Drug Positive

Drug Positive is the risk reduction and benefit enhancement podcast reducing shame and stigma to save lives and end the drug war.

DPP #26: New Fun Drugs are Coming Soon! 04/30/2021

DPP #26: New Fun Drugs are Coming Soon! Are you ready for a new drug? In this episode I interview neuroscientist Matthew Baggott about his new company, Tactogen, which is synthesizing and bringing to market new MDMA-like substances. We also discuss the pros and cons of the new psychedelic renaissance, what the mainstreaming of psychedelics might look like in the near future and how it might affect the underground culture, especially with the entrance of big money capitalists like Peter Thiel and the dreaded Compass Pathways. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/18930191

DPP #25: When Will Festivals Happen Again? 02/02/2021

DPP #25: When Will Festivals Happen Again? It's been almost a year since the pandemic ended mass gatherings. A year without live music and festivals has taken its toll on many of us. When will they start up again? In this episode I discuss the latest COVID science to try to find an answer to that question. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/17790674

DPP #24: Drugs, Dementia and a Little Bit of Dharma 10/18/2020

DPP #24: Drugs, Dementia and a Little Bit of Dharma When Sasha Shulgin was at the end of his life, experiencing dementia, I had the privilege of interviewing with him. Then both my parents got dementia. These experiences taught me lessons in life I won't forget, and that I want to share with you. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/16442750

DPP #23: QAnon is a US Intel Psyop 09/05/2020

DPP #23: QAnon is a US Intel Psyop In this episode I break from the topic of drugs to discuss the most important issue of our times: QAnon and the rising tide of authoritarian fascism. I interview investigative journalist, filmmaker and podcaster, Robbie Martin. Robbie is an expert on QAnon, and he takes us through its history and origins inside US intelligence agencies as well as the Trump administration, warning us of the dire consequences that could result from the weaponization of conspiracy theory culture. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/15900929

DPP #22: Are You Addicted? Maia Szalavitz and the Unbroken Brain 05/14/2020

DPP #22: Are You Addicted? Maia Szalavitz and the Unbroken Brain In this episode I interview Maia Szalavitz, author of Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction. In these pandemic times, problematic drug use is on the rise. Alcohol sales are skyrocketing, and more than ever we need to understand the root causes of addiction, and how to help those who are suffering. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/14425181

DPP #21: Straight Inc - A Survivor's Story 04/11/2020

DPP #21: Straight Inc - A Survivor's Story In this episode I interview Frank Haines, who describes his experiences being held captive for more than a year in Florida's notorious anti-drug cult, Straight. Started by millionaire shopping mall developer and founder of the Partnership for a Drug Free America, Mel Sembler, in the 1980s, Straight was eventually shut down after numerous successful lawsuits exposed systemic violence, including physical abuse and torture. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/13947704

DPP #20: Lucy in the Sky with Nazis 03/21/2020

DPP #20: Lucy in the Sky with Nazis In this episode I interview Brian Pace, board member of Psymposia and co-host of the Plus Three Podcast, where we discuss the political right’s embracing and promotion of psychedelics. With fringe Nazi groups and corporate capitalists like Peter Thiel all getting involved in the new psychedelic renaissance, the mainstreaming of psychedelic drugs has opened up deeper questions into what we should value as a society and culture. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/13640237

Ack! There's Coronavirus in My Meth! 03/05/2020

Ack! There's Coronavirus in My Meth! In this episode of Drug Nonsense, Mason and I discuss lying cops, massive LSD overdoses, new psilocybin trademarks and other incidents of interest to druggies, reformers and those who love them. All new and now forever free, our Patreon podcast is open to the public. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/13432226

DPP #19: Heroin, Stigma and Psychedelic Chauvinism 02/28/2020

DPP #19: Heroin, Stigma and Psychedelic Chauvinism A live recording of Emanuel's talk at the Utah Psychedelic Society in Salt Lake City on February 22, 2020. Emanuel addresses the state of the drug policy reform movement, why the psychedelic community needs to embrace the decriminalization of all drugs, and why harm reduction is the argument that will build bridges with non-drug users and take us to the next level in the fight to end the drug war. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/13334282

DPP #18: Stop Vaping Until You Listen to This! 01/14/2020

DPP #18: Stop Vaping Until You Listen to This! In this episode I interview David Downs, Cannabis Editor at Leafly.com. We discuss the frightening truth about unregulated cannabis vape cartridges. VAPI, or Vaping Associated Pulmonary Injury, killed 52 people last year. It's real, and although the main cause, a thickening agents known as vitamin E acetate, appears to be on the decline, millions of contaminated vape carts are still out there. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/12726533

DPP #17: The Psychopharmacology of MDMA 12/20/2019

DPP #17: The Psychopharmacology of MDMA 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/12485285

Stigmatizing with Jazza - A Ripple Effect Gone Wrong 12/12/2019

Stigmatizing with Jazza - A Ripple Effect Gone Wrong 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/12380114

DPP #16: The CIA and Drugs with Douglas Valentine 11/25/2019

DPP #16: The CIA and Drugs with Douglas Valentine 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/12174545

Adderall - We're on It 11/22/2019

Adderall - We're on It 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! /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/12140072

