Today we're focusing on drinking-- and getting rid of the generalities and stereotypes to get real about the complications, the nuances, and the human side of alcohol use.

On today's Baggage Check welcome Dr. Debra Kaysen, Stanford University professor and expert researcher on alcohol abuse. From how to think about what is "problem drinking" to surprising new data on who is drinking more (and who is drinking less), from the ways that trauma and alcohol use interact, to expectancy effects, the pandemic, striking research from the "Bar Lab" at the University of Washington, and more, we cover it all in today's show.

Find out more about Dr. Kaysen's work here.

Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!

Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.

Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)

Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper