Best Theloop Podcasts (2025)

1
129. Decolonising Plant Medicine with ICEERS 1:00:28

6d ago1:00:28

1:00:28

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 subst…

1
128. Former Doctor, Former Prisoner with Dr Tim Kerr 50:03

20d ago50:03

50:03

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…

1
127. Psychedelic Therapy in the UK with Dr Laurie Higbed and Dr Owain Winfield 45:01

1M ago45:01

45:01

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 ther…

1
126. The body keeps the score with Dr Bessel van der Kolk 41:54

2M ago41:54

41:54

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 in the area of post-traumatic stress and he is the author of four books including best seller “the body keeps score”. Within this episode, he dives into what trauma is and different research into the…

1
125. The 5-HT hypothesis of depression with Prof Philip Cowen and Dr Sameer Jauhar 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

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 ant…

1
124. The power of Medicine with Josh Dugdale 52:57

3M ago52:57

52:57

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 ove…

1
123. Memory, Movies and Psychedelics with Prof Ravi Das 56:16

3M ago56:16

56:16

Prof Ravi Das is a leading expert in psychopharmacology and cognitive neuroscience, with a career dedicated to understanding and developing innovative treatments for addiction and anxiety disorders. He completed his BSc in Psychology and MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London (UCL), followed by a PhD in Psychopharmacology at the…

1
122. Street Drugs Discussions with Prof Chris Chandler and Dr James Morgan 55:07

3M ago55:07

55:07

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 Street Drugs Discussions (SDD). They discuss the process which led to them founding SDD, a series of webinars featuring experts on drug policy and drugs featuring topics surrounding overdose prevention…

1
121. What is Naturalistic Research? with Dr Matthew X. Lowe 52:42

4M ago52:42

52:42

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 and Executive Director for Unlimited Sciences, a not-for-profit, observational research organisation with a focus on cannabis and psychedelic use by underrepresented population groups and a toll-free i…

1
120. Ask David Anything 45:04

4M ago45:04

45:04

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 David Anything”. Together, they explore questions such as the use of cannabis as a psychoactive substance in psychedelic therapy and the latest developments in regulatory decisions on psychedelic-assisted…

1
119. American Politics vs Science with Zoe Cormier 48:48

5M ago48:48

48:48

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 episode, Zoe draws upon her two great passions of music and science and how these lead to her interest around Drugs - she discusses the current landscape of drug policy, drawing upon similarities and difference…

1
118. Psychotherapy with Andrew Feldmár 45:49

5M ago45:49

45:49

In this episode of the Drug Science Podcast, we hear from Andrew Feldmár, a psychotherapist with over 52 years of experience. He discusses his journey into psychotherapy, his departure from mainstream psychiatric and therapeutic practices rooted in the concept of mental illness, and his experiences with LSD. Feldmár also critiques various technique…

1
117. Drugs and Music with Jon Hopkins 52:49

6M ago52:49

52:49

In this episode, Prof Neil and Dr Thurgur speak with electronic musician Jon Hopkins. Together, they explore the intersection of music, mental health, and psychedelics. Jon shares his personal journey, from his early love of music to his experiments with electronic sounds as well as discussing how experiences with meditation and psychedelics have p…

1
116. Reducing drug harms in the UK with Dr Gillian Shorter and Prof Alex Stevens 54:12

6M ago54:12

54:12

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Prof Alex Stevens, researcher in drug policy, treatment and harm reduction and Gillian Shorter, a researcher into the health and wellbeing of people who use alcohol and drugs. In this episode they discuss harm reduction strategies in the UK. They delve into the root causes of the stigma surrounding substance us…

1
115. Six years of medical cannabis in the UK with Dr Leon Barron, Dr Callie Seaman and Michael Sassano 46:34

7M ago46:34

46:34

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 although many patients have now been able to access these products, many others are still struggling to get access. In this episode of the Drug Science podcast, Prof. David Nutt is joined by three leadi…

1
114. Chemsex with Darren Murphy 52:36

7M ago52:36

52:36

In this episode, we meet with Darren Murphy, a Chemsex Specialist Practitioner at Forward Leeds, to discuss chemsex, addiction, as well as addressing the link with the LGBTQ+ community. Darren shares his personal journey, navigating the challenges of drug addiction and everything which came with it. Realising the limited support available for peopl…