DPP #15: Mitchell Gomez and the DMT Elves 11/12/2019

DPP #15: Mitchell Gomez and the DMT Elves 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! /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/12010748

DPP #14: Is China Intentionally Flooding the US with Fentanyl? 11/02/2019

DPP #14: Is China Intentionally Flooding the US with Fentanyl? 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/11883320

DPP #13: Kill the Drug Warrior Inside Yourself 12/05/2018

DPP #13: Kill the Drug Warrior Inside Yourself 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7806548

DPP #12: Drug War Capitalism 11/23/2018

DPP #12: Drug War Capitalism 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7661651

DPP #11: DanceSafe, Ketamine and Counterfeit Cocaine 11/05/2018

DPP #11: DanceSafe, Ketamine and Counterfeit Cocaine 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7436231

DPP #10: How to 3D-Print Your Drugs at Home 10/22/2018

DPP #10: How to 3D-Print Your Drugs at Home 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. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7276244

DPP #9: Test it Before You Ingest It 10/06/2018

DPP #9: Test it Before You Ingest It Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz would rather you were dead than use drugs. This is the take-away message from her recent article critical of fentanyl testing strips, a life-saving harm reduction tool. In this episode we speak with Helena Valente, the Vice President of Kosmicare in Portugal, who has a very different perspective. In 2001 Portugal decriminalized all drugs, resulting in a 53% reduction in overdose deaths. Dr. McCance-Katz could learn a lot from her. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7135090

Drug Nonsense Teaser - Octopuses and MDMA 09/29/2018

Drug Nonsense Teaser - Octopuses and MDMA This is a teaser for episode three of our Patreon.com subscriber podcast, Drug Nonsense. In the full episode we cover not only the MDMA octopus study, but crack pipe vending machines, Trump at the UN, expensive trip sitters, Australia wanting to ban music festivals, and more. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7107054

DPP #8: Is the Military Trying to Weaponize MDMA? 09/22/2018

DPP #8: Is the Military Trying to Weaponize MDMA? Is the US Army secretly testing MDMA on active duty soldiers in order to create more effective killers? /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7076614

Special Episode: Elon Musk and Drug Nonsense 09/12/2018

Special Episode: Elon Musk and Drug Nonsense Elon Musk did not actually smoke weed on the Joe Rogan podcast, despite the entire media claiming otherwise. The video makes it perfectly clear. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7036103

DPP #7: The New Psychedelic Advocate 09/08/2018

DPP #7: The New Psychedelic Advocate On June 17th, 1971, Richard Nixon launched the so-called "War on Drugs." Now, 47 years later a new generation of psychedelic users are taking the lead to end it. Working in solidarity with the communities most affected, today's new psychedelic advocates bring the lessons of the past four decades of reform activism to bear in calling for rational drug policies that protect both civil and human rights. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/7020657

DPP #6: This Episode Promotes Drug Use 08/30/2018

DPP #6: This Episode Promotes Drug Use In this special, live episode of Drug Positive, we hang out in the lobby of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre after watching the world premiere of comedian Shane Mauss's documentary, Psychonautics. We interview Shane as well as movie-goers and ask them about the most memorable psychedelic experiences. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/6958222

DPP #5: Meet the First Person in the World to Take MDMA (that we know of). 08/21/2018

DPP #5: Meet the First Person in the World to Take MDMA (that we know of). How was MDMA invented? Who came up with the idea to add a methyl group to MDA, the "hug drug" of the 1960s? We found the person who "thought up" MDMA as a recreational drug. In 1975, on a hunch, Carl Resnikoff suggested to Sasha Shulgin that they methylate MDA. Later that Summer, they made a batch of MDMA together in a UC Berkeley laboratory, and Carl and his girlfriend were the first people on the planet (that we know of) to try it. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/6953683

DPP #4: Rolling With Noriega 08/16/2018

DPP #4: Rolling With Noriega You may think you know the history of MDMA, but in this conversation with historian Dr. Torsten Passie, we discover it's weirder than we thought. From the Rajneesh cult in Oregon to the hills of Tennessee to the home of Panama's former dictator, Manuel Noriega, the history of MDMA is full of surprises, as well as mystery and intrigue. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/6933999

DPP #3: First They Poisoned the Drug Users 08/10/2018

DPP #3: First They Poisoned the Drug Users We do not have an overdose crisis. We have a poisoned drug supply. Fentanyl and its analogs are killing tens of thousands of Americans every year. In Ohio fentanyl-laced cocaine fatalities are now outstripping fentanyl-laced herion fatalities. Who's adding fentanyl to the cocaine supply, and why? In this episode we speak with Dennis Cauchon, founder of Harm Reduction Ohio, and we make the case for heroin assisted treatment (HAT) to solve the crisis. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/6909221

DPP #2: MDMA and the Science of Re-creational Psychedelics 08/04/2018

DPP #2: MDMA and the Science of Re-creational Psychedelics In this episode we spend an hour discussing the benefits of MDMA with Dr. Ben Sessa, child and adolescent psychiatrist with the Imperial College of London. Dr. Sessa is currently leading a study using MDMA to treat alcoholism. This is the first study of it’s kind, and we’ll hear some of the preliminary results. /episode/index/show/drugpositive/id/6887275

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