Dr. G Engaging Minds

Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Tonya McKenzie is the founder of Sand & Shores, a Communications, Marketing, and Sports Media firm. She is an international speaker and the Chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Tonya is a public relations expert specializing in storytelling, building community, and increasing brand awareness.  Tonya consults organizational leaders, sports professionals, and brands, helping them to increase their leads, profits, and exposure. Commissioner McKenzie is also the host of the Leaders & Learners Podcast, speaking to leaders, experts, authors, and personalities connected to the Golden State of California. Tonya was the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was named the Redondo Beach Woman of the Year. She is the Vice President of the Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles and serves in various other leadership positions. Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. Tonya McKenzie has authored several books, including a memoir titled A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder, addressing non-combat PTSD, predatory behavior, generational trauma, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for over 23 years and has four kids, including a set of twins. Learn more about Tonya at www.tonyamckenzie.com.

Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Chad L. Johnson is the host of the Not All There podcast, a raw and darkly funny exploration of addiction, sobriety, and what it means to live an honest life in recovery. With over 10 years of continuous sobriety, Chad blends lived experience, humor, and insight to create real conversations that resonate. He's also the founder of Sober with Chad coaching, the creator of the Sober Soirée community events, and co-founder of the MERGE Leadership Summit. Chad's mission is simple: help others find connection, healing, and purpose—one honest conversation at a time. Learn more about Chad at https://www.notalltherepodcast.com

Dr. G welcomes Spencer Windes to talk about the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Spencer Windes is an editor, writer and nonprofit executive based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He's previously worked in development at the ACLU during the first Trump administration, as well as at the Center for Biological Diversity. Currently, he's a contributing editor at Santa Fe Magazine. Learn more about Spencer at https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerwindes/.

Special Guest Chris RolandChris is a transformational teacher, coach, and sound healing facilitator currently based in South Africa. He has travelled, lived or worked in sixty+ countries, and his unusually full and colorful life and unique toolset enable Chris to relate to clients through first hand real world experience.  Chris is also a multi-talented award winning writer, director, producer, media consultant and coach. He has written, directed, and/or produced 80+ films, TV series, commercials, and videos. He has owned seven companies in the film and TV industry, including production, distribution, equipment rental, and finance. Chris now focuses exclusively on writing and directing, and providing coaching and consulting to the wider global industry drawing from his vast experience on three continents.

Special Guest Dr. Palesa Makhale-MahlanguPalesa Makhale-Mahlangu is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Johannesburg, South Africa.  She is a consultant in various fields of mental health and for corporate in the Employee Assistant Programme. Her consulting has included running strategic planning workshops for the National Department of Health (Mental Health) on Victim Empowerment Programmes in three regions as well as evaluating the mental health hospitals and clinics in Mpumalanga Province (South Africa). She also worked on the consolidation of the reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Women's Hearings ( Held in South Africa post liberation, 1994). In addition, she facilitated diversity management workshops on gender)and has facilitated workshops for various NGO's; Government departments; Corporate sector and Faith based groups around mental health. She has also done the Employee Wellness Programmes for corporate South Africa.She was headhunted for the position of Research Specialist by Human Science Research Council (HSRC) for two years in mental health research. She has also worked as coordinator for the Trauma Clinic at Wits University. Amongst her numerous appointments, she was appointed to the International Rehabilitation Council on Torture in  Copenhagen, Denmark, representing South Africa for three years. She also held the position of Chairperson of the ANC Branch in Washington D.C. And was also appointed as Chairperson of the South African National Defence Force (Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Advisory Committee- A Ministerial Appointment) for 3yrs. Currently she sits as a board member for Kitso Lesedi( an NGO addressing the plight of unsheltered (homeless) persons. She holds a from B.A. Goshen College, Indiana (USA), MSc in Personality Psychology, Howard University, Washington D.C (USA), and pursued a D. Litt et Phil degree at Rand Afrikaans University ( South Africa). Ph.D, University of South Africa (UNISA).She was awarded internships at the Centre for Victims of Torture, Minneapolis, USA and at the International Rehabilitation Centre for Torture in Copenhagen, Denmark. Among her numerous publications is a poetry book titled: MBALE (1998), 3 edition, and her latest work, Phekolo: Afro-centric Healing Modality for Rape Survivors.

