Latest news with #microdosing
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Doctors issue urgent warning about Ozempic 'secret' microdosing hack - amid claims it can cut side effects and even help people live longer
Doctors are warning there are multiple dangers to 'microdosing' weight-loss jabs. More and more patients have started self-administering lower-than-recommended doses in an effort to avoid side effects while still shedding weight. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is Everyone Ditching Alcohol for Shrooms?
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." I'd sunk into the leather couch after work for our usual 'wine' down with my girlfriends. It was the type of gathering where we'd typically share a bottle (or two) of our favorite red, but instead on her vintage coffee table next to a glowing Trudon candle, I saw a ziploc baggie filled with magic mushrooms (slender gray stems with rust-colored caps) and a rainbow Willy Wonka-like shroom chocolate bar. Under nutritional info the label read, 'INGREDIENTS: GOOD TIMES & LAUGHTER.' I offered to pass the bottle of wine, but my friends declined and skipped the nightcap for a mushroom cap, assuring me they were 'super mellow' if I wanted to try one. I wanted to be the cool girl who could 'shroom on a whim, but I'm a pragmatic researcher at heart (hence my job as a reporter). Amused by the chocolate bar packaging, I snapped a pic and shared it to my Instagram stories. Within minutes, my DMs lit up with hearts and messages. 'Ze best! I've been microdosing mushrooms for the last year. Life changing,' one message read. 'When I go out, I take them instead of drinking. I have more fun, I'm more giggly, there's no hangover and I wake up feeling happier and more energized—never anxious and the opposite of depressed. I've gotten probably 15 of my friends on it and they all agree, it's an easy way to cut down or cut out drinking altogether.' Had morel support become the new aperol spritz? Back in 2015, the Global Drug Survey found that 8.6 percent of respondents had used magic mushrooms. By 2021, this number had jumped to 16.1 percent. But most aren't going on full-on hallucinogenic trips, rather they are microdosing mushrooms to lift their mood and energy levels, and many see it as a healthier vice than booze. 'They just make you happy and you have a good time—it's not like alcohol where you're always needing more and chasing the buzz,' says a West coast hair stylist who started selling mushrooms about a year ago. 'Most of my customers are young, female, working professionals like me,' she adds. While the fungus may be trending now, our fascination with them is anything but new. Indigenous cultures around the world have been using magic mushrooms and other psychedelics for thousands of years for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Westerners began exploring their medical potential back in the 1950s, but were forced to abandon psychedelic research in the 60s—partly due to reckless use in young people and a backlash against the counterculture movement. Forty years later, research is finally making a comeback and the results are promising. The FDA officially designated psilocybin (the hallucinogenic compound in magic mushrooms) as a 'breakthrough therapy' for severe depression in 2018. Many scientists today see the drug as a new path forward in what's been a frustrating dead end for mental health. 'Treatment has been in a crisis for decades,' says Matthew Wayne Johnson, Ph.D. a professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins. 'Lifespan is decreasing and the two big reasons for that are suicide and addiction—and when you step back and ask what areas psychedelic therapy, like psilocybin, has promising effects for early on, it's things like depression, PTSD, alcohol, and tobacco.' Doses given in therapeutic settings (aka macrodoses) are much larger than a typical recreational dose, and are closely monitored to make the patient feel safe and reassure them if anxiety comes up—which does occur in about a third of cases, says Dr. Johnson. The lasting effects from these sessions are hard to ignore: Talk therapy paired with two macrodoses of psilocybin may reduce heavy drinking by 83 percent, according to new research out of New York University. Another study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found two macrodoses of the drug relieved major depressive disorder symptoms in adults for up to an entire year. And a smoking cessation study with psilocybin out of John Hopkins found a 67 percent abstinence rate after 12 months. A theory as to why: Mushrooms stimulate neuroplasticity in the brain. 'Psilocybin seems to make the brain more flexible and what you experience—your consciousness or what you're thinking and feeling—more flexible,' says Dr. Johnson. 