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Josh, even though it appears you don’t think highly of Myers-Briggs—can I ask you what your type is? 😁 That is all.

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Great podcast. In my opinion I think there is something to the cultural aspects of being introverted or extroverted. I lean on introverted on the extroversion scale. Growing up, While I had plenty of friends and hung out with them just like extroverts did I also was quiet, loved my alone time playing video games and reading sci fi books. Because I was quiet I was often pressured to be more talkative and outgoing. I was happy with my life but annoyed by people who wanted me to be more talkative than I wanted to be. American culture has a bias towards extroversion. We value loud outgoing personalities. Only in America can someone succeed by being a super extrovert and winning people over through schmoozing people in order to compensate for poor job performance (remember Adam Neumann?). The same might be true with Finland and introversion where extroverts are forced to be more quiet due to their cultural norms.

One thing I would push back on slightly from the podcast is when Olga questioned people who hate parties should go to them and talk to people to be happier. I may have gotten the wrong impression but it seemed to me she was conflating introversion with shyness which is a common misconception about introverts. If you’re at a party and want to talk to someone but are afraid then you’re just an extrovert who is afraid to have an awkward conversation. Introverts can have a conversation with people at a party and speak in public just like anyone else it’s just that doing so for a long time is mentally draining and they need alone time to mentally recharge. I’ve been to plenty of parties and had fun but being there too long is exhausting. Extroverts on the other hand need lots of social stimulation to be mentally energized.

Finally, Olga mentioned Susan Cain and her book Quiet in the Atlantic article. It’s a great book and I highly recommend it if you want to understand things from an introverts point of view.

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Personality change, apart from typical maturing, is something that I think most folks don't think is really possible, or if possible would involve such a lifestyle change that it doesn't seem worth it.

Therapy, meditation and other such approaches can produce results, but lasting results are sometimes difficult to achieve and in any case, are costly.

The current revolution in psychedelics seems to promise a more effective change mechanism, and one that can last, although for how long is still under study. Their effects don't require repetitive treatment - one or two sessions are seen to produce results. One drug, MDMA, has been found to provide dramatic relief for those suffering from PTSD, and is on fast-track for FDA approval. Studies, to date, have naturally focused on curing PTSD, substance abuse, depression resulting from a terminal diagnoses, and other disorders.

But psychedelics also seem effective in the 'betterment of well people', which is more what this article is talking about. For those of you in Oregon, you'll soon be able to try them out legally and safely. Other states are following.

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