Voyage Clinics Podcast

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Explained | The Future of Psychiatry with Dr. Reid Robison

Dr. John Sanders sits down with Dr. Reid Robison, a psychiatrist and clinical researcher based in Orem, Utah, to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health treatment. They dive into the limitations of traditional psychiatric tools like SSRIs, and open up about interventional psychiatry, including ketamine, TMS, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Robison shares his firsthand experience running clinical trials with psychedelics, explaining how these compounds work on the brain to dissolve rigid thinking patterns, open neuroplasticity windows, and even facilitate lasting healing. The two end by looking at the practical concerns of these treatments, and how clinicians can begin preparing for a future in which some of these treatments may be FDA-approved and available in clinical settings. Chapters [Start] Introducing Dr. Robison: Dr. Sanders introduces Dr. Robison, who shares his path from BYU neuroscience to psychiatry research at the University of Utah. 06:31 How Ketamine Works: How ketamine works in neurological mechanisms, and how therapy can be layered in. 12:59 Psychedelic Medicines: A deep dive into psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD studies currently in Phase 2 and 3 trials. 23:32 A Look at Other Resources: Dr. Robison explains how other modalities work in treating different types of ailments. 36:45 Cautions & Addiction Potential: Who should avoid these therapies, the risks of unsupported use, and why classical psychedelics carry far lower addiction risk. Links & Resources * https://voyageclinics.com/ [https://voyageclinics.com/]  Connect with Dr. Robison: https://www.reidrobison.com/ [https://www.reidrobison.com/] Dr. Robison's clinic & trial enrollment: https://www.innerspaceresearch.com/ [https://www.innerspaceresearch.com/] Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Does Google Really Know Your Diagnosis? | Researching Your Own Health with Holly Hawkins

Have you ever found yourself Googling your symptoms to see what your potential diagnosis could be? So have tons of other people. Let’s talk about it. Dr. John Sanders teams up again with Holly Hawkins as they tackle the most commonly Googled health questions. From mental health and hormones to diet and heart disease, Dr. Sanders brings evidence-based medicine and his own experience to some of the questions his patients are searching for answers to. Dr. Sanders and Holly talk about how AI tools like Grok and ChatGPT simply can't replicate the intuition built over years of clinical practice, and the value of treating the whole person, not just the symptom. It's practical, it's honest, and it just might save you a late-night WebMD spiral. Chapters [Start] AI vs. Your Doctor: Dr. Sanders and Holly talk about the pros and cons of using Google and AI to figure out your health. 02:53 Stress, Anxiety & Depression: Questions from the internet regarding symptoms of mental health in everyday life. 14:22 Sleep Health: Talking about the importance of sleep regarding hormone levels and overall physical health. 28:01 Detoxes & Cleanses: A discussion about juice cleanses and anti-inflammatory diets; do they actually work? 33:32 Heart Disease Warning Signs & Prevention: Ways to be on the lookout for heart attacks and heart problems. Links & Resources * https://voyageclinics.com/ [https://voyageclinics.com/]  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Inside the Default Mode Network | A Different Look at Mental Health with Holly Hawkins

What if the voice in your head isn't telling you the truth?  Dr. John Sanders sits down with Holly Hawkins to explore a part of the brain most people have never heard of: the Default Mode Network (DMN). Drawing on years of experience in family medicine, he breaks down how this network shapes our sense of identity and the stories we tell ourselves. Whether it's anxiety, depression, or a nagging sense of not being good enough, the roots often trace back to patterns formed long before we were aware of them. Holly opens up about the conditional beliefs around love she carried from childhood, her experience with ketamine therapy, and the ongoing work of rewiring thought patterns. Together, they make the case that healing the Default Mode Network isn't a one-time fix. It's a lifelong practice of awareness, courage, and compassion toward yourself. Chapters [Start] The Mental Game of Athletics: Dr. Sanders welcomes Holly Hawkins, and she reflects on how her self-worth became tied to performance and external validation. 04:18 The Default Mode Network: The neuroscience behind the DMN and how the brain works to form identity and inner dialogue. 15:30 The DMN and Mental Health: How mental health struggles are often symptoms of a deeper narrative problem, and that medication alone doesn't reach the root. 21:09 Ketamine Therapy: How psychedelic-assisted therapy can interrupt the DMN and create an opening for new beliefs to take hold. 31:10 Natural Tools for Rewiring the DMN: Accessible, non-pharmaceutical ways to loosen an unhealthy inner narrative and how to build them. Links & Resources * https://voyageclinics.com/ [https://voyageclinics.com/]  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

