Not As Crazy As You Think Podcast

Exploring Subconscious Architecture with Manex Ibar, Shaman, Mystic and Founder of Sphinx Code (S6, E2)

In the episode, "Exploring Subconscious Architecture with Manex Ibar, Shaman, Mystic and Founder of Sphinx Code" (S6, E2), Manex shares his personal journey in discovering his shamanic path and how others can too. Manex points out that many who are tribal shamans, were initiated by those already on the path, unlike many in Western cultures, who are often considered psychotic.  Manex speaks about his channeled system of the Sphinx Code and how it can help others find their unique path and al...

An Interview with Delicia Niami, Author of Kissing Asphalt: On Trauma, Healing, and Resilience (S6 E1)

In the episode, "An Interview with Delicia Niami, Author of Kissing Asphalt: On Trauma, Healing, and Resilience (S6 E1)," Delicia joins the show sharing her 3 part memoir series, Resilient AF. The first book in the series, Kissing Asphalt: The Courageous True Story of One Child's Unbreakable Spirit—From Kidnapping & Abuse to Self-Love, tells the story of her early years within a traumatic set of experiences many might not have bounced back from. At the early age of 7, Delicia experienced bei...

Psychiatrist Mark Ragins

Journeys Beyond the Frontier: On Treating and Interacting with Psychosis, A Conversation with Psychiatrist Mark Ragins (S5, E17)

In the episode, "Journeys Beyond the Frontier: On Treating and Interacting with Psychosis, A Conversation with Psychiatrist Mark Ragins (S5, E17)" I connect with Mark at the ISPS Conference at the University of Delaware where he was giving a talk, on the subject of psychosis and how those who suffer with it are treated by the medical field. Mark has a humanistic and compassionate approach when dealing with those who are sometimes the most feared and avoided characters in the area of mental i...

The New Language of Neurodiversity, Decolonization, Depathologization: On Location at the ISPS Conference with Six Voices on a Mission (S5, E16)

In the episode, "The New Language of Neurodiversity, Decolonization, Depathologization: On Location at the ISPS Conference with Six Voices on a Mission (S5, E16)," I go on location to connect with The International Society for Psychological and Social Approaches to Psychosis (ISPS), which is a pioneering organization with almost 70 years of advocating for transformative psychosocial understandings and approaches to psychosis that restore personhood, dignity, and well-being. The weekend-long ...

An Interview with Tanya Frank, Author of Zig-Zag Boy: A Memoir of Madness and Motherhood (S5, E15)

In the episode, "An Interview with Tanya Frank, Author of Zig-Zag Boy: A Memoir of Madness and Motherhood (S5, E15)," Tanya lends her powerful voice to the show, sharing her insight and experience with the mental health industry.  Tanya’s association with the mental health system began in 2009 when Zach, Tanya’s son, was diagnosed in 2009 after his first episode with hearing voices.  Both Zach and Tanya were not happy with the treatment offered, and Tanya opens up about his forced drugging a...

Untitled Episode

The Vision and Voice of Janet Werner: The Documentary, the Movie, the Movement (S5, E14)

In the episode, "The Vision and Voice of Janet Werner: The Documentary, the Movie, the Movement (S5, E14)," Janet joins the show to share her message on spiritual emergencies shedding light on the spiritual side of mental health, and specifically, the spiritually transformative experiences that often get misdiagnosed as mental illness. Forty-four years ago while in her master’s degree program Janet had an astonishing mystical experience which turned into a spiritual emergency and resulted i...

On the Polycrisis with Mark McCormack: Psychiatric Coercion, Hegel, A.I. and Saving Humanity (S5, E13)

In the episode, "On the Polycrisis with Mark McCormack: Psychiatric Coercion, Hegel, A.I. and Saving Humanity (S5, E13),"  Mark begins with sharing his intimate experience with psychiatry and its oppressive structure. A peaceful protestor of 20 years, while on a hunger strike protesting the polycrisis, Mark describes how the institution overtook his life through forced hospitalization and a list of human rights violations. He speaks of his pressing class action lawsuit, which holds accountab...

