Most of us think we know cocaine — a glamorous party drug with a dark side, a scourge of the 80s, a straightforward villain in the story of addiction. But what happens behind the scenes - in the months of work and miles of travel that take the coca leaf of Central and South America to the consumers all around the world?

Emilia Ziosi is a researcher and science communicator whose work has focused largely on the cocaine trade.

In this episode, Zale and Emilia dig into the assumptions we carry about cocaine and where they actually come from, including:

- How cocaine was used medically for decades — and why that history got buried

- What's actually happening in the brain during cocaine use, and why the "addiction = weak willpower" framing misses the point

- The racial politics behind cocaine prohibition and how moral panic shaped drug policy

- Why cocaine's cultural image has shifted so dramatically across time and class

- What harm reduction gets right that abstinence-only approaches keep getting wrong

- Whether we're asking the right questions when it comes to drug policy reform

Preconceived is a weekly Society & Culture podcast where each episode challenges a widely-held assumption. Hosted by Zale Mednick. New episodes every week.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it actually mean to thrive—not emotionally, but biologically? In this episode, neuroscientist Paul Zak breaks down the brain science behind emotional fitness, social connection, and the kinds of experiences that make life feel deeply engaging rather than merely comfortable. We explore whether thriving is a measurable state of the nervous system, why modern life may be quietly working against it, and how factors like immersion, awe, and human connection shape the way our brains function over time.

Learn more about Dr. Paul Zak at https://pauljzak.com/

Learn about his app at https://your6.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, conversations around sex have become far more attentive to women’s experiences, desires, and frustrations — and for good reason. But in the process, have we stopped talking honestly about male sexuality? In this episode, Zale sits down with sex therapist and author Chris Donaghue to explore the psychology of male sexual performance, insecurity, validation, and desire. From penis size and performance anxiety, to casual sex, long-term relationships, and what actually makes someone “good in bed,” this conversation examines the fears men rarely admit out loud — and asks what healthy male sexuality could look like without shame, pressure, and distorted expectations.

Learn more about Dr. Chris Donaghue and his books at https://www.drchrisdonaghue.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if our sense of right and wrong isn’t just philosophical, but biological? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Paul Zak reveals that a single molecule—oxytocin—could hold the key to understanding trust, empathy, and virtue itself. Imagine being able to measure compassion in a blood sample or enhance generosity with a nasal spray. Is morality purely a matter of choice, or are we wired for virtue? Join Zale as he learns how neurobiology may be reshaping our moral landscape.

Learn more about Dr. Paul Zak at https://pauljzak.com/

Check out Paul's app - Your Six - at https://your6.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Zale is joined by Mark McNeilly to explore the transformative power of AI, its implications for the future of work, society, and creativity, and how individuals and organizations can adapt. Which jobs are most at risk with the advent of AI? Has society at large been downplaying the real concerns of of AI replacing our roles?

Zale and Mark discuss the nuances of AI development, adoption barriers, ethical considerations, and practical strategies for leveraging AI responsibly.

Check out Mark McNeilly's blog at https://markmcneilly.substack.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We learn from an early age that it’s not acceptable to harm others. Many would say it’s something we don’t even need to really learn – that it’s a natural human instinct to not want to cause harm. With that perspective, it’s natural that it would be extremely challenging for people to understand why someone would harm themselves. Why would some voluntarily elect to hurt themselves? Non-suicidal self injury refers to this practice, encompassing the terms self-harm, cutting, and other harmful practices. Dr. Chris Simpson, author of 'Cutting and Self Harm', joins the podcast.

Check out Chris's book, 'Cutting and Self Harm', at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cutting-and-self-harm-chris-simpson-phd/1121005370

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.