Episode 11: Liz Salmi — On Grieving Our Past Selves and Embracing Change to Heal On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

How do we navigate the grief of losing parts of our identity while embracing the person we are becoming? In this episode, Liz Salmi, patient advocate, public speaker, and brain cancer survivor, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to discuss the profound process of grieving our past selves. Liz shares her personal journey of transformation, from facing a life-altering diagnosis to redefining her sense of purpose and self.

Together, they explore how grief isn't always tied to the loss of a loved one but can stem from changes in health, career, or life circumstances. Liz offers practical insights into how we can honor who we once were while embracing the growth that comes from life's challenges. The conversation also highlights the power of storytelling and community in helping us heal and move forward.

This episode is a powerful reminder that healing often requires letting go of old identities and making space for new beginnings. As Liz emphasizes, it's in this process of grief and renewal that we can find deeper resilience and self-compassion.

• Liz Salmi's Website (The Liz Army): https://www.thelizarmy.com/

• OpenNotes : https://www.opennotes.org

• MedInfo 2024: Getting Ready for Open Everything: https://tv.digitalhealth.org.au/Mediasite/Play/43240956c1ef4e598d429f80228513b61d

• Astrocytoma: https://braintumor.org/brain-tumors/about-brain-tumors/brain-tumor-types/astrocytoma/#low-grade

Additional Links

• Kubler-Ross' stages of grief https://www.ekrfoundation.org/5-stages-of-grief/on-death-and-dying/

• Amitha's article on healthcare record transparency and the OpenNotes movement: https://quillette.com/2019/01/04/glimpsing-our-own-health-secrets-the-coming-revolution-in-health-care-transparency

• Instagram: @TheLizArmy

• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thelizarmy

• LinkedIn: Liz Salmi

• BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/thelizarmy.bsky.social

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizsalmi/

• Instagram: @TheLizArmy

Twitter/X: @TheLizArmy

Episode 10: Lauren Ling Brown — On the Power of Story (& Creativity) to Heal

On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

What is it about storytelling that allows us to heal? How can the creative process become a path to self-discovery and transformation? In this episode, Lauren Ling Brown, acclaimed fiction author and advocate for the healing power of creativity, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to discuss how storytelling can serve as a bridge between our inner worlds and the collective human experience.

Lauren shares how her own journey as a writer has been intertwined with personal healing, and she offers a glimpse into her creative process—how she transforms emotions, challenges, and life experiences into compelling narratives. Together, Lauren and Amitha explore the therapeutic potential of storytelling, the role of fiction in addressing universal themes of loss and resilience, and how creating art can help us process emotions and find meaning in adversity.

This episode will inspire anyone looking to channel creativity as a tool for healing and connection. As Lauren emphasizes, storytelling isn't just an art form—it's a way of making sense of the world, building empathy, and transforming pain into purpose.

• Lauren Ling Brown's Website: https://laurenlingbrown.com/

• Society of Lies – Lauren Ling Brown: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/734849/society-of-lies-reeses-book-club-by-lauren-ling-brown/

Additional Links

• Mindful Affirmations by Intelligent Change: https://www.intelligentchange.com/collections/mindful-affirmations

• Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser: https://www.elizabethlesser.org/broken-open

• Rising Strong by Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/book/rising-strong/

• Study by Roger Ulrich on natural light and healing: https://www.healthdesign.org/knowledge-repository/view-through-window-may-influence-recovery-surgery

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlingbrown

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenlingbrown/

Bluesky: @laurenlingbrown.bsky.social

Episode 9: Cy Wakeman — On Workplace Well-Being and the Path to Healing On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

How can workplace well-being transform not just our professional lives but also our ability to heal and thrive? In this episode, Cy Wakeman, leadership expert, workplace strategist, and bestselling author of Reality-Based Leadership, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the critical connection between workplace health and overall well-being.

Cy shares her revolutionary insights on how to cultivate resilience, emotional agility, and accountability in workplace environments. Together, they dive into the ways that toxic cultures, unresolved stress, and low psychological safety can harm both individual and organizational health—and how fostering wellness at work can lead to healing on a broader scale. Cy provides actionable strategies for leaders and employees to create a thriving culture where everyone can bring their best selves to work.

This episode offers a powerful reminder that healing doesn't just happen in our personal lives—it happens in our workspaces, too. As Cy emphasizes, prioritizing workplace well-being is not just a leadership imperative but a path to deeper healing, both individually and collectively.

• Cy Wakeman's Website: https://www.realitybasedleadership.com

• Cy Wakeman's Employee Value Equation: Employee Value = Current Performance (How am I doing today?) + Future Potential (Am I ready for what's next?) – (3x) Emotional Expensiveness (Am I worth it?)

