The Drug Science Podcast
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.
Episodes
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 sha...
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, h...
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 pract...
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 Nitr...
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 emph...
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 wor...
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 w...
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...
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 ...
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.
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 ps...
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 translati...
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 jou...
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.
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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.
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 s...
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 b...
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 T...
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 appr...
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. ...
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