The Drug Science Podcast

Join us in this episode as we speak to Dr Harriet de Witt, professor of psychiatry and neuropharmacology at the University of Chicago. She shares how she fell in love with the field, studying the animal model of self-administration, and how that work fed into her later research with human participants. As a leading expert on the pharmacology of MDMA, she explores the subtle differences between amphetamine and MDMA, before talking about the results from both her MDMA and LSD studies. Links● UChicago Profile● Amphetamine● MDMA● LSD● MDMA/Amphetamine/Alcohol Sociality Study● LSD Microdosing & Emotionality Study ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we speak to Dr. Rachel Andrews, an addiction and harm reduction researcher at the University of Bath, and Hannah Dawes, a PSHE teacher and the creator of the podcast The Exchange. The conversation focuses on the prevalence of vaping in schools, particularly exploring the ways in which vapes have been marketed to children and the patterns of use in schools. Rachel provides data from her team’s analysis of that shows what’s really in the vapes students are using, while Hannah lends her perspective within schools, explaining how a supportive approach to students using vapes is more successful than punitive measures. LinksNicotineDrug Science BlogSpiceCannabisTeaching About Nicotine and VapingDaniel Spargo-Mabbs FoundationThe ExchangeSpice Comic ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, Prof Nutt speaks with Erica Rex, author of the book Seeing What is There, which explores the complex history of psychedelic therapy. She shares her own experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy, while providing context on the guardrails that are necessary for these treatments to maximize benefits and minimize harms. Viewing psychedelics as therapeutic accelerants, Erica speaks on the current state of mental health treatments and explores how complex trauma and other mental health problems could be better treated.Erica Instagram Erica Substack Links● Seeing What is There● The Culture Is the Poison: Why Psychedelics Are Dangerous Medicine in a Neoliberal Society● Psilocybin● MDMA● 5-MeO-DMT● More From Erica ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Smith-Ruiu, a philosopher at Université Paris Cité and the author of On Drugs. He discusses his motivations behind the book, rooted in his early experiences with psychedelics and the many cultural roles he has seen them play across different contexts. As the conversation unfolds, Smith-Ruiu reflects on his decision to quit drinking in favor of psychedelics and the profound positive changes that choice has brought to his life. LinksJustin Smith-RuiuOn DrugsPsilocybin ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we talk to Robert Schoevers, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Groningen and one of the pioneers of psychedelic-assisted therapy. He explains why human complexity led him to psychiatry, begoring discussing how his early psychedelic research into esketamine aimed to meet the unmet needs of treatment-resistant patients. Schoevers goes on to explore the ways in which his approach to ketamine-assisted therapy has transitioned over time and has led him to lead bigger projects, like the EU-funded palliative care project, PsyPal. LinksProfileKetamineCompass PaperPsyPal ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we speak with Emma Robinson, a professor of psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol with extensive experience in animal research. She unpacks the regulations surrounding animal research, offering a scientist’s view on animal rights activism, ethical tension, and why this work remains essential. Robinson also delves into the emerging intersection of psychedelics and animal research, describing how these substances are studied and how they might help reshape mental illness. Professor Emma RobinsonUK Government’s Roadmap to Ending Animal TestingPETA ConfrontationCognitive and affective models of psychedelics in rodentsPsilocybinKetamineBritish Neuroscience lecture with Prof Robinson and Prof NuttThe 3Hs Initiative ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk to Simon Doherty, a journalist and content creator with a focus on harm reduction. He explores how reporting on electronic music and rave culture naturally led to his work on harm reduction. He goes on to dissect Talk to Frank and its flaws in providing accurate, evidence-based information. Finally, by comparing the unique landscape of free parties to the regulated club scene, Doherty discusses why and how clubs avoid common sense harm reduction techniques, endangering clubgoers. LinksSimon’s TikTokInvestigating Talk to FrankCalling FrankThe LoopRave Aid CrewGHB/GHLKetamineNitazenes ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we talk to Prof Sara Tai, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Manchester and an NHS consultant clinical psychologist. Sara’s research is grounded in biopsychosocial frameworks, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of change that underpin effective psychological therapies. She has extensive experience delivering therapy, and training other clinicians to deliver interventions with individuals, families, and young people across diverse settings, including acute in-patient units, community mental health services, and schools.For many years, Sara has been at the forefront of research into psychedelic-assisted therapies, working collaboratively with academic and industry partners to explore how psychedelics