The Drug Science Podcast

147. Rewarding the Human Mind with Dr Harriet De Wit

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we speak to Dr Harriet de Witt, professor of psychiatry and neuropharmacology at the University of Chicago. She shares how ...

146. Vaping in Schools with Hannah Dawes and Dr Rachael Andrews

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we speak to Dr. Rachel Andrews, an addiction and harm reduction researcher at the University of Bath, and Hannah Dawes, a P...

145. Psychedelics, Power and the Price of Healing with Erica Rex

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, Prof Nutt speaks with Erica Rex, author of the book Seeing What is There, which explores the complex hist...

144. On Drugs: Philosophy, Consciousness and Sobriety with Justin Smith-Ruiu

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Smith-Ruiu, a philosopher at Université Paris Cité and the author of On Drugs. He discusses his motivation...

143. Psychedelics for Palliative care with Prof Robert Schoevers

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we talk to Robert Schoevers, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Groningen and one of the pioneers of psychedeli...

142. Animal Research and the Future of Depression with Prof Emma Robinson

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we speak with Emma Robinson, a professor of psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol with extensive experience in an...

141. Clubs, Raves, Drugs and Social Media with Simon Doherty

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk to Simon Doherty, a journalist and content creator with a focus on harm reduction. He explores ho...

140. Which therapy works best for psychedelics? with Prof Sara Tai

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we talk to Prof Sara Tai, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Manchester and an NHS consultant clinical...

139. Poppers with Adam Zmith

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we speak with Adam Zmith, podcast producer, writer, and author of Deep Sniff: A History of Poppers and Queer Futures. He describes hi...

138. Scottish Ambulance Service - Frontline Trauma with John, Joanne and Ryan

16 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as Prof Nutt speaks to John, Joanne, and Ryan of the Scottish Ambulance Service in Glasgow. They explore their backgrounds in ...

137. Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom with Dr Andy Letcher

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, we speak to Dr Andy Letcher, a religious scholar and author of the book Shroom: the Cultural History of t...

136. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology with Jenny Chapman and Dr Stephen Naulls

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tune into the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk to Jenny Chapman and Dr. Stephen Naulls, researchers at the Parliamentary Offi...

135. Ethnomycology with Darren Le Baron

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Darren Le Baron, an accomplished mycologist and educator. He discusses how his hardships fr...

134. Tribe with Bruce Parry

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this episode as we speak to Bruce Parry, the creator and star of the BBC series Tribe With Bruce Parry. He explains his sharp career change...

133. Psychedelic Ethics with Dr Edward Jacobs and Sam Bloomfield

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Sam Bloomfield, founder of PsyEdu, and Dr. Eddie Jacobs, the first person to complete a doc...

132. The Fellowship of the River with Dr Joe Tafur

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we meet with Dr. Joe Tafur, MD, an integrative Family Physician, curandero, author and speaker. He discus...

131. Scientists, Poets and Dissidents with Mike Jay

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 scientifi...

130. Psychedelics and Women's Health with Dr Grace Blest-Hopley

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 U...

129. Decolonising Plant Medicine with ICEERS

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we talk with Natalia Rebollo and Jesús Alonso Olamendi of the International Center for Ethnobotan...

128. Former Doctor, Former Prisoner with Dr Tim Kerr

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

127. Psychedelic Therapy in the UK with Dr Laurie Higbed and Dr Owain Winfield

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast where David Nutt meets with Psychedelic psychotherapy experts Laurie Higbed and Owain Winfie...

126. The body keeps the score with Dr Bessel van der Kolk

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Bessel van Der kolk, a trauma based psychiatrist, author, researcher and educator. Since the 1970s his research has been...

125. The 5-HT hypothesis of depression with Prof Philip Cowen and Dr Sameer Jauhar

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, David Nutt meets with psychopharmacologist Phil Cowen and Psychiatrist Sameer Jauhar  to discuss the neu...

124. The power of Medicine with Josh Dugdale

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 exper...

123. Memory, Movies and Psychedelics with Prof Ravi Das

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Prof Ravi Das is a leading expert in psychopharmacology and cognitive neuroscience, with a career dedicated to understanding and developing innovative...

122. Street Drugs Discussions with Prof Chris Chandler and Dr James Morgan

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where we meet with Dr James Morgan, Prof Chris Chandler and Prof Jo Neill, the founders of S...

121. What is Naturalistic Research? with Dr Matthew X. Lowe

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A conversation between Prof David Nutt and research scientist Dr Matthew X. Lowe.Dr Matthew X. Lowe PhD is Director of Research for Realm of Caring an...

