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What happens when binge eating disorder and bipolar disorder collide? Research shows they co-occur in as many as one in four cases — and yet, many people living with both conditions feel completely alone. In this episode, host Gabe Howard shares his personal journey of living with bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder, including how food was his form of self-medication.Board certified psychiatrist Dr. Nicole Washington breaks down the clinical side: what binge eating disorder actually is, how it's diagnosed, and why treating it alongside bipolar disorder can get “tricky.” Listeners will learn: signs and symptoms of binge eating disorder (beyond overeating) why stability with bipolar disorder often makes binge eating easier to manage unique treatment challenges — including why the only FDA-approved medication for binge eating disorder may be destabilizing for people living with bipolar disorder Gabe and Dr. Nicole rip the lid off the shame, secrecy, and stigma surrounding binge eating disorder, especially when it coincides with bipolar disorder. With honesty and compassion, they share practical treatment insights, real hope, and a powerful reminder: You are not alone. Whether you're having trouble or supporting someone you love, this episode delivers validation, guidance, and the encouragement you need to take the next step toward healing and living your best life. "I weighed over 550 pounds and I knew that I was unhealthy. But I didn't really see binge eating disorder as a mental health problem because bipolar disorder sucked all the oxygen out of the room. And I was lucky, I did go from over 550 pounds down to the 200 that I weigh now, because I had the right interventions. I treated both bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder. But I imagine that many listeners, they don't realize the connection between these two." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're listening to Burnt Toast! Today, my guest is Emily Ladau, a disability rights activist, and author of Demystifying Disability. Our conversation today is about the many intersections between anti-fatness and ableism. This is such an important conversation, even if you feel like you're new to both of these worlds. We investigate who is considered a “worthy” disabled person or a Good Fatty — and how these stereotypes so often pit two marginalization experiences against each other. Today's episode is free but if you value this conversation, please consider supporting our work with a paid subscription. Burnt Toast is 100% reader- and listener-supported. We literally can't do this without you!PS. You can take 10 percent off Demystifying Disability, or any book we talk about on the podcast, if you order it from the Burnt Toast Bookshop, along with a copy of Fat Talk! (This also applies if you've previously bought Fat Talk from them. Just use the code FATTALK at checkout.)Episode 213 TranscriptEmilyI am a disability rights activist. I am a wheelchair user. I'm the author of a book called Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally. It's a bit of a mouthful, but all of that is really just to say that I am very passionate about educating people about the disability experience, and doing it through a lens that recognizes that we're all at a different point on the journey of thinking about disability and talking about disability. I really want to welcome people into what I know can be a sometimes overwhelming and uncomfortable conversation.VirginiaYou have been a disability rights activist since you appeared on Sesame Street as a 10 year old. I saw the clip. It's just adorable, little baby Emily. I mean, first tell us about that if you want! Or if you're sick of talking about it, I get it. But I would also love to know: When did your disability rights work morph into fat liberation work? And how do you see these two spheres intersecting?EmilyOn the Sesame Street note, my family likes to joke that I am totally milking that, because it happened when I was 10. But that was the first moment that I really understood that disabled people do have a place in the media. Prior to that, I had not seen almost anyone who looked like me, with the exception of two books that I read over and over again. And one other little girl who was also on Sesame Street who used a wheelchair.VirginiaWow.EmilyAnd I'm sure maybe somewhere else out there, there were other things. But I was an early 90s kid, and the media had just not caught up to showing me that I belonged. So having that experience is something that I really don't take for granted.I like to joke that in many ways, I am the “typical” disabled person. If you look up a stock photo of someone with a disability, it's probably a white woman using a wheelchair. Oddly enough, she's probably also on a beach, holding her arms out. You know? VirginiaAs soon as you said it, I have a visual. I've seen that picture. Obviously, she's on a beach.EmilyYes, so I am sort of the cliche version. But at the same time, I'm not. Because there's sort of an “acceptable” disabled person, and she is the thin, pretty, white woman who is sitting in a wheelchair. I meet, I suppose, some of those traits, but I am someone who, in later years so far, has come to identify as fat and no longer sees that as the derogatory term that it was always leveraged towards me as.Any relationship that I have to fat liberation work has been sort of an evolutionary process for me. It's newer to me. I didn't understand when I was younger how that fit into disability rights work. But I see now that we can't have those conversations separately. First of all, every issue is a disability issue. So every issue impacts disabled people. And second of all, the disability community encompasses every identity, every body type, every experience. There are more than a billion disabled people around the world. So you absolutely have every single possible body type within the disability community. And if we are not talking about fat liberation, if we are not talking about LGBTQIA+ rights, if we are not talking about ensuring that our work is meaningfully intersectional, then it's not actually disability rights work.VirginiaBut it is tricky to figure out how all those things intersect and fit together for sure.EmilyI feel like I'm constantly playing a game of Tetris with that. And I don't mean that to say, oh, woe is me. But more so, how do we get society to recognize how those pieces interlock with one another?VirginiaDo you mind sharing a little bit about how anti-fatness shows up in your own experiences? Sometimes it's helpful to name those moments, because some people listening might think, oh, I've had that too, and I didn't know to name it as anti-fatness, or, oh, I've been on the wrong side of that. And it's helpful to hear why that was not helpful.EmilyThere is no clear direction to take this answer, because it's impacted me in two diametrically opposed ways.The first is that I have been judged incredibly harshly as being lazy, as being unhealthy, as being someone who maybe doesn't take care of myself in the way that I should. And the wheelchair is seen as the cause of that.On the flip side, I have also been treated as though disability is the only cause of anything going on in my body, and therefore I should be given a free pass if I am considered, as doctors would say, “overweight.”VirginiaIt's like, Oh, it's okay. You're in a wheelchair. What can we do? We can't expect you to go for a run.EmilyExactly. So you see what I mean. It's either one or the other. I'm either bad and lazy or it's like, oh, poor you. You can't get up and exercise.VirginiaBoth of those are such judgmental, patronizing ways to talk about you and your body.EmilyThey're super frustrating. I think that both of those are anti-fatness in their own right. But for me, it sends conflicting messages, because I'm trying to seek medical support for certain issues. And some doctors are like, “Lose weight!” And other doctors are like, “Well, we can't do anything because you're in a wheelchair.” And so both of those are very unhelpful responses.VirginiaOh man, it really speaks to the lack of intersectional care in medicine, that people don't know how to hold these two facts together and also give you comprehensive medical care at the same time.EmilyI wish that we could just have disabled people speaking with medical students as a requirement in every single medical school program. But instead, I feel like we're either completely relegated to the sidelines of conversations in medical school, or maybe we're brought up in very clinical and dehumanizing ways, and we don't stop to think holistically about a person.It's interesting, because my mom has often said—and I should note, she has the same disability that I do. So she's a wheelchair user as well. But she feels very strongly that a lot of other medical issues that I am dealing with now were overlooked when I was younger, because everybody was so hung up on my disability that nobody was offering me the support that I needed for other things that could have, in turn, prevented some of what I'm now navigating.So it seems like healthcare can't hold multiple truths at once.They can't think about your body and think about everything going on. It's either you're fat or you're disabled.VirginiaGod forbid you have a health condition that is not weight linked and not linked to your disability. That's going to throw them completely for a loop.EmilyYeah, it's very much a binary. I think that it's led to a lot of confusion among healthcare providers. Certainly, I know there have been delayed diagnoses on many, many things. I've also had it leveraged against me in terms of what I would consider chronic illness, because I would get sick pretty regularly when I was a child, and every time I would throw up, it would be thrown in my face: “Well you're eating poorly. You're not taking care of yourself.” And nobody thought to do anything to check what was actually going on. They just thought that I was not taking care of myself. Turns out I had gallstones and needed my gallbladder removed. But when people see the wheelchair, they don't take me seriously.VirginiaNo, and let's be clear: Gallstones is not a condition you can treat by eating salad. Like, that's not something you can nutrition your way out of.EmilyI could not lettuce my way out of that one.VirginiaAre there any strategies you've figured out that helps you get a doctor to cut through some of those biases, or cut through some of that noise and actually focus on what you need them to focus on?EmilyI have to rehearse what I want to say in a doctor's appointment. And I don't think I'm unique in that. I'm sure that there are plenty of people who put together their notes and think through very carefully what they want to say before they go. As much as doctors tend to be frustrated when the patient comes in and it's clear that they were reading WebMD, I've found I need to point them in the right direction, because at least it gets them started down the path that I'm hoping to explore.And I'm not saying that I think that I have years of medical school worth of expertise, but when I was little, I used to always complain to my parents, “You're not in my body. You don't know how I'm feeling.”VirginiaSo wise.EmilyAnd I think that that remains relevant. I'm not trying to be a difficult patient. But I have very strong awareness of what is happening internally and externally. And so if I come in and I seem like I have it together and I'm prepared, I feel like doctors take me more seriously. And I have a lot of privilege here, because I am a white woman. I communicate verbally. English is my first language. So in a lot of ways, I can prepare in this way. But I don't think I should have to, to get the medical care that I need.VirginiaDoctors should be meeting us where we are. We shouldn't be expected to do hours of homework in preparation in order to be treated with basic respect and dignity. And yet, it is helpful, I think, to hear okay, this labor can be beneficial, But it's a lot of extra labor, for sure.EmilyIt is, and I've broken up with doctors over it. And I've also had doctors who I think have broken up with me, for lack of a better way to put it.I have had multiple doctors who have just kind of said, “We don't know how to deal with you, therefore we are not going to deal with you.” And in seeking the care that I need, I have run into walls because of it, whether it's a literal, physical wall in the sense that I tried to seek care, because I was having GI distress. I tried to go see the doctor, and the doctor's office was not wheelchair accessible, and they told me it was my fault for not asking beforehand.VirginiaI'm sorry, what? They're a doctor's office.EmilyThe one place I actually thought I would be fine and not have to double check beforehand. So that's sort of the physical discrimination. And then getting into the office, I've had doctors who have said, “I'm sorry, I don't know how to help you.” Go see this specialist. I'm sorry, I don't know what I can do for you, and then not return my calls.VirginiaOh, I knew this conversation was going to make me mad, but it's really making me mad.EmilyAnd I say all of this is somebody, again, who has health insurance and access to transportation to get to and from doctors, and a general working knowledge of my own body and the healthcare system. But I mean, if it's this much of a nightmare for me, multiply that by other marginalized identities, and it's just absurd.VirginiaIt really is. You've kind of led us there already just in talking about these experiences, but I think there's also so much ableism embedded in how we talk about weight and health. And I thought we could unpack some of that a little bit. One that you put on my radar is all this fearmongering about how we all sit down too much, and sitting is killing us. And if you have a job that requires you to sit all day, it's taking years off your life. And yet, of course, people who use wheelchairs are sitting down. EmilyI think about this a lot, because I would say at least a few times a year some major publication releases an article that basically says we are sitting ourselves to death. And I saw one I know at least last year in the New York Times, if not this year,VirginiaNew York Times really loves this topic. They're just all over there with their standing desks, on little treadmills all day long.EmilyI actually decided to Google it before we chatted. I typed in, “New York Times, sitting is bad for you.” And just found rows of articles.EmilyThe first time that this ever really came up for me was all the way back in 2014, and I was kind of just starting out in the world of writing and putting myself out there in that way as an activist. And I came across an article that said that the more I sit, the closer I am to death, basically.It's really tough for me, because I'm sure there's a kernel of truth in the sense that if you are not moving your body, you are not taking care of your body in a way that works for you. But the idea that sitting is the devil is deeply ableist, because I need to sit. That does not mean that I cannot move around in my own way, and that does not mean that I cannot function in my own way, but it's just this idea that sitting is bad and sitting is wrong and sitting is lazy. Sitting is necessary.VirginiaSitting is just how a lot of us get things done every day, all day long.EmilyRight, exactly.VirginiaSure, there were benefits to lifestyles that involved people doing manual labor all day long and being more active. Also people died in terrible farming accidents. It's all part of that romanticization of previous generations as somehow healthier—which was objectively not true. EmilyYou make such a good point from a historical perspective. There's this idea that it's only if we're up and moving and training for a 5k that we're really being productive and giving ourselves over to the capitalist machine, but at the same time, doing that causes disability in its own way.VirginiaSure does. Sure does. I know at least two skinny runners in my local social circle dealing with the Achilles tendons ruptures. It takes a toll on your body.EmilyOr doing farm labor, as you were talking about. I mean, an agrarian society is great until you throw your back out. Then what happens?VirginiaThere are a lot of disabled folks living with the consequences of that labor. EmilyAnd I've internalized this messaging. I am not at all above any of this. I mean, I'm so in the thick of it, all the time, no matter how much work I read by fat liberation activists, no matter how much I try to ground myself in understanding that fatness does not equal badness and that sitting does not equal laziness, I am so trapped in the cycle of “I ate something that was highly caloric, and now I better do a seated chair workout video for my arm cycle.” And I say this because I'm not ashamed to admit it. I want people to understand that disabled people are like all other people. We have the same thoughts, the same feelings. We are impacted by diet culture.VirginiaGetting all the same messaging.EmilyWe are impacted by fat shaming. And I know that no matter what I would tell another person, I'm still working on it for myself.VirginiaWell, I always say: The great thing about fat liberation is you don't need to be done doing the work to show up here. We are all in a messy space with it, because it's it's hard to live in this world, in a body, period, And you have this added layer of dealing with the ableism that comes up. I mean, even in fat liberation spaces, which should be very body safe, we see ableism showing up a lot. And I'd love you to talk a little bit about how you see that manifesting.EmilyI think that this is a problem across pretty much every social justice movement. I just do Control F or Command F and type in the word “disability” on a website and see if it comes up in the mission statement, the vision, the values, what we care about, our issues. And so often it's not there and you have to go digging.And I don't say this to say that I think disability should be hierarchically more important than any other form of marginalization. I'm saying disability should be included among the list of marginalizations that we are focusing on, because it coexists with all other identities. And yet in a lot of fat liberation spaces, I still feel like I am not represented. I don't see myself. It's still a certain type of body, and that body is usually non-disabled or not disclosing that they have a non-apparent disability.I have a few people that I come across who I would say are in the fat liberation, fat activism spaces where they are also apparently disabled, and they are loud and they are proud about that. But for the most part, I still don't see myself. And I think that's where the ableism comes up, is that we are still celebrating only certain types of bodies. It's very interesting when you're in a space where the point is to celebrate all bodies, and yet all bodies are still not celebrated.VirginiaWell, and I want to dig into why that is, because I think it's something really problematic in how fat politics have developed in the last 10-20, years, As the Health at Every Size movement gathered steam and gathered a following, the message that was marketable, that was easy to center and get people interested and excited about, was you can be healthy at every size. And because we have such an ableist definition of what health is, that meant, let's show a fat person running. Let's show a fat person rock climbing. Let's show a fat ballerina. Let's show a fat weight lifter, and then you're automatically going to exclude so many people. So, so many people of other abilities.We had the folks from ASDAH on, who are the keepers of the Health at Every Size principles, and they've done a lot of work in recent years to start to shift this. They recognize that there was a real lack of centering disability, and I am really impressed with that. But in terms of the way the mainstream media talks about these concepts, certainly the way I talked about them in my own work for years, that mainstreaming of Health at Every Size was embedded with a lot of ableism.EmilyAnd I came to Health at Every Size pretty early on in my quest to lean into fatness and stop with the internalized body shame. But instead, I think it led to internalized ableism, because I then thought, well, if I'm not going to go climb Mount Everest, am I really living up to the principles of Health at Every Size?VirginiaThere was an expectation that we all had to be exceptional fat people. And that you had to be a mythbuster. And the reality is that fat people, just like any people, are not a monolith, and we don't all want to rock climb, and we can't all rock climb, and fatness can coexist with disability. It didn't make space for that.EmilyWe say the same thing about the disability community, And in the same way that there is the “good fat person,” there is the “good disabled person.” There's the disabled person who is seen as inspirational for overcoming hardship and overcoming obstacles. And I can't tell you how many times I have been patronized and infantilized and treated as though it's a miracle that I got out of bed in the morning. And I like to say to people, it's not inspiring that I got out of bed in the morning, unless you happen to know me well and know that I'm not a morning person, in which case, yes, it is very inspiring.VirginiaI am a hero today. Thank you for noticing.EmilyI mean, I say that as a joke, but it's true. There's nothing inspiring about the fact that I got out of bed in the morning, but in order to be performing at all times as the good disabled person, you have to show up in a certain way in the world. And I feel like that pressure is on me doubly, as a disabled fat person.Because not only do I have to be the good disabled person who is doing my own grocery shopping, but I need to be mindful about what it is that I'm grocery shopping for.I need to be eating the salad in front of people instead of something with a lot of cheese on it, right? So I feel like, no matter what I do when I'm in public, I'm putting on a performance, or at least I'm expected to. I've started to be able to work through that. Years of therapy and a healthy relationship. But for a very long time, if I wasn't the ideal disabled person and the ideal fat person in every way, then I was doing something wrong, rather than that society was wrong for putting that on me.VirginiaAnd it just feels like that's so much bound up in capitalism, in the way we equate someone's value with their productivity, with their ability to earn and produce and achieve. I haven't lived as a disabled person, but I have a kid with a disability, and in the years when we were navigating much more intensely her medical condition, I definitely felt the pressure to be the A+ medical mom, the mom of the disabled kid. There are a lot of expectations on that, too. I had to know the research better than any doctor in the room. I had to have all these strategies for her social emotional health. And I had to, of course, be managing the nutrition. And I can remember feeling like, when do I get to just exist? Like, when do we get to just exist as mother and daughter? When do I get to just be a person? Because there was so much piled on there. So I can only imagine lit being your whole life is another level.EmilyI feel like I'm always putting on a show for people. I always need to do my homework. I always need to be informed. And this manifested at such an early age because I internalized this idea that, yes, I'm physically disabled. I can't play sports. So I need to make academics into my sports, and I need to do everything I can to make sure I'm getting As and hundreds on every test. And that was my way of proving my worth.And then, well, I can't be a ballerina, but I can still participate in adaptive dance classes. And I try to get as close as I can to being the quote, unquote, normal kid. And let me say there's, there's nothing wrong with adaptive programs. There's nothing wrong with all of those opportunities. But I think that they're all rooted somewhat in this idea that all disabled children should be as close to normalcy as possible. Some arbitrary definition of it.VirginiaYes, and the definition of normal is again, so filtered through capitalism, productivity, achievement. We need different definitions. We need diversity. We need other ways of being and modeling. EmilyAbsolutely. And what it comes down to is your life is no less worth living because you're sitting down.VirginiaAmazing that you have to say that out loud, but thank you for saying it.EmilyI really wish somebody had said it to me. There's so much pressure on us at all times to be better, to be thinner, to make our bodies as acceptable as possible, in spite of our disabilities, if that makes sense.There are thin and beautiful and blonde, blue-eyed, gorgeous women with disabilities. And I'm not saying that that's my ideal. I'm just saying that's mainstream society's ideal. And that's the disabled woman who will get the role when the media is trying to be inclusive, who will land the cover of the magazine when a company is trying to be inclusive. But I don't feel like I'm part of that equation. And I'm not saying this to insult anybody's body, because everybody's body is valid the way that it is. But what I am saying is that I still don't feel like there's a place for me, no matter how much we talk about disability rights and justice, no matter how much we talk about fat liberation, no matter how much privilege I hold, I still feel like I am somehow wrong.VirginiaIt's so frustrating. And I'm sorry that that that has to be your experience, that that's what you're up against. It sucks.EmilyDo you ever feel like these are just therapy sessions instead of podcasts?VirginiaI mean. It's often therapy for me. So yes.Not to pivot to an even more uplifting topic, but I also wanted to talk about the MAHA of it all a little bit. Everything you're saying has always been true, and this is a particularly scary and vulnerable time to be disabled.We have a Secretary of Health who says something fatphobic and/or ableist every time he opens his mouth, we have vaccine access under siege. I could go on and on. By the time this episode airs, there will be 10 new things he's done that are terrifying. It's a lot right now. How are you doing with that?EmilyIt's really overwhelming, and I know I'm not alone in feeling that. And I'll say literally, two days ago, I went and got my covid booster and my flu vaccine, and I was so happy to get those shots in my arm. I am a big believer in vaccination. And I'm not trying to drum up all the controversy here,VirginiaThis is a pro-vaccine podcast, if anyone listening does not feel that way, I'm sorry, there are other places you can work that out. I want everyone to get their covid and flu shots.EmilyI give that caveat because in the disability community, there's this weird cross section of people who are anti-vaccine and think that it's a disability rights issue that they are anti-vaccine. So it's just a very messy, complicated space to be in. But I make no bones about the fact that I am very, very pro-vaccine.More broadly, it's a really interesting time to be disabled and to be a fat disabled person, because on the one hand, technically, if you're immunocompromised or more vulnerable, you probably have better vaccine access right now.VirginiaBecause you're still in the ever-narrowing category of people who are eligible.EmilySo somehow being disabled is working out in my favor a little bit at the moment, but at the same time, as I say that, RFK is also spreading immense amounts of incorrect information about disability, about fitness, about what bodies can and should be doing. And he's so hung up on finding the causes and then curing autism.VirginiaNobody asked him to do that.EmilyYeah. Like, no one. Or, actually, the problem is a few people said that they wanted it because people are very loud. Also, I saw that he reintroduced the Presidential physical fitness test.VirginiaLike I don't have enough reasons to be mad at this man. I was just like, what are you doing, sir?EmilySo on the one hand, he's sort of inadvertently still protecting disabled people, if you want to call it that, by providing access to vaccines. But mostly he's just making it a lot harder to survive as a disabled person.I am genuinely fearful for what is going to happen the longer he is at the helm of things and continues to dismantle basic access to health care. Because more people are going to become disabled. And I'm not saying that being disabled is a bad thing, but I am saying, if something is completely preventable, what are you doing?VirginiaRight? Right? Yes, if we lose herd immunity, we're going to have more people getting the things we vaccinate against.EmilyMany of the major players in the disability rights movement as it was budding in the 1960s and the 1970s were disabled because of polio. I am very glad that they existed. I am very, very glad that these people fought for our rights. I'm also very, very glad that there's a polio vaccine.VirginiaI guess this is a two part question. Number one, is there anything you want folks to be doing specifically in response to RFK? I mean, call your representatives. But if you have other ideas for advocacy, activism work you'd like to see people engaging in. And two, I'm curious for folks who want to be good disability allies: What do you want us doing more of?EmilyI am a big believer in focusing on things that feel attainable, and that doesn't mean don't call your reps, and that doesn't mean don't get out there and be loud. But sometimes starting where you are can make the most difference. And so if it feels really overwhelming and you're not gonna get up tomorrow and go to Washington, DC and join a protest, that's okay. If you don't feel like you have the capacity to pick up the phone and call your representatives tomorrow, that's okay, too. But if you can impact the perspective of one person in your life, I genuinely believe that has a ripple effect, and I think that we underestimate the power of that. Throw one stone in the ocean. All of those ripples create the wave. And so if you have somebody in your life who is being ableist in some way, whether it is through anti-vax sentiment, whether it is through the language that they use, whether it is through the assumptions that they make about people with disabilities, try to take the time to educate that person. You may not change the whole system. You may not even change that person's mind. But at least give them an opening to have a conversation, offer them the tools and the resources point them in the right direction. And I know that that's really hard and really exhausting, and that sometimes it feels like people are a lost cause, but I have been able to meet people where they are in that way. Where, if I show up with the research, if I show up with the resources, if I say I'm willing to meet you halfway here, I'm not demanding that you change all your views overnight, but will you at least give me a chance to have a conversation? That's genuinely meaningful. So that's my best advice. And I know that it's not going to change everything, but I'm still a believer in the power of conversation.VirginiaThat's really helpful, because I think we do avoid those conversations, but you're right. If you go in with the mindset of, I don't have to totally change this person on everything, but if I can move the needle just a little bit with them, that does something I think that feels a lot more doable and accessible.EmilyAnd I think it also is about honoring your own capacity. If you are a person who is marginalized in multiple ways, and you are tired of having those conversations, it is okay to set that weight down and let somebody else have the conversations.VirginiaThat is a good use of the able-bodied allies in your life. Put us to work tell us to do the thing because it shouldn't be on you all the time.EmilyAnd I'm more than happy to have these conversations and more than happy to educate but it's empowering when we can do it on our own terms, and we're not often given that opportunity, because we have to be activists and advocates for ourselves at every turn. And so sometimes when somebody else picks up that load, that means a lot.ButterEmilyI thought about this a lot.VirginiaEverybody does. It's a high pressure question.EmilyI am in the last stages of wedding planning. So my recommendation is more from a self care perspective. When you are in the throes of something incredibly chaotic, and when you are in the throes of navigating the entire world while also trying to plan something joyful—lean into that joy. My recommendation is to lean into your joy. I know I could recommend like a food or a TV show or something, but I think it's more about like, what is that thing that brings joy to you? I bought these adorable gluten-free pumpkin cookies that have little Jack O'Lantern faces on them. And I'm doing my re-watch of Gilmore Girls, which is a wildly problematic and fatphobic show, and ableist.VirginiaIt sure is. But it's such a good comfort watch too.EmilyIt's making me feel a little cozy right now. I think my recommendation is just lean into your joy. You don't need to solve all the world's problems. And I don't say that without complete and total awareness of everything going on in the world. I'm not setting that aside. But I'm also saying that if we don't take time to take off our activist hats and just be for a few moments, we will burn out and be much less useful to the movements that we're trying to contribute to.So I hope that is taken in the spirit with which it was given, which is not ignoring the world.VirginiaIt's clear you're not ignoring the world. But when you're doing a big, stressful thing, finding the joy in it is so great.Well, my Butter is a more specific, more tangible thing, but it's very much related to that, which is my 12 year old and I are getting really into doing our nails. And my Butter is bad nail art because I'm terrible at it, but it's giving me a lot of joy to, like, try to do little designs. I don't know if you can see on camera.EmilyI've been looking at your nails the whole time, and I love the color. It's my favorite color, but can you describe what's on it?VirginiaSo I've done like, little polka dots, like, so my thumb has all the polka dots in all different colors, and then every finger is like a different color of polka dots. I don't feel like the colors are translating on screen.EmilyAnd by the way, it's a bright teal nail polish.VirginiaIt's a minty green teal color. My 12 year old and I, we watch shows together in the evening after their younger sibling goes to bed. And we just like about once a week, she breaks out her Caboodle, which brings me great joy, as a former 80s and 90s girl, that has all her polishes in it, and we sit there and do our nails. And it's very low stakes. I work from home, it doesn't matter what my nails look like. Last night, I tried to do this thing where you put a star shaped sticker on, and then put the polish over it, and then peel off the sticker to have like a little star stencil. It was an utter fail, like I saw it on Instagram. It looked amazing. It looked like trash on my nails. But it's like, so fun to try something crafty that you can just be bad at and have fun with.EmilyOh, I love that for you. I really miss the days where I would wear like, bright, glittery eyeshadow and stick-on earrings.VirginiaIt is totally bringing me back to my stick on earring years. And I have all these friends who get beautiful nails done, like gels, or they have elaborate home systems. And I'm just, like, showing up to things with, like, a weird cat I painted on my nail that's like, half chipped off.EmilyI think that's the right vibe for the moment.VirginiaIt's super fun and a good bonding activity with tweens who don't always want to talk to their mom. So it's nice when we get there.EmilyYou're reminding me to go hug my mom.VirginiaPlease everyone, go hug your moms, especially if you were once 12 years old! Emily, this was wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to talk with us. Tell folks where we can find you and how we can be supporting your work.EmilyYeah. So I would say the best place to find me is Substack. My Substack is called Words I Wheel By or you can find me on Instagram. But most importantly, I just love connecting and being here to support people wherever they are on their journey. So I hope people will take me up on that.VirginiaThank you, and I always appreciate you in the Burnt Toast comments too. So thanks for being a part of the space with us.The Burnt Toast Podcast is produced and hosted by Virginia Sole-Smith (follow me on Instagram) and Corinne Fay, who runs @SellTradePlus, and Big Undies.The Burnt Toast logo is by Deanna Lowe.Our theme music is by Farideh.Tommy Harron is our audio engineer.Thanks for listening and for supporting anti-diet, body liberation journalism! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit virginiasolesmith.substack.com/subscribe