bring about therapeutic change. She has been instrumental in manualising psychological support models that integrate the core effective components shared across evidence-based psychotherapies, helping to define best practice in this rapidly advancing area. An experienced researcher, clinician, and trainer, Sara has led and collaborated on large-scale randomised controlled trials and has played a central role in training psychedelic therapists worldwide. Her work continues to bridge scientific research and clinical practice, advancing safe, effective, and compassionate approaches to mental health care.Sara explores her research into the oft-overlooked role of therapy within psychedelic treatments. She discuses how her work has helped to challenge the notion of psychedelic compounds as medicine in themselves, shifting the focus onto the therapeutic approaches alongside them. Ultimately, Sara underscores the need for more transformative psychedelic experiences grounded in peer support, indigenous knowledge, or therapeutic experience in order to facilitate positive outcomes. Links Prof Sara Tai Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Method of Levels ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we speak with Adam Zmith, podcast producer, writer, and author of Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures. He describes his motivation behind writing the book, all before diving into the complex history of poppers. By speaking to the policing and regulation of poppers, Zmith explores broader struggles between the queer community and the government, in addition to the necessity for greater harm reduction for poppers. Despite these struggles, he underscores the ways in which queer culture has been shaped by poppers and how, in return, poppers have been shaped by queer culture. Links● Adam Zmith● Deep Sniff● Poppers● The Log Books● Switchboard● Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton● UK Man Consumes Poppers Accidentally ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as Prof Nutt speaks to John, Joanne, and Ryan of the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow. They explore their backgrounds in the Service and how their work exposed them to challenging situations that caused severe detriment to their mental health. After describing the failings of traditional mental health support for emergency workers, they tell their story of travelling to Peru for an ayahuasca retreat, an eye-opening and profoundly heartening experience. LinksScottish Ambulance ServicesAyahuascaHeroic Hearts Project UKThe ShipiboScottish Psychedelic Research Group ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, we speak to Dr Andy Letcher, a religious scholar and author of the book Shroom: the Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom. He explores his complimentary background in science and the humanities, depicting how this combination structured his thinking. Noting the religious potential of psychedelic experiences, Letcher links the spiritual with the psychedelic, explaining what he sought to capture in his book and where it has gone since. Finally, he discusses how his interest in transdisciplinary perspectives on psychedelics has coalesced in the University of Exeter’s psychedelic postgraduate courses. PSYCH SYMPOSIUM 2025 LinksShroom: A Cultural History of the Magic MushroomPsychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and CulturePsilocybinSeeking the Magic Mushroom by R. Gordon WassonPsychedelia Britannia: Druids on Drugs ★ Support this podcast ★

Tune into the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk to Jenny Chapman and Dr. Stephen Naulls, researchers at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and authors of ‘Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations, a briefing for Parliament’ on the state of psychedelic research. They explore the remit of POST in highlighting objective, emerging scientific research, and how psychedelics have come into their focus. With backgrounds in biology and medicine, both Jenny and Stephen stress the interwoven nature of science and policy. Through this intersection, they highlight the policy levers holding psychedelic researchers back and what Parliament and the greater public can take from the POST brief. Links Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology POST report on Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations, a briefing for Parliament Psychedelic drugs to treat eating disorders Psychedelic drugs to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat anxiety disorders Psychedelic drugs to treat depression Psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of addiction POST Board Fellowship opportunities POST All Reports Knowledge Exchange Unit – KEU Horizon Scanning Ketamine ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Darren Le Baron, an accomplished mycologist and educator. He discusses how his hardships from his upbringing in East London have informed his current work, where he uses horticulture to connect with children at risk of being drawn into crime. He transitions to explore his series Psychedelics in Africa, explaining some of the many links between psychedelics and African culture, both in ancient times and modernity. Throughout, he emphasises the importance of African perspectives and similar indigenous ones, challenging their absence in mainstream psychedelic discourse. LinksDarren Le BaronWho is Darren Le BaronDarren's Instagram We Are Grow Mushrooms Psilocybin About Kilindi Iyi Psychedelics in Africa: The Untold Story Ibogaine ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in this episode as we speak to Bruce Parry, the creator and star of the BBC series Tribe With Bruce Parry. He explains his sharp career change from a Royal Marine to an advocate for indigenous rights, where he’s developed a humble approach to learning from indigenous tribes, defined by listening and witnessing. He talks about his experiences of psychedelics in these contexts, namely ayahuasca, which have vastly shaped his outlook on life. Through this lens, he lends his opinions on topics like ayahuasca tourism and capitalist culture in the psychedelic space.Tribe with Bruce Parry Psilocybin Ayahuasca ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Sam Bloomfield, founder of PsyEdu, and Dr. Eddie Jacobs, the first person to complete a doctorate in psychedelic ethics. Drawing on their backgrounds in education and ethics, they explore why these perspectives are essential to the evolving field of psychedelics. They also discuss the role of trials, clinics, and retreats within the broader psychedelic ecosystem, highlighting a major blind spot: the vast majority of psychedelic experiences occur outside of these settings. The conversation additionally examines how understandings of medicine often must adapt to the unique nature of psychedelics. Throughout, they underscore the importance of education in driving long-term policy change that ensures safer, more equitable, and more ethical psychedelic access.Psychedelic Training in the UKPsyEdu Beckley FoundationPsychedelic Ethics Psilocybin MDMA MAPS Public Attitudes to Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy HOPE Statement ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we meet with Dr. Joe Tafur, MD, an integrative Family Physician, curandero, author and speaker. He discusses his book, The Fellowship of the River, exploring the role of spiritual healing in modern healthcare. Within this episode. Tafur further delves into topics such as biological and psychological links to Generational trauma as well as the relationship between spiritual practice and healing. Dr Joe TafurModern SpiritMedicine SongFellowship of the riverIntro into Therapeutic psychedelicsDepressionPeyoteAyahuascaEmotional dysregulationMamosInner childPsoriasis MigraineAllostatic loadAllostasis EpigeneticsMeditationSupport the Podcast Link ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the drug science Podcast, we meet with Mike Jay, author and 2024 Cheiron Book Prize winner who has written extensively on scientific and medical history with a special interest in Psychedelics. In this Podcast, he discusses with us his newest book, Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic Science, which tells the story of early invention and experimentation with Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas). He discusses various key figures at this time and the work they conducted, including Humphry Davy and Thomas Beddoes as well as discussing early theories into the potential use of gas in medicine which lead to the development of the Pneumatic Institute. Further, they discuss how this 18th-century research links to the psychedelic renaissance Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic ScienceMike Jay AuthorHumphrey Davy Humphry Davy BookThomas Beddoes Joseph Priestley Davis Giddy Miners lung Tuberculosis Michael Pollan Default mode network Mescaline Drug Science Podcast with Mike JayLink in show notes ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk with Dr. Grace Blest-Hopley, Director of Research for Heroic Hearts Project UK, Chief Scientific Officer of NW PharmaTech, and founder and CEO of Hystelica. In the episode, she explore where psychedelic studies have largely ignored women’s physiology, particularly in failing to acknowledge and control for hormonal fluctuations. Grace particularly emphasises the necessity for greater investigations and understandings around the intersection of psychedelics and the menstrual cycle, explaining how Hystelica attempts to bridge this gap with naturalistic and observational studies. Throughout, the discussion examines how, by researching these unknowns, we can discover new treatment opportunities that better serve women’s health.Heroic Hearts Project UK HystelicaNWPharmaTech MDMAPsilocybin Retreats Study Mothers of the mushroom Microdosing Study ★ Support this podcast ★

In this latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk with Natalia Rebollo and Jesús Alonso Olamendi of the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS). They discuss the lasting legacy of colonialism in the psychedelic culture of indigenous communities, stressing the need for the sacredness of these substances to be uplifted and not commodified. Throughout, they explore their work with ICEER’s Ayahuasca Defense Fund and how it has begun to change the narrative surrounding psychedelics in prohibitionist countries. Operating between indigenous communities and the Western world, they provide a unique perspective that shows how both communities can learn from each other. ICEERSAyahuasca Defense FundAyahuascaDMTAyahuasca Legal Battle in FranceTechnical Report on AyahuascaColombia's CND68 ResolutionIbogaineSpanish Ibogaine TrialContact Email ★ Support this podcast ★

