#1379 - Ben Westhoff
NaN minutesEpisode #1379
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His new book "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic " is available now on Amazon.
Watch the full episode of #1379 - Ben Westhoff.
Episode Timestamps
Investigation of Adulterated Drugs at Raves Leads to the Discovery of Fentanyl
- Researching the deaths at raves due to adulterated drugs
- Discovery of synthetic drugs, including Fentanyl, originating from China
- Impact of Fentanyl on the rave scene and recreational drug users
Evolution of Fentanyl: from Hospital Drug to Recreational Use
- Fentanyl's invention in the 1950s by a Belgian chemist
- Medical applications of Fentanyl in hospitals for pain relief
- Recreational use and misuse leading to increased availability and dangers
Prince, Tom Petty, Mac Miller: Tragedy of Fentanyl-laced Pills
- Prince, Tom Petty, and rapper Mac Miller tragically died from ingesting fentanyl-laced pain pills.
- The source of these drugs remains mysterious, with implications of involvement from a doctor.
- Individuals like Prince and Tom Petty sought pain relief, leading them to unknowingly consume lethal substances.
Hip Issues and Regenerative Medicine: A New Hope
- Discussion on degenerative disc disease, common among athletes and performers.
- Case of lead singer from the band Tool experiencing severe hip issues due to stage performances.
- Information on innovative treatments like Regenikine, used by athletes like Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant.
Inside the Fentanyl Lab: Meet the Chinese Chemist
- In China, chemists specialize in creating analogs of banned substances like fentanyl that are legal in China but popularized on the Internet.
- A journalist visits a fentanyl lab where synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl analogs are produced and stored for shipping to various countries.
- The chemist shares insights on the evolution of designer drugs and the circumvention of drug laws through subtle structural changes.
The Dark Reality of Novel Psychoactive Substances
- Exploration of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) like synthetic cannabinoids, fentanyl, and N-bombs as new versions of existing drugs.
- Discussion on the dangers posed by chemists creating increasingly potent and hazardous drugs by manipulating chemical structures.
- Contemplation on the complex issues surrounding drug prohibition and the unintended consequences of banning specific substances.
Decriminalizing Opioids - Andrew Yang and Fentanyl Crisis
- Presidential candidate Andrew Yang advocates for decriminalizing opioids.
- Fentanyl is killing more people annually than any other drug in American history.
- The concept of supervised injection facilities and decriminalization as a solution.
Supervised Injection Facilities - Ed Rendell's Initiatives
- Former governor Ed Rendell spearheads the establishment of supervised injection facilities.
- Overview of how these facilities operate and their impact on opioid users.
- Challenges faced in the US regarding political and public perception towards such facilities.
Fentanyl Crisis and Pharmaceutical Companies
- Discussion on the ethics of selling fentanyl as a nasal spray by untrained individuals
- Highlighting the rising number of deaths due to fentanyl in the United States
- Lack of sufficient attention from presidential candidates towards addressing the fentanyl crisis
Impact of Fentanyl and China's Role
- Role of pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma in opioid crisis
- Examination of how cartels profit from illegal drug trade and violence in Mexico
- Exploration of China's contribution to the fentanyl crisis and lack of effective measures to combat it
China and Fentanyl: A New Threat Amidst Trade War
- During the height of the trade war, China increased the tax rebate for fentanyl, causing controversy
- Medication-assisted treatments like suboxone and ibogaine are discussed as effective methods to combat opioid addiction
- Psychedelics like MDMA and DMT are shown to help in addiction treatment and mental health
Psychedelics' Potential in Addiction Treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment combines drugs with counseling for effective addiction recovery
- Ibogaine, a plant-derived substance, is hailed as a successful treatment for addiction with minimal withdrawal symptoms
- Psychedelics like MDMA and ayahuasca offer profound effects, rewiring the brain and providing new perspectives on reality
Changing Attitudes Towards Drug Policies
- Advocating for safer drug use to address societal issues
- Shift from criminalization to health-focused approach in drug policies
- Success stories like Good Samaritan Law contributing to positive reforms
The Transformation of Rick Ross
- Rick Ross' journey from drug dealing to legal advocacy
- Challenges to unjust sentencing practices in the legal system
- Debunking myths around 'crack babies' and providing a counter-narrative
Patrice O'Neill - The Power of Stage Presence
- Discussion on the impact of Patrice O'Neill's stage presence due to his girth
- Reference to Biggie Smalls starting his career at 17 years old in Bed Stuy
- Examination of the influence of Fresh Prince of Bel Air on Tupac's original style
Musical Evolution and the Influence of Psychedelics
- Comparison of music eras from the 1960s to the 1970s and 2009 to 2019
- Reflection on the impact of drugs, specifically psychedelics, on societal change
- Discussion on the current trend towards high-dose THC products in the legal weed market
Kundalini Yoga & Russell Brand's High Experience
- Discussion about Kundalini Yoga and its effects
- Reference to Russell Brand experiencing a 'high' from the practice
- Exploration of how yoga helps in silencing negative thoughts and internal chatter
Bikram Yoga & Messiness of Spiritual Practices
- Examination of Bikram Yoga's controversial founder and the practice itself
- Comparison between different yoga practices like Kundalini Yoga and Hot Yoga
- Insight into the problematic aspects of spiritual practices turning into sex cults and money-focused entities
Hollywood Progressive Influence
- Hollywood driven by progressive thought to support Democratic candidates and liberal views
- Actors adopt certain opinions to fit in and advance their careers
- Discussion on Hollywood culture, politics, and influence on opinions
Weinstein Scandal and Hollywood Culture
- Analysis of abuse of power and control within Hollywood industry
- Discussion on Weinstein and casting couch culture
- Topic on impact and perception of Hollywood in society
Joe Rogan on Mindful Living Through Meditation and Physical Activity
- Discussing the benefits of a cognitive function-free drug for mental clarity
- Exploring how meditation can help reduce internal chatter and negative thinking
- Highlighting the importance of physical activity to reduce anxiety and excess energy
Exploring the Impact of Exercise on Intelligence and Well-being
- Challenging the misconception of exercise being superficial for intelligent individuals
- Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy body for overall well-being
- Reflecting on instilling values beyond physical activity in children