'Regions in the brain that normally talk a lot will communicate less on psilocybin in favor of communicating with their distant neighbors more.' Meaning the brain makes connections and associations it doesn't normally make. This causes a perspective shift that appears to reduce excessive rumination and self-focus, which may allow people to escape unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. If these macrodoses have such potential, it seems reasonable to wonder whether microdoses could have perks too. The growing wellness trend involves ingesting very small amounts of psychedelics (roughly 0.1 to 0.5 g), like magic mushrooms or LSD which won't trigger hallucinations, but can give a burst of energy, creativity, and make the world feel like it's in 'high-def' in a way that benefits mood. That said, scientific research on the benefits of microdosing remains limited and results have been mixed. 'At this time, there is no strong empirical support for [microdosing's] effectiveness,' says Harriet De Wit, Ph.D. professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago. 'It is quite possible that the drug(s) have therapeutic potential, but currently most of our information comes from uncontrolled user reports.' Studies of microdosers that have shown improvements in mood, attention, and creativity are all self-reported—which means they can't eliminate the placebo effect (i.e. the bias or expectation the person had that microdosing would make them feel better). Julie Holland, MD a psychopharmacologist and author of Good Chemistry, says when compared to alcohol, the benefits are clear: mushrooms are anti-inflammatory, promote neuroplasticity, are non-toxic to the liver and brain (aka no hangovers), not particularly addictive, and because they don't cause the munchies, there's no added calories. But of course, she also notes that mushrooms are still illegal in 49 of 50 states, experiences can be heavily influenced by the setting or one's mood, and it could be harder to stay safe in an altered state when you are 'distracted by beautiful traffic lights.' Although adverse effects do appear to be rare, reports indicate there is evidence that microdosing can damage the heart over time. According to the 2021 Global Drug Survey, more than 77 percent of respondents who had microdosed mushrooms in the last year reported no unwanted effects. The survey also found that people taking magic mushrooms needed less emergency medical treatment than those using other recreational drugs, including alcohol and cannabis. As of January 1st, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to legalize the adult use of psilocybin; a similar law goes into effect in Colorado in 2024. That said, don't expect to see 'shroom dispensaries any time soon. These new laws don't allow for retail sales of magic mushrooms, only onsite consumption (for those over 21) in a supervised setting with 'certified mushroom facilitators.' (Those interested in other states do have the option of signing up for psilocybin clinical trials at In the meantime, the mushroom black market is happy to fill in the voids. In addition to gummies and chocolates, you can find 'shrooms freeze-dried, as teas, truffles, and capsules. Even venture capital firms have taken notice and are funneling money into startups developing psychedelic treatments—that aren't even legal yet—for everything from PTSD and smoking cessation to headaches, traumatic brain injury, eating disorders and Alzheimer's disease. 'I often take it before the gym because it gives me energy,' says a micro-dosing business owner and mother of two in San Diego. She says before shrooms, alcohol was 'the biggest crutch,' her go-to after a hard day. 'Now with mushrooms my mind doesn't even go there. Okay, I've a hard day? I'm gonna go home and take a bath and like go to bed early so I can wake up and go to the gym.' And there are other perks, she says with a laugh: 'I swear, if my kids ask 'do you wanna craft?' I'm like 'no.' But then I'll eat some mushrooms and suddenly I'm Martha fucking Stewart.' A version of this story appears in the April 2023 issue of ELLE. Shop Now You Might Also Like The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types 100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
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WIRED
28-05-2025
- Health
- WIRED
WIRED's Guide to Mushroom Supplements (the Functional Kind)
