 Why do psychedelics "enlighten" some people — and make others giant narcissists?

The drugs have a reputation for humbling people, but 'hallucinogenic elitism' is also common. What gives? Rich Haridy delves into the paradoxical social effects of psychedelics. Read by Sean Crisden.

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Ego tripping: Why do psychedelics "enlighten" some people — and make others giant narcissists?

Can Hollywood's depictions of global warming make a difference?

Scientists and climate advocacy groups have developed a new litmus test for climate change in films, similar to the Bechdel Test, to encourage Hollywood to address global warming in their storytelling. Matthew Rozsa reflects on the initiative's support and scepticism. Read by Ron Butler.

Plot twister: A new test gauges Hollywood's depictions of global warming. Will it make a difference?

Susan Shapiro reflects on overcoming a 27-year addiction, navigating criticism for her newfound sobriety, and discovering personal growth through an unconventional behavioural strategy with a substance specialist. Read by Marni Penning.

Secrets of a serial addict: How I got hooked on quitting, over and over again

As Trump and Biden head towards a 2024 presidential rematch, have voters had enough?

Brian Karem takes the temperature of America and explains that neither candidate is providing a hopeful solution to the national exhaustion with politics. Read by Michael Satow.

America's sick and tired of politics

There has been a rise in cases of ADHD, but many are unaware of the challenge of distinguishing true ADHD from other conditions. Matthew Rozsa reveals how to really know if you have ADHD or whether your symptoms could be a sign of something else. Read by Sean Crisden.

Do more people really have ADHD or are we misdiagnosing ourselves?

In 2023, nobody knows how to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2013, Anthony Bourdain did. Melanie McFarland revisits the late celebrity chef's 'Parts Unknown' episode exploring 'Jerusalem'. She reflects on the importance of understanding the common humanity behind the conflict through personal interactions rather than media coverage. Read by Marni Penning.

In 2023, nobody knows how to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In 2013, Anthony Bourdain did

California promises better care for released inmates

Proper care during the transition from prison to civilian life has long been lacking in California. Until now. Don Thompson reports on recent policy improvements that "should help shut the revolving door between homelessness and incarceration." Read by Michael Satow.

California promises better care for thousands of inmates as they leave prison

Recovery from addiction is a journey. There’s no single solution

Proper care for recovering addicts can be hard to find. Bernard J. Wolfson visits Los Angeles' based Allen House, a residential treatment centre dedicated to battling substance abuse, to discover the long road to recovery.

Recovery from addiction is a journey. There’s no one-and-done solution

The millennial anxieties portrayed in "Succession"

As HBO drama “Succession” comes to a close, Dalton Valette looks at what the Roy siblings’ struggles can tell us about millennial anxiety, and why the show resonated with that demographic.

The millennial anxieties of "Succession" and how each of the Roys tried and failed to cope

Orcas are sinking ships. It's nice to think of these marine mammals leading an uprising against humans, but the reality is more complicated than that. Nicole Karlis explains why their behaviour could make protecting them harder.

The killer orcas aren’t winning. They could be self-sabotaging 

How getting naked helped me combat body shaming culture

Women around the world face overwhelming pressure to be thin. Even though achieving societal-mandated body ideals can be impossible. Avni Shah reflects on how stripping off at a Korean spa renewed her relationship with her body.

Getting naked with strangers helped me combat body shaming culture

Everyone knows that a lack of sleep is a part of early parenting. But what if it continues months or even years postpartum? Nicole Karlis discovers how desperate parents are turning to the unregulated (and growing) industry of online baby sleep experts.

The online baby sleep boom 

Following the death of Lindsey Rogers-Seitz's young son in a hot car accident, everything she knew about love and forgiveness changed. Here she reflects on that terrible moment and the life lessons she learned.

The power of radical forgiveness

Depressed? Experts say "time-wasting" activities could help

There's a stigma attached to watching TV, using social media and playing video games. But did you know that downtime is essential to our well-being? Matthew Rozsa reports.

Depressed? Experts say these "embarrassing," "time-wasting" activities can make you feel better

The song that left me speechless: music in youth detention

Two years after Radical Reversal launched its music and poetry program in an Alabama youth detention centre, founder Randall Horton reflects on the arts' role in reform and rehabilitation by giving those entangled within the prison system a voice.

The song that left me speechless: in Studio 111, music and poetry let youth in detention be heard

Following the death of his beloved grandmother, Keegan Lawler reflects on his religious upbringing and faith's role in filling the holes that grief and loss leave in our lives.

The holy maple bar: notes on an afterlife, without religion

With millions worldwide considering their pets as part of the family, Lisa F. Carver breaks down recent research demonstrating that loving your pet is good for your health.

When pets are family, the benefits extend into society

Hey, Irish Americans: do you know your history?

From fairy hills to vast ancient monuments built by a people almost forgotten, Andrew O'Hehir explains why the extraordinary and complicated story of Ireland's past is much more interesting than most Irish Americans know.

Hey, Irish Americans: Your "Celtic" tattoo isn't Celtic — because that whole idea was made up

Is banning TikTok pointless?

Despite calls growing in intensity across the U.S. to restrict access to TikTok, Rae Hodge explains why banning the popular social media app from personal devices is politically and technologically impossible.

"Banning" TikTok is pointless political theater — and it's impossible anyway

U.S. is racing toward a looming "hunger cliff," experts warn

With record inflation leaving many Americans struggling, Ashlie D. Stevens discusses the plight of millions facing food poverty as the pandemic-era emergency SNAP benefits expire.