How Psychiatric Meds Actually Work (And What You Need to Know) ft. Dr. Zev Weiner

How Psychiatric Meds Actually Work (And What You Need to Know) ft. Dr. Zev Weiner

How do psychiatric medications actually work, and are they safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding? In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, psychiatrist Dr. Zev Weiner joins us to demystify mental health medications. We break down the science behind SSRIs, SNRIs, and mood stabilizers, debunk the biggest misconceptions about psychiatric drugs, and explore the latest advancements in psychopharmacology. Dr. Weiner also shares crucial, evidence-based insights on treating perinatal and postpartum depression, explaining how doctors weigh the risks of medication against the risks of untreated depression during pregnancy. Whether you are navigating your own mental health journey, planning a family, or trying to find the right treatment plan, this episode offers clear, compassionate, and clinical guidance. Key Takeaways from This Episode: * Demystifying Meds: Learn how SSRIs, SNRIs, and stimulants actually interact with your brain chemicals. * Pregnancy & Postpartum Safety: A transparent look at the latest research regarding medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. * The Treatment Trial-and-Error: How psychiatrists determine the right dosage, what "normal" side effects look like. * Tapering Off: When and how to safely discontinue psychiatric medication. Episode Topics: * Intro to Dr. Zev Weiner * What inspired Dr. Weiner to practice psychiatry? * How SSRIs, SNRIs, and stimulants actually work * The biggest misconceptions about psychiatric meds * Medication safety during pregnancy and postpartum (PPD) * How doctors weigh medication risks vs. untreated depression * Finding the right dosage, side effects, and tapering off safely * Dr. Weiner’s unfiltered advice on mental health treatment * Outro & where to find Dr. Weiner Connect with Our Guest: * Website: https://www.zevwienermd.com/about [https://www.zevwienermd.com/about] Connect with Bracha: * Instagram: @liveto120podcast [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/lotsofbracha] * Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a friend! Disclaimer: The information in this episode is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Let’s Talk About It: Faith, Sex, and the Space Between (with Lauren Hofstatter)

For many raised in traditional or religious communities, sex is often framed as something private, mysterious, or even uncomfortable to talk about. Then you get married, and you're expected to instantly know how to build a healthy, passionate, and deeply connected intimate life. In this episode, Bracha sits down with licensed therapist and certified sex addiction therapist Lauren Hofstatter (LMHC, QS, CSAT) to bridge the "sex education gap." Together, they unpack how silence and shame during adolescence impact adult relationships, how to navigate the unique intimacy challenges within Orthodox and non-Orthodox communities, and how to reclaim sex as a sacred tool for connection rather than just an obligation. Whether you are looking to improve communication with your partner or want to know how to start healthy, age-appropriate conversations with your kids, this episode breaks the silence with humor, honesty, and deep clinical insight. WHAT WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE: * Intro: Welcome to Live to 120. It's time to have "the talk." * Meet Lauren Hofstatter: How a passion for healing intimacy led her to mental health work, and the common struggles her Orthodox and non-Orthodox clients face today. * The Sex Education Gap: The real-world consequences of religious silence and misinformation on adult intimacy and self-worth. * An Age-by-Stage Guide for Parents: How to talk to your kids about bodies, boundaries, and consent from preschool through the teenage years without the awkwardness. * Faith, Culture, and Taboos: How to hold onto your religious values while cultivating a fulfilling, shame-free sex life. * Sex as Connection, Not Just an Activity: Practical tools, emotional check-ins, and communication habits couples can start using tonight to build trust and playfulness. * The Unfiltered Truth: Lauren answers Bracha’s signature question: "What would you tell us if you weren’t afraid of hurting our feelings?" KEY TAKEAWAYS & QUOTES: * "You can love your faith and still want great sex. The two aren’t in conflict—they’re connected." * Communication is the ultimate aphrodisiac. Expressing wants and needs shouldn't trigger defensiveness when built on emotional safety. * Overcoming the stigma of couples therapy: When to seek professional help to align your desires with your partnership. CONNECT WITH LAUREN: * Website: theorthodoxtherapist.com [http://theorthodoxtherapist.com] * Follow Lauren on Social Media: @theorthodoxtherapist [https://www.instagram.com/theorthodoxtherapist/#] CONNECT WITH BRACHA: * Subscribe & Review: If this episode sparked a healthy conversation for you, please share it with someone you love, and leave us a 5-star review on Spotify! * Stay Connected: Live long, live strong.

