The Mental Wealth Podcast

Pharmacist Dr. Monica Leriger joins the Mental Wealth Pod team to unpack how aging changes drug metabolism, why "new symptom = possible drug side effect," anticholinergic burden and cognitive fog, herbal supplement risks, generics vs. brand names, psych meds and food/drug interactions, and the future of personalized pharmacology. Top highlights: Rule of thumb: any new symptom in an older adult sho...

Dr. John Mezzullo — dual-trained in internal medicine and psychiatry — joins The Mental Wealth Pod team for a wide-ranging conversation on what's really changed in mental healthcare. Drawing on decades of experience across geriatric psychiatry and now young adult populations in a college-town referral center, Dr. Mezzullo pulls back the curtain on why he's seeing dramatically more psychosis and tr...

Psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author Dr. Jennie Byrne talks to the Mental Wealth team this week to unpack ADHD in high-achieving professionals — CEOs, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs— who are told they're "too high-functioning" to have it.  Dr. Byrne explains why she calls ADHD "a terrible name" and makes the case for thinking of it as neurodiversity rather than disorder. She walks through her...

In this episode of the Mental Wealth Podcast, geriatrician and hospice/palliative medicine specialist Dr. Surah Grumet — author of “Mindful Aging” — joins Dr. Ethan Levine to talk about what it really means to grow older in America. Dr. Grumet draws on 20+ years of family medicine and geriatric care to cover: • Why dignity, not age-reversal, is the real goal of mindful aging • How to start a conve...

Tim McDonald sits down with Rob, Mukund, and Dr. Levine to unpack his 2020 diagnosis, the oncologist he fired mid-treatment, and the 14-month search for his own liver donor. He shares the "ego script" technique that carried him through the emotional rollercoaster, how COVID complicated his care, why he distinguishes volunteers from advocates, and how the diagnosis reshaped his marriage and his buc...

AI isn't just changing how we work—it's hollowing out the middle. In this episode, Rob sits down with Pam Mandel, host of the Canned podcast, to talk about what's actually happening on the ground: the white-collar workers who've been out of work for 18 months, the job seekers drowning in fake AI-generated applications, the screenwriters who trained the machine that replaced them—twice. They dig in...

In this episode of the Mental Wealth Podcast, clinical psychologist Dr. Ethan Levine joins host Rob to explore the psychology of resilience in an age of constant change. From information overload and AI in the workplace to remote work isolation and the fear of failure, Dr. Levine offers science-backed insights and practical strategies to help you think more clearly, adapt more confidently, and rec...

Ever feel like you're not good enough, no matter what you accomplish? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with therapist, educator, and author Diane Lang to explore the thought patterns that quietly undermine our confidence and what we can do to change them. Diane, author of "Worthy," shares insights on: The difference between perfectionism and excellence, and why striving for perfectio...

Feeling overwhelmed by decisions? You're not alone. In this episode, we welcome back Emily Papps from RemakeTheRules.com to discuss "choice inflation" - a term she's coined to describe the modern phenomenon of having exponentially more choices to make AND vastly more information to process for each decision. Emily breaks down the "cycle of exhaustion" that traps so many of us: uncertainty leads us...

This complement episode continues the disucssions in previous episode 35. Here Dr. Levine answers questions on common work-place related issues, providing practical advice that is aimed to reduce stress and help you make meaningful changes to improve your mental health. Previous episode: https://mentalwealthpod.com/episode-35-whats-really-happening-to-our-mental-health-at-work DISCLAIMER: The view...

In this essential episode, we dive deep into the mental health challenges facing today's workforce. From the anxiety that creeps in during Monday morning meetings to the burnout that builds over months of overwhelming demands, workplace stress has become a defining issue of our time. We speak with Dr. Ethan Levine to explore the psychological toll of return-to-office mandates, examine why work-lif...

In this candid and insightful episode, we sit down with Pam and Amy from the Canned Podcast to explore one of the most challenging professional experiences many of us will face: getting fired. Far from just another career setback, losing a job can trigger a complex web of emotions, self-doubt, and uncertainty about the future. Pam and Amy bring their expertise and personal experiences to discuss t...