1
113. Psychiatrists and Curanderos with Dr Simon Ruffell 1:03:08

8M ago1:03:08

1:03:08

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Simon Ruffell, a psychiatrist and ayahuasca researcher with extensive experience working with Indigenous communities in the Amazon Basin. He discusses the potential of Indigenous medicines to complement Western psychiatric care and reduce relapse rates. Dr. Ruffell compares Western and Indigenous approaches to …

1
112. Parties, drugs and young people with Dr Karenza Moore 1:01:17

8M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

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 drug use, particularly among young people. Karenza identifies trends in drug use, including the impact of the lockdown on substance abuse. She also examines various drug trends within dance music cult…

1
111. OCD and Psychedelics with Rose Cartwright 44:19

9M ago44:19

44:19

In this episode, Prof Nutt meets with Rose Cartwright as she discusses the impact of psychedelics on her Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She reflects on some of the common misconceptions around OCD as well as the impact diagnosis and traditional treatment had on her life. Throughout the episode, she reflects on her own psychedelic experiences,…

1
110. Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World with Satya 49:22

9M ago49:22

49:22

In this episode, we meet with Satya, a consciousness activist, who has been entirely dedicated to the expansion and evolution of human consciousness for 15 years. Throughout this time, she has facilitated retreats for over 63,000 people around the world, with profound processes of transformation. Satya is the founder of Working With Satya and of th…

1
109. Prisons and Drugs with Prof Karen Duke and Prof Susanne MacGregor 54:52

10M ago54:52

54:52

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 vulnerable inmates can be targeted by gangs, as well as how various aspects of the prison environment can increase the potential harms of psychoactive substances. The risk matrix: Drug-related deaths …

1
108. Psychedelic Education in the UK with Dr Duncan Still 48:44

10M ago48:44

48:44

In this episode, David Nutt meets with Dr Duncan Still, a GP with significant interest in integrative medicine. He highlights the importance of adopting a holistic approach when providing support for patients and connecting traditional medicine with modern medicine as opposed to discounting it. Duncan explains how this holistic and integrative appr…

1
107. Kava with Dr Apo Aporosa 1:04:59

10M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

In this episode we meet with Dr Apo Aporosa He discusses his unconventional route to his PhD, having not finished school and joined the Army followed by the police only to break into academia at a masters level and continuing studies from there. Apo talks about his PTSD diagnosis and his subsequent journey with Kava, a spiritual drink consumed in F…

1
106. The Microdot Gang with Kate Hayes 1:02:44

11M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

In this episode, Kate Hayes reflects on her experiences with the LSD Microdot Gang, drawing upon her interactions and experiences with Dr. Christine Bott and Richard Kemp. She addresses Richard and Christine’s aspiration to bring about positive change in the world using LSD which led to their eventual arrest following involvement in an LSD producti…

1
105. MDMA medicalisation in the US with Dr Julie Holland 53:13

11M ago53:13

53:13

In this episode we meet with Dr Julie Holland. She discussed how MDMA influenced her career and inspired her to investigate its therapeutic potential. Controversially, she has investigated the effect of MDMA in schizophrenia and its potential in preventing paranoia and inhibiting auditory hallucinations during its effects. Dr Holland touches upon d…

1
104. Psychedelics in New Zealand with Dr Suresh Muthukumaraswamy 45:23

12M ago45:23

45:23

In this episode, we meet with Dr. Suresh Muthukumaraswamy, an Associate Professor of Pharmacy in Auckland. Dr. Muthukumaraswamy discusses his early research, exploring the functional connectivity of substances like DMT and Ketamine. He proceeds to share insights into his breakthrough realisation regarding the disparity between the self-reported suc…

1
103. Neuroimaging with Prof Mitul Mehta 1:01:52

1y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

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. He offers an overview of what neuroimaging entails and how these scans can contribute to the advancement of research. Drawing from his latest research centred around Schizophrenia, Mitul delves into o…

