Pills and Power – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we dive into one of the most infamous covert programs in U.S. history: MK-Ultra. Born in the shadows of the Cold War, this CIA-led operation explored the use of LSD to control people’s minds— “whether they were willing or not.” We explore the origins of the program, the disturbing experiments conducted on unwitting subjects, and the long-lasting impact on the American psychedelic landscape. Plus, we look at some of the notable figures—both famous and forgotten—who were caught in MK-Ultra’s web.

Sources: 

United States Senate: Report on CIA MKULTRA Behavioral Modification Program

National Public Radio: The CIA’s Secret Quest for Mind Control: Torture, LSD, and a ‘Poisoner in Chief’

Central Intelligence Agency: Project MK-ULTRA

CBC News: ‘She went away, hoping to get better’

Welcome to Pills & Power - a raw, revealing, and often ridiculous dive into the world of drugs, addiction, and the bizarre truths that never made it into your school textbooks.

We’re your hosts, Eliza and Ray, and we’re here to unpack the highs, the lows, and all the messy, mind-blowing bits in between.

From crack dens to chemistry labs, from devastating lows to euphoric highs, we explore the stories, science, and stigma surrounding drugs and the people who use them.

🎙️ Expect wild history, uncomfortable truths, and a few laughs along the way.

Subscribe now – this is not your average education…

It’s a trip.

During WWII, methamphetamine wasn’t just a drug—it was a weapon. In this episode, we explore how drug affected Nazi brains, powered Blitzkrieg tactics, fueled Hitler’s personal addiction, and found their way into the supply kits of Allied troops. Discover the hidden role stimulants played in shaping the course of the war.

Sources:

Normal Ohler: Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich

TIME Magazine: How Methamphetamine Became a Key Part of Nazi Military Strategy

MBio: Understanding the Basis of METH Mouth

Nicholas Rasmussen: America’s First Amphetamine Epidemic

In this episode, we unravel the surprising colonial legacy behind one of the world's most iconic cocktails: the Gin and Tonic. What began as a bitter necessity for British soldiers in India turned into a fashionable drink with a chilling backstory. From malaria prevention to imperial expansion, we trace how quinine, tonic water, and a splash of gin became tools of empire. Discover how this bubbly drink is soaked in history, empire, and exploitation- proof that not all light drinks come without a dark twist.