The Drug Science Podcast
143 episodes
Professor David Nutt has spent a career making the argument for a rational, evidence-based approach to drug policy and drug use. The scientific evidence still challenges perceived wisdom on drugs and for that reason can appear to be contentious. In this podcast, the Professor explores the actual harms and potential benefits of various drugs, challenging myths surrounding classification and legislation, and exploring the societal impact of poorly informed drug policy. Using evidence in public policy should not be controversial. A podcast for anyone interested in understanding the scientific truth about drugs, free from political or moral concern.
118. Psychotherapy with Andrew Feldmár
Dec, 04, 2024
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...
117. Drugs and Music with Jon Hopkins
Nov, 20, 2024
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...
116. Reducing drug harms in the UK with Dr Gillian Shorter and Prof Alex Stevens
Nov, 06, 2024
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...
115. Six years of medical cannabis in the UK with Dr Leon Barron, Dr Callie Seaman and Michael Sassano
Oct, 23, 2024
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...
Cannabis
114. Chemsex with Darren Murphy
Oct, 09, 2024
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....
113. Psychiatrists and Curanderos with Dr Simon Ruffell
Sep, 25, 2024
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....
Ayahuasca
112. Parties, drugs and young people with Dr Karenza Moore
Sep, 11, 2024
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...
111. OCD and Psychedelics with Rose Cartwright
Aug, 28, 2024
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...
Psychedelics
110. Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World with Satya
Aug, 14, 2024
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....
Psilocybin
109. Prisons and Drugs with Prof Karen Duke and Prof Susanne MacGregor
Jul, 31, 2024
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...
108. Psychedelic Education in the UK with Dr Duncan Still
Jul, 17, 2024
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....
MDMA
107. Kava with Dr Apo Aporosa
Jul, 03, 2024
In this episode we meet with Dr Apo Aporosa He 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...
106. The Microdot Gang with Kate Hayes
Jun, 19, 2024
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...
LSD
105. MDMA medicalisation in the US with Dr Julie Holland
Jun, 05, 2024
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...
MDMA
Ketamine
104. Psychedelics in New Zealand with Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy
May, 22, 2024
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...
DMT
MDMA
Psychedelics
103. Neuroimaging with Prof Mitul Mehta
May, 08, 2024
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...
102. MDMA and the Octopus with Dr Gül Dölen
Apr, 24, 2024
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...
MDMA
Psychedelics
101. LSD, Nazis and the CIA with Norman Ohler
Apr, 10, 2024
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...
LSD
100. 100 Years of the Maudsley Hospital with Dr James Rucker
Mar, 27, 2024
On the 100th Episode of the Drug Science podcast, Prof David Nutt meets with Dr James Rucker to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maudsley Hospital. James shares his experiences as one of the first clinicians in a psychedelic study hosted by David Nutt before explaining his own personal journey...
99. Anyone's Child with Anne-Marie Cockburn and Jane Slater
Mar, 13, 2024
In this episode, we meet with Jane Slater, co-founder of Anyone’s Child and Anne Marie, a mother who tragically lost her child, Martha, to an accidental overdose. Anne and Jane discuss the consequences of drug policy failures and the need for safe drug use education, drawing in on Anne’s...