73. DMT vs. Ayahuasca: What Women Should Know Before Trying These Psychedelics

In this episode of The High Guide, April Pride dives into the difference between DMT and ayahuasca—two powerful psychedelic medicines with distinct effects and use cases. Whether you're considering a quick, metaphysical DMT experience or the extended ritual of an ayahuasca ceremony, April unpacks what to expect physically, emotionally, and spiritually. From the compound dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to vomiting in sacred circles, she shares her personal experiences with both and offers guidance for women navigating midlife transitions who are curious but cautious about psychedelics. Listen in for story-rich insights, trip tips, and a clear-eyed view of what these entheogens might unlock.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-DMT is short and intense—often just 5–15 minutes, yet capable of transporting users to alien realities.

-Ayahuasca lasts longer (5–8 hours) and is typically consumed in a ceremonial context with physical purging.

-Both medicines contain DMT, but the route, experience, and integration needs are radically different.

-DMT is best for experienced users with a solid set and setting. It can be traumatic without prep.

-Ayahuasca may be more approachable for those seeking deep healing over peak visual experiences.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/dmt-vs-ayahuasca

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

72. Preparing for a Psychedelic Journey Safely

How do you create a safe psychedelic experience—and why do so many women turn to psilocybin during major life transitions? In this episode of Of Like Minds, host April Pride walks us through the must-know components of preparing for a psychedelic journey, from curating your environment to setting clear intentions. With deeply moving stories from three women exploring psilocybin for healing—from grief to ancestral connection—this episode blends practical prep with soul-level insights. You’ll hear how mindset, music, and memory all play a role in ensuring a safe, profound trip, plus how tools like the SetSet game can deepen your experience. Whether you’re preparing for your first or fiftieth journey, this one is essential listening.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-The top deterrent to trying psychedelics is fear of a bad trip—this episode offers tools to prevent it.

-Mindset, environment, and dosage—known as “set and setting”—are the cornerstones of a safe, intentional journey.

-April introduces the SetSet game: a card-based tool to make psychedelic prep more playful and embodied.

-Three women share personal stories of using psilocybin to heal trauma, reconnect with ancestors, and process loss.

-Trip prep tips include sensory care, fasting, journaling, and trusting your inner guides.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/preparing-for-a-psychedelic-journey-safely

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

71. Can Psychedelics Heal Trauma? Inside the Rise of Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

What if you could rewire trauma at the root—not just manage symptoms? In this episode of The High Guide, April Pride breaks down the science, stories, and soul behind psychedelic assisted trauma therapy. From her own healing with ketamine and psilocybin to powerful interviews with women navigating PTSD from childbirth, loss, and COVID-era chaos, this episode shows how psychedelics can catalyze deep mind-body recovery. Whether you're new to plant medicine or looking to go deeper in integration, this episode will shift how you understand your trauma—and your path forward.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Psychedelics go deeper than cannabis by addressing the root of trauma—mental and physical.

-Ketamine and psilocybin have shown promise in disrupting pain loops and trauma patterns.

-Women are more likely to experience PTSD and are turning to psychedelic therapy in higher numbers.

-Healing involves more than a trip: integration, community, and self-inquiry are essential.

-Even if formal therapy isn’t accessible, psychedelics at home with intention can be transformative.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psychedelic-therapy-for-trauma

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

70. What No One Tells You About Consent in Psychedelic Therapy

Psychedelics can open new worlds—but without clear boundaries and informed consent, they can also expose deep vulnerabilities. In this powerful close to our three-part series, April Pride speaks with journalist Jennifer Chesak, author of The Psilocybin Handbook for Women, about the complex terrain of psychedelic therapy consent. They address an urgent, often unspoken truth: sexual abuse is happening in the psychedelic space, and women are disproportionately impacted. From vetting your guide to the FRIES consent framework, this episode offers real talk for anyone considering psilocybin-assisted therapy. Clear-eyed and compassionate, this conversation is essential listening for women navigating healing in altered states.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Sexual abuse is an open secret in psychedelic therapy. The lack of regulation and secrecy around facilitators creates risk, especially for women.

-Always vet your guide. Look for facilitators who ask detailed intake questions, work in pairs (ideally gender-balanced), and respect boundaries without pushback.

-The FRIES model reframes consent: Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, and Specific.

-Set the tone before the trip. All touch or physical proximity should be discussed before the session begins. Anything said under the influence doesn’t count as consent.

-Safety isn’t just physical. Emotional, spiritual, and psychological safety are just as critical in psychedelic settings. Choose your setting—and people—wisely.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/consent-in-psychedelic-therapy

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

What's the deal with shrooms and breastfeeding? In Part 2 of 3 with guest Jennifer Chesak, author of the recently published The Psilocybin Handbook for Women discusses this pressing topic with host April Pride as well as the broader concern of motherhood and psilocybin. Jennifer offers a fresh, raw, and authentic perspective that resonates with all women concerning motherhood in every way. From the highs to the lows, this episode leaves no stone unturned.

After listening to this episode, you'll have a better understanding of:

• Explore the nuances of consent in intimate relationships, how to communicate effectively, and the importance of enthusiastic and ongoing agreement.
• Learn how to identify, communicate, and respect personal boundaries, fostering healthier connections and enhancing overall well-being.
• Gain insights into navigating challenging discussions around sex and boundaries with partners, fostering mutual understanding and growth.
• Discover how increasing your knowledge about sexual health, consent, and boundaries can increase confidence, better decision-making, and more fulfilling relationships.

