Brain Shaman

In this talk with Ross Ellenhorn [https://www.rossellenhorn.com]—author and healthcare pioneer—we explore the human condition and how embracing what makes us truly human—meaning, purpose, autonomy, self-efficacy, play, innovation, collaboration, and connection—can reduce mental suffering and bring us back to life. We also confront the forces that diminish and dehumanize us—alienation, conformity, judgment, labeling, authoritarianism, racism, isolation, and the commodification of people. At the heart of this episode is an exploration of the power of social connection on mental health and well-being. Ross offers fresh perspectives on the mental healthcare system, drugs, addiction, and the various forms of mental suffering, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. He masterfully navigates the gray areas of human existence, seeing both the good and bad in everything and everyone. This is an episode that will challenge your assumptions, spark new ways of thinking, and leave you with a lighter heart and a deeper appreciation for all the beauties and pains of being human. RESOURCES BOOKS - Harold and the Purple Crayon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_and_the_Purple_Crayon] by Crockett Johnson - How We Change [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/how-we-change-ross-ellenhorn?variant=40491094114338] by Ross Ellenhorn - Purple Crayons [https://www.harpercollins.com/products/purple-crayons-ross-ellenhorn] by Ross Ellenhorn PEOPLE - Aubrey Marcus [https://www.aubreymarcus.com] - Bootsy Collins [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bootsy_Collins] - Crockett Johnson [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crockett_Johnson] - Erich Fromm [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Fromm] - George Clinton [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Clinton_(funk_musician)] - Gregory Bateson [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gregory_Bateson] - Henry David Thoreau [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau] - Jean-Paul Sartre [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean-Paul_Sartre] - Jim Carrey [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Carrey] - Karl Marx [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Marx] - Margaret Mead [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Mead] - Martin Heidegger [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Heidegger] - Martin Luther King Jr. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Jr.] - Matt Bernstein [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bernstein-md-5743338] - Matthew Perry [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Perry] - Robin Williams [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robin_Williams] - Rosa Parks [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_Parks] - Søren Kierkegaard [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8ren_Kierkegaard] **Connect and Learn More** Accord website: accordmh.com [https://accordmh.com] Cardea website: cardea.net [https://cardea.net] Ellenhorn website: ellenhorn.com [https://www.ellenhorn.com] personal website: rossellenhorn.com [https://www.rossellenhorn.com] books: harpercollins.com/collections/books-by-ross-ellenhorn [https://www.harpercollins.com/collections/books-by-ross-ellenhorn]

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Matt Bernstein [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-bernstein-md-5743338], CEO of Accord Mental Health [https://accordmh.com] and Chief Medical Officer at Ellenhorn [https://www.ellenhorn.com], about natural ways to improve, heal, and even potentially reverse mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and depression.  The ketogenic diet, a metabolic approach, is the main focus of today’s discussion. We explore its powerful role in supporting brain health, the mechanisms behind how it works, and practical steps for implementation. Beyond nutrition and metabolism, we also delve into the importance of exercise, sleep, light exposure, mindfulness, social connection, and finding meaning and purpose. Dr. Bernstein offers insights into the risks, benefits, and limitations of medication—including psychedelics, marijuana, and alcohol—and shares strategies for tapering off or replacing them with deeper, more lasting solutions to your mental health challenges. RESOURCES BOOKS - Brain Energy [https://brainenergy.com] by Chris Palmer - Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind [https://www.amazon.com/Change-Your-Diet-Mind-Powerful/dp/1538739070] by Georgia Ede MEDICATIONS - Aripiprazole [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aripiprazole] - Clozapine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clozapine] - Cobenfy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xanomeline/trospium_chloride] - Metformin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metformin] - Olanzapine [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olanzapine] - Risperidone [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risperidone] PEOPLE - Bret Scher [https://x.com/bschermd] - Chris Palmer [https://www.chrispalmermd.com] - Erin Bellamy [https://www.ikrt.org] - Denise Potter [https://advancedketogenictherapies.com] - Georgia Ede [https://www.diagnosisdiet.com] - Lauren Kennedy West [https://www.laurenkennedywest.com] - Nicole Laurent [https://mentalhealthketo.com] - Robert Whitaker [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Whitaker_(author)] TRAINING PROGRAMS - Advanced Ketogenic Therapies [https://advancedketogenictherapies.com] - Ketogenic Diets for Mental Health Clinician Training Course [https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/training] - Metabolic Mental Health Programs [https://www.ikrt.org/metabolic-mental-health-programs] - The Brain Fog Recovery Program [https://mentalhealthketo.com/brain-fog-recovery-program] VIDEOS & PODCASTS - Living Well After Schizophrenia [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCENqBB_xNax3mLX_WGLf2Lg] - Metabolic Mind [https://www.youtube.com/@metabolicmind] **Connect & Learn More** website: accordmh.com [https://accordmh.com] email: provided in the episode

