Raw Talk Podcast

Author: Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto

Raw Talk is a graduate student-run podcast at the University of Toronto about medical science, and the people who make it happen. We focus on the journeys, perspectives, and expertise of health researchers, professionals, students, patients, and community members at the University of Toronto and beyond. Our mission is to promote the research culture within the Institute of Medical Science, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and broader life sciences community; provide guidance to current and prospective graduate students; and to engage the public in medical science innovations and translational research.
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Language: en

Genres: Life Sciences, Science

Contact email: Get it

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#136 Part 1: Trip or Treatment? The Science, Myths, and History of Psychedelics
Episode 137
Friday, 12 June, 2026

Once dismissed as relics of counterculture, psychedelics are now being studied for their potential role in mental health care. In Part 1 of episode 136, Avni and Swapna speak with Dr. Jarrett Rose and Dr. Rotem Petranker about the history, science, and evolving clinical landscape of psychedelics, from the early research boom of the 1960s to today’s renewed interest in psilocybin- and LSD-assisted therapy. Together, they unpack how these compounds may affect the brain, why they are being studied for conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, and why scientific rigour, regulation, and patient safety remain essential as the field moves from prohibition to protocol. Thank you to our production team: Avni Bhargava and Swapna Mylabathula (Show Hosts), Bellinda Yi (Content Creator), Tiffany Chien (Science Writer), Victoria Li (Audio Editing), Dana Huang (Graphic design and Promotions), and Nicole Chu (Executive Producer).