• Link to download the Employee Value Equation Calculator: https://info.realitybasedleadership.com/equation-0

• Sign up for the newsletter: https://realitybasedleadership.com/newsletter/

• Subscribe to the Reality-Based Leadership Podcast: https://sites.libsyn.com/101318/website

• Books by Cy Wakeman:

• Life's Messy, Live Happy: https://info.realitybasedleadership.com/happy

• Reality-Based Rules for the Workplace: https://reality-based-leadership.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/reality-based-rules-of-the-workplace-book

• Reality Based Leadership: https://reality-based-leadership.myshopify.com/collections/books/products/reality-based-leadership-book

• No Ego: https://reality-based-leadership.myshopify.com/products/no-ego-book

• Instagram: @CyWakeman

• Facebook: Cy Wakeman

• Twitter/X: @CyWakeman

• LinkedIn: Cy Wakeman

Additional Links

• Amitha's article on culture ("as a product") and team performance https://medium.com/@amithakalaichandran/why-we-must-view-culture-as-a-product-88d6a82a49b6

• Andrew Huberman's interview with Bill Eddy on managing "high conflict personalities" https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/bill-eddy-how-to-deal-with-high-conflict-people

• Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/how-the-enneagram-system-works/

• Jon Gordon's The Energy Bus: https://www.theenergybus.com/

Bill Eddy's book on spotting high conflict/self-victimization in the context of adult bullies: Our New World of Adult Bullies https://www.porchlightbooks.com/product/our-new-world-of-adult-bullies-how-to-spot-them----how-to-stop-them--bill-eddy/isbn/9780757325106#full-description

Episode 8: Wesley Lowery — On the Power of Journalism to Heal Societal Ills On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

In an era of division and misinformation, how can journalism serve as a force for healing and justice? In this episode, Wesley Lowery, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of They Can't Kill Us All, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the transformative role of journalism in addressing societal ills and amplifying marginalized voices.

Wesley shares his experiences covering some of the most pressing issues of our time, from systemic racism to police violence, and how storytelling can shed light on injustices, foster empathy, and drive meaningful change. Together, they delve into the power of accountability journalism, the challenges of reporting in a polarized world, and the responsibility of journalists to seek truth while navigating the emotional toll of their work.

This conversation highlights the crucial role of journalism in healing societal wounds and advancing equity. As Wesley emphasizes, the stories we tell—and how we tell them—have the power to shape the future, holding institutions accountable and inspiring collective action.

• Wesley Lowery's Website: https://www.wesleylowery.com

• Book – They Can't Kill Us All: Ferguson, Baltimore, and a New Era in America's Racial JusticeMovement:https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/wesley-lowery/they-cant-kill-us-all/9780316312479/?lens=little-brown

• Book – American Whitelash: https://www.harperacademic.com/book/9780358393269/american-whitelash/

• Follow Wesley Lowery's Work:

• Recent Articles in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/wesley-lowery/

Additional Links

• Wired (COVID-19 modelling): https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-actually-covid-optimists-and-pessimists-were-both-right/

• Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/

• Self-care tips for journalists: https://journalistsresource.org/home/self-care-tips-for-journalists-plus-a-list-of-several-resources/

• The similarities between medicine and journalism: https://kevinmd.com/2017/06/striking-parallels-doctors-journalists.html

• Ikigai: https://positivepsychology.com/ikigai/

• Instagram: @wesleylowery

• Facebook: Wesley Lowery

• Twitter/X: @WesleyLowery

LinkedIn: Wesley Lowery

Episode 7: Darren Sudman — On Grieving Our Loved Ones and Finding Purpose & Healing in Loss On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

How do we navigate the deep and often isolating grief of losing someone we love? In this episode, Darren Sudman, grief advocate and founder of Simon's Heart, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the profound journey of grieving loved ones and turning pain into purpose. After the sudden loss of his son Simon, Darren dedicated his life to raising awareness about heart health and preventing sudden cardiac death in children.

Darren shares his personal story of loss, healing, and advocacy, offering insights into how grief can shape us in unexpected ways. Together, they discuss the importance of creating space for grief, finding community support, and channeling emotions into meaningful action. Darren also highlights the role of storytelling in healing and how we can honor our loved ones by keeping their legacies alive.

This conversation is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and purpose. As Darren emphasizes, grief is a journey, not a destination—and in sharing our stories, we can help others find their way through it.

