🍄 Welcome to Your Weekly Dose of The Microdose Diet Inspiration
Where health meets success! I’m Peggy Van de Plassche, and after two decades in finance and tech, I’ve redefined personal and professional growth through health and mental health optimization.
✨ Prevention, promotion, personalization, and natural solutions are my first lines of defense for staying healthy, happy—and yes, even wealthy. 😉
As individuals and companies, stronger health means greater success. As members of society, we have the power to shape a healthcare system that prioritizes prevention, promotes well-being, and embraces natural, personalized solutions.
This is the conversation we’re having on The Microdose Diet podcast: health as the foundation of success + the future of health.
Let’s explore the tools and strategies to help you thrive while shaping the future of wellness. 🚀
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past few weeks, it's been impossible to miss Musk’s seemingly ubiquitous announcements regarding the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) that he will be (co-?) leading for the new Trump administration.
First, please do me this favor: the next time you read/hear such announcements, pinch yourself and ask yourself: 1) how much of it even makes any sense 🤔; 2) how much you like being hypnotized and manipulated; 3) who benefits from it.
I have to say, the headline “Elon Musk’s DOGE Seeks “High-IQ Revolutionaries” Willing to Work 80 Hours a Week for Free” was really catnip for my brain. I’m not even sure where to start.
Maybe with the stereotypical elitist, delusional, and toxically masculine ideal of “High-IQ Revolutionaries.” I can already see the bros lining up, puffing out their chests, eager to finally be recognized for the geniuses they are. And if you believe that Musk’s angle is positive for you, your husband, your son, your brother, or any men in your life, have a read and think again: 🙅Breaking Down Stereotypes: How the Patriarchy is Failing Men.
The use of the word “revolutionary” was quite intriguing too, especially now that economic inequalities in the US starkly remind us of pre-revolutionary France. Considering the outcomes of that revolution for the top echelon and that Elon Musk is at the very top of the US pyramid, this is an "interesting" choice of words.
“Free” was also quite mind-boggling. Who can work for free in the U.S.?! For context, as of 2024, the average debt per American adult was around $66,772, with student loans averaging $37,000 per borrower. ~28% of Americans had less than $1,000 in savings. Of course, if you are part of the lucky few, this "value proposition" is definitely more palatable. Which also means that the DOGE will be populated by individuals privileged enough to work for free, and that the decisions made will likely favor these same individuals. Furthermore, as a society, what does free labor mean? If you aggregate all the unpaid (and underpaid) schemes, this is a race to the bottom where people need to have 2 or 3 jobs just to survive, or in the hope that they will make it at some point. This is not the American Dream, this is an exploitative treadmill where some people earn a lot of money on the back of others. Actually not everything is free at the DOGE: Applications are being accepted exclusively through X. To apply, you must have a verified X account, which requires a subscription to X Premium, which costs from $32 to $168. Et Voila! Someone is for sure making some money here!
And the cherry on top: “Work 80 Hours a Week.” An 80-hour workweek translates to approximately 13.5 hours per day, assuming a single day off. Musk himself has claimed to work 120 hours a week, equating to over 17 hours daily without respite. So I want to call BS 🚩 on 1) these big numbers; 2) the definition of working; 3) glorifying working oneself to the bone. Who is really working 80 hours/week? And I’m not referring to being at the office (or asleep in front of one’s computer), who is actually productively working 80 hours/week? Yes, it is still damaging to waste time at the office or constantly look at one’s phone, but this is not “working.” It reminds me of my corporate days, which aren’t that far behind me, when colleagues would systematically answer “Busy” when asked how they were doing, as if it were a badge of honor. Let’s be real once and for all: no one can work productively and sustainably 80 hours/week or more, and none should strive for it either! So please, the next time you are asked how your day is, please talk about your vacation, your cat, or even your office lover, and spare everyone the dreaded “Busy” with all that it implies.
So, bottom line, the next time you come in contact with this type of announcement, go back to First Principles—what is really, really, really true? Very simple: you are 100% being manipulated and likely going to get screwed. 😫
Now that I’ve gotten out of my system the “let’s use this magical thing called a brain 🧠” and the “critical thinking is actually a beautiful thing ✨,” let’s talk further about this awfully damaging idea that working 80 hours/week is glamorous, great, and even necessary to succeed.
