Mind Body Health & Politics

"Medical error has been declared the third leading cause of death in the literature, and this has been for several decades." - Dr. Julie Siemers A 45-year nursing veteran reveals shocking statistics about preventable deaths, hospital errors, and patient harm that everyone should know before their next doctor's visit. Dr. Julie Siemers exposes alarming research about surgical mistakes, missed diagn...

"You might feel like you're dying... you might think that the state you're in is going to last forever." - Dr. Daniel Kruger A groundbreaking University of Michigan study of 1,200+ psychedelic users reveals shocking statistics about adverse effects, from sexual misconduct to psychological crises. Dr. Daniel Kruger shares critical findings about what really happens when people use psychedelics outs...

In this eye-opening conversation with legendary science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson, we explore practical paths to meaningful change in an age of crisis. From local climate action groups to worker-owned cooperatives, Robinson reveals how working alternatives to capitalism are hiding in plain sight. 00:00 Capitalism vs. Feudalism: A Comparison 00:41 Introduction to Mind, Body, Health, and P...

Chemical engineer turned health researcher Ivor Cummins shares shocking discoveries about metabolic health, cholesterol myths, and institutional bias in medicine. With 25+ years of complex problem-solving experience and a Stanford innovation certificate, Cummins brings his analytical expertise to expose gaps in modern medical understanding. Author of "Eat Rich, Live Long" and creator of MetabolicD...

Can a simple ultrasound save your life when mammograms miss the mark? Should you get a colonoscopy every year, or is that too extreme? In my latest interview with distinguished hematologist-oncologist Dr. Chadi Nabhan, author of over 300 medical articles and abstracts, we dive deep into the complex world of cancer screening, prevention, and treatment. "Cancer is not one disease," Dr. Nabhan emphas...

When I first connected with Ebru Şinik (@ebrusinik) on Instagram, something special resonated. Here was someone halfway across the world speaking the same language of health, persistence, and joy that I've championed for decades. Through her posts and our growing digital friendship, I witnessed her remarkable ability to beam light and positivity while delivering serious, science-based wellness edu...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of psychedelic science with Dr. David Nichols, one of the foremost experts in the field. Dr. Nichols shares his insights on the current state of LSD research, the challenges faced by researchers, and the potential of psychedelics in treating various mental health conditions. We also discuss the recent FDA decision on MDMA and the future of psychedelic m...

In this episode of Mind, Body, Health and Politics, Dr. Richard Miller sits down with Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith to discuss the fascinating concept of "public intimacy." From clergy to sex workers, actors to activists, we explore how different professions navigate the delicate balance between personal authenticity and professional boundaries. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that touches...

From Shiitake to Psilocybe, Mushrooms are Nature's Healing Powerhouses I was recently joined by the world-renowned mycologist – my friend – Christopher Hobbs, from his new location in Santa Cruz, California. We discussed the vast potential of mushrooms for healing and wellness. Dr. Christopher Hobbs is a fourth generation, internationally known herbalist and mycologist, licensed acupuncturist, her...

Dear Friends, With over six decades of experience as a clinical psychologist, I've seen many trends come and go in mental health treatment. But rarely have I encountered information as potentially game-changing as what I'm sharing with you today. In 2010, I interviewed journalist Robert Whitaker about his book Anatomy of an Epidemic on my NPR-affiliated radio show. The revelations in that conversa...

Dear Friends, How can we age gracefully in a world that seems intent on making us feel obsolete? This week, I spoke with Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of Ageless Aging: A Woman's Guide to Increasing Healthspan, Brainspan, and Lifespan, about the multifaceted approach to healthy aging. Maddy emphasizes that aging is more than just a number: "There's three different kinds of agi...

Dear Friends, For years, I've observed what I call a "post-traumatic sexual stress disorder" gripping our nation. It's not just about sex – it's about the very fabric of our society. We're a culture living on edge, with 70% of us barely making it paycheck to paycheck. This constant stress, this sword of Damocles hanging over our heads, it's more than economic – it's deeply traumatic, and it seeps...