Episode summary Joe and Mary dive into how platform censorship and shifting algorithms have reshaped psychedelic media, why DoubleBlind moved to a “newsletter-first” model, and what that's revealed about true audience engagement. They reflect on the post-2024 MDMA decision headwinds, state-level policy moves (wins and losses), and how funding, politics, and culture continue to reconfigure the field. They also explore alternatives to alcohol, chronic pain research, reciprocity around iboga/ibogaine, and lessons from PS25 (MAPS' Psychedelic Science 2025). Highlights & themes From platforms to inboxes: Social and search suppression (IG/FB/Google) throttled harm-reduction journalism; DoubleBlind's pivot to email dramatically improved reach and engagement. Post-MDMA decision reality: Investment cooled; Mary frames it as painful but necessary growth—an ecosystem “airing out” rather than a catastrophic pop. Policy pulse: Mixed year—some state measures stalled (e.g., MA), others advanced (e.g., NM; ongoing Colorado process). Rescheduling cannabis may add complexity more than clarity. Censorship paradox: Suppressing education makes use less safe; independent outlets need community support to keep harm-reduction info visible. Chronic pain & long COVID: Emerging overlaps and training efforts (e.g., Psychedelics & Pain communities) point beyond a psychiatry-only frame. Alcohol alternatives: Low-dose or occasional psychedelic use can shift habits for some; Mary stresses individual context and support beyond any single substance. Reciprocity & iboga: Rising interest (including from right-leaning funders) must include Indigenous consultation and fair benefit-sharing; pace of capitalism vs. community care is an active tension. PS25 field notes: Smaller, more manageable vibe than 2023; fewer “gold-rush” expectations; in-person dialogue beats online flame wars. Notable mentions DoubleBlind: Newsletter-first publishing; nurturing new writers and reported stories. Psychedelics & Pain Association / Clusterbusters: Community-driven models informing care and research (cluster headache protocols history). Books & media: Body Autonomy (Synergetic Press anthology); Joanna Kempner's work on cluster headaches - Psychedelic Outlaws; Lucy Walker's forthcoming iboga film. Compounds to watch: LSD (under-studied relative to MDMA), 2C-B, 5-MeO-DMT (synthetic focus), and broader Shulgin-inspired families.   Mary Carreon: [00:00:00] Okay, I'm gonna send it to my dad because he wants to know. Here Joe Moore: we go. Yeah, send it over. So, hi everybody. We're live Joe here with Mary Anne, how you doing today? Mary Carreon: I'm great Joe. How are you? Joe Moore: Lovely. I actually never asked you how to pronounce your last name does say it right? Mary Carreon: Yes, you did. You said it perfectly Joe Moore: lovely. Joe Moore: Um, great. So it's been a bit, um, we are streaming on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitch X and Kick, I guess. Yeah. Kick meta. Meta doesn't let me play anymore. Um, Mary Carreon: you're in forever. Timeout. I got it. I got it. Yeah. Joe Moore: Yeah. I think they found a post the other day from 2017. They didn't like, I'm like, oh cool. Like neat, you Mary Carreon: know, you know. Mary Carreon: Yeah. That happened to me recently, actually. Uh, I had a post taken down from 2018 about, uh, mushroom gummies and yeah, it was taken down and I have strikes on my account now. So Joe Moore: Do you get the thing where they ask you if you're okay? Mary Carreon: Yes, with, but like with my searches though, [00:01:00] like if I search something or, or someone's account that has, uh, like mushroom or psychedelic or LSD or something in it, they'll be like, mm-hmm are you okay? Mary Carreon: And then it recommends getting help. So Joe Moore: it's like, to be fair, I don't know if I'm okay, but Yeah, you're like, probably not. I don't really want your help. Meta. Yeah. Mary Carreon: You're like, I actually do need help, but not from you. Thanks. Yeah, Joe Moore: yeah, yeah. Mary Carreon: So not from the techno fascists. Joe Moore: Oh, good lord. Yeah. Uh, we'll go there. Joe Moore: I'm sure. Mary Carreon: I know. I just like really dove right there. Sorry. Yeah. All right, so let's, Joe Moore: um, before we go, let's give people like a bit of, you know, high kicks on, on who is Mary, where you working these days and what are you doing? Mary Carreon: Yeah, thank you. My name is Mary Carryon and I am forever and first and foremost a journalist. Mary Carreon: I have been covering, I say the plant legalization spaces for the past decade. It's, it's been nine and a half years. Uh, on January 3rd it will be [00:02:00] 10 years. And I got my start covering cannabis, uh, at OC Weekly. And from there went to High Times, and from there went to Mary Jane, worked for Snoop Dogg. And then, uh, I am now. Mary Carreon: Double blind. And I have become recently, as of this year, the editor in chief of Double Blind, and that's where I have been currently sinking my teeth into everything. So currently, you know, at this moment I'm an editor and I am basically also a curator. So, and, and somebody who is a, uh, I guess an observer of this space more than anything these days. Mary Carreon: Um, I'm not really reporting in the same way that I was. Um, but still I am helping many journalists tell stories and, uh, I feel kind of like a story midwife in many ways. Just like helping people produce stories and get the, get the quotes, get the angles that need to be discussed, get the sentences structures right, and, um, uh, helping [00:03:00] sometimes in a visionary kind of, uh, mindset. Mary Carreon: So yeah, that's what I'm doing these days. Joe Moore: Oh, there it is. Oh, there you are. Love that. And um, you know, it's important to have, um, editors who kind of really get it from a lot of different angles. I love that we have a lot of alignment on this kind of, and the drug war thing and kind of let's, uh, hopefully start developing systems that are for people. Joe Moore: Yeah, absolutely. If you wanna just say that. Yeah, absolutely. Mary Carreon: Yeah, absolutely. Joe Moore: So, um, yeah, I almost 10 years in January. That's great. We um, it's so crazy that it's been that long. I think we just turned nine and a half, so we're maybe just a few, a few months shorter than your I love it. Plant medicine reporting career. Joe Moore: That's great. I love it. Um, yeah, so I think. I think one of the first times we chatted, [00:04:00] um, I think you were doing a piece about two cb Do you, do you have any recollection of doing a piece on two cb? Mary Carreon: I do, yes. Yes. Wait, I also remember hitting you up during an Instagram live and I was like, are you guys taking any writers? Mary Carreon: And you guys were like writers, I mean, maybe depending on the writer. Joe Moore: And I was like, I was like, I dunno how that works. Mary Carreon: Like me. Yeah. Joe Moore: Yeah. It was fun. It was fun to work with people like yourself and like get pieces out there. And eventually we had an awesome editor for a bit and that was, that was really cool to be able to like support young startup writers who have a lot of opinions and a lot of things to point out. Joe Moore: There's so much happening. Um, there was so much fraud in like wave one. Of kind of the psychedelic investment hype. There's still some, but it's lesser. Um, and it's really a fascinating space still. Like changing lives, changing not just lives, right? Like our [00:05:00] perspective towards nearly everything, right? Joe Moore: Yeah. Mary Carreon: Yes, absolutely. Absolutely. I mean, it's interesting because the space has matured. It's evolved. It's different than it was even, what a, I mean, definitely nine years ago, but even five years ago, even four years ago, even last year, things are different. The landscape is different than it was a year ago. Mary Carreon: And I, it's, it's interesting to see the politics of things. It's interesting to see who has money these days given like how hard it is just to kind of survive in this space. And it's interesting just to. Bear witness to all of this going down because it really is a once in a lifetime thing. Nothing is gonna look the same as it does now, as it, uh, then it will like in a, in a year from now or anything. Mary Carreon: So it's really, yeah. It's interesting to take account of all of this Joe Moore: That's so real. Uh, maybe a little [00:06:00] too real, like it's serious because like with everything that's going on from, um, you know, governance, governments, ai Yes. Drug policy shifts. Drug tech shifts, yes. There's so much interesting movement. Um, yes. Joe Moore: You, you know, you, you kind of called it out and I think it's really actually worth discussing here since we're both here on the air together, like this idea that the psychedelic market, not idea, the lived experience of the psychedelic market having shifted substantially. And I, I, I think there's a lot of causes. Joe Moore: But I've never had the opportunity to really chat with you about this kind of like interesting downturn in money flowing into the space. Mm-hmm. Have you thought about it? Like what might the causes be? I'm sure you have. Mary Carreon: Yeah. Yeah, I have. Yeah. I've thought about it. I mean, it's hard. Well, I don't know. I am really not trying to point fingers and that's not what I'm [00:07:00] trying to do here. Mary Carreon: But I mean, I think a lot of people were really hopeful that the FDA decision last June, not last June, the previous June, a year ago, 2024, June was going to open the floodgates in terms of funding, in terms of, um. In terms of mostly funding, but also just greater opportunities for the space and, uh, greater legitimacy granted to the psychedelic medicine space. Mary Carreon: Mm. And for those who might not know what I'm talking about, I'm talking about the, uh, FDA decision to reject, uh, MDMA assisted therapy and, um, that whole, that whole thing that happened, I'm sure if it, you didn't even have to really understand what was going on in order to get wind of that wild situation. Mary Carreon: Um, so, so maybe, yeah. You probably know what I'm talking about, but I, I do think that that had a great impact on this space. Do I think it was detrimental to this space? [00:08:00] I don't think so. We are in a growth spurt, you know, like we are growing and growing pains happen when you are evolving and changing and learning and figuring out the way forward. Mary Carreon: So I think it was kind of a natural process for all of this and. If things had gone forward like while, yeah, there probably would be more money, there would be greater opportunity in this space for people wanting to get in and get jobs and make a living and have a life for themselves in this, in this world. Mary Carreon: I don't know if it was, I don't know if it would necessarily be for the betterment of the space in general for the long term. I think that we do have to go through challenges in order for the best case scenarios to play out in the future, even though that's difficult to say now because so many of us are struggling. Mary Carreon: So, but I, but I have hope and, and that statement is coming from a place of hope for the future of this space and this culture. Joe Moore: Yeah. It's, um, I'm with [00:09:00] you. Like we have to see boom bust cycles. We have to see growth and contraction just like natural ecosystems do. Mary Carreon: Absolutely, absolutely. It has to be that way. Mary Carreon: And if it's not that way, then ifs, if. It's, it like what forms in place of that is a big bubble or like a, a hot air balloon that's inevitably going to pop, which, like, we are kind of experiencing that. But I think that the, I think that the, um, the, the air letting out of the balloon right now is a much softer experience than it would be if everything was just like a green light all the way forward, if that makes sense. Mary Carreon: So, Joe Moore: right. And there's, there's so many factors. Like I'm, I'm thinking about, uh, metas censorship like we were talking about before. Yes. Other big tech censorship, right? Mm-hmm. SEO shifts. Mary Carreon: Oh. Um, yes, absolutely. Also, uh, there were some pretty major initiatives on the state level that did not pass also this past year that really would've also kind of [00:10:00] helped the landscape a little bit. Mary Carreon: Um. In terms of creating jobs, in terms of creating opportunities for funding, in terms of having more, uh, like the perception of safer money flow into the space and that, you know, those, those things didn't happen. For instance, the measure for in Massachusetts that didn't go through and just, you know, other things that didn't happen. Mary Carreon: However, there have been really good things too, in terms of, uh, legalization or various forms of legalization, and that's in New Mexico, so we can't, you know, forget that there, and we also can't forget just the movement happening in Colorado. So there are really great things happening and the, the movement is still moving forward. Mary Carreon: Everything is still going. It's just a little more difficult than maybe it could have been Joe Moore: right. Yeah. Amen. Amen. Yes. But also, we Mary Carreon: can't forget this censorship thing. The censorship thing is a horse shit. Sorry. I'm not sure if I'm allowed to cuss, but it is, [00:11:00] but it is Joe Moore: calling it out and it's important to say this stuff. Joe Moore: And you know, folks, if you want to support independent media, please consider supporting Doubleblind and psychedelics today. From a media perspective, absolutely. We wanna wanna put as much out as we can. Yes. The more supporters we have, the more we can help all of you understand what's happening and yes. Joe Moore: Getting you to stay safer. Mary Carreon: Yeah, absolutely. And that's the whole difficulty with the censorship is that psychedelics today, and Doubleblind for instance, but also Lucid News, also other, uh, other influencers, other creators in the space, they like. What all of us are doing is putting out information that is ultimately creating a safer user experience. Mary Carreon: And so with the censorship, we are not able to do so anymore, which creates actually a lot of danger. So. Yeah, it's, it's difficult. The censorship is difficult, and if you are somebody who posts about psychedelics, I know that you know this and I am preaching to the choir. Joe Moore: Yeah. So can you talk a [00:12:00] little bit about you all at Double Blind made a major shift in the last number of months towards, uh, kind of not necessarily putting everything out there and, and kind of like, um, actually I don't even know the language you use. Joe Moore: What's the, what's the language you use for the kind of model shift you took on? Mary Carreon: Yeah, I mean, it's great. It's been a wild shift. It's been a wild shift. Um, what we are currently doing is we went to a newsletter first model, which instead of just posting onto a website for everyone to see, and then, um, you know, hopefully getting SEO hits and also posting on their, then posting those stories onto Instagram and Facebook and Twitter, and hoping to get traffic through social media. Mary Carreon: Uh, we decided that that was no longer working for us because it wasn't, um, because the censorship is so bad on, on social media, like on Instagram, for instance, and Facebook and Twitter, well, less on Twitter, [00:13:00] but still, nonetheless on social media, the censorship is so bad. And also the censorship exists on Google. Mary Carreon: When you Google search how to take mushrooms, double blinds is not even on. You know, our guide is not on the first page. It's like, you know, way the heck, way the heck down there. Maybe page 2, 3, 4, 5. I don't know. But, um, the issue, the issue with that, or, or the reason why rather that it's that way is because Google is prioritizing, um, like rehabilitation centers for this information. Mary Carreon: And also they are prioritizing, uh, medical information. So, like WebMD for instance. And all of these organizations that Google is now prioritizing are u are, are, are, are organizations that see psychedelic use through the lens of addiction or through drug drug abuse. So [00:14:00] again, you know, I don't know, take it for how you want to, I'm not gonna say, I'm not gonna tell anybody like what is the right way to use their substances or whatever. Mary Carreon: However, it's really important to have the proper harm reduction resources and tools available. Uh, just readily available, not five pages down on a Google search. So anyways, all of that said double blind was our traffic was way down. And it was looking very bleak for a while. Just we were getting kicked off of Instagram. Mary Carreon: We weren't getting any traffic from social media onto our website, onto our stories. It was a, it was a vicious kind of cycle downward, and it wasn't really working. And there was a moment there where Doubleblind almost shut down as a result of these numbers because there's a, like you, a media company cannot sustain itself on really low page views as a result. Mary Carreon: So what we [00:15:00] decided to do was go to a newsletter first model, which relies on our email list. And basically we are sending out newsletters three days a week of new original content, mostly, uh, sometimes on Wednesdays we repost an SEO story or something like that. Um, to just to engage our audience and to work with our audience that way, and to like to actually engage our audience. Mary Carreon: I cannot emphasize that enough because on Instagram and on Facebook, we were only reaching like, I don't know, not that many people, like not that many people at all. And all of that really became obvious as soon as we started sending out to our email list. And as soon as we did that, it was wild. How many, how many views to the website and also how many just open like our open rate and our click through rate were showing how our audience was reacting to our content. Mary Carreon: In other words. [00:16:00] Social media was not a good, in, like, was not a good indicator of how our content was being received at all because people kind of weren't even receiving it. So going to the newsletter first model proved to be very beneficial for us and our numbers. And also just reaching our freaking audience, which we were barely doing, I guess, on social media, which is, which is wild, you know, for, for a, an account that has a lot of followers, I forget at this exact moment, but we have a ton, double blind, has a ton of followers on, on Instagram. Mary Carreon: We were, we, we get like 500 likes or, you know, maybe like. I don't know. If you're not looking at likes and you're looking at views, like sometimes we get like 16 K views, which, you know, seems good, but also compared to the amount of followers who follow us, it's like not really that great. And we're never reaching new, like a new audience. Mary Carreon: We're always reaching the same audience too, [00:17:00] which is interesting because even with our news, with our, with our email list, we are still reaching new people, which is, which says just how much more fluid that space is. Mm-hmm. And it's because it's, because censorship does not at least yet exist in our inboxes. Mary Carreon: And so therefore email is kind of like the underground, if you will, for this kind of content and this type of material journalism, et cetera. So, so yeah. So it, it, it has been a massive shift. It is required a lot of changes over at double blind. Everything has been very intense and crazy, but it has been absolutely worth it, and it's really exciting that we're still here. Mary Carreon: I'm so grateful that Double-Blind is still around, that we are still able to tell stories and that we are still able to work with writers and nurture writers and nurture the storytelling in this space because it needs to evolve just the same way that the industry and the [00:18:00] culture and everything else is evolving. Joe Moore: Yeah, I think, I think you're spot on like the, when I watch our Instagram account, like, um, I haven't seen the number change from 107 K for two years. Mary Carreon: Absolutely. Same. And, um, same. Joe Moore: Yeah. And you know, I think, I think there's certain kinds of content that could do fine. I think, uh, psychedelic attorney, Robert Rush put up a comment, um, in response to Jack Coline's account getting taken down, um, that had some good analysis, um. Joe Moore: Of the situation. Go ahead. You had No, Mary Carreon: no, I'm just like, you know, I can't, when, when journalists are getting kicked off of these, of these platforms for their stories, for their reported stories, that's like, that is a massive red flag. And that's all I have to say. I mean, we could go into more, more details on that, but that is a [00:19:00] huge red flag. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. Yeah. Um, for sure. The, I, yeah. And like I'm sure he'll get it back. I'm sure that's not for good, but I think he did. Okay, great. Mary Carreon: I think he did. Yeah. Yeah, I think he did. Joe Moore: Yeah. So thank you. Shout out to Jack. Yeah, thanks Jack. Um, and I think, you know, there's, there's no one with that kind of energy out there. Joe Moore: Um, and I'm excited to see what happens over time with him. Yeah. How he'll unfold. Absolutely unfold. Oh yeah. It's like, um. Crushing the beat. Mary Carreon: Oh yeah, absolutely. Especially the political, the political beat. Like, there's no, there's few people who are really tackling that specific sector, which is like mm-hmm. Mary Carreon: So exciting for a journalist. Joe Moore: Yeah. Um, so model shifting, like we all have to like, adapt in new ways. Kyle and I are still trying to figure out what we're gonna do. Like maybe it is newsletter first. Like I, I realized that I hadn't been writing for [00:20:00] years, which is problematic, um, in that like, I have a lot of things to say. Mary Carreon: Totally. Joe Moore: And nobody got to hear it. Um, so I started a substack, which I had complicated feelings about honestly. 'cause it's just another. Rich person's platform that I'm, you know, helping them get Andreessen money or whatever. And, you know, so I'm gonna play lightly there, but I will post here and there. Um, I'm just trying to figure it all out, you know, like I've put up a couple articles like this GLP one and Mushrooms article. Mary Carreon: I saw that. I saw that. Really? And honestly, that's a really, like, it's so weird, but I don't, like, it's such a weird little thing that's happening in the space. I wonder, yeah, I wonder, I wonder how that is going to evolve. It's um, you know, a lot of people, I, I briefly kind of wrote about, um, psychedelics and the GLP, is that what it is? Mary Carreon: GLP one. Joe Moore: GLP one. Say Ozempic. Yeah, just, yeah, Ozempic. Yeah, exactly. Mary Carreon: Yeah, exactly. I wrote about [00:21:00] that briefly last year and there were a bunch of people like obviously horrified, which it is kind of horrifying, but also there's a bunch of people who believe that it is extremely cutting edge, which it also is. Mary Carreon: So it's really interesting, really fascinating. Joe Moore: Yeah. Um, I remember Bernie Sanders saying like, if this drug gets as much traction as it needs to, it will bankrupt Medicaid. I guess that's not really a problem anymore. Um, but, but, uh, but so like naming it real quick, like it changed the way we had to digest things, therefore, like mushrooms get digested differently and, um, some people don't respond in the expected ways. Joe Moore: And then there was some follow up, oh, we, in the regulated model, we just do lemon tech. And then I was like, is that legal in the regulated model? And I, I don't know the answer still. Mm-hmm. Like there was a couple things, you know, if users know to do it, you know, I don't, I don't totally understand the regulated model's so strange in Oregon, Colorado, that like, we really need a couple lawyers opinions. Joe Moore: Right. I think Mary Carreon: yes, of course Joe Moore: the lawyers just gave it a [00:22:00] thumbs up. They didn't even comment on the post, which is, laughs: thanks guys. Um, Joe Moore: but you know, laughs: yeah. You're like, thank you. Joe Moore: Thanks and diversity of opinions. So yeah, there's that. And like GLP ones are so interesting in that they're, one friend reached out and said she's using it in a microdose format for chronic neuroinflammation, which I had never heard of before. Joe Moore: Whoa. And um, I think, you know, articles like that, my intent was to just say, Hey, researchers yet another thing to look at. Like, there's no end to what we need to be looking at. Abso Mary Carreon: Oh, absolutely, absolutely. You know, reporting on this space actually taught me that there's so much just in general that isn't being researched, whether that's in this space, but also beyond and how, um, yeah, just how behind, actually, maybe not, maybe behind isn't the right word, but it kind of feels from my novice and from my novice place in the, in the world and [00:23:00] understanding research, it's. Mary Carreon: Hard for me to see it as anything, but being behind in the research that we all really need, that's really going to benefit humanity. But also, you know, I get that it's because of funding and politics and whatever, whatever, you know, we can go on for days on all of that. Joe Moore: What's the real reason? What's the real reason? Joe Moore: Well, drug war. Mary Carreon: Yeah. Well, yeah, definitely the drug war. Nixon. Yeah. Yes, yes, definitely the drug war. Yeah. I mean, and just the fact that even all of the drug research that happens is, again, through the lens of addiction and drug abuse, so Joe Moore: mm-hmm. Hard to right. Yeah. Um, like ni a is obviously really ridiculous and, and the way they approach this stuff, and Carl Hart illustrates that well, and, Mary Carreon: oh man, yes, he does. Joe Moore: Like, I think Fadiman's lab in Palo Alto got shut down, like 67, 66 or 67, and like that's, you know, that was one of the later ones, Mary Carreon: right? And, Joe Moore: and like, Mary Carreon: and here we are. Joe Moore: The amount of suffering that could have been alleviated if we [00:24:00] had not done this is. Incalculable. Um, yes. Yes. Yeah. Mary Carreon: I mean the, yeah, it's hard to say exactly how specifically it would be different, but it's difficult to also not think that the fentanyl crisis and the opioid addiction rate and situation that is currently like plaguing the, the world, but particularly the United States, it's hard to think that it wouldn't be, like, it wouldn't be a different scenario altogether. Joe Moore: Right, right. Absolutely. Um, and it's, um, it's interesting to speculate about, right? Like Yeah. Yes. Where would we be? And Mary Carreon: I know, I know, I know, I know it is speculation. Absolutely. But it's like hard, as I said, it's hard not to think that things would be different. Joe Moore: Right. Right. Um, I like, there's two kind of quotes, like, um, not, this one's not really a quote. Joe Moore: Like, we haven't really had a [00:25:00] blockbuster psychiatric med since Prozac, and I think that was in the eighties or early nineties, which is terrifying. And then, um, I think this guy's name is James Hillman. He is kinda like a Jungian, um, educator and I think the title of one of his books is, we're a hundred Years Into Psychotherapy and the World is Still a Mess. Joe Moore: And I think like those two things are like, okay, so two different very white people approaches didn't go very far. Yes. Um, yes and laughs: mm-hmm. Joe Moore: Thankfully, I think a lot of people are seeing that. Mm-hmm. Um, finally and kind of putting energy into different ways. Um, Mary Carreon: yeah. Absolutely. I think, yeah, I mean, we need to be exploring the other options at this point because what is currently happening isn't working on many fronts, but including in terms of mental health especially. Mary Carreon: So mm-hmm. We gotta get going. Right? We [00:26:00] gotta get moving. Geez. Joe Moore: Have you all, have you all seen much of the information around chronic pain treatments? Like I'm, I'm a founding board member with the Psychedelics and Pain Association, which has a really fun project. Oh, that's interesting. Mary Carreon: Um, I've seen some of the studies around that and it's endlessly fascinating for obvious, for obvious reasons. Mary Carreon: I, um, we have a writer who's been working for a long time on a story, uh, about the chronic pain that has since. Become an issue for this, for her, for the writer. Mm-hmm. Um, since she had COVID. Mm-hmm. Since, since she is just like, COVID was the onset basically of this chronic pain. And, um, there she attended a psychedelics in pain, chronic pain conference and, uh, that has pretty much like, changed her world. Mary Carreon: Um, well, in terms of just the information that's out there, not necessarily that she's painless, but it's just, you know, offering a, a brand new, a brand new road, a brand new path that is giving her, [00:27:00] um, relief on days when the pain is, uh, substantial. laughs: Yeah. Mary Carreon: So that's interesting. And a lot of people are experiencing that as well. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. So there's, there's a really cool set of overlap between the COVID researchers, long COVID researchers and the chronic pain people. 'cause there is Yes. This new science of pain that's yes. Our group, PPA put out like a really robust kind of training, um, for clinicians and researchers and even patients to get more educated. Joe Moore: And we're, we're getting, um, kind of boostered by cluster busters and we're kind of leveraging a lot of what they've done. Mary Carreon: Wait, what is a cluster buster? Joe Moore: Oh gosh. Um, so they're a 5 0 1 C3. Okay. Started with Bob Wald. Okay. Bob Wald is a cluster headache survivor. Oh, oh, oh, Mary Carreon: okay. Got it. Got it. Yes. So they're Joe Moore: the charity that, um, has been really championing, um, cluster headache research because they found a protocol [00:28:00] with mushrooms. Joe Moore: Yes, yes, yes. To eliminate. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Um, this really great, I Mary Carreon: love that. Joe Moore: This really great book was written by a Rutgers, um, I think medical sociologist or anthropologist psychedelic. Love laughs: that. Joe Moore: Joanna Kempner. Cool. Um, and it kind of talks about the whole, um, cluster busters saga, and it was, it was pretty cool. Joe Moore: Nice. So they've been at it for about as long as maps. Um, oh wow. Maybe a little earlier. Maybe a little later. Mary Carreon: I love that. Cool. I mean, yeah, that's really great. That's really great. Joe Moore: So we're copying their playbook in a lot of ways and Cool. We about to be our own 5 0 1 C3 and, um, nice. And that should be really fun. Joe Moore: And, uh, the next conference is coming up at the end of next month if people wanna check that out. Psychedelic. Nice. Mary Carreon: Nice, nice, nice. Cool. Joe Moore: Yeah, so that, like, how I leaned into that was not only did I get a lot of help from chronic pain with psychedelics and going to Phish shows and whatever, um, you know, I, and overuse for sure helped me somehow. Joe Moore: [00:29:00] Um, God bless. Yeah. But I, I like it because it breaks us out of the psychiatry only frame for psychedelics. Mm. And starts to make space for other categories. Mm-hmm. Is one of the bigger reasons I like it. Mary Carreon: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yes. Yes. Which, like, we need to be, we need to, we, no one else is gonna do it for us. We like the people in the space who are finding new uses for these substances need to be creating those, those pathways and those new niches for people to then begin studying, et cetera, and exploring and yeah. Mary Carreon: Making, making a proper avenue for, Joe Moore: right, right. And, you know, um, I don't know that this is a Maha thing, so No, I'm going there, I guess, but like, how do we kind of face squarely America and the world's drinking problems? Not [00:30:00] knowing what we know now about alcohol, you know what I mean? And then like, what are the alternatives? Joe Moore: You know, some, some writers out there on substack are very firm that everybody needs to not do any substance. And like all psychedelics are super bad and drugs are evil, you know, famous sub stackers that I won't name. But you know, like what is the alternative? Like, I, like we have to have something beyond alcohol. Joe Moore: And I think you've found some cannabis helpful for that. Mary Carreon: Yeah, I, you know, it's, it's interesting because it's, there are, there's definitely an argument to be made for the power of these substances in helping, I don't wanna, I don't wanna say curb, but definitely reduce the symptoms of, uh, wanting to use or to drink or to consume a specific substance. Mary Carreon: There's obviously there is an argument to be made. There are, there is ano another camp of people who are kind [00:31:00] of in the, in the, in the, in the realm of using a drug to get off of a drug isn't how you do it. However, and, and I do, it depends on the individual. It depends on the individual and the, and how that person is engaging with their own addiction. Mary Carreon: I think for whether or not the substances work, like whether psychedelics work to help somebody kind of get off of alcohol or get off of cocaine or stop using opioids or, you know, et cetera. Mm-hmm. However, I think like, when the situation is so dire, we need to be trying everything. And if that means, like, if, like, you know, if you look at the studies for like smoking cessation or alcohol use, mushrooms do help, psilocybin does help with that. Mary Carreon: Mm-hmm. But, you know, there's, there's a lot of, there's a lot of things that also need to happen. There's a lot of things that also need to happen in order for those, uh, that relief to maintain and to stick and to, uh, really guide [00:32:00] somebody off of those substances. Mm-hmm. It's not just the substance itself. Joe Moore: Right. So I'm, I'm explicitly talking like recreational alternatives, right. Like how do I Yeah. On per minute, like, am Anitas becoming helpful? Yeah, yeah. Are helpful and Yeah. Yeah. I think like even, um, normal. What we might call like normal American alcohol use. Like Yeah. That's still like, quite carcinogenic and like, um, absolutely. Joe Moore: We're kind of trying to spend less as a country on cancer treatments, which I hope is true. Then how do we, how do we develop things that are, you know, not just abstinence only programs, which we know for sure aren't great. Mary Carreon: Yeah. They don't work. Yeah. I don't, it's, it's difficult. Mm-hmm. It's difficult to say. Mary Carreon: I mean mm-hmm. I don't know. Obviously I, I, well, maybe it's not obvious at all for people who don't know me, but, you know, I exist in a, I exist in, in a world where recreational use is like, it's like hard to define what recreational use is because if we are using this, if we are using mushrooms or LSD even, or MDMA, [00:33:00] you know, there are so many, there's a lot of the therapy that can happen through the use of these substances, even if we're not doing it, you know, with a blindfold on or whatever and yeah, I think like. Mary Carreon: There is a decent swap that can happen if you, if you are somebody who doesn't wanna be, you know, having like three beers a night, or if you are somebody who's like, you know, maybe not trying to have like a bottle of wine at a night or something like that, you know, because like Americans drink a lot and a lot of the way that we drink is, um, you know, like we don't see it as alcoholism. Mary Carreon: Even though it could be, it could be that's like a difficult Joe Moore: potentially subclinical, but right there. Mary Carreon: Um, yeah. Yeah. It's like, you know, it's, um, we don't see it as that because everybody, a lot of people, not everybody, but a lot of people drink like that, if that makes sense. If you know mm-hmm. If you, if you get what I'm, if you get what I'm saying. Mary Carreon: So, you know, I do think that there's a lot of benefit that, I don't [00:34:00] know, having, like a, having a mushroom, having a mushroom experience can really help. Or sometimes even like low dose, low doses of mushrooms can also really help with, like, with the. Desire to reach for a drink. Yeah, totally. And, and AMS as well. Mary Carreon: I know that that's also helping people a lot too. And again, outside of the clinical framework. Joe Moore: Yeah. I'm, a lot of people project on me that I'm just like constantly doing everything all the time and I'm, I'm the most sober I've been since high school. You know, like it's bonkers that like Yeah. Um, and you know, probably the healthiest event since high school too. Joe Moore: Yeah. But it's fa it's fascinating that like, you know, psychedelics kind of helped get here and even if it was like For sure something that didn't look like therapy. Yeah, Mary Carreon: yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. I, I think, I think most of us here in this space are getting projected on as to like, you know, being like what Normies would consider druggies or something, or that we are just like, you know, high all the time. Mary Carreon: Um, [00:35:00] I know that that is definitely something that I face regularly, like out in the world. Um, but, you know, I would also, I would also argue that. Uh, like mushrooms have completely altered my approach to health, my approach to mental health, and not even having to consume that, you know, that substance in order or that, you know, that fun fungi, in order for me to like tap into taking care of my mental health or approaching better, uh, food options, et cetera. Mary Carreon: It's kind of like what these, it's like how the mushrooms continue to help you even after you have taken them. Like the messages still keep coming through if you work with them in that capacity. Right. And yeah, and also same with, same with LSD too. LSD has also kind my experiences with that have also guided me towards a healthier path as well. Mary Carreon: I, I understand that maybe for some people it's not that way, but, um, for me that substance is a medicine as well, [00:36:00] or it can be. Joe Moore: Yeah. Um, so. What are, what are some things popping up these days about like US drug policy that's like getting exciting for you? Like, are you feeling feeling like a looming optimism about a, a major shift? Joe Moore: Are you kind of like cautiously optimistic with some of the weird kind of mandatory minimum stuff that's coming up or? Mary Carreon: Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I know that there was a huge, a, a pretty huge shift over at the DEA and I wish I remembered, I wish I remembered his name. The new guy who's now, I believe the head of the DEA, I don't know enough information about it to really feel a way. Mary Carreon: However, I don't think that he's necessarily going to be serving us as a community here, uh, in the psychedelic space. I, you know, I just don't think that that's something that we can ever depend on with the DEA. Uh, I also don't think that [00:37:00] the DEA is necessarily going to be. All that helpful to cannabis, like the cannabis space either. Mary Carreon: Um, I know that, that Trump keeps kind of discussing or, or dangling a carrot around the rescheduling of cannabis. Um, for, he's been, he's been, but he's doing it a lot more now. He's been talking about it more recently. Uh, he says like, in the next like couple weeks that he's going to have some kind of decision around that, allegedly. Mary Carreon: But we will see also, I'm not sure that it's going to necessarily help anybody if we reschedule two. Uh, what from schedule one to schedule th two, three, schedule three. Joe Moore: Either way it's like not that useful. Right. Exactly. Mary Carreon: Yeah. Yeah, exactly. It's, um, just going to probably cause a lot more red tape and a lot of confusion for the state rec markets. Mary Carreon: So it's like something that we, it's like only ridden with unintentional, unintentional consequences. Unintended consequences. Mm-hmm. Because no one knows how it's really going to [00:38:00] impact anything, um, if, if at all. But I don't know. It's hard, it's hard to imagine that there won't be any, uh, like more complex regulatory issues for business owners and also probably consumers as well. Joe Moore: Hmm. Yeah. This guy's name's Terry Cole. Mary Carreon: Oh, the new DEA guy. Joe Moore: Yeah. Um, I don't know much about him. Terry. Yeah. Terry, I would love to chat. Mary Carreon: Yeah. Terry, let's talk. I'm sure your people Joe Moore: are watching. Yeah. So like, just let him know. We wanna chat. Yeah. We'll come to DC and chat it out. Um, yeah. It's, um, but yeah, I, Carl Hart's solution to me makes like almost most of the sense in the world to just end the scheduling system Absolutely. Joe Moore: And start building some sort of infrastructure to keep people safe. That's clearly not what we have today. Mary Carreon: No. But building an infrastructure around the health and wellness and uh, safety of [00:39:00] people is the exact opposite system that we have currently right now. Because also the scheduling system has a lot to do with the incarceration in the United States and the criminal just, or the criminal system. Mary Carreon: So, so yeah, like we can't disentangle the two really. Joe Moore: It just started, um, I feel negligent on this. Uh, synergetic press put out a book like a year or two ago called Body Autonomy. Mm-hmm. Um, did that one come across your desk at all? Mm-hmm. No. I wish basically contributed. Oh, nice. A number of people. So it's both like, um. Joe Moore: Drug policy commentary and then like sex work commentary. Oh, nice. And it was like high level, like love that really, really incredible love that detailed science based conversations, which is not what we have around this. Like, that doesn't make me feel good. So you should go to jail kind of stuff. Or like, I'm gonna humiliate you for real though. Joe Moore: Ticket. Yeah, Mary Carreon: yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh God. Uh, when you think about it like that, it just really also shows [00:40:00] just the uh, um, the level at which religion has also kind of fundamentally infused itself into the scheduling system, but also our laws, you know, like what you just said, this like, shame-based, I'm going to embarrass you and make you into a criminal when you know actually you are a law for the most part, a law abiding citizen, with the exception of this one thing that you're doing for. Mary Carreon: A, your survival and or your, like, your feeling good, wanting to feel good addressing pain. Um, there's a large, uh, like noise coming out of the front yard of my house right now. Hold on. Just a, it doesn't sound too bad. It doesn't sound too bad. Okay. Okay, good. Not at all. Not at all. Okay. Yeah, I had Joe Moore: people working on my roof all day and somehow it worked out. Joe Moore: Oh, good. Um, yeah. Um, yeah, it's, it's fascinating and I, I've been coming around like, I, I identify as politically confused, [00:41:00] um, and I feel like it's the most honest way I can be. Um, Mary Carreon: I am also politically confused these days, impossible to align with any, uh, party or group currently in existence at this exact juncture in American history. Joe Moore: I can't find any that I want to throw my dice in with. Nah. This idea of like fucking way being. Like what is the most humane way to do government as a way it's been put to me recently. And that's interesting. So it comes down to like coercion, are we caring for people, things like that. And um, I don't think we're doing it in a super humane way right now. Mary Carreon: Um, we, yeah, I am pretty sure that even if there was, I mean, I think that even if we looked at the data, the data would support that we are not doing it in a humane way. Joe Moore: So Mary Carreon: unfortunately, and Joe Moore: you know, this whole tech thing, like the tech oligarch thing, you kind of dropped at the beginning and I think it's worth bringing that back because we're, we're on all [00:42:00] these tech platforms. Joe Moore: Like that's kind of like how we're transmitting it to people who are participating in these other platforms and like, you know, it's not all meta. I did turn on my personal Facebook, so everybody's watching it there. I hope. Um, see if that count gets, Mary Carreon: um, Joe Moore: but you know, this idea that a certain number of private corporations kind of control. Joe Moore: A huge portion of rhetoric. Um, and you know, I think we probably got Whiffs of this when Bezos bought Washington Post and then Yes. You know, Musk with X and like yes. You know, is this kind of a bunch of people who don't necessarily care about this topic and the way we do, and they're like in larger topics too about humane government and like, you know, moving things in good directions. Joe Moore: Um, I don't know, thoughts on that rift there as it relates to anything you, wherever you wanna go. Yeah. Mary Carreon: Yeah. I mean, I don't think that they are looking at, I don't think that they are looking [00:43:00] at it the way that we are. I don't think that they can see it from their vantage point. Um, I think that like, in the, in a similar way that so many CEOs who run businesses have no fucking clue about what's actually happening in their businesses and the actual workers and, and employees of their businesses can tell them in more detail. Mary Carreon: Far more detail about what's actually happening on the, on the floor of their own business. Uh, I think that it is something like that. However, that's not to say that, you know, these, these CEOs who employ people who build the A algorithm are obviously guided to create the limitations on us as people who speak about drugs, et cetera, and are creating a algorithm that ultimately is looking at things in a very blanket way in terms of, uh, like we're probably seen on the same level as like drug dealers, if that makes sense. Mary Carreon: Which is obviously a much, you know, there's, [00:44:00] it's a very different thing. Um, so, you know, there's like these CEOs are giving directions to their employees to ultimately create systems that harm. Information flow and inform and, and like the information health of, of platforms and of just people in general. Mary Carreon: So it's hard to say because there's nuance there, obviously, but I would bet you that someone like Elon Musk doesn't really have a full grasp as to the, the nuances and details of what's even happening within, on the ground floor of his businesses. Because that's like, not how CEOs in America run, run, and operate. Mary Carreon: They're stupid companies. So, so yeah. And I feel like that, like, that's across the board, like that's across the board. That's how I, that's probably how Zuck is operating with Meta and Facebook, et cetera. And yeah, just likewise and across, across the whole, [00:45:00] across the whole spectrum. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. Yeah. And I think, um, a thing. Joe Moore: Then as the people like, we need to keep looking at how can we keep each other informed. And that's kind of circling back to drug journalism like we do and like, um, other, other sorts of journalism that doesn't really get the press it deserves. Right. And I've been getting far more content that I find more valuable off of tragically back on Zucks platform like IG is getting me so much interesting content from around the world that no major outlet's covering. Mary Carreon: That's so interesting. Like what? Like what would you say? Joe Moore: Oh, um, uh, certain, um, violent situations overseas. Oh, oh, got it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And, um, you know, that America's paying for, so like, you know, I just don't love that I don't have a good, you know, journalistic source I can [00:46:00] point to, to say, hey, like right. Joe Moore: These writers with names, with addresses, like, and offices here. Yes. You know, they did the work and they're held, you know, they're ethical journalists, so yes. You can trust them. Right. You know what I mean? Yes, Mary Carreon: yes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, all of this makes everything so much harder for determining, like, the censorship specifically makes it so much harder for the people to determine like, what's real, what's not. Mary Carreon: Because, because of exactly what you just said. Mm-hmm. Like, you know, we are, we are basically what that means, like what is required of the people and people who are consuming information is becoming a smart consumer and being able to determine what's real, what's not. How can we trust this individual? Mary Carreon: How can we not, which isn't analysis process that all of us need to be sharpening every single day, especially with the advent of AI and, uh, how quickly this, this type of content is coming at all of us. Like, especially if you're on TikTok, which many of us are, you know, like information comes flying at you 3000 miles an hour, and it's sometimes [00:47:00] really difficult to determine what's real, what's not, because AI is. Mary Carreon: AI is not where it's going to be, and it still is in its nascent phase. However, it's still pretty fucking good and it's still very confusing on there. So, so again, like the media literacy of the people needs to be sharpened every single day. We cannot be on there, we cannot be on the internet existing. Mary Carreon: That everything that we are seeing is real. Whether that's about, you know, these, um, the violence overseas, uh, happening at the hands of the United States, whether that is, uh, even drug information like, you know, et cetera, all of all of it. Or just like news about something happening at Yellowstone National Park or something that is happening in the, uh, at like. Mary Carreon: Um, like potential riots also happening at protests in downtown la, et cetera. Like all, all of it, we need to be so careful. And I think what that also, like, one way that [00:48:00] we can adjust and begin to develop our media literacy skills is talking to people maybe who are there, reaching out to people who are saying that they were there and asking them questions, and also sussing that out. Mary Carreon: You know, obviously we can't do that for all situations, but definitely some of them. Joe Moore: Yeah, absolutely. Like, Joe Moore: um, a quick pivot. Mm-hmm. Were you at PS 25? Mary Carreon: Yes, I was. What did I think? Uh, you know, I, I was running around like crazy at this one. I felt like I didn't even have a second to breathe and I feel like I didn't even have a second to really see anybody. I was like, worry. I was jumping from one stage to the next. Mary Carreon: However, I would say, uh, one of, one of the things that I have said and how I felt about it was that I felt that this, this event was smaller than it was two years ago. And I preferred that I preferred the reduction in size just because it was, uh, less over, less overwhelming [00:49:00] in an, in an already very overwhelming event. Mary Carreon: Um, but I thought that from the panels that I did see that everyone did a really great job. I thought that maps, you know, it's impressive that maps can put on an event like that. Um, I also was very cognizant that the suits were there in full effect and, uh, you know, but that's not unusual. That's how it was last time as well. Mary Carreon: And, um, I felt that there was Mary Carreon: a, uh, like the, the, the level of excitement and the level of like opportunity and pro, like the prosperous. The like, prospect of prosperity coming down the pipeline like tomorrow, you know, kind of vibe was different than last time. Mm-hmm. Which that was very present at the one, two years ago, uh, which was the last PS psychedelic science. Mary Carreon: Yeah. Um, anyways. Yeah. But it was, you know, it was really nice to see everybody. [00:50:00] I feel like in-person events is a great way for everybody in the psychedelic space to be interacting with each other instead of like keyboard warrioring against each other, you know, uh, over the computer and over the internet. Mary Carreon: I think that, um, yeah, uh, being in person is better than being fighting each other over the internet, so, yeah. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. People seem to be a little bit more civil in person. Mary Carreon: Exactly. Exactly. Mm-hmm. And I think that that is something that we all need to be considering more often, and also inviting people from across the aisle to your events and creating peace, because in person it's a little different than it is. Mary Carreon: When you have the opportunity to, uh, yeah, like keyboard attack someone over the internet, it's like, yeah. It's just so silly. So silly. We look like fools. Like we look like absolute idiots doing that. And you know what? I cannot sit here and say that I haven't looked like an idiot. So, you know, it's like I'm not, I'm not talking from like a high horse over here, but, but you know, it's like, it's [00:51:00] better when it's in person. Mary Carreon: I feel like there's like more civil engagements that we can all have. Joe Moore: It's practice, you know? Yeah. We're learning. Yeah. We are. We should be learning, including us, and yes, of course. Um, I, I play a subtler game these days and, uh, you know, I, I, I, it's better when we all look a lot better in my opinion, because yes, we can inform policy decisions, we can be the ones helping inform really important things about how these things should get implemented and absolutely right. Joe Moore: Like, Mary Carreon: absolutely. Yeah, it does. It does. Nobody, any service, especially these medicines, especially these sacraments, especially these plants, these molecules, et cetera, if we are all sitting here fighting each other and like calling each other names and trying to dunk on one another, when like in reality, we are also all kind of pushing for the same thing more or less. Joe Moore: Mm-hmm. So a thing that [00:52:00] I, it's a, it's kind of a, I, I had a great time at PS 25. I have no, no real complaints. I just wish I had more time. Yeah, same. Um, same. Yeah. Our booth was so busy. It was so fun. Just good. And it was like, good. I, I know. It was really good. I'm trying to say it out loud. I get to talk at the conference before Rick did. laughs: Oh, oh, Joe Moore: the morning show they put us on at like seven 30 in the morning or something crazy. Oh my god. It was early. I dunno if it was seven 30. Mary Carreon: That's so early. That's so early. Joe Moore: Yeah, right. Like that's crazy. I got zero nightlife in That's okay. Um, I was not, I was there for work. Yeah, Mary Carreon: yeah. I was Joe Moore: jealous. I didn't party, but you know, whatever. Joe Moore: Yeah, yeah. Mary Carreon: I did not party this time really in the same way that I did at PS 20. Was it 2023? Joe Moore: 23, yeah. 23. I only stay up till 11 one night in 23. Nice. Mary Carreon: Okay. Um, okay. Joe Moore: So I behaved, I have a pattern of behaving. 'cause I like That's good. I'm so bent outta shape inside going into these things. I'm like, I know, I know. Joe Moore: And, and I'm like, oh, all [00:53:00] my friends are gonna be there. It's gonna be great. And then it's like, yeah. It's mostly friends and only a little bit of stress. Yeah. Um, yeah. Yeah, Mary Carreon: yeah. I had a, I had a great time. It was really good seeing everybody again. Like you, I wish that I had more time with people. Like there are people that I like didn't even see who are my friends, Joe Moore: so, which Yeah. Joe Moore: Which is sad. That's like a subtext in, in like the notes coming away from 25. Is that the, um, American Right, if we wanna call it that, is very interested in this stuff. Oh yeah. Like the Texas establishment. Oh yeah. Um, the Texas contingent, right? They're deep. They're real deep. Mm-hmm. I have, um, Mary Carreon: let's talk about that more. Mary Carreon: Yeah. So Joe Moore: it's optimistic in, in some sense that psychedelic science is getting funded more. By states. 'cause the feds aren't stepping up. Right. I love that. Right. Yeah. Like, Hey feds, look what we can do. And you can't somehow, and [00:54:00] then, um, we'll see if state rights stays around for a while longer, maybe, maybe not. Joe Moore: And then the other part is like, is there a slippery slope given the rhetoric around addiction and the rise in interest in iboga for compulsory addiction treatment with psychedelics or, or compulsory mental health treatments with psychedelics because of the recent, it's illegal to be a person without housing. Joe Moore: Um, and you're gonna get put in treatment. Mm. Like, that's now a thing. So like, I don't know, I don't think forced treatment's good at all. I, and I don't think like, um, like the data is something like 15% effective, maybe less. Right. Right. It's not a good use of money. I don't know. We're, let's, I. You can go there if you want, and riff on that, or if you wanna talk about like, Texas, um, Arizona more generally. Mary Carreon: Yeah. I mean, I will just say this, I also don't really believe that forced treatment is like good, you [00:55:00] know, data Joe Moore: says it's bad. Mary Carreon: Yeah. Yeah. I also, yeah, I mean, it's like, I don't know. Yeah, that's, it's complex. It's a complex issue. I also don't think it's good, but I also do think that we need a much better framework and foundation for like, if people do want the help, helping them get it. Mary Carreon: Much more easily and in a way that's going to be beneficial for them. Um, and I don't think that that system or that pathway currently exists as we saw in, uh, with, with, um, measure 1 0 9 and the failure of measure 1 0 9 or, or was it Measure 1 0 10, 1 10, measure one 10 in Oregon. Joe Moore: But did you see the response yesterday or two days ago? Joe Moore: No, I didn't. No, I didn't. I'll I'll send it to you later. Okay. So the university did the research, um, Portland State University did the research Yes. And said, Hey, look, there was actually 20 other things that were higher priority. Like that actually influenced this increase in overdoses, not our law. Mary Carreon: Right. Mary Carreon: Yes. It was really COVID for Okay. [00:56:00] Like for, yeah. Right. Absolutely. Also, there was not a. Like there was not a framework in place that allowed people to get off the street should they want to, or you know, like, like you just can't really have a, all drugs are legal, or small amounts of drugs are legal without also offering or creating a structure for people to get help. Mary Carreon: That, that's, you can't do one without the other. Unfortunately. That's just like a, that's faulty from the start. So that's all I'll really say about that. And I don't think that that had fully been implemented yet, even though it was something that wasn't ideal for the, um, for the, for the measure. And I believe it was measure one 10, not measure 1 0 9, to be clear. Mary Carreon: Measure one 10. Um, yes, but confirmed one 10 confirmed one 10, yes. Mm-hmm. Um, but yeah, uh, that's, you know, that's kind of what I'll say. That's what I'll, that's where I'll leave that portion. Mm-hmm. You know? Uh, but yeah, forced treatment. I don't know. [00:57:00] We can't be forcing, forcing people to do stuff like that. Mary Carreon: I don't know. It's not gonna, it's, yeah, it doesn't seem Joe Moore: very humane. Mary Carreon: Yeah. No. And it also probably isn't gonna work, so, Joe Moore: right. Like, if we're being conservative with money, like, I like tote, like to put on Republican boots once in a while and say like, what does this feel like? And then say like, okay, if we're trying to spend money smartly, like where do we actually get where we want to be? Joe Moore: And then sometimes I put on my cross and I'm like, okay, if I'm trying to be Christian, like where is the most, like, what is the most Christian behavior here in terms of like, what would the, you know, buddy Jesus want to do? And I'm just like, okay, cool. Like, that doesn't seem right. Like those things don't seem to align. Joe Moore: And when we can find like compassionate and efficient things, like isn't that the path? Um, Mary Carreon: compassionate and t. Yeah, even, I don't know, I don't know if it looks lefty these days, but Yeah, I know what you mean. Yeah, I know what you mean. I know what you mean. Yeah. [00:58:00] Yeah. Um, yeah, it's complicated. It's complicated, you know, but going back, kind of, kind of pivoting and going back to what you were talking about in regards to the subtext, some of the subtext of like, you know, where psychedelic medicine is currently getting its most funding. Mary Carreon: You know, I do believe that that was an undercurrent at psychedelic science. It was the, the iboga conversation. And there's, there's a lot, there's a lot happening with the Iboga conversation and the Iboga conversation and, um, I am really trying to be open to listening to everyone's messages that are currently involved in. Mary Carreon: That rise of that medicine right now? Um, obviously, yeah, we will see, we'll see how it goes. There's obviously a lot of people who believe that this is not the right move, uh, just because there's been no discussions with, uh, the Wii people of West Africa and, you know, because of [00:59:00] that, like we are not talking to the indigenous people about how we are using their medicine, um, or medicine that does like that comes from, that comes from Africa. Mary Carreon: Um, also with that, I know that there is a massive just devastating opioid crisis here that we need to do something about and drug crisis that we need to be helping with. And this medicine is something that can really, really, really help. Um, I find it absolutely fascinating that the right is the most interested party in moving all of this forward, like psychedelic medicine forward. Mary Carreon: And I, I currently have my popcorn and I am watching and I am eating it, and I am going to witness whatever goes down. Um, but I'm, I, I hope that, uh, things are moving in a way that is going to be beneficial for the people and also not completely leave behind the indigenous communities where this medicine comes from. Joe Moore: [01:00:00] Mm-hmm. Mary Carreon: We'll see how it goes. Yeah. We'll see how it goes. We'll see how it goes. It Joe Moore: would be lovely if we can figure it out. Um, I know, and I think, uh, Lucy Walker has a film coming out on Iboga. Mm. I got to see it at Aspen, um, symposium last summer, and it was really good. Mm. So I'm sure it'll be cut different, but it's so good and it tells that story. Joe Moore: Okay. Um, in a helpful way. I'm gonna, I, yeah. I always say I'm gonna do this. I'm like, if I have space, maybe I'll be able to email her and see if we can screen it in Colorado. But it's like a brilliant film. Yeah. Cool. This whole reciprocity conversation is interesting and challenging. And so challenging being one of the few countries that did not sign onto the Nagoya protocol. Joe Moore: Absolutely. We're not legally bound, you know, some countries are Mary Carreon: I know. Yes, yes, yes. So Joe Moore: we're, you know, how do we do that? How do we do that skillfully? We still haven't done it with, um, first Nations folks around their [01:01:00] substances. Um, I think mushrooms are a little flexible and account of them being global, um, from Africa to Ireland and beyond. Joe Moore: And, but you know, that's, we still want to give a nod to the people in Mexico for sure. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Yeah. Um, yeah. Yeah, it's, I had some fun commentary there that I would love to flesh out someday. Uh, but yeah, it's not for today. Mary Carreon: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Um, there's, yeah, there's obviously, there's obviously a lot with the conversation of reciprocity here and, um, I know, I, I don't know. Mary Carreon: I, I, what I do know is that we need to be listening to the indigenous people, not just listening to them second, like secondhand or listening to them, uh, once we have moved something forward, like actually consulting with them as the process goes. And that, you know, the way that both parties move, indigenous folks and, uh, western folks move, uh, are at inherently different paces. Mary Carreon: And, [01:02:00] um, I just hope, and I wish, and I, I hope, I just hope that, uh, Western what, like the Western party, the western folks who are diving into these medicines. Slow the fuck down and listen and just are able to at least make one right move. Just one, just like you. Like it's, doesn't have to be this, it doesn't have to be that hard. Mary Carreon: Although the pace of capitalism usually propels, uh, the western folks at, at a much quicker rate than, u

