Maia Szalavitz: Addiction Isn't About Drugs. It's About Pain

Maia Szalavitz: Addiction Isn't About Drugs. It's About Pain

What actually helps people recover from addiction?In this powerful episode of We're Out of Time, Richard Taite sits down with NY Times bestselling author, journalist, and leading voice in addiction science Maia Szalavitz to explore recovery, trauma, harm reduction, and the role of compassion in healing.Drawing from both personal experience and decades of research, Maia challenges common assumptions about addiction and explains why shame, punishment, and stigma so often fail to create lasting change. This episode covers: • Maia's journey from addiction to recovery and becoming one of today's most important addiction author • Why addiction is often rooted in pain, trauma, and disconnection • The debate around harm reduction approaches • Why compassion may be more effective than punishment • What actually helps people get — and stay — better • The future of addiction policy and care At the heart of it all, this is a conversation about why these approaches matter and creating more paths to recovery.

Dr. Daniel Siegel: Mental Health, Connection & AI | Guest Co-Host Patricia Freebery, LMFT

On this episode of We're Out of Time, host Richard Taite and guest co-host Patricia Freebery, LMFT, Executive Clinical of Carrara Treatment Wellness & Spa, sits down with renowned psychiatrist, bestselling author, and interpersonal neurobiology pioneer Dr. Daniel Siegel for a wide-ranging conversation on human connection, consciousness, relationships, and the future of mental health. Drawing from decades of research, Dr. Siegel discusses how modern culture, social media, and emerging technologies are shaping the way people connect with themselves and one another. He explores the role of awareness, integration, and relationships in overall well-being, while sharing insights from neuroscience, psychology, and human development.The conversation also examines the rise of artificial intelligence and the growing trend of young people forming relationships with AI companions. Dr. Siegel offers his perspective on how technology may influence human connection, emotional development, and social interaction in the years ahead. In one of the episode's most memorable moments, Dr. Siegel reflects on a near-fatal accident in his youth that temporarily altered his sense of identity and ultimately influenced his lifelong exploration of consciousness, awareness, and the mind. From neuroscience and relationships to AI, identity, and the nature of human connection, this conversation offers a fascinating look at some of the most important questions shaping modern life.

Army Veteran Toni Lavery: Resilience, Vision Loss & Service

On this episode of We’re Out of Time, US Army veteran Toni Lavery joins host Richard Taite to discuss her journey through military service, motherhood, and a life-changing health challenge. After serving for over two decades, Tony shares how she is navigating her identity transition and leading the first all-women commemorative jump into Normandy for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. In this episode, Tony highlights the importance of advocating for one’s own health while managing vision loss and explains how the Fox Force Foundation is building a vital community for women veterans to find mentorship through shared resilience. The conversation also covers strategies for managing stress, prioritizing family wellness, and maintaining a strong partnership while both spouses serve.

Dr. Drew Ramsey: Why Mental Health Starts with Brain Health

In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, we sit down with Dr. Drew Ramsey — psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and leading voice in nutritional psychiatry — to unpack what’s really happening to our brains in the modern world. From the connection between food and mental health to the growing mental health crisis impacting millions, Dr. Ramsey explains why brain health is the foundation of emotional wellness. Together, we explore how nutrition, environment, relationships, biology, and lifestyle all shape the way we think, feel, and heal. This conversation goes beyond traditional discussions about mental illness and recovery, offering practical insight into building “mental fitness” before things fall apart. Dr. Ramsey shares why the modern brain faces challenges unlike ever before — and what science says we can do to protect it. If you’ve ever wondered how stress, diet, isolation, and everyday habits impact your mental well-being, this episode is packed with eye-opening perspective and actionable takeaways.

Dr. Bruce Perry: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Your Entire Life

In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Bruce Perry for a powerful conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, healing, and the lifelong impact of early experiences. Dr. Perry, co-author of “What Happened to You?” with Oprah Winfrey and “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog,” shares how the brain develops in childhood and why our earliest relationships shape the way we think, react, connect, and cope as adults. Together, Richard and Dr. Perry explore how trauma alters the developing brain, why addiction is often rooted in unresolved pain, and how healing begins with safety, regulation, and human connection. They discuss the growing “relational poverty” in today’s world, the effects of social media and disconnection, and why routines, movement, community, and meaningful relationships are essential for emotional well-being. Throughout the episode, Richard opens up about his own experiences working in addiction treatment and reflects on the emotional toll of helping people heal. The conversation is raw, insightful, and deeply human, offering a new perspective on trauma, recovery, parenting, mental health, and resilience.