and “Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life” delves into his journey from bodybuilder to Hollywood star to California governor, offering life lessons along the way. And thus despite being associated with several controversies, including:

Just Say Yes to Drugs: Schwarzenegger has been linked to controversies surrounding steroid use, with discussions and allegations related to his past use of steroids during his bodybuilding career.
Playing Dirty: From the bodybuilding stages to the movie sets and the political arenas, winning at all cost has been Schwarzenegger’s motto. From bullying his opponents, to lying, and libel, he has never shied away from doing whatever it takes to get what (or whom) he wanted.
Family Man: Fathering a child while being married… note that the mother was the family’s housekeeper. We can hardly see how she could have said no. This is not just any random (and very distasteful) affair.

If you are looking for 7 tools to Doing the Dirty and Playing dirty, you’ve got your man!

😈Russell Brand: Sexual Predator Turned Spiritual Guide

Russell Brand, known for his irreverent humor and edgy performances, has taken a turn toward spirituality and self-discovery. His podcast, "Under the Skin," explores profound topics and features conversations with thought leaders. Brand's transformation from wild comedian to introspective philosopher has rightfully sparked both intrigue and skepticism:

Not Your Mother’s Drugs: Brand has been open about his past struggles with drug addiction, including heroin, crack and meth.
Let Me Get Under Your Skin: Russell Brand has been accused multiple times of emotional abuse and bullying.
A Despicable Brand: Four women have accused Brand of sexually assaulting them between 2006 and 2013. Brand has denied the allegations, stating that his relationships have all been consensual. The controversy has also brought attention to his past comments and behavior, including a since-deleted interview in which he made inappropriate remarks about sexual assault.
Thankfully, these allegations have had a significant impact on his career, leading to the cancellation of his latest book and the demonetization of his YouTube channel. So hopefully none will ever have to wonder if they want to be uplifted, upleveled and inspired by Brand.

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The trend of actors becoming self-development gurus raises intriguing questions about authenticity, expertise, and the commodification of wisdom. While the entertainment industry has the power to inspire, if you seek genuine personal development you should approach these transformations with a discerning mindset. Navigating the uncharted territory of celebrity self-help requires a balance between entertainment and real expertise to foster meaningful and sustainable growth.

Once you've finished the episode, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment to share your views ✍️

You can also listen to the episode here, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

P.S. Do you know someone who would enjoy The Microdose Diet podcast? Feel free to share this newsletter by clicking the link below and hitting the ❤️ button on this post to help me support more people on Substack 🙏

😎About The Microdose Diet

The Microdose Diet by Peggy Van de Plassche focuses on personal and professional development using alternative medicines, such as microdosing psilocybin, tapping meditation, journaling, guided meditation and visualization ✨

I am Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and VC who spent 20 years in the financial services and technology industries. I now speak and write about the benefits of alternative medicines, such as microdosing psilocybin, for professional and personal growth. I created More! The Microdose Diet - the 90 Day Plan for Success, Passion and Happiness🍾 My book will be published in 2024 and available for pre-order on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com in November 2023.

Thanks for reading, listening, and watching 🙏

Peggy

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This newsletter is designed to entertain and inform, not provide medical advice. You should always consult your doctor when it comes to your personal health or before you start any treatment 🩺

Welcome back to The Microdose Diet a newsletter about getting more success, passion and happiness in your life and career by using alternative medicines, such as microdosing psychedelics.

As we step into the New Year, the tradition of setting resolutions often leads us to aspire to transform various aspects of our lives – from our bodies and careers to our homes and hobbies. The pursuit of achievements, whether in exercise, work, activities, or social engagements, is a common theme. While the desire for improvement is commendable, it's crucial to recognize the potential pitfalls that accompany the pursuit of always more achievements.

The intention behind our New Year’s resolutions is key to better understand why we chose to focus our attention, efforts and resources in specific areas of our lives. Are we looking to lose weight to be healthier or to be accepted? Do we want to earn more money to go on a fun vacation with loved ones, to keep up with the Joneses or to feel safe? These questions are important ones for anyone who wants to escape the rat race and the treadmill to nowhere in 2024.

