Stop and Search

Let's chat with TV presenter, broadcaster, and podcast legend, Tim Lovejoy. Tim has had an interesting journey with drug policy... like many, Tim believed in our drug laws, he had no need to investigate further. But after hosting a number of people on his own podcast, The Lovejoy Hour, such as Peter Bleksley, Neil Woods, Johann Hari, and our own Stop and Search host Jason Reed, Tim has had a complete transformation in his thinking and is now a big advocate from drug policy reform - he does all he can to help spread the message. In this episode of Stop and Search we talk about the role the media play in drug policy, as well as press 'scandals'. We also delve into mental health, addiction, and what more we can all do to help raise awareness to this big issue. Don't forget to like, share, subscribe and nice review wherever you can.

He's a mental health advocate, author, criminal justice reform advocate, chart-topping podcaster, and of course the director of communications under Tony Blair's term as Prime Minister - Alastair Campbell barely needs an introduction. In this episode we go further with Alastair than he's ever gone before in giving his thoughts on failed drug policy and how the 'war on drugs' has caused harm across society. With Alastair's own personal tales of addiction, alongside his advocacy for mental health and criminal justice reform, Alastair is able to give a multifaceted perspective as to why he now looks at drug policy with different eyes. We also quiz Alastair on the influence and power of communications - how could we not?! There's a lot to unpick in the episode, such as drinking and drug use in Westminster, the story behind Labour's reclassification of cannabis, Norway's pioneering justice reforms, and so much more. Please subscribe, like, leave nice reviews, and all that lovely stuff. You know what to do, thank you!

What is it really like being a county lines drug dealer? Danielle Marin was at the forefront of the drug distribution evolution and became a drug dealer at an early age. The book Top Girl is a must-read!Danielle witnessed some of the very worst aspects of society and yet she has one of the calmest and most sensible demeanours imaginable. On this episode Danielle tells us in her own words what led her to become a dealer, what the life was like, and yes, she discusses some of the worst aspects of the past and abuses. Please do be advised that some incredibly hard subjects are spoken about in this conversation. We give such gratitude to Danielle for her candour and allowing us an unprecedented insight into her incredible life.We're also joined by writer Robin Eveleigh who is the ghost writer of Top Girl. Robin is a regular contributor to Vice, as well as a host of other publications. How did Robin find the process? How did he cope hearing Danielle's most horrific tales of abuse and trauma?Please do listen and share this episode, and once more... thank you very much Danielle!

Richard Mylan is an actor from film, stage and television, as well as a theatre producer, director and a drama teacher. His career has been diverse and littered with big roles such as Waterloo Road. But recently Richard has devoted more of his time to speak about his personal journey with addiction in hopes that he can raise awareness for other people who may be struggling, and to wipe away the stigma that can often come with addiction. In this special episode we have a very intimate conversation with Richard about his heroin use which lasted twenty years - how and why he got to that place of addiction, and his advocacy for a change of attitudes. We send such gratitude to Richard for his openness and honesty. Conversations such as this go a long way in helping others, as well as helping make the societal changes that we need to save lives. Find Richard via his website: https://www.richardmylan.com/And Twitter: @RichardMylan

We talk to Stanley Nelson, director of the new Netflix documentary Crack: Cocaine, Corruption & Conspiracy. What really happened in the 80s and the crack epidemic?Taking an in-depth look at the societal costs, how communities reacted, and how the media played their part, this eye-opening documentary is described as “a puzzle” by Stanley who tried to piece together the many overlaps of the crack picture. From the media term of ‘crack babies’, to addiction, poverty, the militarization of the police, and also there’s a large international element too with the Ronald Reagan presidency having a part to play in Nicaragua… and this is where it really gets interesting! Stanley Nelson set about trying to tell this massive story and his film and he does so with the help of many contributors, including Dr Carl Hart who you might know from previous episodes of the Stop and Search podcast. Have a listen to this podcast and then watch the film, it’s truly a must-see! 

Dr Carl Hart has almost become a legendary figure in the world of academia and the media, he’s a professor of neuroscience and psychology at Columbia University and known for his work in drugs and addiction. His first book High Price: A Neuroscientist's Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society was very well received and challenged many misconceptions around society’s perception of drugs and culture, and his new book is set to go even further…Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear is truly an enthralling read. Dr Hart wants us all to come out of the closet with regards to our drug consumption, he's also coming forward with unapologetic honesty about his own drug use and what it means to him and his life. So, what do we, adults, need to know about the drugs we consume, and what do we need to do to help push this big conversation forward? Yes, this really is a fascinating and honest discussion!