The Nature of Nurture

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with world-renowned forensic psychic medium and full-body channel Carissa Schumacher for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about intuition, transformation, and what it means to fully embrace the parts of ourselves we may not understand. After years of experiencing spirit and intuitive abilities without having a framework to explain them, Carissa shares the journey that led her from studying neuroscience at Brown University to publicly embracing her gifts and using them in service of healing and connection.

Together, Leslie and Carissa explore the relationship between intuition, consciousness, and personal transformation, examining how childhood, culture, science, spirituality, and personal experience all shape the way we understand ourselves. Rather than focusing solely on Carissa's abilities as a psychic medium, they broaden the discussion to explore what she believes is happening collectively as more people question traditional systems, seek deeper connection, and become increasingly open to conversations about consciousness and spirituality.

Carissa reflects on growing up as an only child, sensing spirit in nature, and creating private spiritual rituals before realizing that other people did not experience the world the same way she did. She shares memories of learning to hide this part of herself, struggling to reconcile her abilities with her scientific education, and eventually reaching a point where suppressing them was no longer sustainable. She also discusses how the remarkable accuracy of her experiences helped skeptical professors and others in her life recognize that something was happening that they could not easily explain.

Throughout the conversation, Leslie and Carissa examine what Carissa describes as humanity's transition into a "new era," while acknowledging the disruption and uncertainty that can accompany periods of profound change. They discuss the pandemic, the breakdown of collective trust, the growing desire for transparency, and why Carissa believes transformation often requires some form of death, whether that means the ending of an identity, belief system, structure, relationship, or way of living.

The episode also explores the intersection of intuition, healing, and personal agency, touching on topics including intuitive children, social media, nervous system regulation, community, ancient wisdom traditions, trauma, grief, spirituality, and the evolving cultural conversation surrounding consciousness. Carissa also introduces ideas from her newest book, The Alchemy Transmissions: A Pathway to Miracles, and explains how its "alchemy pathway" offers a framework for navigating periods of loss, change, healing, and transformation.

Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to loosen our grip on fear and become more curious about the parts of ourselves we may have learned to suppress, approaching transformation with openness, personal responsibility, and a willingness to choose possibility even when we cannot yet see what comes next.

Guest

Carissa Schumacher is a world-renowned forensic psychic medium and full-body channel for Yeshua. A former scientist, she attended Brown University, where she studied neuroscience alongside disciplines including theoretical and quantum mechanics, biology, philosophy, psychology, Native American cultural studies, and religious studies. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, and numerous other prominent podcasts, publications, and books. She is the channel for The Freedom Transmissions: A Pathway to Peace and The Alchemy Transmissions: A Pathway to Miracles.

Resources & Links

Carissa Schumacher / The Spirit Transmissions
TheSpiritTransmissions.com 

Carissa's Books:
The Freedom Transmissions: A Pathway to Peace
The Alchemy Transmissions: A Pathway to Miracles

If you catch this episode before October 3, 2026, Carissa will be at the 92nd Street Y in New York: https://www.92ny.org/event/carissa-schumacher-the-alchemy-transmissions 

(That will be available both in person and live via streaming.)

The Nature of Nurture and Dr. Leslie Carr:
LeslieCarr.com 

Previous episodes of this podcast that were mentioned as relevant: 

Season 4 Episode 7, where Scott Nathan shares his story of how Carissa helped him find his birth family: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH7h7pUBWyc&t=9s 

And Season 4 Episode 8 where Leslie interviews Helen Vonderheide about the Akashic Records: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIHKpq-M0NY&t=198s

(Both of those episodes also exist in all of the podcast apps.) 

Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture

This podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Credits

Hosted and produced by Leslie Carr
https://www.instagram.com/drlesliecarr/

Guest: Carissa Schumacher

Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

#intuition #spirituality #psychicmedium #mediumship #consciousness #transformation #healing #spiritualawakening #selfdiscovery #mentalhealth #thenatureofnurture

Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion of psychic and mediumship experiences, spirituality, intuition, trauma, grief, mental health, death, the COVID-19 pandemic, and personal experiences of healing and transformation. The conversation reflects the personal experiences, spiritual beliefs, and perspectives of the guest and host and is intended for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered medical, psychological, scientific, or religious advice.