1
102. MDMA and the Octopus with Dr Gül Dölen 1:06:45

1y ago1:06:45

1:06:45

In this episode, Prof Neill and Dr Thurgur meet with Dr Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist known for studying social behaviour and psychedelic drugs. Together, they explore the role of critical periods in trauma and mental health; following the potential of Psychedelics in reopening critical periods which were previously thought to be closed, they debate …

1
101. LSD, Nazis and the CIA with Norman Ohler 53:32

1y ago53:32

53:32

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 Germany. Ohler shares how a secret history held back therapeutic research of psychedelic drugs for decades and eventually Nazi policies became part of the foundation of America’s War on Drugs. Ohler discus…

1
100. 100 Years of the Maudsley Hospital with Dr James Rucker 41:53

1y ago41:53

41:53

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. James shares his experiences as one of the first clinicians in a psychedelic study hosted by David Nutt before explaining his own personal journey into psychedelic research. Starting from a PhD in Gen…

1
99. Anyone's Child with Anne-Marie Cockburn and Jane Slater 57:40

1y ago57:40

57:40

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 accidental overdose. Anne and Jane discuss the consequences of drug policy failures and the need for safe drug use education, drawing in on Anne’s personal journey. She discusses the pain of losing a loved on…

1
98. The Merseyside Experiment with John Marks 29:08

1y ago29:08

29:08

In this week's episode, we feature John Marks, an Addiction Psychologist who spearheaded the Merseyside experiment in northwest England from 1982 to 1995. Throughout this 13-year period, Marks fearlessly operated clinics in Liverpool, basing his practice on the long-term maintenance prescribing of opiates to opiate users. The high media profile of …

1
97. 5-MeO-DMT with Patrick Cox 1:04:56

1y ago1:04:56

1:04:56

In this episode, we meet with Patrick Cox, a fashion designer with a background collaborating with Vivienne Westwood. Patrick shares his personal journey from his lifestyle in fashion, led to confronting deep-seated intergenerational trauma. Patrick opens up about undertaking the highly secretive Hoffman Process, and the transformative impact this …

1
96. Ayahuasca: Before and After with Evgeny Lebedev 46:44

1+ y ago46:44

46:44

In this episode, David Nutt meets with Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the Independent and Evening Standard newspaper. Lebedev shares his transformative journey during his first Ayahuasca ceremony in Costa Rica. Throughout the episode, Lebedev not only shares insight into the ceremony's practices but also describes each personal ayahuasca experience and t…

1
95. Psilocybin for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with Sorcha O'Connor 24:29

1+ y ago24:29

24:29

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. She discusses the pre-existing treatment paradigms for OCD and highlights the potential benefits of Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy in future treatment. She overviews her current study and the theori…

1
94. Can psychedelics help us improve our romantic relationships? with Tommaso Barba 20:37

1+ y ago20:37

20:37

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 Research Centre. He discusses the potential of psychedelics in promoting positive sexual wellbeing and healthy relationships. He discusses research into the advantages of using psilocybin as an alter…

1
93. Psilocybin for Anorexia Nervosa with Hannah Douglass 22:19

1+ y ago22:19

22:19

David talks to Hannah, a 3rd year PhD student as she discusses her research into using psychedelics to treat eating disorders. She highlights how following personal experiences she came to find current treatment methods for anorexia were not sufficient and instead began conducting her own research with Imperial College London to investigate psilocy…

1
92. Psilocybin for Gambling Addiction with Dr Rayyan Zafar 26:56

1+ y ago26:56

26:56

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 his interest of the connection between the mind and the brain and how it led to his research into using psychedelics to treat addiction. Rayyan delves into various behavioural and neurochemical theories…

1
91. The Psychedelic Industry with Josh Hardman 1:02:11

1+ y ago1:02:11

1:02:11

In this episode, Josh Hardman, the founder of Psychedelic Alpha, explores the multitude of challenges currently being encountered by the psychedelic industry. He engages in discussions regarding the progress of decriminalisation and legalisation initiatives, upcoming clinical trial milestones, and delves into the current state and the potential evo…

1
90. Investing in Psychedelics with Dustin Robinson 1:02:30

1+ y ago1:02:30

1:02:30

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-founder of Mr. Psychedelics Law. These law firms possess the expertise needed to navigate the intricate and strictly regulated realms of cannabis and psychedelics, addressing a wide range of legal and busin…

