#1379 - Ben Westhoff cover

#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
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