Introducing
Placebeaus
Placebeaus are over-the-counter placebos.
Available for a variety of indications, they let you do the work.
Inspiration
Did you know placebos are a medically valid treatment for many conditions, and that they work even when patients know they are sugar pills, and nothing more? This effectiveness is supported by many scientific studies.
For me, they evoke the wisdom of the Matrix movies: it’s not the red pill’s contents that actually change your life, it’s your choice.
I recommend the Placebo episode of Wendy Zukerman's fabulous Science Vs podcast if you're curious to find out more.
Jellybeans
Standard prescribed placebos are sugar pills. We wanted Placebeaus to essentially mimic placebos, while at the same time being obviously non-medical. Jelly Bellies are nice because they're the same basic size and shape as pills, but with a distinctive subtle curve in each one that assures you it's not actually a pharmaceutical.
I chose coconut for the flavor because it's the closest approximation of “plain” that Jelly Belly makes.
Options
Placebeaus with the following indications are currently available:
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aid in seeing both sides
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courage to process big feelings
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relief of existential distress
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expansion of the mind
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faith in humanity
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flexibility and resilience
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mood elevation
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positive outlook
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relief from overthinking
Please reach out if you have an additional suggestion.
Order yours
Placebeaus are art. They debuted in issue #19 of Frankie's real-mail newsletter, the Phrantone, as an exclusive perk for Phran Klub members.
As of June 2025, Placebeaus are available to anyone in the shop via the button below.
More Resources
In the spirit of truth, vulnerability, and self care, here are some tools and resources that I use to do the work of enacting change from within.
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The Power of Unwavering Focus, by Dandapani This is what the author learned in his ten years living as a Hindu monk: your mind is a place, and you have the power to direct your awareness within it. The perspective has truly changed my life.
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Yoga with Adriene Texan Adriene Mishler, a genius of kinesthetic mindfulness, has been a personal hero of mine since the pandemic began. Adriene has filmed hundreds of her excellent yoga classes, and they're all free on YouTube. I still roll out my mat to them two or three times a week.
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4-7-8 breathing When I start getting agitated or distressed, I have learned to use this slowed-down intentional breathing technique to activate my parasympathetic nervous system and calm my nerves. It works because our bodies speak “body language,” as Emily & Amelia Nagoski remind us in their terrific book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.
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Rising Strong, by Brené Brown This brilliant researcher’s book helped me navigate an extremely difficult chapter of my life. A favorite quote: “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”
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Journaling In 2023, a life coach taught me to tap my inner wisdom through personal dialogue. In 2024, I wrote about my experience in a book called Conversations with My Wise Self. Let me know if you’re interested in reading a pre-release copy, I’d love to hear your thoughts.