In this episode of The Gold Standard, Dr. Mark Gold welcomes internationally recognized schizophrenia expert Dr. David Pickar.

Dr. Pickar reflects on a lifetime devoted to understanding one of psychiatry's most devastating illnesses. The discussion explores schizophrenia's symptoms, causes, treatment challenges, deinstitutionalization, incarceration of the mentally ill, cannabis-related psychosis, and the future of psychiatric research.

They also examine the history of NIMH, the evolution of antipsychotic treatment, ketamine research, genetics, family involvement, and Dr. Pickar's efforts to establish a Center for Schizophrenia at Yale.

Dr. Mark Gold sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Peter Thanos to explore the science behind dopamine, addiction, exercise, and brain recovery.

Dr. Thanos explains how exercise can restore dopamine signaling disrupted by substance use, reduce relapse risk, and serve as a powerful recovery tool across multiple addictions. The conversation also examines obesity research, bariatric surgery, GLP-1 medications, cannabis exposure during development, and the future of personalized addiction treatment.

A fascinating discussion on how neuroscience can guide more effective approaches to recovery, prevention, and long-term brain health.

Dr. Mark Gold sits down with pioneering neuroscientist and addiction researcher Dr. Kenneth Blum to discuss the discovery of the dopamine D2 receptor gene's connection to alcoholism, the origins of Reward Deficiency Syndrome, and the role dopamine plays in addiction, motivation, and behavior.

Dr. Blum reflects on the groundbreaking 1990 study that helped launch psychiatric genetics, explains how genetic and environmental factors shape addiction risk, and shares his vision for the future of personalized addiction treatment, dopamine regulation, and gene-editing technologies.

The conversation also offers a personal look at Dr. Blum's remarkable journey—from professional dancer and aspiring performer to one of the most influential figures in addiction science.

Dr. Mark Gold welcomes renowned neuroscientist and public health leader Dr. Bertha Madras for an in-depth discussion on addiction science, adolescent brain development, cannabis research, public policy, and the opioid crisis.

Drawing from decades of groundbreaking research at Harvard Medical School and service as Deputy Director of Demand Reduction for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Dr. Madras shares insights on protecting youth brain health, advancing evidence-based addiction treatment, creating screening and intervention programs, and shaping national responses to substance use disorders.

The conversation also explores her work with the Vatican, the President's Opioid Commission, mentoring future scientists, and her belief that society's mission is not a "war on drugs," but a defense of the brain as the repository of our humanity.

Dr. Tom Kosten, a leading expert in addiction psychiatry and neuroscience, shares groundbreaking insights into the evolution of addiction treatment, long-term recovery challenges, and emerging therapies—including vaccines targeting cocaine and fentanyl.

He emphasizes the need to reframe addiction as a chronic brain disease requiring sustained, multifaceted care.

Listen to this extraordinary conversation only on The Gold Standard Podcast with Mark S. Gold, MD.

What if everything we’ve been told about “mental health” is incomplete?In this powerful episode of The Gold Standard, Dr. Mark Gold sits down with renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author Dr. Daniel Amen to discuss why brain health—not mental health—should be the focus of modern psychiatry.From addiction and cannabis myths to brain imaging, depression, and the future of psychiatric care, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a bold vision for prevention, treatment, and recovery.Dr. Amen shares insights from nearly 300,000 brain scans, his work with the White House, and decades of clinical experience helping patients transform their lives by improving brain function.

In this landmark episode of The Gold Standard, Dr. Mark Gold speaks with Dr. John Krystal, Chair of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and the longtime Editor‑in‑Chief of Biological Psychiatry.

This in‑depth conversation traces the scientific origins of ketamine’s rapid antidepressant effects, the unique neuroscience culture at Yale, and how mechanism‑driven psychiatry is reshaping treatment for depression, PTSD, addiction, and beyond.

This episode goes far beyond ketamine alone. Dr. Krystal reflects on how psychiatry moved from monoamine theories toward circuit‑based neuroscience, and why depression, trauma, and addiction require fundamentally different ways of thinking.

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In this insightful episode, Dr. Gold is joined by his longtime friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Teresa Rummans, Professor of Psychiatry and former Chair at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Together, they explore Dr. Rummans’ remarkable career, the unique Mayo Clinic psychiatry model, and the evolving landscape of mental health and addiction treatment.

This conversation offers a rare glimpse into a distinguished psychiatrist’s journey blending clinical excellence, research, mentorship, and humanitarian work. Dr. Rummans’ passion for integrated care and her visionary leadership at Mayo Clinic provide inspiration for clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in the future of mental health care.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Gold is joined by his longtime friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Teresa Rummans, Professor of Psychiatry and former Chair at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.

Together, they explore Dr. Rummans’ remarkable career, the unique Mayo Clinic psychiatry model, and the evolving landscape of mental health and addiction treatment.

Join Dr. Mark Gold in this insightful episode of *The Gold Standard* podcast as he welcomes Dr. Ashley Gearhardt, a leading researcher in the field of food addiction. Together, they explore the groundbreaking science behind ultraprocessed food addiction, its parallels with substance addiction, and the challenges facing recognition and treatment.