In this special live episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with longtime friend and accomplished entrepreneur Jeff Katz for a conversation about leadership, power, integrity, and what it takes to remain connected to yourself while navigating ambition and success. Jeff's career has included founding Orbitz, serving as CEO of Swissair, holding senior leadership roles at American Airlines and Sabre, and leading LeapFrog, giving him a unique perspective on what separates meaningful leadership from the pursuit of power for its own sake.

Together, Leslie and Jeff examine the state of modern leadership and why honesty, humility, and a willingness to say "I don't know" can be more valuable than charisma or certainty. Jeff reflects on the qualities he believes define strong leaders, including integrity, transparency, listening, and giving people a clear sense of mission. He also explains why one of the most important career decisions a person can make isn't simply what company to work for, but who they choose to work with and for.

The conversation explores Jeff's own evolution as a leader, from chasing power, money, and promotions early in his career to developing a deeper understanding of what success means to him. He shares lessons from building Orbitz, working with investors and entrepreneurs, and learning when standing by his principles was worth the professional consequences. Through these experiences, Jeff reflects on the importance of mentorship, making mistakes, trusting your instincts, and learning to distinguish external success from personal integrity. Leslie and Jeff also explore the formative experiences that shaped his understanding of compassion and perseverance. Jeff discusses being raised by parents who survived the Holocaust and the lasting lessons they passed down to him, including the compassion he learned from his mother and the perseverance he learned from his father.

The conversation becomes especially personal as Jeff reflects on how profound loss changed his relationship with leadership and himself. He shares the experience of leading an airline through a fatal plane crash that killed 240 people and the responsibility of facing thousands of grieving family members without having easy answers. For Jeff, experiences like these stripped away the possibility of hiding behind corporate language and fundamentally transformed the way he thought about truth, responsibility, and humanity.

Ultimately, Leslie and Jeff consider how ambition can coexist with integrity and why the relationship we maintain with ourselves may be one of the most important relationships we have. Jeff encourages people to pursue meaningful work, surround themselves with leaders they respect, remain willing to listen and learn, and resist sacrificing their values for money, status, or proximity to power.

This episodes ends with an audience Q&A that can be found in the Patreon membership community for the show: https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Thank you to everyone who participated.

Guest Jeff Katz is an entrepreneur and longtime business leader whose career has spanned technology, aviation, travel, and consumer products. Trained as an engineer at MIT, Stanford, and the University of California, Jeff founded Orbitz, served as CEO of Swissair, held senior leadership positions at American Airlines and Sabre, and served as CEO of LeapFrog. He has also been recognized five times as one of the 25 most influential people in the travel industry.

Resources & Links

The Nature of Nurture

TheNatureofNurture.com

Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture

This podcast is available in all podcast apps.

Credits Hosted and produced by Leslie Carr Guest: Jeff Katz Live event hosted at The KINN in Venice (Los Angeles)

#leadership #integrity #entrepreneurship #power #authenticity #careeradvice #selfdevelopment #orbitz #thenatureofnurture

Disclaimer This episode includes discussion of leadership, corporate culture, political and business figures, the Holocaust, grief, loss, and a fatal aviation accident. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and guest and are intended for educational and informational purposes.

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with nationally recognized trial and jury consultant Tara Trask for a thoughtful and deeply personal conversation about gender identity, authenticity, and what it means to truly know yourself. After decades of feeling different without having the language to explain why, Tara shares the journey that led her to publicly embrace her identity as a genderqueer, non-binary woman and the profound sense of belonging that followed.

Together, Leslie and Tara explore the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and gender roles, examining how culture, family, biology, and personal experience all shape the way we understand ourselves. Rather than focusing on the political debates that often dominate public conversations about transgender people, they broaden the discussion to explore the everyday realities of living authentically and the many ways people relate—or don't relate—to traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity.