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where David Nutt meets with Tim Kerr, a doctoral research student in Psychiatry at King’s College London. Tim discusses his journey from slowly falling into drug addiction and dealing whilst studying for his medical degree eventually leading to arrest and imprisonment. Tim shares how he used this time in an open prison to apply for and study a Neuroscience masters with Kings College London with the support of the Longford trust, a charity that supports people with lived experience of prison to access higher education. The Longford TrustHoward League for Penal ReformNHS Practitioner HealthAlcoholic liver diseaseJaundiceEcstasyKetamineCocaineFreud and cocaineNitrous oxideGHB SpiceWeedVenlafaxineModafinil Open and closed PrisonAlcoholics Anonymous ★ Support this podcast ★

Join us in the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast where David Nutt meets with Psychedelic psychotherapy experts Laurie Higbed and Owain Winfield to dive into how to use psychedelics in psychotherapy. In this episode, they discuss the different techniques used with different psychedelics for different conditions to optimise this type of therapy and why these differences are necessary. They discuss MDMA, Ketamine and Psilocybin in a range of applications including trauma and addictions.MDMAKetaminePsilocybinSubstance MisusePTSDMAPSMDMA study into Substance Use DisorderCompass PathwaysCompass Pathways Psilocybin for Treatment Resistant DepressionAwakn life sciencesAmygdalaLink in show notes ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet with Bessel van Der kolk, a trauma based psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator. Since the 1970s his research has been in the area of post-traumatic stress and he is the author of four books including best seller “the body keeps score”. Within this episode, he dives into what trauma is and different research into the impact trauma can have on the body and brain. He further discusses various traditional and alternative treatments for trauma and where these may be appropriate for different people with specific emphasis on EMDR and MDMA. The body keeps score Nutt's paper lancet psychiatry 50 years of failure MDMA SSRIEMDR GabaBenzodiazepinesRorschach testNorepinephrine Bowlby MAPSWhen the spirit catches you, you fall downNeuroplasticity ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, David Nutt meets with psychopharmacologist Phil Cowen and Psychiatrist Sameer Jauhar to discuss the neuroscience behind and treatments for depression. Within the episode they touch on various neurotransmitters involved in depression as well as research studies into each of their impact, stigma around antidepressants and the role of psychedelics in treatment. DepressionSerotoninTryptophanHamilton depression scaleAntidepressantsGeddes paper on preventing relapseSupport the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, we speak with Josh Dugdale of the Wasing Estate, described as a "mindful aristocrat." He shares his experiences with Ayahuasca in the Amazon and how they influenced his journey upon returning to the UK. Josh discusses the creation of a mindful and spiritual festival during the pandemic, its evolution over time, and its wider impact. He also explores the challenges surrounding psilocybin access rights, the changes needed in this area, and what the future of psychedelic reform might look like.Medicine Festival Psilocybin Access RightsAyahuascaPsilocybinMDMADrug Science Reschedule PsilocybinMedical CannabisPTSD Veterans PTSDIndustrial Hemp LicensingDEFRASubscribe to podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

Prof Ravi Das is a leading expert in psychopharmacology and cognitive neuroscience, with a career dedicated to understanding and developing innovative treatments for addiction and anxiety disorders. He completed his BSc in Psychology and MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), followed by a PhD in Psychopharmacology at the UCL Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit. Prof Das’s research takes a translational and experimental medicine approach, focusing on the mechanisms of memory plasticity and their role in the development of addictive and anxiety disorders. A key area of his work is memory reconsolidation—the process by which established memories become temporarily unstable when retrieved, creating an opportunity to modify maladaptive memories. By targeting these unstable memories, Prof Das explores how drug or behavioral interventions could potentially disrupt the cravings and relapse associated with addiction, the fear underlying anxiety disorders, or the flashbacks experienced in PTSD. In addition to his work on memory reconsolidation, Prof Das is deeply interested in the phenomenology and effects of illicit drug use, as well as the role of cognitive and mindfulness-based strategies in treating substance use disorders. His research bridges the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, evidence-based treatments for mental health challenges. Prof Celia MorganProf Val CurranProf Sunjeev KambojMemory Research and consolidation Biggest DMT studyPlacebos in psychedelic clinical trials Prof Mitul MehtaPsychedelic gold rush RFK Jr pro-psychedelics FDA reject Lykos decision UNITy screening form Wellcome LeapLSD study Preparation for Psilocybin studyUNITy ★ Support this podcast ★

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where we meet with Dr James Morgan, Prof Chris Chandler and Prof Jo Neill, the founders of Street Drugs Discussions (SDD). They discuss the process which led to them founding SDD, a series of webinars featuring experts on drug policy and drugs featuring topics surrounding overdose prevention centres, trafficking, specific substances and more. They reflect on the journey which got them to their current position as well as future hopes for SDD. Further, in this episode, the speakers discuss specific research conducted into long term heroin use and learning theory of addiction. Street Drugs DiscussionsBuvidal WedinosBarodpsycareDiamorphine assisted treatmentLeapNeil Woods EpisodeNeedle exchangeTrainspottingHeroinCrack cocaineNicotineAlcohol MDMAmorphineDrug Science Community Member ★ Support this podcast ★