On the Polycrisis with Mark McCormack: Psychiatric Coercion, Hegel, A.I. and Saving Humanity

On Location in NYC: Believing in Yourself with Ballet Dancer and Podcaster Michelle Williams (S5, E12)

In the episode, "On Location in NYC: Believing in Yourself with Ballet Dancer and Podcaster Michelle Williams (S5, E12)," Michelle and I reconnect to do another podcast on location in NYC. Born and bred in California, Michelle hits the streets of NYC to reclaim her original dream of living as a professional dancer. She shares what kept her believing in herself and how she stayed the course toward manifesting her dream. Michelle and I also share our stories of lived experience with the ment...

Exploring the Healing Power of Laughter with Barry Taylor, Founder of Laugh Therapy (S5, E11)

In the episode, "Exploring the Healing Power of Laughter with Barry Taylor, Founder of Laugh Therapy (S5, E11)," Gelotologist and accredited Laughter Therapist, Barry Taylor joins the show and shares the beneficial healing benefits laughter can produce. Using techniques in the area of laughter therapy, Barry pulls from his background as a former English and drama teacher to bring play into programs and workshops that facilitate an uplifting  change in our state of mind, which can ultimately ...

Global Sustainability Through Healing Our Collective Trauma with Benjamin Casteillo, founder of New World Together (S5, E10)

In the episode, "Global Sustainability Through Healing Our Collective Trauma with Benjamin Casteillo, founder of New World Together (S5, E10)," Benjamin begins with sharing his spiritual emergency beginning in 2004, which involved the forcible, inhumane treatment of the psychiatric institution. After going deep into inner realms, Benjamin realized he needed to change his direction.  In 2017, Benjamin Casteillo made the bold decision to leave behind a successful corporate career as a senior m...

On Nutrition, Exercise, and Emotional Fitness with Author and Fitness Expert David Greenwalt (S5, E9)

In the episode, "On Nutrition, Exercise, and Emotional Fitness with Author and Fitness Expert  David Greenwalt (S5, E9)," David shares his wisdom on overall health after being in the business for over 30 years . David discusses how along with nutrition and activity, emotional fitness is a crucial component to maintaining your fitness goals long term. Involving self-awareness, self-regulation, social connections, and feeling authentically good, strengthening our emotional fitness can change o...

A.I. News: Open Letter To Pause, Existential Risks to Humanity, Its Supporters & Deniers (S5, E8)

In the episode "A.I. News: Open Letter To Pause, Existential Risks to Humanity, Its Supporters & Deniers (S5, E8)," I discuss the recent Open Letter to Pause Giant AI Experiments recently composed by the Future of Life Institute, and present the arguments for taking the risk analysis more seriously. With signers of the letter including Elon Musk, Emad Mostaque, Steve Wozniak, Max Tegmark, Tristan Harris and Aza Raskin, I share some of their positions including some recent articles, podcasts ...

An Interview with Author Rob Wipond on His Book, "Your Consent Is Not Required: The Rise in Psychiatric Detentions, Forced Treatment, and Abusive Guardianships" (S5, E7)

In the episode, "An Interview with Author Rob Wipond on His Book, 'Your Consent Is Not Required: The Rise in Psychiatric Detentions, Forced Treatment, and Abusive Guardianships'" (S5, E7), I have the chance to explore my most esteemed topics of psychiatric coercion and forced treatment with one of the major players right now in the field, journalist Rob Wipond. Rob Wipond is a freelance journalist and creative nonfiction writer who writes frequently at the interfaces between psychiatry, ci...

