For our final episode of Season 3, we’re looking at the fight for access to hormone therapy — and what happens when the system fails. Historian Samantha Rosenthal traces the long history of medical gatekeeping, while Dr. Ted Jablonski breaks down the risks and realities of DIY transition. From prescriptions to homebrew, who gets to decide what care looks like?

With the rise of psychedelic therapy, questions arise about the ethics, effectiveness, and experiences it brings. In this episode, a visit to a psychedelic therapy clinic. Geoff also talks with Dr. Hillary McBride, host of Other People’s Problems, to explore how substances are reshaping mental health treatments – including her own experience. What might be possible when traditional therapy meets psychedelics?Listen to more episodes of Other People’s Problems here.

Is vaping just as harmful as smoking, or a safer alternative? Following her attempt to quit cigarettes, Hadeel finds herself switching to a vape and wonders what dangers it holds. Geoff talks to Dr. Laura Crotty Alexander to understand the mixed messages around vaping, nicotine addiction, and the realities of "safer" choices.And check out our previous episode on smoking here.

Ketamine is making headlines as a treatment for depression, but what exactly does it do? From its roots in anesthetic use to its reputation as a club drug, Geoff examines the science and history of ketamine with Dr. Bita Moghaddam. The episode also looks at its unique psychological effects, including the infamous “K-hole,” and how it’s being used today in groundbreaking therapies.Listen to Julian Uzielli’s documentary here: lnk.to/Loyxt1

What happens to our consciousness when we're put under? This episode dives into the science and mystery of anesthesia, featuring insights from Kate Cole-Adams and Dr. George Mashour. From the physical processes to the philosophical questions, Geoff explores what happens in the in-between state, offering a glimpse into one of medicine’s most fascinating frontiers. Just a heads up, this episode contains graphic descriptions of surgery. Please take care when listening.Take a listen to Dr. George Mashour’s tunes here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJfy4esJy4yrmf7bDZE6h

Ozempic, originally a diabetes medication, has gained popularity as a weight loss drug—but at what cost? Geoff speaks with Johann Hari about the allure and stigma of taking “the easy way out” with weight loss drugs. This episode unpacks cultural attitudes toward obesity, the psychological effects of diet drugs, and whether these quick fixes might be shifting the way we understand health and body image.

In Vancouver’s East Hastings, the Safe Supply program challenges the conventional narrative that sobriety is the ultimate goal. Geoff visits the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users office to sit down with Garth Mullins, an advocate and organizer. This episode explores harm reduction, examining how drug addiction intersects with issues of poverty, shame, and community. Are programs like these changing lives? Why did they end? Did decriminalization really fail? Listen to Garth Mullin’s Crackdown podcast: https://www.crackdownpod.com/Fighting for Space by Travis Lupick: https://tlupick.com/fightingforspace/Listen to City, On Drugs from Season 1: lnk.to/6c7jR9

Despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns, nicotine addiction is still pervasive. Why do we keep lighting up when we know it’s bad for us? Producer Hadeel confronts her own romanticized view of cigarettes, even as the health risks loom large. Speaking with Dr. Lynn Kozlowski, this episode delves into the psychology and allure behind smoking, from personal habits to societal myths.

Todd McGowan and Ryan Angley, co-hosts of the podcast Why Theory?, delve into the cultural significance of alcohol through psychoanalytic lenses. They discuss how Hollywood's portrayal of drinking teaches us societal norms and personal identity, from the glamorization in films to the gritty undertones of film noir. The conversation touches on the subtleties of masculinity and emotional expression surrounding drinking. They also explore the impact of cultural backgrounds on personal drinking experiences, revealing the complex layers of pleasure and addiction.

Host Geoff Turner begins his most personal season yet by examining his own relationship with alcohol. In a time when sobriety is on the rise among younger generations, what changed? Through conversations with addiction researcher Dr. Catharine Fairbairn, this episode explores the factors behind the ways we drink, from social habits to self-reflection, and asks if the current cultural shift could lead us toward a more mindful future.Please note, this episode contains references to suicide. Please take care when listening.ResourcesFor more resources on getting help with substance use, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.htmlFor a detailed list of Canadian resources, including province and territory-specific resources, see: cbc.ca/1.7432271If you or someone you know is struggling, here's where to get help:Canada's Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988.Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868. Text 686868. Live chat counselling on https://kidshelpphone.ca/.Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention: Find a 24-hour crisis centre at https://suicideprevention.ca/resources/This guide from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health outlines how to talk about suicide with someone you're worried about: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/guides-and-publications/when-a-family-member-is-suicidal