Let's Think On It

Got a case of the yips? Hitch in your golf swing, tennis stroke? Can't throw a strike anymore or hit first base from short stop? Can't sink a free throw? Getting the gymnastic twisties? All of these experiences happen to the most well trained professional athletes. What is going on? Listen as Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy brothers explore this bizarre physical phenomenon.

Join Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers as they discuss infectious disease with expert Stephen Threlkeld MD. He calls us form the front lines of the hospital, as these days that is the only place to reach him while awake. Get updated about the Delta variant of the 2019 Coronavirus and vaccination effectiveness from an expert. Leave the story telling to your storytelling uncle (although we're sure he's a real nice guy). Get your facts from an expert.

Join us as we tackle the topic of social media and the human brain. What is the effect of the face-off between computer intelligence and human behavior? Become more aware of the effect the social media explosion is having on society and individuals. Learn about the human "want" circuit and how it can make us susceptible to computer algorithms. Psychiatrist, Mark Westfall, leads the conversation with the Lochamy Brothers and intern Noah.

Psychiatrist and host Dr. Mark Westfall interviews Dr. Morissa Ladinsky. She is a pediatrician who specializes in treating transgender youth at UAB in Birmingham AL. The process has caught a lot of attention lately in the context of various state legislature bills that aim to make this treatment a crime. Drop in and listen to what actually occurs at these medical clinics. Stay tuned till the end as we also hear from a transgender teen and his mom, who share their family's journey through this process.

We cover the intriguing groups of cults, extremists, and conspiracy theory followers. Are you curious about how these groups emerge? Do you have a friend or family member that concerns you? Have you been pulled away from those you love because of your ideologies? These concepts are moving from the fringes to the mainstream of society and effect us all. We explore the definition of these various groups. Come learn what they have in common and how they differ. Educate yourself and equip your mind. You have an influence on how society evolves, get busy learning !

Wondering whether or not to get vaccinated? What are the risks if I do vs. if I don't? Are the vaccinations safe? Are they tested? Join us as we answer these and other questions you have about the newly released vaccines in our fight against the Coronavirus pandemic. Infectious disease expert, Steve Threlkeld MD, is our guest for this episode. Steve has a brilliant intellect and humorous style that helps us to easily digest some complex scientific information. This podcast is great for anyone who wants or needs more information as they evaluate the decision to get vaccinated.

Peter Harms PhD, world renowned expert in the scientific study of Personality and Leadership, talks with us about Narcissism. He explains the surprising effect that narcissistic traits have on leadership emergence and on leadership effectiveness. He has studied the subject for over 20 years, publishing over 100 papers. Listen in and gain some knowledge that may assist you in your personal, business, and political endeavors.

We all have a personality, so what constitutes a disorder? Dr. Westfall helps provide clarity into what is a personality, what is a trait, and when is a trait a disorder. We then focus specifically on Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Narcissism has been the talk of the airwaves, but do you really understand what it even is? Listen, educate yourself, then pass it along to others. You don't have to be a psychiatrist to utilize this information in your everyday life. Understanding the brain and why we behave the way we do as humans, can improve anyone's personal life journey.

Join Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers as we host an expert on Diversity training. Rupert Nacoste PhD joins us from NC State to help educate listeners about the Social Psychology approach to Neo-Diversity. Nacoste is a a professor and author with years of personal and professional experience on mediating the race discussion. His path toward racial resolution began in in his 20's while in the Navy, negotiating peace during a race riot onboard a Nuclear vessel at sea. Listeners will love his rational, logical, and caring approach. His personality beams through the airwaves and the subject matter could not be more timely.

