Nicholas Rasmussen
Historian of modern life science with a focus on the history of drugs. Author of 'On Speed', a study of prescription stimulants in America.
Best podcasts with Nicholas Rasmussen
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56 snips
Oct 27, 2023 • 59min
Why'd I take speed for twenty years? (Part 1)
Nicholas Rasmussen, a historian and author of "On Speed," dives into his personal journey with ADHD and prescription stimulants like dexedrine. He analyzes how amphetamines evolved from a medical breakthrough to a common treatment. The podcast highlights their role in WWII and the complexities surrounding their use for mental health. Rasmussen reflects on societal perceptions, marketing influences, and the normalization of stimulants, ultimately questioning how such drugs became integral to American life.
51 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
Why'd I take speed for twenty years? - Part 1 (classic)
Nicholas Rasmussen, a historian specializing in the history of drugs and author of 'On Speed', shares a compelling narrative about the rise and fall of amphetamines in America. He reflects on his personal journey with ADHD and the transformative role of prescription stimulants. The discussion reveals how amphetamines evolved from little-known medications to societal staples, their use in WWII, and the cultural shift towards cocaine in the 1970s. Rasmussen also explores the implications of ADHD diagnoses and the complexities surrounding long-term medication use.
