On Drugs

4.6 (272)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

On Drugs looks through the lenses of history, pop culture and personal experience to understand how drugs have shaped our world. Because even if it’s just caffeine or ibuprofen, there’s a good chance you’re on drugs right now.

MAR 10

Where can I get gender-affirming drugs?

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?

53 min
MAR 3

S3 EP 9 Do drugs belong in therapy?

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.

40 min
FEB 24

S3 E8 Should I keep vaping?

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.

43 min
FEB 17

S3 E7 What’s the deal with Ketamine?

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

42 min
FEB 10

S3 E6 Anesthetic: Where do we go when we go under?

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

46 min
FEB 3

S3 E5 Is Ozempic right for you?

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.

43 min
JAN 27

S3 EP4 What happens when you give drug users drugs?

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

52 min
JAN 20

S3 EP3 Why do I keep smoking?

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.

37 min

See All (45)

TRAILER

Season 3 of On Drugs is coming!

On Drugs returns for a third season, and this time, it’s really personal. This season, we're challenging the typical narratives about addiction, exploring what substances reveal not only about our bodies but also our understanding of consciousness, our motivations, and our very sense of self. Host Geoff Turner confronts his own casual relationship with alcohol, using it as a lens to question the nature of desire, drive, and what we truly seek from life. Launching January 6, 2025.

S3

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1 min

4.6

out of 5

272 Ratings

Excellent

Feb 28

Preston, of CO

I’m nearly finished listening to Season 3. So far it’s been some of the better drug coverage I’ve heard. I also really appreciated the episodes on alcohol, which is also, most certainly, a (hard) drug. Thanks!
T

Mar 10

Fugitive hedgehog

Decent enough podcast until the last episode. TW≠W
SO GOOD

05/18/2020

Augusta87

I love the narrator and the style of podcast. Super education and informative- while also being entertaining, also well edited. Everything a podcast needs to be solid!
No hope yet.

Jan 21

funnygal1966

Are you gonna look into the huge role that the government had and getting us all addicted to alcohol and drugs? To deal with the depressing lives we suffer under American capitalism?????

On Drugs looks through the lenses of history, pop culture and personal experience to understand how drugs have shaped our world. Because even if it’s just caffeine or ibuprofen, there’s a good chance you’re on drugs right now.