Mind Body Health & Politics

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 MetabolicDuo.com, his research has challenged conventional wisdom on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Learn why this leading voice in metabolic health says everything we've been told about nutrition is wrong.00:00 Debunking Nutrition Myths00:30 Introducing Ivor Cummins00:52 The Philosophy of Skepticism02:21 Ivor's Journey into Health Skepticism03:01 Challenging Medical Expertise05:37 Discovering Metabolic Syndrome08:49 Questioning Government and Institutions14:26 The Profit Motive in Health and Medicine15:51 Technocratic Dystopia and Global Agendas29:25 The Importance of Cash and Self-Sufficiency31:00 The Five Bi

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 emphasizes. "Many cancers are curable, while some are not. They're not equal, and we can't treat them all the same way."In this episode Dr. Miller engages with Dr. Chadi Nabhan, a distinguished hematologist and oncologist, discussing the complexities of cancer, the importance of early detection, and the nuances of patient communication. Dr. Nabhan emphasizes that cancer is not a singular disease but a collection of various conditions, each requiring tailored approaches to treatment and screening. The conversation also highlights personal stories related to cancer experiences, advocating for proactive communication between p

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 education to thousands.Our paths seemed destined to cross.In our recent conversation I shared with her how my grandmother had lived in Istanbul in 1908, speaking Turkish with such fluency that decades later she could still converse with Turkish visitors. Now, Ebru is transforming wellness education in her beloved Istanbul through an inspiring blend of modern science and ancient wisdom.Twenty years ago, Ebru was a successful stock broker battling chronic health issues. Today, she's a leading voice in preventive medicine, training the next generation of wellness practitioners and transforming corporate culture across Turk

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 medicine.Dr. David E. Nichols is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Purdue University and a pioneer in psychedelic research. With over five decades of experience, he offers a unique perspective on the past, present, and future of psychedelic science.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Psychedelic Science 02:03 The Current State of LSD Research 06:12 Challenges in LSD Research 10:13 Comparing LSD and Psilocybin 14:02 Therapeutic Uses of Psychedelics 16:45 Adverse Effects of Psychedelics 20:03 The Role of Set and Setting 25:04 Understanding Paranoia in Psychedelic Experiences 29:59 The Future of Psychedelic Medicine 34:00

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 on polyamory, religious ostracism, and the importance of being true to oneself.Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and Adam's Background 3:42 What is Public Intimacy? 8:15 Boundaries in Different Professions 14:30 Dr. Miller's Anecdotes: Therapy and Hot Springs 21:05 Polyamory and Religious Communities 29:18 The Harm of Ostracism and Hypocrisy 37:50 The Gemstone Metaphor: Facets of Identity 45:23 Advice for Clergy and Public Figures 52:10 Dr. Miller's Social Media Success Story 57:30 Closing Thoughts on Self-KnowledgeDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations on Mind, Body, Health and Pol

From Shiitake to Psilocybe, Mushrooms are Nature's Healing PowerhousesI 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, herbal clinician, research scientist, consultant to the dietary supplement industry, expert witness, botanist, public speaker, and author of over 20 books and numerous articles with over 40 years of experience.He is the author of the recent book Christopher Hobbs’s Medicinal Mushrooms, the Essential Guide, with German and English editions.He earned his Ph.D. at UC Berkeley with research and publication in evolutionary biology, biogeography, phylogenetics, the chemistry of plants and fungi, and ethnobotany, and is now faculty at the University of Massachusetts, Amherstwww.christopherhobbs.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@chrisr

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 conversation were so profound that I recently invited him back for an update, 14 years later.This follow-up interview may be the most important broadcast in my 20-year history of hosting this program.Whitaker's research exposes how the pharmaceutical industry has influenced American psychiatry, leading to the widespread prescription of antidepressants (SSRIs) to tens, if not hundreds of millions of people worldwide. He ushers ample data to show that these medications are not only often ineffective but may be making many patients worse.Major media outlets are not covering this story. To me this suggests a concerning alliance be

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 aging. First there's that chronologic aging... Second is the physiologic or biologic aging. That's how our bodies are aging... But then there's the positive side of aging, which I bet you're experiencing, and that is the psychological or emotional aging."This holistic view resonated deeply with me. As someone who's been around the block a few times (85 years, to be exact), I've learned that maintaining health is about more than just diet and exercise. It's about cultivating a positive attitude, staying socially connected, and finding purpose in our later years.One of Maddy's insights that particularly struck me was about t

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 into every aspect of our lives, including our sexuality.Imagine, for a moment, that the very act of making love could heal not just our bodies, but our minds, our spirits, and even our society. It sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? And yet, after my recent conversation with Sasha Cobra, I find myself pondering this possibility.Sasha, a world-renowned teacher and healer featured on Netflix, brings a perspective on sexuality that's at once ancient and revolutionary. As we spoke, I was struck by how her words seemed to peel back layers of cultural conditioning, revealing a truth that's been hiding in plain si

