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For thousands of years naturally occurring psychedelics have been used medicinally. But for the past few decades, research into their potential has been on hold, because their supply and use is illegal.Now, things are changing. In Australia there are a number of trials currently underway investigating the use of psychedelics as a way to treat depression and addiction. But while the research is happening, for some it’s not happening fast enough, and there are those who are taking matters into their own hands.Today, contributor to The Monthly, James Bradley on his personal experience of how psychedelics are transforming mental health therapies.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Contributor to The Monthly, James BradleySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018 singer Billie Eilish released her debut album ‘When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?’With it the teenager pretty much immediately changed the face and sound of modern pop music.Her album won all four of the major categories at the Grammy awards that year. The first time that’s happened since 1981.Her hit Bad Guy took out the top spot on the Hottest 100, making her both the youngest person to win the countdown and the first solo female artist.Now, she’s back, with her follow up second record: ‘Happier Than Ever’.It’s a very different sounding album, and it feels like a response to the immense pressure and scrutiny she’s faced since becoming a pop superstar. To talk about it, and the way Billie Eilish is reshaping the music industry around herself, we’re joined on the show by music critic for The Saturday Paper, Shaad D’Souza. Guest: Music critic for The Saturday Paper, Shaad D’SouzaFollow The Culture on InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Scott Ludlam, ICAN ambassador and former Australian Greens Senator, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly.It’s called ‘The Endgame’. It explores the trial of Julian Assange, and the powers fighting to extradite him, while his condition deteriorates in a UK prison.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Scott Ludlam, ICAN ambassador and former Australian Greens Senator.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After riding high in the opinion polls for the past 12 months, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is now facing the consequences of a slow and messy vaccine rollout.To try and claw back public support the PM has tried to tap into the country’s Olympic spirit, describing our vaccine challenge as a “gold medal” race.Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the intertwined fates of the vaccine rollout and the Prime Minister’s political fortunes. Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sydney has been in lockdown for six weeks now, but the number of Covid-19 infections is still continuing to rise.While most residents are able to stay at home, thousands of essential workers are traveling to their place of employment everyday, to keep the city turning. They’re doctors, nurses, teachers, carers, but they’re also cooks, cleaners and factory workers.And according to the state government, they’re the people most at risk of catching and spreading Covid-19. Today, we speak to Paloma, an essential worker living in Sydney’s south-west, about her job and what the government could be doing to help the most vulnerable. Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Paloma Jackson-Vaughan, an essential worker living in Sydney’s south-west.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than three million Australians face a health crisis that can severely impact their quality of life: chronic pain.But many people experiencing chronic pain are let down by an outdated healthcare system.It’s a system that frustrates both patients and doctors, so is it time for a radical overhaul of how public health operates in Australia?Today, Beth Atkinson Quinton speaks to The Saturday Paper’s health columnist Dr Mel Cheng and The Saturday Paper contributor Shakira Hussein about the challenges doctors face when trying to help patients with chronic pain, and how we ended up with a system that fails to address it. Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuests: Health Columnist for The Saturday Paper Dr Mel Cheng and contributor to The Saturday Paper Shakira Hussein.Background reading: Opioids and chronic pain in The Saturday PaperSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosting the Olympics is an honour that cities have competed for over a century. It’s seen as recognition of a nation’s economic superiority, and a source of national pride. But, is winning the bid to host the Games really worth it? As some cities are finding - dealing with the International Olympic Committee can leave them financially and legally ruined.Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the power of the IOC, and its vice president, John Coates. Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every two years the Australian and US defence forces engage in a massive military exercise called Talisman Sabre.It's about strategising for potential conflict - and this year, many observers say the focus has been on China.The wargames haven’t gone unnoticed - in fact, the Chinese navy sent two spy ships to monitor the situation.Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Brian Toohey on the danger of these military maneuvers and the espionage arms race taking place in our region.Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Brian TooheyStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The original Gossip Girl debuted 14 years ago and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.Now the show is back with a brand new cast and brand new storyline, along with promises of more politically correct storylines. But do we need a new version of the show in 2021? And is it even any good?To answer these questions, and more, New York City based culture writer Tara Kenny joins the show. Guest: Tara Kenny, culture writer and contributor to The Saturday PaperBackground reading: Gossip Girl in The Saturday PaperFollow The Culture on InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While many Australians were focused on watching the Olympics this week, the federal Labor Opposition quietly made some significant policy changes.The party has now fallen in line with the government's tax cuts for the wealthy, despite previously labelling them unfair and ineffective.The backflip comes as Labor tries to minimise potential attacks from the Coalition, ahead of the next election.Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on Labor’s small-target strategy, and if it will work.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.