Understand

Justin Webb looks back at the five big US foreign policy shifts from the Monroe Doctrine to Donald Trump. Over five episodes he and his guests look at how America’s approach to the world has constantly changed over time. This may help answer a really big question - how radical is the way Donald Trump deals with the world? Is he really an outlier in US history? Or do his actions reflect the changing patterns of American power?In this episode Justin discusses the Nixon Doctrine with Professor Douglas Brinkley, who's the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University in Texas.Presenter: Justin Webb Producers: Caroline Bayley and Kirsteen Knight Researcher: Helena Warwick-Cross Editor: Jon Bithrey Sound engineer: Dave O'NeillCredit: Nixon’s Silent Majority Speech/Richard Nixon Foundation

Barbara Perry, presidential studies scholar at the Miller Center, and Jay Sexton, historian and director at the Kinder Institute, unpack the Truman Doctrine. They explore postwar context, why Truman appealed to Congress, framing of communism, links to the Marshall Plan and NATO, and contrasts with later US approaches. Multiple short, lively discussions trace how policy, politics and rhetoric shaped early Cold War strategy.

Jay Sexton, historian and Kinder Institute director who studies the Monroe Doctrine and 19th-century America, unpacks the doctrine’s origins in the Atlantic revolutions. He traces its evolution from a limited anti‑European pledge to a flexible political symbol, its transformation under Theodore Roosevelt, and how modern leaders revive Monroe-era rhetoric for contemporary posturing.

Justin Webb looks at five big US foreign policy shifts, from Monroe to Trump.

Tim Hayward recounts his vivid experiences during a 14-day coma linked to the pandemic, sparking a deep dive into the world of psychedelics. He explores their therapeutic potential for conditions like depression and the challenges in integrating these therapies into practice. The podcast also delves into the mystical realms of DMT and its impact on belief systems. Additionally, it highlights the need for curiosity-driven funding for psychedelic research and the importance of diverse representation in studies. The quest for understanding consciousness continues!

Tim Hayward shares his vivid coma experience from the pandemic, leading to a deep dive into the psychedelic realm. He explores the burgeoning interest in psychedelics for mental health treatment and the ethical issues surrounding the commercialization of sacred plants. Indigenous voices raise alarms over cultural appropriation, reminiscent of historical injustices. The podcast also emphasizes the urgent need to acknowledge indigenous rights and integrate traditional wisdom with modern scientific practices for a brighter future.

Tim Hayward dives deep into the psychedelic landscape, recounting his vivid and surreal experiences during a coma. The conversation highlights the potential of psychedelics for mental health therapies, as research surges despite historical stigmas. Advocates push for policy changes to ease research barriers in the UK, while inspiring stories showcase how psilocybin aids in confronting existential crises. The episode also tackles recent legal advancements, reflecting on how societal attitudes are shifting toward acceptance in medicine.

Tim Hayward shares intriguing insights from his 14-day coma during the pandemic, filled with vivid hallucinations. He explores the history of psychedelics, from early research in the 18th century to their decline in the 1970s. Through discussions on cultural shifts and societal perceptions, the podcast tackles the controversial relationship between psychedelics and mental health. Key moments include Aldous Huxley’s experiences and the media’s role in shaping drug narratives. The exploration highlights both the fascination and the taboos surrounding altered states of consciousness.

Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist at UC Berkeley, dives into the remarkable intersection of psychedelics and human learning. She discusses how substances like LSD mimic serotonin and may reopen critical developmental periods in adulthood, potentially enhancing learning and recovery from neurological conditions. The conversation touches on the effects of psychedelics on social behaviors and the importance of the right support in integration. Dölen's research could unveil new avenues in therapy and our understanding of brain function.

Tim Hayward vividly recounts his two-week coma during the pandemic, setting the stage for a deep dive into psychedelics. He explores the historical journey of substances like cocaine and opium, revealing society's shifting perceptions. The podcast spotlights pioneering figures in psychedelic therapy, including groundbreaking research in the 1950s on LSD for addiction treatment. Tales from a nurse highlight the human connections formed during therapy sessions, shedding light on the evolving landscape of mental health and the quest to understand consciousness.