Let's Get Psyched

Professor and psychiatrist Dr. Jeff Katzman recently released his second book with co-author Dan O’Connor entitled “Ensemble!: Using the Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely World.” Join our conversation with him as we discover how to use the principles of improv to make genuine connections while releasing ourselves from “scripts” of who we’re supposed to be.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Jeff Katzman, MD

Initial studies on frontline health care workers fighting COVID-19 show that about 14-15 percent develop mental health conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. One study released in 2020 indicated that the rate of “probable” alcohol use disorder could be as high as 43 percent. We invited 3 internists with 3 different COVID-19 experiences during the pandemic to share their most stressful moments and how they learned to cope.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Alan

Guests: Richard Loftus, MD, Eliane Coffler, MD, and Rob Mempin, MD

We invited two “warriors” from the HIV/AIDS fight, Dr. Richard Loftus and Jeff Taylor, to talk about the similarities with the COVID-19 pandemic. Are there lessons learned from the AIDS that we can use now? How was treatment and prevention affected by the unique political landscape that existed during the outbreak?

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Alan

Guests: Richard Loftus, MD, Jeff Taylor

We invite Colorado-based journalist Chris Walker to talk about how legalization of recreational use of cannabis is playing out. Spoiler Alert: We don't resolve anything, but cannabis is always interesting.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Saloni

Guest: Chris Walker

Many clinicians and first responders spend a significant amount of time treating and/or interacting with individuals who live outside because they lack a home. Over time, this interaction can lead to frustration as interventions seem ineffective. We invite journalist Chris Walker to sort through facts and fiction about the homeless population.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Chris Walker

On this second episode we explore dating apps and sex addiction treatment with cybersex expert and lead author of the chapter “Hacking the Human Sex Drive” in the new APA textbook “The Technologic Addictions.” Are the new ways of connection and sexual connection over the internet a good or bad thing for society?

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Joshua, Alan

Guest: Lancer Naghdechi, MD

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is an even greater emphasis and utilization of the internet as a means of connecting with others and sexual gratification. We invite expert on “cybersex” Dr. Lancer Naghdechi of Rutgers to join our discussion in the first of two episodes on identifying how sex, pornography, sex addiction, and sexually themed apps are making their way into society and becoming mainstream.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Joshua, Alan

Guest: Lancer Naghdechi, MD

Every year, millions of parents consider how best to help their child struggling with mood, attention, and behavior problems. The risks to the child's self-esteem, falling far behind in school, and even endangering their own safety are often very real and significant. Medication is frequently considered. But what are some of the risks involved? We talk to expert Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr. Carl Feinstein for his take on this controversial topic.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Joshua, Saloni

Guest: Carl Feinstein, MD

The most important and influential document ever produced in the area of diagnosis of mental health conditions has been the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM. It has shaped how we as clinicians conceptualize, research, treat, as well as how and whether we get reimbursed. Join our conversation with Dr. Carl Feinstein, a psychiatrist who participated in the formation of the most current version, the DSM 5. We explore some of the critical issues that must be considered as we place labels on people based on the specific criteria outlined in the DSM.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Joshua, Saloni

Guest: Carl Feinstein, MD

Not many people realize how much stress and pressure graduate students endure. We invite Ph.D. Candidate Karen Atkins (yes she's Alan's sister) to provide insights into why this life in grad school is unlike any other type of stress out there. She also shares her best advice on how to succeed.

Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Guest: Karen Atkins