Mind Body Health & Politics

Renowned psychologist Dr. Monnica Williams reveals how racial trauma affects people of color daily, and offers three practical actions anyone can take to create positive change.How subtle, everyday racism leads to lasting psychological injury through "microaggressions"Why many of us are conditioned not to see racism, even when it's happening right in front of usThe shocking study showing it took 80 phone calls for a Black man to find a therapist who would see himThree practical steps everyone can take to combat racism and promote healingLinks & ResourcesHealing the Wounds of Racial Trauma by Dr. Monnica WilliamsMind Body Health Politics Archives - Listen to our full 20-year archive freeThe Kenneth Clark Doll Study - The landmark research mentioned in our conversationAmerican Psychological Association's Apology for Role in Promoting RacismTimestamped Chapters(00:00) - Introduction to Dr. Monnica Williams: Social Justice Royalty (01:00) - Growing Up with Civil Rights Activist Parents (03:00) - Understanding

MDMA-assisted therapy could be key to healing Ukraine's war trauma—and might even help mend our own divided society's psychological wounds.Key Insights:MAPS' Phase 3 clinical trials showed 72.6% of severe PTSD patients no longer qualified for diagnosis after MDMA therapyGroup therapy combined with MDMA shows enormous promise for healing communities facing widespread traumaEpigenetic research suggests processing trauma with psychedelics could prevent passing trauma to future generationsAmerica's social division is creating its own psychological "war zone" that might benefit from psychedelic-assisted healingLinks & Resources:MAPS - Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic StudiesPsychedelic Science 2025 - Denver, June 16-20, 2025Mind Body Health & PoliticsSuperhumans Center UkraineTimestamps:(00:00:00) - Introduction: Four Decades of Psychedelic Medicine Advocacy(00:03:00) - The Dark History Behind Drug Prohibition and Criminalization(00:05:42) - Inside Ukraine: Air Raid Sirens and Everyday Resilie

​Dr. Nicholas Powers reveals how psychedelics could help heal generational trauma in communities of color while reinvigorating social movements at a critical political moment.In This Episode:- Why the "Black psychedelic revolution" is currently a celebrity trend but needs to become accessible to working-class communities- How the constant psychological burden of "the white superego" creates trauma in communities of color- Why writing is a powerful tool for liberation and reclaiming your mind from today's attention economyLinks & Resources:- [The Black Psychedelic Revolution by Nicholas Powers](https://www.blackpsychedelicrevolution.com/)- [Mind Body Health & Politics Archive](https://mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/)Chapters:(00:00) - Intro: Understanding the Black Experience in America(08:00) - The Weight of History: Carrying Ancestral Trauma(15:00) - The Current State of Psychedelics in Communities of Color(21:00) - Backlash Politics: Post-Election Mourning and Resistance(30:00) - Resilience Stories: Fin

While clinical trials capture headlines, 99.9% of psychedelic experiences happen outside laboratory walls. Dr. Matthew Lowe shares groundbreaking research revealing that self-guided psychedelic use can deliver the same benefits as clinical settings, including reductions in depression and anxiety.The world's largest naturalistic psilocybin study with 8,000+ participantsHow home use of magic mushrooms can match clinical outcomesWhy shame reduction may be a key mechanism in psychedelic healingPsychedelics' complex history with marginalized communitiesLinks:Unlimited Sciences: Research organization studying observational/naturalistic psychedelic usePsychedelic Info Line: 888-210-3553 (Free consultation service)Study Reference: "Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and well-being" (Frontiers in Psychiatry) - Open Access Link(00:00) - Intro: The 99% of Psychedelic Use We Don't Study (01:50) - The World's Largest Naturalistic Psilocybin Study (06:30) - Real-World vs

"Medical error has been declared the third leading cause of death in the literature, and this has been for several decades." - Dr. Julie SiemersA 45-year nursing veteran reveals shocking statistics about preventable deaths, hospital errors, and patient harm that everyone should know before their next doctor's visit. Dr. Julie Siemers exposes alarming research about surgical mistakes, missed diagnoses, and medication errors, while offering practical strategies to protect yourself and loved ones from becoming victims of a broken healthcare system.Learn:* Why 80% of cardiac arrests in hospitals are completely preventable* The disturbing truth about foreign objects left in surgical patients* How to effectively question doctors and nurses about treatment plans* Why bringing an advocate to appointments could save your life* The critical resource to check your hospital's safety grade before admissionTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction and Shocking Statement(00:42) Welcome to Mind, Body, Health Politics(01:32) Introducin