A conversation between Prof David Nutt and research scientist Dr Matthew X. Lowe.Dr Matthew X. Lowe PhD is Director of Research for Realm of Caring and Executive Director for Unlimited Sciences, a not-for-profit, observational research organisation with a focus on cannabis and psychedelic use by underrepresented population groups and a toll-free info line providing evidence-based support for anyone using psychedelics.In this episode, they discuss the vital role of observational and longitudinal research when it comes to the medicalisation of cannabis and psychedelics — and the importance for safetyof bringing real-world data into our collective knowledge base.They start with the genesis of Realm of Caring and Unlimited Sciences. Both organisations were conceived following first-hand experience of the banned compounds they research being profoundly medically transformative — inspiring co-founder Heather Jackson to grow related research and make it freely available to all who stand to benefit from such education. The origin stories of the organisations are followed by Dr Lowe’s personal route to his current research role and the roots of his passion for pursuing psychedelic research questions.Their focus then shifts to the present day with a comparison of roadblocks and red tape around researching cannabis and psychedelics in the UK and the US, noting the pioneering role that parents so often play in advocating for research into medicinal cannabis. Next comes a deeper exploration of specific properties of psychedelics that relate to their potential therapeutic applications, including their anti-addictive nature and positive habit-forming potential resulting from the neuroplastic window they potentiate — Unlimited Sciences has conducted the world’s largest naturalistic study on psilocybin use with further papers coming out on these implications.For the remainder of the episode, Prof David Nutt and Dr Matthew Lowe go into specifics on several key projects from Realm of Caring and Unlimited Sciences, including:- The Realm of Caring Observational Research Registry, being done in collaboration with Johns Hopkins Cannabis Science Laboratory. This ongoing research is an IRB-approved online survey study looking at the effects on a variety of health conditions, in people who do and do not use cannabis. It is open to everyone in the world with internet access. - The Cannabis and Health Research Initiative (CHRI), another collaboration between Johns Hopkins and Realm of Caring, examining the patient-level impact of therapeutic cannabis use, through data collection and dissemination — aiming to aid clinical decision making and policymaking. And finally, two ceremonial research projects looking at ayahuasca, foregrounding the role of community and context in ceremonial psychedelic experiences — both exemplifying Unlimited Sciences’ diversification of the evidence base on psychedelics by collecting real world data on underrepresented population groups: - With subjects who were Arabic-speaking women, a study exploring the psychological benefits of ayahuasca for refugees — with DrugScience collaborator Dr Robin Carhart-Harris. - And, currently in data analysis, with first results set to release in 2025, an IRB-approved study about ayahuasca use in the LGBTQIA+ community in collaboration with Costa Rica plant medicine retreat Jungle Gayborhood, with an emphasis on the importance of set and setting being truly safe spaces in the sense of meeting the specific needs of participants involved. Find out more about Dr Matthew X. Lowe and Unlimited Sciences below! Dr Matthew X. Lowe Realm of CaringUnlimited Sciences The Psychedelic Info LineCharlotte’s Web, Charlotte Figi and Realm of CaringRealm of Caring’s research libraryLong-term CBD study (Realm of Caring)Observational Research Registry (Realm of Caring)World’s largest naturalistic study on psilocybin use (Unlimited Sciences)Psychological benefits of ayahuasca for refugees (Unlimited Sciences)Jungle GayborhoodThe LGBTQIA+ study ★ Support this podcast ★

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where Prof Nutt meets with several Drug Science Community members for a session of “Ask David Anything”. Together, they explore questions such as the use of cannabis as a psychoactive substance in psychedelic therapy and the latest developments in regulatory decisions on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. CannabisTHCCBDMDMAPsilocybinKetamineOxford Ketamine ClinicMike Jay Psychonaughts bookBreathworkPsychedelic Cannabis book Daniel McqueenTreatment resistant depressionPTSDMaps ★ Support this podcast ★

