Ketamine is a drug largely used in veterinary clinics. Recreationally, it’s used to induce an out of body experience. The oft-sought “K-Hole.” But Sean Michael Hayes was looking to score for a different reason. He was trying to save his life.

One in ten North Americans is diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Many more live in silence, believing that what they’re experiencing is normal, or convincing themselves that medication for the mind is something to be ashamed of. This is the story of Sean’s quest for normalcy.

Sean Michael Hayes is the author of a trilogy of books about his experience, the first of which, Five Weeks in the Amazon is available here. We just barely graze it in our episode, but the book spans the full breadth of Sean’s time in Peru. Look for his second memoir, I Killed a Black Dog, coming soon. If you’re not familiar with the quote, think Churchill.

Patreon news! Once a month we’ll be debuting extra-special bonus vignettes exclusive to our contributors. These’ll be short pieces under five minutes, either original or bits we love but just couldn’t fit into the program. Wondering what happened on Monica’s final date? How about the mysterious black spots that afflicted Sean in Thailand? You’ll find all that with a donation to our Patreon campaign. I’m trying, folks. I need your support.

Download Depression Quest HERE on iTunes or stream it at the link below.

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Impersonating an officer carries up to a two year sentence. But what if you genuinely believed you were one? The wonderfully funny Monica Hamburg shares what might humbly be described as the Worst. Date. Ever.

Monica was an absolute treat to have on the show. She’s the host of her very own, very dark, very funny podcast, Dazed and Convicted. If you dig weird criminals and the dregs of Craigslist, you should absolutely check her out.

Heads up for this episode. We talk sexy talk. If you’ve got kids in the room, there’s a brief reference to a job of the blowing variety.

Download The Force HERE on iTunes or stream it at the link below.

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Two dudes. Two bikes. 11,357 kilometres. What could possibly go wrong?

Gavin Kennedy was one of those rare people who made a mad drunken bet and actually stuck to it. He wasn’t a cyclist. He hadn’t trained for this. But sense be damned: he was biking from Vancouver, Canada to God Knows, Argentina.

All of Gavin’s adventures, including way more than we could ever possibly mention on this show, can be found on his travelogue – www.twodudesonbikes.com. If that’s down when you read this, tune in shortly. It should swing online again.

Download Scenic Route HERE on iTunes or stream it at the link below.

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Kids are beautiful, wonderful, disgusting creatures, aren’t they?

Dwayne really really likes to spit. He’s good at it. Really good. Maybe Guinness World Records good. What does one do with such talent? Evidently, you make archenemies with this week’s storyteller, Karina Sims.

Karina’s the author of Sinners Circle. It’s about purveyor of porn, Amanda Troy. By day, she’s a sex shop employee. By night? Serial killer. If you dig Karina’s voice, her sweet cynicism is all over her novel. Check it out.

Download Mocking Bird HERE on iTunes or stream it at the link below.

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Rosa Del Duca joined the U.S. National Guard at seventeen. She’d spend nearly half a decade trying to escape it.

This is probably the longest episode we’ve had since the beginning, but it’s bite-sized compared to Rosa’s experience as a conscientious objector. If I had all the time and all the money, her story could fill a feature. Fortunately, her (excellent) memoir fills that void. Hit up Rosa’s site for more on her work. I recommend it.

Credit for this episode’s interview goes to Jessie Brennan. Bang up job, lady.

Please, if you haven’t, visit Patreon.com/thelapse and help keep The Lapse is business. The clock, she’s a tickin’. Don’t wait till she stops.

Download The War Against War HERE on iTunes or stream it at the link below.

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