Jim Curtis Curtis is  a wellness pioneer, author and hypnotist. For the last 25 years my mission has been to change the health and wellness of the world, First as an entrepreneur and executive at companies like WebMD, Everyday Health, HealthCentral and The Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and now as a author, speaker, coach and educator.  He has been a wellness pioneer for the last 20 years, and has dedicated his career to health, wellness, and coaching. Jim has helped develop life enhancing apps like WebMD, Everyday Health, Remedy Health, HempVet and Modern Sanctuary. He is a motivational speaker giving TED talks and hundreds of lectures around the country. Jim has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs and wellness leaders around the globe and is the author of The Stimulati Experience: 9 Skills for Getting Past Pain, Setbacks, and Trauma to Ignite Health and Happiness and the notable book Shift: Quantum Manifestation guide: A workbook for coding a new consciousness Website: www.heatherthomson.com You Tube: https://youtube.com/@iamheathert?si=ZvI9l0bhLfTR-qdo Inquiries about this podcast: Karin@sireniamedia.com Social media:  IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamheathert/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please Subscribe and Review: Apple Podcasts | RSS Submit your questions for the podcast here News Topic: Tylenol and autism: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YLD5ywh-WM0 https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1971019653624496521 Show Notes:   X post by Andrew Zywiec MD  DNA analysis with Dr. Anthony Jay Article from Smart Cities Dive: Life as a Lunatic: Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin Mark Moss: The Wealth Boom The Government Doesn't Want You To Keep Questions:    Autoimmune Relief Seth writes: Robb, I know that back in the early days of Paleo, there were people (at least a few) who felt they cured their RA. At the time, I noted this but didn't delve into it because I didn't think it applied to me. Well. . . you know how that goes. Now I have a very similar condition (it's called mixed connective tissue disease and is like a combo of lupus and RA). Of course, there's nothing, not even any hint, in any mainstream info about anything approaching a cure. Doing a Google search now ONLY shows mainstream stuff -- WebMD, Healthline, etc. Do you have any ideas where I can search in the Paleo-sphere for folks who have had success and what they did? I really cannot just keep adding on meds that only partially manage the pain I'm in. There must be a better way. Thanks.   Gut Testing Resource Tyler writes: Hey Robb and Nicki, I'm a long time listener, maybe not one of the original six but well back into the Paleo solution days and the Paleo solution was one of my first forrays into an ancestral way of eating and really changed my life for the better. Now onto my question: are you able to share the specific lab/testing you did that uncovered your candida/round worm/giardia this last go around? I listened to the most recent episode where y'all talked about it and you also mentioned there maybe being a stateside option as well? Asking mostly for my wife, who has had similar chronic gut issues, difficulty gaining weight, etc, and after I listened to the episode I asked her and turns out a lot of it started after she lived in China for a year, including a fair bit of time traveling through rural China. So now I'm pretty keen to the possibility of a chronic parasite of sorts. Thank you again for all y'all do, it's greatly appreciated and I think makes a big difference.   Could there be a fortuitous transfer of labor from driving to regenerative agriculture?  Paul writes: Good day Robb and Nicki, First, thank you for your years of effort in guiding and curating health information that is not so easily found in the mainstream. I am curious to hear your perspective on what the potential future of labor. With the development of self-driving cars, there are likely to be many folks who find themselves out of work in the not so distant future. Meanwhile there seems to be a growing demand for sustainably produced food. Correct me if I am wrong, but my understanding is that raising food in this manor tends to be more labor intensive. Do you see a future where labor from driving jobs could be moved into agriculture? A side effect would be a population shift out of city centres and into more rural areas. It seems that is could be a beneficial secondary result for individuals overall health and community engagement. I am curious what your thoughts are on this possibility and what could be done to reveal this possibility to the masses. Again, thank you for your work and example.   Sponsor: The Healthy Rebellion Radio is sponsored by our electrolyte company, LMNT. It turns out that electrolytes don't need to be brightly colored and full of sugar...in fact, the brightly colored and highly sugared concoctions on store shelves often contain very few electrolytes…the sodium, magnesium, and potassium that your body needs to perform at its best. That's why we created LMNT! Become an LMNT INSIDER and buy 3 boxes and get the 4th box free! As always, LMNT offers no-questions-asked refunds on all orders - so you can try  LMNT 100% risk free.  Click here to get your LMNT electrolytes  

