Revealing the Ivory Tower

This is the first solo episode of the season! I was inspired to devote an episode on the complexities of psychiatry, including the dark history and current supports. As usual, social media flames black-and-white thinking. Wherever you sit on these arguments, you're bound to learn something this episode! Music: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

Have you ever wondered what the day-to-day looks like in the life of a medical examiner? What would Abby from NCIS do in real life?  Also, what is forensic pathology? How do people determine cause of death during COVID-19?  I interviewed Julia, a current student hoping to follow in these career steps. She answered all morbid, random, and fascinating questions about her current job as an autopsy technician. Listen here for all the questions you might be too embarrassed to ask in public! 

Dr. Lina Haji, a forensic psychologist, educates us on the field of forensic psychology and a variety of topics, including pedophilia/sexual offenses, psychopathy, reason of insanity evaluations, and much more! She also gives a detailed picture of all the different types of job available in forensic psychology for people interested in the field. Dr. Haji gives amazing real-life examples of different topics including "The Tindler Swindler" and Bernie Madoff. Be advised of sensitive and controversial topics. Music: Kevin MacLeod and DJ DanceAlone 

Paige Lemen, a current PhD student, educated us about social determinants of health and health disparities, specifically related to substance/drug use and social isolation. We also peel back layers of onion of academia and discuss how scientists have failed to communicate recent findings in a compelling way with the public. Paige shared not only relevant research but captivating personal stories to drive her points.  Music: Kevin MacLeod and DJ DanceAlone

Dr. Steven Kniffley, Jr. met with me to discuss his expertise in racial trauma and Black masculinity. What's the difference between PTSD and racial trauma? How does Black masculinity differ that masculinity we typically consider in the US? What behaviors have Black men inherited since slavery? What is knowledge of self, and how can we harness that to empower us in our daily lives? Learn all of these answers and more in the newest episode! Music: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

This episode I met with Kayla Proctor Hatch, a registered dietitian, to bust nutrition myths! What does the science say about the ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting? Listen to the episode to learn more! She also discuses the extensive education and training required to become a registered dietitian and explains differences between dietitians and nutritionists. What's the difference between kale and greens? Learn with me!  Music: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

Dr. Jenicka Engler sat with me to talk all about perinatal/postpartum care, parenting, preventing tantrums, sleep training, ADHD/autism in children, and so much more! She provides a refreshing combination of lived experience as a mom and her knowledge as an expert in the field. Want to know what the research says about gentle parenting and corporal punishment? Listen to the episode to find out more! Music: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

I met with Dr. Linda Weidenstedt, a sociology researcher in Sweden who has been studying work, empowerment, and a sense of meaning. We discuss all these topics and the unique opportunities that have risen due to COVID-19 and the gig economy. She also compares the United States, Sweden, and other European countries and how they are currently approaching the work environment. Music by: Kevin MacLeod and DJ DanceAlone

"Look into my eyes"- A common phrase people think of when asked about hypnosis and maybe a picture of an old-school movie. Turns out, clinical hypnosis can be used in mental health therapy! Learn more about what it looks like, the research support, and what it can help in this episode, as Dr. Liz Slonena corrects misconceptions.  Music: Dj DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

Season 3 is back! I met with Dillon Jones, an evolutionary herpetologist and science communicator. We had a hilarious and educational discussion all about evolution, virgin births, lesbian lizards, frogs, humans, and elephants. We also started to reveal the ivory tower by talking about the astronomical costs of publishing in reputable science journals. 

What do Shark Tank, football, and our field have in common? Find out in the season 2 finale with Dr. Annie (@queenbehaviorchange), who gave a helpful and balanced view of the role of venture capital and ethics in the mental health field! Think you know venture capital/finances? Think you know the challenges in the mental health field? This is an episode for all! Music by: Kevin MacLeod and DJ DanceAlone

Dr. Christina Thai educates us all about more severe mental illness this episode! Let's face it: we're fascinated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and also might have a lot of misconceptions. We talk all about poor movie depictions, mass shootings/violence, and limitations in our field. She also talks about needed support and how various cultures view serious mental illness. Are people with SMI more likely to engage in violence? Find out in this episode! Music by: DJ  DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

We made it to one year of the podcast! To celebrate, I switched up our usual routine and Christina Guarino interviewed me. We cover a wide variety of topics in this light-hearted episode, from my unpopular mental health opinions to the biggest push-pull relationship in psychology research.  I also share funny stories from my career so far. We laughed the most in this episode, and I wanted to give back to my listeners by sharing more of myself! Music by: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

This special episode is all about the wide range of topics falling under the complicated ADHD umbrella! Dr. LaCount is an expert in the field and shares both his research and clinical experience. Is "ADHD" an accurate name? What does our chemical research say about the role of dopamine? What are some sneaky ways ADHD appears in daily life? Find it out all here, with some amazing humor sprinkled throughout the episode. Music by: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod

Precocious Patalie returns for a final episode, this time everything involving trauma! Although we've had her in previous episodes, trauma is truly her area of expertise and is underlying all the previous topics.  She introduces trauma, complex trauma, and corrects information we've seen on social media. You might think this episode is particularly heavy, but this is one of our funniest episodes yet! We also learn a bit about animals, Natalie Portman, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. This episode is helpful for everyone, including therapists! Music by: Kevin MacLeod and DJ DanceAlone

Patalie Nortman returns this episode to discuss everything related to child trafficking, more specifically child sex trafficking. We zoomed out to provide a bigger scope of HOW and WHY this happens to so many children. Instead of focusing on the stats that anyone can Google, we discussed Patalie's clinical experiences working with kids who were being trafficked. Some of the hard truths are discussed, along with the Breaking Code Silence movement and warning signs for parents, teachers, and any adults around kids. On a more lighthearted note, we also discuss therapists' obsessions with cardigans (seriously, it is a thing). 

I did another solo episode! I wanted to address some concerns about the mental health field currently and big obstacles. I talk about our obsession with being the medical field, the power insurance companies have (more than you might think), and how we've lost the complexity that makes us humans. Why are we training technicians rather than true therapists? Find out in the episode! I also share an embarrassing story and a gift for viewers, so check it out! Music: Kevin MacLeod and DJ DanceAlone

Stephanie Castillo, a PhD candidate, sat down with me to talk all about the emerging field of science communication! She explains why the field began emerging as a separate field from others types of science, how we can use social media to engage people into science again,  and the realities of the science field betraying the trust of various communities. Stephanie also gives her own skills for engaging in conversation with people who might have rigidly held beliefs and how to discuss the nuance of various fields that is often lost on social media. Music: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod.

Shane Kuhlman, a psychologist who has been researching various topics related to suicide for years, sat down with me and provided amazing information for the general public and healthcare providers. He discussed what we know from the research, what we don't know, what groups are being neglected in research, red flags to look for, and how loved ones can support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. His humility is a reminder about why I started this podcast. This is a heavy and incredibly important topic that we need to discuss more with others and stop avoiding. Music by: DJ DanceAlone and Kevin MacLeod. 

What a cool episode! I learned alongside my guests when discussing music therapy with Alison Hughey, a board certified music therapist. She discussed the research support for music therapy for a wide variety of people, including people with dementia and babies in NICU units. We discuss the lack of awareness and knowledge of her field, even among other healthcare and mental healthcare providers! She answers a fun icebreaker question and also does a great job of distinguishing music being therapeutic from music therapy itself. I hope you enjoy!