M.E.S.H.

Dr. Pamela Brewer welcomes journalist and author Lynda Schuster back to M.E.S.H. for a powerful continuation of their conversation about A Burning Hunger, the Soweto Uprising, and the young people whose courage helped expose the human cost of apartheid. This episode focuses on Tsietsi Mashinini, the brilliant teenage student leader whose ability to organize, speak, and inspire helped turn deep fru...

Dr. Pamela Brewer welcomes journalist and author Lynda Schuster to M.E.S.H. for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about A Burning Hunger, the Soweto Uprising, and the historical forces that shaped one of South Africa’s most pivotal moments. Together, they explore how apartheid used education, law, fear, and language as tools of control—and how young people, living inside that pressure, re...

In this deeply personal episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer sits down with author Travis McLaurin to discuss his lived experience as an African American man experiencing bipolar disorder, mental illness stigma, recovery, and self-understanding. Travis shares what it was like growing up misunderstood, navigating mood swings without a diagnosis, and enduring years of bullying, fear, and confusion...

Healthcare systems can feel overwhelming, especially when patients or families are unsure whether their concerns will actually be heard. In this thoughtful episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer speaks with legal nurse consultant and Director of Risk Management Liesl Hall-Grant about what really happens behind the scenes in hospitals, how patient complaints are handled, and why communication, docu...

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, frightening, and deeply isolating—but this thoughtful episode of M.E.S.H. offers a different perspective grounded in honesty, education, and hope. Dr. Pamela Brewer welcomes retired surgeon Dr. Anthony Goodman and his wife and caregiver, Maribeth Goodman, for a powerful conversation about living with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, navigating treatment...

Burnout is often misunderstood as simple stress, laziness, or a lack of motivation—but in this thoughtful conversation on M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer sits down with social worker and author Daniela Wolfe to unpack what burnout really looks like beneath the surface. Together, they explore the emotional, mental, and physical signs of burnout, why high-achieving people are often the most vulnerable,...

In this deeply moving episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer sits down with Amy Friedman, criminal justice advocate and co-founder of the Pathfinder Club network, to explore the emotional realities faced by teens impacted by incarceration and deportation. Through the lens of A Secret Chord, a powerful collection of youth writing and art, Amy shares how storytelling becomes more than expression—it...

In this thoughtful and clarifying episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer welcomes Kendra Cordova, board member with Muslims for Progressive Values, for a grounded conversation about Muslim women, faith, misinformation, and historical context. Together, they explore common assumptions about Islam and women’s rights, while Kendra offers a broader view of women’s roles in early Islam, marriage, divor...

In this thoughtful and direct episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer speaks with Renelle E. Nelson, licensed marriage and family therapist, about intimacy, infidelity recovery, micro-cheating, betrayal, and what healing can look like after trust has been broken. Renelle brings clarity and compassion to a subject that can feel painful, confusing, and emotionally charged, helping listeners understan...

Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant idea in behavioral health—it is already shaping how people seek support, how clinicians document sessions, and how clients think about privacy, access, and care. In this episode of M.E.S.H., Dr. Pamela Brewer speaks with Dr. Frederic Reamer, a widely respected expert in social work ethics, about the ethical questions surrounding AI in mental health se...

If you’ve ever returned from a trip feeling just as tired as when you left, this conversation may shift how you think about travel entirely. In this episode of M.E.S.H. , Dr. Pamela Brewer speaks with Dr. Lisa Pittman—a licensed clinical psychologist, travel coach, and global citizen—about how travel can move beyond escape and become a meaningful tool for restoration, clarity, and self-connection....

In this episode of M.E.S.H. , Dr. Pamela Brewer sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali for a thoughtful conversation about trauma, high sensitivity, perfectionism, and a therapy approach many listeners may be hearing about for the first time: brainspotting. Together, they explore how painful experiences can shape the way we think, parent, cope, and move through...