In this episode, I speak with Tripp Friedler [https://www.trippfriedler.com], author of The Tunnel, about his family's harrowing journey navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder. Tripp shares the heartbreaking story of his son’s battle with the illness, which tragically ended in suicide. We explore bipolar disorder from multiple perspectives: the individual, the family, and society. We delve into the unique struggles faced by each family member and examine how societal systems—education, healthcare, law enforcement—often fail those living with mental illness. Tripp sheds light on how stigma and societal attitudes only deepen these challenges, making an already difficult situation even harder. Along the way, we discuss communication styles, problem-solving approaches, homelessness, psychedelics, and my own family's experience with bipolar disorder. Despite the immense pain and challenges, Tripp underscores that it is possible to live a meaningful and successful life with bipolar disorder. It requires confronting reality and doing the hard work, but there is hope—both for the individual and their family. As Tripp reminds us, life goes on, everyone does the best they can, and there is light at the end of the tunnel, even when the path is difficult.   This is one of the most emotional, personal, and impactful interviews I’ve ever done. I hope it brings support, understanding, and hope to you and your loved ones. RESOURCES ORGANIZATIONS  - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) [https://www.dbsalliance.org] - EPIC NOLA Church [https://www.epicnola.org] - Jewish Family Service [https://jfsneworleans.org] - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) [https://www.nami.org] PEOPLE - Ben Stiller [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Stiller] - Britney Spears [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britney_Spears] - Elon Musk [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk] - Kanye West [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanye_West] PLACES - Chicago [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago] - Copenhagen [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen] - Florida [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida] - Girl & the Goat [https://www.girlandthegoat.com] - Louisiana [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana] - New Orleans [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans] **Connect & Learn More** book: The Tunnel [https://www.trippfriedler.com] website: trippfriedler.com [https://www.trippfriedler.com] Instagram: @tfriedler [https://www.instagram.com/tfriedler]