In the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, David Nutt sits down with Zoe Cormier, author of ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll’. In this episode, Zoe draws upon her two great passions of music and science and how these lead to her interest around Drugs - she discusses the current landscape of drug policy, drawing upon similarities and differences between the UK, Canada, and the US. She shares insight on the political situation in the US, with reference to recent elections and the potential impact this may have on future drug policy. Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll BookCannabisLSDPsilocybinMDMADMTMDMA for PTSDMAPS CanadaMAPS IncidentSchizophreniaSkunkInuitsDonald TrumpJoe BidenMonty PythonRoald DahlManifest destinyGlastonbury festivalSmall Pharma FibromyalgiaBreaking ConventionSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we hear from Andrew Feldmár, a psychotherapist with over 52 years of experience. He discusses his journey into psychotherapy, his departure from mainstream psychiatric and therapeutic practices rooted in the concept of mental illness, and his experiences with LSD. Feldmár also critiques various techniques used in contemporary psychedelic research and offers a fresh perspective based on what he has learnt in his years of experience. Radical Adventure: An Inquiry into Psychedelic Psychotherapy BookAuschwitz 1956 Hungarian uprisingJon Hopkins Medical SchoolPsycholinguisticsLSDAlcoholPsilocybinFreudTimothy Leary AristotleSupport the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Prof Neil and Dr Thurgur speak with electronic musician Jon Hopkins. Together, they explore the intersection of music, mental health, and psychedelics. Jon shares his personal journey, from his early love of music to his experiments with electronic sounds as well as discussing how experiences with meditation and psychedelics have profoundly influenced his music, shaping albums like ‘Music for Psychedelic Therapy’ and ‘Ritual’. They delve into the therapeutic potential of music, especially within psychedelic therapy, and reflect on how music can serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Find out more about Jon Hopkins and his music below!Jon HopkinsRitual Music For Psychedelic Therapy LinksMercury prizeLeo abrahamsQigong shaking practiceCannabisMdmaMichael pollanMagic mushroomsDMTTM - transcendental meditationPsilocybinTayos cavesShuar tribeAyahuascaMendel kaelan wave pathsEast forestRam dassKetaminePtsdSit around the fireRam dass foundation talksSpotifyThe icarosKetamine therapyPsychedelic therapyDolby atmos formatGlastonbury festCharli xcxColdplayBrat albumKundalini yoga breathing meditationYoga nidraVedic mantra meditationWim hof Become a Drug Science Community MemberBrat albumKundalini yoga breathing meditationYoga nidraVedic mantra meditationWim hof Become a Drug Science Community Member ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Prof Alex Stevens, researcher in drug policy, treatment and harm reduction and Gillian Shorter, a researcher into the health and wellbeing of people who use alcohol and drugs. In this episode they discuss harm reduction strategies in the UK. They delve into the root causes of the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and explore the effectiveness of various harm reduction approaches, such as needle exchange programs and drug consumption rooms. The conversation also considers the politics surrounding these strategies and the limitations imposed by the Misuse of Drugs Act. Drug consumption Rooms BBCDrug Science Enhanced Harm Reduction Working Group Needle ExchangeNaloxoneDrug Consumption Room High Tolerance Housing The Merseyside Model Drug TestingDrug Testing KitsInternational Harm Reduction Association HIV and AIDSOpiate Substitution Therapy Winter Comfort Case Support the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

What is the UK medical cannabis industry looking like in 2024?We are 6 years on from legalisation of cannabis-based medical products in the UK and although many patients have now been able to access these products, many others are still struggling to get access. In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, Prof. David Nutt is joined by three leading experts in cannabis science and the evolving landscape of regulation. Dr. Callie Seaman, Dr. Leon Barron, and Michael Sassano share their insights into the future of cannabis as a medicine, the current regulatory environment, and the scientific innovations driving the industry forwardCannabis Industry CouncilMedical Cannabis Working Group SOMAI Pharmaceuticals Medical Cannabis Clinicians SocietyLondon Resilience Clinic German medical cannabis market NHS Cannabis-based products for medicinal useCost effectiveness paperHHS report This episode has been supported by the Cannabis Industry Council ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet with Darren Murphy, a Chemsex Specialist Practitioner at Forward Leeds, to discuss chemsex, addiction, as well as addressing the link with the LGBTQ+ community. Darren shares his personal journey, navigating the challenges of drug addiction and everything which came with it. Realising the limited support available for people engaging in chemsex, Darren shares how he uses his experiences to help others overcome similar struggles. ChemSex and Being SaferMethamphetaminemephedroneGHBPoppersCocaineMdmaKetamineEating disorderHIVNarcotics AnonymousSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist and ayahuasca researcher with extensive experience working with Indigenous communities in the Amazon Basin. He discusses the potential of Indigenous medicines to complement Western psychiatric care and reduce relapse rates. Dr. Ruffell compares Western and Indigenous approaches to using spiritual plants, addressing the ongoing debate about how to respectfully integrate Indigenous medicine into Western healthcare as well as highlighting the key differences between commercial ayahuasca retreats and authentic Indigenous practices. Lastly, he discusses aspects of Shipibo culture and a journey into Shamanism. AyahuascaDMTPsilocybinPsychosisRevolving door syndromeShipiboHeroic HeartsSupport the PodcastDr Simon RuffellOnaya