120. Ask David Anything

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to the latest episode of the drug science podcast where Prof Nutt meets with several Drug Science Community members for a session of “Ask Da...

119. American Politics vs Science with Zoe Cormier

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, David Nutt sits down with Zoe Cormier, author of  ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll’. In this epis...

118. Psychotherapy with Andrew Feldmár

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we hear from Andrew Feldmár, a psychotherapist with over 52 years of experience. He discusses his journe...

117. Drugs and Music with Jon Hopkins

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Neil and Dr Thurgur speak with electronic musician Jon Hopkins. Together, they explore the intersection of music, mental health,...

116. Reducing drug harms in the UK with Dr Gillian Shorter and Prof Alex Stevens

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Prof Alex Stevens, researcher in drug policy, treatment and harm reduction and Gillian Shorter, a researcher int...

115. Six years of medical cannabis in the UK with Dr Leon Barron, Dr Callie Seaman and Michael Sassano

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What is the UK medical cannabis industry looking like in 2024?We are 6 years on from legalisation of cannabis-based medical products in the UK and alt...

114. Chemsex with Darren Murphy

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Darren Murphy, a Chemsex Specialist Practitioner at Forward Leeds, to discuss chemsex, addiction, as well as addressing ...

113. Psychiatrists and Curanderos with Dr Simon Ruffell

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist and ayahuasca researcher with extensive experience working with Indigenous commu...

112. Parties, drugs and young people with Dr Karenza Moore

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Dr Karenza Moore as she discusses changes in drug trends in the UK, focusing on the motivations, risks, and patterns of ...

111. OCD and Psychedelics with Rose Cartwright

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Rose Cartwright as she discusses the impact of psychedelics on her Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She refl...

110. Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World with Satya

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Satya, a consciousness activist, who has been entirely dedicated to the expansion and evolution of human consciousness f...

109. Prisons and Drugs with Prof Karen Duke and Prof Susanne MacGregor

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Prof Susanne MacGregor and Prof Karen Duke to explore the issues surrounding drug use in prisons. They discuss the ways ...

108. Psychedelic Education in the UK with Dr Duncan Still

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, David Nutt meets with Dr Duncan Still, a GP with significant interest in integrative medicine. He highlights the importance of adopti...

107. Kava with Dr Apo Aporosa

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we meet with Dr Apo AporosaHe discusses his unconventional route to his PhD, having not finished school and joined the Army followed b...

106. The Microdot Gang with Kate Hayes

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kate Hayes reflects on her experiences with the LSD Microdot Gang, drawing upon her interactions and experiences with Dr. Christine B...

105. MDMA medicalisation in the US with Dr Julie Holland

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we meet with Dr Julie Holland. She discussed how MDMA influenced her career and inspired her to investigate its therapeutic potential...

104. Psychedelics in New Zealand with Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy

22 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 In this episode, we meet with Dr. Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, an Associate Professor of Pharmacy in Auckland. Dr. Muthukumaraswamy discusses his early ...

103. Neuroimaging with Prof Mitul Mehta

08 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Mitul Mehta explains how his studies in neuroscience and the role of dopamine in learning and memory led to his own career in neuroimaging. ...

102. MDMA and the Octopus with Dr Gül Dölen

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Neill and Dr Thurgur meet with Dr Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist known for studying social behaviour and psychedelic drugs. Toget...

101. LSD, Nazis and the CIA with Norman Ohler

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with German author Norman Ohler as he speaks about his new book “Tripped” which addresses drug use in post-Nazi G...

100. 100 Years of the Maudsley Hospital with Dr James Rucker

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the 100th Episode of the Drug Science podcast, Prof David Nutt meets with Dr James Rucker to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Maudsley Hospital. ...

99. Anyone's Child with Anne-Marie Cockburn and Jane Slater

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Jane Slater, co-founder of Anyone’s Child and Anne Marie, a mother who tragically lost her child, Martha, to an accide...

98. The Merseyside Experiment with John Marks

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we feature John Marks, an Addiction Psychologist who spearheaded the Merseyside experiment in northwest England from 1982 to 1...

97. 5-MeO-DMT with Patrick Cox

14 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we meet with Patrick Cox, a fashion designer with a background collaborating with Vivienne Westwood. Patrick shares his personal jour...

96. Ayahuasca: Before and After with Evgeny Lebedev

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, David Nutt meets with Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Independent and Evening Standard newspaper. Lebedev shares his transformative jour...

