Podcast Summary: Detox Retox with Tom Schwartz

Episode: Microdosing the Mind with Robert Johnson

Date: January 21, 2026
Host: Tom Schwartz
Guest: Robert Johnson (Founder of Micro Boost, Journalist, Psychedelic & Wellness Advocate)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode explores the growing interest in microdosing—specifically MDMA and functional mushrooms—as tools for mindfulness, well-being, and self-improvement. Host Tom Schwartz and guest Robert Johnson discuss their personal experiences, emerging scientific research, safety, sourcing, and the trajectory of psychedelics for both therapeutic and wellness contexts. The conversation aims to destigmatize these practices while voicing important cautions and practical advice for newcomers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tom’s Mindful Microdose Experience (00:21–13:39)

• Tom’s Current Mood & Episode Context:

  • Returns from Canada feeling “full-hearted”—attributes this partly to a microdose of MDMA.
  • Quote: “Maybe it’s my amazing girlfriend... Maybe it’s the MDMA. Yes, I’m on a microdose of MDMA right now. I just feel kind of warm and cozy.” (02:15)
  • Describes the effects as subtle, not overtly intoxicated or “rolling”—a “mindful, restorative, and informative” experience.

• On MDMA and Its Effects:

  • Highlights the use of MDMA for increasing gratitude, presence, and “getting out of thought loops.”
  • Warns of the risks: legal status, possible adulteration, and negative aftereffects from abuse (e.g., serotonin depletion, “Monday blues”).
  • Quote: “MDMA, psychedelics, they’re a hell of a drug. Have you guys ever tried MDMA, like, before it was made illegal back in...1985?” (10:13)

• Safety Emphasis:

  • Reiterates: “This is not medical advice... Please be careful. Don’t go out and buy some street drugs or be reckless.” (08:38)

2. Introduction to Robert Johnson & the Business of Psychedelics (13:39–15:57)

• Robert’s Background:

  • Writes about psychedelics and runs Micro Boost, a functional mushroom supplement brand.
  • Tests products to “keep everybody honest...in an unregulated industry.” (14:34)

• Functional Mushrooms’ Rising Popularity:

  • Draws parallels between the current mushroom trend and earlier CBD craze.
  • Functional mushrooms (e.g., lion's mane) offer cognitive benefits without hallucinations.

3. Functional vs Psychedelic Mushrooms (15:57–17:56)

• Robert Explains:

  • Functional/Medicinal Mushrooms: Used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
  • Key types: Lion’s mane (neurogenesis and neuroplasticity).
  • Distinctions explained for newcomers.

• Psychedelic Effects:

  • Describes extreme states (synesthesia) and links to the brain’s ability to change and adapt (“neural grooves”).

4. Psychedelic Integration and Neuroscience (17:56–21:14)

• Integration Period:

  • After psychedelics, brain enters a period of increased receptivity to change (e.g., 3 days for ketamine, 30 days for LSD).
  • Quote (Robert): “Therapist’s role is to bring you to the childlike state of suggestibility...Our brains are like a sponge.” (17:57)

• Science Catching Up:

  • Studies now confirming anecdotal reports from psychedelic users.

5. Legalization & Societal Trends (21:14–25:13)

• Outlook on Legalization:

  • Robert sees federal legalization as “inevitable...on a long enough timeline,” following the cannabis trajectory.
  • Medical uses (e.g., for PTSD, end-of-life) garner bipartisan support.

• Destigmatization:

  • Tom shares personal and family stories about shifting from stigma to positive use for mental health.

• Infamous Study Mix-Ups:

  • Robert recounts studies falsely attributing crystal meth harms to MDMA, fueling myths.
    • Quote: “They spent a few million dollars on this...then a few weeks later, they’re like, ‘Oh shoot, we switched the samples with crystal meth.’” (24:17)

6. Where (and How) to Source Safely (26:37–32:38)

• Microdosing Makes Psychedelics Less Intimidating:

  • Microdosing allows hesitant or previously “burned” users to try much lower, controlled doses.

• Sourcing Recommendations:

  • Community is key—personal networks are safest.
  • Online communities like Reddit offer product reviews and “citizen testing.”
  • Quote (Robert): “My favorite online community is Reddit...You’ll find people talking up brands...citizen scientists...testing them themselves.” (28:23)

• Warning Against Street Drugs:

  • Modern risks (e.g., fentanyl) make casual or street-purchased drugs dangerous compared to earlier times.

