How psychedelics could kickstart the next mental health revolution

How psychedelics could kickstart the next mental health revolution

Author: Our Media October 24, 2025 Duration: 38:13
Hippies, the Beatles, flower power, magic mushrooms, raves and festivals – that’s what most of us associate with psychedelics. But there is mounting evidence that these drugs could also be used medicinally, particularly to treat mental illnesses such as depression. In this episode, we speak to Prof David Nutt, a psychopharmacologist who has spent decades researching how drugs affect the brain. Now a professor at Imperial College London, David has published more than 500 research papers, eight government reports, and 40 books – including one called Psychedelics, in 2023. In this conversation, he explains how psychedelics affect the brain, how they alter people’s sense of self and perception of reality, and why they could revolutionise the future of mental health treatments. Please note that psychedelics are Class A drugs according to UK law. Anyone caught in possession of such substances can face up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Information and support for those affected by substance abuse can be found at bbc.co.uk/actionline. The following conversation specifically concerns psychedelics when used in a clinical context, given at low doses and under medical supervision. Please don’t try this at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curiosity doesn't have to be a deep dive; sometimes, you just want a clear, smart answer. That's the idea behind Instant Genius, a production from Our Media that brings the editorial expertise of BBC Science Focus Magazine into audio form. Each episode is a compact conversation with a leading researcher, scientist, or technologist, designed to unpack a complex topic in a single sitting. You might explore the mechanics of memory one day and the engineering behind quantum computers the next, all within the same accessible format. This podcast operates on the belief that profound understanding doesn't require hours of your time. Released every Monday and Friday, these bite-sized masterclasses are perfect for a commute or a coffee break, turning spare moments into genuine learning. The discussions are focused and surprisingly thorough, moving from fundamental principles to cutting-edge implications without getting lost in jargon. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered about the science of sleep, the truth about nutrition trends, or how black holes actually work, and wanted a reliable source to explain it clearly. Tuning into this podcast means getting a direct line to experts who are shaping our understanding of the world, all structured to deliver insight efficiently. The range is deliberately broad, spanning health, cosmology, technology, and everyday science, reflecting the endless questions a curious mind can hold.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

Instant Genius
Podcast Episodes
Why gradual change is the true driving force of innovation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:36
Over the past several decades, many technologists and policy makers have sought out huge, disruptive shifts in thinking in almost every area of science, business and commerce in the hope that they’d help to drive innovat…
Why we need to rethink our concept of evil [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:15
If most of us are put on the spot and asked to name acts that we think would define a person as evil, it’s likely our minds would turn to murderers, rapists and war criminals, to name a few. But could it be that this com…
The hidden ways the Internet and social media are shaping healthcare [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:30
From famous actors and pop stars to the legions of social media influencers with millions of views, it seems almost everyone has something to say about the best ways to boost our health and wellbeing. But is this trend l…
How to break free from the negative cycle of overthinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:59
While the human mind is capable of great insight, original thoughts and acts of tender kindness towards others, it can also, at times, act like our own worst enemy. Feelings of worthlessness, shame and disappointment can…
How paleoartists bring dinosaurs to life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:04
From the terrifying, hulking beasts portrayed in blockbuster movies to the friendly, charismatic characters often found in children’s cartoons, dinosaurs have made their way into almost every corner of popular culture. H…
Why mental resilience is a skill we can all learn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:47
At some points in our lives, we all face challenges or setbacks or find ourselves in difficult situations that can ultimately have a profound effect on our mental health and wellbeing. During such times, we need to draw…
The hidden scoring systems running our lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
In the world of games, scoring systems establish a framework that provides us with clear challenges, motivation, and ultimately delivers a huge amount of fun and pleasure. However, on the flip side, the increasing tenden…
How to beat burnout in an increasingly fast-paced world [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:52
These days, it can be easy to feel like we have too much to do and too little time to do it in. This can lead to many of us feeling overwhelmed, or in extreme cases, can lead to burnout – a state of profound physical, me…
Why your next best friend may be an AI [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:51
Over the last several decades, the world has seen artificial intelligence undergo a rapid transformation. Since its beginnings in the 1950s as speculative theorising and novel thought experiments, AI has blossomed into a…
How the arts can keep our bodies and brains healthier for longer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
For many of us, consuming or making art – be it listening to music, playing an instrument, reading a book, painting a watercolour or attending a dance class – is seen as a pastime or hobby, a fun way to spend an evening…