Read on to learn more about the research behind the pitfalls of New Year’s resolutions and discover helpful strategies to help you navigate 2024.

Drawing on insights from the work of neuropsychologist Julia DiGangi, a significant area of focus is on understanding how individuals respond to stress and the impact of self-defeating behaviors, which she refers to as the "Overs." These encompass familiar habits like overworking, overachieving, overthinking, overexplaining, overgiving, overcommitting, and overaccommodating.

The Overs, in essence, are coping mechanisms aimed at creating psychological safety. When faced with anxiety, stress, frustration, or uncertainty, our brain's threat networks activate, prompting compensatory behaviors to alleviate fear. For example, overworking may be a response to the stress associated with potential disapproval from a boss.

Microdosing psilocybin is an helpful practice to find more success without the harmful effects of the “Overs”. Order the Brain Power Microdose for an optimal 2024

However, the very Overs intended for self-protection often become a source of psychological danger in our lives. High-achievers acknowledge the negative impact of overfunctioning but justify it as necessary for staying "relevant" or "on top." Regardless of the terminology, the underlying neurobiology remains the same: overdoing harms our well-being.

The brain's powerful cravings can perpetuate overfunctioning. Consider overachieving – often believed to enhance productivity. Surprisingly, a 2018 meta-analysis revealed no correlation between actual performance and the perfectionism typical of overachievers. Furthermore, overachieving carries significant costs for mental and physical health.

To break free from the grip of the Overs in the coming year, it's essential to recognize them as safety-seeking mechanisms. Understanding the deeper psychological needs driving our behavior can pave the way for much-needed balance.

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Here are some strategies to help you overcome overdoing in your life:

Heal Your Feelings Of Being Unsafe: Microdosing psilocybin is a key component in healing emotional and psychological wounds. By combining mirodosing with safety-focused tapping, journaling, visualization and guided meditation (as presented in The Microdose Diet) or with coaching and therapy, you will experience a greater sense of safety and less anxiety.
Set New Boundaries: Decide on a new boundary and anticipate initial discomfort. Overfunctioning is a hypervigilance strategy, and challenging it requires expecting temporary distress. Habituating to the new boundary is crucial for breaking the cycle of fear-driven behavior.
Differentiate Between Danger and Dislike: Recognize the difference between genuine danger and mere dislike. While creating new boundaries may lead to real consequences, avoiding negative feelings can be more harmful in the long run. Distinguishing between real danger and discomfort is key for personal growth.
Be Your Own Authority: Acknowledge that you might be the most influential force in your life. Overfunctioning often stems from seeking external validation, permission, or mood for psychological safety. Realizing that our inner authority is the most powerful determinant of our safety is essential for regaining control.

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As we embark on the New Year, let's challenge the notion that doing more is always better. Growth is indeed desirable, but true progress lies in understanding the role of fear in driving our behavior. By cultivating a conscious awareness of our brain's mechanisms, we can build a lasting sense of inner security – the ultimate goal for the year ahead.

The mindful practice of microdosing psilocybin supports your mood in order to reach psychological safety. Order the Brain Power Microdose for an optimal 2024

Happy New Year!!

Once you've finished the episode, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment to share your views

You can also listen to the episode here, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

P.S. Do you know someone who would enjoy The Microdose Diet podcast? Feel free to share this newsletter by clicking the link below and hitting the button on this post to help me support more people on Substack

About The Microdose Diet

I am Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and VC who spent 20 years in the financial services and technology industries. I now speak and write about the benefits of alternative medicines, such as microdosing psilocybin, for professional and personal growth. I created More! The Microdose Diet - the 90 Day Plan for Success, Passion and Happiness My book will be published in 2024 and available for pre-order on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com in November 2023.

Thanks for reading, listening, and watching