(We suggest as a foundation for this topic that you listen to the re-release of our podcast on "Race Relations - Brain Bias".) In this segment, please join Dr. Westfall and OH Brother Radio for three intriguing interviews and open, frank conversation about being black in America. We are joined by individuals from Birmingham Alabama who share their unique experiences. Alva Toney, Brandon Waller, and Annie Allen help demonstrate how Individual conversations help us to break down the group barriers that naturally occur in society. Raw and moving, this segment is a must listen to anyone who is trying to wrap their head around the racial tensions and discord that exists in our country. It is one small step toward healing, but an example of how to listen and learn about others' experiences. If each of us were to exchange thoughts with someone outside of our natural group, we would slowly lower the unhealthy walls that exist due to race, ethnicity, gender, and class. Please join us in this pursuit by listening to these three short stories.  

This is a re-release of a 2016 podcast on race relations that is very pertinent for 2020's Black Lives Movement. We think this is a foundational podcast episode for those beginning to tackle this topic. In this segment we discuss the TED talk by Verna Myers, and learn about her perspective on our natural racial biases as exemplified by the Implicit Association Test. You can take the test online and join the thought process for yourself.

With degrees in literature and biology, Steven Austad relays scientific information in a manner that all can follow. He is the Biology Department Chair at UAB and a regular on the Oh Brother Radio Show. He is joined by Let's Think On It host, psychiatrist Mark Westfall, for a broad conversation about aspects of the Novel Coronavirus and its effects on society.

This is a recording of an interview taken from an Oh Brother Radio segment on Birmingham Mountain Radio. It is being released as a podcast on Let's Think On It as a public service to provide factual accounts of what the governmental responses to the Coronavirus are as of March 19th 2020.

Host Mark Westfall MD interviews Virus researcher Landon Westfall PhD about the novel coronavirus. Landon is a researcher at Southern Research in Birmingham AL and is charged with trying to create a vaccine for this novel coronavirus among other viruses he studies. Landon has a wealth of knowledge and is an entertaining educator. Listen in to expand your understanding and lower your anxiety about this new virus.

Psychiatrist and host Mark Westfall MD interviews Infectious Disease specialist Stephen Threlkeld MD about the novel coronavirus that is causing such public chaos. Dr. Threlkeld is a clinical infectious disease expert in Memphis TN and diagnosed the first case of Novel coronavirus in Memphis. As usual, you will hear an educational and entertaining episode without all the sensationalistic hype. Listen in and get your knowledge expanded, your questions answered, and your anxiety calmed.

Homelessness takes many forms. We catch up with Anne Rygiel, Director of the Firehouse Ministries Shelter in Birmingham AL, to hear her take on the problem.  Listen in on what they are doing to improve the plight of the homeless in Birmingham. The problem is more complex than it sounds, join us as we begin to unravel the underlying causes and look for solutions. This is a primer for a topic that deserves its' own series of podcast episodes.

Guns, human behavior and mental illness are explored in this conversation with Psychiatrist Mark Westfall and The Lochamy Brothers. An FBI study of "Active Shooters" is the springboard for discussion. At LTOI, we hope to leave you in a more knowledgeable, less-inflamed state via thoughtful discussion about topics that matter. Leave behind the angry media rhetoric. Join us and pass it on by sharing our series with others, followed by your own group discussion. Thanks for listening.

Addiction is seen through a new scientific lens. The behavior of "Liking" and "Wanting" is explored. This theory will relate to everyone. It explains how a basic animal behavior can be the basis of addiction. Listen in as The Lochamy Brothers host Dr. Westfall for an entertaining discussion of basic animal research and the light it sheds on human behavior. Dr. Westfall states that when he first heard this theory, he felt he finally understood what patients had been describing to him for 30 years about their addiction.

Mass media constantly bombards us with the latest "killer virus". But what is really going on when there is a viral scare? We have a microbiologist with us on the show to lend a better understanding to the process of infectious disease. We cover the biggest epidemics ever and the most common virus of them all, influenza. Join Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers with special guest Landon Westfall as we delve a little deeper into the science of Infectious Disease.

