S6:E2 Magic Mushrooms and the Human Brain

Psilocybin — the psychedelic compound in so-called “magic mushrooms” — has exploded into headlines and social media feeds. Some call it a miracle cure for depression, others dismiss it as hype. In this episode, I take a clear-eyed look at what the science really says. I’ll start with Sarah’s story — a young scientist whose life was turned upside down by a cycling accident and who found hope again through a psilocybin clinical trial at Johns Hopkins. Her words: “This trial changed my life.” From there, I explore: The history of psilocybin, from ancient rituals to 1960s psychiatry to today’s “psychedelic renaissance.” The online buzz , where psilocybin is hyped as everything from a creativity booster to a trauma cure. The scientific evidence , from small pilot trials to the largest modern RCTs. The neuroscience , showing how psilocybin may “reset” rigid brain networks, boost plasticity, and even dampen inflammation. The risks , including panic, paranoia, and psychosis in vulnerable people. Finally, I’ll share my Tools in Three so you can separate the real promise from the hype. Featured Research Carhart-Harris RL, et al. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(16)30065- Carhart-Harris RL, et al. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032994 Davis AK, et al. doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3285 Goodwin GM, et al. S 10.1056/NEJMoa2206443 Additional insights from Nature Medicine (Carhart-Harris, 2021) and New Scientist on brain plasticity and inflammation. Each episode explores what’s really going on inside your brain when you do the things you do — from the everyday to the extraordinary — and gives you three tools for your Super Brain kit. Sabina's books The Neuroscience of Manifesting Still Me 100 Days to a Younger Brain Beating Brain Fog Brain Gym in a Box Follow Sabina Brennan on Instagram Support this show . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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S6:E2 Magic Mushrooms and the Human Brain is an episode from Super Brain by Brennan Sabina.

This episode is 14:25 long.

This episode was published on Nov 6, 2025.

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