Special Guest Dr. David SchechterDr. G welcomes Dr. David Schechter, physician whose career stands on principles. First, treat the whole patient (mind and body) in the context of his family, work, and his environment. Second, provide the highest quality care based upon the most up-to-date medical research. Third, emphasize prevention, a healthy lifestyle, and exercise as the mainstays of a comprehensive program. Dr. Schechter graduated with a degree from Princeton University. While a medical student at NYU in the early 1980's, he was first exposed to a stress related disorder-- his own! After successful treatment as a patient of Dr. John Sarno, he performed a telephone follow up study, in Dr. Sarno's office. After a residency in Family Medicine at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital, he received a Certificate of Additional Qualifications in Sports Medicine. Dr. Schechter has been treating chronic pain and other functional disorders with a psycho-educational approach for over 25 years in private practice. Dr. Schechter taught at the USC/California Hospital Family Medicine Residency, part-time, for over a decade and received two Outstanding teacher awards. In addition, Dr. Schechter is the author of Think Away Your Pain, The MindBody Workbook, and the MindBody Workbook for Teens. The first two are home educational materials for stress-pain and functional disorders. The last is an educational tool for adolescents to help deal with and prevent these disorders. He is a co-author of A Diagnostic Guide For Psychophysiologic Disorders. This new book is designed for professionals and all proceeds go the non-profit PPDA below. Dr. Schechter is Treasurer, Board of Directors, Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDassociation.org), a non-profit dedicated to educating the public and health care professionals about PPD. He was the Principal Investigator of the Seligman Medical Institute between 2003-2007, and, with that part-time grant, he published several papers, the final one an outcome study published in Alternative Therapies. He is in private practice in Culver City, California and also sees telemedicine patients, from around the US and other countries as well. Learn more about Dr. Schechter at https://www.mindbodymedicine.com.

Special Guest Dr. Evelyn HigginsDr. Evelyn Higgins is a recognized international expert in the epidemiology of substance use disorders, process addictions, and mental health conditions.  She is a graduate of the State University of New York with postgraduate studies at Harvard Medical School in Body, Mind, and Spirit medicine with an emphasis on resiliency.  A Diplomate in Addiction and Compulsive Disorders, she is also a member of the Pharmacogene Variation Consortium, is a Certified Addiction Professional and a Diplomate of the American Board of Disability specializing in pain management. Dr. Higgins' work with addictions and primary mental health conditions led her to invent the patent-pending custom genetic panel utilized exclusively by her companies Wired For Addiction® and the Neurotransmitter Reset Program®.  In 1996, Dr. Higgins was selected as a community hero and bestowed the privilege of being an Olympic flame torchbearer, and she served as the official team doctor for the 1996 Somali Olympic team.Dr. Higgins has broadcasted on both public and commercial radio, and is the host of The Dr. Evelyn Higgins Show, a nationally syndicated radio program.She is the recipient of the prestigious Gracie Award for Outstanding Lifestyle programming, and was a finalist in the 2009 New York Radio Festival. With a heart for philanthropy, Dr. Higgins was the Executive Director of MMUUSA, a global NGO originally based in Tanzania, Africa, later donating her time to Jupiter Medical Center as a member of the Women's Health Advisory Council, as well as a board member of Veterans Resource Services.Dr. Higgins has authored several books, including her latest, The Dr. Higgins Guide to Health & Wellness, along with The Mystery of Happiness: A Step By Step Journal of Gratitude. She frequently presents her recognized philosophy, “Prescription for Life,” when she lectures on various health and wellness topics. Her upcoming book, Three Meetings, was the result of a 534-mile trek from southern France through the Pyrenees Mountains, and across the entire country of Spain.