"You might feel like you're dying... you might think that the state you're in is going to last forever." - Dr. Daniel KrugerA groundbreaking University of Michigan study of 1,200+ psychedelic users reveals shocking statistics about adverse effects, from sexual misconduct to psychological crises. Dr. Daniel Kruger shares critical findings about what really happens when people use psychedelics outside clinical settings, and why people still take these risks despite the dangers.Learn:* Why 74.3% of users experience profound sadness* The troubling 1-in-20 risk of misconduct with underground guides* How to prepare for common psychological challenges* The shift from recreational to therapeutic motivations* Why legal risks remain significant despite policy changesTimestamps:(00:00) - The Alarming Stats No One Talks About(04:19) - Why People Risk Everything for Psychedelics(10:15) - The Dark Truth About Underground Guides(15:36) - Sadness & Fear: Feature or Bug? (The Debate)(21:01) - Near-Death Experience: Why It

In this eye-opening conversation with legendary science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson, we explore practical paths to meaningful change in an age of crisis. From local climate action groups to worker-owned cooperatives, Robinson reveals how working alternatives to capitalism are hiding in plain sight.00:00 Capitalism vs. Feudalism: A Comparison00:41 Introduction to Mind, Body, Health, and Politics01:35 Kim Stanley Robinson on Climate Change and Local Action04:29 Capitalism, Climate, and Utopia: Interconnected Themes11:27 Historical Perspectives: Genghis Khan and Social Systems14:56 Marxism and Its Challenges19:18 Examples of Alternative Systems23:48 The Role of Democracy and Progressive Taxation28:02 Literacy and Communication in Modern Society30:19 The Influence of Right-Wing Talk Radio32:06 The Power of Oral Tradition and Social Media34:44 The Art of Compression in Communication36:08 The Value of Long-Form Novels38:45 Local Government and Community Involvement40:01 The Village Homes Experiment47:13 Ref

Chemical engineer turned health researcher Ivor Cummins shares shocking discoveries about metabolic health, cholesterol myths, and institutional bias in medicine. With 25+ years of complex problem-solving experience and a Stanford innovation certificate, Cummins brings his analytical expertise to expose gaps in modern medical understanding. Author of "Eat Rich, Live Long" and creator of MetabolicDuo.com, his research has challenged conventional wisdom on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Learn why this leading voice in metabolic health says everything we've been told about nutrition is wrong.00:00 Debunking Nutrition Myths00:30 Introducing Ivor Cummins00:52 The Philosophy of Skepticism02:21 Ivor's Journey into Health Skepticism03:01 Challenging Medical Expertise05:37 Discovering Metabolic Syndrome08:49 Questioning Government and Institutions14:26 The Profit Motive in Health and Medicine15:51 Technocratic Dystopia and Global Agendas29:25 The Importance of Cash and Self-Sufficiency31:00 The Five Bi

Can a simple ultrasound save your life when mammograms miss the mark? Should you get a colonoscopy every year, or is that too extreme? In my latest interview with distinguished hematologist-oncologist Dr. Chadi Nabhan, author of over 300 medical articles and abstracts, we dive deep into the complex world of cancer screening, prevention, and treatment."Cancer is not one disease," Dr. Nabhan emphasizes. "Many cancers are curable, while some are not. They're not equal, and we can't treat them all the same way."In this episode Dr. Miller engages with Dr. Chadi Nabhan, a distinguished hematologist and oncologist, discussing the complexities of cancer, the importance of early detection, and the nuances of patient communication. Dr. Nabhan emphasizes that cancer is not a singular disease but a collection of various conditions, each requiring tailored approaches to treatment and screening. The conversation also highlights personal stories related to cancer experiences, advocating for proactive communication between p