Want more time to actually live instead of just working? Explore ways to boost your brainpower sustainably with The Brain Power Microdose and the Legal Brain Power Microdose, designed to enhance focus and productivity without the burnout.
💀Calling BS on the Hustle Myth: Because Apparently, We All Want to Die at Our Desks
Calling BS on these "glamorous" (let's be brutally honest: stupid, irresponsible, and outright lying) announcements is more critical than ever. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion, except the train is full of sleep-deprived, stimulant-addled individuals.
Almost a year ago, I graced the world with a newsletter titled "☠️ Deadliest Substance on Wall Street Revealed: A Deep Dive into Corporate Abuse." (It’s still a banger, if I do say so myself). In it, I pointed out the obvious: adderall, alcohol, and Zyn are slowly turning Wall Street into a zombie apocalypse. Shockingly, nothing much has changed.
As if on cue, yesterday the WSJ decided to remind us all that we’re doomed with a front-page story: "The Drugs Young Bankers Use to Get Through the Day—and Night." Apparently, downing enough uppers to tranquilize a rhino is the secret to success in finance. Who knew? This insightful piece highlighted the widespread use of performance-enhancing substances to maintain the utterly deranged work rhythm championed by our dear Elon and the rest of the tech and finance overlords. It also casually mentioned the devastating impact this has on human beings – you know, those squishy things with feelings and a need for sleep.
Who's to Blame for This Beautiful Mess? 🤔
Let's play a little game of "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," except the donkey is a metaphor for societal collapse:
A Society That Worships at the Altar of Wealth 🤑: North American society has a serious wealth fetish. We practically canonize billionaires while simultaneously ignoring the fact that they’re probably powered by the tears of overworked and underpaid interns.
Hustle Culture, Brought to You by Silicon Valley Snake Oil Salesmen 🐍: Silicon Valley gurus are basically peddling snake oil disguised as "disruption." Their gospel of endless hustle promises untold riches, as long as you’re willing to sacrifice your sanity, health, and personal life. What a bargain!
Companies That Demand the Impossible (and Then Some): Businesses are like vampires, constantly sucking the life force out of their employees in pursuit of ever-increasing profits. It’s a beautiful system, really. I recommend this wonderful piece (another one, I know, I am so prolific and insightful!): ☠️Are Corporations Gaslighting Psychopaths?
Investors Who Only Speak the Language of ROI: Investors, bless their hearts, only care about one thing: money. They’re like those cartoon dogs with dollar signs for eyes, except instead of chasing bones, they’re chasing quarterly earnings.
Doctors Who Hand Out Adderall Like Candy 🍬: Let’s not forget the medical professionals who are more than happy to prescribe performance-enhancing drugs to anyone who can feign a little "focus" trouble. It’s a win-win: the patient gets a quick fix, and Big Pharma gets richer.
People Like Musk, Who Think Sleep Is for the Weak 😴➡️❌: And then there’s Elon, the poster child for overwork. He not only boasts about his own insane work schedule but also seems to genuinely believe that everyone else should follow suit. It’s like he’s trying to single-handedly usher in a new era of corporate Darwinism.
Hollywood's Unhelpful Portrayal of Success 🎬: Let's not forget the movies and pop culture that constantly reinforce the idea that career commitment means eating shit for years, not sleeping, being divorced three times, and backstabbing your way to the top. Apparently, a corner office is ample compensation for a completely desolate personal life.
This whole situation is a dumpster fire 🔥, but hey, at least it’s entertaining. It’s time to stop pretending that working ourselves to death is glamorous or necessary, because, let's face it, some people actually fall for that BS. I know—I was one of them! Let’s aim for a world where we can actually enjoy our lives instead of just grinding them away in the name of productivity. Maybe then, we won't need so many drugs just to make it through the day.
Sustainable productivity is key to having more time for what matters. Discover ways to enhance your mental stamina and focus with The Brain Power Microdose and the Legal Brain Power Microdose, for a brain boost without sacrificing your well-being.
