How science is taking tripping mainstream
Summary
NPR’s Shortwave explores the scientific renaissance of psychedelic drugs, tracing their shift from counterculture icons to potential psychiatric treatments. Host Regina Barber and guest John Hamilton discuss how researchers at Imperial College London, including Robin Carhart-Harris and David Nutt, pioneered studies on psilocybin for depression and PTSD. The episode highlights the role of ketamine in opening regulatory doors and details the therapeutic protocols involving music and guided sessions.
Topics discussed
Tiny Desk Contest Tour promotion
The shifting landscape of psychedelic research
Sponsor messages from Washington Wise and NetSuite
Key researchers at Imperial College London
Brain science: Default mode network and acceptance
Ketamine's role in opening the door for psychedelics
The 'set and setting' of psychedelic therapy
Outro, credits, and Up First preview
Listen ad-free on Castria