Serotonin, Psychedelics, and the Pharmacology of Self - Charles Nichols, PhD

Lucid Interval Podcast · Nov 5, 2026 · 2h 14m · transcript

How do psychedelics actually change the brain?

In this episode, Andrew Heacock sits down with Charles Nichols, PhD, a professor of pharmacology and a leading researcher who has spent over 30 years studying the molecular impact of psychedelics. From his early work with fruit flies to groundbreaking discoveries on the anti-inflammatory properties of psilocybin, Dr. Nichols provides a masterclass on the pharmacology of self.

In this video, we explore:

- The Serotonin Connection: Why the 5-HT2A receptor is the "master key" for psychedelic experiences and how it differs from traditional SSRIs.

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