

The Drug Science Podcast
Drug Science
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
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
132. The Fellowship of the River with Dr Joe Tafur
Dr. Joe Tafur, an integrative family physician and curandero, shares insights from his book, exploring the fusion of spiritual healing and modern healthcare. He discusses the impact of generational trauma and emphasizes the mind-body connection in health, highlighting how psychedelics like ayahuasca can aid healing. Tafur also delves into the importance of nature, emotional trauma, and meditative practices, advocating for a holistic approach to well-being. Plus, he reflects on the rituals of the mamos tribe and the symbolic journey of the Eagle and the Condor.

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 2min
131. Scientists, Poets and Dissidents with Mike Jay
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 Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas). He discusses various key figures at this time and the work they conducted, including Humphry Davy and Thomas Beddoes as well as discussing early theories into the potential use of gas in medicine which lead to the development of the Pneumatic Institute. Further, they discuss how this 18th-century research links to the psychedelic renaissance Free Radicals: How a Group of Romantic Experimenters Gave Birth to Psychedelic ScienceMike Jay AuthorHumphrey Davy Humphry Davy BookThomas Beddoes Joseph Priestley Davis Giddy Miners lung Tuberculosis Michael Pollan Default mode network Mescaline Drug Science Podcast with Mike JayLink in show notes
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May 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
130. Psychedelics and Women's Health with Dr Grace Blest-Hopley
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 emphasises the necessity for greater investigations and understandings around the intersection of psychedelics and the menstrual cycle, explaining how Hystelica attempts to bridge this gap with naturalistic and observational studies. Throughout, the discussion examines how, by researching these unknowns, we can discover new treatment opportunities that better serve women’s health.Heroic Hearts Project UK HystelicaNWPharmaTech MDMAPsilocybin Retreats Study Mothers of the mushroom Microdosing Study
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May 7, 2025 • 1h
129. Decolonising Plant Medicine with ICEERS
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 work with ICEER’s Ayahuasca Defense Fund and how it has begun to change the narrative surrounding psychedelics in prohibitionist countries. Operating between indigenous communities and the Western world, they provide a unique perspective that shows how both communities can learn from each other. ICEERSAyahuasca Defense FundAyahuascaDMTAyahuasca Legal Battle in FranceTechnical Report on AyahuascaColombia's CND68 ResolutionIbogaineSpanish Ibogaine TrialContact Email
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Apr 23, 2025 • 50min
128. Former Doctor, Former Prisoner with Dr Tim Kerr
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 with Kings College London with the support of the Longford trust, a charity that supports people with lived experience of prison to access higher education. The Longford TrustHoward League for Penal ReformNHS Practitioner HealthAlcoholic liver diseaseJaundiceEcstasyKetamineCocaineFreud and cocaineNitrous oxideGHB SpiceWeedVenlafaxineModafinil Open and closed PrisonAlcoholics Anonymous
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Apr 9, 2025 • 45min
127. Psychedelic Therapy in the UK with Dr Laurie Higbed and Dr Owain Winfield
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 Psilocybin in a range of applications including trauma and addictions.MDMAKetaminePsilocybinSubstance MisusePTSDMAPSMDMA study into Substance Use DisorderCompass PathwaysCompass Pathways Psilocybin for Treatment Resistant DepressionAwakn life sciencesAmygdalaLink in show notes
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4 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 42min
126. The body keeps the score with Dr Bessel van der Kolk
In this discussion, trauma-based psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk shares insights from his groundbreaking work on trauma's effects on the body and mind. He delves into innovative treatments like EMDR and the potential of psychedelics, particularly MDMA, in healing trauma. Bessel discusses the historical challenges in trauma research and critiques traditional psychiatric assessments, advocating for a more compassionate approach. With a focus on neuroplasticity and the impact of childhood experiences, he presents a transformative perspective on mental health treatment.

Mar 12, 2025 • 33min
125. The 5-HT hypothesis of depression with Prof Philip Cowen and Dr Sameer Jauhar
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. DepressionSerotoninTryptophanHamilton depression scaleAntidepressantsGeddes paper on preventing relapseSupport the Podcast
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Feb 26, 2025 • 53min
124. The power of Medicine with Josh Dugdale
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 psilocybin access rights, the changes needed in this area, and what the future of psychedelic reform might look like.Medicine Festival Psilocybin Access RightsAyahuascaPsilocybinMDMADrug Science Reschedule PsilocybinMedical CannabisPTSD Veterans PTSDIndustrial Hemp LicensingDEFRASubscribe to podcast
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9 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 56min
123. Memory, Movies and Psychedelics with Prof Ravi Das
Prof. Ravi Das, a psychopharmacology expert at UCL, dives into innovative treatments for addiction and anxiety. He discusses the groundbreaking largest DMT study and its implications for memory reconsolidation. The conversation highlights the ethical landscape of psychedelic research and the potential effectiveness of DMT compared to traditional therapies. Taking a closer look at memory reconsolidation, he explains how targeting unstable memories could disrupt cravings and anxiety conditions, paving the way for future mental health treatments.