After a 'hyper-accelerated' existence as the NY-based music editor for Vice, covering the underground music and recreational drug scene all over the world, author and journalist Michelle Lhooq moved to LA and a 'California Sober' lifestyle (the now zeitgeist phrase she originally coined in jest). Her outlook ("where optimism meets absurdity") is perhaps more in line with Gen Z than her own 'ironic cool Millenial' gen, and her exploration into the evolving counterculture, the protest scene and the shifting nature of 'illicit' substances provide a fascinating glimpse into the intersections of avantguard culture, politics, social and racial justice.  Michelle talks to Drea and Tom about partying, particularly post-pandemic, as a form of connection and healing, the positive actions of the 'disassociation generation', and sobriety as a political stance.

Follow Michelle Lhooq @michellelhooq 

Subscribe to her newsletter - RaveNewWorld.Substack.com

For more on her book "Weed"

To get in touch with us, email: [email protected]

For more about the show visit optimistdrinks.com and click on the journal pages.

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Follow Dr Drea  Letamendi  @arkhamasylumdoc

Follow Tom Johnstone @tommyjohnstone