Let's Get Psyched

This episode originally aired on KUCR in May of 2019, one of our very first episodes back when we called ourselves "Which Doctor." An interview with eco anxiety specialist Dr. Elizabeth Haase from the Climate Psychiatry Alliance. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Poole, Dr. Ortega Guest: Elizabeth Haase, MD

The final episode in our cannabis trilogy and the final episode of 2020. We ponder and debate the cultural and between country differences in addiction and use of cannabis. We also offer our take on why the United States has the highest rate of drug addiction in the world. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Atkins Guest: Saloni Singh, MD

With all the talk about political affiliations being similar to cults we decided to talk about what defines a cult and a bit on the reasons for joining one. During the discussion we talk about how psychiatry has looked at cults and if treatment after cults is just another type of brainwashing. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins Guest: Saloni Singh, MD

We (finally) tackle the issue of cannabis use. Will people and society  as a whole be better off by "transitioning" from alcohol to cannabis? What does the research say about the benefits and consequences of THC and other cannabis-derived compounds, such as CBD? How do we talk to  our patients about their cannabis use? Do we all agree on these  issues... No. Is that o...

We (finally) tackle the issue of cannabis use.  Will people and society  as a whole be better off by "transitioning" from alcohol to cannabis?  What does the research say about the benefits and consequences of THC  and other cannabis-derived compounds, such as CBD? How do we talk to our patients about their cannabis use? Do  we all agree on these issues... No. Is that okay...

Have you had a moment in your life when you felt like everything  you did seemed to work? A period in which you felt in control, fully  immersed and confident, and were able to ride that wave as far as it could take you? In this episode we discuss "peak experiences" and how we can include more of them in our lives. We also touch on experiences of  "flow" and share examples from our...

Dr. Jami Woods returns to the show to discuss controversial issues such as puberty suppression and public funding of gender-affirming surgical procedures. We consider the civil rights battle surrounding the transgender community. Our conversation with Dr. Woods was a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 13-19). Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Nguyen, Dr...

Alan teaches Edgar improv! Is humor a valid medical treatment? Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins

We examine this billion-dollar industry.  Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins

Is gaining insight the key to making real progress in therapy or is it an indulgent pat on the back that cannot guarantee significant change? Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Poole, Dr. Atkins

We discuss parapsychology and Halloween. Edgar has more creepy stories to tell us. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins

How do you approach politics in the context of the therapeutic relationship? Is it helpful to do so? For some, politics is a large part of their life narrative and is woven throughout various domains of life. We discuss balancing professionalism and having an open and honest conversation. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Atkins

This  episode originally aired on KUCR in October of 2019. This evening, the  gang ventures outside the recording studio to test our mettle inside the  Tomas Rivera Library, a reportedly haunted building on UC Riverside’s  campus. We whisper spooky stories to each other while skeptically  examining each others’ superstitious beliefs. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Orteg...

Is the United States experiencing a wave of Authoritarianism that is expressing itself through support of Donald Trump? If so, why do some studies show that Trump supporters are actually less authoritarian than Bush and Romney supporters? We talk about the unique type of authoritarian beliefs that influence political activity as well as studies of obedience which often involve an authoritarian out...

This episode originally aired on KUCR in October of 2019. This evening, the gang ventures outside the recording studio to test our mettle inside the Tomas Rivera Library, a reportedly haunted building on UC Riverside’s campus. We whisper spooky stories to each other while skeptically examining each others’ superstitious beliefs. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Poole

Hypnosis played a formative role in the early days of psychoanalysis. Does it have a place in modern clinical practice? Who is more susceptible to being hypnotized? Dr. Ortega shares his story. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega

Is a near death experience a neurological event, a life-changing spiritual awakening, or both? We talk about the common themes of NDEs and their large effects even years later. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, and Dr. Poole

During this politically charged season it’s easy to become confused about the best way to support our friends in the trans community. The truth is that there is a lot to keep in mind when thinking about trans issues and this episode is a good place to  start. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins Guest: Jami Woods, DPh, MD

Lying is an accepted form of communication. But sometimes we're not skilled enough to detect when it's happening. And some people are just better at it than others. We talk about some of the research on lying and how to discriminate between truth and fiction.  Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins

This week we decided to focus on "cancel culture" because it demands to  be discussed. It's quickly generating a great deal of controversy and  opinions on both sides. Is it just political correctness as many claim?  We don't so much as add an exclusively psychological perspective but  talk about what it means and how to evaluate its impact. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi...

We invite our (psychiatric) resident expert on Nature-Based therapies, Dr. Alan Atkins, for a deeper dive into "Wilderness Therapy." Could it be more helpful for wayward youth than group homes, residential drug rehab, or incarceration? Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega, Dr. Atkins

What is "Nature-Based Therapy?" Well, we didn't know much about it until we asked our co-host, Dr. Alan Atkins, who is researching it as well as being a strong advocate of it. Are some mental health conditions made worse by our disconnection and estrangement from nature? Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Atkins

"Homecoming" has drawn attention for its cinematography and directorial style. It also raises very interesting questions about the trauma of veterans returning from war and the treatment of mental health conditions that have often developed. We discuss the story (spoiler alert) and seriously consider the type of treatment playing a key role in the series Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega...

This episode originally aired on KUCR in December of 2019. Dr. Alan Atkins joins us in one of his first episodes as a guest co-host to discuss one of his areas of interest: prison reform. The US prison system is the nation's largest mental health institution. We consider its role in rehabilitation. Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Ortega Guest: Dr. Alan Atkins

This episode originally aired on KUCR in June of 2019. We asked Dr. Kevin Simonson to "tune in" as a special guest to discuss the psychiatric research on psychedelics currently underway. Is this the future of psychiatry? Hosts: Dr. Parks, Dr. Yamaguchi, Dr. Poole, Dr. Ortega Guest: Kevin Simonson, MD