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. From ancient remedies to your Amazon cart, mushroom supplements have traveled a circuitous road. They nourish the body, enhance the mind, and occasionally poison the unlucky. Their biochemical adaptability has intrigued Eastern cultures for centuries. The West has been slow to embrace mushrooms until the 21st century, propelled in part by endorsements from celebrities like Gisele Bündchen and Gwen Stefani. Today, in a zeitgeist fixated on biohacking and self-optimization, mushrooms are now tools for functional wellness. Gone are the days of foraging and sautéing. Instead, we embrace microdosing. We're enjoying lion's mane in our adaptogenic lattes and mixing cordyceps into our post-workout smoothies, aiming to enhance our brains and upgrade our immune systems. Researchers are also exploring their potential applications, ranging from cancer therapies to supportive treatments for COVID-19. Power up with unlimited access to WIRED . Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe Today . Functional mushrooms, often referred to as medicinal or adaptogenic, offer more than just nutritional value. The excitement surrounding them isn't due to recent studies; their advantages have been recognized for years. What has shifted is the way they are presented, allowing for simpler integration into contemporary lifestyles without the need for cooking. Brands like RYZE and PlantFusion have played a significant role in transforming these fungi from traditional remedies to nootropic supplements. 'One of the OG brands was Four Sigmatic,' recalls Brigitte Zeitlin, a NYC-based nutritionist who has swapped caffeine for mushroom coffee and matcha tea. 'When they first hit shelves, people were like, 'Wait, we drink mushrooms now?'.' 'If you don't like the taste or can't find quality mushrooms at your store, supplements are a great second option,' she adds. 'Some people hate swallowing pills or are already taking too many, so powders are a great alternative because they're already broken down.' For as long as humans have been getting sick, they have relied on fungi as a means of healing. Hippocrates is said to have used amadou, a spongy fungus, to reduce inflammation. Ötzi the Iceman had amadou in his supplies (probably for fire-starting), along with birch polypore, which was likely used to fight intestinal parasites. Native American cultures pressed puffball mushrooms onto wounds to halt bleeding and aid healing. Additionally, they used tiger milk mushrooms to treat asthma. East Asian traditions have long used Phellinus fungi to treat digestive issues. Ganoderma lucidum —commonly known as reishi or lingzhi—was first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing , the oldest Chinese pharmacopeia written over two millennia ago, where it was classified as a tonic for anti-aging and boosting qi. In modern-day China, reishi is often recommended to support immune health in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. Inonotus obliquus —better known as chaga—has been a staple in traditional medicine among Indigenous communities across the world. Notably, native Siberians would grind up chaga and add it to teas, soups, and stews, believing it to ward off degenerative diseases. It was also a remedy for ulcers, liver ailments, and tuberculosis. Russian First Nations used it to slow the growth of visible tumors. Today, hunters in rural Russia still consume chaga to boost endurance on long treks. Nutritionists agree: food first. Whole mushrooms like maitake, shiitake, and lion's mane offer fiber and nutrients you won't get from supplements. Toss them into stir-fries, omelets, or soups. While supplements don't always deliver the same results, here are some of the health benefits seen with regular intake. A review of 17 cancer studies shows that consuming about 1/8 cup of mushrooms a day may lower your risk of cancer by as much as 45 percent. Fungi are packed with ergothioneine, an amino acid and antioxidant that slows cellular damage. Shiitake, oyster, maitake, and king oyster have some of the higher amounts of ergothioneine, but any variety of mushrooms is better than none. In a study in Singapore, participants who ate more than two cups of mushrooms (golden, oyster, shiitake, and white button) a week had a 50 percent lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. Unlike many foods that are broken down by stomach acid, the polysaccharides in fungi remain intact as they pass through the stomach. This allows them to reach the colon, where they can prompt the growth of healthy bacteria. Certain shrooms also provide vital nutrients that can support your overall well-being. Cremini and portabella are high in selenium, a mineral that produces antioxidant enzymes to prevent cell damage. Maitake mushrooms are a great source of vitamin D, and incorporate Shiitake into your diet for vitamin B6. Photograph:From nootropic lattes to adaptogenic powders, certain species have become stars in the wellness space. Here's what the research and experts have to say about the fungi dominating your feed. Chaga, a white-rot fungus that thrives on birch trees in northern climates, is recognized for its abundant antioxidants. 