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 caffe...
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
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46:24
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.
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42:40
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
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51:50
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.
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36:33
S3 E2 Did TV teach me to drink “like a man?”
Alcohol has been a fixture on our screens, shaping how we see and consume it. From the “bad boys” of Hollywood’s code era to the grit of film noir, have we learned to drink through the lens of our favorite characters? In this episode, Geoff unpacks these cultural cues with the hosts of Why Theory, tracing the coded messages in pop culture and his own subconscious. What have movies and TV taught us to believe about drinking — and about ourselves?If you haven't already, listen to Episode 1 of Season 3, "Why Do I Keep Drinking?" here.
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.
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