High On Healthy

Dr. Shila Patel discussed the pandemic's impact on mental health, emphasizing increased anxiety, depression, and societal fracturing due to social isolation. She highlighted the effects on children and older men specifically.

Dr. Patel attributed increased anxiety, depression, and societal fracturing due to social isolation to the pandemic. She noted these issues particularly affected children and older men. Additionally, she linked rising depression among men aged 30-45 to evolving gender roles. She also stated that men aged 30-45 were experiencing rising depression.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Sabrina Trobak, a trauma recovery counselor, about her therapeutic model, which focuses on resolving core beliefs and past traumas to improve mental well-being, as well as coping mechanisms, the impact of past experiences, and the intergenerational transmission of trauma.

Sabrina Trobak's book, "Not Good Enough," is a resource designed for individuals who cannot access counseling. It helps readers identify and understand their core beliefs, particularly the feeling of "not good enough," and how these beliefs connect to anxiety and other emotions. The book also offers tools for personal growth and healing.

Hugh Flynn, an award-winning journalist and playwright, about his recently published memoir, Something Special Be. This memoir chronicles Flynn's personal experience of becoming his brother Aaron's conservator. Aaron, who had Down syndrome, was a significant figure in Flynn's life, and the book delves into their relationship, Aaron's unique personality, and his positive impact on others.

Flynn shared the challenges and complexities of navigating the legal processes involved in conservatorship, which became necessary after their mother's stroke. He highlighted the immense amount of paperwork and the steep learning curve he faced. The discussion also touched upon the broader topic of conservatorship in the United States, emphasizing that it affects a large number of people beyond those with disabilities.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Fraser Johnston of Enthotech Clinic, a multidisciplinary clinic offering treatments for chronic pain and mental health conditions.

The clinic uses intramuscular ketamine as its primary treatment modality, along with sublingual ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA (under Health Canada's Special Access Program).  They also offer pain treatments and mind-body practices such as breathwork, meditation, and yoga to support nervous system regulation

They discussed the holistic approach to chronic pain and mental health treatment using psychedelics and integrative therapies, including ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA. 

Richard Zwicky speaks with Jill Sitnick, a psychedelic integration coach, who shares their experiences with MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. The discussion delves into the effectiveness of MDMA therapy compared to traditional methods, the ongoing FDA approval delays, and the vital research being conducted by veterans associations. Sitnick also sheds light on the bureaucratic hurdles hindering approval and the anticipation for future clinical trials.

Beyond therapy, the conversation explores Sitnick's advocacy efforts, including their YouTube channel, "The Journey Sage," which aims to educate and offer realistic perspectives on psychedelic-assisted therapy. The importance of preparation, support, and integration in the healing process is emphasized. The complex nature of trauma and how psychedelic therapy helps process past events, allowing individuals to gain distance and reframe their beliefs, is also discussed.

Sitnick also shares their plans to offer psilocybin and iboga retreats in Canada and Mexico, focusing on self-growth for individuals seeking to address past trauma. 

Susan Schwartz, Ph.D., and Richard Zwicky engage in a rich discussion exploring the multifaceted nature of imposter syndrome. They delve into its psychological origins, tracing it back to unmet emotional needs during childhood and the development of a performance-based sense of self-worth. The conversation highlights how high-achieving individuals often struggle with feelings of fraudulence, masking their insecurities behind external success.

They discuss strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, emphasizing self-discovery, honesty, and the importance of building trust in oneself and relationships. They describe this process as a journey of peeling back layers of pretense to uncover one's authentic self. The discussion also touches on identifying signs of imposter syndrome, such as disturbing dreams, challenging relationships, and persistent gut feelings.

Furthermore, the conversation broadens to examine the societal impact of imposter syndrome, noting how it can manifest in larger contexts, such as the presentation of serious events as mere media spectacles. The role of dreams in revealing unconscious truths and unresolved issues is also explored, with suggestions for remembering and interpreting dreams as a tool for self-understanding.

Richard connects these themes to his work on absent fathers, discussing the emotional, spiritual, and affectionate aspects of fatherhood, and how the absence of these can create a space to be filled. The discussion evolves to consider evolving definitions of fatherhood beyond biological ties.

Richard Zwicky delves into the unique approach of Andrew Ecker, who seamlessly blends ancestral heritage with contemporary mental health practices.

