#136 Part 1: Trip or Treatment? The Science, Myths, and History of Psychedelics

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).