Special Guest Cary NelsonDr. Cary D. Nelson is a board-certified family practitioner, aesthetic and medical concierge and nutraceutical advisor. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1993. After a postgraduate spent working with Developmentally Disabled adults and as an EMT, he began his medical school journey at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, graduating in 2000, and then completing a requisite Fifth Pathway Program at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY in 2001. Dr. Nelson began his internship in the heart of Brooklyn at Wycoff Heights Medical Center in affiliation with Cornell University. He eventually transferred to the PIH Family Practice Residency Program, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier in 2005 and finished as Co-Chief resident. It was during his second year, however, that he found his passion for what was then a “new” field of medicine called Aesthetic Medicine.He is currently on staff at Torrance Memorial Medical Center and on the Clinical Advisory Council for ThermiAesthetics. He has also taken on a role as scientific advisor for a nutraceutical supplement probiotic called the “Perfect Biotics.” Arguably the most complete probiotic on the market, it has helped Americans across the country with a multitude of health concerns, with internet-only U.S. sales topping 2.5M units in under two years.Devoted to understanding the process of life through the ages, Dr. Nelson works part-time with multiple Southern California hospice agencies providing support and teaching for nursing staff, visiting with ill patients and their families, and sharing guidancein the dying process.When he's not working, Dr. Nelson enjoys spending time with his wife, his animals, working out and traveling. 

Special Guest Versa ManosVersa Manos is a Los Angeles-based talent manager and owner of Gorgeous Media Group. She brings over 35 years of entertainment and media experience to a roster of clients, which include actors, writers, directors and musicians. She is heavily invested in the industry, serving as a member of Film Independent, as an Executive Member of Women in Film, and is a former President of the Talent Managers Association.Her talent roster boasts a wonderful blend of established celebrities and developmental talent. Known for her tenacious spirit, sparkling wit, and a genuine concern for her clients, Versa has been responsible for guiding and maintaining the successful careers of international superstars including The Police, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Sex Pistols, David Bowie, and Nine Inch Nails. She played a pivotal role in the success of The Three Tenors at Dodger Stadium, Woodstock '94, and the Sex Pistols' notorious Filthy Lucre Tour. She was also singularly responsible for the career breakthroughs of world music artist Manu Chao, described by Rolling Stone as one of the “ten great pleasures of the year that didn't get away,” and Sam Sparro, turning the previously underground singer into a world-renowned pop sensation. She represents the interests of supermodel-turned-actress-turned-television-host Rachel Hunter and celebrated British actor and crooner Richard Shelton. Casting directors and producers have come to trust Versa's fair-minded approach and commitment to her clients. 

Special Guest Julie A. Werner-SimonMs. Julie A. Werner-Simon is often referred to by her colleagues by the acronym “JAWS”– her initials.  In response to the historic overturn of Roe v. Wade, Ms. Werner-Simon leads the Overground Reproductive Law Project (ORLP), aka the “Harriet Project”, with Los Angeles Women Lawyers (WLALA) and the Southwestern Law School Women Law Student group. Their focus is to assist lawyers from Reproductive Access Yes (R.A.Y.) states who wish to provide reproductive assistance to women in “No-choice” states. Ms. Werner-Simon served a federal prosecutor for almost 30 years in Los Angeles and Alaska. She has also served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and held positions as:  Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force and Senior Litigation Counsel of White Collar Crimes. Before her federal career, she was an Assistant District Attorney (state prosecutor) in Alaska primarily prosecuting sex crime cases. Werner-Simon has been recognized as a crime-victim advocate and lectures here and abroad on the American legal system, constitutional history, and the importance of civic literacy and engagement in democracies.On these shores, Werner-Simon advises, and at times, mentors lawyers and others on messaging, strategy and persuasion. She is also a pro bono lawyer for the national organization Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) representing minors from Central America facing deportation proceedings in the U.S.  And through May 2020, Werner-Simon is a Post-JD (juris-doctorate) Research Fellow in Constitutional Studies at Southwestern Law School.