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 is yours. If you do choose a healthy lifestyle, I won't sugarcoat it – it's a lot of work. However, today I offer you my personal Immunity Builder Program – a system that has worked for me and can work for you too. Watch the video or read on for the first steps to building a stronger immune system and living a healthier life:1. Exercise: Move Your Body, Boost Your HealthExercise is part of every healthy person's lifestyle. If you're not getting 10,000 steps a day through your work, you need to find a way to incorporate exercise into your routine. Schedule it, do it alone or with friends. Instead of hanging out in bars

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 meditation can help us contain and investigate our emotions, leading to more dignified living* The power of "radical optimism" in the face of life's uncertainties* Applying Buddhist principles to navigate personal and societal challenges"Buddha discovered that everything in the world is connected to everything else," Peter told me. "He called it dependent origination. You can understand it immediately when you understand that we've never been separate from oxygen, from sunlight, from water, from microbes in the soil."This interconnectedness forms the foundation of Buddhist thought and practice. But how does it apply to our d

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 millions of dollars saved.Now, he's distilled his hard-won wisdom into practical tools anyone can use to resolve and prevent conflict. As the author of the international bestseller Getting to Resolution: Turning Conflict Into Collaboration and the founder of Resolution Works, Stewart is on a mission to make the world a more collaborative place.In my latest interview, Stewart and I explore:* The hidden costs of unresolved conflict and the power of "resolutionary thinking"* Why the legal system often impedes real communication and problem-solving* The key principles and skills for authentic, empathetic dialogue* How to craf

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 were reporting amazing results using MDMA with couples, claiming they achieved more progress in a few sessions than in years of traditional therapy.However, in 1985, amid growing concerns about recreational use – as well as misinformation about its neurotoxicity – the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) emergency scheduled MDMA as a Schedule I substance, effectively banning its use for any purpose, including medical research.Around that time, Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), went before the government to seek approval for MDMA's medicinal use. Despite pro

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.Psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, has shown remarkable potential in easing end-of-life distress. But despite the "Right to Try" laws passed in over 40 states, the DEA is blocking access - even for those with just months to live."We're slowly trying to chip away at a mentality that says there's no way forward except research," Dr. Aggarwal told me. "Psychedelic substances - we already recognize they have great utility. Everybody knows the FDA has said twice that psilocybin is a breakthrough therapy."In my latest interview, Dr. Aggarwal and I explore:* The anguish of terminal illness and the failure of me

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 voice inside me said these words:"You can still make a contribution."That was the moment I decided to fight for my life.The doctors told me I'd never walk again, but I refused to accept that. After a grueling surgery, in which I had to persuade the surgeon not to amputate my legs, I set an ambitious goal for myself: to complete a triathlon within two years. It started with a single step, then two, then three. I kept pushing myself, day after day, week after week. And you know what? I did it. I completed that triathlon, even though I had to use crutches.But my journey wasn't just about physical recovery. You see, exercise

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 psychologist. But like many of my generation, I watched with dismay as these powerful tools were demonized and criminalized in the decades that followed, driven underground by a combination of political backlash and cultural stigma.Now, we find myself in the midst of a remarkable resurgence of interest in psychedelic medicine. From the halls of academia to the pages of mainstream media, there is a growing recognition that compounds like LSD, psilocybin, and MDMA may hold tremendous potential for treating a wide range of mental health conditions, from depression and addiction to PTSD and end-of-life anxiety.Thanks to brav

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 and the recent pandemic. With his trademark wisdom and humor, Dr. Miller invites listeners to join his growing Instagram community and submit their questions for future episodes. Discover why 1.1 million viewers have already tuned in to learn how to master their minds and improve their lives. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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 from his book "The State of Water" and his upcoming release "The State of Fire: Why California Burns." This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe

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 health. Discover how shifting away from animal products and processed foods and embracing starches like rice, potatoes, and corn can transform your life and the planet. Dr. McDougall also delves into the environmental impact of our dietary choices, the role of the food industry in shaping public perception, and practical tips for adopting a plant-based lifestyle. To learn more about Dr. McDougall's work and access a wealth of resources, visit his website at www.drmcdougall.com. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitic

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 diversity, and a preference for in-groups. Cathy also delves into the connection between violence and authoritarianism and how it relates to social and political ideologies. The episode highlights the differences between authoritarianism and liberalism, emphasizing the pro-social nature of the latter. Overall, the discussion sheds light on the complexities of authoritarianism and its implications for society. This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.mindbodyhealthpolitics.org/subscribe