Dear Friends, Each of us has a decision to make: whether we want to put in the time and energy to be healthy, or if we're just going to let the chips fall where they may. Being healthy is a lifestyle choice. You might get lucky and stay healthy for years without effort, but most Americans end up with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, or other health issues well before they reach old age. The choice...

Dear Friends, How can we find peace and purpose amid the turmoil and distraction of the modern world? Actor, author, and Zen Buddhist priest Peter Coyote believes the answer lies in the timeless wisdom of Buddhism – translated for our modern lives. In my latest interview, Peter and I explore: * The Buddhist concept of "dependent origination" and its relevance to our interconnected world * How medi...

Dear Friends, In a world rife with division, how can we turn conflict into collaboration? Lawyer-turned-“resolutionary” Stewart Levine has spent over 35 years mastering the art of transforming breakdowns into breakthroughs. From feuding business partners to disgruntled employees to divorcing couples, he's been in the trenches of impossible situations - and emerged with relationships intact and mil...

Dear Friends, In the early 1980s, as a clinical psychologist, I had a remarkable experience as a patient of Dr. Robert Cantor, the founder of the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. He legally administered MDMA to me over a period of a year and a half, and the benefits were profound. My heart opened, my empathy increased, and my defenses lowered. At the time, therapists across the United States...

What if you were facing a terminal illness, wracked by anxiety and depression, and knew that a safe, promising treatment existed - but was denied to you? This is the heart-wrenching reality for many of Dr. Sunil Aggarwal's patients. A palliative care physician in Seattle, Dr. Aggarwal is fighting a landmark legal case for the right to treat his dying patients with psilocybin-assisted therapy. Psil...

Dear Friends, Have you ever felt like giving up when faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge? I know I have. But what I've learned through my own experiences is that persistence and consistent effort can work wonders. It all started with a devastating motorcycle accident that left me with both legs crushed. As I lay on the highway, I closed my eyes and prepared for the worst. But then, a v...

Why is MDMA so effective at treating PTSD? Does microdosing LSD affect depressed individuals differently than those with a more positive outlook? Some of us have been waiting for answers to these kinds of questions about psychedelics for more than 50 years. As a young academic in the 1960s, I had my own life-changing experiences with psychedelics, which set me on a new career path as a clinical ps...

In this special monologue episode, Dr. Richard L. Miller shares his secret to a happy life: taking control of your mind. Drawing from his 64 years of experience and personal struggles, Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of persistent practice in managing thoughts and emotions. He recounts how "mind control" and "Dog Yoga" helped him overcome physical challenges following a motorcycle accident an...

Obi Kaufmann, artist, writer, and conservationist, discusses California's ecology, water management, and biodiversity. Kaufmann challenges conventional environmentalism, questioning the language used to describe nature and the paradox of trading nature to save it. He emphasizes the importance of indigenous-led ecological thought and the resilience provided by biodiversity. Kaufmann shares insights...

I sit down with the trailblazing Dr. John McDougall, a leading expert in plant-based nutrition and the author of the groundbreaking book, "The Starch Solution." Dr. McDougall shares his decades of experience as a physician and researcher, revealing the power of a whole-food, starch-based diet in preventing and reversing chronic diseases, promoting sustainable weight loss, and optimizing overall he...

Cathy Reisenwitz is a writer and creator of the Sex and the State substack publication. She has been featured on TV and in various publications such as TechCrunch, The Week, VICE, and Daily Beast. In this podcast episode, Cathy discusses the concept of authoritarianism and its impact on society. She explores the traits of an authoritarian personality, including a focus on conformity, lack of diver...

Podcast Episode: David Nutt - Psychedelics and Mental Health Guest: Professor David Nutt Short Bio: David Nutt is a psychiatrist specializing in the effects of drugs on the brain. He has made significant contributions to our understanding of how psychedelics work and their clinical applications. He co-founded the first academic psychedelic research center and has recently launched his book "Psyche...

Dr. Robert Strahan, a highly accomplished psychiatrist, shares his insights on the crucial topic of adverse effects in psychedelic medicine. With a diverse background spanning forensic psychiatry, integrative medicine, and leadership roles in prestigious institutions, Dr. Strahan emphasizes the importance of transparency, proper screening, and preparation when considering psychedelic treatments. E...