Tara reflects on growing up in Texas, losing her mother at a young age, and being raised by a father navigating his own unresolved trauma. She shares memories of feeling disconnected from traditional girlhood from early childhood, finding inspiration in gender-defying role models like Grace Jones, and eventually recognizing herself in the stories of other gender-diverse people decades later. She also discusses how discovering the LGBTQ community—and realizing she belonged within it—became one of the most healing experiences of her life. Throughout the conversation, Leslie and Tara examine the importance of language, representation, and visibility, while acknowledging the complexity of identity and the limitations of labels. They discuss why questioning gender can be valuable for everyone, regardless of where they ultimately land, and how greater self-awareness can foster empathy rather than division.

The episode also explores the intersection of authenticity, freedom, and self-acceptance, touching on topics including childhood development, gender socialization, menopause, sexuality, family dynamics, and the evolving cultural conversation surrounding gender. Together, Leslie and Tara make the case that understanding ourselves more honestly allows us to better understand one another. Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to move beyond stereotypes and assumptions, approaching gender with curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to listen to experiences that may differ from our own.

Guest

Tara Trask is the founder of Trask Consulting and has spent nearly three decades as a nationally recognized trial and jury consultant. In recent years, she has become an advocate for greater understanding of gender diversity, sharing her personal journey as a genderqueer, non-binary woman in hopes of fostering empathy, education, and more nuanced conversations about identity and authenticity.

Resources & Links

UCLA Research cited during the discussion: https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/trans-adults-united-states/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com

Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture

This podcast is available on all major podcast platforms.

Credits Hosted and produced by Leslie Carr https://www.instagram.com/drlesliecarr/

Guest: Tara Trask https://www.instagram.com/tara_trask/

Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

#genderidentity #nonbinary #genderqueer #authenticity #lgbtq #transally #selfdiscovery #mentalhealth #identity #thenatureofnurture

 Disclaimer

 This episode includes discussion of gender identity, transgender and non-binary experiences, sexuality, grief, childhood trauma, mental health, and personal identity. The conversation reflects the personal experiences and perspectives of the guest and host and is intended for educational and informational purposes. It should not be considered medical, psychological, or legal advice.

I'm hosting a live podcast recording on Thursday July 30, 2026 at The KINN in Venice (Los Angeles). Just wanted to make sure you know.

Here's the ticketing link: https://luma.com/TheNatureOfNurture

Use the code Nurture for 10% off at checkout.

And here's the Patreon link if you want to check it out:

https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and showrunner Curtis Gwinn, whose credits include Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, The Leftovers, and Narcos. Friends from high school, Leslie and Curtis reflect on the formative experiences that shaped Curtis's life and career, from a childhood marked by housing insecurity and family instability to becoming one of television's most accomplished storytellers.

Together, Leslie and Curtis explore how early adversity, mentorship, and the search for belonging influenced Curtis's creative path. They discuss the role of humor as both a coping mechanism and a form of self-protection, the transition from comedy to dramatic storytelling, and how therapy transformed not only Curtis's personal life but also his approach to writing, creativity, and emotional honesty.

The conversation moves beyond Hollywood into deeper questions about meaning, synchronicity, and the relationship between storytelling and the human psyche. Drawing on Jungian psychology, Curtis shares profound personal experiences involving dreams, intuition, and symbolic moments that challenged his understanding of reality and reshaped the way he thinks about creativity, spirituality, and the stories we tell ourselves about our lives.

Through discussions of resilience, mentorship, vulnerability, and artistic risk, the episode examines how identity is formed through both hardship and connection. Leslie and Curtis also reflect on the changing entertainment industry, the importance of authentic storytelling, and why the next generation of creators has more opportunity than ever to surprise audiences by telling deeply personal stories.

The conversation concludes with Curtis's reflections on hope, creativity, and the future of filmmaking, encouraging aspiring artists to embrace uncertainty, continue making meaningful work, and trust that genuine human connection will always remain at the heart of great storytelling.

Guest

Curtis Gwinn is an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and showrunner whose television credits include Stranger Things, The Walking Dead, The Leftovers, and Narcos. He began his career performing and writing with the Upright Citizens Brigade before transitioning into dramatic television, where he has become known for emotionally grounded, character-driven storytelling.