The A.I. Future is NOW: Job Loss, Adaptation, Immersion, & Reorganizing Human Society (S5, E6)

In the episode, "The A.I. Future is NOW: Job Loss, Adaptation, Immersion, & Reorganizing Human Society (S5, E6)," I share how the AI Future is upon us and there is no stopping it. I cover a spectrum of material from Vernor Vinge's essay "Technological Singularity" to the inaccuracies of Chat GPT 4, to machine learning failing to identify depression based on neurobiology. As lead researcher Nils R. Winter stated, "The fact that we cannot find meaningful (univariate or multivariate) neurobiolo...

Normalizing the Conversation on Mental Health with Kateryn Ferreira, host of Geminme Podcast (S5, E5)

In the episode, "Normalizing the Conversation on Mental Health with Kateryn Ferreira, host of Geminme Podcast (S5, E5)," Kateryn joins the show with the message that the power is within each one of us. She gives advice on how to become our best selves, and delivers her encouraging point of view with good sense and a compassionate edge.  Having overcome personal lived experience with mental distress, she believes that mental wellness is maintained through a process we work on everyday. She be...

Tapering Off Antipsychotics: Avoiding Withdrawal, Practicing Self-Care (S5, E4)

In the episode, "Tapering Off Antipsychotics: Avoiding Withdrawal, Practicing Self-Care(S5, E4)," I share my journey I started 2 years ago when I decided to officially remove psychiatry from my life and get off their forced meds for good. Most psychiatrists have no interest in helping a bipolar get off their meds, so I went out on my own, assembled a support group around me, did the research, and invested in my healing. Now after putting my goal front and center for the last 2 years, I have ...

A.I. Art & Its Implications Part 2: A Chat with Artist G. Romero On the Coming Disruption (S5, E3)

In the episode "A.I. Art & Its Implications Part 2: A Chat with NYC Artist G. Romero On the Coming Disruption (S5, E3)," I had the pleasure of interviewing NYC Brooklyn artist G. Romero about all coming changes regarding A.I. --especially the A.I. art revolution and the possible ensuing human art renaissance. After reviewing what these A.I. generative art systems are accomplishing, we take a deeper look at the role of the artist in society, and what we as artists are being called upon to cur...

A.I. Art & Its Implications Part 2: A Chat with Artist G Romero On the Coming Disruption (S5, E3)

A.I. Art & Its Implications Part 2: A Chat with NYC Artist G Romero On the Coming Disruption (S5, E3)

A.I. Art & Its Implications Part 1: Lost Narratives, the Time Element & Process (S5, E2)

A.I. Art & Its Implications Part 1: Lost Narratives, the Time Element & Process (S5, E2) With the explosive popularity and beauty of the newest AI art entering the scene under Stable Diffusion, I decided to share the A.I. controversy so that others can join in the conversation. I talk about my own personal experience to making art and what it means to me. After attending a Native American Historical Landscape exhibition this weekend in the infamous Woodstock, NY, I realize that in the name ...

Psychosis Outside the Box & Chapter 7: "Back in New York", A Reading from My Memoir (S5, E1)

In the episode, "Psychosis Outside the Box & Chapter 7: Back in New York"-- A Reading from My Memoir" (S5, E1), in opening up about my own first episode psychosis, I start with a description of the project "Psychosis Outside the Box" under the authors Shannon Pagdon and Nev Jones, which can be reviewed here: https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.20220488. I point to how other traditions worldwide approach states of "psychosis" differently, with more respect and community suppo...

A Review of PBS's Mysteries of Mental Illness & a Second Anniversary Recap (S4, E17)

In the episode, "A Review of PBS's Mysteries of Mental Illness & a Second Anniversary Recap (S4, E17)," I recall much of what led me to doing Not As Crazy As You Think Podcast and share my current status in my tapering journey from psych meds. I also review the 4-part 2021 series broadcasted by PBS titled, "Mysteries of Mental Illness." Offering a summary of each episode, I also give my point of view through the eyes of a psychiatric survivor. #endthestigma #fakeDSM #psychmedsharm #mentalhe...

