In this episode of The Reyt Good Program, Zak dives headfirst into the kaleidoscopic world of psilocybin mushrooms. From ancient rituals and questionable Christmas myths to modern clinical research and neuroscience, we unpack the strange, potent, and often misunderstood power of psychedelics. We also explore red herrings in public discourse during this week's Thought Trap.

Main Topics:

• Historical use of psilocybin mushrooms by Mesoamerican cultures
  Guzmán, G. (2008). Hallucinogenic Mushrooms in Mexico.

  
  

• Santa Claus and the Amanita muscaria theory
  Ruck, C.A.P., Bigwood, J. (1979). Entheogens and the Development of Culture.
  Debunking: Høeg, P. (2021). Mythbusting Amanita muscaria-Santa folklore.

  
  

• Clinical effects of psilocybin on the brain
  Carhart-Harris, R.L. et al. (2012). Neural correlates of the psychedelic state as determined by fMRI studies with psilocybin. PNAS.

  
  

• Psilocybin in modern medicine for depression & PTSD
  Davis, A.K. et al. (2021). Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder. JAMA Psychiatry.
  Griffiths, R.R. et al. (2016). Psilocybin produces substantial and sustained decreases in depression and anxiety in patients with life-threatening cancer. Journal of Psychopharmacology.

  
  

• Neuroplasticity and BDNF connection

  Ly, C. et al. (2018). Psychedelics Promote Structural and Functional Neural Plasticity. Cell Reports.

  
  

• Addiction therapy potential
  Johnson, M.W. et al. (2014). Pilot study of psilocybin in the treatment of tobacco addiction. Journal of Psychopharmacology.
  Bogenschutz, M.P. et al. (2022). Psilocybin-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder. JAMA Psychiatry.