Podcast: Season 2

24. Seriously Psilocybin

Psilocybin has been posited as a groundbreaking, yet controversial, treatment for severe depression. But what does the research say about it? In this episode, we discuss the history, mechanisms, legal standing, and efficacy of psilocybin in a therapeutic setting.

23. Schizophrenia

Why do certain treatments only work for certain types of people with schizophrenia? How can insight into one’s own conditions help? Through the movie A Beautiful Mind, we examine how the narrative of schizophrenia has evolved with growing research and we introduce how treatments and insight into these treatments leads to an individualized and more effective diagnosis.

22. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine abuse affects over twenty million individuals in the US, with users criminalized instead of seen as individuals struggling with a serious illness. Join us as we discuss how meth abuse affects an individual’s brain and life, and what we can do as a country to help these individuals heal post-drug abuse.

21. A Clockwork Orange

In the film A Clockwork Orange, the character of Alex is used to illustrate Freud’s theory of psychoanalytic and psychosexual stages in order to debate the question: “Is the morality of man inherently Violent?” This episode explores how the film demonstrates these themes through the use of symphonic sound, and dystopian setting.

20. Sleep & Stress

In this episode we’re discussing the relationship between sleep–or lack thereof–and stress, which we all struggle with. Join us to learn about a very interesting hormone involved, how that can go awry, before moving onto potential solutions.

19. Disturbing Behavior

In the film Disturbing Behavior (1998) the filmmakers warn of the dangers of neuroscience as it both sculpts the youth and fails to promote ubiquity. Tune in to hear how the color, mise-en-scene, and dialogue are used to convey this message.

18. Exploring the Secrets of Lithium

In this episode, we dive right into some secrets about Lithium that you may have otherwise not known, we sure didn’t until we did the research! From its beneficial effects, to the disorders it is used to alleviate, and its potential neurotoxicity – we use explanations of the drug’s history, neurological/biological mechanisms, and personal stories and experiences to give you all the information you need to know about the drug.

17. Bioprinting Can Do What?

No longer just science fiction, bio-printing can solve a lot of important social problems like creating organs, helping us produce homes, and even make food. Tune in to learn more about all that bioprinting can do and how!

16. Marvel of MDMA

MDMA, molly, ecstasy, all of these are words for the same drug: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine. MDMA is classified as a schedule 1 drug with no medicinal use and widely thought of as a party drug, but does it actually have the potential to change the lives of those with PTSD? Find out in today’s episode as we explore the history and recent literature on MDMA.

15. Brain on Fire

UNCA Mass Comm majors Lizzie Menta and Danny Secor discuss the movie Brain on Fire and its hidden commentary of the unspoken, life-or-death problem within the United States mental health system.

13. Cheeky Bastard’s Guide to Science

Ever felt stressed? Ever wanted a natural cure to perk you right up that’s not cocaine? Well, how about valerian? Tune in to learn more about this plant and its possible uses in treatment of anxiety and depression.