1
89. David Vs David with Dr David Erritzoe 1:32:14

1+ y ago1:32:14

1:32:14

Recorded live from the launch event of David Nutt's latest book, "Psychedelics: The Revolutionary Drugs That Could Change Your Life – a guide from the expert," in this episode Dr. David Erritzoee and David Nutt engage in a discussion about Psychedelics. During the conversation, David Nutt provides valuable insights into the research that initially …

1
88. Psychonauts with Mike Jay 48:52

1+ y ago48:52

48:52

In this episode, Mike Jay explores the contents of his latest book titled "Psychonaut," which offers a thought-provoking and unique account of the scientists, writers, artists, and philosophers who engaged in drug exploration to uncover the enigmatic realms of the mind. The podcast delves into the historical perspective of psychedelics, shedding li…

1
87. Mental Health in Academia with Dr Meg Spriggs 37:56

1+ y ago37:56

37:56

In this episode, Meg Spriggs shares her firsthand experience dealing with the challenges mental health while pursuing her studies in academia. She candidly talks about the difficulties she faced with anorexia and mood disorders which led to her investigating the potential of psilocybin for treating Anorexia Nervosa. During the discussion, Meg revea…

1
86. Diamorphine Assisted Treatment with Danny Ahmed 57:41

1+ y ago57:41

57:41

In this episode, Jo Neill, and Hannah Thurgur are joined by Danny Ahmed, a highly experienced Registered Mental Health Nurse and Integrated Psychotherapist with over two decades of expertise. Together, they delve into a comprehensive discussion on a variety of harm reduction techniques. Throughout the episode, Danny shares his wealth of insights in…

1
85. MDMA, Ketamine and Cannabis with Prof Valerie Curran 49:32

1+ y ago49:32

49:32

In this episode, Professr Valerie Curran, discusses the psychological effects of drugs that act on the human brain. Valerie Curren holds the position of Professorial Fellow in the Neuroscience of Addiction and Mental Health Program at ACU's Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre. She has an esteemed background as an Emeritus Professor of Psychophar…

1
84. Will DMT be a medicine in the UK? with Dr Carol Routledge 55:26

1+ y ago55:26

55:26

Join us for an insightful episode featuring Dr. Carol Routledge, a distinguished senior scientist and the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer at Small Pharma Labs. Dr. Routledge takes us on a journey through her remarkable career path that ultimately led her to work at Small Pharma. With a wealth of experience in both preclinical and clinical sett…

1
83. Australia medicalises MDMA and psilocybin with Peter Hunt 48:54

2y ago48:54

48:54

In this episode, Peter Hunt discusses the journey which led himself and his wife co-founding Mind Medicine in Australia. Mind Medicine work to alleviate the suffering and suicides caused by mental illness in Australia through expanding the treatment options available to medical practitioners and patients, particularly through the establishment of s…

1
82. Psychedelics in Europe with Tadeusz Hawrot and Frédéric Destrebecq 44:55

2y ago44:55

44:55

This weeks Podcast features Frédéric Destrebecq and Tadeusz Hawrot as they discuss the latest developments in research and clinical development with psychedelics in Europe. Frédéric Destrebecq is the Executive Director of the European Brain Council (EBC), a non-profit organization based in Brussels, Belgium. The EBC is a network of organizations an…

1
81. Head Injury, Professional Rugby and Psychedelics with Rory Lamont 1:00:29

2y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

This weeks podcast features Rory Lamont, a former professional Rugby Union player, as he discusses his experiences discovering the transformative healing potential of plant medicines such as Iboga and Ayahuasca. During the 2012 Six Nations tournament, while playing for Scotland, Rory suffered a severe leg break that brought his career to an end. Su…

1
80. Cannabis for Epilepsy with Dr Evan Lewis 43:15

2y ago43:15

43:15

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 Neurologist and Clinical Neurophysiologist with expertise in epilepsy, epilepsy surgery, electroencephalography (EEG), tele-neurology and medical cannabis for the treatment of neurologic disorders. He i…

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