A Review of PBS's Mysteries of Mental Illness & a Second Anniversary Recap

In the episode, "A Review of PBS's Mysteries of Mental Illness & a Second Anniversary Recap," I recall much of what led me to doing Not As Crazy As You Think Podcast and share my current status in my tapering journey from psych meds. I also review the 4-part 2021 series broadcasted by PBS titled, "Mysteries of Mental Illness." Offering a summary of each episode, I also give my point of view through the eyes of a psychiatric survivor. #endthestigma #fakeDSM #psychmedsharm #mentalhealth #ment...

The Untold Perspective: Writer Lynn Rogoff Discusses Bird Woman, Her Audio Drama Creation On Sacajawea (S4, E16)

In the episode, "The Untold Perspective: Writer Lynn Rogoff Discusses Bird Woman, Her Audio Drama Creation On Sacajawea (S4, E16)," Lynn joins the show to share her latest project. Lynn Rogoff works as a writer, director, producer, and an Adjunct Professor at the NY Institute of Technology. She is currently producing a shape-shifting Bird Woman®, audio drama multi-episode series based on the Lewis and Clark Native American guide, Sacajawea. Bird Woman®, a magical realism drama, discovers her...

A Growing Criticism of Psychiatry: The Story is Changing on Mental Illness (S4 E15)

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A Growing Collective of Critics From Mental Health Pros to Psychiatric Survivors --A Changing Story on Mental Illness (S4, E15)

In the episode, "A Growing Collective of Critics From Mental Health Pros to Psychiatric Survivors --A Changing Story on Mental Illness(S4, E15) ," I explore how the movement is indeed growing, and the voices are getting louder. The critics of psychiatry, who represent mental health professionals, psychiatric survivors, the prescribed harm collective, and many others, are speaking out. The new story about mental illness is about reclamation and renewal. But for decades, that’s not what suffer...

A Growing Collective of Critics From Mental Health Pros to Psychiatric Survivors --A Changing Story on Mental Illness (S4 E15)

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AlphaGo the Movie, Big Data, and AI Psychiatry: Will Humans Be Left Behind? (S4, E14)

In the episode, "AlphaGo the Movie, Big Data, and AI Psychiatry: Will Humans Be Left Behind? (S4, E14)," I give a review of the film AlphaGo, an award-winning documentary that filled me with wonder and forgiveness towards the artificial intelligence movement in general. SPOILER ALERT: the episode contains spoilers, as would any news article on the topic as it was major world news and was a game-changer for artificial intelligence. DeepMind has a fundamental desire to understand intelligenc...

AlphaGo the Movie, Big Data, and AI Psychiatry: Will Humans Be Left Behind? (S4 E14)

AlphaGo, Big Data, and AI Psychiatry: A Question of Intuition and Purpose (S4 E14)

Recovery from Schizophrenia with Tracey Higgins, Author of The Girl On the Bridge (S4, E13)

In the episode, "Recovery from Schizophrenia with Tracey Higgins, Author of 'The Girl On the Bridge' (S4, E13)," Tracey shares her personal story of healing without psych meds from her bout with schizophrenia. Her story offers hope to those who suffer from the most troubling form of madness for both patients and psychiatrists, one that is often treated with disrespect and disdain. Psychiatry believes there is no recovery for schizophrenics or bipolars, but Tracey's road to recovery proves th...

Getting Real with Jessica Schiller Silverman, Podcaster & Spiritual Wellness Expert: On Trauma, Self-Love, and Purpose (S4, E12)

In the episode, "Getting Real with Jessica Schiller Silverman, Podcaster & Spiritual Wellness Expert: On Trauma, Self-Love, and Purpose (S4, E12)," Jessica opens up about her work in consulting, her personal path of mental health, and the state of the Western medical approach to mental illness. Jessica Schiller Silverman is a spiritual wellness expert to help heal past trauma + inner child wounds. Through a trauma-informed approach, she enables women to come ALIVE in her creative passion wit...

