Johan Svensson is a well-known figure in Sweden’s drug policy debate. With his signature sharpness, fact-based arguments, and fearless tone, he’s long been a thorn in the side of the country’s staunch prohibitionists. Now, he takes the fight against misinformation and political cowardice to a new level with Narkotikapodden – a podcast that doesn’t shy away from tough topics, but instead dives straight into the eye of the storm.
Behind the mic is an activist with years of experience dismantling moral panic and authoritarian rhetoric. Johan blends education with agitation. He combines humor, precision, and a strong sense of rhetorical timing – something that’s evident from the very first episode.
Episode 1: Harm Reduction and Children’s Rights with Damon Barret
The premiere episode features Damon Barret, a lecturer in human rights at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg. His work focuses particularly on health and drug policy. The episode is in English and covers a wide range of complex topics without losing pace or clarity.
Barret has an international profile, with over 15 years of experience working on human rights and drug policy. He was a core contributor to the International Guidelines on Human Rights and Drug Policy, finalized between 2016 and 2019. In the podcast, he explains why harm reduction is not a choice – it’s an obligation.
The conversation naturally breaks into three main segments:
- First, harm reduction is defined and placed on a scientific foundation. Barret emphasizes that this isn’t about condoning drugs – it’s about reducing suffering and saving lives.
- Then the focus shifts to child-centered harm reduction. Barret explains how research and practice must take children’s rights seriously, even in taboo areas like minors who inject drugs.
- Finally, the discussion moves to international frameworks and how countries – including Sweden – are being called to align drug policies with human rights obligations.
A podcast with both urgency and backbone
What sets Narkotikapodden apart is its balance between sharp critique and open dialogue. Johan guides the conversation confidently, while allowing the guest to fully develop his points. Listeners aren’t just given facts and arguments – they’re invited into a conversation that feels vital and often forbidden.
The moment Barret discusses his work with young people who inject drugs is particularly powerful. In many countries, he explains, it’s taboo even to acknowledge these children exist. But ignoring reality only worsens their situation. Here, Narkotikapodden shows its purpose: to say what can’t be said – with seriousness, empathy, and clarity.
A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand drug policy in depth
With its first episode, Johan Svensson proves that Narkotikapodden is more than just another platform for opinion. It’s a reckoning with myths, a reflection of global perspectives, and a tool for meaningful change.
The episode is available on Spotify. For more information about Johan and future episodes, visit narkotikapolitik.online.
If you want to understand why harm reduction is a human right – and why Sweden faces a serious knowledge gap – then Narkotikapodden should be your next listen.
Ps. Om du vill stödja Johans arbete så kan du donera via swedish mobile payment Swish:
0700886603
Bitcoin:
3KNARKETvXUw7gYTGMT1incoAiXtj89qfC
BTC:
