Drugs Unwrapped: The Podcast

*Some listeners may find some of the content in this episode distressing or triggering. Please take care while listening, and be aware this episode is intended for informational and harm reduction purposes* In this episode, Rob is joined by Sian (Barod's Operations Manager), Katie (DDAS Active Treatment Worker) and Jamie (Barod's Swansea Service Manager). Part 1 of this episode focusing on...

*This episode was originally recorded as a webinar on the 18th June 2025* The first webinar of The Manifesto Sessions, kicks off by discussing why language within the substance use field is important. In this episode, Rob Barker, Barod's Campaigns and Communications Lead, discusses the process of working with people with lived and living experience of substance use that has led to the publicat...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Joe Janes, a Lecturer in Criminology at Swansea University, and Barod's Operations Manager, Sian, who is the visionary and pioneer behind Spike on a Bike (SOAB) . SOAB is a service offered by Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) where you can get sterile injecting equipment and other harm reduction services delivered straight to your door – fast and for free,...

We are joined by Jade, an Active Treatment Worker at Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS). As part of her role, Jade works closely with Aberystwyth University and has been integral in both providing harm reduction services to students, as well as changing their policies around substance use, resulting in the university no longer taking a zero tolerance approach. Jade shares what harm reduction su...

In this episode, we are joined by artist and curator, Leon Clowes. Leon explores lived trauma through the powerful mediums of sound and words and joins us ahead of his upcoming performance, 'The Alcoholic's Tarot'. Leon sheds light on his latest performance and well as sharing his journey from a dependency on alcohol use through to his recovery and his current work. Leon is also the co...

In this episode, Rob and Jamie discuss all things MDMA, or Ecstasy more commonly known to some. The pair discuss its appeal and why it is one of the more popular drugs, while also dissecting its history, effects and harm reduction. The episode also looks at the current death figures associated to MDMA, as well as delving into the role of Alexander Shulgin in the 1970s and the use of the drug we se...

In this episode, with are joined by the CEO of the Ana Liffey Drug Project, and a heavyweight in the drug policy field, Tony Duffin. As Tony prepares to stand down as CEO, he discusses his time leading the harm reduction service in Ireland while also highlighting the need to keep harm reduction at the top of the agenda when looking at reducing drug related harms. Tony also discusses 'Harm Redu...

In this episode, Rob and Jamie discuss all things ketamine, including the news in the last couple of months that the Government is considering reclassifying the substance to a Class A drug. We also discuss what ketamine's appeal is and why people use it, as well as asking whether it is a relatively safe drug? The pair also talk about what a k-hole is and share some stories when supporting peop...

In this episode, we are joined by Deb Hussey. Deb is Turning Point's National SaferLives Lead and is widely recognised across the UK as one of the countries leading figures within harm reduction. Deb talks about how harm reduction was a game changer in her own life, as well as highlighting we already know what the solutions are to the rising drug-related-deaths in the UK. Deb also discusses what h...

Rob and Jamie discuss all things cocaine, from the latest drug related deaths associated to the substance, the difference between powder cocaine and crack, and why we are seeing more people enter services seeking support for the use of the stimulant. The episode also explores where the UK's cocaine comes from and how cultivation and production of the drug is at its record levels, again. Rob and Ja...

We are joined by Lou, a trainer within the Young Person's Gwent N-Gage service, who specialises in the relationship between drugs and social media. So how do people come across drugs on social media and how easy is it to buy drugs online? We also discuss what apps tend to be used to make such purchases and whether the quality of drugs differ and if it proves to be cheaper too. And if young peo...

In this episode of Drugs Unwrapped, we are joined by Judy Ryan from Melbourne, Australia. Judy was one of the leading campaigners for the establishment of a drug consumption room in her area of residence, in Richmond, an inner-city suburb in Melbourne. Judy discusses why there was a need, including finding people overdosed by her back gate, for a DCR, and what improvements have been noticed since...

