Vignettes: Microdose

James Hamilton
May 2, 2025

THE SHORT ANSWER

Remnants of moments of connectivity

It’s 9AM and i’m staring out at the endless North Atlantic ocean and then back down at my mug. I can see flecks of functional mushrooms floating around in the layer of coconut oil that floats on top of my morning coffee.

I’m honestly not sure if they’re doing anything, but I like that they’re there. Remnants and reminders of moments of intense connectivity to the planet and to all living beings. Even if they may not have a direct chemical impact (link to a paper in Nature exploring this question) they help me return to that state of oneness and interconnectivity. A state of deep feeling and awareness, love and respect for all life on earth.

Dr. Andrew Huberman says that humans have to get at least 15 minutes of low-angle sun exposure every morning to stay happy healthy and productive. This is the northeast corner of North America in the fall, so I’m using Dr. Huberman’s advice as an excuse to sit out and write this vignette. Tempus fugit. Tomorrow could bring a Nor’Easter.

Anyways, back to the microdose. I don’t suppose one needs any substance to feel this sense of interconnectivity. That being said — if there is a substance that helps us cut through the numbing effect that years on this planet can have on people, and allows those numbed masses to feel again, and enjoy the little things — shouldn’t it be celebrated?

I think so.

WRITTEN BY

James Hamilton

James Hamilton is an entrepreneur and technologist focused on building businesses and brands that thrive and endure. He is the co-founder of oakpool, a founder and employee-owned digital marketing firm that builds teams, systems, and software to help brands achieve sustainable growth. oakpool works globally, with team members and clients across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. Past and present clients include GORE-TEX, Goslings Rum, Caesars Entertainment, and Zum.  At oakpool, James leads new product and service development, including oakpool.ai, which focuses on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO or AI Search Optimization) — helping brands become legible, referenced, and surfaced inside modern AI search engines like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude.  Along with his work at oakpool, James has spent nearly a decade in early-stage venture capital and company formation, working as an investor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at firms in Boston, London, and the Bay Area. He earned his MBA at Imperial College London and his BA at the College of Charleston.  James comes from a family of artists, curators, gallerists, and writers, and approaches entrepreneurship as a creative act. Beyond his work, James is passionate about travel, skiing, fly fishing, the arts, and our planet.

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