“Microdosing Is Mostly Placebo” - Antón Gómez-Escolar EP 56
January 26, 2026
What if depression isn’t a chemical imbalance, but a rigid belief system the brain can’t escape? In this episode, Anton Gómez-Escolar breaks down how psychedelic-assisted therapy works at the neurological and psychological level, why MDMA reconnects, psilocybin resets, and why healing only sticks when integration begins. This is not about escape. It’s about confronting yourself honestly.
Anton Gómez-Escolar is a Spanish science communicator, author, and independent researcher focused on psychedelics, neuroscience, and mental health. His work sits at the intersection of rigorous scientific literacy and public education, with a strong emphasis on harm reduction, evidence-based therapy, and epistemic humility.
He is best known as the founder of Drogopedia, one of the most respected Spanish-language platforms dedicated to explaining drugs and altered states without sensationalism or ideology.
More information about Antón:
📌 https://www.instagram.com/antongomezes/?hl=en
📌 https://www.instagram.com/drogopedia/?hl=en
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Timestamps
0:00 - Intro
05:00 - My MDMA and Psilocybin Therapy Breakthrough
08:22 - Lessons from the Criminalisation of Psychedelics
16:46 - Default Mode Network and Brain Plasticity Changes
25:47 - Why Intention and Surrender are Key for Psychedelics
29:16 - MDMA, Psilocybin, and Other Emerging Therapies
34:52 - Standardising Ayahuasca for Modern Clinical Research
43:02 - Exploring DMT's Role in Brain Plasticity and Survival
50:19 - Why Psychedelics are Catalysts, Not Instant Cures
52:11 - The Science Behind Microdosing and Placebo Effects
58:34 - Exploring Meaning and Addiction at Imperial College
01:02:28 - Hallucinations, Subconscious, and Spiritual Interpretations
01:06:40 - The Underappreciated Therapeutic Potential of Ibogaine
01:11:22 - Navigating Safety Risks with Ibogaine and Combinations
01:14:59 - How Ibogaine and DMT are Extracted from Nature
01:19:14 - Comparing 5-MeO-DMT, DMT, and Mescaline's Practicality
01:24:12 - Avoiding Spiritual Bypassing and Cult Dynamics
01:26:34 - Preparation, Set, Setting, and Integration for Healing
01:30:10 - Phased Approach to Psychedelic Access and Societal Change
01:35:42 - Traditional Use vs. Modern Medicine for Young Brains
01:38:34 - How Ancient Cultures Discovered Ayahuasca's Potent Mix
01:41:49 - Find More About Anton Gómez-Escolar's Work
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0:00 - Intro
05:00 - My MDMA and Psilocybin Therapy Breakthrough
08:22 - Lessons from the Criminalisation of Psychedelics
16:46 - Default Mode Network and Brain Plasticity Changes
25:47 - Why Intention and Surrender are Key for Psychedelics
29:16 - MDMA, Psilocybin, and Other Emerging Therapies
34:52 - Standardising Ayahuasca for Modern Clinical Research
43:02 - Exploring DMT's Role in Brain Plasticity and Survival
50:19 - Why Psychedelics are Catalysts, Not Instant Cures
52:11 - The Science Behind Microdosing and Placebo Effects
58:34 - Exploring Meaning and Addiction at Imperial College
01:02:28 - Hallucinations, Subconscious, and Spiritual Interpretations
01:06:40 - The Underappreciated Therapeutic Potential of Ibogaine
01:11:22 - Navigating Safety Risks with Ibogaine and Combinations
01:14:59 - How Ibogaine and DMT are Extracted from Nature
01:19:14 - Comparing 5-MeO-DMT, DMT, and Mescaline's Practicality
01:24:12 - Avoiding Spiritual Bypassing and Cult Dynamics
01:26:34 - Preparation, Set, Setting, and Integration for Healing
01:30:10 - Phased Approach to Psychedelic Access and Societal Change
01:35:42 - Traditional Use vs. Modern Medicine for Young Brains
01:38:34 - How Ancient Cultures Discovered Ayahuasca's Potent Mix
01:41:49 - Find More About Anton Gómez-Escolar's Work
--------------------
You can also support us at:
Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://3-minute-theory.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triangle.theory_/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triangle.theory
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50RW93YVyR3YgEIuNdKIAZ?si=d77d72433a074a34
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/triangle-theory/id1769204627
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TriangleTheorypod
Player FM: https://player.fm/series/triangle-theory
Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/bdxlCwfrYN8
Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/triangle-theory-5790906
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/triangle-theory-podcast/