HealthOnaya ScienceMind over matterParticipation in an indigenous Amazonian-led ayahuasca retreat associated with increases in nature relatednessCeremonial Ayahuasca in Amazonian RetreatsModulatory effects of ayahuasca on personality structure in a traditional framework ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet with Dr Karenza Moore as she discusses changes in drug trends in the UK, focusing on the motivations, risks, and patterns of drug use, particularly among young people. Karenza identifies trends in drug use, including the impact of the lockdown on substance abuse. She also examines various drug trends within dance music culture, which leads to a discussion of safer partying practices, with a particular focus on the LGBT community and the importance of staying safe during a night out. Finally she addresses the challenges of conducting research in this area and outlines strategies for overcoming these barriers to gain a comprehensive understanding of substance use. KetamineMDMAMephedroneReleaseTransformBeckleys foundationSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Rose Cartwright as she discusses the impact of psychedelics on her Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She reflects on some of the common misconceptions around OCD as well as the impact diagnosis and traditional treatment had on her life. Throughout the episode, she reflects on her own psychedelic experiences, mistakes made along the way and the steps she would have taken differently going into this with the knowledge she has today.Rose Cartwright is a screenwriter whose memoir, Pure, about her life with intrusive sexual thoughts, was adapted for Channel 4. Her revolutionary new memoir, The Maps We Carry, reveals how the failure of the mental health system to cure her OCD led her to radical action. While she explored her trauma through a series of mind-bending psychedelic trips, she began to interrogate our dominant medical paradigm. Her writing about psychedelics, consciousness and mental health has also been published in The Face, Vice and the Guardian. Rose is a writer on the Netflix adaptation of Liu Cixin’s The Three Body Problem.The Maps We Carry Rose Cartwright OCDBulimia PTSDPure Intrusive thoughtsPsychodynamic therapyPerson centred therapyMDMA PsilocybinSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet with Satya, a consciousness activist, who has been entirely dedicated to the expansion and evolution of human consciousness for 15 years. Throughout this time, she has facilitated retreats for over 63,000 people around the world, with profound processes of transformation. Satya is the founder of Working With Satya and of the Awareness Facilitator School, that is currently training facilitators with the method she has developed, uniting modern therapies with science, meditation and ancient wisdom. She discusses the process of her work through a wide range of transformational processes, with a special focus on combining ancient rituals with contemporary therapeutic techniques. Satya shares how her personal healing journey, following sexual abuse, led her to discover the transformative power of Ayahuasca. Inspired by this experience, she became passionate about sharing this sacred medicine and supporting others on their own paths to healing. Working With Psilocybin - Training Course AyahuascaPsilocybinmescalineWorking with SatyaAyahuasca retreatTraumaPTSD in Veterans Indigenous ethics in psychedelic workSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet with Prof Susanne MacGregor and Prof Karen Duke to explore the issues surrounding drug use in prisons. They discuss the ways vulnerable inmates can be targeted by gangs, as well as how various aspects of the prison environment can increase the potential harms of psychoactive substances. The risk matrix: Drug-related deaths in prisons in England and Wales, 2015–2020 Responding to ‘wicked problems’: policy and governance on drug-related deaths in English and Welsh prisons, 2015-2020Producing the ‘problem’ of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in English prisons‘Keeping a lid on it’: Exploring ‘problematisations’ of prescribed medication in prisons in the UK 'Risk, Intoxication and Death: contemporary media framings of drug-related deathsACMD report: ageing cohort of drug usersCity roads PPO Pregabalin Cannabis Synthetic cannabis EcstasyHeroin HIVFentanyl ADHD Rory Stewart 10 Prisons Project Antisocial personality disorder Support the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, David Nutt meets with Dr Duncan Still, a GP with significant interest in integrative medicine. He highlights the importance of adopting a holistic approach when providing support for patients and connecting traditional medicine with modern medicine as opposed to discounting it. Duncan explains how this holistic and integrative approach led to him becoming involved in psychedelic retreats and explains the process participants will undergo. PsyEduUK AcupuncturePsilocybinMDMAAustralia MDMA and psilocybinMind medicine AustraliaNature connectednessJames HawkinsSupport the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode we meet with Dr Apo AporosaHe discusses his unconventional route to his PhD, having not finished school and joined the Army followed by the police only to break into academia at a masters level and continuing studies from there. Apo talks about his PTSD diagnosis and his subsequent journey with Kava, a spiritual drink consumed in Fijian culture. He discusses the affect this had in treating his PTSD symptoms as well as it facilitating