In this episode, we are joined by Fiona Spargo-Mabbs OBE, author and founder and director of the drugs education charity, DSM Foundation. In 2014, Fiona's youngest son, Dan, tragically passed away having consumed a lethal dose of MDMA. Dan was just 16 years old when he died. Just 8 days later, Fiona established the DSM Foundation, aiming to ensure that all young people across the UK have adequ...

In this episode we are joined by Sarah, Verity, Jamie and Hannah, discussing stigma and whether it is something that can ever be eradicated. We also explore the impact stigma has had on people who have accessed our services. We also discuss why stigma is such a big issue, given many people take substances in one form or another and whether current policy and legislation plays a pivotal role in sti...

In this episode, we are joined by Lynn Jefferys. Lynn is the Operations Manager for the European Network for People who Use Drugs (EuroNPUD) and discuss how harm reduction has changed over the years, how it is perceived, and implemented, across continents, and the invaluable work of EuroNPUD. Lynn discusses how over the years people have fought for basic harm reduction and how its history is built...

In this episode, we are joined by Juan Fernández Ochoa, the Campaigns and Communications Officer at the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC). Juan leads on the development of the Support. Don't Punish campaign, a global grassroots-centred initiative in support of harm reduction and drug policies that prioritise public health and human rights. Juan shares the history of the campaign and...

In this episode, we are joined by Barod's CEO, Caroline and young person's worker, Hannah, to answer an array of questions including 'Where does Barod stand on discriminalising all drugs?', 'Why does using terms like substance use, instead of substance misuse or abuse, matter?' and 'Does criminalising drugs work to reduce usage'? This episode was originally recorded...

What myth about drugs just make your eyes roll in disbelief? What belief about drugs make you want to knock your head against the wall? What myth makes you do a big sigh, or even makes you chuckle to yourself? We explore some of the biggest myths about drugs and break them down to how they came about. Rob, Sarah, Verity and Jamie discuss some of the main myths around drugs and deconstruct them to...

In this episode, we are joined by Niamh Eastwood, the Executive Director of Release. Niamh is renowned across the world for her knowledge and expertise regarding drug policy, among many other things, and discusses what how decriminalisation could be implemented in the UK and what impact it could have. Niamh also explains how the UK has found itself reporting record levels of drug-related deaths ev...

Freelance journalist, author and podcast host, Mattha Busby, joins Drugs Unwrapped to discuss whether we should legalise all drugs and the constant developments within the psychedelic world. Mattha is the author of the book 'Should we legalise all drugs' as well as being a well known freelance journalist, reporting on various matters relating to substance use, from across the world. In 202...

Rob and Sarah (Gwent N-Gage Young Person's Service Manager) discuss the latest substance use trends among young people and how plans are in place to overhaul drug education within schools, throughout the Gwent region. Sarah outlines the plans for the service, ahead of the start of a new 10-year contract to deliver young person's and family services in Gwent and what changes are expected, c...

Rob and Jamie discuss the latest news regarding synthetic opioids, including the UK government's decision to ban 14 nitazenes and reports of more fatalities in Wales associated to these substances. What impact will the latest 'crackdown' on drugs have, especially on those who use substances? We discuss whether this latest ban will work, or if history is likely to repeat itself and othe...

Rob, Hannah and Shannon discuss why some substances are deemed more acceptable than others. Does your environment make using certain substances more 'OK' compared to other situations? Why would drinking alcohol after work on a Tuesday be viewed as OK, while using ketamine mid-week may be viewed differently? We discuss how alcohol came to be an accepted part of our lives, and society, and h...

In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Coronado-Montoya. Steph is a PhD candidate in psychiatry and addiction at University of Montreal. Steph discusses her thesis and a brand new harm reduction intervention that is specifically aimed at people with psychosis who use cannabis. We also delve into the relationship between cannabis and psychosis and explore why people who experience such mental...

In this episode, Rob is joined by Ant Lehane, Policy Lead at Cranstoun. Ant has an extensive amount of experience working within the drug policy arena and discussing such topics with politicians from across the UK. Is advocating for drug policy reform is a vote winner or loser? Which political party boasts the most progressive drug policies within their manifestos? Will we see significant changes...