So Curious!

For years, medication has been used to treat mental health conditions, but have you ever wondered how it actually works? In this fascinating discussion, Bey and Kirsten sit down with Dr. A. John Rush to dive into the world of antidepressants. From popular SSRIs to cutting-edge laser treatments, they explore how these drugs affect the brain and help people manage their mental health.

Then, we turn to the future of mental health treatment. Dr. Rebecca Brachman joins in to discuss her groundbreaking research on preventative medication. Is it possible to take a pill that would ward off depression and anxiety before they even start? Tune in to find out.

Links for Today's Episode:

Learn more about Dr. A John Rush's work

Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Brachman's work

In this episode, explore the intriguing world of hormones with Dr. Randi Hutter Epstein and learn about the link between genes and neurodevelopmental disorders with Dr. Michael Gandal. Discover how these impact our mental health and the new treatments being developed. Get ready for a fascinating journey!

Links for Today's Epsiode:

• Learn more about Dr Randi Hutter Epstein and her witty writings exploring medical history
• Learn more about Dr Michael Gandal and his research lab

Join us as we delve into the complex world of mental health and explore the meanings behind labels like PTSD, OCD, and ADHD. What do these terms really signify, and are they helpful or harmful? In this episode, Dr. Jayatri Das helps break down the definitions, while Becca Lane sheds light on how language can shape our perceptions of mental health. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion on this crucial topic!

Resources for Today's Episode:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• NAMI, for non-crisis mental health needs
• The Alliance of Hope and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, for support following suicide loss
• Carson's Village, for support following the sudden loss of a loved one

Links for Today's Episode:

• Learn more about NAMI Philadelphia
• Check out NAMI Philly's podcast, The YANApodcast

Stats sources:

• 1/4 individuals in the US experience a mental health condition
• 1/4 individuals killed by police have a mental illness and/or experiencing a mental health crisis
• General NAMI mental health statistics

Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the diverse forms of support for mental health! In this episode, we speak with Jerome Shabazz about the powerful impact of the environment on our wellbeing. From the air we breathe to the neighborhoods we live in, every aspect of our surroundings can play a role in our mental health. Then, Bey & Kirsten talk with service dog trainer Mark Ruefenacht to learn about the amazing benefits of animal-assisted therapy. From reducing stress and anxiety to boosting our mood and sense of connection, these furry companions have a unique ability to improve our mental health and wellbeing.

Resources for Today's Episode:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
• NAMI, for non-crisis mental health needs
• The Alliance of Hope and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, for support following suicide loss
• Carson's Village, for support following the sudden loss of a loved one

Links for today's guests:

• Lear more about Jerome Shabazz and the Overbrook Environmental Education Center
• Learn more about Mark Ruefenacht and the National Institute of Canine Service and Training

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the fascinating interplay between identity and mental health. Join Bey and Kirsten as they sit down with photojournalist Octavio Jones to discuss his powerful work on black men's mental health, and Grace Molloy, an LGBTQ-focused therapist, who sheds light on the unique challenges facing the queer community. Get ready for a deep dive into the complex ways that our identities shape our mental wellbeing!

Links for this episode:

• Learn more about Octavio Jones
• Learn more about Grace Molloy

Discover the fascinating connection between emotions and the body in this episode! Dr. Jayatri Das, chief bioscientist at The Franklin Institute, shares her Body of Knowledge insights on the physiological aspects of feeling. Plus, social worker Brie Wildau provides a psychological perspective on understanding emotions.

Links for this episode:

• Learn more about Dr. Jayatri Das
• Learn more about Brie Wildau

In this season kickoff episode, Bey and Kirsten chat with Penn State professor Dr. Greg Eghigian, who shares his insights on how mental health has been perceived and treated throughout the ages. Plus, we'll hear from Marguerite Nicosia of the Shanthi project on a mindfulness technique to reset the vagus nerve.

Links for this episode:

• Learn more about Dr. Greg Eghigian
• Learn more about the Shanthi Project

In this episode, Kirstin and Bey are talking all about the marriage. Historian Dr. Rebecca Davis shares about her research in how the institution of marriage has changed over the years. Later on the episode, Dr. Das shares her research on how mammals create relationships with one another. 

Links for this episode: 

• Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Davis 
• Learn more about Dr. Jayatri Das
• Read a transcript of this episode

You know that feeling you get when you get a match on tinder? This week, Kirsten and Bey talk with expert Dr. Alina Liu about how the video game style structure of dating apps affects our psyche. Later, we hear from Geoff Cook, the founder of the famous dating platform MeetMe. Geoff shares how using live streaming video breaks the artificial barrier that usually comes along with dating apps. Finally, we finish this episode hearing from an ACTUAL couple about their relationship story. 

Links for this episode: 

• Learn more about Dr. Alina Liu
• Learn more about Geoff Cook
• Read a transcript of this episode

(RE-POST from Season 1) In this episode, hosts Kirsten and Bey kick this season off how all podcasts should - by diving deep into the world of frog sex. Biologist Dr. Alex Baugh shares how frogs make mate choices and introduces us to one of his many frog subjects. Later in the episode, we sit down with Franklin Institute’s chief bioscientist, Dr. Jayatri Das, to talk about popular ideas and research in the science world surrounding our first impressions in relationships. Burning question: is gaydar a real thing?

Links for this episode:

Learn more about Dr. Jayatri Das

Learn more about Dr. Alex Baugh

Read a transcript of this episode