Manipulation of DNA and what it can mean for society is discussed with expert Heather Tinsley PhD. As a molecular biologist at the University of Montevallo, Dr. Tinsley enlightens us about the advances in DNA exploration. The Lochamy Brothers and Dr. Westfall broaden the discussion to the non-scientific listener with some analogies and banter. Keep on learning throughout life with LTOI.

Forget names easily? You are not alone. We delve into the science of memory with UAB neuroscientist Kristina Visscher PhD. Join us and expand your knowledge of "sciencey" stuff. Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers host.

Human cells that have lived for nearly 70 years in a laboratory after being taken from a patient in 1951. This Sci-fi sounding true story tells the account of Henrietta Lacks. Her cancer cells have been an amazing gift to human science and has saved millions of lives in the process. Listen as Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers spend time with Dr. Shauntice Allen from UAB School of Public Health. She shares with us some of the dilemmas of scientific study. Balancing the line of privacy and informed consent with the pursuit of scientific knowledge.

We have a number of experts joining us today for the topic of Autism. Rebecca Dossett Ph.D. shares her decades of clinical knowledge. We also have representatives from an art studio (Studio by the Tracks), formed specifically for adults with Autism. Listen in and you are sure to come away with a better understanding of how some people experience the sensory world a little differently.

Borderline Personality Disorder is one of the most difficult psychological conditions a person can endure. It is also one of the most difficult to contend with as a family member or loved one. Learn about this common but often poorly misunderstood diagnosis. Dr. Mark Westfall is your guide for this episode as we explore a personality disorder that likely has touched everyone at some point or another.

This episode covers the elusive concept of sleep and the dream state. Sleep hygiene, sleep disorders, and the dream state are all covered by Psychiatrist Mark Westfall. Learn about the current state of Dream Interpretation in Psychiatry. What is the longest time anyone has ever been without sleep? What happens with chronic low levels of sleep deprivation?

Come explore the misunderstood world of eating disorders. Eating disorder specialists Amber Parris and Caroline Nichols from join Dr.Westfall and Will Lochamy. The underlying disorder has more to do with self image, using the body to cope with distress, anxiety, and not feeling in control. Listen to our conversation that spans diagnosis and treatment of a silent but fairly common set of disorders.

The beginnings of ADHD diagnosis and treatment date back to the early 1900s. The knowledge journey has come very far since that time. Todays approach to managing the symptoms is complicated by the changes in today's school setting, society, and the increased demand for attention in general. Come and learn the basics with Dr. Westfall as the guest on Oh Brother Radio with The Lochamy Brothers.

Psychiatrist Mark Westfall and Radio host Will Lochamy discuss the difficult topic of suicide. They are joined by guest Abby Litovsky from the Crisis Center in Birmingham AL. They discuss the thought process of someone with suicidal thinking and the ways in which you can get help or help someone else. This is a must listen to help in the education of suicide. Awareness is the first step to prevention so come and listen to begin or further your knowledge. Share with friends and colleagues.

Economics doesn't have to put you to sleep in your chair. Our guest Art Carden PhD., Psychiatrist Mark Westfall, and the Lochamy Brothers take the listener through a conversation on basic economics. You'll be left awake and wanting more. A self described libertarian, Art Carden is a professor at Samford University. Listen in as he gives us his take on World Trade and the Trump approach, among other things. Come listen and learn in a laid back fashion.

Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers discuss the condition of Dissociative Identity Disorder (previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder). What a fascinating adaptation the brain employs when put under extreme duress at a young age. A Psychiatric diagnosis that has been the source for countless Hollywood Films. Come, listen to the discussion and leave knowing more about this intriguing condition of the mind/body.

How does one person weave love, loss, drugs, crime, prison, art, and spirituality into one lifetime. Listen as we tour Wayne Carter's life experience. He is currently an artist in Birmingham Alabama. The art you don't see is having gotten through his life of harsh times, yet crafting a meaningful spiritual attitude. Analogous to the heat and pressure that can turn carbon into diamonds, the forces involved in human suffering can turn the human experience into a brilliant spiritual one. Dr.Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers were fortunate to cross paths with Wayne Carter and wanted to share this experience with others.