Science and Mysticism: Paul J. Mills, Ph.D. “What are the biomedical sciences and the scientists working in them doing in terms of helping or hindering this future goal of humanity? Are we in service to humanity's future advancement or not?” I was aware that the vast majority of the scientific endeavor is highly materialistic, with metaphysical and mystical considerations outright rejected as nonexistent; love itself is considered only an emotion and even then, not routinely studied. Yet, I also knew there were biomedical scientists, including some of my own colleagues, working within the mainstream sciences who have deeper spiritual understandings of who we are as people and of the conscious universe at large. I also knew that many of them were working in their own way to bridge the so-called “gap between science and spirituality.” They were working to overcome the materialism and its choking effects on the progress of the sciences that could ultimately help support a future spiritual life of humanity.” -Paul J. Mills, Ph. D. Order the Book >>> Science, Being, & Becoming: The Spiritual Lives of Scientists Paul J. Mills, Ph.D. is Professor of Public Health and Family Medicine, Former Chief of Behavioral Medicine, and Director of the Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health at the University of California, San Diego (Profile). He has over 400 scientific publications in the fields of cardiology, psychoneuroimmunology, space research, behavioral medicine, and integrative health. His work has been featured in Time magazine, The New York Times, National Public Radio, US News and World Report, Consumer Reports, The Huffington Post, Gaia TV, and WebMD, among others. He's presented his work at hundreds of conferences and workshops around the world, including at the United Nations. His Gold Nautilus Award winning book in Science & Cosmology, Science, Being, & Becoming: The Spiritual Lives of Scientists. Paul J. Mills Website Newsletter Sign Up Here - Stay Connected / SIMRAN's Community 11:11 Talk Radio... Conversations of energy, growth, truth, and wisdom that expand personal growth, empower conscious living, and raise self-awareness.  Learn more about Simran here: www.iamsimran.com www.1111mag.com/

Hands of Gold showcases Roni Robbins' nearly 40 yearsas a published writer, including roles as a staff reporter and freelancer for major outlets. She currently reports for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Medscape/WebMD, where she was also an editor. Her work has appeared in The Huffington Post, Forbes, New York Daily News, Adweek, WebMD, and Healthline, among others. Robbins has interviewed notable figures from CEOs and politiciansto Wolf Blitzer, Andy Gibb, Hank Aaron, and Usher. Hands of Gold won the 2023 International Book Awardfor multicultural fiction and the 2023 Global Book Awards gold medal for biographical-survival. It was also a finalist in the 2024 American Legacy Awards and the 2022 American Fiction Awards, earning a 5-star Readers' ChoiceAward in 2023. The novel reached the quarterfinals in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Beyond fiction, Robbins has earned three Simon RockowerAwards for Jewish journalism and additional honors from ASBPE, The State Bar of Georgia, and multiple press associations.Link to episode can be found here: #drdanamzallag, #drdanpodcast, #Happinessjourneywithdrdan,#ddanmotivation, #inspiringinterviews, #drdancbt, #drdantherapy,#drdancoaching, #drdanhappiness,  

We all know there are things in life you probably shouldn't trust — like gas station sushi or an email from a Nigerian prince. But the same principle applies in retirement planning. Sometimes what looks safe, easy, or even “guaranteed” isn't so trustworthy when you peel back the layers.   Important Links: Website: http://www.yourplanningpros.com Call: 844-707-7381   ----more---- Transcript:  Walter Storholt: Well, we all know that there are things in life you probably shouldn't trust, like gas station sushi or that email from a Nigerian prince trying to send you some money and get you to send them money. But the same principle applies in retirement planning. Sometimes what looks safe or easy or even that dreaded word, guaranteed, isn't so trustworthy when you peel back the layers. So on today's show, we're going to talk about the things that if you trust it, you might go broke and how to avoid it.   Hey everybody and welcome to another edition of Plan with the Tax Man. I'm Walter Storholt filling in for Mark Killian on today's episode, but as always, joined by Tony Mauro, Des Moines professional alternative for the Tax Doctor Inc. in central Iowa, office right in Des Moines. You can find Tony online at yourplanningpros.com.   Tony, great to be with you on today's episode. How's life treating you?   Tony Mauro: It's good. Fall's upon us. Everybody's talking football of course, and now it's starting to get serious about planning, so it will be busy coming up.   Walter Storholt: You get kind of a second hit in the tax calendar this time of year. Most people think of taxes as just being something you worry about at the last minute in April, but you get a little bit of a second wind as we head toward October, right?   Tony Mauro: We do. As we're taping this, we're coming up on a due date the IRS puts on us for corporate extensions, which is the 15th, and then in another month, October 15th, everybody that we have on extensions and everybody out there have got to get those tax returns in, especially if they owe to avoid some big penalties. So most of our clients, though, are not the procrastinators or the ones that are on extension. We got them done long ago, but we still have a few that we're always pushing to get over that hurdle.   Walter Storholt: That's right. Yeah. And it's not like corporate returns are easier than personal returns, right? A few more layers and moving parts to worry about there?   Tony Mauro: It is. With the corps, it's not near as straightforward of just getting documents and getting them into the software. A lot of moving parts usually, and of course business owners by and large usually don't want to talk about taxes and they tend to put it off. So half the battle is getting them to communicate and get some of that stuff done.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, absolutely. Well, good luck wrapping those things up so that you can enjoy the changing of the fall weather and football season and all that other good stuff. Well, here's how today's episode's going to work, folks. We're going to talk about the things that you trust might make you go broke and we're going to talk about some real world things and then some financial sides of the equation as well. So we'll kind of bounce back and forth between the two.   So first of all, Tony, I like throwing this one out there. Gas station sushi. Is that something that you think you would trust?   Tony Mauro: I would never trust that. In fact, I notice even in some airports now, kind of like sushi to go and fast food sushi.   Walter Storholt: Oh, sure.   Tony Mauro: I would never do that, and I do like sushi, but that kind of stuff, especially at a gas station, I wouldn't [inaudible 00:03:21].   Walter Storholt: Yeah. I might do the airport sushi if it was a sushi restaurant in the gas station, but when it's just kind of in those grab and go sections, I don't know if I want that going wrong right before a flight, right?   Tony Mauro: Right before a flight. I agree.   Walter Storholt: The risk there is not worth it.   Tony Mauro: Yeah, yeah.   Walter Storholt: I did, I thought gas station sushi was sort of a made up thing and then one day I did actually see sushi in the gas station.   Tony Mauro: Wow.   Walter Storholt: It was not appetizing.   Tony Mauro: I've seen it in some small supermarkets and whatnot, but it just looks like, how long has that been there?   Walter Storholt: Sure.   Tony Mauro: I don't know if I want to try that, but I'm like you, I'd rather just have them cook it for me. That's the only way I'm eating it.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, it's the same thing with raw oysters. I got to trust the place I'm getting my raw oysters from.   Tony Mauro: Exactly.   Walter Storholt: Otherwise I'm not eating it. All right, so let's look at a more realistic real world thing here from the financial perspective would be people who say they've developed a system for timing the stock market. That sounds a lot like gas station sushi in my mind.   Tony Mauro: Well, it sure does. I think a lot of what we'll talk about today is stuff people are seeing online and how they need to vet that a little bit on who's writing that. But I've even seen it just scrolling through Facebook, you see the things that look like a post that are really an ad and I see a lot of these about people being able to time the market and to beat the market, so to say. And from a financial planner's perspective, any one of us is going to tell you that's been in the business for a while that even the best of the best can't really do it on a consistent basis.   So what makes whomever out there online think that they've done it? What a lot of times they'll do is, that I've seen, is they'll point to some freak kind of abnormal result that they've achieved over the short term and they've never really tested it over the long term, but even if they can long term, it's all going to even out, so I really advise people not to fall for that kind of stuff just because of that.   Walter Storholt: Yeah. I mean, anything that kind of sounds too good to be true, we can file this one under that probably is category.   Tony Mauro: That's right. Yeah.   Walter Storholt: Yeah. All right. Other things that can cause you to have some trouble in the real world is when we use WebMD to diagnose ourselves, right? Although today's version of that, it seems to be AI, right? I go into AI now and I'm like, "Hey, I got this thing going on." So either one, a little questionable there.   Tony Mauro: And even in the financial world, robo-advisors and AI, it certainly is going to play a role in everything that we do I think going forward. However, I think just like in medicine and even in taxes is AI can't make the critical decisions, I don't think, at least at this point, in a person's portfolio, and not everybody is the same. There needs to be a human element in there because really, a lot about goals and emotions, how you feel about things, and AI can't pick that up, at least yet. And a lot of people I think use WebMD and some other things kind of basically just for a quick hitter and there's nothing wrong with that, gathering some information, but I would say confirm that with an advisor to make sure it's really true.   Walter Storholt: I like your perspective on that, and it's kind of funny, I used AI to kind of analyze some test results recently on my ankle. I had an MRI done on a heel Achilles injury, but I didn't know what I was reading, right? All these big fancy words, and it was kind of hard to sort through it all with the way that it was laid out in the test results, and my follow-up appointment wasn't going to be for a couple of days and I kind of wanted to know what was going on a little bit more from what the techs found. And so I took all of that gibberish and threw it into AI and it was able to kind of at least give me an idea of what I was facing. So it set some expectations for then that visit to the doctor.   I wasn't trying to make it fix my ankle, but to say, "Okay, so what am I looking at? What are my options? What's the good? What's the bad here?" That was kind of helpful and kind of nice. I could see that helping a lot in the financial realm too, maybe using AI to maybe make certain parts of the process easier, but man, I'm still going to go to that doctor, I'm still going to go to that advisor and get that interpretation, that guidance. And then like you said, the decision-making, the critical choices got to still happen from the human, at least at this point.   What about advisors who say there are no fees in your portfolio? Is that a trust this, go broke kind of thing?   Tony Mauro: Well, I would be very leery of that because in everything we're doing in the financial world, even if you don't have an advisor and you're doing it yourself, almost every investment has some fees of some kind, unless you just flat own individual stocks and/or bonds. You do pay a fee when you buy and sell, but I think what this is referring to more so is people saying that they're going to be able to advise you for absolutely no fees. There are always fees, you just have to look for them.   What we do with our clients is in everything that we're doing for them. I mean, we're fee only. So yeah, there's going to be a fee to be the financial quarterback, but we want to disclose that and make sure that the client knows what they're paying us and what they're paying us for, what the kind of value we're going to deliver for that. And then also any types of investments that we're choosing, we want to let them know what type of fees are hidden in there because fees can add up, obviously. More in fees you pay, the less return you're going to have, and that will affect your goals a little bit. But yeah, be very leery of that. If somebody's saying there's absolutely no fees, I would love to see that, because I've never seen it.   Walter Storholt: No one's working for free, right? So someone's getting paid in some way, shape or form. It's just making sure we understand who and how and where it's coming from.   Tony Mauro: And what the amount is. Absolutely.   Walter Storholt: Yeah. This one's a callback to any fans of The Office. When the deposed king of Nigeria sends you a letter, you respond to it or whatever that quote was. So what about those Nigerian princes offering to share a portion of their fortune with you via email?   Tony Mauro: Via email? Yeah.   Walter Storholt: That's even worse than gas station sushi, right?   Tony Mauro: It really is. I've actually had three clients over my span of being in business... It's been a long time. This isn't as prevalent now as AI calling people and faking somebody they know and sending them money, but [inaudible 00:09:35]-   Walter Storholt: The scam has gotten more sophisticated, right?   Tony Mauro: It has. It has. But I've had three people, this exact email came to them and they sent money and one sent like $4,000 and it was an older lady and after it's gone, it's gone, but obviously there must be some people that still fall for this because they're still doing it, but now it's more sophisticated, so now it's moving on to AI-generated language of somebody and calling you saying they're in jail, they need money and all of that. Very difficult for people to decipher. But my advice to anybody, don't send any money to anybody until you've talked to a human being. It's just not worth it.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, absolutely. Just be on the lookout for anything that doesn't quite feel right and then maybe seek a second opinion. My folks have done that in the past, Tony, and I told them, "Please always feel comfortable with that. If you ever feel like something's not quite right, just give me a call and we'll look at it together real quick and just get that outside voice and say, 'Oh yeah, this doesn't sound right,'" because that can be really helpful when you just get that other person that can validate your suspicious feelings, if you will.   All right, we're talking about things that if you trust it, you might go broke. I'm going to put some trust in a stock market that hasn't crashed in a decade. Is that a fool's errand if I'm doing something like that?   Tony Mauro: I believe it's a fool's errand, yes. Depends on how you define crashed, but the market moves up and down and it's very easy to show people a timeline. Even over the last 10 years, we can name 21. When we had COVID, everybody thought it's the next doomsday. And so we have minor corrections and sometimes they're major corrections, but if you go back 10 years, yeah, there's ups and downs and so that's totally false. And anybody that tells you that, if you're talking about the stock market, is basically either manipulating the numbers or they're just flat out not saying the truth in my mind.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, it's an easy one to cover for sure. This next one really grates me. The weather forecasts that are more than three days out, just don't even look at them, right?   Tony Mauro: That's right, that's right. Don't even look at them. In fact, it's funny on the weather. So I fly a small plane for a hobby and so we're always fascinated with the weather. We're always looking at the weather because that's a scary thing, and they preach it and preach it and preach it when you're learning to fly. And I feel like the weather forecasts we get are some of the best of the best and it's still just a forecast, and many times they'll forecast something that's completely off even for a day out. So can't control the weather. It's so funny. We have all this scientific stuff, and yet it still wins sometimes. So yeah, don't trust that. My mom used to always look at the weather way out and she would just swear by it and it's like half the time it would never be what they said.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, we had that exact same experience just last week, Tony. We were back in Pennsylvania near family for a baby shower and it was an outdoor event and we were kind of throwing the outdoor event, and every single day for the 10 days leading up to the event, 80% rain, 90% rain, hail, thunderstorms, severe weather, boom, boom, boom, all the stuff. And I just kept telling my wife, "It's going to be fine. It's going to be okay. I promise you it's going to be just... Whatever they're saying it is now, it's not going to be on the day of." And sure enough, we had perfect weather on the day of. It worked out beautifully, not a single drop of rain. So sometimes it just happens like that.   All right, let's talk about celebrity endorsements for financial products as another thing that we have to be wary of. This seems like it's popped up a lot more in recent years. I'm thinking of Super Bowl commercials with celebrities talking about various investments. And I don't know if this gets you in compliance trouble, Tony, but crypto or something along those lines, it's very prevalent now to see celebrities endorsing financial products.   Tony Mauro: You do, you see it a lot. And going back to what we were talking about a little earlier with no fees, these celebrities of course are getting paid to endorse. I mean, hopefully everybody understands that, although even if you do understand that, there's something about seeing that celebrity, especially if it's one you like, endorsing something that you might make an emotional decision to purchase that product just because you see them, you kind of feel like you're part of their group. And I think you need to, obviously with financial products, any of them, check with your advisor, because they're just doing a blanket statement, and I think there's much more to any product itself. If it fits in your plan, regardless of if they've endorsed it or not, it's going to be a good thing. If it doesn't, then obviously you need your advisor to say, "No, that's not suitable for you," depending on what you have in your plan.   But I see it a lot on the marketing side. There's a lot of things out there. Let's say I'm marketing my practice and I get a celebrity to endorse, "Hey, Tony Mauro is the greatest thing. He's the greatest planner, this or that." That resonates with people and these celebrities have themselves out there for hire and it's kind of crazy to have that. I've always told my brothers my celebrity endorsement would be Kiss, the rock group. I don't know what kind of crowd from my past that would attract, but I'm sure those guys for the right fee would dress up and do it. I know Gene Simmons would probably. But it's interesting on those. It's fun to see them, but there is a lot of them endorsing financial products.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, that's pretty funny. I'm just picturing Kiss doing your endorsement.   Tony Mauro: Wouldn't that be funny, had a few of the members in there? I was a big fan. I still-   Walter Storholt: Maybe they could do the jingle.   Tony Mauro: That's right. Do the jingle.   Walter Storholt: Kiss jingle. I love it. Have you ever bought duct tape from the dollar store, Tony?   Tony Mauro: I never have.   Walter Storholt: I have.   Tony Mauro: Have you?   Walter Storholt: It doesn't work very well.   Tony Mauro: I was going to say, did it work? Because it doesn't sound like it's going to work.   Walter Storholt: No, it's not very sticky and it's so thin that you can only really get a few pulls off of the duct tape before it's out. That's why it's only a dollar. There's hardly any on there. It's almost as if they just bought out the used roles that just had a couple of uses left and that's what they're selling for the dollar. Yeah, I wouldn't trust it. I suggest avoiding it.   Tony Mauro: Avoid it. I was going to ask you, is that the stuff they can't sell anywhere else or that falls off the spool or [inaudible 00:15:55].   Walter Storholt: Right, right. It's just the last few bits clinging to the spool I think is what they're selling at the-   Tony Mauro: Yeah, that's cool.   Walter Storholt: ... dollar store duct tape. So watch out for that one. Back to the financial side, friends' or neighbors' retirement strategies. Well, this is one that's tricky, right? Because that's advice and information coming from people we trust.   Tony Mauro: People you trust, and they start, just like the celebrities, you trust them and you figure if it's good enough for them, it might be good enough for you, but in a lot of cases it's not because obviously everybody's different, has different goals and whatnot, and I think that's another thing to run by your advisor as to, "Hey." I mean, we hear it a lot, "Hey, such and such told me this or that." And it's good that they ask what you think, what we think and then we can kind of tell them, "Well, that does in their situation probably apply, but in yours with the way we've got you set up and what you told us you wanted to achieve, that may or may not be the best strategy." But it is a source of information and I just think you need to verify it. I'm saying that about all of these basically, but just yeah, you can't take it as blanket advice. It's almost like just blindly trusting AI to complete your financial plan, because it may not be suitable for you.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, that's another great point. All right, we've got one more real world and one more financial element. The last real world one is autocorrect. Don't trust it.   Tony Mauro: Don't trust it, right? It's-   Walter Storholt: We've all seen it turn one word that we wanted into a different word, right?   Tony Mauro: Yes. I always tell my staff, and I try to do it as well, I would advise it to everybody that's out there, whether it's a text or email, but I think is to proof what you're going to send before you send it. We've all gotten so using autocorrect as a crutch that we're spoiled and we just get fast. And I think sometimes it's actually accepted. You read a text from somebody or an email and it's kind of all garble, but you kind of know what they meant. You figure it-   Walter Storholt: You kind of figure it out, yeah.   Tony Mauro: Yeah. But for us from a business standpoint, it's not very professional to send out stuff that doesn't make sense. But even in the real world, yeah, it might put in the wrong... It's good, but it's not perfect, and a lot of times it doesn't correct proper grammar even close. So if you accidentally type or say something and it's not clear that autocorrect doesn't get it... In fact, just this morning, I was typing something to a tax client in their portal and in the portal it does not have autocorrect and I was kind of mad. I said, "You know what? I'm going to bring that up to the software provider and say, 'You guys need to autocorrect in here because I don't like to have to make sure that I really read this,'" because I get lazy and we start depending on it, but you really can't.   Walter Storholt: I could swap this one in and out with voice to text, right? My dad was a big voice to text person, still is. But when he was still working and this technology was just real... He was a very late convert from the flip phones to a smartphone or tablets that they used at his work. And when he was in the field, he'd always be sending back messages to the office and logging things in there. They were in a service business, so he'd be logging things into their portals and whatnot and using voice to text for everything.   He loved voice to text. He was like, "This is the greatest thing." He'd send me texts, he'd send me long emails that were all dictated. He is like, "I'm not correcting anything. I don't care." And I'm like, "I love you for it because you just don't even worry about it." It's like it says what it says and you can figure it out or don't, just very matter of fact. But this was my favorite thing. When he retired, they had a little retirement party for him at work and the big final thing they did at his retirement party is everyone had submitted their favorite Jim stories of their voice to text and they read them all out loud and they were hilarious.   Tony Mauro: Had a good laugh?   Walter Storholt: Oh, it was a great laugh. They had a good time poking some fun at them and lots of smiles and there were some real doozies in there, too.   Tony Mauro: That's cool.   Walter Storholt: Very entertaining.   Tony Mauro: But yeah.   Walter Storholt: All right, last one here. Financial rules of thumb without context. That's the trust this, go broke part of that. Without context, that's really important there at the end.   Tony Mauro: It is. And in the financial world, there's a lot of rules of thumb out there and a lot of them make sense. I think that just trusting them without verifying and maybe executing them could lead to some financial disaster. So I would highly recommend at least getting an interpretation of that rule of thumb, especially if you kind of don't understand it and where it's going, and make sure it fits in your situation before you just blindly go out and do something that is going to be detrimental, because keep in mind, all of these things outside of the funnies that we're sharing, the serious stuff, as you age and you make more and more of these potential blunders, you start to run out of time. And if you make too many of them and you're sitting there scratching your head at age 58 or 60 saying, "Boy, I'm not even close to where I thought I should be," maybe it's because you did some of these things without advice and that's the biggest thing I want to get over.   I always tell my staff as we're talking about all of these, it kind of ties in, that you're not going to know everything about the tax law and whatnot. You did when you studied and you got your certification, but you need to know where to look, and it's not got to be authoritative. I always tell them, "Do not blindly just go out and read something on Google or Facebook or whatever and think it's true in our area because number one, you know better, and two is who knows what kind of qualifications whoever wrote this had." And so I always harp on them on that.   And my last thought is, and I just shared it with them yesterday, it was right out of accounting today, and it says, "The IRS over the last two and a half years has instituted $162 million in penalties and interest from people that have filed incorrect tax returns saying they got advice online," and it went on to say, this is the IRS talking, "Do not trust Facebook posts and this and that on questionable tax credits and things that can get you in trouble and then you go blindly prepare your own return and next thing you know you got us breathing down your neck." And so if the IRS is saying that, you know it's out there in the financial world as well and in a lot of other sectors too. It could be auto repair, it could be anything.   So make sure that you are working with your advisor. Make sure you have a plan based on your situation so you can get that personal guidance. You could always look up some things and ask questions. I think it's great that we have all this information available to us, but I definitely think that most people are going to be much better off with getting advice from a planner. That's my opinion, of course, but that's my take on it.   Walter Storholt: Yeah, trust is a good thing, bottom line, but in retirement planning, blind trust can be dangerous just like gas station sushi or blindly trusting duct tape from the dollar store or weather forecasts 10 days out. All of those things end up getting us in trouble to some extent. And that's what happens in the financial world when that blind trust enters the equation too.   So that's why it pays off to have a financial plan built on facts and that personalized guidance that Tony just mentioned. If you'd like to set up a time to visit and explore what a financial plan looks like with Tony's help and guidance, you can certainly do that. The number to call is 844-707-7381, and you can also go online to yourplanningpros.com, yourplanningpros.com. We've got all the contact information in the description of today's show so you can find it easily there. Tap into that 30-plus years of financial planning experience that Tony brings to the table, not only as a CPA, but a certified financial planner as well.   Well Tony, thanks so much for all the help today. I'll be back with you again on the next episode before Mark returns and looking forward to chatting with you again soon.   Tony Mauro: All right, we'll see you on the next one.   Walter Storholt: All right, take care everyone. We'll see you again right back here on Plan with the Tax Man.   Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services SM, member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services. Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency. Investment strategies discussed in this episode may not be suitable for all investors. Please consult with a financial professional.

