What is bipolar disorder—and what isn’t it? In this Clearing the Fog episode, we break down common misconceptions and clarify what the DSM-5 actually says about manic and hypomanic episodes. From the danger of casual misuse to the risks of misdiagnosis, this episode clears up the facts and helps challenge the stigma with accuracy and compassion.

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In this Field Notes episode, Dr. Rebekah Hodge, Ph.D., joins host Ash Savage to talk candidly about the myths that shape how we understand substance use, rural mental health, and what it really means to be a clinician. With experience spanning methadone clinics, rural New Mexico, and academia, Dr. Hodge brings lived wisdom and humility to the mic. Together, we unpack the pressures of "being the expert," the power of bringing your full self into the work, and why listening might just be our most important tool.

Further Reading on Cannabis Research & Federal Barriers:

Hudak, J., & Wallack, G. (2020). Ending the U.S. government’s war on medical marijuana research. Brookings Institution. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/ending-the-u-s-governments-war-on-medical-marijuana-research/

Summary: This policy analysis explores how outdated federal restrictions have delayed public access to sound scientific data and hindered medical innovation in cannabis therapeutics.

Hampson, A. J., Grimaldi, M., Axelrod, J., & Wink, D. (1998). Cannabidiol and (-)Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol are neuroprotective antioxidants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 95(14), 8268–8273. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.95.14.8268

Summary: Early evidence of the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, demonstrating why more open access to research is necessary. One of the first studies showing potential medical benefits of THC and CBD.

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In this UNPACKED episode of Myth-Taken Minds, host Ash Savage unpacks the realities of gambling and gaming addiction—issues often overlooked even in mental health spaces. Informed by both education and lived experience, Ash explores what these addictions look like, why they’re so powerful, and where meaningful support can be found. From diagnostic criteria to real-world resources, this conversation sheds light on a growing crisis with hope, honesty, and urgency.

Resources from episode:

https://oklahoma.gov/odmhsas.html

https://www.oapgg.org/

https://www.ncpgambling.org/ncpg/

https://gamblersanonymous.org/

https://www.gamfin.org/

https://gamban.com/

https://www.getevive.com/

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What happens when a person in crisis takes that brave step to ask for help… and no one answers? In this episode, Ash explores what national mental health resources actually look like in practice. From unanswered calls to broken links, we unpack what’s working, what’s not, and why accessibility is just as important as awareness. Because providing a number isn’t the same as providing support.

Additional Resources Mentioned in Episode:

BRAIN HEALTH: You Can Make A Difference

EXPAND YOUR CIRCLES: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness As You Age

PROTECT YOUR WALLET: A Guide to Avoiding Financial Scams

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Talk soon.

This episode explores the often-overlooked difference between mental health awareness and mental health literacy—and why it matters.

We live in an age of heightened mental health awareness, from viral social media posts to workplace wellness initiatives. But awareness doesn’t always equal understanding. Without mental health literacy, we risk spreading misinformation and pathologizing everyday struggles.

This episode highlights key insights from Haslam & Tse’s (2021) study, Public Awareness of Mental Illness: Mental Health Literacy or Concept Creep?, which examines how expanding definitions of mental illness can lead to overdiagnosis and confusion.

This episode invites listeners to think more clearly, ask better questions, and seek out meaningful, trustworthy support.

Referenced resources:

Haslam, N., & Tse, J. S. Y. (2021). Public awareness of mental illness: Mental health literacy or concept creep?Review of General Psychology, 25(4), 351–363. https://www.samhsa.gov/

Subscribe, follow @mythtakenminds, and let’s keep clearing the fog around mental health.

Welcome to Myth-Taken Minds!

Mental health information is everywhere — but is it always accurate? That question sparked the creation of Myth-Taken Minds, a podcast dedicated to cutting through the noise and clearing the fog around mental health.

I'm your host, Ash Savage, and in this introduction, I’m sharing what inspired this project, what kinds of episodes you can expect, and why separating fact from fiction in the mental health world has never been more important.

Episode Formats Include:

Clearing the Fog — deep dives into research, red flags in studies, and breaking down complex topics

Field Notes — expert interviews with clinicians, researchers, and mental health professionals

Unpacked — personal commentary and open conversations about trends, language, and lived experiences

Whether you're a student, a clinician in training, or just curious about how to think more critically about mental health content — this show is for you.

🔔 Subscribe now to join the conversation, challenge misconceptions, and stay informed.

#MentalHealthPodcast #MythTakenMinds #MentalHealthAwareness #CriticalThinking #MentalHealthLiteracy

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Talk Soon,

Ash