Dr. Pamela Brewer is joined by Dr. Iris Cardenas, Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, for a thoughtful conversation on chronic stress and its impact on immigrant communities. Together, they explore how uncertainty, structural barriers, and lived experiences shape both mental and physical health. This episode of M.E.S.H. invites you to consider the weight of ong...

In this thoughtful and eye-opening conversation, Dr. Pamela Brewer speaks with educator and Muslims for Progressive Values board member Kendra Cordova about gender, identity, and the often-overlooked complexity within Islam. Together, they explore how cultural narratives, historical context, and lived experience intersect—challenging common assumptions while offering a more nuanced understanding o...

Episode Summary: In this deeply moving episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer speaks with Doriel Jacov, a trauma-informed psychotherapist and former corporate attorney, about the realities and challenges faced by male survivors of sexual abuse. Doriel Jacov shares insights from his clinical work and his men's support group, exploring myths, shame, identity disruption, and the long journey toward...

Episode Summary In this compelling episode of M.E.S.H., Pamela Brewer sits down with Jelan Agnew, a licensed clinical social worker turned keynote speaker, coach, and global frolicker. Jelan Agnew opens up about her radical personal transformation after a crisis in 2020, culminating in a rebirth that fundamentally changed her priorities and definition of self. The conversation dives deep into embr...

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Heather Eshleman, Director of Operations at the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked risks of gambling, explore practical steps for recognizing and managing gambling disorder, and highlight resources available for individuals and families affected by pr...

Welcome to M.E.S.H.! In this episode, host Pamela Brewer sits down with Geoff Rogers, Director of Learning and Development Projects at the Silberman School of Social Work, Hunter College, to Uncover the essential strategies and challenges faced by Adult Protective Services (APS) practitioners. Discover what it takes to serve vulnerable adults, the realities of APS casework, and how engagement, myt...

Topics Covered: The origins and misunderstandings about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) The behavioral focus versus identity politics in DEI work Liberatory practice: its meaning, who it serves, and its impact on leadership The vital importance of deep listening in healing and workplace transformation Embracing and honoring multiple identities within groups (Jewish diversity, intersectional...

In this powerful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Yavilah McCoy, a leader in equity strategies and organizational consulting, who shares her experience growing up as an unapologetically Black and Jewish woman. The conversation dives deep into racial and religious identity, intersectionality, and the challenges faced by Jews of color. Drawing on personal stories and insights, Yavila...

Topics Covered Stigma and myths surrounding bipolar disorder and mental illness Marcia's experience as a therapist with bipolar disorder Discrimination and shaming in the mental health profession Effects and management of medication for bipolar disorder Personal and romantic relationships impacted by mental illness What psychotic and manic episodes look like Advice for family and friends supportin...

In this powerful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with writer and stroke awareness advocate Joyce Sampson to discuss the often-overlooked realities of stroke, the importance of advocacy, and the lasting cognitive and emotional impacts that survivors can face. Joyce Sampson bravely shares her personal journey through seven strokes in two months, the challenges of recovery, the misc...

In this heartfelt and information-packed episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer sits down with John Sovec, LMFT, author, and advocate, whose book "Out: A Parent’s Guide to Supporting Your LGBTQIA+ Kid through Coming Out and Beyond" is helping parents and families support LGBTQIA+ youth. They discuss the unique challenges that queer children and their families face during the coming out process—es...

In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Julia Wood from the Lewy Body Dementia Association for an important discussion about Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), the second most common type of dementia that remains unfamiliar to many. The conversation explores the distinctions between LBD and Alzheimer’s, the challenges of diagnosis and management, the importance of caregiver supp...

In this insightful episode of M.E.S.H., host Pamela Brewer welcomes Carolyn Angelo, LCSW and Director of the Adult ADHD Center of Washington, D.C. Together, they demystify adult ADHD—exploring what it really is, how it impacts both individuals and couples, and the often misunderstood dynamics that arise. Drawing on her professional expertise and personal experience with ADHD, Carolyn Angelo dives...