Getting Real with Jessica Schiller Silverman, Podcaster & Spiritual Wellness Expert: On Trauma, Self-Love, and Purpose

Getting Real with Jessica Schiller Silverman, Podcaster & Spiritual Wellness Expert: On Trauma, Self-Love, and a Safe Place

Opening Up About Process and Pain with Sculptural Artist and Mental Health Advocate, Kellie Gillespie (S4, E11)

In the episode, "Opening Up About Process and Pain with Sculptural Artist and Mental Health Advocate, Kellie Gillespie (S4, E11)" sculptural artist and mental health advocate Kellie Gillespie is interested in deepening the conversations within and between art and mental health. Kellie holds an MFA from Rinehart School of Sculpture at Maryland Institute College of Art, and her work focuses on issues specifically associated with mental health, as well as the concepts of recovery and survivorsh...

How to Heal Through Nutrition, Mindfulness and Lifestyle with Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Emilie Jordao (S4, E10)

In the episode, "How to Heal Through Nutrition, Mindfulness and Lifestyle with Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Emilie Jordao (S4, E10)," Emilie joins the show to share her own personal wellness journey through natural means. After struggling for 15 years with psychiatric symptoms, before learning how inflammation plays a role in these conditions, she  reclaimed her life, and now offers nutrition and yoga based tools for holistic mental health. As psychiatry told Emilie she would need he...

Natural Medicine: Holistic Healer Michelle Williams Shares a Journey of Alternative Healing (S4 E9)

 In the episode, "Natural Medicine: Holistic Healer Michelle Williams Shares a Journey of Alternative Healing (S4 E9)," women’s holistic healer, Michelle Williams opens up about her personal path towards mental health wellness.  After being on psych meds for 10 years, Michelle found an alternative route for her struggles through studying and practicing different food philosophies, including intuitive eating and veganism, and for the past 6 years has promoted the macrobiotic lifestyle. After ...

The Provocative Vision of Artist Andy Golub: His Process and Message in a Literal World (S4, E8)

In the episode, "The Provocative Vision of Artist Andy Golub: His Process and Message in a Literal World (S4, E8)," New York City artist Andy Golub, bodypainter, and founder of the non-profit foundation Human Connection Arts, shares his artistic process and how his art has developed. Starting out as an artist looking to make his mark, Andy eventually discovered bodypainting and took it to a higher level, bringing hundreds of people together at once through efforts  like his Bodypainting Days...

A Discussion on Mental Distress in the Family: Life and Fitness Model David Pumo Opens Up (S4, E7)

In the episode, "A Discussion on Mental Distress in the Family: Life and Fitness Model David Pumo Opens Up (S4, E7)," David, who is also a lawyer and writer, shares his personal family background and reveals a history of mental distress, or what the psychiatric establishment calls "mental illness." In opening up about his lineage as far back as his great uncle's suicide and his grandmother's nervous breakdowns, which resulted in multiple ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) procedures, David shar...

A History of Mental Distress in the Family: Life and Fitness Model David Pumo Opens Up (S4, E7)

In the episode, "A History of Mental Distress in the Family: Life and Fitness Model David Pumo Opens Up (S4, E7)," David shares his personal family background and reveals a history of mental distress, or what the psychiatric establishment calls "mental illness." In opening up about his lineage as far back as his great uncle's suicide and his grandmother's nervous breakdowns, which resulted in multiple ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) procedures, David shares a personal relationship with what ...

Bridging the Gap and Exploring the Archetypes with Shaman Shanon Lyn Harwood, author of the book Currency (S4 E6)

In the episode, "Bridging the Gap and Exploring the Archetypes with Shaman Shanon Lyn Harwood, author of the book Currency (S4 E6)," Shanon shares how she discovered her purpose as a shaman through her experience and tutelage with "The Old People." Shanon was tutored for 15 years by Spiritual Elder Josephine Crowshoe of the Piikani Nation who named her ‘Iniskimaaki - Buffalo Rock Woman’.   Shanon Lyn Harwood is the author of the multimedia book, It Depends on Who’s Looking, and offers an on...