95. Psilocybin for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Sorcha O'Connor

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the last episode of our live series, David meets with Sorcha as she explains her ongoing research into using low dose psilocybin in treating OCD. S...

94. Can psychedelics help us improve our romantic relationships? with Tommaso Barba

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tomasso discusses his journey on how he became interested in neuroscience and how that lead to him becoming involved with the UK's leading Psychedelic...

93. Psilocybin for Anorexia Nervosa with Hannah Douglass

20 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

David talks to Hannah, a 3rd year PhD student as she discusses her research into using psychedelics to treat eating disorders. She highlights how foll...

92. Psilocybin for Gambling Addiction with Dr Rayyan Zafar

06 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In the first of our LIVE Psilocybin Series, David Nutt speaks to Rayyan Zafar a final year PhD student at Imperial College London.  Rayyan discusses ...

91. The Psychedelic Industry with Josh Hardman

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Josh Hardman, the founder of Psychedelic Alpha, explores the multitude of challenges currently being encountered by the psychedelic i...

90. Investing in Psychedelics with Dustin Robinson

08 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Prof Jo Neill and Dr Hannah Thurgur sit down with Dustin Robinson, the visionary founding partner of Mr. Cannabis Law and a co-founde...

89. David Vs David with Dr David Erritzoe

25 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Recorded live from the launch event of David Nutt's latest book, "Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs That Could Change Your Life – a guide from t...

88. Psychonauts with Mike Jay

11 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Mike Jay explores the contents of his latest book titled "Psychonaut," which offers a thought-provoking and unique account of the sci...

87. Mental Health in Academia with Dr Meg Spriggs

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Meg Spriggs shares her firsthand experience dealing with the challenges mental health while pursuing her studies in academia. She can...

86. Diamorphine Assisted Treatment with Danny Ahmed

13 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Jo Neill, and Hannah Thurgur are joined by Danny Ahmed, a highly experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse and Integrated Psychother...

85. MDMA, Ketamine and Cannabis with Prof Valerie Curran

30 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Professr Valerie Curran, discusses the psychological effects of drugs that act on the human brain. Valerie Curren holds the position...

84. Will DMT be a medicine in the UK? with Dr Carol Routledge

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Carol Routledge, a distinguished senior scientist and the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Smal...

83. Australia medicalises MDMA and psilocybin with Peter Hunt

02 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Peter Hunt discusses the journey which led himself and his wife co-founding Mind Medicine in Australia. Mind Medicine work to allevia...

82. Psychedelics in Europe with Tadeusz Hawrot and Frédéric Destrebecq

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This weeks Podcast features Frédéric Destrebecq and Tadeusz Hawrot as they discuss the latest developments in research and clinical development with...

81. Head Injury, Professional Rugby and Psychedelics with Rory Lamont

05 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This weeks podcast features Rory Lamont, a former professional Rugby Union player, as he discusses his experiences discovering the transformative heal...

80. Cannabis for Epilepsy with Dr Evan Lewis

21 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode of the Drug Science Podcast, Prof Nutt and Dr Thurgur are joined by Dr Evan Lewis of Numinus! Dr. Evan Lewis is a Paediatric Ne...

79. Smoking vs Vaping with Dr Alex Wodak

07 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, join Professor David Nutt as he engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr Alex Wodak, an internationally renowned ...

78. Are Psychedelics Anti-inflammatory? with Dr Charles Nichols

24 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on this enlightening episode of the Drug Science podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of serotonergic pathways and their potential a...

77. Is Depression Evolutionary? with Dr Charles Raison

10 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is depression evolutionary? Is inflammation good or bad? Can sleep be bad for you? Tune in to find out.  Depression is a complex and debilitating me...

76. What is Decriminalisation? with Kassandra Frederique

26 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about the impact of drug policies on marginalized communities? Then tune in to this week's episode of our podcast! Our guest, Kassandr...

T21 - Medical Cannabis bonus episode

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

T21 (formerly Project Twenty21) is a pioneering medical cannabis registry launched in the United Kingdom in 2019. It aims to create the UK's largest b...

75. DMT for Depression with Dr Graham Campbell

12 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you curious about the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelic-assisted therapy? Tune in to this week's episode of our podcast, where we have...

74. Welcome to Season 4 with Dr Thurgur and Prof Neill

29 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to season 4 of the Drug Science Podcast! In this episode, we're introducing our new hosts: Professor Jo Neill and Dr Hannah Thurgur!  Jo Nei...