Welcome back to your two favorite girlies! Today we covered Maddy's anxiety spiral which we are sure you can ALL relate to.  From a potential new diagnosis, to wedding guest dress shopping, we really covered it all.  Find Ali here on  instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theantioverwhelmcoach?igsh=OHAyZ3lwcXBoY3c3  Find Maddy here on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddymartinez.coaching?igsh=M3djYWY5YWltYzE%3D&utm_source=qr Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and send us your health / relationship / life / just need advice on, submit your questions here: https://bit.ly/KHKH-ask-my-question Find us on all streaming platforms here, including the full video experience on our YouTube channel

What happens when bipolar disorder collides with hypochondria? Is it even possible for someone to have both conditions? In this episode, Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a psychiatrist) tackle the complex overlap between bipolar disorder and what's often called hypochondria but is now known as illness anxiety disorder.Together, they explore the confusion that comes when symptoms of panic, mania, or depression mimic physical health conditions — and why people with bipolar disorder often have trouble being taken seriously in medical settings. From emergency room misdiagnoses to the fear of “crying wolf” during a health scare, our hosts unpack the stigma and frustration many face when advocating for their physical health.Key takeaways the difference between illness anxiety disorder (hypochondria) and bipolar symptoms why people with mental illness are often dismissed in healthcare how therapy can help reduce overwhelming health fears You'll also hear practical advice on how to tell the difference between anxiety and a medical emergency, the importance of knowing your symptom patterns, and why having a consistent primary care doctor is crucial. Listen now! "It matters whether you have hypochondria or whether mania is driving it, because of your next steps. If you truly have hypochondria, if you really are a hypochondriac, you are worried about being sick regardless of your mood state. So whether you're happy, sad, manic, whatever, this hypochondria persists. If you're only ultra focused on illness in a manic state or a grandiosity state, or with some specific symptom of bipolar disorder. Then it's just the bipolar disorder manifesting itself." ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Please share the show with everyone you know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Digital transformation isn't just for tech companies—it's reshaping even the most traditional industries.  In this episode of Leader Generation, Chief Digital Officer Alan Wizemann returns to share how Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits is redefining what it means to be a beverage distributor. From AI-powered recommendations to warehouse drones and robotics, Alan explains how technology is enhancing customer experiences, streamlining operations and creating new opportunities for employees. Listeners will hear how Southern Glazer's is prioritizing “time to value” by focusing on customer needs first, not just company revenue goals. Alan also talks about the importance of durable teams, piloting before scaling and building a culture where innovation enhances human relationships rather than replaces them.  Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Alan Wizemann: Alan Wizemann is Chief Digital Officer for Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer's), the world's pre-eminent distributor of beverage alcohol, and proud to be a multi-generational, family-owned Company. Wizemann leads the Company's Digital Acceleration group, overseeing Southern Glazer's digital transformation, and is responsible for enterprise-wide digital initiatives—including the industry-leading B2B eCommerce Proof® platform.  With decades of experience in digital product development, omni-channel experiences, technology, and entrepreneurship, Wizemann has been instrumental in shaping and transforming the digital landscape for some of the world's most well-known consumer companies. At Target Corporation, he launched and led key digital initiatives across Target.com, Target Mobile, and Cartwheel, which became an industry-leading mobile platform. Wizemann also held digital leadership roles driving transformation at Lululemon Athletica Inc., Goop, WebMD, Dollar Shave Club, quip, and most recently, Munchkin Inc. His visionary approach to product strategy, user-centric design and building agile teams at scale has consistently delivered results.   Wizemann is an engineer at heart who has delivered effective solutions in complex environments, and he is a proven entrepreneur who has built and scaled digital capabilities and fostered a culture of innovation.  About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.  

The Skin Real app is officially LIVE! Download it now. Download my Free Guide 'In My Perimenopause Era' Download the Ultimate Affordable Skincare Guide When was the last time you thought about your vulvar health? If your answer is “never,” you're not alone. Most women avoid talking or even thinking about this part of their body, but during perimenopause and menopause, changes in vulvar and vaginal health can have a huge impact on your comfort, confidence, and quality of life. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Diana Londoño, a urologist who is breaking the silence on intimate health. We talk about the changes estrogen loss brings—from dryness, itching, painful sex, and recurrent UTIs to the lesser-known issues like bladder urgency and vulvar atrophy. She also explains how simple solutions like vaginal estrogen cream, hormone therapy, and lifestyle tweaks can protect your vulvar health and prevent years of suffering. ✨ Key Takeaways: Why vulvar health is central to your bladder, vaginal, and sexual health during menopause. How to know if your symptoms are normal aging or a red flag that needs further evaluation. The connection between UTIs, GSM (genitourinary syndrome of menopause), and vulvar atrophy. Why vaginal estrogen is safe, preventative, and worth considering even if you're not sexually active. How stress and mindset affect bladder symptoms and overall well-being. If you've ever felt embarrassed, ignored, or confused about what's happening “down there,” this episode will give you clarity and confidence. Dr. Diana Londoño is a Board-Certified Urologist and one of the 10% of urologists in the US who are women and the 0.5% who are Latinx and women.  She is originally from Mexico City and attended Claremont McKenna College for her undergraduate studies and then went on to attend UCLA for medical school.  She completed a 6-year residency in Urology at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.   She has experienced burnout twice, which has led her to write and speak about it to raise awareness and help others. She has published multiple articles in prominent medical platforms, including Medscape, Doximity, Kevin MD, Men's Health, Giddy.com, and WebMD, among others. She is also a contributing author to the books “Thriving After Burnout” and “Medic S.O.S.”  She has also been a guest on numerous podcasts, discussing various topics, including wellness, stress, spirituality, and energy.   Her burnout journey led her to become a certified life coach and founder of Physician Coach Support.com, a peer support platform she ran for 3 years. In 2022, she received the Los Angeles County Medical Association Physician Leadership Award for her work.    She is an international speaker and guest on multiple podcasts, discussing topics such as wellness, boundaries, ego, humanity in medicine, mindset, and mindfulness. She has also been featured on TV on Univision, Telemundo, Mundo Fox, CNN Latino, KCET, and ABC News as a health consultant discussing urological topics.   She is also a Reiki Master, a Pranic Healer and the mother of two determined and joyful 7- —and 9-year-old girls, Daniela and Paloma.   Follow Dr. Londoño here:   Website -https://dianalondonomd.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianalondonomd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dianalondonomd/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@dianalondonomd   Want more expert skin advice without the overwhelm? Subscribe to The Skin Real Podcast wherever you listen, and visit www.theskinreal.com for dermatologist-backed tips to help you feel confident in your skin—at every age. Follow Dr. Mina here:-  https://instagram.com/drminaskin https://www.facebook.com/drminaskin https://www.youtube.com/@drminaskin https://www.linkedin.com/in/drminaskin/ Visit Dr. Mina at Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery Website: atlantadermsurgery.com Email: scheduling@atlantadermsurgery.com Call: (404) 844-0496 Instagram: @baucomminamd Thanks for tuning in. And remember—real skin care is real simple when you know who to trust. Disclaimer: This podcast is for entertainment, educational, and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.      

In this episode Mark interviews Phil Marshall, the author of the recently released science fiction novel Taming the Perilous Skies and the founder of Spoken, a platform that removes numerous audiobook production barriers for indie authors and small publishers. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by ScribeCount (affiliate link). Spend less time logging in to multiple platforms and crunching numbers, and more time writing and marketing your books thanks to ScribeCount's handy all-in-one interface. In the interview, Mark and Phil talk about: Phil's background with Conversa Being trained as a surgeon and then switching to product development and technology The novel (TAMING THE PERILOUS SKIES) that was baking in his head since 2021 Distributing 130 copies of his novel to early readers at a recent WorldCon The market info of "Dan Brown meets Andy Weir" How the novel and Spoken itself were both inspired by the same thing An explanation of what Spoken is and how it addresses Phil's desire for multi-cast narration Multi-voice narration being a speciality of Spoken Why Phil is releasing the novel in multi-cast narration via Spoken for free in chapter by chapter installments Spoken having just completed a full year of beta release and is now available as a fully available product A bit of a walk-thru of how Spoken breaks out different character voices in an automated manner How ElevenLabs and Hume are the two partners Spoken uses for their character and narrator voices The costs involved in producing these audio books How there is no cost for listeners who want to check out how things sound on Spoken Phil's message to authors who are nervous/anxious about A.I. And more... After the interview Mark reflects on a couple of things related to the conversation. Links of Interest: Spoken Phil Marshall's Website Phil's Book: Taming the Perilous Skies EP 432 - Creativity, Connection, and Community with Police Officer and Author A.L. Wahdel EP 056 - Balance and Counterbalance with Katie Cross Kobo Writing Life Podcast EP 78 (March 2017) - Katie Cross: From Full-Time Author to Full-Time Mom SPA Girls Podcast Episode 517 (with Mark) YouTube Main Podcast Link Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Mark's YouTube channel Mark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup) An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and Libraries The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City Only Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Yippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard Merry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation   Phil Marshall Bio: I build technologies, organizations, and stories that imagine a fantastic future. From my theory of persistence, which sits at the heart of my sci-fi writing, to pioneering conversational AI that transformed the relationships between doctors and patients, to creating groundbreaking tools that are transforming the relationship between authors and their readers, I thrive at the intersection of imagination and execution. My current project is Spoken, bringing authors and readers together around great audio stories that are made possible by technology. Before Spoken, I co-founded Conversa, a platform that connected patients and care teams using conversational AI.  Along the way, I've built technologies that span personalization (WebMD), collaborative movie-making (JumperCut), ontology-driven knowledge graphs (OntoLogic.ai), and concept-based health record threading (WellMed).   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0      

What if managing bipolar disorder wasn't just about medication? Too often, conversations around bipolar treatment stop at the pharmacy counter. But what about therapy that helps you process trauma? What about learning your triggers before a full-blown episode hits? What about diet, exercise, creativity, and community support? These are not extras — they're essential.In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (who lives with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board certified psychiatrist) dive deep into science-backed strategies for managing bipolar disorder beyond medication. From therapy to sleep hygiene to mindfulness medications, they explore the powerful “other pieces of the puzzle” that can help stabilize moods and improve daily life. Key Takeaways how being “med compliant” isn't the be-all and end-all of bipolar management why therapy, triggers, and sleep tracking can be critical in maintaining stability how diet, exercise, and creativity can support long-term mental health practical steps to build (and lean on) a strong, balanced support system If you've ever asked, “What else can help manage bipolar disorder besides being ‘med compliant'?”— this episode has the answers. “People aren't discussing them enough. When it comes to managing bipolar disorder, it's not one big thing that you do well. It's many little things. And this episode, especially the research for it, has really shown me that doing a lot of little things well often garners really big results.” ~Gabe Howard, Host Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eating Disorders: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge, 2022) presents an accessible introduction to the conceptualization and treatment of eating disorders from a psychoanalytic perspective. Each of the chapters offers a different perspective on these difficult-to-treat conditions and taken together, illustrate the breadth and depth that psychoanalytic thinking can offer both seasoned clinicians as well as those just beginning to explore the field. Different aspects of how psychoanalytic theory and practice can engage with eating disorders are addressed, including mobilizing its nuanced developmental theories to illustrate the difficulties these patients have with putting feelings into words, the loathing that they feel towards their bodies, the disharmonies they experience in the link between body and mind, and even the ways that they engage with online Internet forums. This is an accessible read for clinicians at the start of their career and will also be a useful, novel take on the subject for experienced practitioners. Tom Wooldridge, PsyD, ABPP, CEDS-S is Chair in the Department of Psychology at Golden Gate University as well as a psychoanalyst and board-certified, licensed psychologist. He has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on topics such as eating disorders, masculinity, technology, and psychoanalytic treatment. His first book, Understanding Anorexia Nervosa in Males, was published by Routledge in 2016 and has been praised as “groundbreaking” and a “milestone publication in our field.” His second book, Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders: When Words Fail and Bodies Speak, an edited volume in the Relational Perspectives Book Series, was published by Routledge in 2018, and has also been well reviewed. In addition, Dr. Wooldridge has been interviewed by numerous media publications including Newsweek, Slate, WebMD, and others for his work. He is on the Scientific Advisory Council of the National Eating Disorders Association, Faculty at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) and the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP), an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF's Medical School, and has a private practice in Berkeley, CA. Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C is a Licensed Psychologist practicing in California. She is associate professor at California Institute of Integral Studies. She can be reached at contact@helenavissing.com. She is the author of Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Treatment of Trauma in the Perinatal Period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis

Eating Disorders: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge, 2022) presents an accessible introduction to the conceptualization and treatment of eating disorders from a psychoanalytic perspective. Each of the chapters offers a different perspective on these difficult-to-treat conditions and taken together, illustrate the breadth and depth that psychoanalytic thinking can offer both seasoned clinicians as well as those just beginning to explore the field. Different aspects of how psychoanalytic theory and practice can engage with eating disorders are addressed, including mobilizing its nuanced developmental theories to illustrate the difficulties these patients have with putting feelings into words, the loathing that they feel towards their bodies, the disharmonies they experience in the link between body and mind, and even the ways that they engage with online Internet forums. This is an accessible read for clinicians at the start of their career and will also be a useful, novel take on the subject for experienced practitioners. Tom Wooldridge, PsyD, ABPP, CEDS-S is Chair in the Department of Psychology at Golden Gate University as well as a psychoanalyst and board-certified, licensed psychologist. He has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on topics such as eating disorders, masculinity, technology, and psychoanalytic treatment. His first book, Understanding Anorexia Nervosa in Males, was published by Routledge in 2016 and has been praised as “groundbreaking” and a “milestone publication in our field.” His second book, Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders: When Words Fail and Bodies Speak, an edited volume in the Relational Perspectives Book Series, was published by Routledge in 2018, and has also been well reviewed. In addition, Dr. Wooldridge has been interviewed by numerous media publications including Newsweek, Slate, WebMD, and others for his work. He is on the Scientific Advisory Council of the National Eating Disorders Association, Faculty at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) and the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP), an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF's Medical School, and has a private practice in Berkeley, CA. Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C is a Licensed Psychologist practicing in California. She is associate professor at California Institute of Integral Studies. She can be reached at contact@helenavissing.com. She is the author of Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Treatment of Trauma in the Perinatal Period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Eating Disorders: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge, 2022) presents an accessible introduction to the conceptualization and treatment of eating disorders from a psychoanalytic perspective. Each of the chapters offers a different perspective on these difficult-to-treat conditions and taken together, illustrate the breadth and depth that psychoanalytic thinking can offer both seasoned clinicians as well as those just beginning to explore the field. Different aspects of how psychoanalytic theory and practice can engage with eating disorders are addressed, including mobilizing its nuanced developmental theories to illustrate the difficulties these patients have with putting feelings into words, the loathing that they feel towards their bodies, the disharmonies they experience in the link between body and mind, and even the ways that they engage with online Internet forums. This is an accessible read for clinicians at the start of their career and will also be a useful, novel take on the subject for experienced practitioners. Tom Wooldridge, PsyD, ABPP, CEDS-S is Chair in the Department of Psychology at Golden Gate University as well as a psychoanalyst and board-certified, licensed psychologist. He has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on topics such as eating disorders, masculinity, technology, and psychoanalytic treatment. His first book, Understanding Anorexia Nervosa in Males, was published by Routledge in 2016 and has been praised as “groundbreaking” and a “milestone publication in our field.” His second book, Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders: When Words Fail and Bodies Speak, an edited volume in the Relational Perspectives Book Series, was published by Routledge in 2018, and has also been well reviewed. In addition, Dr. Wooldridge has been interviewed by numerous media publications including Newsweek, Slate, WebMD, and others for his work. He is on the Scientific Advisory Council of the National Eating Disorders Association, Faculty at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) and the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP), an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF's Medical School, and has a private practice in Berkeley, CA. Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C is a Licensed Psychologist practicing in California. She is associate professor at California Institute of Integral Studies. She can be reached at contact@helenavissing.com. She is the author of Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Treatment of Trauma in the Perinatal Period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/food

Eating Disorders: A Contemporary Introduction (Routledge, 2022) presents an accessible introduction to the conceptualization and treatment of eating disorders from a psychoanalytic perspective. Each of the chapters offers a different perspective on these difficult-to-treat conditions and taken together, illustrate the breadth and depth that psychoanalytic thinking can offer both seasoned clinicians as well as those just beginning to explore the field. Different aspects of how psychoanalytic theory and practice can engage with eating disorders are addressed, including mobilizing its nuanced developmental theories to illustrate the difficulties these patients have with putting feelings into words, the loathing that they feel towards their bodies, the disharmonies they experience in the link between body and mind, and even the ways that they engage with online Internet forums. This is an accessible read for clinicians at the start of their career and will also be a useful, novel take on the subject for experienced practitioners. Tom Wooldridge, PsyD, ABPP, CEDS-S is Chair in the Department of Psychology at Golden Gate University as well as a psychoanalyst and board-certified, licensed psychologist. He has published numerous journal articles and book chapters on topics such as eating disorders, masculinity, technology, and psychoanalytic treatment. His first book, Understanding Anorexia Nervosa in Males, was published by Routledge in 2016 and has been praised as “groundbreaking” and a “milestone publication in our field.” His second book, Psychoanalytic Treatment of Eating Disorders: When Words Fail and Bodies Speak, an edited volume in the Relational Perspectives Book Series, was published by Routledge in 2018, and has also been well reviewed. In addition, Dr. Wooldridge has been interviewed by numerous media publications including Newsweek, Slate, WebMD, and others for his work. He is on the Scientific Advisory Council of the National Eating Disorders Association, Faculty at the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) and the Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP), an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCSF's Medical School, and has a private practice in Berkeley, CA. Helena Vissing, PsyD, SEP, PMH-C is a Licensed Psychologist practicing in California. She is associate professor at California Institute of Integral Studies. She can be reached at contact@helenavissing.com. She is the author of Somatic Maternal Healing: Psychodynamic and Somatic Treatment of Trauma in the Perinatal Period. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

Guys like Jai don't just make us sick… they make WebMD crash from the traffic. Just hear his stories and you'll need a prescription. We're also rolling out the brand new “Jacket Report” — because apparently showing your hands is the new background check. And Cane? He just went from Mellencamping to monkey-barring like it's a midlife recess. Proof that it's never too late to learn something ridiculous. Plus, a whole lot more chaos where that came from!

