Drug Positive

In this episode I interview Ilsa Jerome, clinical research and information specialist for MAPS, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. We spend an hour discussing tons of interesting questions pertaining to the neuroscience of MDMA, including how it induces prosocial behaviors and generates feeling of love and empathy, and what the science really says about the issue of neurotoxicity.

[Reagent test kits and fentanyl test strips available at Grassroots Harm Reduction]

In this episode we critique an Australian anti-MDMA video created by YouTube star, Josiah Brooks, popularly known as "Jazza." Perpetuating dangerous stereotypes around drugs and drug culture, Jazza is jeopardizing the lives of young people while believing he is doing the opposite.

This kind of anti-drug propaganda is worse than nonsense. It actually increases fatalities, and we need to start criticizing it. We call out Mr. Brooks for the harm he is causing young people in Australia and around the world.

In this episode I interview Douglas Valentine, author of four books in the CIA, DEA and the DEA's predecessor, the Federal Bureau of Narcotics or FBN. As part of my "deep politics" series, Valentine exposes the long and sordid history of CIA involvement in the drug trade and why there's such a cozy relationship between US intelligence and brutal drug cartels. Buckle your seats because this one is a real doozy.

[Reagent test kits and fentanyl test strips available at Grassroots Harm Reduction]

In our comeback episode of Drug Nonsense, you'll hear about South Dakota's new anti-meth campaign, Joe Biden's gateway drug delusions, cocaine-snorting pigs, and much more!

Recorded in New Mexico with my new co-host, Mason Burks, don't miss out on the fun and shenanigans as we critique drugs in the media.

In this episode I interview DanceSafe's current Executive Director, Mitchell Gomez, about everything from the DMT elves to the state of harm reduction and drug policy reform. It's a fun, fast-paced and enlightening conversation that is sure to transform your life. So don't miss out!

In this episode I interview author and investigative journalist, Ben Westhoff, about his new book, Fentanyl, Inc. The result of four years of investigation, the book traces the origins and history of fentanyl and other new psychoactive substances, the impact they are having, and how governments, law enforcement and harm reductionists are attempting to respond to them.

Last week Melania Trump spoke on the opioid crisis at Liberty University, the right wing Christian college founded by Jerry Falwell, the late fundamentalist evangelist. While claiming to be removing the stigma surrounding addiction, she and the other panelists couldn't conceal their moral judgment against drug users. In this episode we dissect the event, revealing the unconscious processes of scapegoating. And we interview the father of Integrative Harm Reduction Psychotherapy, Dr. Andrew Tatarsky, who teaches us what it really means to end stigma.

35,000 people a year are murdered in Mexico in what the government refers to as drug war violence, but the militarization of the country also serves the interests of transnational corporations—in particular the resource extraction industries—who have developed a symbiotic relationship with the country's paramilitary organizations.

In this Thanksgiving Day episode, we interview Dawn Paley, author of Drug War Capitalism, who reminds us of the elephant in the living room when it comes to drug prohibition.

This episode follows our journey to Florida to volunteer with DanceSafe at the annual Hulaween festival. You'll hear interviews with volunteers from DanceSafe Florida and Georgia, listen to audio of live pill testing, discussions at the booth, and Kyle on ketamine. It's psychedelic fun in the sun on a different sort of episode of Drug Positive.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed the world's first 3D molecular printer. Able to build complex molecules by attaching together atoms, it is only a matter of time before we all have the ability to print our own drugs from home. Yet technology in widespread use today may already provide the same benefits.

We speak with investigative journalist, Mike Power, about drugs and the dark web, and how cryptocurrencies and anonymous online marketplaces have revolutionized drug markets. For better or worse, anything you want to consume is at your fingertips, almost like you own your own molecular printer.

Mike Power is the author of Drugs Unlimited. He is a freelance journalist living with his wife and son in London.