Ok so this is one of the most difficult topics to begin a conversation about. No easy way to say it. Nobody wants to talk about Pedophilia. But do you not wonder how someone like Larry Nassar becomes the perpetrator he became? If we put our head in the sand then it will definitely continue to occur. There has been a fair amount of research on pedophiles and into the beginnings of this disorder. We begin a difficult conversation on Pedophilia and what you can do about it. Listen to a fascinating discussion between Psychiatrist Mark Westfall, the Lochamy brothers and "possible intern Sara Jane". This topic is more approachable than you might think. You can't make a difference if you don't educate yourself! Give it a listen and you'll be surprised how it broadens your understanding (while simultaneously stirring up more questions).

Come on and listen. Yes he is interesting, yes you'll be inspired to do more, yes you'll learn some stuff, yes you'll chuckle, yes you'll want to talk to him some more but we'll run out of time. Join us with our guest Luis Delgado from Puerto Rico. He has a restaurant in Birmingham and is showing how to give back to the community (both his in Puerto Rico and ours in Birmingham).

Trouble navigating the stressors of the Holidays? Join us for a laid back discussion of some stress causes and stress coping tools. Dr. Westfall joins brothers Will and Reed Lochamy on their weekly radio show along with "Possible Intern Sara Jane". Navigate family gatherings of different political leanings. Find your stress triggers around the Holidays. Learn to set boundaries so your Holiday experience is what You want it to be. Come on Grinch, let Cindy Lou Hoo in your heart.

Want to learn a magic trick? Guest Kevin Spencer is all about sharing the secrets of magic to help the healing process. He is a world renowned illusionist that gives back to humanity by teaching magic to patients, such that the performance of the magic trick actually helps the patient heal. We are also joined by Kimberly Kirklin, Director of the Arts in Medicine program, a joint effort by UAB and the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Hear how Kimberly and Kevin are reshaping the future of medical care. The traditional treatment experience is transformed into a creative journey, morphing the western scientific approach into a more human experience. Are outcomes better? You bet! My co-host Haley Ingrum completes the line-up, and has a new career of her own that parallels these efforts. If you have ever been a part of the medical setting as a provider or a patient, you won't want to miss this discussion.

Stop being inflamed (by the mainstream media) and start being informed. Don't you crave some news with actual content about our current political status? Join us with Fred Shepherd, political science professor at Samford University, as we discuss his thoughts on Trump's first post-election year. Psychiatrist Mark Westfall and Radio show host Will Lochamy add to the discussion. This is part of a series of discussions on the social psychology behind politics. Listen in and further your knowledge base.

Wonder why half the population can be at such opposing views? You must hear this show, a one year update into the Trump Presidency. Guest Jeff Thomas joins the show with his view of why he feels his choice to support Trump was a good one. Show host Will Lochamy discusses the counter point as Dr. Westfall mediates a thoughtful discussion between opposing points of view. Jonathan Haidt's research and Moral Foundation test are utilized to help explain the Moral views of the Right and Left wings.

Erin Georgia joins Psychiatrist, Mark Westfall, and The Lochamy Brothers for a follow up on how she is progressing. Erin lost her son to suicide at the age of 13. We heard her story in June of 2017, 2 weeks after losing her son. All who listened then were moved by her strength and her spirit. We wanted to check in on her, and she was gracious enough to share her progress with a listening audience on The Oh Brother Radio show on October 12th. This is a recording of that live radio show.

Want to expand your understanding of addiction? This show tackles the difficult topic. Join Dr. Westfall, the Lochamy Brothers, and their guest Kylie in a conversation about opiate addiction. Learn about the biological circuits of "Want" and "Like" that play a role in developing addiction to most anything. Our guest shares her story of losing her boyfriend to an overdose of opiates.

