A Productive Conversation

Paul Austin Talks About Microdosing Psychedelics for Productivity and Creativity


Listen Later

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Austin to dive into the intriguing world of microdosing psychedelics. We explore the potential benefits and risks, the historical and modern connections between psychedelics and technological innovation, and the broader implications for productivity and creativity in the workplace.

Microdosing has become a hot topic, and Paul provides insights into how substances like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD can enhance performance, heal trauma, and boost creativity. We also discuss the need for greater acceptance and understanding of microdosing, emphasizing safe and responsible use. This conversation sheds light on how microdosing might transform our approach to productivity and creativity.

Key Discussion Points

  • Microdosing for Productivity: Paul and I discuss how microdosing psychedelics can enhance focus and flow, leading to improved workplace productivity.
  • Historical Influence on Technology: We explore the significant impact of psychedelics on the development of technology, including computers and the internet, with examples from notable figures like Steve Jobs.
  • Enhancing Creativity: Paul highlights how psychedelics can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, with applications in design thinking at leading innovation centers.
  • Eastern vs. Western Perspectives: Our discussion contrasts Western and Eastern approaches to productivity and personal growth, finding a middle ground through microdosing.
  • Shifting Societal Attitudes: Paul points out the growing acceptance of psychedelics for therapeutic use, supported by influential voices and increasing public approval.
  • Overcoming Fear and Stigma: We talk about the role of microdosing in overcoming fear-based limitations and the importance of education to break the taboo surrounding psychedelics.
  • Resources for Learning: Paul shares recommended books and resources for those interested in exploring the potential benefits of psychedelics further.


    As we wrap up, it's clear that microdosing psychedelics holds great promise for enhancing productivity, creativity, and personal growth. Paul's insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can responsibly integrate these practices into our lives to achieve better outcomes.

    Links Worth Exploring

    • Connect with Paul: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram
    • Get Paul's Book: Mastering Microdosing: How to Use Sub-Perceptual Psychedelics to Heal Trauma, Improve Performance, and Transform Your Life
    • Recommended Read #1: What the Dormouse Said
    • Recommended Read #2: From Counterculture to Cyberculture
    • Check out The Third Wave: Click here
    • Related Conversation: Episode 347: The Transparency Wave with Paul Pagnato
    • Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

    • Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

      Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

      Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


      Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

      If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

      ...more
      View all episodesView all episodes
      Download on the App Store

      A Productive ConversationBy Mike Vardy

      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2
      • 4.2

      4.2

      101 ratings


      More shows like A Productive Conversation

      View all
      Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

      Good Life Project

      3,330 Listeners

      Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod by Hal Elrod

      Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod

      1,331 Listeners

      Organize 365 Podcast by Lisa Woodruff

      Organize 365 Podcast

      1,308 Listeners

      The Productivity Show by Asian Efficiency

      The Productivity Show

      508 Listeners

      Happier with Gretchen Rubin by Gretchen Rubin / The Onward Project

      Happier with Gretchen Rubin

      12,888 Listeners

      Getting Things Done by GTD®

      Getting Things Done

      458 Listeners

      Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast by Clutterbug

      Clutterbug - Real-Life Hacks and Tips to Declutter, Organize and Clean your Home Fast

      2,012 Listeners

      The ONE Thing by Keller Podcast Network

      The ONE Thing

      1,120 Listeners

      Best of Both Worlds Podcast by iHeartPodcasts

      Best of Both Worlds Podcast

      757 Listeners

      The Science of Happiness by PRX and Greater Good Science Center

      The Science of Happiness

      1,883 Listeners

      Deep Questions with Cal Newport by Cal Newport

      Deep Questions with Cal Newport

      1,302 Listeners

      Best Laid Plans by Sarah Hart-Unger

      Best Laid Plans

      785 Listeners

      How to Be a Better Human by TED

      How to Be a Better Human

      1,369 Listeners

      All It Takes Is A Goal by Jon Acuff

      All It Takes Is A Goal

      1,418 Listeners

      The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

      The Mel Robbins Podcast

      19,436 Listeners