Special Guest Tonya McKenzieTonya is a Los Angeles County Commissioner of Alcohol and other Drugs, an author, and a master storyteller. You can find her at the intersection of public relations and leadership. Tonya consults civic organizations, nonprofits, authors, and other leaders on the rise to magnify their message and elevate their leadership in their careers, communities, and the media landscape. Mrs. McKenzie is also the co-host of My Morning Coffee Podcast with Lieutenant Gia Neil of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She is currently serving as the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, President of the NRBBA (North Redondo Beach Business Association), the City of Redondo Beach GPAC (General Plan Advisory Council), Vice president of Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles, and serves on the Redondo Beach Police Community Engagement Board. Her body of work with chambers and business associations has shaped her into an advocate and valuable resource for small businesses and community organizations. Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. She is the author of a memoir titled, A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder, addressing non-combat-PTSD, predatory behavior, generational dysfunction, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for 20 years, has four kids, including a set of twins. She has culminated her work with the nonprofit, private and public arena to step out and speak up for the empowerment of women, the future of our children, and disadvantaged youth. Tonya prides herself on being able to simplify complex issues through conversation.

Dr. G and our experts explore how love, relationship and other behavioral addictions are very similar to substance use disorders.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin welcome Jessamyn Stanley, Dr. Danielle Gonzales and Dr. Mary Resnick to talk about FAT SHAMING and the repercussions many people face from anti-fat bias.

Our final radio show goes out with a bang! "Carlos & Lisa" hosts Carlos Amezcua and Lisa Remillard join Dr. G to talk about their personal career transformations, and Dr. G's transformation to his new TV show on BeondTV.

Phyllis P. McNeal (Straight Talk Program) and Alex Corral (Joe Agency) talk with Dr. G about slaying your dragons, giving back and making a difference.

Ed Asner joins Dr. G to talk about his book, "The Grouchy Historian".

Del Shores and Areva Martin join Dr. G in the studio. Del and Dr. G compare notes about wearing Huskie Jeans as kids, forgiveness, and Del dishes about his latest play, THIS SIDE OF CRAZY. Areva and Dr. G share thoughts about finding your authentic "core" and transforming your life. Areva introduces Dr. G to her passion: Special Needs Network

Dr. G and Damon Frank discuss how specificity makes a strong brand.

Dr. G spends a riveting hour with rock 'n roller Steve Cooke– voting Grammy member, multi-award winning singer-songwriter and actor. Steve and Dr. G talk all about his latest music, writing songs from "life" and his "unledded" symphonic celebration of the iconic Led Zeppelin.

Dr. G gains powerful perspectives from two generations of Hollywood with Academy Award Nominee Terry Moore and Isabella Blake-Thomas, who co-star in the film "Evie Rose".

Lynn Ferguson joins Dr. G LIVE in the studio to talk about what success is. And shrimp.

Dr. G welcomes Mo’Kelly in the studio to talk about life, career, our social climate and the embracing social media at a certain age.

Dr. Raskin discusses the hazards and misperception of cigarette smoking and vaping

Three experts join Dr. G and Dr. Raskin to talk about the repercussions many people face from anti-fat bias.

Dr. G explores the psychology of art with Los Angeles based artists Tamie Adaya and Eric Nash. They share their personal history, nostalgia and what makes them tick as creative people.

Sylvester McCoy joins Dr. G in the studio to wish everyone a "Happy Silvester!" with his favorite tales from playing Doctor Who in the long-running BBC series, to playing world traveler in real life.

Wes Geer shares his journey of touring with KORN, embracing sobriety and founding one of the most unique and successful rehabilitation programs, Rock To Recovery.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin welcome addiction recovery experts Dr. Howard Samuels and Cassidy Cousens back in the studio to talk about the best practices in choosing (and providing) adequate rehabilitation programs and facilities.

