The Drug Science Podcast

153. Psychedelics, Couples and Sex with Sarah Tilley 24.06.2026 42min

In this episode, we speak with Sarah Tilley, a couple’s therapy pioneer and the CEO and founder of Beautiful Space, a provider of psilocybin programmes for couples. She details how her own divorce led her to this work, emphasizing that issues between couples become emotionally taxing on their children, manifesting in poor mental health and wellbeing. Sarah discusses how she has seen psilocybin, in conjuction with mindfulness and intentional couples’ exercises, rekindle lost connection and intimacy. She goes on to explore the typical outcomes couples experience after her programmes and why she prefers psilocybin over MDMA for this work. Links● Beautiful Space● Psilocybin● MDMA● Este Perel ★ Support this podcast ★

152. Cocaine and Alcohol with David Hillier 10.06.2026 38min

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, Prof Nutt speaks with David Hillier, a journalist and the creator of the Substack WHAT ARE YOU ON. David Hillier has been writing about drug culture and mental health for 12 years and shares his journey into the drugs and harm reduction space, describing how a feature he wrote on The Loop cemented the topic as a broader journalistic focus. The conversation largely revolves around cocoethylene, the metabolite produced by co-ingestion of cocaine and alcohol, and its potential role in a number of cocaine-related deaths that may have been misattributed. David explores his research and other organization’s work to raise awareness of cocaethylene and its harms, and to push for it to become a more substantive focus of scientific research. Links● WHAT ARE YOU ON● Alcohol● Cocaine● Co-Alc Alliance● Co-Ingestion Mortality Study● Should Young People Drink More● Students, Alcohol and Drugs Survey 2024-25 ★ Support this podcast ★

151. Francis Crick: From DNA to the Brain with Prof Matthew Cobb 27.05.2026 57min

In this episode, we speak to Prof Matthew Cobb, professor of zoology at the University of Manchester and author of Crick: A Mind in Motion, which profiles Francis Crick. Matthew shares insights into his own academic background in neurobiology and evolution, explaining the motivation behind his latest book. He delves into the collaborative approaches that fueled Crick's work and explains the complex dynamics between Crick, James Watson, and Rosalind Franklin during their pursuit of the double helix structure. Finally, Matthew touches on Crick’s cannabis and psychedelic use. Links● Prof Matt Cob● Crick: A Mind in Motion● What and how do maggots smell?● The Double Helix● Beatles Letter● Mescaline Poem ★ Support this podcast ★

150. Synthetic Alcohol with David Orren 13.05.2026 57min

Join us in this episode of the Drug Science Podcast as Prof Jo Neill speaks with David Orren, CEO of GABA Labs, which has pioneered functional drinks with SENTIA Spirits. David recounts his initial communication with David Nutt and emphasises their shared mission to speak to younger generations’ desires for less harmful alternatives to alcohol. He touches on the neurological underpinnings of the drink and explores the future for the company as it expands and partners with other drink producers.GABA Labs SENTIA Spirits Alcohol Background on GABA Scientific Overview of Functional Drinks ★ Support this podcast ★

149. Psilocybin for Cancer with Dr Lauren Macdonald 29.04.2026 54min

In this episode, we speak to Dr Lauren Macdonald, a psychiatrist, psychedelic therapist, and group retreat facilitator. She details her path to psychedelics, in particular her cancer diagnosis that left her with existential dread that she felt fully dissipate only after a psychedelic experience. She goes on to discuss her interest in group retreats and treating existential distress. Before closing, she explains problems with the current medical model in the UK and where psychedelics fit. LINK TO THE 2026 RETURNING TO WHOLENESS RETREAT Links Psilocybin Imperial Centre for Psychedelic Research Essence Medicine Psilocybin and Cancer-Related Distress ★ Support this podcast ★

148. Sleep, Dreams and Sigmund Freud with Prof Mark Solms 15.04.2026 54min

Join us in this episode as Prof Nutt speaks to Prof Mark Solms, a leading expert on Freud and author of the new book The Only Cure. Mark details his early fascination with neuropsychology that led him to study the neurological underpinnings of sleep and dreams. He explains how some of his own research lent more credence to Freud’s claims and deepened his interest in psychoanalysis. Mark concludes by discussing what the only cure symbolizes: talking therapies that address the root causes of psychopathology, as opposed to treatments that mask the symptoms. Links● Prof Mark Solms● The Only Cure● PET Sleep Scan● Dreaming Study● MDMA ★ Support this podcast ★

147. Rewarding the Human Mind with Dr Harriet De Wit 01.04.2026 42min

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 she fell in love with the field, studying the animal model of self-administration, and how that work fed into her later research with human participants. As a leading expert on the pharmacology of MDMA, she explores the subtle differences between amphetamine and MDMA, before talking about the results from both her MDMA and LSD studies. Links● UChicago Profile● Amphetamine● MDMA● LSD● MDMA/Amphetamine/Alcohol Sociality Study● LSD Microdosing & Emotionality Study ★ Support this podcast ★