Making Space for Magic with author Patty Lennon: Letting Go of Resistance & Learning to Receive (S4, E5)

In the episode, "Making Space for Magic with author Patty Lennon: Letting Go of Resistance & Learning to Receive (S4, E5)," Patty Lennon joins the conversation and offers her insight and wisdom on the intuitive journey for the curious seeker.  Author of the book, Make Space for Magic, Patty shares her personal spiritual journey and how it has inspired her to help others find their own paths. She shares how she began to communicate with “the other side of the veil” and how we can too through ...

Making Space for Magic with Author Patty Lennon: Letting Go of Resistance & Learning to Receive (S4, E5)

In the episode, "Making Space for Magic with Author Patty Lennon: Letting Go of Resistance & Learning to Receive (S4, E5)," Patty Lennon joins the conversation and offers her insight and wisdom on the intuitive journey for the curious seeker.  Author of the book, Make Space for Magic, Patty shares her personal spiritual journey and how it has inspired her to help others find their own paths. She shares how she began to communicate with “the other side of the veil” and how we can too through ...

An Interview with Psychologist Dr. Roger McFillin, host of Radically Genuine Podcast, on Psych Meds, Drug Trials, Resilience & Recovery (S4, E4)

In the episode, "An Interview with Psychologist Dr. Roger McFillin, host of Radically Genuine Podcast, on Psych Meds, Drug Trials, Resilience & Recovery (S4, E4)," Licensed Psychologist Dr. Roger K. McFillin, who is the Executive Director of the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health in Bethlehem PA, joins the show. Also host of the podcast “Radically Genuine”, Roger is strongly committed to the use of evidence-based treatments and specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Diale...

Prolonged Grief Disorder & Pathologizing Intense Feelings Of Loss: Grieve Quickly or Get a Label (S4, E3)

In the episode, "Prolonged Grief Disorder & Pathologizing Intense Feelings Of Loss: Grieve Quickly or Get a Label (S4, E3)" I discuss how in March 2022, the DSM, or Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was updated to include revisions to 70 labels, including Prolonged Grief Disorder. I review the criteria for such a disorder, revealing that among the 8 distinguishing symptoms are a list of extremely understandable and relatable feelings that people experience when dealing with b...

In the Wake of Uvalde: Stopping Gun Violence Is NOT a Mental Health Issue But a Moral One (S4, E2)

In the episode, "In the Wake of Uvalde: Stopping Gun Violence Is NOT a Mental Health Issue But a Moral One (S4, E2)" I review the mass gun shooting incident in Uvalde, Texas that occurred on May 24, 2022 and tackle the question: is more gun control needed or mental health reform? While mental health reform is always needed, when Republican lawmakers state it's a mental health issue, they are speaking of punishment before a crime to those already getting help over dealing with the core proble...

In the Wake of Uvalde: Stopping Gun Violence Is Not a Mental Health Issue But a Moral One (S4, E2)

In the episode, "In the Wake of Uvalde: Stopping Gun Violence Is Not a Mental Health Issue But a Moral One (S4, E2)" I review the mass gun shooting incident in Uvalde, Texas that occurred on May 24, 2022 and tackle the question: is more gun control needed or mental health reform? While mental health reform is always needed, when Republican lawmakers state it's a mental health issue, they are speaking of punishment before a crime to those already getting help over dealing with the core proble...

In the Wake of Uvalde: Stopping Gun Violence Is Not a Mental Health Issue But a Moral One (S4, E2)

In the episode, "In the Wake of Uvalde: Stopping Gun Violence Is Not a Mental Health Issue But a Moral One (S4, E2)" I review the mass gun shooting incident in Uvalde, Texas that occurred on May 24, 2022 and tackle the question: is more gun control needed or mental health reform? While mental health reform is always needed, when Republican lawmakers state it's a mental health issue, they are speaking of punishment before a crime to those already getting help over dealing with the core proble...