Resources & Links

The Nature of Nurture

TheNatureofNurture.com

Patreon Membership

https://www.patreon.com/thenatureofnurture

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@thenatureofnurture

This podcast is available in all podcast apps.

Credits

Hosted and produced by Leslie Carr

Guest: Curtis Gwinn

Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion of trauma, homelessness, mental health, dreams, spirituality, and personal transformation. The content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered psychological or medical advice.

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Leslie Carr sits down with filmmaker, writer, director, and content creator Goldie Jones to explore the unexpected cultural phenomenon of Heated Rivalry, the hit television series that has inspired an unusually devoted fan community and sparked conversations far beyond the world of entertainment.

Together, Leslie and Goldie examine why the show has resonated so deeply with audiences, including the emotional, psychological, and even transformational responses many viewers report after watching it. Drawing from Leslie's background as a psychologist and Goldie's expertise in storytelling and filmmaking, they discuss concepts such as corrective emotional experiences, trauma, authenticity, neuroplasticity, and the power of narrative to shape the way we understand ourselves and others.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the craft behind the series, exploring how character development, point of view, visual storytelling, symbolism, dialogue, performance, and production design contribute to the show's emotional impact. Goldie shares insights into the storytelling techniques that make the series so compelling, including the use of subtext, visual motifs, mirrors, lighting, and character psychology.

Leslie and Goldie also discuss the show's portrayal of trauma, identity, family expectations, and vulnerability through its central characters. They examine how different forms of trauma—both overt and subtle—shape human behavior, relationships, and self-expression, and why so many viewers have found aspects of themselves reflected in the story.

The episode concludes with a broader conversation about the state of modern storytelling, the relationship between art and commerce, and what the entertainment industry might learn from the success of a series built on sincerity, hope, emotional honesty, and meaningful human connection. Guest Goldie Jones is a Wyoming-born, Los Angeles-based writer, director, filmmaker, and content creator. After more than a decade working as a director of photography, Goldie transitioned into directing and screenwriting, earning recognition for award-winning screenplays, short films, and commercial work. Their in-depth analysis of Heated Rivalry has attracted millions of viewers online and sparked conversations about storytelling, filmmaking, character development, and media literacy.

Resources & Links: Goldie Jones https://www.goldiethejones.com/

Goldie Jones on Instagram: www.instagram.com/glitchgestaltgirl

The Nature of Nurture https://thenatureofnurture.com

Dr. Leslie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlesliecarr Goldie Jones on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/glitchgestaltgirl

The Nature of Nurture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thenatureofnurture

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thenatureofnurture This podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. #HeatedRivalry #LGBTQStories #MentalHealth #Filmmaking #TheNatureOfNurture