• Simon's Heart Website: https://www.simonsheart.org

• Got AED: https://www.gotaed.org/

• Tyree Wallace: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/why-is-tyree-wallace-still-in-prison/

• Books/Articles

• Why Bad Things Happen to Good People - Harold Kushner https://www.amazon.com/When-Things-Happen-Good-People/dp/1400034728

• The Amen Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Amen-Effect-Ancient-Wisdom-Broken/dp/0593543319

• Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/who-shall-live-and-who-sh_b_8184912

Additional Links

• Amitha's Article on the "Re-emergence Effect" in Elemental (featuring Darren Sudman) https://elemental.medium.com/a-re-emergence-effect-has-us-all-feeling-awkward-4325f739effb

• Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser: https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/why-is-tyree-wallace-still-in-prison/

• ​​Amitha's article on Grief in the Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/04/were-not-ready-for-this-kind-of-grief/609856/

• Amitha's article on Grief in NYT Sunday Opinion https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/23/opinion/grief-covid-book-of-job.html

• Instagram: @SimonsHeart

• Facebook: Simon's Heart

• Twitter/X: @SimonsHeart

• LinkedIn: Darren Sudman

Episode 6: Max Ortiz Catalan — On Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality for Healing On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

How can cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) transform the way we heal? In this episode, Max Ortiz Catalan, a pioneering researcher and innovator in the field of neurorehabilitation and human-machine interaction, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the remarkable potential of these technologies in healthcare.

Max shares insights from his groundbreaking work on bionic limbs and the use of AR and VR in treating phantom limb pain and other neurological conditions. Together, they dive into how AI is revolutionizing personalized medicine, enhancing diagnostics, and enabling more precise, data-driven treatments. This conversation also addresses the ethical considerations and challenges of integrating these technologies into everyday clinical practice.

Whether it's retraining the brain through immersive VR environments or improving patient outcomes with AI-driven tools, Max paints a compelling picture of a future where technology and humanity intersect to foster deeper healing. As he emphasizes, the key lies in harnessing these innovations responsibly to maximize their potential while safeguarding human connection and well-being.

• Max Ortiz Catalan's Website: https://www.maxortizcatalan.com/ (includes links to the organizations he works with in Ukraine).

• Theoretical framework for PLP and its treatment: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00748/full

• Trial published in the Lancet: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(16)31598-7/abstract

• Video showing the treatment: https://youtu.be/XqjrQBuP_O4?si=fPdRaRX2CmjAY3I9

• Documentary on Catalan's prosthetic work: https://youtu.be/Ipw_2A2T_wg?si=2j3GxtzRx5WLSpTM

Additional Links

• Sleep for healing: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/04/well/mind/sleep-hospital-patients-doctors-fatigue.html

• Hormesis (intentional stress) and longevity: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41514-024-00155-3

• Mechanical back pain in primary care: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/310353-overview?form=fpf

• Ukraine, understanding the war in the context of global health: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)00615-8/abstract

Episode 5: Mark Haden — On the Promise and Pitfalls of Psychedelics for Healing On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

Psychedelics are experiencing a renaissance in the world of healing and mental health, but what is their true potential—and what are the risks? In this episode, Mark Haden, a leading expert in the field of psychedelics and former Executive Director of MAPS Canada, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to discuss the transformative promise and complex challenges of using psychedelics for healing.

Mark dives deep into the latest research on psychedelic-assisted therapy, sharing how substances like psilocybin, MDMA, and others are showing remarkable results in treating trauma, depression, and anxiety. He also addresses the ethical considerations, potential risks, and societal implications of integrating psychedelics into mainstream healthcare. Together, they explore what it takes to ensure these powerful tools are used safely and effectively, providing a balanced perspective on their role in the future of medicine.

This conversation offers both inspiration and caution, inviting listeners to reflect on the evolving landscape of psychedelics and their potential to revolutionize mental health care. As Mark emphasizes, understanding both the promise and the pitfalls is key to harnessing the full potential of these substances for healing.

• Mark Haden's Website: http://www.markhaden.com

• Mark Haden's book – Manual for Psychedelic Guides – available on Amazon

• MAPS Canada: https://mapscanada.org

• Psychedelic Research and Resources:

• Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)

• Psychedelic Science

• TheraPsil

Additional Links

• STATarticle on Ketamine: https://www.statnews.com/2019/04/04/esketamine-psychedelics-restructure-mental-health-care/

• Psilocybin Assisted Therapy for MDE: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2772630

• MDMA for Severe PTSD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33972795/

• MDMA model to address social impairment in autism: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8686313

Reduction in social anxiety with MDMA administration, among those with autism https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6208958/

Episode 4: Valter Longo — On the Science of Food as Medicine and Longevity On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

How can what we eat profoundly influence our health and longevity? In this episode, Dr. Valter Longo, globally renowned researcher and author of The Longevity Diet, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the science behind food as medicine. Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research, Dr. Longo unpacks how specific dietary patterns, fasting protocols, and lifestyle changes can help prevent disease, slow aging, and optimize health.