The Truth About Plastic Surgery, Aging & Confidence | Dr. Jason Litner, Plastic Surgeon

What does it really take to age well — and how do you know when cosmetic treatments are helping you or holding you back? In this episode of Live to 120 with Bracha, host Bracha sits down with Dr. Jason Litner, a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his natural results and honest, patient-first approach to facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Litner brings refreshing candor to topics most people only whisper about — from when to stop doing fillers and consider surgery, to the emotional side of wanting to change your appearance, to the real risks of facelifts that no one talks about. What We Cover: Dr. Litner's Background His path into plastic surgery, his training, and the philosophy that shapes how he treats patients today. Surgical vs. Non-Surgical — What's Right for You? Botox, fillers, lasers, and skin tightening are powerful tools — but they have limits. Dr. Litner explains how to know when you've outgrown them and what the transition to surgery actually looks like. Facelifts — Then vs. Now Mini facelifts, deep plane facelifts, neck lifts — what's changed in the last 10 to 20 years, why younger patients are choosing surgery earlier, and what makes results look natural instead of "done." Rhinoplasty & Cultural Identity A thoughtful, sensitive conversation about nose jobs in the Jewish community — preserving ethnic identity, generational shifts in perspective, and where the line is between healthy confidence and low self-esteem. What He'd Tell You If He Wasn't Afraid of Hurting Your Feelings The most honest segment of the episode. Dr. Litner shares what he really thinks about unrealistic expectations, social media beauty standards, and why surgery will never fix emotional pain. Key Takeaways: * Age is not the only factor — anatomy, skin laxity, and emotional readiness matter just as much * Overdoing non-surgical treatments can actually make surgical results harder to achieve later * A good surgeon knows when to say no — and that's a sign of integrity, not rejection * Plastic surgery is a tool, not a solution to self-worth * Aging gracefully and making thoughtful enhancements are not mutually exclusive Connect with Dr. Jason Litner: Website: https://www.beverlyhillsprofiles.com/ [https://www.beverlyhillsprofiles.com/] Instagram: @profilesbeverlyhills Practice Location: 435 N Bedford Dr PH 500, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 Connect with Bracha & Live to 120: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube : @liveto120podcast Subscribe so you never miss an episode Live to 120 with Bracha — Live Long and Live Strong.

The Pelvic Floor Episode Everybody Needs to Hear | ft. Laura Rubin, PT

If you've ever experienced leaking, pelvic pain, pressure, or just feel disconnected from your core — this episode is for you. Bracha sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Laura Rubin to pull back the curtain on one of the most underdiscussed areas of women's health. From what the pelvic floor actually does, to why so many women are living with dysfunction they've been told is "just normal," this conversation is equal parts educational and eye-opening. Whether you're postpartum, navigating pelvic pain, or simply want to understand your body better — Laura breaks it all down in a way that's clear, clinical, and completely judgment-free. What we cover in this episode: * What the pelvic floor is and why it matters more than you think * The link between your pelvic floor, core, and bladder health * Common signs of dysfunction that women ignore or normalize * Pelvic pain — what causes it, what's a myth, and when to get help * Postpartum recovery: what's normal, what's not, and what to do about it * What pelvic floor PT actually looks like and who it's for * How to find a pelvic floor therapist and what to expect at your first visit Connect with Bracha & Live to 120: * Instagram, TikTok: @liveto120podcast * YouTube: youtube.com/ [http://youtube.com/]liveto120podcast Live to 120 with Bracha is dedicated to helping women live longer, healthier, and more informed lives — one conversation at a time.

You're Not Crazy, It's Toxic | Raizy Fried on Difficult Relationships, Gossip & Owning Your Identity

Guest: Raizy Fried Author, speaker, and personal development coach known for her honest and refreshing perspective on growth, identity, and relationships. Episode Summary What does it really mean to live authentically when your community has a lot of opinions? Raizy Fried joins Bracha for an honest, refreshing conversation about breaking free from gossip, handling difficult relationships, and building a self-image that actually belongs to you — not everyone else. What We Cover Who Is Raizy Fried? Raizy shares her background, what drew her to personal development, and the defining moment that shifted her mission. The Yenta Trap Raizy opens up about how she used to be a yenta, where that mindset came from, and what finally made her want to change. Plus practical advice on how to stop getting pulled into gossip and drama. Community vs. Self The Jewish community is deeply interconnected — and that's both a gift and a pressure. Raizy breaks down where people go wrong trying to fit in, what burnout really looks like, and how to start living more authentically without blowing up your relationships. Tznius, Identity & Self-Worth A nuanced conversation on tznius — not as a set of rules, but as a framework for understanding who you are. Raizy shares how her own understanding has evolved and how to approach it in a way that feels genuine rather than pressured. Key Takeaways * Gossip is a symptom, not a personality — and it can be unlearned * Fitting in and belonging are not the same thing * Your self-image is something you build, not something you inherit * Tznius is about self-worth, not just appearance * Authenticity is a daily practice, not a one-time decision Connect with Raizy Fried Instagram: @raizyscookin [https://www.instagram.com/raizyscookin/?hl=en#] Website: https://www.raizyfried.com/ [https://www.raizyfried.com/] Connect with Live to 120 Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @liveto120podcast New episodes every Thursday Thank you for listening to Live to 120 with Bracha. Until next time — live long and live strong.