Do you feel trapped in a therapy or psychiatry relationship that feels stagnant, unsettling, or just plain wrong? This episode pulls no punches as hosts Gabe Howard — who lives with bipolar disorder — and Dr. Nicole Washington — a board certified psychiatrist — tackle the uncomfortable question most people think about but rarely voice: “How, and when, is it time to part ways with your mental health professional?" This direct and practical conversation cuts through the guilt, the logistics, and the myths about “ghosting” therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Dr. Nicole explains when walking away is OK, when to be careful (especially with meds), and why honest communication can actually be beneficial to you as the patient. Gabe brings the patient perspective — what it feels like to doubt care, to fear being “difficult,” and some tips to tell if the problem is the professional, your stage in recovery, or just a bad fit. Takeaways You don't have to explain, but honest conversation is usually the healthier choice. Plan transitions first: “Ghosting” can create dangerous gaps in your care. Ask for records and time your switch to minimize treatment disruption. If you've ever wondered whether you owe the professional an explanation, how to keep medication continuity, or what to ask on day one to avoid a mismatch later — this episode is for you. Expect blunt truth and step-by-step strategies to move on responsibly so your recovery doesn't skip a beat. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's Inside Mental Health podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are available directly from the author with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, gabehoward.com. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Got topic ideas or questions? Hit us up at show@psychcentral.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret and Amy discuss the surprisingly normal reasons kids lie—and why it's not always a sign of bad behavior. From toddlers covered in cake who swear they didn't eat it, to teens who “forget” to mention that party in the woods, we unpack how lying is often a developmental milestone, not a moral failure. We discuss: When kids first start lying—and what brain developments make it possible The role of theory of mind and executive function in fibbing How to tell the difference between a harmless whopper and something more concerning Why habitual lying could point to deeper issues—and how to address them without shame The importance of “truth checks,” “consequence resets,” and staying on the same side of the net as your kid Here are links to some of the resources mentioned in the episode: Jennifer Soong for WebMD: 8 Mistakes Parents Make With Preschoolers Beth Arky for childmind.org: Why Kids Lie and What Parents Can Do About It Harold S. Koplewicz, MD for childmind.org: When should you get help for a child who's a habitual liar? Sarah Gonser for Parents: A Parent's Guide to Lying and Age-Appropriate Consequences Xiao Pan Ding et al for Hangzhou College of Preschool Education: Theory-of-Mind Training Causes Honest Young Children to Lie Susan Pinker for Wall Street Journal: Children's Lies Are a Sign of Cognitive Progress Zawn Villines for Good Therapy: Why Do Children Lie? Normal, Compulsive, and Pathological Lying in Kids Our Fresh Take with Harold Koplewicz Sign up for What Fresh Hell Plus on Supporting Cast to get all episodes ad-free, plus monthly bonus episodes. Supporting Cast works right where you already listen! Go to whatfreshhell.supportingcast.fm to subscribe in two taps for just $4.99 a month, or $39.99 a year. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, lying in kids, kids lying Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Is it possible to dominate pickleball while defending your daughter's honor?"In this wildly entertaining episode of The Ben and Skin Show, the crew dives headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of everyday life, starting with Ben's hilarious and oddly heroic tale of taking on teenage rivals in a late-night pickleball showdown. Fueled by competitive fire and a $300 paddle revelation, Ben finds himself deep in the pickleball rabbit hole—complete with a new sensei and a burning desire to grip up like a pro.Meanwhile, Kevin Turner battles his aging Achilles and WebMD-induced paranoia. The gang also reminisces about their Choctaw remote broadcast, where distractions ranged from a bikini-clad pregnant woman to a man dressed as two Village People at once—cowboy and construction worker. Yes, with a safety vest indoors.Krystina Ray brings the chill with her matcha obsession, sparking Skin's dream of becoming a “Matcha Man” in a viral Village People parody. And when the conversation turns to the mysterious “Dick Academy,” the jokes fly fast and furious, culminating in KT's accidental deep dive into “Men's Health's Seven Best Paddles”—which, spoiler alert, turns out to be not about pickleball.

What if you positioned your practice like Tim Hortons in the land of Dunkin'?   By Editor-in-Chief, Concierge Medicine Today/Host, The DocPreneur Leadership Podcast   So, I'm riding shotgun with my teenage son who some of you have met, Matthew, riding through Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan (yes, that's a real place in Canada—not a children's book or a lumberjack's nickname). We're up there visiting family when suddenly, Matthew blurts out: “Hey Dad! Look—Tim Hortons!” You'd think he'd spotted Bigfoot holding a maple donut.   Now, we live in the southeastern U.S.—where Tim Hortons isn't exactly on every corner like it is up north (oddly enough though, they just opened one of two here in Suwanee, GA and Columbus, GA -- so lucky us!). Around here however, it's all Dunkin' Donuts, Krispy Kreme and Waffle House. But to us? Tim Hortons is like spotting a unicorn running a drive-thru window. Which is precisely the point!   This, my friends, is called 'scarcity marketing.'   Scarcity marketing is when something becomes more desirable simply because it's rare, hard to get, or only available some of the time. Ever had Duck Donuts? Those of you who know, you know, right!?   It's psychology. It's strategy. It's genius—and yet, most physicians and practice administrators in healthcare don't use it.   Let's bring it back to your work more specifically in concierge medicine.   Scarcity is sort of baked into the concierge medicine model isn't it? After all, most concierge doctors cap their patient panel. Their not located everywhere and heck, sometimes the doctor only takes on only 500 patients a year. You're not walking into that kind of practice on a whim with your phone in one had and WebMD printout in the other.   But here's where it gets tricky: Post-COVID, patients discovered this magical thing called options. Telehealth exploded. Everyone became a semi-professional medical researcher on Instagram and TikTok. Suddenly, your patients didn't need to be within 10 miles to “see” a doctor. And now that we've entered the golden age of medical TikToks and YouTube health webinar gurus, even your great aunt knows how to self-diagnose using AI.   The result? Patients are more informed, but not necessarily more connected.   That's where you and your concierge practice come in and have the advantage.   Sure, while accessibility is great, it's created a weird paradox. The more available something is, the less valuable it feels. Just ask Blockbuster how that went.   On top of that, many low-cost primary care and "affordable" (think sub $99/pmpm) subscription-based practices still haven't fully bounced back from their pre-pandemic rhythm. Why? Because “urgent care is just easier,” or so they've been told. It's the fast-food equivalent of healthcare—convenient, but not memorable, right?   Even still today, some medical practices have dropped their prices in hopes of attracting more patients. But marketing by being “the cheapest” (oops, sorry, most affordable) often becomes a race to the bottom. Spoiler alert: there's not a trophy at the bottom -- maybe just some warm fuzzies though!   One industry expert we interviewed and spoke to recently (eg. summer 2025) said "You can't market “time,” “access,” or “care coordination” as part of your cash-based model. Those terms are legally sensitive under Medicare/OIG guidance and the Civil Monetary Penalties Law. What you can market — and what works — are routine exams and communications that are clearly defined and compliant.When structured properly, these can be part of a concierge-style offering without stepping over legal lines. And remember, most if not all of those published price versions of cash healthcare are not structuring their fees/services to allow for employer/tax-advantaged funding, and perhaps their lower prices are unintentionally reflecting that. Pre-tax and employer funding options allow for higher prices points, and can be used to provide versions of this care with 100% employer funding—that can enable more folks to benefit from this care model.” (Eischen; 2025) Bottom line of what he's saying is: You don't have to water down your value — just market it the right way. Stay away from vague “access” claims and focus on tangible, documentable services. His best advice, work with legal counsel specifically familiar with this space to keep your messaging clean and compliant. You can find a list of those resources at the 2025 Concierge Medicine Forum, October 16–18, 2025 in Atlanta, GA USA or in the Business Center Section of our web site found here.   So what does work? Connection. Community. Belonging.   Remember what the U.S. Surgeon General said not long ago? The fastest-growing health issue in America isn't cancer or heart disease. It's loneliness. Yep, good old-fashioned no-one-to-call-at-midnight loneliness. And get this—it's reportedly as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!   So now imagine you're a concierge doctor, and instead of just offering same-day appointments, you're offering connection. Patients want to feel like someone cares—like someone is on their team. And if your practice can deliver that? You're not just healthcare. You're a lifeline!   For example, that's why medical practices leaning into longevity medicine are seeing a new kind of traction. Patients aren't just looking for a quick fix. They want a partner for the long haul—someone who's going to help them stay well into their 90s (with their original knees, preferably).   Here's another example. Scarcity marketing is not unlike Harley-Davidson.   Bear with me. I know we've moved from donuts to motorcycles, but stay with me for another minute.   Harley-Davidson isn't just selling bikes. They're selling identity, loyalty, and a tight-knit community. People literally tattoo the brand on their bodies. They created H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) to foster community. Similar to what Concierge Medicine Today has done with its FOR Doctors message. It's Harley's way of saying, “You're in the club. You belong.” And it works. That's scarcity marketing at its finest: “Not everyone gets to be a part of this. But you do!”   It's not exclusive though. There's a difference. Don't confuse the two which is often why concierge medicine gets the side eye in some circles.   Now ask yourself: What if your medical practice operated with the same mindset? What if you positioned your practice like Tim Hortons in the land of Dunkin'? What if instead of chasing volume, you created value—and made people (i.e. patients!) work just a little to be part of something special and personal?   That's the future of patient relationships, longevity and concierge medicine I think intersect.   And yes, we'll be diving into this and more at our upcoming 2025 Concierge Medicine Forum, October 16–18, 2025 in Atlanta. It's the Tim Hortons of medical conferences—rare, warm, slightly addictive, and worth the trip!   In the meantime, don't just market with more noise. Market with meaning. Don't aim to be everywhere. Aim to matter somewhere.   So again I ask … What if you positioned your practice like Tim Hortons in the land of Dunkin'?   Disclaimers: THIS SITE AND ANY OTHER CMT MANAGED OR OWNED WEB PROPERTY by Concierge Medicine Today, LLC (herein CMT) DOES NOT OFFER MEDICAL, FINANCIAL, LEGAL, OR OTHER PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. ERRORS OR OMISSIONS MAY OCCUR ON THIS SITE. The content is primarily designed for general informational purposes, targeting a healthcare professional audience. Any references, links, or interviews should not be construed as endorsements. CMT is not responsible for errors, omissions, statements, conduct, or claims related to guest posts, op-eds, podcasts, press releases, sponsored job listings, or advertised opportunities. Typically, CMT will strive to remove job listings that are older than four months, but this is not guaranteed. Always consult with reliable advisors before acting on the information you find here. By using our web properties, content, events, etc., in whole or in part, you agree to comply with the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy found here, releasing Concierge Medicine Today, LLC (CMT) from all liability. Additional terms may be applicable. CMT retains the right to remove any content, images, interviews, graphics, job listings, and similar materials at its discretion at any time, without notice and without liability. Thank you.

Today Chris Nichols sits down with Matt Quale, who serves as President of Digital Banking at Forbright Bank. He has decades of experience in consumer experience, technology, and financial services, having held leadership roles at Texas Capital Bank, Bask Bank, Brighthouse Financial, MetLife, American Express, WebMD, McKinsey, ConAgra, Coca-Cola, and General Mills. Chris and Matt dive into the methodology behind creating a high-performing digital strategy through technology, marketing, and traditional bank strategy. REQUEST YOUR SPOT FOR OUR COMMUNITY BANK SUMMER PERFORMANCE SERIES HERE The views, information, or opinions expressed during this show are solely those of the participants involved and do not necessarily represent those of SouthState Bank and its employees. SouthState Bank, N.A. – Member FDIC

In this episode, we sit down with Elaine Magee , a registered dietitian who is also known as “The Recipe Doctor.” She shares tips on how to make healthy eating more approachable, clears up common misconceptions about carbs, and explains how food synergy can play a powerful role in managing blood sugar. From low-carb foods to strategies when eating out, Elaine offers practical advice for anyone looking to better manage diabetes or simply eat healthier.Elaine Magee, MPH, RD, is the author of 25 books, including the best-selling Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Diabetes and Food Synergy. Named a top dietitian by Today's Dietitian and Diabetes Forecast, she created Stanford's Performance Dining program, later adopted by NFL and NHL teams. Elaine also wrote The Recipe Doctor column and served as a WebMD expert for a decade."Healthy food isn't going to do anyone any good if no one's eating it. It has to taste great and be easy to make.”Connect with Yumlish!Yumlish Website: YumlishYumlish on Instagram: @yumlish_Yumlish on Facebook: YumlishYumlish on Twitter: @yumlish_Connect with Elaine Mcgee!Instagram URL: @therecipedoctorFacebook URL: The Recipe DoctorBooks: Tell Me What to Eat If I Have Diabetes, Food Synergy: Unleash Hundreds of Powerful Healing Food Combinations to Fight Disease and Live Well

On this episode of Food Allergy Talk, I welcome Patrick Manning, Founder of Alio, the allergy friendly protein bar company. He stays away from certain foods and his brother is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. This is the reason he built Alio. He is solving the need for a high protein allergy friendly snack bar that anyone can eat. He was actually on the road to medical school, and stopped right before applying to start Alio and impact millions!Today we are going to chat with Patrick about growing up with a sibling that is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, as well as taking an idea and turning it into a business that helps fill a void in the food allergy community. SAVE 10% AT WWW.LIVEALIO.COM USING DISCOUNT CODE: foodallergytalk10 AT CHECKOUT!About Patrick:Patrick Manning is the founder of Alio, an allergy friendly protein bar company that's redefining what it means to snack clean. A passionate entrepreneur, Patrick launched Alio with the mission to provide safe, nutritious, and delicious options for individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions. Patrick has built Alio into a brand that stands for inclusivity, transparency, and uncompromised quality. Patrick is driven by purpose and dedicated to creating products that help people feel confident in every bite  without sacrificing taste or safety.About Alio:Alio is a clean label protein bar brand dedicated to creating snacks that are free from the top 9 food allergens, seed oil free, high in protein, low in sugar, and full of flavor. Designed for active lifestyles and sensitive diets, Alio bars make it easy to snack with freedom and without compromise! Code for 10% discount while shopping the website is  foodallergytalk10Alio website: https://livealio.com/Amazon Alio review link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9PGF69X?th=1The link above brings you to the amazon listing where you can do a review for the 3 flavor combo box! Join My Private Facebook Group to connect, support and share: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FoodAllergyPI/Read My Articles on WebMD: https://blogs.webmd.com/food-allergies/lisa-horneThe Everything Nut Allergy Cookbook: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Lisa-Horne/190009636The Food Allergy Talk Podcast: https://foodallergypi.com/the-food-allergy-talk-podcast/Food Allergy P.I. Blog: https://foodallergypi.comX: @foodallergypi & @fatalkpodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/foodallergypi/ and https://www.instagram.com/foodallergytalk/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foodallergypiEmail: foodallergypi@gmail.com

We are thrilled to present today's guest, Michael Shikashio. Michael is a world-renowned expert on dog aggression and has an incredible wealth of information he generously shares, which is helpful for owners, rescuers, and trainers alike.In this conversation, Michael, Emily and Libby define aggression, discuss the ways aggression can present in different dogs (and the different levels of assessing their aggression), and so much more. Make sure to listen to the full episodes, as Michael drops important gems throughout the episode.Michael is an internationally sought out speaker on the topic of aggression - has mentored and presented to thousands of animal professionals. He is the Founder of the Aggression in Dogs Master Course, teaches trainers and consultants in over 25 countries on how to work with aggression cases, and has been featured in countless media, including the New York Times, the New York Post, Web MD, and Women's Health.​Michael Shikashio's website: https://aggressivedog.com/Fear Free: https://fearfreepets.com/ and https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://m.iaabc.org/Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers: https://www.ccpdt.org/American College of Veterinary Behaviorists: https://www.dacvb.org/

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage plans is projected to reach about 35.7 million, according to a 2025 Senate Finance Committee report. Yet, many startup and midsize organizations face steep technical and regulatory hurdles when launching or scaling operations. As part of the broader healthcare payer enterprise landscape, these plans must manage compliance, claims adjudication, risk adjustment, and reporting. This requires robust software systems that can handle increasing complexity without driving up overhead. How can small and midsize organizations offering Medicare Advantage plans compete and scale effectively in a highly regulated, data-heavy environment?On this episode of I Don't Care, host Dr. Kevin Stevenson welcomes Chris Stanley, CEO and founder of Strategic Healthcare Management Systems (SHMS), for a deep dive into the software and operational needs of the healthcare payer enterprise. They explore how the company helps payer organizations manage everything from enrollment and risk adjustment to claims automation and regulatory reporting through a vertically integrated platform that scales fast.Key HighlightsAutomating Compliance and Operations: SHMS enables 90% reductions in staff needs for adjudication by automating plan operations, CMS risk submissions, and audits.Supporting Startup and Mid‑Sized Organizations: The company specializes in guiding small and midsize organizations within the healthcare payer enterprise from licensure through go-live, often within four months.Future‑Proofing with AI: Stanley outlines plans to integrate AI for fraud detection, contract optimization, and risk adjustment—moving from proof of concept toward scalable innovation.Chris Stanley is the CEO and Founder of Strategic Healthcare Management Systems, where he has spent nearly two decades building scalable software solutions for Medicare Advantage and payer operations. His career spans roles in software engineering, product management, and healthcare IT at organizations including WebMD, RATA Associates, and Informa. He specializes in helping healthcare payer organizations streamline operations and meet compliance standards, with deep expertise in data systems, claims processing, and regulatory reporting.

Ann Bilyew, Executive VP of Health and Group General Manager at WebMD Ignite, works with hospitals, health systems, and payers to provide technology that builds trust, reduces administrative burdens on providers, and personalizes engagements with patients and members. While AI-powered solutions are showing great promise, challenges arise in deploying new technologies due to legacy infrastructure, interoperability issues, and the need to balance innovation with potential risks and costs. A strong foundation of high-quality, clinically reviewed content is key to the ability to provide accurate information on demand. Ann explains, "We work with hospitals, health systems, payers, and essentially everybody involved in the provision or payment support in healthcare. And we work with 90% of US-based hospitals and health systems and about an equal percentage of all of the top payers in the United States." "I'd say one of the key themes that we hear time and time again across all of our clients and all of our partners is the need to build trust and the need to stay relevant and the need to personalize engagements with consumers, with patients, with members. I mean, let's face it, humans today, we've all been trained, or humans in the United States, at least, have all been trained to have a really personalized experience with their partners and their vendors. So they expect us to know them, they expect us to understand them, they expect us to know the needs, their unique set of circumstances that make them a human. And doing that within the appropriate confines of privacy regulation and requirements is really the job at hand for many of our clients." "And it's not just with hospitals, payers honestly have, for the most part, ancient care management platforms and ancient claims processing platforms. And look, there are good reasons for that. I mean, we like to sort of point to that as a thing, but it's not been because of negligence, or it's not been because people didn't want to improve and modernize their technology and their infrastructure. There are good reasons why what exists today exists, and part of it is resources and costs for sure. But part of it also is risk, and the risk associated with losing data or not being able to pay your clinicians if you're a health plan, or respond to your members in a timely way if you're a health plan, or not even being able to operate your ER effectively."  #WebMD #AIforHealth #MedAI #PatientEducation #PatientEngagement #DigitalHealth #DigitalHealthInnovations #PersonalizedCare #EmpoweredPatients webmdignite.com Download the transcript here

Ann Bilyew, Executive VP of Health and Group General Manager at WebMD Ignite, works with hospitals, health systems, and payers to provide technology that builds trust, reduces administrative burdens on providers, and personalizes engagements with patients and members. While AI-powered solutions are showing great promise, challenges arise in deploying new technologies due to legacy infrastructure, interoperability issues, and the need to balance innovation with potential risks and costs. A strong foundation of high-quality, clinically reviewed content is key to the ability to provide accurate information on demand. Ann explains, "We work with hospitals, health systems, payers, and essentially everybody involved in the provision or payment support in healthcare. And we work with 90% of US-based hospitals and health systems and about an equal percentage of all of the top payers in the United States." "I'd say one of the key themes that we hear time and time again across all of our clients and all of our partners is the need to build trust and the need to stay relevant and the need to personalize engagements with consumers, with patients, with members. I mean, let's face it, humans today, we've all been trained, or humans in the United States, at least, have all been trained to have a really personalized experience with their partners and their vendors. So they expect us to know them, they expect us to understand them, they expect us to know the needs, their unique set of circumstances that make them a human. And doing that within the appropriate confines of privacy regulation and requirements is really the job at hand for many of our clients." "And it's not just with hospitals, payers honestly have, for the most part, ancient care management platforms and ancient claims processing platforms. And look, there are good reasons for that. I mean, we like to sort of point to that as a thing, but it's not been because of negligence, or it's not been because people didn't want to improve and modernize their technology and their infrastructure. There are good reasons why what exists today exists, and part of it is resources and costs for sure. But part of it also is risk, and the risk associated with losing data or not being able to pay your clinicians if you're a health plan, or respond to your members in a timely way if you're a health plan, or not even being able to operate your ER effectively."  #WebMD #AIforHealth #MedAI #PatientEducation #PatientEngagement #DigitalHealth #DigitalHealthInnovations #PersonalizedCare #EmpoweredPatients webmdignite.com  Listen to the podcast here

Stand out from your Competition and Command a Superior Price is covered in this podcast , along with the following subjects:- Understanding Your Market and Competition- Marketing and Positioning Strategy- Building Authority and Credibility***************************************In today's competitive marketplace, standing out from your competition is crucial if you want to command a superior price for your products or services. To achieve this, it's essential to identify and highlight what makes your offerings unique. I'll be talking with Bruce Eckfeldt about Stand out from your Competition and Command a Superior Price.After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with two degrees in Architecture, Bruce transitioned to digital product development early in his career, where he worked as a product strategy consultant for companies such as WebMD, Prada, the Department of Defense, and Motorola. In 2003, he founded Cyrus Innovation, one of the first Lean/Agile consulting firms, and worked with companies such as Boeing, Kaplan Test Prep, Simon & Schuster, Eze Software, and The New York Times on product development and Lean/Agile transformation initiatives. Cyrus was an Inc 5000 honoree for five years in a row and placed #241 on the Inc 500 in 2009.Bruce has been a member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization since 2007 and has served in many chapters and regional leadership positions including Learning, Forum, and Accelerator. Bruce has served as the US East Regional Forum Expert and the US East Regional Accelerator Expert.