When I first connected with Ebru Şinik (@ebrusinik) on Instagram, something special resonated. Here was someone halfway across the world speaking the same language of health, persistence, and joy that I've championed for decades. Through her posts and our growing digital friendship, I witnessed her remarkable ability to beam light and positivity while delivering serious, science-based wellness education to thousands.Our paths seemed destined to cross.In our recent conversation I shared with her how my grandmother had lived in Istanbul in 1908, speaking Turkish with such fluency that decades later she could still converse with Turkish visitors. Now, Ebru is transforming wellness education in her beloved Istanbul through an inspiring blend of modern science and ancient wisdom.Twenty years ago, Ebru was a successful stock broker battling chronic health issues. Today, she's a leading voice in preventive medicine, training the next generation of wellness practitioners and transforming corporate culture across Turk

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of psychedelic science with Dr. David Nichols, one of the foremost experts in the field. Dr. Nichols shares his insights on the current state of LSD research, the challenges faced by researchers, and the potential of psychedelics in treating various mental health conditions. We also discuss the recent FDA decision on MDMA and the future of psychedelic medicine.Dr. David E. Nichols is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Purdue University and a pioneer in psychedelic research. With over five decades of experience, he offers a unique perspective on the past, present, and future of psychedelic science.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Science 02:03 The Current State of LSD Research 06:12 Challenges in LSD Research 10:13 Comparing LSD and Psilocybin 14:02 Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics 16:45 Adverse Effects of Psychedelics 20:03 The Role of Set and Setting 25:04 Understanding Paranoia in Psychedelic Experiences 29:59 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine 34:00

In this episode of Mind, Body, Health and Politics, Dr. Richard Miller sits down with Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith to discuss the fascinating concept of "public intimacy." From clergy to sex workers, actors to activists, we explore how different professions navigate the delicate balance between personal authenticity and professional boundaries. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that touches on polyamory, religious ostracism, and the importance of being true to oneself.Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and Adam's Background 3:42 What is Public Intimacy? 8:15 Boundaries in Different Professions 14:30 Dr. Miller's Anecdotes: Therapy and Hot Springs 21:05 Polyamory and Religious Communities 29:18 The Harm of Ostracism and Hypocrisy 37:50 The Gemstone Metaphor: Facets of Identity 45:23 Advice for Clergy and Public Figures 52:10 Dr. Miller's Social Media Success Story 57:30 Closing Thoughts on Self-KnowledgeDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on Mind, Body, Health and Pol

From Shiitake to Psilocybe, Mushrooms are Nature's Healing PowerhousesI was recently joined by the world-renowned mycologist – my friend – Christopher Hobbs, from his new location in Santa Cruz, California. We discussed the vast potential of mushrooms for healing and wellness.Dr. Christopher Hobbs is a fourth generation, internationally known herbalist and mycologist, licensed acupuncturist, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant to the dietary supplement industry, expert witness, botanist, public speaker, and author of over 20 books and numerous articles with over 40 years of experience.He is the author of the recent book Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide, with German and English editions.He earned his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley with research and publication in evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetics, the chemistry of plants and fungi, and ethnobotany, and is now faculty at the University of Massachusetts, Amherstwww.christopherhobbs.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@chrisr

Dear Friends,With over six decades of experience as a clinical psychologist, I've seen many trends come and go in mental health treatment. But rarely have I encountered information as potentially game-changing as what I'm sharing with you today.In 2010, I interviewed journalist Robert Whitaker about his book Anatomy of an Epidemic on my NPR-affiliated radio show. The revelations in that conversation were so profound that I recently invited him back for an update, 14 years later.This follow-up interview may be the most important broadcast in my 20-year history of hosting this program.Whitaker's research exposes how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced American psychiatry, leading to the widespread prescription of antidepressants (SSRIs) to tens, if not hundreds of millions of people worldwide. He ushers ample data to show that these medications are not only often ineffective but may be making many patients worse.Major media outlets are not covering this story. To me this suggests a concerning alliance be

