09/12/2026 GMT

Dr Skin: 4. Herb

Prisoner testimony reveals just how far Holmesburg's experiments were allowed to go: experiments that left some men convinced they were changed forever. Decades later, former inmates are still grappling with the consequences and demanding answers about what happened inside the jail.

This episode contains discussions of suicide, self-harm and medical testing. There is some outdated racist language.
If you are suffering distress or despair and need support, you could speak to a health professional, or an organisation that offers support. Details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide. www.befrienders.org

Dr Skin is a Samizdat Audio production for the BBC World Service.