From the role of fasting-mimicking diets in cellular regeneration to the importance of nutrient balance for long-term wellness, this conversation offers a wealth of actionable insights for anyone looking to improve their health through nutrition. Dr. Longo also discusses how food choices can be both a tool for individual healing and a way to contribute to a more sustainable and healthy future.

This episode inspires a shift in how we think about food—not just as sustenance, but as a powerful form of medicine. As Dr. Longo emphasizes, small, deliberate changes in diet and lifestyle can have a profound impact on our quality of life and longevity.

• Dr. Valter Longo's Website: https://www.valterlongo.com

• The Longevity Diet Book: https://www.valterlongo.com/the-longevity-diet/

• Fasting-Mimicking Diet Program: https://www.prolonfast.com

• https://www.valterlongo.com/scientific-articles/

• https://www.createcures.org/stay-young-and-healthy

• Follow Dr. Valter Longo on Social Media:

• Instagram: @prof_valterlongo

• Facebook: Valter Longo Official

• Twitter/X: @ProfValterLongo

Additional Links

• Thomas Kuhn's Scientific Revolutions: https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Scientific-Revolutions-50th-Anniversary-dp-0226458121/dp/0226458121/

• Healthy Eating on a Budget: https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget

• Social Determinants of Health: https://odphp.health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health

Episode 3: Karine — On Yoga, Mindfulness for Trauma, and the Power of Supportive Women On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

How can yoga and mindfulness help us heal from trauma? And why is it so crucial to cultivate a community of supportive women in a world that often pits us against each other? In this episode, Karine, a renowned yoga and mindfulness teacher, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the transformative power of mind-body practices in healing trauma and fostering deeper self-connection.

Karine shares her personal journey of finding healing through yoga and mindfulness, offering practical insights into how these practices can help release stored trauma, build resilience, and promote inner peace. She also dives into the often-overlooked topic of comparison and competition among women, unpacking how societal pressures can fuel feelings of inadequacy. Together, they discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with a community of supportive women who lift each other up and create space for growth, healing, and shared success.

This conversation invites listeners to embrace mindfulness and self-compassion, while also recognizing the transformative impact of nurturing uplifting female relationships. As Karine emphasizes, healing is not just an individual journey—it's one we take together.

• Internal Family Systems: https://ifs-institute.com/

• Meditation may aggravate trauma https://www.pacesconnection.com/blog/meditation-may-aggravate-trauma-mindful-action-is-a-better-alternative

• EMDR Therapy https://www.healthline.com/health/emdr-therapy

• The Atlantic: Why do Women Bully Each Other at Work https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/the-queen-bee-in-the-corner-office/534213/

• 5 Reasons Why Women Bully other Women https://www.asianwomenmeanbusiness.com/unmasking-the-five-reasons-for-womens-bullying-behavior-and-empowering-yourself-to-fight-back/

• The Independent: Why Women Bully Each Other https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/women/workplace-bullying-women-toxic-emily-in-paris-b2249886.html

• On Mirrors, Teachers, Expanders: https://www.dramitha.com/on-mirrors-teachers-expanders/

Episode 2: Nakeia Homer — On Real Wellness, Self-Awareness, and Habits for Healing On Healing: Conversations on Wholeness with Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran

In a world driven by external achievements and constant comparison, how do we cultivate real wellness from within? What does it mean to be truly self-aware and live a life rooted in healing habits? In this episode, Nakeia Homer, speaker, self-healing advocate, and author of Habits for Healing, joins Dr. Amitha Kalaichandran to explore the profound journey of self-awareness and wellness.

Nakeia shares her personal story of overcoming trauma and finding her way to authentic healing through intentional daily habits. Together, they dive into the concept of "real wellness"—the practice of aligning mind, body, and soul for true well-being, rather than chasing societal ideals of health or success. Nakeia provides actionable insights on how to build habits that foster healing, balance, and growth, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness as a foundation for living fully.

This conversation inspires hope, resilience, and self-compassion, offering listeners practical tools to cultivate their own healing journey. As Nakeia reminds us, real wellness begins with the simple yet transformative act of turning inward.

• Nakeia Homer's Website: https://nakeiahomer.com

• Book: Habits for Healing (hardcopy + audiobook are both excellent!)

• Follow Nakeia Homer on Social Media:

• Instagram: @nakeiahomer

• Facebook: Nakeia Homer

• Private Membership: nakeiahomer.com/membership

• Free Resource + Email Community: nakeiahomer.com/newsletter

Additional Links

• Social and Emotional Support for stress: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2729718/

• Inclusivity and Well-being: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/inclusivity-and-wellbeing

• Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Study by Felitti et al. https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/s0749-3797(98)00017-8/pdf

Amitha's article in Nautilus: nautil.us/is-there-any-place-for-race-in-medicine-293223/