WEB getsetset.com

IG @getsetset

YOUTUBE @getsetset

EMAIL [email protected]

Created & Hosted by April Pride 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

68. Psilocybin for Women: How Mushrooms May Shift Hormones, Cycles & Mental Health

What if psilocybin didn’t just affect your mind—but your menstrual cycle, too? In this episode of The High Guide, host April Pride is joined by Jennifer Chesak, medical journalist and author of The Psilocybin Handbook for Women, to explore how psilocybin uniquely affects female physiology. From syncing journeys to ovulation to exploring its potential for chronic pain, eating disorders, and emotional rigidity, this conversation blends science and indigenous wisdom through the lens of “Two-Eyed Seeing.” The result? A clearer, more empowering understanding of how psilocybin for women can support real healing—not just symptom management.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Women often turn to psilocybin to self-treat conditions tied to chronic stress, pain, and disordered eating.

-Cannabis may ease symptoms (like appetite loss and pain), but psilocybin helps shift the root patterns in the brain.

-Timing journeys with ovulation may reduce challenging trips and improve outcomes due to hormonal shifts and stress response.

-Psilocybin affects both the HPA (stress) and HPG (reproductive) axes, possibly regulating cycles and easing PMS, PMDD, and PCOS symptoms.

-Anecdotes and emerging research show promise for cycle regulation, emotional flexibility, and healing eating disorders with psilocybin.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psilocybin-for-womens-health-hormones

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

67. What Entrepreneurs Get Wrong About Drug Policy Reform

What happens when entrepreneurs get ahead of drug policy reform? In this episode, April Pride talks with Steve Rolles, senior policy analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation, to unpack the politics, public health trade-offs, and pitfalls that can derail even the best-intentioned psychedelic ventures. Drawing on decades of experience advising governments in Canada, Uruguay, and Europe, Steve shares what works (and what backfires) when legal markets take shape. From avoiding monopolies to de-risking edibles, this episode is essential listening for anyone building in psychedelics—or advocating for safer, smarter regulation worldwide.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Drug policy reform succeeds when entrepreneurs align with public health—not just profit.

-Edibles that resemble candy can create political backlash and stall global reform.

-Canada’s phased rollout is a model: regulate flower first, introduce riskier products later.

-Monopolies and industry lobbying distort policymaking—reform must center the public good.

-Legalization isn’t a finish line: implementation shapes whether reform truly delivers on its promises.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psychedelics-drug-policy-reform-explained

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

66. Inside Psychedelic Science 2023: What 12,000 People Taught Us About the Future of Tripping

What does the future of psychedelics look like when 12,000 curious, committed people gather under one roof? In this episode of The High Guide, April Pride takes you deep into Psychedelic Science 2023—from late-night convos to main stage moments. You’ll hear from integration guide Natasha Lannerd and microdose coach Susan Rob, plus get a brainy strain review of Enigma mushrooms. Whether you’re new to the space or have been doing the inner work for years, this recap captures the vibe, the vision, and the science shaping the next psychedelic decade.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-This year’s Psychedelic Science conference drew 12,000+ attendees, solidifying psychedelics as a global movement, not a passing trend.

-Experts emphasized regulation over decriminalization—harm reduction isn’t enough without a safe supply.

-The culture is catching up with legacy underground practitioners finally receiving their due on center stage.

-Psychedelics and AI are emerging side by side—both demanding ethical use and intentional design.

-From neuroplasticity to novel compounds like 2C-B and ASR 3001, the science is evolving fast.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack: https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psychedelic-science-conference-2023

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetse

65. Psilocybe Ghosts & the Shadow Self: A Trip Toward Integration

How do you know when it’s time to face your shadow—and what does that even mean? In this episode of The High Guide, April Pride introduces Psilocybe cubensis Ghost, one of the most potent psilocybin strains used for inner work. With a mix of trip reports, strain history, and grounded psychological insights, April explains how this elusive “ghost” mushroom earned its name and reputation in shadow work. From ego dissolution to emotional patterns that won’t let go, this is a guide to uncovering the hidden parts of yourself—without losing your grip on reality.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Psilocybe cubensis Ghost is a rare, highly potent strain ideal for introspective or spiritual use.

-Shadow work involves exploring suppressed or unconscious aspects of yourself.

-High doses of Ghost can lead to ego dissolution—aka a "life-changing experience."

-This mushroom is best suited for experienced psychonauts or intentional deep dives.

-Six signs you may need shadow work include recurring emotional triggers and self-sabotage.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/psilocybe-ghosts-shadow-work-explained

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset

64. When the Shrooms Don’t Hit: What Kills Magic Mushroom Potency?

What happens when you take a “strong” mushroom strain and feel… nothing? In this episode of The High Guide, host April Pride shares a frustrating but enlightening trip report on Thrasher PE, a Penis Envy derivative that failed to deliver. She walks us through her personal experience (and the awkward text exchange with her former mushroom cultivator), explains how psilocybin potency can degrade, and offers trip tips to keep your stash fresh. If you’ve ever wondered why your dose didn’t hit—or how to avoid wasting good mushrooms—this episode’s for you.

🔵 Key Takeaways

-Not all mushrooms are created—or stored—equally. Potency can degrade due to heat, light, and oxygen exposure.

-A strain’s reputation doesn’t guarantee a good trip. Thrasher PE (a Penis Envy variant) delivered nothing but disappointment for April and four friends.

-Cultivation and storage matter. Mushroom “drug dealers” aren't always reliable about quality control.

-Dosing method impacts outcomes. Mixing psilocybin with dairy-free ice cream may have affected absorption.

-Trip tips include how to store psilocybin for max potency. Think cool, dark, airtight, and properly dried.

Learn more about this episode, including guests and resources on substack:https://aprilpride.substack.com/p/what-kills-magic-mushroom-potency

Hosted by April Pride

Sign up for April’s newsletter on Substack at https://aprilpride.substack.com/ or at getsetset.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow on IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@getsetset⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@getsetset