Credits: Hosted by Leslie Carr Guest: Goldie Jones Produced by Leslie Carr Recorded by Chi Ogilvie at SLAP Studios LA and edited by Asher Freidberg. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of trauma, mental health, neurodiversity, identity, family dynamics, and emotional healing. The views expressed are for educational and informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this deeply personal solo episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie opens up about her own life story for the first time in the podcast’s five-season history. Reflecting on her work as a clinical psychologist and host of the show, Leslie explains why she felt compelled to “unmask” and share the experiences that shaped both her healing journey and the perspective behind the podcast itself. Leslie begins by introducing herself beyond the professional bio—sharing her background, her career in psychology, and the core mission of The Nature of Nurture: understanding the human condition through the lens of context. From trauma and family systems to culture, technology, and lived experience, she explores how the environments we grow up in shape who we become. The heart of the episode centers on Leslie’s experience surviving childhood emotional and psychological abuse within a toxic family system. Without focusing on graphic details, she speaks candidly about growing up in an environment where self-expression and self-advocacy were discouraged, and how reclaiming her voice became a central part of her healing process. Throughout the conversation, Leslie reflects on the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the ways unresolved wounds can echo through families over time. Drawing from both her personal experience and years of clinical practice, she discusses the emotional complexity of healing—particularly the balance between accountability, compassion, anger, and forgiveness. Leslie also shares how modalities beyond traditional psychotherapy—including breathwork, nervous system regulation, and neuro-linguistic programming—played an important role in helping her process and integrate childhood trauma. She explains that many previous episodes of the podcast were, in some ways, reflections of her own healing journey. A major theme of the episode is the idea that survival alone is not the endpoint of recovery. Leslie speaks about what it means not only to heal from trauma, but to transform because of it—framing her ability to speak openly today as an act of liberation against the silence she was raised within. The episode also explores Leslie’s spiritual beliefs surrounding consciousness, forgiveness, and the soul’s evolution. Discussing concepts like the Akashic Records and life lessons carried through relationships, she offers a nuanced perspective on forgiveness—emphasizing that forgiveness does not require reconnection, and that healthy healing often involves maintaining strong boundaries. Ultimately, this episode is a message of solidarity for anyone who has struggled to reclaim their voice after trauma. Leslie closes by reminding listeners that healing is possible, that their experiences are real, and that they are not alone in the process. Whether you’re navigating your own recovery journey, interested in trauma psychology, or simply looking for a more honest conversation about healing and identity, this episode offers vulnerability, insight, and hope. Host Dr. Leslie Carr is a psychologist, educator, and host of The Nature of Nurture. Her work explores the intersections of psychology, culture, trauma, healing, and human development. Resources & Links The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com Prior Episodes Mentioned: S2 Ep 4, Interview with Michelle Masters “How Our Beliefs Shape Our Experience” (NLP/audio only): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interview-with-michelle-masters-how-our-beliefs-shape/id1561379347?i=1000553917982 S4 Ep 8, Exploring the Akashic Records with Helen Vonderheide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIHKpq-M0NY S4 Ep 9, The Intersection of Mental Health and the Nervous System with Rachel Hardy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ieycpevH0&t=28s S4 Ep 10, Exploring Breathwork's Healing Potential with Robert Bahedry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGRnKDpLnqU&t=1s S1 Ep 1, Beyond Biology (not explicitly mentioned but if you want to learn more about Leslie’s attitudes and beliefs about “mainstream” psychology and mental health, this episode is a great place to start): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-biology/id1561379347?i=1000517727592 Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347 Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Written and produced by Dr. Leslie Carr Engineered and edited by Asher Freidberg Recorded at SLAP Studios LA Disclaimer This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, or professional medical advice. If you have questions about your own mental health, please consult a licensed professional. 

In this special solo episode of The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Leslie Carr steps away from her usual interview format to share a timely and deeply personal reflection on the current global moment.

Leslie begins by acknowledging the widespread fear and uncertainty many people are experiencing, describing the present as a potentially revolutionary period—one that feels unstable and unpredictable from within. While she recognizes the seriousness of the moment, she also offers a broader historical perspective, reminding listeners that even the darkest periods in human history have often given way to profound transformation and renewal.

She explores the idea that society may be in the midst of a major shift, where existing systems are being challenged or dismantled. Rather than succumbing to fear, Leslie encourages listeners to consider the possibility of co-creating a new world—one that prioritizes humanity, sustainability, and collective well-being over exploitation and extraction.

A central theme of the episode is the concept of an “energetic war”—a struggle not just for power or resources, but for human consciousness itself. Leslie discusses how oppressive forces can attempt to erode autonomy, joy, and a sense of self, emphasizing that protecting these aspects of our humanity is essential. She frames joy, presence, and connection not as distractions, but as forms of resistance.

Alongside calls for civic engagement—such as protesting, voting, and advocating for change—Leslie underscores the importance of self-care and community care. She encourages listeners to disconnect from the constant noise of the digital world and reconnect with real-life experiences: spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, sharing meals, and cultivating moments of genuine presence and laughter.

Ultimately, this episode is both a grounding reminder and a hopeful call to action. Leslie urges listeners to remain solution-focused, to come together in meaningful ways, and to trust in the collective power of people to shape a better future.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by current events or searching for a more grounded, intentional way to navigate uncertain times, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and a renewed sense of agency.

