On Drugs

<p>Normally, therapy sessions are totally confidential — but this podcast opens the doors. In this season of Other People’s Problems, Dr. Hillary McBride explores the transformative power of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting.</p><p><br></p><p>With her psychological expertise, Dr. Hillary leads her clients through drug-assisted therapy, guiding them to new heights on their healing journeys. Experience these real, unscripted sessions firsthand as they unfold in each episode.</p><p><br></p><p>This season offers an unprecedented look at psychedelic psychotherapy, breaking new ground in the podcast space and demystifying this often misunderstood practice as a powerful tool in trauma recovery.</p><p><br></p><p>More episodes of Other People’s Problems are available at:&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mgln.ai/vHvLQD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://link.mgln.ai/vHvLQD</a></p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.peakmedicalgroup.ca/doctors/dr-jablonski/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Ted Jablonski</a> breaks down the risks and realities of DIY transition. From prescriptions to homebrew, who gets to decide what care looks like?</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://hillarylmcbride.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Hillary McBride</a>, 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?</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to more episodes of Other People’s Problems <a href="https://link.mgln.ai/b8jfdJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>. </p>

<p>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 <a href="https://pulmonary.ucsd.edu/research/labs-centers/crotty-alexander/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Laura Crotty Alexander</a> to understand the mixed messages around vaping, nicotine addiction, and the realities of "safer" choices.</p><p><br></p><p>And check out our previous episode on smoking <a href="http://lnk.to/cikNc1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p>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 <a href="https://www.ohsu.edu/people/bita-moghaddam-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Bita Moghaddam</a>. The episode also looks at its unique psychological effects, including the infamous “K-hole,” and how it’s being used today in groundbreaking therapies.</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to Julian Uzielli’s documentary here: <a href="lnk.to/Loyxt1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lnk.to/Loyxt1</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>What happens to our consciousness when we're put under? This episode dives into the science and mystery of anesthesia, featuring insights from <a href="https://katecoleadams.com/anaesthesia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kate Cole-Adams</a> and <a href="https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/mni/george-mashour-md-phd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. George Mashour</a>. 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.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Just a heads up, this episode contains graphic descriptions of surgery. Please take care when listening.</p><p><br></p><p>Take a listen to Dr. George Mashour’s tunes here: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJfy4esJy4yrmf7bDZE6h" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oJfy4esJy4yrmf7bDZE6h</a></p>

<p>Ozempic, originally a diabetes medication, has gained popularity as a weight loss drug—but at what cost? Geoff speaks with <a href="https://johannhari.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Johann Hari</a> 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.</p>

<p>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 <a href="http://www.garthmullins.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Garth Mullins</strong></a>, 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?&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Listen to Garth Mullin’s <strong>Crackdown</strong> podcast: <a href="https://www.crackdownpod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.crackdownpod.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Fighting for Space</strong> by Travis Lupick: <a href="https://tlupick.com/fightingforspace/&nbsp;" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://tlupick.com/fightingforspace/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Listen to <strong>City, On Drugs</strong> from Season 1: <a href="lnk.to/6c7jR9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lnk.to/6c7jR9</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>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 <a href="https://publichealth.buffalo.edu/community-health-and-health-behavior/faculty-and-staff/faculty-directory/lk22.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dr. Lynn Kozlowski</a>, this episode delves into the psychology and allure behind smoking, from personal habits to societal myths.</p>

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.