his work overcoming his trauma. In this episode, Apo explains cultural aspects of the Kava experience.Finally, Apo discusses methods of translating Kava into the medical field without impacting on its traditional and cultural uses. as well as its position of legality within the UK.Kava Drug information What is Kava? Kava Myths and MisunderstandingsPTSDPTSD in VeteransFijian Kava CeremoneyBecome a drug science community member ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Kate Hayes reflects on her experiences with the LSD Microdot Gang, drawing upon her interactions and experiences with Dr. Christine Bott and Richard Kemp. She addresses Richard and Christine’s aspiration to bring about positive change in the world using LSD which led to their eventual arrest following involvement in an LSD production and distribution network. At the time, however it was not uncommon for there to be a separation from LSD funders and manufacturers with distributors and dealers. Kate, therefore, further reflects on her own personal experiences with having fallen victim to the drug trade and trafficking at a young age and how this impacted on her experiences going forwards. Kate further reflects on the historical issues in treating mental health conditions and the current limitations of this, drawing further upon Christine and Richards aspirations for LSD.Buy the books hereListen to Acid Dream hereThe Club of Rome reportCarl Rogers Carl Rogers 2LSD CannabisAlbert Hoffman University Occupation for Palestine March on WashingtonMartin Luther kingDeath of the Family, David CooperPTSD Gabor MateJosef RaelHistory of The Club of RomeInstagramFacebookBlogYou Tube ChannelSupport the Podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode we meet with Dr Julie Holland. She discussed how MDMA influenced her career and inspired her to investigate its therapeutic potential. Controversially, she has investigated the effect of MDMA in schizophrenia and its potential in preventing paranoia and inhibiting auditory hallucinations during its effects. Dr Holland touches upon debate subjects such as the likelihood of addiction following consumption of MDMA as well as classifications of various substances under regulatory bodies. Finally, Dr Holland highlights the ‘alpha bias’ in current clinical research as expressed through her book ‘moody bitches’ and indicates the implications this could have. Moody Bitches BookGood Chemistry bookMaps MdmaMescalinePCPLSDCannabisFentanylBenzodiazapinesKetaminePsilocybinPsilocybin psychotherapySchizophreniaAnxietyPTSDEating DisordersRosalind WattsNorman OhlerTelehealth Ketamine StudyBecome a Drug Science Community Member ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, we meet with Dr. Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, an Associate Professor of Pharmacy in Auckland. Dr. Muthukumaraswamy discusses his early research, exploring the functional connectivity of substances like DMT and Ketamine. He proceeds to share insights into his breakthrough realisation regarding the disparity between the self-reported success of microdosing outside the lab setting and why it has failed to be replicated in controlled research settings. Finally, he shares his opinions on recent developments of drug policy in Australia and the prospects of New Zealand adopting a similar policy. KetamineDMTLSDFmriMEGEEGPET5-HT ReceptorMicrodosingNeuroplasticityEndocrineMenstural Cycle HormonesAustralia Law on MDMA and PsilocybinResearchSupport the podcast ★ Support this podcast ★

Professor Mitul Mehta explains how his studies in neuroscience and the role of dopamine in learning and memory led to his own career in neuroimaging. He offers an overview of what neuroimaging entails and how these scans can contribute to the advancement of research. Drawing from his latest research centred around Schizophrenia, Mitul delves into our understanding of drug interactions within the brain and how these can be used in drug development.DopamineDopaminergic systemExecutive functionEpisodic memoryBrain imagingLesion StudyPet scannerTemporal resolutionFmriMRIReceptorsneuronsBlood Brain BarrierKetamineCocainePsilocybinSchizophrenia

In this episode, Prof Neill and Dr Thurgur meet with Dr Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist known for studying social behaviour and psychedelic drugs. Together, they explore the role of critical periods in trauma and mental health; following the potential of Psychedelics in reopening critical periods which were previously thought to be closed, they debate whether a critical period closing is ever truly permanent.Critical periodSensitive periodLorenz 1935MDMAcocaineOxytocinIbogainepsilocybinTheory of mindAlbert HofmannSchizophreniaBecome a Drug Science Community Member ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with German author Norman Ohler as he speaks about his new book “Tripped” which addresses drug use in post-Nazi Germany. Ohler shares how a secret history held back therapeutic research of psychedelic drugs for decades and eventually Nazi policies became part of the foundation of America’s War on Drugs. Ohler discusses theories as to why substances have been omitted from certain parts of history. This episode delves into deep debates regarding the weaponisation of substances within war environments, touching upon the CIA’s attempts to weaponise psychedelics such as LSD in their MK Ultra experiments. MethamphetamineAmphetamineBlitzkriegBlitzed – drugs in nazi Germany bookLSDTrippedCocaineAlbert HofmannPsychedelics David NuttBecome a drug science community member ★ Support this podcast ★