Host

Resources & Links

Patreon Membership
https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture

Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture

Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347

Credits

Disclaimer

Episode Description

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with Caroline Heldman—political scientist, professor, and chair of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies at Occidental College—for a powerful and necessary conversation about the legacy of Jeffrey Epstein and the broader systems that enable abuse at the highest levels of power.

Together, Leslie and Caroline unpack the historical timeline of the Epstein case, tracing how allegations spanning decades were repeatedly overlooked or minimized by institutions meant to protect survivors. They explore how this moment fits into a larger cultural reckoning around sexual violence, situating it within the broader arc of the #MeToo movement and earlier waves of anti–sexual violence activism.

Caroline provides critical context by outlining the long history of this work—from early organizing led by Black women like Ida B. Wells to activism by figures like Rosa Parks—highlighting how these contributions have often been erased or overlooked. The conversation also examines how public awareness evolves, why survivors were historically not believed, and what has shifted in recent years to allow more voices to come forward.

Leslie and Caroline discuss the relationship between awareness and accountability, emphasizing that while movements like MeToo have transformed public discourse, systemic change remains incomplete. They also explore the cyclical nature of social progress—how movements often face backlash—and why sustained effort is required to create lasting change.

This episode offers both a sobering look at institutional failure and a broader reflection on cultural transformation, power, and the ongoing fight for justice.

Guest

Caroline Heldman is a political scientist, professor, and chair of the Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies program at Occidental College. She is a political commentator featured on major media outlets and the author of multiple books on gender, politics, and power. Her work focuses on systems of inequality, media representation, and social movements.

Resources & Links

Occidental College
https://www.oxy.edu/

The Nature of Nurture

Patreon Membership
https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture

Watch on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture

Listen on Apple Podcasts
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347

Credits

Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr

Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion of sexual violence, abuse, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. This content is intended for educational and conversational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice or support.

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with Yeshaia Blakeney (aka Shai), co-founder and co-CEO of Recovery Integrity and Antedote Lab—dual diagnosis treatment programs in Los Angeles. With more than twenty years of experience in addiction and mental health treatment, Shai brings both clinical and personal insight into recovery, spirituality, and the limits of conventional treatment models.

Together, Leslie and Shai explore the therapeutic use of psychedelics in addiction treatment, the role of empathy and self-compassion in recovery, and forward-facing models focused on growth and integration. The conversation moves beyond clinical frameworks into deeper questions about consciousness, spirituality, and the nature of reality itself, touching on how mystical or transformative experiences can reshape identity, loosen rigid patterns, and open new pathways for healing.

Through discussions of guilt, shame, connection, and the importance of community, the episode examines what it means for someone to be “stuck” in recovery and how connection, flexibility, and meaning-making may support lasting change. Leslie and Shai also reflect on cultural attitudes toward suffering, effort, and healing, and why fear and risk assessment often shape how new therapeutic approaches are received.

The conversation concludes with a personal story from Shai about what he calls an “empirical miracle,” a deeply meaningful experience that shaped his relationship to spirituality, recovery, and the unknown — inviting listeners to consider how moments of coincidence, meaning, and connection can transform the way we understand our lives.

Guest

Yeshaia Blakeney is the co-founder and co-CEO of Recovery Integrity and Antedote Lab, addiction and dual diagnosis treatment programs in Los Angeles. He is an addiction specialist with more than two decades of experience working in substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Resources & Links

Recovery Integrity Website

https://www.recoverintegrity.com/

Antidote Lab Website

https://antedotelab.com/

The Nature of Nurture

TheNatureofNurture.com

Patreon Membership

https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture

Watch on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture

This podcast is available in all podcast apps but here’s the Apple link:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347

Credits

Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr

Guest: Yeshaia Blakeney

Produced by Dr. Leslie Carr and Bri Coorey

Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

Disclaimer

This episode includes discussion of psychedelics and mental health treatment. Psychedelics are illegal in many jurisdictions and are not appropriate for everyone. This content is for education and conversation only and is not medical advice.