In this episode, I explore the intersection of bipolar disorder and spiritual experiences with Mari Beth Lute [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-lutes-677868186]s, author of Is this a Spiritual Awakening? Or my Bipolar? [https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Mari-B-Lutes/dp/1692606077] We talk about what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder, practical tools for navigating it, and how it can sometimes open a door to the metaphysical, connecting us to spirits, God, and deeper realities. We talk about clairvoyance, addiction, alcohol, meditation, psychedelics, mediumship, and the blurry line between mania and spiritual connection. Mari also gives me a card reading and helps me navigate my own journey of self-understanding. Whether you're skeptical or curious about the unseen world and its links to bipolar, this conversation invites you to explore new dimensions with Mari Beth Lutes. RESOURCES BOOKS - Conversations with God [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversations_with_God] by Neale Donald Walsch - Bipolar Disorder for Dummies [https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Disorder-Dummies-4th-Kraynak/dp/B0CV3HLJTV] by Candida Fink - Seth Speaks [https://www.amazon.com/Seth-Speaks-Eternal-Validity-Soul/dp/1878424076] by Jane Roberts (book) - Jonathan Livingston Seagull [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Livingston_Seagull] by Richard Bach - One [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_(Bach_novel)] by Richard Bach - The Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) [https://www.aa.org/the-big-book] - The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide [https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/David-J-Miklowitz/dp/1462537278] by David Miklowitz - The Celestine Prophecy [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Celestine_Prophecy] by James Redfield CARDS - Angels and Ancestors Oracle Cards [https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Ancestors-Oracle-Cards-Guidebook/dp/1788170016] - Talking to Heaven Mediumship Cards [https://www.amazon.com/Talking-Heaven-Mediumship-Cards-Guidebook/dp/1401955991] - The Soul's Journey Lesson Cards [https://www.amazon.com/Souls-Journey-Lesson-Cards-Guidebook/dp/140194471X] MOVIES - Titanic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanic_(1997_film)] - Indigo [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigo_(film)] - What the Bleep Do We Know!? [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F] ORGANIZATIONS - Al-anon [https://al-anon.org] - Alcoholics Anonymous [https://www.aa.org] - Amen Clinics [https://www.amenclinics.com] - Families Anonymous [https://familiesanonymous.org] - Nar-Anon [https://www.nar-anon.org] - NROTC [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Reserve_Officers_Training_Corps] - University of North Carolina [https://www.unc.edu] - VA [https://www.va.gov] PEOPLE - Michael (archangel) - Daniel Amen - Fyodor Dostoevsky  - James Van Praagh - Jane Roberts - Leonardo DiCaprio - Long Island Medium - Mario Fields - Neale Donald Walsch - Phil McGraw - Richard Bach PLACES - Bakersfield - Camp Lejeune - Caribbean - Chautauqua Lake - Hokkaido - Lily Dale - Okinawa - Jacksonville, NC - Outer Banks - Sanctuary of Truth - Utah - Washington D.C. Temple - Wilmington, NC **Connect and Learn More** Instagram: @aguidedway [https://www.instagram.com/aguidedway] Facebook: Guided Way Wedding Officiant [https://www.facebook.com/p/Guided-Way-Wedding-Officiant-100063653195831] LinkedIn: /mari-lutes-677868186 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mari-lutes-677868186]

In this episode, I talk to musician and Manic Memoir [https://www.amazon.com/Manic-Memoir-bipolar-journey-music/dp/B0DFVXQJ85] author, Matt Masters Burgener [https://www.mattmasters.ca]. Matt shares his journey from an exciting life of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll to one grounded in love, responsibility, and genuine connection. Together, we dive into his evolution—from living for the moment to building a future, from chasing fun to discovering lasting bonds—a true transformation from adolescence to adulthood.  Our conversation covers topics like bipolar disorder, drugs and addiction (focusing on marijuana), creativity, anger, death, solitude, love, sex, loss, music, writing, family, parenthood, and social connection. Join us for an intimate look at Matt’s journey from mania to calm, and the wisdom and actions that led him to a life of responsibility, growth, and peace. RESOURCES PEOPLE - Beyoncé [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beyonc%C3%A9] - Matt Masters [https://www.instagram.com/mattmasters] (British DJ) PLACES - Australia [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia] - Calgary [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calgary] - Canmore [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canmore,_Alberta] - Mexico City [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico_City] - New Orleans [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans] - Niagara Falls [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls] - Texas [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas] - The Old Spaghetti Factory [https://oldspaghettifactory.ca/locations/calgary] - Toronto [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto] - South Pacific [https://www.lonelyplanet.com/south-pacific] - Whitehorse [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitehorse] - Yukon [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yukon] VOCABULARY - Alopecia universalis [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia_universalis] - Celiac disease [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coeliac_disease] - Thyroid [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thyroid] **Connect and Learn More** website: mattmasters.ca [https://www.mattmasters.ca] book: Manic Memoir: A bipolar journey in music [https://www.amazon.com/Manic-Memoir-bipolar-journey-music/dp/B0DFVXQJ85] company: curbsideconcerts.ca [https://www.curbsideconcerts.ca] Instagram: @mattmastersburgener [https://www.instagram.com/mattmastersburgener] X: @mastersmatt [https://x.com/mastersmatt] Spotify: open.spotify.com/intl-ja/artist/24AhJ8DlTXsxNt2HbstB3N [https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/artist/24AhJ8DlTXsxNt2HbstB3N] YouTube: @MattMastersMusic [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9K0s9VJWv6Ubm4aHuthm8w]