How to Improve Your Exercise Routine | The Science Behind Movement with Dr. Allen Parcell

It’s no secret that exercise is good for your body and mental health. But did you know it’s also good for your brain?  Dr. John Sanders sits down with Dr. Allen Parcell, a professor of exercise science, to explore the connections between movement, brain health, and overall well-being. Together, they unpack how exercise impacts not just physical health, but also cognitive function, emotional regulation, and long-term quality of life. Dr. Parcell brings clarity to the “why” behind movement, reframing it as a foundational pillar of lifelong health. He shares his journey into exercise physiology and dives into the science of how the body and brain respond to physical activity. This conversation addresses common barriers to exercise and offers practical strategies to build consistency and support long-term motivation. Everyone has what it takes to live an active life—no matter your age or starting point. Chapters [Start] Meet Dr. Allen Parcell: Dr. John Sanders introduces Dr. Allen Parcell, who shares his background and experience in exercise science. 02:08 The Science Behind Muscle & Movement: Current research on muscle contractions, and even how low-intensity movement can have great benefits. 11:45 Exercise and Brain Health: How movement supports brain function, including neuroplasticity, learning, memory, and emotional regulation. 24:54 Aging, Cognition, and Longevity: How consistent physical activity can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and enhance quality of life as we age. 35:49 Motivation and Building Consistency: Practical strategies for overcoming mental resistance to exercise, and finding intrinsic motivation that builds sustainable habits over time. Links & Resources * https://voyageclinics.com/ [https://voyageclinics.com/]  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

The Neuroscience of Art | Katie Garner and the Importance of Mental Health

Dr. John Sanders is joined by Katie Garner to talk about creative expression and its effects on mental and emotional health. Katie shares how art became a meaningful outlet for her during seasons of intense motherhood, grief, and personal hardship. They discuss the science of neuroplasticity and how it gives biological credibility to Katie’s experiences with art and her emotional well-being. Dr. Sanders makes the compelling case that creativity is not just for artists, but actually a fundamental human need with measurable effects on the brain. The two talk about everything from fluid art as emotional processing to journaling techniques for people looking for an outlet. This combination of personal experience and neuroscience offers a grounded, relatable perspective on how emotional well-being and our lived experiences are tied together. Creative expression—even in simple or imperfect forms—helps us to become more whole. Chapters [Start] Katie's Story: Dr. Sanders introduces Katie Garner, and she shares her story of navigating difficult experiences and discovering art as a form of support. 05:20 Art and Neuroplasticity: The science of brain health and how creative activity acts like a vacation for the brain. 13:10 Art as Therapy: How art is being used in various workshops to help people process and heal from addiction, grief, or other hard challenges. 39:12 Practical Tools for Getting Started: Katie recommends a specific book as the best entry point for anyone wanting to reconnect with their creativity. 43:16 Art in the Burn ICU: Katie shares a personal story about her daughter in the ICU and how art helped her through that difficult time. Links & Resources * https://voyageclinics.com/ [https://voyageclinics.com/]  * http://katiegarnerart.com/ [http://katiegarnerart.com/] * https://www.instagram.com/katiegarnerart/ [https://www.instagram.com/katiegarnerart/]  * https://www.facebook.com/KtAGarner/ [https://www.facebook.com/KtAGarner/]  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.