Check out my top picks for skin care here. If you're in your 40s or 50s and wondering why your skin suddenly feels different or why the products and routines that once worked now fall flat, you're not alone. In this episode of THE SKIN REAL, I sit down with fellow board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jen Haley to discuss the changes that happen to our skin during midlife. We talk about why the goal shouldn't be “anti-aging,” but rather aging well with intention, knowledge, and realistic expectations. We explore how hormonal shifts, lifestyle habits, and internal health impact your skin more than any expensive cream or trending procedure. And most importantly, Dr. Haley shares practical tools and mindset shifts to help you feel confident and in control of your skin again! This episode is for anyone tired of the hype and looking for honest, expert advice on how to care for your skin in midlife and beyond. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why trying to “fight aging” is a losing battle—and what to focus on instead How to work with your body (and hormones) in midlife to support healthy skin The overlooked lifestyle factors that impact your skin more than any serum Why confidence, energy, and purpose are the real markers of beauty Simple, dermatologist-approved strategies to care for your skin in your 40s and 50s Dr. Haley received her BS in biology and nutrition from Cornell University before receiving her Doctor of Medicine.  She completed her internship and residency in San Diego and has been a Board-Certified Dermatologist since 2004.  While serving as an Officer in the United States Navy, Dr. Haley was selected as the VIP dermatologist consultant to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.  In 2006, Dr. Haley was named as the Head of the Dermatology Department in Pearl Harbor.  Since 2009, Dr. Haley has been in private practice using her extensive international experience in medical, cosmetic and integrative dermatology.  With her background in nutrition, fitness, and skin science, Dr. Haley understands the true integration of wellness and its effects on skin health.  She has a podcast, called Radiance Revealed, where she brings together experts from all fields to discuss tips on how to integrate wellness into your life to achieve your true radiance.  Since 2013, she has been the dermatology expert writer for FitnessRx magazine and has been actively sought to share her expertise consulting with numerous organizations, including many Global Fortune 500 companies.  Dr. Haley has trained other physicians since 2014 to perform Botox and filler techniques and is a sought out teaching expert in the aesthetic industry.  Dr. Haley has also worked on the scientific advisory board for multiple skin care start-up companies and regularly contributes to national and international publications (Oprah, BHG, Shape, WebMD) with her knowledge on holistic skin health.  Dr. Haley splits her time between Scottsdale, AZ and Park City, UT and is the local Dermatologist for KPCW radio in Park City, where she enjoys educating the public on all things skin.  She currently has a concierge and telemedicine practice in 20 states through Dermatologistoncall.com platform.  Dr. Haley has a passion for health, fitness, and nutrition and enjoys integrating science with nature in her treatment approaches. Follow Dr. Haley here: https://www.instagram.com/drjenhaley/?hl=en https://radiancerevealed.libsyn.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-haley-md-faad-a4283b46/ https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/radiance-revealed-podcast/id1541361045 If you're building a personal brand, this is for you! Wealthy & Well-Known is the new audiobook from my mentors, Rory and AJ Vaden—and it's available for free before the official launch! It's packed with insights on turning your reputation into revenue.

Beverley Kane, MD, is Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at StanfordUniversity, Stanford, CA, USA. As Program Director for Medical Tai Chi, she teaches a wide range of subjects from critical thinking for Western medical research methodologies to Daoism to quantum theory-inspired tai chi. Her mission this lifetime is to bridge the worlds of science and spirit, making the numinous accessible to those who, like the at Stanford and Silicon Valley, are more accustomed to an intellectual approach to life.Since 2002, she has worked in the field of equine-guided psycho-spiritual development with a pastured herd of 70 horses on a 270-acre ranch in Northern California. There, she teaches Stanford Medicine and Horsemanship—communication, teamwork, leadership and self-care for medical students and Equine-imity Somatic Horsemanship Stress Reduction and Emotional Self-Regulation in the Company of Horses for Stanford employees and community members. Equine-imity uses qigong, a tai chi-like moving meditation, with and optionally on horses.Her Manual of Medicine and Horsemanship—Transforming the Doctor-PatientRelationship with Equine-Assisted Learning has been used by many other medicalcenters to replicate the Stanford Program. Her varied background (aka “checkered past”) includes a role as secretary of the San Francisco Parapsychology Research group; a sports medicine fellowship; corporate positions at Apple Health and Firness, Philips Medical Systems, and WebMD. Her interests extend to beekeeping, consciousness studies, quantum theory, and the channeled transmission of the Seth material through Jane Roberts and Robert F. Butts.Website: Horsensei Equine-Assisted Learning and Therapy (HEALTH)http://www.horsensei.comSocial Media: Somatic Horsemanship Association International (SHAINA)https://www.facebook.com/groups/188188499732560Send us a textSupport the showCan't get enough of the Journey On Podcast & it's guests? Here are two more ways to engage with them. Find exclusive educational content from previous podcast guests which include webinars, course and more: https://courses.warwickschiller.com If you want to meet your favorite podcast guest in person, you can attend our annual Journey On Podcast Summit either in person or via live stream: https://summit.warwickschiller.com Become a Patreon Member today! Get access to podcast bonus segments, ask questions to podcast guests, and even suggest future podcast guests while supporting Warwick: https://www.patreon.com/journeyonpodcastWarwick has over 900 Online Training Videos that are designed to create a relaxed, connected, and skilled equine partner. Start your horse training journey today!https://videos.warwickschiller.com/Check us out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WarwickschillerfanpageWatch hundreds of free Youtube Videos: https://www.youtube.com/warwickschillerFollow us on Instagram: @warwickschiller

BOSSes Anne Ganguzza and Jennifer Sims, a voice actor, coach, and self-proclaimed "100% certified smarty pants," connect to explore the intricate layers of the voiceover industry. Listen in as we unpack Jennifer's unique journey, shaped by diverse experiences in acting, producing, and voiceover, offering a candid look into the crucial insights needed to navigate challenges and build a truly thriving business in today's landscape. Listeners will discover the essential role of professionalism and adaptability in connecting with clients, gain understanding of the industry's evolving demands, and appreciate the power of a well-rounded skill set.    00:01 - Anne (Host) Hey, guys, it's Anne from VO BOSS here. 00:04 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) And it's George the Tech. We're excited to tell you about the VO BOSS VIP membership, now with even more benefits. 00:10 - Anne (Host) So, not only do you get access to exclusive workshops and industry insights, but with our VIP Plus Tech tier, you'll enjoy specialized tech support from none other than George himself. 00:21 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) You got it. I'll help you tackle all those tricky tech issues so you can focus on what you do best: voice acting. It's tech support tailored for voiceover professionals like you. 00:32 - Anne (Host) Join us, guys, at VO BOSS and let's make your voiceover career soar. Visit voboss.com/vip-membership to sign up today. 00:45 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) It's time to take your business to the next level, the boss level. These are the premier business owner strategies and successes being utilized by the industry's top talent today. Rock your business like a boss, a VO BOSS. Now let's welcome your host, Anne Ganguzza. Hey everyone, welcome to the VO Boss Podcast. 01:04 - Anne (Host) I'm your host, Anne Ganguzza. Hey everyone, welcome to the VO Boss Podcast. I'm your host, Anne Ganguzza, and today I have the pleasure and honor of being with a very special guest, Jennifer Sims. Jennifer, yay! Hi, hi. 01:17 For those bosses who do not know Jennifer, she is a voice actor coach and 100% certified smarty pants. I'm so jealous, so jealous of that branding. She's known for her authentic, conversational, confident, and playful delivery and has a unique perspective from both sides of the glass, and works for clients such as Hyundai, Wells Fargo, CVS, Vons—the list goes on and on and on. She honed her quirky sense of humor studying comedy and improv, which is always so important, I think, for us as voice actors, at the Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings, and that helped her to land on-camera commercials for Uber, Snapchat, and WebMD. She began her acting career out of high school and basically was on her own for a short period of time in LA as a very young girl, which is great, and also as a producer, has had the pleasure of collaborating on hundreds of radio, television, and promo spots and has worked with some amazing talent along the way. And what haven't you done, Jennifer Sims? 02:18 - Jennifer (Host) I'm telling you, so much, so much. Thank you, Anne. That was lovely. Not as much as I'd like, and hopefully more. Yeah, thank you. It's great to be here. Thanks for having me. 02:28 - Anne (Host) Yeah, absolutely. Well, I met you—well, I met you not like physically, but I met you through our VIP room and I was so, so impressed with your background and your wisdom and everything. So I wanted to make sure that I had an opportunity to have you on the show and so our bosses could also get to know you. So let's talk a little bit about your varied career, because I think it's super important in terms of why you're so successful now and how you started off with acting and then as a producer. Talk about that for a little bit and tell us how it's helped you become successful in your voiceover career. 03:06 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, that's been very, like, it informs most of my career, certainly in the beginning, because when I decided to leave my director of broadcast job, I was working for an ad agency here in Los Angeles as the director of broadcast and I was bringing in a lot of voice actors for promo and commercials, etc. You know how it is when you see somebody and you're like, "Boo, why do they get to do it? I want to do it too!" But as I started my career, realizing that we're a part of the process, voice actors are part of a process, particularly in commercial, since that was my area, and when I was bringing in voice actors to record them, it comes very late in the process. Recording the voice actor for a commercial is one of the last things we do as a process in creating a commercial. 03:52 So, knowing that we're just—not just, I shouldn't say this, but we're part of a collaborative team, we're now brought into the team. We're problem solvers, we're creatives, along with the creative director, copywriter, and understanding why the copy is the way it is. I know a lot of us will—problem solvers, we're creatives, along with the creative director, copywriter, and understanding why the copy is the way it is. I know a lot of us will go, "Oh, this copy is terrible. It's poorly written," and, like, you don't know where that copy has gone. 04:12 - Anne (Host) Isn't that the truth? I love that you just opened up with that perspective because, honestly, like the nuggets of wisdom that people get out of listening—you brought them right at the front when people get for listening to a podcast or being educated. I love the fact that we are part of a process and you brought that to our attention because I think a lot of times we're in our bubble in our studios here and we forget that it's not just all about our voice, but it's part of a process and there's reasons for so many things. Right? There's reasons, and you're so absolutely right. 04:46 How many times have you gotten a piece of copy and I've heard my students, "Oh my God, this copy sucks!" Or I've read on some forum where people are like, "Oh my God, the copy sucks," and "Why does the copy suck?" But I think it's important to know that, yeah, we are part of a collaborative process and it doesn't begin and end with us, and that's an important part to understand so that we know where we fit in. And the more that I think we can predict how we can fit in best to complete the process, I think will really help us as actors. 05:13 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, exactly, really well said and so true. It's like, how do we fit into this process? Because we do, and even now, as an actor working on my, I will sort of forget that there's a lot going on and that when I get copy and I'm like, "Oh, well, I don't know how many R&D, research and development meetings they had on this copy. I don't know what focus groups might have said about this copy." Like, big companies spend a lot of time and money making sure that their copy is delivering a message that they want, money making sure that their copy is delivering a message that they want, and a lot of things. On the ad agency side, we're looking at things—that copy, and I'm like, "Well, legal says we can't say that." 05:51 Right, or legal says we have to say this. So, you know, when we're sort of like, "Boo, the copy couldn't be you," it's like, "Well, you don't know why." Yeah, it may be a legal thing. 06:06 - Anne (Host) It may be a client directive, it may be, who knows. I always try to remember that because, like somebody, somewhere was paid money to write this copy, and they know that product, or there's an intent with that product, or there's an intent with that copy that we are not necessarily aware of, nor do they tell us, but it's something that I think that we, as actors, we need to create that story, even if they're not telling us what it is. We need to create that story so that we can connect as much as possible to that copy and fit into like what they hear in their head. Right? We need to fit that spec there. 06:34 - Jennifer (Host) Exactly, and I think it also goes to the idea of given a level playing field of extremely talented actors. Most often, I only needed one person to do the job to solve the problem of whatever problem we were trying to solve creatively. And so I think it's easy to start to feel like, "Oh, I got rejected. I don't book this kind of work." It's like, given a level playing field, just assume that somebody got selected. But it—a level playing field, just assume that somebody got selected, but it doesn't mean that everyone else was rejected. Honestly, as I was listening to actors, I'm like, I wouldn't get in all my auditions for, say, a television commercial voiceover, and I would maybe listen to 50, a hundred, and then call it down to present to my boss, my creative director and client, maybe 10. And any one of those people could have booked it. Somebody got selected, that's all. 07:27 - Anne (Host) It's just a matter of selection, and the thing of it is is that you're at the beginning of that process, listening to all of those auditions. You would narrow it down to a particular amount of people, but then, ultimately, the decision is not necessarily yours. So I think, voice actors, we forget that, that it can go to your boss and your boss is not. Maybe a casting director doesn't have an ear for it, or just this is what he had—he or she had in mind. And so the pick from then. I don't think it's always necessarily based on your acting skills. It's just like a feeling, maybe, that they have. "Oh, yeah, this sounds right." 08:02 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, it's very subjective. Yeah, it's very subjective. 08:05 - Anne (Host) And I think we forget that. 08:07 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, and I know that, being that it's so subjective, if you sound just not quite what they want. I had a creative director. I was presenting talent. This woman was extremely talented. I was advocating for her. He's like, "Eh, she sounds a lot like..." I forget if it was his cousin or his ex-wife or somebody. He's like, "And I don't like that person." So she just reminded him vocally of somebody in his world that he's like, "Don't like." She was very good, like perfect for the role, and, subjectively, my creative director was like, "Nope, reminds me of someone, and I don't like that person. Bye." And I'm like, "All right. Well, that's how that's going to go." Or we get replaced. I was the voice of a promo for a really, really long time. It was a great recurring gig and somebody new came in at the top. The client switched positions, new client, and they're like, "No, I want to pick the voiceover," and so, like, I was out. They felt like that was the prior stamp. 09:06 And now they wanted to stamp it with their own. 09:09 - Anne (Host) That's such a good point because a lot of times, like companies change directors, companies change in departments, and a lot of times you may be the indirect result of that or not like being let go because of things like that that you have absolutely no control over. And so that is also a big part of the process in our heads as actors. We need to remember that on any given day, that it's not always—I think that if you can come into your audition with the skills that you need—the actor skills. Everybody says, "What's trending? What's trending these days? What's the sound these days?" And I'm like, "I think just be an actor, have good acting skills." 09:48 Maybe have good acting skills, because I feel like if you have good acting skills and the person, like say you, right, that is at the initial level of listening to all of the auditions, right, you're going to be able to hear that from the get-go, from the first few words. You're going to hear, "Okay, here's an actor. Now, what I like about this actor is that I can work with this actor." So maybe they didn't give the precise read that you were looking for at the time, but you know that they're an actor and that they'll be able to be directed. Exactly. And I think that's so important—best that you can come in with in your audition, to be armed with your acting skills, to showcase those acting skills, because all the other stuff we just have no control over. 10:25 - Jennifer (Host) Exactly. Control what you can. You know, getting auditions in a timely—Anne, naming them properly, file naming. I always talk about like naming those. 10:34 - Anne (Host) Like, why is that so difficult? I don't know. I come from a technology background. It always amazes me how many times people like don't understand how to name files when here's the convention and yet somehow. Right, just copy and paste it and then write your name. 10:50 - Jennifer (Host) I don't know why, but I don't think actors realize that if they mislabel a file, it's going in the trash. That'll piss off somebody. 10:57 - Anne (Host) I mean, like me, especially somebody that I'm handling a lot of files, right, and especially like if I have control over it, like you're not hired, and if you're going to argue with me about the name of that file, or if I gave you a confusing—no. I mean, sorry, just follow the following instructions. 11:12 - Jennifer (Host) But yeah, I think that actors may not realize that if you are missing those little details, like not following the spec, or because you're just like running and gunning and just like, "I'm in a hurry, I'll just read the copy," or not connecting to the copy, or mislabeling the file, it's like that's going to get you booted out of the mix because there's just not enough time and people don't understand. "Oh, so I put my name before the client's name." It's like if you're in casting or you're producing, you're not just casting one thing. So if you put your name first before the client's name, I don't know what to do with this file. Or usually it goes into a database and so the database is just going to go, "I don't know what to do with this. Garbage." I think people just realizing like why it's so important could be helpful. So people just slow down a little bit and go, "Oh, what's the file convention?" That's it. That's my TED Talk on file name. 12:03 - Anne (Host) There you go. I like that. Well, I'm right there with you on the file—I'm on the file name, I know, because you're dealing with hundreds of files, I know, right? I mean. So I touched upon this a little bit in your bio, which I think is so interesting, is that you studied comedy. Talk to us. And improv, of course, everybody always says, "Yes, improv, improv," yes, and improv, of course, is so important. But I also think comedy, too, is important, because this is just my outside looking in perspective, right? When we're listening, right, we need to command the attention of the audience. Right? Whether we're voicing a commercial or a corporate narration or whatever it is, we need to engage the attention of the listener and that is important. And I feel like comedy is absolutely one of those techniques that can be used to get people's attention and keep it, and I think it's important that if you have comedy in your script, that you can find it and you can execute it. So talk to us a little bit about that and the importance of comedy and improv. 12:58 - Jennifer (Host) Definitely. Have you been seeing a lot of scripts or a lot of castings where it's like we want people with comedy and improv, even though they may not ask you to necessarily be super hilarious or improv, they're listening for a nuance? A nuance, exactly. Comedy is like very subtle, I think, in voiceover, because when I was producing on the agency side back in the day, comedy in commercials was a lot more prevalent. We had double copy. We very rarely have two characters talking anymore, so it was a little more like in your face kind of comedy. 13:33 Yeah, back and forth kind of. Yeah, back and forth, you could riff off the other person. Now we're pretty much just doing one person voiceover, so that comedy has to be layered in, but never steal from the actual hero—our product or our client. And I think a lot of times when we're newer as voice actors, we're going for the "yucks" like, and it's like, "No, that's going to get you also noticed for all the wrong reasons." So I think I agree with you entirely. It's got to be layered, it's got to be nuanced, and you have to be able to find it. Sometimes people when I'm coaching, they miss the joke. I'm like, "Do you see that there's like a little pithy wit here?" 14:10 - Anne (Host) They're like, "No." I'm like, "Great." Or a play on words. And here's the thing too, you know, in writing scripts for demos and for my students, comedy is tough to execute in a certain time, like comedy is tough, especially if you're doing comedy writing in a demo. It's very tough to execute without sounding like a one-liner dad joke, right? Yeah, oh gosh, so true. And especially if you need to execute that time and just in a 30-second, 15-second commercial, to execute comedy and a sale at the same time is tough. 14:38 It's tough to do, it's really tough and so it does become very nuanced, right? And corporate, like when you get into like something longer, like corporate narration, you're not going to necessarily find too much humor, unless the brand itself doesn't mind making fun of itself, right? There's not many corporate—not many companies, I know, that make fun of themselves unless they have quirky products, right? If that's our corporate culture, great, but a lot of corporate is like, "No, very straightforward." 15:02 But they might have a nuance, right, and so I love the fact that, yes, if they're looking for that nuance and that is something that is it's maybe a nuance, right, and so I love the fact that, yes, if they're looking for that nuance and that is something that is it's maybe a note, it's a wink, it's a point of view that I think if you can execute and it only needs to happen like a little instant, then that to me, I can hear it right away and people can hear it right away. 15:23 They might not put their finger on it and say, "Oh, that was funny, like ha ha, knee slapping funny," yeah, but the execution of it is really it's key, and I think that comedy and improv is wonderful for people to have as a background in their acting skills. Yeah, I agree, comedy's tough. Did you perform like stand-up comedy? 15:42 - Jennifer (Host) No, I actually took a couple. I'm like, "No, I'm a smart-ass," but that was tough. So I took—a friend of mine was teaching. She is a comic and she taught classes and I did two of her classes, and after the first class, she's like, "Okay, and you know, as you know, we're going to an open mic," and it was torture. It was brutal. Just a bar room full of people going, "Make me laugh," and I'm like, "This is hard." 16:11 - Anne (Host) Yeah, I can't imagine. I have a friend who did stand-up in Burbank. Right? Everybody's at Flappers. Everybody's at Flappers and, "Come see my show at Flappers," and if you want to feel challenged, I mean stand-up at a mic in front of an audience. That's like, "All right." 16:26 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, like just staring at you and you're sitting with the mic going. 16:29 - Anne (Host) Make me laugh. But there's where I think, like the thinking fast on your feet is going to help you, and I think it's going to help you no matter what. I mean those of us who aren't necessarily doing comedy like stand-up comedy, but here we are in our booths and we're doing auditions, right? I think, if you have the time to evaluate and analyze your script and find the humor—I mean we have the luxury of some time of finding that humor and being able to execute upon that. I think if you can do that, if it's there in the copy, that's what you try to put up front and showcase. 17:02 - Jennifer (Host) I always say I'm going to zag. If everyone else is going to zig, I'm at least going to zag appropriately, because they also don't want to be the actors like. "Well, I remember her for the reason that she went off the rails." It has to make sense. 17:15 - Anne (Host) It has to make sense for the copy, right? And so I feel like that improv also, when I ask my students to create the scene, right? Be actors for a corporate narration that might be talking about investments or something that might sound dry. What is that story? Who are you talking to? Why does it matter? 17:31 You've got to be able to have that quick, like, let me create the scene and let me respond to it, right, and that just helps to enhance your script analysis, the speed at which you do that, and also if you're being asked live, like, "Give me an AB of that," or an "ABC of that." 17:45 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, how are we going to do that if you haven't created exactly scenario? I always think about how, in scene work and acting, we think about the moment before. Yes, and it's always because you'll hear actors, or I've heard this in auditions lots, where I'm listening to an audition, particularly when I was producing, it's like, "I don't even know why." I hear them saying the script. Why are they saying those words? Why are you even talking? It feels like you just sort of like dropped in cold and started talking, but I don't know why. Yeah, and I always can hear an actor who's a little bit more connected to the copy. Yeah, absolutely, and that's because they created some reason for talking in the first place. 18:21 - Anne (Host) Yeah, they created a reason to say those first words. There's got to be a response or a reaction. I say that even for corporate copy, definitely. 18:29 - Jennifer (Host) Even for e-learning. 18:30 - Anne (Host) You know what I mean. Like you've got a student that just asked you a question and so otherwise, it sounds like to me, I'm always telling my students, it sounds like once upon a time I started a monologue. 18:39 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) Yeah. 18:40 - Anne (Host) And it just became like, "Oh, I picked this thought out of the air and I just started saying it." 18:44 - Jennifer (Host) And there's no reason for it, and so it's weird how we can hear that, isn't that weird? It's like the microphone, sort of like picking up your thoughts, sort of like the camera records thought. That's why you've got to have something going on behind your eyes. 18:55 - Anne (Host) I think it's like you can hear somebody reading, right, because there's a certain melody and—and I know there's got to be scientific evidence, right? There's a melody that we have when we read words and I know it very well because I'm always telling people to stop reading. Start talking. 19:08 - Jennifer (Host) Stop reading. You sound like you're reading. 19:11 - Anne (Host) And so there's a melody to just reading the words, and it seems to start at the same pitch, like, "Hi, I'm Anne, I started here once upon a time." I've heard casting talk about this. 19:21 - Jennifer (Host) Voice casting agents will talk about this all the time. It's like, again, given a level playing field, the first people we're going to boot out of the running are people who sound like they're reading as opposed to talking, and it's a challenging skill set because we are literally reading scripts, but we're interpreting written speech into spoken speech, and it's a skill set. So it takes time. And I was thinking about how, whenever I'm auditioning for something, I think, well, I'd love to book it, of course, but I always think I'm not auditioning for this one, I'm auditioning for the next one, because, let's say, you know, I don't get selected for this one. I want you to remember me for the next one. So, something I do in this audition, I want to spark a little like, "Well, let's keep her in mind for something else down the road," because that's all I can control, absolutely, absolutely. 20:13 - Anne (Host) Speaking of auditioning and being an active voice actor and a woman of a certain age, and I say that, you look amazing. 20:19 - Jennifer (Host) Well, thank you, but let's face it. We've been in the business for a while, not a teenager. 20:25 - Anne (Host) Yeah, I cannot sound millennial, no matter what. 20:27 - Speaker 2 (Announcement) I do, even though I have a younger sounding voice. 20:29 - Anne (Host) No, it's mostly in the attitude. But let's talk a little bit about having been in the community and been in the industry for a while. What's it like these days being a little bit older in this industry? How are you finding work? Is it plentiful? Are you finding? 20:42 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, I mean it's plentiful, but I still think that in general we're youth-oriented. 20:49 So if you're over a certain age, 40 or beyond. Oh, let's face it, I haven't seen 40 in a minute. Yeah, me either. And look at us, we're thriving. There we go. The voiceover industry is definitely very inclusive. It's getting more diverse all the time. Like when I was producing commercials, you most definitely had to sound a certain way, be of a certain demographic, and now we're hearing all sorts of wonderful, diverse voices. I still think there's room for us to include more voices that are definitely over 40. I'm still hearing people on the air where I'm like, "You don't sound old enough to tell me about retirement or having a baby." 21:27 - Anne (Host) You sound like a kid. I always try to tell people I start with the product, because I feel like companies are going to promote their products to the demographic they can sell to. 21:38 So it starts there, right? So what sort of a product would you sell to a demographic of females over 40 or females over 50? And I feel like that's where it starts. I feel like the younger sounding. I think it's because the company is trying to expand their demographic to make more sales. I think that's where it starts anyways, because I'm always saying, "Well, the trend right now is a little bit towards more millennial, and that's just the way it is." But I feel like there are certain products that a millennial does not sound realistic. 22:04 - Jennifer (Host) Talking about like Depends, right, or retirement or certain financial instruments or mortgages or things where it's like wouldn't you have to be a little older to be getting? An elder millennial, at least to talk about that. 22:17 - Anne (Host) Go you elder millennials. It's hard to believe. I know that in automotive that was a big thing because with Uber and bosses out there, if you study like it's not hard to study, like demographics and marketing, right? I mean during the pandemic nobody was buying cars and younger people were not buying cars because they were really reliant on Uber and Lyft and the rideshare stuff. 22:38 And so car companies started really marketing hard towards younger people and that changes who they hire right to do their voiceovers, and so I think it's something, bosses, that you need to really like spend a few minutes every day studying the market that you want to sell into. Really, it's not hard, it's Google. 22:57 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, it's iSpot, Google. And. 23:00 - Anne (Host) Google says that honestly, like you can just type in, like, you know, demographic, automotive demographics or, you know, trends, it's easy to find that out and that can help inform you educationally what you might be auditioning for, how you would respond to an audition, right? What is the company? 23:18 - Jennifer (Host) Who are they targeting their sales to, or who you're, if you're doing direct marketing, which I think every voice actor should be doing, if you're directly marketing yourself to a client. It's like, do you vibe with that client? Are you appropriate for that client? So that's basically how I'm represented. I have talent agents across the country and it's very clear to me that my reps are very good about knowing what my wheelhouse is. So I do get a lot of healthcare, insurance, tech, things like that—healthcare, insurance, tech, things like that, because that's who I vocally appeal to. 23:53 It makes sense, and women have an enormous buying power because we make most of the household buying decisions in most households, and so, even though I still think the guys are doing about 60% of the commercial voiceover work, we're at 40%, so we're catching up, but I think companies are starting to realize that women's voices are appropriate for their products and they want to market to us. So I think we're doing better all the time. So, yeah, there's a lot of content out there. 24:22 - Anne (Host) So I would say that, with all our wisdom, with all your wisdom—with our collective wisdom, with all our—no, with your wisdom. What would be your best tip for people that are just starting out today? Because the industry has evolved over the years and it has definitely changed. So today, if somebody's interested in pursuing voice acting, what do you say to? 24:41 - Jennifer (Host) Them? Brand spanking new, I'd say, and I know people are like, "But you all are coaches, so of course you're going to say this," but I would say this even if I didn't coach it: it is a skill set. And so I think you've got to start with good training, and I tell my students this all the time: Get involved in the voiceover community, get your squad together, get an accountability group, a voiceover workout group. You and I were just at the Nava Gala. Is it Gala or Gala? 25:07 - Anne (Host) Gala. 25:09 - Jennifer (Host) I think Gala. 25:09 - Anne (Host) Gala sounds more elegant. 25:11 - Jennifer (Host) Nava Gala. 25:12 - Anne (Host) We're the Nava Gala. 25:13 - Jennifer (Host) And it's just, it's a constant reminder that when we're so isolated and working on our own, if we don't have community around us, this job is hard. It is. I love the voiceover community so much, and so we have a community around us. We're learning things, we're sharing things, and so I always suggest to people, they're like, "Oh, I don't know what to do. How do I help myself in this career?" I'm like, "Well, get good training and get involved in the community so that you're constantly learning from your peers." Or at least, because we're working by ourselves, it can feel a little lonely and isolating. 25:47 - Anne (Host) Get some VO pals and get lifted up and listen to podcasts like the VO Boss podcast. 25:52 - Jennifer (Host) Yes, please. Listen to VO Boss, listen to VO Boss, guys. I've been doing this for eight years now. 25:59 - Anne (Host) Oh my gosh, it seems so forever. Eight years, amazing, every week. 26:03 - Jennifer (Host) I love it. Oh, my goodness. 26:04 - Anne (Host) Wow. 26:16 - Jennifer (Host) So if bosses want to find out more about you, where can they find out more about you? 26:18 - Anne (Host) I'm a busy kitty on the Instagram at Sims, my website, Sims. I'm busy there too, so, yeah, awesome, come see me. Well, Jennifer, it has been so much fun. I think we could probably talk for another hour or hours. 26:27 - Jennifer (Host) It would be a delight, but I know you're booked and busy, so we'll get on to other things. 26:31 - Anne (Host) But I thank you so much for spending your morning with me and bosses, make sure you look up Jen. Can I call you Jen? Jen? 26:40 - Jennifer (Host) Yeah, go by Jen. Look up Jen. I want to say Jennifer. Jen. 26:42 - Anne (Host) Check out Jen's website and check her out on her socials. Jen, check out Jen's website and check her out on her socials. Yes, please, bosses. 26:49 - Jennifer (Host) Yes, absolutely. 26:56 - Anne (Host) Thanks again, I'm going to give a great big shout out to our sponsor, IPDTL. You too can connect and network like bosses. Find out more at IPDTL.com. You guys have an amazing week and we will see you next week. Bye, bosses, you're the best. 27:06 - Speaker 3 (Announcement) Join us next week for another edition of VO Boss with your host, Anne Ganguzza, and take your business to the next level. Sign up for our mailing list at voboss.com and receive exclusive content, industry revolutionizing tips and strategies, and new ways to rock your business like a boss. Redistribution with permission. Coast to coast connectivity via IPDTL.