Drug Science LIVE - Part 2

15 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present you with part 2 of the podcast recorded live at the book launch of 'Drug Science and British Drug Policy’. We’re going to hea...

Drug Science LIVE - Part 1

01 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This week we present you with a podcast recorded live at the book launch of ‚Drug Science and British drug policy’. We’re going to hear panel di...

73. Overdose Prevention Centres with Gillian Shorter and Mat Southwell

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Gillian Shorter is currently a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Queen’s University Belfast, with 17 years’ research experience on subs...

72. The Student Society Network with Libby Furminger and Ben Clayden

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Libby and Ben are third-year students from Swansea University and the University of York, who are deeply interested in the use of psychedelics in medi...

71. Drugs in the Media with Mattha Busby

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Mattha Busby is a freelance journalist for publications including the Guardian, Observer, London Times, Vice, Jacobin and Leafly. Based in Mexico, Mat...

70. The Placebo Effect with Andrew Gold

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features Andrew Gold of the On the Edge with Andrew Gold podcast. Andrew Gold is a journalist and TV presenter who lived in 6 co...

69. Amphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine with Prof Aldo Badiani

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Badiani received his doctoral degree in Medicine and Surgery from Sapienza University of Rome and carried out post-doctoral research in Ital...

68. Bipolar, Schizophrenia and Depression with Prof Allan Young

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Allan Young is a psychopharmacologist and the Director of the Centre for Affective Disorders in the Department of Psychological Medicine in ...

67. Why People Don't Like Science? with Robin Ince

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in to hear Robin’s valuable perspective on matters such as assisted death, private education and the difference between a debate and a conver...

66. Benzos, Dope and Tranq with Manisha Krishnan

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coming from Canada, home to one of the most progressive drug addiction services in the world, Manisha was reporting for VICE News in their new documen...

65. Addiction, Rats and Nazi Germany with Professor Bruce Alexander

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features Professor Bruce Alexander, a psychologist and professor emeritus from Vancouver, BC, Canada, author of two books about ...

64. Autism with Melanie Sykes

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features English television and radio presenter, and model Melanie Sykes.Melanie is an advocate for medical cannabis use for chi...

63. Indigenous Wisdom with Mark Plotkin

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features yet another great speaker at the ESPD55 conference Mark Plotkin, an ethnobotanist, advocate for tropical forest conserv...

62. Blood of the cocaine war with Wade Davis

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wade Davis is a Canadian cultural anthropologist, ethnobotanist, author, and photographer. Davis came to prominence with his 1985 best-selling book Th...

61. Ethnopharmacology Part 2 with Dr Dennis McKenna

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dennis Jon McKenna is an American ethnopharmacologist, research pharmacognosist, lecturer and author. He received his doctorate in botanical sciences ...

60. Ketamine, Cannabis and Alcohol with Prof Celia Morgan

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re talking about ketamine with Professor Celia Morgan, a Professor of Psychopharmacology at the University of Exeter and the academic l...

59. How to become a psychedelic therapist with Dr Rosalind Watts

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr Watts is a clinical psychologist, a mother, and a nature lover. Her work as the Clinical Lead for Imperial College London’s psilocybin trial, and...

58. The Black Review with Dame Carol Black

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Professor Dame Carol Black studied history at Bristol University, then worked as a schoolteacher, however, in 1965 Black enrolled as a mature student ...

57. British vs US Drug Policy with Ethan Nadelmann

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Ethan Nadelmann studied at Harvard University and London School of Economics and was a lecturer at Princeton University. While at Princeton, Nadelmann...

56. Microdosing Psychedelics with Dr James Fadiman

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

James Fadiman is a true man of many talents. Wikipedia calls him an ‘American writer’, but actually, he’s worked in multiple fields, from psycho...

55. The Right to Try with Spencer Hawkswell

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you were told you had months, weeks or even days left to live...would you care what the law said about consuming psychoactive substances? This week...

54. Ketamine with Paul Glue

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week’s episode features Paul Glue, professor of Psychiatry at the Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand.With a vast expe...

53. Moral Panic with Cory Doctorow

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cory Doctorow is a Canadian-British citizen of Eastern European Jewish descent and, frankly, it is no less difficult to grasp his vast interests and p...

52. Drug Laws with Niamh Eastwood

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Niamh Eastwood is the executive director of Release, the national centre offering legal services for drug users.   She started at Release as a legal...

51. Music and Psychedelics with Mendel Kaelen

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode we'll meet Dr Mendel Kaelen, CEO of Wavepaths, a London-based company researching and developing methods for music-assisted p...