Ecker begins by sharing their rich family history, including indigenous and European roots, illustrating how this background informs their therapeutic philosophy. They explain how incorporating ancestral traditions and archetypes can cultivate self-compassion, build strong support systems, and nurture the inner child.

The conversation also addresses the critical issues of generational trauma and substance abuse, emphasizing the power of empathy, peer support, and creating safe spaces for healing.

Discover how Ecker utilizes the transformative power of drum circles and sound medicine journeys to foster community, emotional expression, and a sense of control, ultimately promoting inclusion and well-being. Learn about the accessibility of Ecker's work and find resources on Facebook at thesacred7 and drummingsounds.

Richard Zwicky explores the transformative journey of retirement with behavioral scientist and author, Sharon Rolph.

Known as the "Queen of Courage," Sharon shares her insights on finding purpose and rediscovering yourself after leaving the workforce. In this episode, we delve into the concept of "golden nuggets"—the invisible assets and unique qualities within each individual.

Sharon discusses how to identify your values, passions, and guiding principles to create a fulfilling and vibrant retirement. Learn practical tips on structuring your days, overcoming the loss of identity tied to your job, and embracing a new chapter of life filled with curiosity and contribution.

Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on unlocking your potential and living with effortless vitality.

Richard Zwicky interviewed Terry Tucker, author of Sustainable Excellence, focusing on the core themes of his book. Tucker delved into the motivations behind writing Sustainable Excellence, which stemmed from conversations about life advice and personal success. Key topics explored included finding and living one's purpose, the critical role of values and beliefs in defining that purpose, and strategies for overcoming obstacles through hope and perseverance.

The interview highlighted the "40% rule," a concept suggesting individuals often underestimate their potential and stop at what they perceive as their limit, which is only about 40% of their true capacity. Tucker emphasized the importance of self-assessment and pushing beyond perceived limitations.

The conversation also touched upon modeling desired behaviors to foster a positive team culture and the idea that one's purpose can evolve over time. A central takeaway from the book, as discussed, is that fear and insecurity frequently hinder personal progress, and Tucker urged listeners to confront their fears and pursue their aspirations to achieve sustainable excellence.

This discussion with Tom Feegel, founder of Beond, explores their personal journey with opioid addiction and their family member's recovery using ibogaine treatment in Mexico. This experience inspired the creation of Beond, a facility that integrates plant medicine treatments, specifically ibogaine, with comprehensive clinical care, therapeutic support, and a focus on creating a supportive and comfortable environment. Feegel's narrative underscores the power of ibogaine in addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the underlying trauma that often fuels it.

Feegel detailed the ibogaine treatment process at Beond, highlighting its holistic approach. The journey begins with remote coaching, preparing individuals for the experience. This is followed by thorough clinical evaluations to ensure safety and suitability for ibogaine treatment. The treatment itself involves administering primary and supplementary doses of ibogaine under strict medical supervision. A crucial component of Beond's approach is integration therapy, which helps individuals process their ibogaine experience and translate their insights into lasting positive change. This integration work is essential for long-term healing and preventing relapse.

A significant portion of the conversation focused on differentiating ibogaine treatment from ketamine treatment. Feegel explained that while both substances have shown promise in treating addiction and mental health conditions, they differ significantly in their effects and approach. Ibogaine treatment is described as a longer, more intensive process, delving deep into the root causes of addiction and trauma. The ibogaine experience is known for its intensity and depth, often providing individuals with profound insights into their lives and patterns of behavior. Importantly, ibogaine itself is not addictive, unlike some other treatment medications. Beond emphasizes integration therapy as a critical part of the ibogaine process, supporting patients in applying their new understanding to everyday life.

In contrast, ketamine treatment is typically shorter and often requires repeated sessions. While ketamine can be effective in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety, and can help with cravings, it primarily addresses the surface level of addiction rather than the underlying causes. Feegel stressed that ibogaine is not a recreational drug and its use requires careful medical supervision due to its potency and potential effects on the body. Beond's approach prioritizes safety and provides a structured environment for individuals to undergo this transformative experience. The combination of ibogaine's therapeutic potential with Beond's comprehensive care model aims to provide individuals with a powerful opportunity for lasting recovery.