146. Vaping in Schools with Hannah Dawes and Dr Rachael Andrews 18.03.2026 53min

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 PSHE teacher and the creator of the podcast The Exchange. The conversation focuses on the prevalence of vaping in schools, particularly exploring the ways in which vapes have been marketed to children and the patterns of use in schools. Rachel provides data from her team’s analysis of that shows what’s really in the vapes students are using, while Hannah lends her perspective within schools, explaining how a supportive approach to students using vapes is more successful than punitive measures. LinksNicotineDrug Science BlogSpiceCannabisTeaching About Nicotine and VapingDaniel Spargo-Mabbs FoundationThe ExchangeSpice Comic ★ Support this podcast ★

145. Psychedelics, Power and the Price of Healing with Erica Rex 04.03.2026 36min

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 history of psychedelic therapy. She shares her own experiences with psychedelic-assisted therapy, while providing context on the guardrails that are necessary for these treatments to maximize benefits and minimize harms. Viewing psychedelics as therapeutic accelerants, Erica speaks on the current state of mental health treatments and explores how complex trauma and other mental health problems could be better treated.Erica Instagram Erica Substack Links● Seeing What is There● The Culture Is the Poison: Why Psychedelics Are Dangerous Medicine in a Neoliberal Society● Psilocybin● MDMA● 5-MeO-DMT● More From Erica ★ Support this podcast ★

144. On Drugs: Philosophy, Consciousness and Sobriety with Justin Smith-Ruiu 18.02.2026 23min

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 motivations behind the book, rooted in his early experiences with psychedelics and the many cultural roles he has seen them play across different contexts. As the conversation unfolds, Smith-Ruiu reflects on his decision to quit drinking in favor of psychedelics and the profound positive changes that choice has brought to his life. LinksJustin Smith-RuiuOn DrugsPsilocybin ★ Support this podcast ★

143. Psychedelics for Palliative care with Prof Robert Schoevers 04.02.2026 27min

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 psychedelic-assisted therapy. He explains why human complexity led him to psychiatry, begoring discussing how his early psychedelic research into esketamine aimed to meet the unmet needs of treatment-resistant patients. Schoevers goes on to explore the ways in which his approach to ketamine-assisted therapy has transitioned over time and has led him to lead bigger projects, like the EU-funded palliative care project, PsyPal. LinksProfileKetamineCompass PaperPsyPal ★ Support this podcast ★

142. Animal Research and the Future of Depression with Prof Emma Robinson 10.12.2025 1t

Join us in this episode as we speak with Emma Robinson, a professor of psychopharmacology at the University of Bristol with extensive experience in animal research. She unpacks the regulations surrounding animal research, offering a scientist’s view on animal rights activism, ethical tension, and why this work remains essential. Robinson also delves into the emerging intersection of psychedelics and animal research, describing how these substances are studied and how they might help reshape mental illness. Professor Emma RobinsonUK Government’s Roadmap to Ending Animal TestingPETA ConfrontationCognitive and affective models of psychedelics in rodentsPsilocybinKetamineBritish Neuroscience lecture with Prof Robinson and Prof NuttThe 3Hs Initiative ★ Support this podcast ★

141. Clubs, Raves, Drugs and Social Media with Simon Doherty 26.11.2025 44min

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 how reporting on electronic music and rave culture naturally led to his work on harm reduction. He goes on to dissect Talk to Frank and its flaws in providing accurate, evidence-based information. Finally, by comparing the unique landscape of free parties to the regulated club scene, Doherty discusses why and how clubs avoid common sense harm reduction techniques, endangering clubgoers. LinksSimon’s TikTokInvestigating Talk to FrankCalling FrankThe LoopRave Aid CrewGHB/GHLKetamineNitazenes ★ Support this podcast ★

140. Which therapy works best for psychedelics? with Prof Sara Tai 12.11.2025 1t 2min

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 psychologist. Sara’s research is grounded in biopsychosocial frameworks, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms of change that underpin effective psychological therapies. She has extensive experience delivering therapy, and training other clinicians to deliver interventions with individuals, families, and young people across diverse settings, including acute in-patient units, community mental health services, and schools.For many years, Sara has been at the forefront of research into psychedelic-assisted therapies, working collaboratively with academic and industry partners to explore how psychedelics bring about therapeutic change. She has been instrumental in manualising psychological support models that integrate the core effective components shared across evidence-based psychotherapies, helping to define best practice in this rapidly advancing area. An experienced researcher, clinician, and trainer, Sara has led and collaborated on large-scale randomised controlled trials and has played a central role in training psychedelic therapists worldwide. Her work continues to bridge scientific research and clinical practice, advancing safe, effective, and compassionate approaches to mental health care.Sara explores her research into the oft-overlooked role of therapy within psychedelic treatments. She discuses how her work has helped to challenge the notion of psychedelic compounds as medicine in themselves, shifting the focus onto the therapeutic approaches alongside them. Ultimately, Sara underscores the need for more transformative psychedelic experiences grounded in peer support, indigenous knowledge, or therapeutic experience in order to facilitate positive outcomes. Links Prof Sara Tai Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Method of Levels ★ Support this podcast ★