Dear Friends,How can we age gracefully in a world that seems intent on making us feel obsolete? This week, I spoke with Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan, about the multifaceted approach to healthy aging.Maddy emphasizes that aging is more than just a number:"There's three different kinds of aging. First there's that chronologic aging... Second is the physiologic or biologic aging. That's how our bodies are aging... But then there's the positive side of aging, which I bet you're experiencing, and that is the psychological or emotional aging."This holistic view resonated deeply with me. As someone who's been around the block a few times (85 years, to be exact), I've learned that maintaining health is about more than just diet and exercise. It's about cultivating a positive attitude, staying socially connected, and finding purpose in our later years.One of Maddy's insights that particularly struck me was about t

Dear Friends,For years, I've observed what I call a "post-traumatic sexual stress disorder" gripping our nation. It's not just about sex – it's about the very fabric of our society. We're a culture living on edge, with 70% of us barely making it paycheck to paycheck. This constant stress, this sword of Damocles hanging over our heads, it's more than economic – it's deeply traumatic, and it seeps into every aspect of our lives, including our sexuality.Imagine, for a moment, that the very act of making love could heal not just our bodies, but our minds, our spirits, and even our society. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? And yet, after my recent conversation with Sasha Cobra, I find myself pondering this possibility.Sasha, a world-renowned teacher and healer featured on Netflix, brings a perspective on sexuality that's at once ancient and revolutionary. As we spoke, I was struck by how her words seemed to peel back layers of cultural conditioning, revealing a truth that's been hiding in plain si

Dear Friends,Each of us has a decision to make: whether we want to put in the time and energy to be healthy, or if we're just going to let the chips fall where they may. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice.You might get lucky and stay healthy for years without effort, but most Americans end up with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other health issues well before they reach old age. The choice is yours. If you do choose a healthy lifestyle, I won't sugarcoat it – it's a lot of work. However, today I offer you my personal Immunity Builder Program – a system that has worked for me and can work for you too. Watch the video or read on for the first steps to building a stronger immune system and living a healthier life:1. Exercise: Move Your Body, Boost Your HealthExercise is part of every healthy person's lifestyle. If you're not getting 10,000 steps a day through your work, you need to find a way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Schedule it, do it alone or with friends. Instead of hanging out in bars

Dear Friends,How can we find peace and purpose amid the turmoil and distraction of the modern world? Actor, author, and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote believes the answer lies in the timeless wisdom of Buddhism – translated for our modern lives.In my latest interview, Peter and I explore:* The Buddhist concept of "dependent origination" and its relevance to our interconnected world* How meditation can help us contain and investigate our emotions, leading to more dignified living* The power of "radical optimism" in the face of life's uncertainties* Applying Buddhist principles to navigate personal and societal challenges"Buddha discovered that everything in the world is connected to everything else," Peter told me. "He called it dependent origination. You can understand it immediately when you understand that we've never been separate from oxygen, from sunlight, from water, from microbes in the soil."This interconnectedness forms the foundation of Buddhist thought and practice. But how does it apply to our d

Dear Friends,In a world rife with division, how can we turn conflict into collaboration?Lawyer-turned-“resolutionary” Stewart Levine has spent over 35 years mastering the art of transforming breakdowns into breakthroughs. From feuding business partners to disgruntled employees to divorcing couples, he's been in the trenches of impossible situations - and emerged with relationships intact and millions of dollars saved.Now, he's distilled his hard-won wisdom into practical tools anyone can use to resolve and prevent conflict. As the author of the international bestseller Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration and the founder of Resolution Works, Stewart is on a mission to make the world a more collaborative place.In my latest interview, Stewart and I explore:* The hidden costs of unresolved conflict and the power of "resolutionary thinking"* Why the legal system often impedes real communication and problem-solving* The key principles and skills for authentic, empathetic dialogue* How to craf

Dear Friends,In the early 1980s, as a clinical psychologist, I had a remarkable experience as a patient of Dr. Robert Cantor, the founder of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. He legally administered MDMA to me over a period of a year and a half, and the benefits were profound. My heart opened, my empathy increased, and my defenses lowered. At the time, therapists across the United States were reporting amazing results using MDMA with couples, claiming they achieved more progress in a few sessions than in years of traditional therapy.However, in 1985, amid growing concerns about recreational use – as well as misinformation about its neurotoxicity – the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emergency scheduled MDMA as a Schedule I substance, effectively banning its use for any purpose, including medical research.Around that time, Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), went before the government to seek approval for MDMA's medicinal use. Despite pro