Are you and armchair psychologist? We love that! Join us and expand your mind about human behavior. Will and Reed Lochamy host "Oh Brother" radio show weekly. Dr. Westfall joins them once a month for a human behavior segment from which these podcasts are made. Listen and learn more about a day in the life of paramedic, Steve Hicks. Then Lorne Dann PhD. joins us to teach us about the psychology behind psychological trauma. Become acquainted with EMDR, one of the treatment approaches that has been found to be effective for PTSD.

Will and Reed Lochamy interview Mark Amerson. Mark is a 19 year old who is making the transition from female to male. Mark discusses his life experience of being gender dysphoric and making the decision to change his gender.

The third in a series on spirituality and the field of medicine. The Lochamy brothers host Mark Westfall M.D. , along with radio intern Sara Jane. Science and spirituality are discussed in the context of medical research on healing.

Jay Georgia was born Jane Georgia. In May of 2017, the transgender teen committed suicide. Listen to his mother's story from an interview on Birmingham Mountain radio's morning show. The strength she demonstrates 2 weeks after her child's death is inspiring. Dr.Westfall gives his reaction to the interview. Listen to further educate yourself about transgender issues, suicide, and how medicine can utilize spirituality in healing.

Is there science to spirituality? What is spirituality anyway? Some scientists believe that hope and faith can play a role in healing. Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers discuss the sometimes controversial subject of spirituality in the field of medicine. This podcast comes from a radio show on Birmingham Mountain Radio. Join us, as we explore topics that you know you want to discuss, but are too afraid to bring up in a crowd.

April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, so the Lochamy Brothers and Dr. Westfall discuss the disease which affects movement. The show's content provides an engaging learning experience that delves deeper but with the ease of a casual conversation. Mac Stinson MD, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, and his wife Annette are special guests. They reveal some of the difficulties they encountered along the way, and add a very human element to the topic. Ultimately, the listener comes away with a real life image of living with Parkinson's.

Join Dr. Mark Westfall as he and the Lochamy Brothers interview 3 students from Birmingham Southern. Talking about the transition to college, studying, socializing, drinking and trying to fit in! If you or your child is headed to college or in college, this will help normalize the stress that comes with the experience and provide an opportunity for open dialogue. Transition to college is one of the most stressful time periods of our early development. The approach should be thoughtfully considered and the process closely followed yet allowing for the student to navigate the problems with their own tools and intervene from an external position only if necessary.

Jason Lee is our guest as we have a follow-up conversation from last month's episode about childhood sexual trauma. Join Dr. Westfall and co-thinker Haley Ingrum as we explore Jason's traumatic experience, parenting tips on prevention, sexual education in today's schools, and more.

Samford University's International Relations' Department Professor and Chairman, Fred Shepherd PhD., joins the show. We discuss the effect President Trump's tactical approach may have on international relationships. Dr. Westfall brings a psychological vantage point and the Lochamy Brothers bring their usual unique and informed perspective with banter.

Join Dr. Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers with special guest Jason Lee. Jason bravely shares his childhood sexual trauma and his adult quest to keep a conversation going so that others may be spared. A tremendously important topic that is typically left undiscussed. He was brave enough to share it, so you be brave enough to listen. (Advisory: There are no explicit details revealed, but if you have a history of trauma/PTSD you may not want to listen).  Childhood sexual abuse prevention resources: Darkness to Light (www.d2l.org)   Stop It Now (www.stopitnow.org)

Four Segments on strategies for navigating Holiday stress. "Keeping Reindeer Poo off of your lawn", " Are you on the Left or Right of the Holiday Photo", "Holiday Obstacle Course", and "Who is driving your Holiday Sleigh...The Grinch or Cindy Lou Who?"

Dr.Westfall and the Lochamy Brothers discuss the common stressors that people experience during the Holiday Season and some coping mechanisms.