🍄🟫The Irony of Legal vs. Illegal (and the Pursuit of Sustainable Performance)
Speaking of drugs… I’ve talked before about the benefits of microdosing psilocybin for mental health, stamina, and focus. I’ve also emphasized the importance of carefully managing my workload to avoid burnout. High-level performance requires balance, not relentless pushing. While I thrive on crystal-clear focus and laser-sharp concentration, I certainly can’t maintain that intensity for even eight hours a day. It’s simply too much for my body and mind to handle. I prioritize regular breaks, play tennis, spend time outdoors—in short, I’m extremely mindful of not abusing my mental focus and stamina to the point of exhaustion. My goal isn’t to push myself to the absolute limit; it’s to achieve the same level of output with less work, more creativity, and more importantly, in a sustainable way.
Now, the irony here probably isn’t lost on you: microdosing psilocybin is illegal in most places. Yet, adderall, a prescribed drug, is widely available (despite being classified as a Schedule II drug in the US, putting it on par with cocaine and opioids). Let that sink in for a moment. A naturally occurring substance with promising research into its therapeutic potential is heavily restricted, while a powerful stimulant with a high potential for abuse is readily prescribed, often for questionable reasons. This just highlights the twisted logic of our current system. We demonize certain substances while readily embracing others, often based on outdated stigmas and lobbying power rather than scientific evidence. This is not a blanket endorsement of psilocybin use for everyone, but rather a call to question the arbitrary lines we've drawn around what constitutes "acceptable" drug use. The real question should be about safety, efficacy, and individual needs, not moralistic judgments.
On this uplifting, thought-provoking note I am wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season!
Transforming Health and Success: Meet Peggy Van de Plassche
I’m Peggy Van de Plassche, a former banker and venture capitalist with 20 years of experience in financial services, technology, and public service. Today, I leverage my expertise in navigating innovation, highly regulated environments, and large-scale transformation to bring fresh solutions to the healthcare space.
I focus on two core areas:
1️⃣ Advising Large Organizations: I work with companies and public service entities to navigate the tectonic shifts in healthcare, driving systemic improvements through innovation, technology, and strategic insights.
2️⃣ Empowering Individuals and Companies: I help leaders, professionals, and teams achieve greater success by strengthening their physical and mental health. This means calming the body, rewiring the brain, mastering emotions, and raising energy to unlock their full potential.
How I Can Help You
📘 Order My Book: MORE! The Microdose Diet, The 90-Day Plan for More Success, Passion, and Happiness—a comprehensive guide to personal transformation. Available on Amazon and Indigo.
🤝 Work With Me:
For Organizations: Let’s strategize on healthcare system improvements, from leveraging technology to embracing patient-centric models.
For Individuals and Teams: My 90-day coaching programs (one-on-one or group) focus on achieving optimal mental and physical health for sustained success.
🎤 Keynotes and Workshops: Bring actionable insights to your organization with “Microdosing for Personal and Professional Development” or customized workshops on health-driven performance.
🧠 Try Brain Power Microdose: Enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and elevate creativity with this science-backed supplement.
💻 Explore My Online Course: The Microdose Diet: The 90-Day Plan for More Career Success, Passion, and Happiness is a proven system to transform your health and career trajectory.
A Trusted Voice in Health and Wellness Innovation
My work bridges the worlds of healthcare reform and individual wellness. With two decades of experience in technology and public service, I offer a unique perspective to help organizations navigate seismic changes in healthcare while empowering individuals to thrive in their personal and professional lives.
I believe true success begins with a foundation of strong mental and physical health. Whether through advising large organizations or guiding individuals, my approach focuses on creating tangible, lasting impact.
Let’s Work Together
📨 Whether you’re a leader in the healthcare space looking for strategic advice or an individual seeking personal growth, I’d love to help.
Follow me on Twitter and Instagram for thought leadership, actionable tips, and behind-the-scenes insights.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is for inspiration and information. Always consult a medical professional for health-related decisions.
Here’s to reshaping health, redefining success, and building a better future.
Peggy 🌟