'If you have autoimmune issues like Hashimoto's or psoriasis, Chaga mushrooms are awesome because they reduce inflammation,' says Zeitlin. Though much of the research has been conducted in vitro or on animals, Chaga demonstrates promising antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that sprouts on larvae of insects. In wellness marketing, it's the performance mushroom and a favorite among athletes. Research suggests cordyceps may help improve stamina and post-workout recovery by boosting ATP production and oxygen efficiency in cells. But many of those claims are based on early-stage research and lab models. Marketed as brain food, lion's mane is rich in terpenes like hericenones and erinacines that boost the production of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein vital for the maintenance and regeneration of neurons. Preliminary research also indicates it may aid in nerve regeneration, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. It's important to note, though, since it might contain phytoestrogens that could activate estrogen-sensitive cells, those with a history of breast cancer should consult a physician before using it. Maitake (also known as hen-of-the-wood) contains beta-glucans that have been shown to activate lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and T-helper cells. Researchers are investigating its potential to help regulate blood pressure and blood sugar, particularly in individuals with metabolic issues. Zeitlin recommends maitake—and shiitake—mushrooms for those who have a history of chronic illnesses. Reishi is studied for calming effects and possible support for blood sugar and lung function, thanks to its high polysaccharide content. "Reishi mushrooms are [for] a general wellness boost," Zeitlin says. "If you're feeling stressed out, you get colds frequently, or it's spring season and your allergies are running amok, Reishi mushrooms are a supportive move." Behind their umami-rich bite is a potent wellness profile: these mushrooms deliver lentinan, an immune-boosting polysaccharide, and eritadenine, known for supporting heart health by lowering cholesterol. Shiitake also reduces inflammation markers like CRP (C-reactive protein) and IgA (Immunoglobulin A). Plus, they're packed with B vitamins to support energy, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. This colorful mushroom gets its name from its resemblance to a turkey tail's feather, and it's one of the most researched macrofungus in oncology. Turkey tail is rich in protein-bound polysaccharides (PBPs) that stimulate immune responses, particularly in the function of T-cells and NK cells. Courtesy of Four Sigmatic Like most supplements, timing your mushroom intake depends on the specific variety and what you're hoping to get out of it. Let's start with mornings. If you're caffeine-sensitive, mushrooms can be an energizing swap. Lion's mane is a go-to for AM focus (especially during workdays) for its ability to support brain health, and cordyceps is a popular pre-workout boost. 'Caffeine works by blocking the neurotransmitters that make us feel tired,' says Zeitlin, who regularly drinks mushroom coffee. 'It doesn't give us energy, it just stops the sensation of tiredness.' Chaga acts as a multitasker; it provides calmness without sedation, allowing it to enhance your morning coffee or offer an afternoon boost. Its earthy, mildly bitter taste has a coffee-like mouthfeel, contributing to its popularity. If you're looking for immune support, incorporate turkey tail in the morning to prepare your body for a day of commuting. Finally, reishi is typically consumed in the evening to help relax the body. In most cases, yes—while consuming mushrooms poses minimal risk for most people, unless you're allergic. Toss them into stir-fries, omelets, or soups. Concentrated mushroom supplements operate in murkier territory. The supplement industry is under-regulated in the U.S., and that lack of oversight extends to functional fungi. Labels may not always reflect what's inside the package. 'If you're going the supplement route, look for products with natural ingredients and some sort of third-party regulation,' says dietitian Laura Wargo. 'That gives you a clearer idea of what's actually in them.' Be sure to take them with food to avoid any gastrointestinal discomfort. 'Natural food is more bioavailable, and taking supplements with a meal can support better digestion,' Wargo says. If you can eat your mushrooms, eat your mushrooms. Supplements are great insurance, but not a replacement for a well-balanced diet. Supplements are great insurance, but not a replacement for a well-balanced diet. Think purpose over timing. Different mushrooms shine at different times, but no matter when you take them, consistency is key. Different mushrooms shine at different times, but no matter when you take them, consistency is key. Always check with your doctor first. Laura E. Wargo, RD, a registered dietitian at Northwestern Medicine Osher Center for Integrative Health in Chicago, Illinois. Brigitte Zeitlin, MPH, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at BZ Nutrition in New York City.