Entrepreneur Jeremy Shane joins host Ross Katz to discuss Life for Health, a revolutionary framework aiming to tackle chronic disease through the integration of life insurance, longitudinal data, and preventative care.  From drug discovery feedback loops to outcomes-based pricing, Shane outlines a bold new path for biotech and healthcare convergence. ​​What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why today's healthcare system fails chronic disease patients and how Life for Health aims to fix it.How longitudinal data and life insurance can realign healthcare incentives for better outcomes.The economic logic behind outcomes-based annuity pricing for breakthrough drugs like GLP-1s.What biotech companies gain from a proactive, participant-driven health model.How clinical trials could transform through pre-qualified data-rich populations. Meet Our Guest Jeremy Shane, Venture Partner at NextGen Venture Partners, is a healthcare innovator focused on chronic disease. With leadership experience at HealthCentral, WebMD, and 2U, he now pioneers Life for Health, blending life insurance with preventative care to realign incentives and extend health span. Life for Health, the book, will be released in July 2025.  To learn more about Life For Health or get involved, go to www.lifeforhealth.com About The Host Ross Katz is Principal and Data Science Lead at CorrDyn. Ross specializes in building intelligent data systems that empower biotech and healthcare organizations to extract insights and drive innovation. Connect with Our Guest: Sponsor: CorrDyn, a data consultancyConnect with Jeremy Shane on LinkedIn or on Twitter @jeremylshane Connect with Us: Follow the podcast for more insightful discussions on the latest in biotech and data science.Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! Sponsored by… This episode is brought to you by CorrDyn, the leader in data-driven solutions for biotech and healthcare. Discover how CorrDyn is helping organizations turn data into breakthroughs at CorrDyn.

If there's one thing children are good at, it's their ability to give their parents a good scare.   When our son David was about 2 years old, we were at home, just a regular day, not much going on. At some point, either my wife or I, I don't remember which one of us saw it – but we noticed he had some kind of liquid all around his mouth. Like he had been drinking a smoothie or something. But there were no smoothies sitting around. So what was it?   Then we saw the open bottle nearby – it was calamine lotion. You know, the stuff you put on itchy skin for some relief. And it's for external use only. So of course we had no idea how dangerous this was. And back then, there was no Google or WebMD to get answers immediately.   We called 911 – and oh wouldn't I love to hear the audio of that call today. The 911 dispatcher either called Poison Control, or connected us to them. And they told us, thankfully, that calamine lotion is generally non-toxic. So it wasn't a big deal. But for a few minutes, to two scared parents, it was a very big deal.   Recently in the Facebook group, one of our Tuesday questions was this: Parents – what was the scariest moment with your child? And you should see all those stories in the comments. And I thought – hey, this should be a podcast episode. So I asked some of the commenters there to just give a short version of their story by audio, and that's what we have here today.   And this is the kind of thing we talk about in the Facebook group all the time. At the moment there are 8,862 What Was That Like listeners in that group – and we'd love to have you come over and join us in the conversations. WhatWasThatLike.com/facebook   And now – some stories of when children gave their parents a big scare.   Full show notes and transcript for this episode are here: https://WhatWasThatLike.com/218   Graphics for this episode by Bob Bretz. Transcription was done by James Lai.   Want to discuss this episode and other things with thousands of other WWTL listeners? Join our podcast Facebook group at WhatWasThatLike.com/facebook (many of the podcast guests are there as well)   Get every episode ad-free, AND get all the Raw Audio exclusive episodes to binge, by joining the other listeners at What Was That Like PLUS.   Try What Was That Like PLUS free: iPhone: at the top of the What Was That Like podcast feed, click on “Try free” Android: on your phone, go to WhatWasThatLike.com/PLUS and click to try it free on any app   Sponsor deals: Head to http://Lumen.me/WWTL for 20% off your purchase.   Sign up today at https://www.butcherbox.com/whatwas and use code whatwas to get chicken breast, salmon or ground beef FREE in every order for a year, plus $20 off your first order.   Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at mintmobile.com/WHAT   Go to Quince.com/whatwas for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns!   Get 15% off OneSkin with the code [WHATWAS] at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julia Mayer, a clinical psychologist, shares her extensive caregiving journey spanning nine years, which involved caring for her father after her mother's unexpected passing and then supporting her husband Barry's mother, Jean, and stepfather, Steve. After her mother died during a heart surgery recovery, Julia and her siblings stepped in to care for their father, with her older brother taking the primary caregiver role while Julia provided weekend relief. Her father passed away about 15 months after her mother, and shortly after, they became involved in caring for Barry's parents, who were experiencing financial difficulties.Julia and Barry relocated Jean and Steve from Florida to an apartment near them, managing their care through the use of aides, a notebook system, and personal visits. Despite Jean's combative nature and strained relationship with Barry, Julia approached caregiving with compassion, patience, and a sense of humor. Her professional background as a psychologist helped her maintain emotional distance and communicate effectively, often serving as a mediator between Jean and Barry. She focused on preserving her family relationships through open communication and involving her children in the caregiving process.Throughout their caregiving experience, Julia and Barry collaborated closely, supporting each other emotionally and eventually turning their experiences into professional resources. They are set to publish "The Caregiver's Answer Book" with AARP in July 2025, providing comprehensive guidance for caregivers in various situations. Julia's approach to caregiving emphasizes three key principles: not taking the care recipient's suffering personally, maintaining empathy and compassion, and seeking support for oneself during the challenging caregiving journey.Social MediaFacebook: @Julia Mayer X: @JuliaLMayer23Instagram: Julmayer23LinkedIn: @Julie MayerWebsite: www.loveandmeaning.comAbout Julia:Julia L. Mayer, Psy.D is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Media, PA. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her doctorate in clinical psychology from Widener University. Prior to becoming a psychologist, she wrote plays and interned as an assistant to the director for a theater company in New York. She has published professionally in the APA journal, Families, Systems & Health. She also co-authored various articles with her husband, Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D., for WebMD and HealthCentral. She has been doing individual and marital therapy for 31 years, specializing in working with women who have histories of sexual trauma, eating disorders and troubled marriages. She has increasingly focused her work on supporting caregivers. Since 2018, she has been doing a weekly podcast about psychology and social justice, called Shrinks on Third. For nine years, she was a caregiver for her father with vascular dementia and Support the showConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn!Tune in on Whole Care Network

This week, we welcome back our first-ever returning guest: Dina dishes with Caylee Clay, a fellow Registered Dietitian who specializes in autoimmune disorders and food sensitivities.Caylee shares with us all that they've accomplished in the past 5 years and where they see themselves going in the years to come. We also discuss patient-centered care, common micronutrient deficiencies, and other factors that can affect someone's health. Caylee Clay, RDN CDN CYT (they/them) is a dietitian-nutritionist, author, speaker, and autoimmune nutrition expert. Caylee is the author of Gain Control Over Your Psoriasis and has been a featured expert in Health Magazine, Healthline, and WebMD. As a speaker, Caylee has presented to the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics in multiple states, and is scheduled as a speaker and panelist at the upcoming National Psoriasis Foundation's event. Outside of work, Caylee loves gardening, hiking, cooking, & biking all over NYC.Check out Caylee's work and connect with Caylee at:https://www.autoimmuneeats.com/https://www.instagram.com/autoimmune.nutrition/https://bsky.app/profile/autoimmune-eats.bsky.socialAnd you can listen to Caylee's previous episode at:https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/nvBDYbg0pTb----Check out our podcast in video format on DishWithDinaTV: https://www.youtube.com/user/DishWithDina?sub_confirmation=1Join our mailing list to stay connected, stay informed, receive exclusive offers, and be a part of the DishWithDina community: https://forms.gle/932HAWCu1r42dPCo9If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with others! You can also submit listener feedback or request to be a guest on a future episode by completing this form: https://forms.gle/EFYX7Gshbjx9cCKfA----DISCLAIMER: The purpose of this podcast is to entertain, educate, and inform, but it is not to be taken as medical advice. Please seek prompt, qualified medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician or health practitioner before starting a new fitness regimen, herbal therapy, or other self-directed treatment.

This week on the Super Fun Time Trivia Podcast, we discuss using Web MD to find out that your runny nose is a brain tumor, sexualize a beloved anthromorphic paper clip, and find out if hair is an acceptable flavour of chocolate bar. Music Round: Happy 420 Patreon: Super Fun Time Trivia Website: superfuntimetrivia.com Facebook: superfuntimetrivia Instagram: superfuntimetrivia Twitter: @sftimetrivia Email: superfuntimetrivia@gmail.com Intro Music By David Dino White. Welcome to Super Fun Time Trivia: The known universe's only live improv comedy trivia podcast.

Welcome to The Mental Breakdown and Psychreg Podcast! Today, Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall discuss alternative approaches to managing children's behavior. Read the article from WebMD here. You can now follow Dr. Marshall on twitter, as well! Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are happy to announce the release of their new parenting e-book, Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child Part 2: Attention. You can get your copy from Amazon here. We hope that you will join us each morning so that we can help you make your day the best it can be! See you tomorrow. Become a patron and support our work at http://www.Patreon.com/thementalbreakdown. Visit Psychreg for blog posts covering a variety of topics within the fields of mental health and psychology. The Parenting Your ADHD Child course is now on YouTube! Check it out at the Paedeia YouTube Channel. The Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Health Child Part 1: Behavior Management is now available on kindle! Get your copy today! The Elimination Diet Manual is now available on kindle and nook! Get your copy today! Follow us on Twitter and Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube Channels, Paedeia and The Mental Breakdown. Please leave us a review on iTunes so that others might find our podcast and join in on the conversation!

Dr. Sophia Nnenna Ononye, PhD MPH MBA is a Yale-trained Cancer Research Scientist, Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Speaker, Certified Corporate Director, Board Advisor, Women's Health/FemTech Strategist, NMQF 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader, and Mentor. Dr. Ononye has over 15 years of cross-functional experience in the biopharmaceutical industry across drug discovery, medical affairs, strategic marketing, and corporate communications with a specialty training and focus on oncology and women's health. A contributing writer to several leading outlets including Inc,, Entrepreneur, Life Science Leader, Cell & Gene, MIT Technology Review, and WebMD, Dr. Ononye is a Yale Entrepreneur in Residence, Daré Bioscience Board Advisor and previous Independent Board Director and Member of the Nomination and Corporate Government (NG&C) and Compensation Committees, EY Entrepreneurs Access Network inaugural member, Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network Advisory Council Member, and former President of the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) New York Chapter. Dr. Ononye's list of honors includes a 2023 National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) 40 under 40 Minority Health Leader Award. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

In this episode of the DrMarketingTips Show, Jennifer and Corey shine a light on one of the most overlooked drivers of local SEO and new patient acquisition: directory listings. You may think you've got reviews covered or your Google profile is “claimed,” but the truth is, most practices are missing huge opportunities to improve local rankings and drive real ROI.With firsthand case studies and step-by-step strategies, this episode breaks down how accurate and optimized listings across platforms like Google, Yelp, WebMD, and Healthgrades can have a direct and measurable impact on your bottom line.Tune in to Discover:Why Directory Listings Are Critical for Local SEOThe Hidden ROI of Getting Listings Right (including how one practice generated $250,000+ in surgical revenue from directory listings alone)Common Mistakes Practices Make with ListingsHow Listings and Reviews Work TogetherHow to Optimize Your Listings for SEO 3.0

Heart Surgeries, Health Bombs & Why Men Are Too Dumb to See a Doctor – with Dr. Jacob KendallHey degenerates, seekers, and emotionally constipated warriors—Dr. John here with another no-BS episode of *The Evolved Caveman Podcast*.This time? We're going deep with Dr. Jacob Kendall, a man who's basically stared death in the face (twice), wiped someone else's ass for a living (caregiving, people—keep up), and still thought, “You know what? I should get *another* advanced degree.” Because apparently two heart surgeries and three fields of study (biology, social work, public health) weren't challenging enough.And now? He's working on a Master's in Divinity. Yeah, seriously. This man's brain is playing 4D chess while the rest of us are still trying to spell “healthcare.”We dig into:- Why your health isn't just physical—it's mental, emotional, social, and maybe even spiritual (yeah, I said it)- Why men suck at going to the doctor (hint: it's not bravery, it's stupidity)- How America's obsession with *rugged individualism* is basically a slow-motion death cult  - Hot takes on masculinity, male fragility, and why women outlive us by years (pro tip: it's not because of kale)  - Why the U.S. healthcare system is like trying to fix a bullet wound with duct tape and a WebMD article  - What the hell it means to *age well* without turning into a cranky, isolated shadow of your former selfThis episode is jam-packed with real talk, brilliant insights, and a healthy dose of “WTF are we even doing with our lives?”So pour a (healthy) drink, drop the ego, and press play.  Because staying healthy shouldn't require divine intervention—but honestly, it might help.

This episode's Community Champion Sponsor is Ossur. To learn more about their ‘Responsible for Tomorrow' Sustainability Campaign, and how you can get involved: CLICK HEREEpisode Overview: The future of healthcare lies in shifting from reactive treatment to predictive prevention, and our next guest is leading this transformation. Jim Kean, CEO of Molecular You, is harnessing molecular medicine and AI to identify health risks before they progress to disease. With an impressive track record as a serial healthcare entrepreneur, Jim pioneered online health communities with Sapient Health Network (later WebMD), revolutionized direct-to-consumer diagnostics with WellnessFX, and now leads Molecular You in expanding access to precision health insights. Join us to discover how Jim's unique perspective from seven startups and time in the healthcare insurance industry is helping navigate the complex healthcare landscape while driving innovation that can save both money and lives. Let's go!Episode Highlights:Technology detected early-stage pancreatic cancer through molecular pattern changes years before symptoms appearedPlatform analyzes 280+ biomarkers from a single blood sample with plans to expand to 825 markersAI identifies "risk signatures" for conditions like Alzheimer's with 95% accuracyCan determine different biological pathways leading to the same disease, enabling personalized treatments25% of all healthcare expenses will come from just 3% of people who will develop severe disease but aren't yet identifiedAbout our Guest: Jim Kean, CEO of Molecular You, is a technology executive known for driving innovation in consumer health and wellness platforms. At Molecular You, Jim is focused on expanding access to precision health insights that empower proactive healthcare decisions.Before joining Molecular You, Jim was General Manager of the Consumer Platform for Cambia Health, a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurer based in Portland, Oregon, where he drove the development of a next-generation platform for omni-channel consumer engagement. Later, he became General Manager of Value Management, focusing on population health analytics. As Founder and former CEO of WellnessFx™, Jim led the company to become a leader in direct-to-consumer health diagnostics; after founding the company In 2010, he sold it to Thorne (THRN) in 2013 for $25m.In 1995, Jim founded Sapient Health Network (SHN), pioneering online consumer health communities. SHN merged with WebMD in 1999, forming the platform that now attracts over 23 million monthly visitors. He successfully exited the company, turning a $5m investment into $187m in 3.5 years.Former Board Member of Portland Center Stage (PCS) – a highly regarded regional theatre. During his tenure as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, PCS achieved recognition for developing and opening the first Platinum LEED performing arts building. An avid outdoorsman, in 1999, he hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada. He graduated in 1984 from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR, and earned an MBA from Tuck School at Dartmouth in 1991. He enjoys the great outdoors and winter sports with his wife and three children. Links Supporting This Episode: Molecular You Website: CLICK HEREJim Kean LinkedIn page: CLICK HEREMolecular You LinkedIn:

On the 700th episode of MSPH, Droopy Dog swings by to report on some bad news, Shuddy Boy uses WebMD to diagnose Geoff's sick ass, Geoff might attend a fancy hotdog fest and the guys compete in a round of The Letterboxd Game. Get tickets to see "The Second Coming of John Cooper" in Austin: https://thecomedyfilmfest2025.eventive.org/schedule/tickets/67bbfaeba1174097eb965f87

Welcome, Roaches, to a new era. Where hockey players don't get punched by the opposing bench, where Blue Waffles appear on Web MD instead of your family computer, and you can't even have your groceries pissed on. We're going to hell in a handbasket, folks! But as we take the ride, why not sit back, crack open a relaxing beverage of your choice…and listen to all the great stories we got on deck for you today. And don't forget! Write in to the show @ JoshPotterShow@gmail.com ON THIS WEEK'S EPISODE: ★ Razor Rob Ray ★ Blue Waffles ★ Bodies on Planes ★ Grocery Piss Bandits ★ Mountain Dew Crime Scene And much more! ★★★ This week's Intro Music: “Moonlight Melodies” by @navaezmusic Outro Music: “Live From The Roach Motel (feat. Hendawg)” by Brothers ★★★ See Josh Live! Mar 27th - American Comedy Co. - San Diego CA. Aug 15th - Comedy Cabin - Janesville WI Aug 16th - Comedy Cabin - Janesville WI Oct 31st - Headbangers Cruise w/Lamb Of God Nov 1st - Headbangers Cruise w/Lamb Of God Nov 2nd - Headbangers Cruise w/Lamb Of God Nov 3rd - Headbangers Cruise w/Lamb Of God Nov 4th - Headbangers Cruise w/Lamb Of God ALL STAND UP LINKS CAN BE FOUND HERE: https://thejoshpotter.com ★★★ Josh Potter

Do you struggle to get a good night's sleep or maintain healthy habits? In this episode the Habits and Hustle podcast, I am joined by renowned sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus who reveals how making small changes to your daily routine can profoundly impact your sleep and overall well-being. We dive into the importance of waking up at the same time every day, staying hydrated, and making informed choices about water intake. We also discuss sleep disorders, the effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep, and the role of supplements like magnesium. So tune in for practical, actionable advice that will improve your sleep and well-being. Michael Breus, Ph.D is a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and one of only 168 psychologists to pass the Sleep Medical Specialty Board without going to medical school. He holds a BA in Psychology from Skidmore College, and PhD in Clinical Psychology from The University of Georgia. Dr. Breus has been in private practice as a sleep doctor for nearly 25 years. Dr. Breus is a sought after lecturer and his knowledge is shared daily in major national media worldwide including Today, Dr. Oz, Oprah, and for fourteen years as the sleep expert on WebMD. Dr. Breus is also the bestselling author of The Power of When, The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan, Good Night!, and Energize! What We Discuss: (01:01) GLP-1 Drugs (06:34) Wellness Fundamentals for Better Health (18:11) Strategies for Better Sleep Quality (24:01) Improving Sleep Quality Without Medication (34:47) Exploring Supplements, Melatonin, and Dream Therapy (45:08) Navigating Different Sleep Habits in Relationships (50:54) Celebrity Sleep Strategies and Hydration (01:02:43) Optimizing Sleep Habits and Hacks (01:10:16) Sleep Tips for Kids and Hydration (01:18:58) Dream Therapy Insights and Tips …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: AquaTru: Get 20% off any purifier at aquatru.com with code HUSTLE Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. BiOptimizers: Want to try Magnesium Breakthrough? Go to https://bioptimizers.com/jennifercohen and use promo code JC10 at checkout to save 10% off your purchase. Timeline Nutrition: Get 10% off your first order at timeline.com/cohen Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Dr. Michael Breus: Website:https://sleepdoctor.com/  Books: https://sleepdoctor.com/books

In this episode, Payton explores a chilling case of multiple murders in Los Angeles, where five lives were tragically lost. NEW MERCH LINK: https://mwmhshop.com Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/themwmh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intothedarkpod/ Discount Codes: https://mailchi.mp/c6f48670aeac/oh-no-media-discount-codes Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUbh-B5Or9CT8Hutw1wfYqQ Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/into-the-dark/id1662304327 Listen on spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/36SDVKB2MEWpFGVs9kRgQ7 Case Sources: Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office - https://da.lacounty.gov/media/news/man-sentenced-life-prison-without-possibility-parole-2014-murder-spree https://www.instagram.com/ladaoffice/p/Cha_il0vCt0/?img_index=1 ABC 7 Eyewitness News - https://abc7.com/true-crime-the-valley-killer-2014-random-shooting-spree/14645012/ https://abc7.com/san-fernando-valley-shootings-sfv-crime/281823/ LA Times - https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-05-25/sylmar-serial-killer-convicted-of-five-murders-faces-life-in-prison https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-08-19/man-who-killed-five-in-san-fernando-valley-shooting-spree-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-without-parole CBS News - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/cops-serial-killer-arrested-in-deadly-los-angeles-shooting-spree/ KTLA 5 - https://ktla.com/news/local-news/sylmar-man-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-5-random-killings-in-san-fernando-valley/ Patch - https://patch.com/california/northhollywood/evil-valley-serial-killer-gets-5-life-sentences-each-victim Web MD - https://www.webmd.com/balance/features/driving-is-hazardous-to-your-health Daily Mail - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2735309/Serial-killer-murdered-three-just-one-day-nabbed-police-arrested-charges-shot-two-dogs.html Just the Tip-Sters Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3iQyCcNAHA Burbank Police Department - https://www.burbankpd.org/assets/1/16/Police_Search_For_Shooting_Suspect-News_Release_3-24-2014.pdf Oxygen - https://www.o Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Search history is personal, but the dialers are letting us in on their most recent Google searches. You can usually find Hannah searching tennis players, celebrities, and the latest documentaries, while Des is on WebMD and looking up ACL exercises.