Set the Setting: May 2023

Meme drop, Catch me IRL at EDC Las Vegas, Remodeling OMG, Set the Setting Guest Playlist: Serenity, Queering Psychedelic Recap, Barry's Bootcamp #200, Meet Astin

Meme of the Month

EHRMAGERD! I’m about to go to my 10th Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) Las Vegas!

Catch me IRL at EDC Las Vegas

Over the past 10 years, EDC has been - hands down - the single most influential music festival in my life. Honestly, it’s hard to put into words just how impactful this community has been for me.

• EDC is the place where, more than anywhere in the world, I have felt the deepest sense of belonging and inclusion.

• EDC is where I first felt the inspiration and conviction to work in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion field; that while I was capable of doing many things, my truest passion lies in bringing people together in peace, love, unity and respect.

• EDC is a psychedelic-forward community that restores my faith in humanity. It’s a psychedelic experience in a diverse audience, at scale. When I think about the ways to scale psychedelic healing with access in mind - I think about EDC.

Never been to an EDC before? Here’s one of my favorite trailers. Their slogan is “All Are Welcome Here” - a core message of inclusion that rings true every year:

Remodeling OMG

When I was 29, I took the plunge and bought a “starter home” in SF. Mom encouraged me to get a 7/1 adjustable rate mortgage (“you’ll be ready to move on after 7 years.”) Since then, I have worked myself harder and harder; amassing enough resources to put a down payment on my next home. A bigger, nicer home.

But after my ayahuasca retreat last year - I asked myself… do I want to work any harder than I’m already working? The answer: NOOO! I will always be a person motivated to succeed and achieve, but being on a trajectory of constant striving would not serve the future vision of my ideal life. I love my small home, so I decided to remodel; infusing more magic and comfort into what I already have.

In 3-4 months time (cross your fingers…), I’m going to be so pumped to show off my renovated kitchen and bathroom. Thank you to Scot, my contractor at Velox Construction, for inspiring and educating me as I navigate all the complexities. I want to thank Kathleen, my designer at KAG Designs, for dreaming with me - but also keeping me grounded in my design choices. Thank you to Brandon, at DiversiFi Capital, for preparing me financially for this investment. I also have to thank Yannick, my life coach, for helping me decide this was something I truly wanted - 7 years ago. The legendary Herman, my celebrity real estate agent. And mom and dad for help with the down payment. I couldn’t have done it without you, literally!

My empty kitchen and bathroom, purging some old clothes, and a note from Ken and Andrew to “Leave all that bullshit behind.”

Set the Setting Guest Playlist: Serenity

For this month’s Set the Setting playlist, I’ve been relying on an old favorite to calm my central nervous system. Between my day job, consulting projects, and remodel — the playlist I want to share with you is called “Serenity.” It’s a beautiful playlist on its own accord: acoustics, ballads, throwbacks and covers that will give you all the feels.

But what makes this playlist extra special is that it reminds me of one of my best friends, Garrett. If you know Garrett, you just went “awwwwwww” didn’t you? Garrett and I have been friends since college, but since moving to San Francisco, our friendship has become even more meaningful to me. One of the many things I love about Garrett is his integrated masculine and feminine energy that manifests through how he curated this playlist. When you want to feel held, supported, stronger and balanced - seek Serenity.

Queering Psychedelics Recap

Last month, I attended my first Queering Psychedelics Conference. Yes, there is an entire conference dedicated to the voices of queer visionaries within the psychedelic community. I have to shout out Bia (pictured center) for organizing such a powerful event with a strong intellectual vision. Her organization, Chacruna, was an online resource that encouraged me to pursue DEI within psychedelics.

Between her and Kevin (pictured right - who puts on the Horizons Psychedelics Conference), I can attest that one of the best ways to understand the power of psychedelic healing from various perspectives and identities is to go to a well-run psychedelic conference.

One of the most insightful sessions was led by Justin Natoli, LMFT. His session was called “Psychedelic spirituality of kink, polyamory and sex positivity” and catalyzed a reframing of how I am approaching what I’m looking for in romantic partnership. I can’t wait to re-watch the recording - and also see him present at Psychedelic Science 2023 next month!

Barry’s Bootcamp #200

I first discovered Barry’s Bootcamp in London and I’ve been hooked ever since! The Culture Amp office was in the same building as the Shoreditch location so Gudrun, Dylan, Nick and Grace dragged me along. Yes, it’s a little cult-y; but no, I don’t have any Barry’s-themed clothing. Yes, the shakes are delicious; but no, they are not affordable (but we buy them anyway)!

I got a lot of love from Barry’s on my 200th class. I think they’re celebrating how much money I’ve spent there, but regardless, it did feel extra special! I decided to do my 200th class with my favorite instructor of all 61 that I’ve taken - Trish. She always puts a smile on my face and for #200, she played 3 of my requests (Seek Bromance, Ocean, and Dreams). We’ll definitely be seeing each other on the dance floor at EDC!

Meet Astin, Bauer’s Emotional Support Animal

Bauer does best when he has a buddy. He really hates being home alone. For the past few months, we’ve been part-time hosting Astin, my brother’s blue-tinted frenchie. I like to think that Bauer and Astin have a relationship that resembles my childhood relationship with my brother. They have independent traits, they get along in bits and spurts (they annoy each other too), and they have a bond that will last a lifetime!

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