Interview with Michelle Janikian featuring her book “Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion”
Michelle Janikian is a seasoned writer who has delved into the world of psychedelics and emerged as an advocate for responsible exploration. In her book “Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion,” she offers readers a unique and accessible guide to understanding and navigating the world of psilocybin mushrooms.
The book aims to dispel myths and urban legends surrounding magic mushrooms and to provide readers with a comprehensive yet friendly guide to everything there is to know about them. In this interview, Janikian, who most recently co-founded the creative content marketing studio CrazeMakers, talks about her journey into writing, her personal experiences with psychedelics, and her passion for promoting a well-informed and non-judgmental approach to psychedelics.
Janikian’s passion for writing was cultivated from a young age. She naturally gravitated towards expressing herself through writing, which soon became her creative outlet.
When Janikian was a teenager, she first started dabbling with psychedelics. She explored books by Huxley, Watts, Robbins, Burroughs, and other classic counterculture literature. Janikian says she “wanted to have a profound experience–just like they were having in the literature, and I did, and it piqued my curiosity even further”.
“I’ve been a bookworm since a young age, and I especially love losing myself in a great work of fiction. When it comes to my new venture, CrazeMakers, the truth is I’ve stepped away from the journalism and media industries because I found them increasingly impossible to make a living.”
The inspiration behind “Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion” stemmed from Janikian’s vision of crafting a straightforward, non-judgmental resource on psychedelics. She recognised that many existing guides emphasised therapy or spirituality, prompting her to offer something universally useful. Regardless of readers’ preconceived ideas about psychedelics, Janikian wanted to empower them to make informed decisions and embark on meaningful, safe journeys. Her primary aim was to provide a guide that allowed individuals to embrace the transformative potential of psilocybin mushrooms on their own terms.
“The idea for the guide arose from my desire to create a no-nonsense, non-judgmental resource on psychedelics.”
The book offers readers a treasure trove of insights to elevate their psilocybin experiences, whether for recreational or therapeutic purposes. Each chapter of the book delves into a multitude of key concepts within the realm of psychedelics, encompassing vital aspects such as “set and setting,” “dosing,” “integration,” and even invaluable guidance on navigating challenging experiences, like “how to handle a bad trip.” With expertly curated tips for every step of their journey, readers will discover the tools they need to enrich and fulfil their psilocybin encounters to the fullest.
Among the array of concepts covered, microdosing emerges as a particularly prominent practice, gaining popularity for its potential benefits. The effects of microdosing largely hinge on an individual’s intention to engage in this practice. With an entire chapter dedicated to the art of microdosing, the book delves into the reasons behind its appeal and how it empowers individuals to achieve their unique goals. Whether seeking enhanced creativity, heightened focus, or a deeper introspective journey, readers will find comprehensive insights into the transformative potential of microdosing and its capacity to enrich their lives.
“We can embrace a more balanced and responsible approach to psychedelic exploration by fostering a better understanding.”
Ensuring safety when embarking on psychedelic exploration is of paramount importance. It is a fundamental focus throughout the pages of the book. As readers delve into its contents, they will find a wealth of information on safety considerations and harm reduction strategies specifically tailored to psilocybin use. Encouraging an informed approach, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and effective ways to mitigate them. By prioritizing safety, readers can embark on their psilocybin experiences with confidence, knowing they are equipped with the essential knowledge to navigate their journeys responsibly and with greater peace of mind.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book, and what impact do you wish it will have on fostering a better understanding of psilocybin mushrooms and their potential benefits?
“My ultimate hope is for readers to make informed decisions about psychedelics, mushrooms, and drugs in general. I wish to challenge the dogmatic narrative surrounding psychedelics and empower individuals to use their own judgment when exploring these substances. We can embrace a more balanced and responsible approach to psychedelic exploration by fostering a better understanding.”
Michelle Janikian’s journey into writing and exploring psychedelics culminated in her invaluable book, “Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion.” Through this comprehensive guide, she strives to empower readers with knowledge and encourage a non-judgmental approach to psychedelics. By promoting safety and informed decision-making, Michelle aims to inspire a future where individuals can explore the transformative potential of psilocybin mushrooms responsibly and meaningfully.