Wall Street Journal
24-05-2025
- Health
- Wall Street Journal
Why Some People Are Microdosing Popular Weight-Loss Drugs
Microdosing isn't just popular for psychedelics. Some consumers are taking smaller than standard doses of GLP-1s—the popular class of weight-loss and diabetes drugs that include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound—or spacing out doses longer than indicated.
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Nine Perfect Strangers' Season 2 Cast Talk Mental Health And Treatment
(Clockwise left to right) Nicole Kidman, Christine Baranski, Annie Murphy, King Princess, Murray ... More Bartlett, Lena Olin, Dolly de Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Lucas Englander, Mark Strong, Aras Aydin and Henry Golding at the "Nine Perfect Strangers" season 2 event held at The Beverly Estate on May 15, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Nearly four years after we were first introduced to the enigmatic healing guru Masha (played by Nicole Kidman) and her controversial treatment methods in season one of Nine Perfect Strangers, Masha is back to her ways with an entirely new group of strangers putting their trust in her, as they each strive to rise above their current mental health issues. Co-starring alongside Kidman are Christine Baranski, Annie Murphy, Mark Strong, Henry Golding, Murray Bartlett, King Princess, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Aras Aydin, Dolly de Leon, Lucas Englander and Lena Olin. Taking place at a wellness retreat in the Austrian Alps, Nine Perfect Strangers season two, which is now streaming on Hulu, features new stories of people from all walks of life, with universal themes of how past trauma, societal pressures and a questionable upbringing can directly impact one's personal identity moving forward. Sitting down for conversations with this fresh batch of talented and celebrated actors, I wondered what these creative individuals think about the use of micro-dosing and psychedelics within our real world and if their beliefs on these matters at all changed, following their experiences on this Nine Perfect Strangers series. Annie Murphy in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Murphy, who plays Imogen on Nine Perfect Strangers, said, 'I am such an advocate for mental health. If you need therapy, go to therapy. If you need antidepressants, please take antidepressants. If you need to ask for help, ask for help. I think fairly recently, luckily the stigma for asking for help is starting to melt away, but then there's this whole other avenue that's popped up of the greedy capitalist side of things - the therapy for gain and therapy for manipulation. I think that's the pocket that this show falls into - we never really know what Masha is up to and why she's up to it. So, it was very interesting to think about that side of things with this show - but then hallucinogenics and that kind of thing, I'm such a subscriber. I'm so fascinated by all of the research that's being done right now. I think it's such a positive and fascinating path forward and through things.' Christine Baranski in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Baranski, who plays Victoria, said, 'I totally agree with Annie. It has intrigued me. Whether I deep dive into it, I don't know - but I've played two characters now who have taken psilocybin. I think we're going to see more of it in narratives, because look what our show did - it allowed for some crazy scenes and crazy interactions and dangerous encounters, and that's people under the influence. So, it makes for interesting storytelling. I think this show is sort of in the vanguard of that sort of thing.' Maisie Richardson-Sellers, King Princess, Dolly de Leon, Murray Bartlett, Aras Aydin, Christine ... More Baranski, Annie Murphy and Henry Golding in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Playing Matteo on Nine Perfect Strangers, Aydin said, 'That was a great script, I think, and all the characters have a lot of trauma. We should have to face it. In my personal life, I have a sister - she's younger than me, maybe three years, and she's a good, successful therapist. I think there is an important job for health, for brain, for heart, for the people. So, as a person, we shouldn't run away from our past or sadness. It's so important for a person, I think.' Henry Golding in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Golding, who plays Peter, said, 'I hear like ketamine therapy and those kind of dosage - not really hallucinogenic kind of therapy - it's huge because some people have an issue releasing the information or whatever is sort of troubling them. I think to have a way of helping you ease or bring it out perhaps works for somebody. I've never tried it, personally. I haven't done therapy, either.' Richardson-Sellers, who plays Wolfie, said, 'I think it made me more weary, because I think in the wrong hands, these things can be dangerous and can actually do more harm than good. This one, I think we're saved by each other, almost - there's a lot of mutual therapizing, self-therapizing that happens. For my character, Wolfie, some of the biggest breakthroughs actually happen because of some of the other strangers - not because necessarily of Masha - but then again, she's got a bigger plan, so she has in that way constructed. We're all invited for a reason, but I'm intrigued. I would do some version of it with the right leader.' King Princess and Maisie Richardson-Sellers in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 King Princess, who plays Tina, said, 'Listen, I have a very complex relationship with Western medicine. I take it and I am on SSRIs, so I am somebody who relies on Western medicine, but I've also micro-dosed mushrooms and I find that I found it amazing. It was really helpful for me in my own mental health journey. What I like about this show - although I don't necessarily advise a Masha situation - I think that it's a really interesting conversation to open up about looking at historically, dating back thousands of years, how we dealt with medicine versus now, and how it's so deeply monetized and that you can't really trust Big Pharma. I think stuff like this is extremely important. I think people have the right to go and find alternative paths, other than be handed some pills, and I think that the world would be a better place if we did a little more mushrooms.' Dolly de Leon in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Playing Agnes on Nine Perfect Strangers, de Leon said after King Princess, 'She said it so well. I totally agree with her, 100%. I mean, Big Pharma always has to make money - and psilocybin, as well as cannabis, it's always been there as a medicinal tool. It's very natural but because of capitalism, it's not available to everyone. I am all for this kind of treatment, absolutely.' Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Murray Bartlett in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Bartlett, who plays Brian, said, 'I think anything that can help people deal with trauma, moving through whatever is blocking them, so long as it's not harmful to anyone else - that it's done in a way that's responsible and Masha is not running the show - I think is worth looking into. We all, I think, dug into what these kind of treatments are at the moment and there are several studies that have been done on psilocybin and other psychedelics that have been incredibly successful dealing with trauma and addiction, and dealing with severe illness. The proof is there, that this is sort of a gateway to dealing with those kinds of things in a different way, or a way that really hasn't been explored because it hasn't been allowed to be. So, it feels very current in that way and I think in the backdrop of this show being about people dealing with their trauma and trying to move through it and move beyond it. I think that's something that's super relatable and then using this kind of method brings it into the present in a really beautiful way, I think.' Mark Strong in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Strong, who plays David, said, 'Well, I'm a fan of wellness retreats, if you're going for health and medical reasons. I mean, being locked in a room with nine people all doing psychedelic drugs you've never met before is my idea of hell - how that would release anything that's useful - but if it's about massages and shiatsu and hydrotherapy and stuff like that, I'm in.' Lena Olin and Nicole Kidman in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Playing Helena on Nine Perfect Strangers, Olin said, 'It triggered a lot of things and it made me think about things I hadn't thought of before. I think the whole search for your soul, search for your spirit, search for mental health is such an enormous part of our lives, and it's becoming so important. I think that we all have our individual ways of looking for mental health. There's so many colors of it, like there's insanity - like true, pathologically insane - then we're totally helpless. There is help, but it's hard to find and it's expensive. Then, where most of us are, that we're just not okay and it takes different shapes or forms, and it forms into monsters. Then, we have to battle ourselves and we're trying desperately to find a way out of it. It's an everyday fight and we all have our individual ways of trying to solve it.' (Left to right) Murray Bartlett, Lucas Englander, Dolly de Leon, Nicole Kidman, Aras Aydin and ... More Christine Baranski in "Nine Perfect Strangers" Season 2 Englander, who plays Martin, concluded by saying, 'For me, I definitely - it changed me. It changed my perspective on especially social anxiety and on the sense of that you want to belong to something that maybe you don't even have to belong to, that you can just be yourself. Playing Martin, to me, to be honest, he's the furthest away that I've ever played for myself, but he also carries all these aspects that I have of like wanting to belong to a certain group, of wanting to be seen, of wanting to be loved. With him, I really understood my own social anxieties and what they actually do to a room, and what they do to me in that room. I learned to therefore accept social anxieties of others, because we sometimes behave in really strange ways. It's not because we're trying to be important, or take over space - it's just because maybe we're so freaking stressed out by the moment. And so, it gave me a lot of love for that - within others, as also within myself.'