• Big Pharma’s Involvement:

  • Pharmaceutical companies are researching compounds that confer benefits without hallucinogenic effects, e.g. for dementia or Alzheimer’s.
  • Psychedelics enjoy broad cultural support (“If psychedelic mushrooms were running for president, [they’d] win in a landslide.”) (31:51)

7. Psychedelics for Addiction, PTSD, and Mental Health (32:38–37:32)

• Microdosing and Mindfulness:

  • Tom: “Microdosing...helps me be more present—not so much in the past or the future.” (32:38)

• Promising Research:

  • Robert discusses current studies on psychedelics’ potential for treating addictions (alcohol, nicotine), PTSD, and related behavioral health issues.
  • Psychedelics can break habitual thought/behavior patterns by inducing a heightened state of awareness.

• Personal & Societal Value:

  • The psychedelic movement feels like an “activist” cause—transforming laws and practices.

8. Functional Mushroom Supplement Industry—What to Know (37:51–43:58)

• Product Efficacy:

  • With quality products (not “myceliated grain” fillers), effects are often fast—sometimes within a single dose, but cumulative with daily use.
  • Common effects reported: sharper focus, sustained energy, and enhanced cognition.

• Industry Red Flags & Label Reading:

  • The most important ingredient: look for “fruiting body extracts” NOT “mycelium” or “myceliated oats.”
  • Quote (Robert): “I thought...maybe the difference [in potency] was five to one, ten to one...my research is closer to 500 to 1.” (42:43)

• Mislabeled Supplements:

  • Many big brands sell mostly filler; advocacy efforts push for clearer FDA labeling.

9. Final Thoughts & Resources (43:58–46:59)

• Tom’s Advocacy:

  • Emphasizes the mindful, respectful use of functional mushrooms and psychedelics as “tools”—not magic solutions, but beneficial aids in holistic mental health.

• Robert’s Plugs:

  • Microboost: mycroboost.com (spelled "MYCRO BOOST")
  • Rolling Stone articles: Search “Robert Johnson Rolling Stone mushrooms”
  • “Thanks for demystifying...taking a lot of the fear out of these great substances...” (46:30)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the Afterglow:
  “It’s not like, you know... my jaw feels really weird. Yeah, that’s the drugs. Drugs love a jaw.” (03:01–03:06, Tom and sidekick)

• On Caution and Medical Advice:
  “This episode is...for educational and storytelling purposes. Mdma, psychedelics, substances...can be powerful and you have to respect them.” (09:20)

• On Integration:
  “It’s not just the seeing colors or really enjoying psychedelic jazz music, but what you take away from it after the experience…” (17:57, Robert)

• On Industry Deception:
  “They take the starchy substrate that has mycelium in it, pulverize that, and sell that as mushrooms... fruiting Body...is 500 times the strength.” (42:43, Robert)

• On Community:
  “If you have a community, that’s where the most trusted sources can be... If you don’t, go to Reddit.” (28:23, Robert)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:21 – 10:13: Tom’s intro, MDMA microdosing, emotional check-in
• 13:39 – 16:11: Guest Robert Johnson introduction, functional vs. psychedelic mushrooms
• 17:56 – 22:25: Integration, brain effects of psychedelics, legal outlook
• 26:37 – 30:22: Where to source safely and online communities
• 32:38 – 37:32: Microdosing, breaking habits, addiction research
• 37:51 – 43:40: Functional mushroom supplements, label reading, business ethics
• 46:02 – 46:59: Plugs and resources
• 47:32 – end: Tom’s closing reflections, mindful use, encouragement for listeners

Tone & Takeaways

• Language: Casual, honest, self-deprecating, with “real talk” and personal anecdotes. Tom is openly vulnerable and humorous, balancing seriousness with levity.
• Approach: Educational, destigmatizing, with strong emphases on safety, community, and respect for the substances and personal journeys.
• Listener Value: Both beginners and those curious about microdosing or functional mushrooms will gain safety tips, industry insights, and motivation to seek trustworthy communities and information.

For more:

• Microboost.com
• Robert Johnson’s Rolling Stone articles (search “Robert Johnson Rolling Stone mushrooms”)
• PodcastOne for more Detox Retox episodes

Disclaimer: Neither Tom nor Robert offer medical advice—consult professionals for health decisions.