139. Poppers with Adam Zmith 29.10.2025 47min

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 his motivation behind writing the book, all before diving into the complex history of poppers. By speaking to the policing and regulation of poppers, Zmith explores broader struggles between the queer community and the government, in addition to the necessity for greater harm reduction for poppers. Despite these struggles, he underscores the ways in which queer culture has been shaped by poppers and how, in return, poppers have been shaped by queer culture. Links● Adam Zmith● Deep Sniff● Poppers● The Log Books● Switchboard● Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton● UK Man Consumes Poppers Accidentally ★ Support this podcast ★

138. Scottish Ambulance Service - Frontline Trauma with John, Joanne and Ryan 16.10.2025 53min

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 the Service and how their work exposed them to challenging situations that caused severe detriment to their mental health. After describing the failings of traditional mental health support for emergency workers, they tell their story of travelling to Peru for an ayahuasca retreat, an eye-opening and profoundly heartening experience. LinksScottish Ambulance ServicesAyahuascaHeroic Hearts Project UKThe ShipiboScottish Psychedelic Research Group ★ Support this podcast ★

137. Cultural History of the Magic Mushroom with Dr Andy Letcher 02.10.2025 43min

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 the Magic Mushroom. He explores his complimentary background in science and the humanities, depicting how this combination structured his thinking. Noting the religious potential of psychedelic experiences, Letcher links the spiritual with the psychedelic, explaining what he sought to capture in his book and where it has gone since. Finally, he discusses how his interest in transdisciplinary perspectives on psychedelics has coalesced in the University of Exeter’s psychedelic postgraduate courses. PSYCH SYMPOSIUM 2025 LinksShroom: A Cultural History of the Magic MushroomPsychedelics: Mind, Medicine, and CulturePsilocybinSeeking the Magic Mushroom by R. Gordon WassonPsychedelia Britannia: Druids on Drugs ★ Support this podcast ★

136. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology with Jenny Chapman and Dr Stephen Naulls 17.09.2025 47min

Tune into the latest episode of the Drug Science Podcast, where we talk to Jenny Chapman and Dr. Stephen Naulls, researchers at the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and authors of ‘Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations, a briefing for Parliament’ on the state of psychedelic research. They explore the remit of POST in highlighting objective, emerging scientific research, and how psychedelics have come into their focus. With backgrounds in biology and medicine, both Jenny and Stephen stress the interwoven nature of science and policy. Through this intersection, they highlight the policy levers holding psychedelic researchers back and what Parliament and the greater public can take from the POST brief. Links Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology POST report on Psychedelic-assisted therapy for mental health: Policy considerations, a briefing for Parliament Psychedelic drugs to treat eating disorders Psychedelic drugs to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat anxiety disorders Psychedelic drugs to treat depression Psychedelic-assisted therapy in the treatment of addiction POST Board Fellowship opportunities POST All Reports Knowledge Exchange Unit – KEU Horizon Scanning Ketamine ★ Support this podcast ★

135. Ethnomycology with Darren Le Baron 03.09.2025 45min

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we speak with Darren Le Baron, an accomplished mycologist and educator. He discusses how his hardships from his upbringing in East London have informed his current work, where he uses horticulture to connect with children at risk of being drawn into crime. He transitions to explore his series Psychedelics in Africa, explaining some of the many links between psychedelics and African culture, both in ancient times and modernity. Throughout, he emphasises the importance of African perspectives and similar indigenous ones, challenging their absence in mainstream psychedelic discourse. LinksDarren Le BaronWho is Darren Le BaronDarren's Instagram We Are Grow Mushrooms Psilocybin About Kilindi Iyi Psychedelics in Africa: The Untold Story Ibogaine ★ Support this podcast ★

134. Tribe with Bruce Parry 20.08.2025 42min

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 from a Royal Marine to an advocate for indigenous rights, where he’s developed a humble approach to learning from indigenous tribes, defined by listening and witnessing. He talks about his experiences of psychedelics in these contexts, namely ayahuasca, which have vastly shaped his outlook on life. Through this lens, he lends his opinions on topics like ayahuasca tourism and capitalist culture in the psychedelic space.Tribe with Bruce Parry Psilocybin Ayahuasca ★ Support this podcast ★