Dr. G talks Barbara Davidson, three-time Pulitzer Prize and Emmy award winning photojournalist best known for her work on victims of gang violence in Los Angeles. Blake Newhem stops by to talk about his new book.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin explore alternative drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatments with their expert panel.

Dr. G spends a delightful hour with "show woman" Elizabeth Blake-Thomas talking about writing, directing, "making content that matters" and her incredible, downsized-life on her boat.

Family drama? Food coma? Infuriating political discussions? Dr. G shares his favorite ways to make it through the stress and anxiety the holiday season. Our good friends Lynn Ferguson, Mark Tweddle and our own producer Melissa Jobe pop in to share their holiday wisdom.

Ian Blake Newhem joins Dr. G and Dr. Raskin in the studio to share his extraordinary journey of life with his brain tumor, “Ollie". Blake, a renowned ghost writer, has created A Million Words Away to write 12 books in 12 months allowing allow his own voice to be heard, and to leave his legacy.

Dr. G welcomes Francis O'Toole and Kelsey Deanne of Mercury Pictures to the studio. Great hour discussing the magic of movie making, their personal relationship, and the power couple's commitment to art and to each other.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin explore how discovering one’s passion in life can help in overcoming the bonds of a substance or behavioral addiction.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin discuss SMOKING AND VAPING with the experts to take a look at the smoking of tobacco, marijuana, vaping and the potential health hazards of each.

Dr. G welcomes DANNY TREJO on The Shrink & The Showman to talk about ever-evolving life, his extraordinary career in Hollywood and his latest passion, The Al-Impics– the event to raise awareness of substance abuse treatment options throughout Los Angeles County.

BOO! A hair-raising hour with Dr. G of all the little scary stuff that can make us panic. Paper straws. Apple watches. Politics. Family gatherings. Listen if you dare!! Recorded live October 27, 2019

Dr. G celebrates 2 years of broadcasting with KABC AM-790 in Los Angeles! Join us for a solo hour of thoughts, reflections and insights from some of our favorite moments on Engaging Minds Radio.

Dr. G, "The Shrink", talks with UK pop sensation CHESNEY HAWKES, "The Showman", about instant success, adventures as an entertainer and finding your creative truth.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin, along with our panel of experts, discuss the healthiness of sex from a mind/body perspective. Join us to discover how sex provides not only pleasure, but many other physical and mental benefits as well.

Our experts discuss how we can stop urban violence.

Great insight and advice from our experts on internet addiction - gambling, sex, porn, gaming and more.

Special Guests Sawyer Fredericks, Dr. Sarah Kate McGowan and Dr. Richard J Castriotta discuss the importance of sleep, and how not getting enough sleep can dramatically effect your health.

Korn guitarist Wes Geer joins Dr. G to talk about being a rock star, overcoming addiction, creativity and giving back.

Dr. G and Dr. Raskin discuss our desensitization to gun violence with Special Guests Sheyda Melkonian, PSY.D., PMH-C., Geneva Solomon and Mike McLively.

Dr. G discusses “The Healing Power of Horror” with the creative team behind D-RAILED with Special Guests Everette Wallin, Mia Christou and Dale Fabrigar.

Dr. Gluss and Dr. Raskin explore the addictiveness of racism with experts Dr. Melina Abdullah, Dr. Paula Bruce and Dr. Pete Simi.

Dr. Howard Gluss and Dr. Damon Raskin discuss the possibility of "curing" addiction with experts Darrin Ford, LMFT, and Joelene Knight CADC-CAS and Brianne Davis.

Dr. G and co-host Patrick Cassidy welcome actor-comedian Jason Stuart to talk about life, career and his book, Shut Up, I'm Talking. Jason is the first out LGBTQ comic to perform in Las Vegas.