Mad Wisdom

The traditional wisdom of indigenous cultures often contradicts modern views about a mental health crisis. Is it a ‘calling’ to grow or just a ‘broken brain’? The documentary CRAZYWISE explores what we can learn from people around the world who have turned their psychological crisis into a positive transformative experience.  In episode four of Mad Wisdom I talk to Phil Borges, the documentary's director about what he learnt making the film - particularly in following the film's two main characters, Adam and Ekhaya - and the powerful lessons ancient Eastern wisdom can teach us in the West.In this episode we discuss:How such a stark contrast between Eastern and Western treatments of mental health came aboutWhat can we learn from the shamansWhat a combination of East and West might look like in modern mental health treatmentTo watch CrazyWise or learn more about Phil's work, please go to: www.crazywisefilm.com, or visit Phil's own website at: www.philborges.com.      

In episode 3 of Mad Wisdom I talk to Eric Maisel PHD, therapist, coach and author of 'The Future of Mental Health' and 'Humane Healing' (out on 19 October). In this powerful and sometimes shocking conversation, Eric talks about:The relentless power of the DSM and the collusion in the current mental health systemThe terrifying news that mental 'illnesses' may soon be treated BEFORE they are diagnosed - based on prediction and family historyHow we should drop the idea of the 'psychologist and 'psychiatrist' and instead move towards a 'human experience specialist' - someone who understands all of human life.My thanks to Eric for his honesty and depth of insight.  

In this second episode of Mad Wisdom I talk to James Moore who hosts and produces the Mad in America Podcast.  James has experienced the psychiatric system and psychiatric drugs first hand following a stress related breakdown. Believing himself to be fundamentally broken, he spent many years on psychiatric medications before awakening to the reality that psychiatry has few answers for human difficulties. James campaigns to raise awareness of the difficulties that many have when they want to stop taking their psychiatric medications.In this episode James talks about the stuggles involved in speaking up at work, how being honest about how you feel is crucial, and how his creativity could have been the only therapy he ever needed. 

In episode 1 I introduce myself, my story, and share why I am passionate about challenging the myths of mental illness and empowering people to take the health of their mind into their own hands. (NB; I call the podcast 'Mental' in this episode which was the original name before becoming 'Mad Wisdom'. )