In this episode, we’re talking about something we don’t often hear enough about—the emotional aftermath of disaster. When hurricanes, fires, or other large-scale emergencies strike, the physical damage is easy to see—but the mental and emotional toll is just as real, and often much harder to navigate. Joining us today is Dr. Tom Hlenski, a dedicated leader in the American Red Cross Disaster Mental...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into choice tech — not just the tools businesses use, but how they choose them. Because in a world filled with platforms that promise to boost productivity, streamline collaboration, and automate the busywork, what often gets overlooked is the bigger picture: the long-term impact of those choices on your team, your culture, and your bottom line. And sometimes, the...

Joining us once again for this thought-provoking conversation is Emily Pabst, the founder of Remake the Rules. Emily is able to bringing a human-centered lens to the way we approach modern systems. In this episode, Emily helps us explore the profound impact of data on our lives, the overwhelming flood of information we face daily, and how this overload affects our ability to make clear, grounded d...

In this episode we're exploring a topic that's reshaping the way we connect and build relationships — the intersection of social media and dating. Joining me for this insightful discussion is Emily Pabst, the brilliant mind behind Remake the Rules. Emily talks about how dating has shifted from in-person interactions to online platforms, the impact of dating apps, and how the overwhelming number of...

Why do children behave the way they do? In this episode of Mental Wealth Podcast, we are joined by Hidayat Shah, who is the Founder & Clinical Director of Eden Behavioral Health. Hidayat helps us dive into the fascinating world of child psychology to uncover the reasons behind common behaviors — from temper tantrums to social withdrawal — and what they reveal about a child’s emotional and cogn...

In this episode, we tackle two deeply connected topics: the state of healthcare in the United States and the emotional toll it can take on individuals navigating the system. From the complexities of accessing care to the financial and emotional burdens faced by millions, we explore the ways healthcare impacts mental health. We also dive into strategies for dealing with negative emotions, whether t...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Scott Saslow, who shares his journey of discovering identity, purpose, and happiness in the face of life’s toughest challenges. Scott, a graphic artist, shares his deeply personal experiences of navigating adversity, revealing how those moments shaped his sense of self and led him to a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Through heartfelt anecdotes and...

In this episode, Rob and Mukund talk about the complexities of Alzheimer's, cognitive decline, aging, and their impact on leadership. Join us as we discuss these with Dr. Ethan Levine, a leading psychologist and expert in the field, as he provides insights into drug development, the potential causes of alzheimers, and how aging affects decision making. Tune in to discover how embracing a deeper un...

In this episode, Rob and I talk to Dr. Ethan Levine, who is the clinical leader of psychotherapy at Eventus Wholehealth. Join us as we explore what behavioral health is, how to manage stress, anxiety, and have a more balanced mental health. Video podcast here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rE1MEpT6EY Eventus' educational podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/full-circle/id1702075102...

In this episode, Rob and I talk to Jake Herway to discuss what leadership is, and how to have a fulfilling career.  Join us as we explore the essential qualities of effective leadership, including communication, decision-making, and adaptability. We'll discuss strategies for building strong teams, fostering a positive work culture, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Tune in for engaging co...

In this episode, Rob and I discuss what inspires us.  Join us as we explore the power of purpose, the impact of role models, and the role of curiosity in fueling our aspirations, and resilience in sustaining inspiration through life's challenges. Tune in for heartfelt discussions, thought-provoking insights, and practical tips on how to uncover your own sources of inspiration and harness them to a...

Join us as we explore the importance of embracing failure, developing resilience, and using your mistake to build a stong mindset. We'll discuss practical strategies for analyzing mistakes, extracting wisdom from them, and applying these insights to fuel personal and professional growth. By learning from our mistakes and the experiences of others, we can empower ourselves to achieve our goals and...

In this episode, Rob and I discuss how you can trick your mind into embracing fitness and making it a sustainable part of your lifestyle.  Have you ever found yourself struggling with motivation or lacking the mental drive to stick to your workout routine? Well, you're not alone. Today, we'll uncover some psychological hacks and practical tips to help you overcome mental barriers and transform you...