interview
Interviews with researchers, academics and mental health experts; get the lowdown from those in the brain-fixing business.
Are You Afraid of the Podcast?
I have my first podcast interview today. What is my life? That feels so absurd to type. Seeing as discussing my abuse publicly is completely at odds with my every survival instinct; I assumed I’d be a nervous wreck this morning.
Veronica WrenPublished 5 days ago in PsycheBehind the Microwave Door
The microwave's shrill electronic cry shattered the concentrated silence Sarah had cultivated for the past hour. A cruel countdown to the looming deadline that hung over her like a storm cloud. With a sigh that rumbled from the depths of her being, she slammed her laptop shut, the satisfying click a defiant act against the suffocating pressure. Reaching for the familiar cotton oven mitt hanging by the stove, it offered a small comfort against the pre-meeting jitters that had taken root in her stomach.
mahmoud elsaadPublished 6 days ago in PsycheThe Wise Man: Navigating Life with Knowledge and Insight
Introduction to the Concept of the Wise Man In a world filled with complexity and uncertainty, the figure of the wise man stands out as a beacon of guidance and understanding. But what exactly defines a wise man? How does one embody wisdom in their daily life? Let's delve into the essence of wisdom and explore how it shapes our existence.
quizat karimPublished 12 days ago in PsycheHow to care for oneself while grieving
How to care for oneself while grieving Grief in its entirety strikes while you least expect it. The atrocity of sadness lies in the false notion of being alone and having it all together all the time. To be or not to be in the constant state of despair is not in one’s hands, as melancholy varies in its intensity ranging from a dejected mood to deep and chronic loneliness. Oftentimes people subject their negativity to a mere passage of time, but often there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed and healed to become in a state of awareness of their emotions and innate being. It is important to bring light to the need to embrace one’s emotions and not shame ourselves with guilt when we don't feel happy or in rhythm with our souls. Often we lose the sense of self when surrounded by grief.
Hridya SharmaPublished about a month ago in PsychePsyche/ Death Cab for Cutie
You may recognize Lindsey Burdge from "A Teacher" or "Midnight swim" in the 8-minute long video "I will possess your heart" by Death Cab for Cutie. This American rock band is classified as indie rock, indie pop, and alternative rock with Vocalist Ben Gibbard.
Natasha CollazoPublished 2 months ago in PsycheAre Psychedelic Medicines the Next Big Thing?
Author/Interviewer Preface: Charles Bogenberger is a 39-year-old entrepreneur with a BS degree in mechanical engineering, an MBA, and a former colleague. After college, he worked for a few years then returned to school to obtain his MBA. Post MBA he bounced around several marketing and sales roles before landing the job where I would meet him, business unit manager at a large company (which will remain unnamed). They felt his background was a perfect fit and had recruited him to run one of their testing laboratories in Battle Creek, Michigan. At that lab Charles oversaw a staff of 20 plus employees, doing primarily microbiological analysis of pathogens and other microorganisms of concern in foods and the environment. The last time I had seen him was almost two years ago there, only about two weeks before his departure from the company. He left on good terms, burnt out after almost two years at what is a very demanding job, both mentally and physically. When he informed me he was leaving I asked him about his plans for the future. He talked about "taking some time off", travel, and after that he wasn't sure. He had managed to save up a good chunk of money during his time in Battle Creek. There is not much to spend money on there in the best of times and this was particularly true during the time when Charles lived there during the COVID pandemic. Michigan had some of the strictest and harshest lockdown protocols of any state. The lack of ability to build a new network of friends in the area was another reason Charles chose to leave Battle Creek. I said my goodbyes at our last meeting, wished him luck, asked him to keep in touch, and that was that. We exchanged a couple messages during the two years since that time. That changed recently when I reconnected with him by text once again and asked him what he had been up to and what he was doing now. He told me he was doing well and that he had moved back to his hometown of Denver, Colorado. When I inquired as to what he was doing for work, how he planned to make money, he texted something I absolutely did not expect, "I'm growing psychedelic mushrooms." I was instantly intrigued, curious to learn how and why this formerly successful engineer/businessman had chosen to grow what is/was an illegal substance and how he hoped to make money (legally) by doing so. I found his story compelling and fascinating, and, after much additional discussion, together we hit upon the idea of an interview to share this unusual story with a wider audience. Below is a (lightly) edited version of that discussion which took place on February 14, 2023.
Everyday JunglistPublished 2 months ago in PsycheWhy do you wake up at 3-5 a.m.? Discovering the Spiritual Reasons.
Have you ever woken up between three and five in the morning? I pondered whether there might be more going on than a coincidental sleep disruption? Today, using Shania Sheng's insightful research as a starting point, we investigate the mystical importance of waking up during these very early hours. Her extensive research on regression therapy, altered states of consciousness, and the subconscious mind sheds light on why these early-morning awakenings might be more significant than first believed. Come along with us as we set out on a fascinating trip to discover the spiritual meaning of these hours of the day and what it can mean for each of our personal spiritual pathways.
Ehra SilverioPublished 3 months ago in PsycheThe Mind and the Universal Laws
Introduction It was during my darkest times that I found the light. I had been seeking answers externally, yet the source of light I needed resided within. Just as with me, your radiance shines brightly too. This light holds a universal essence, and the Universal Laws serve to illuminate and empower us throughout this journey we call life.
How to Get Unstuck in Midlife
Midlife often presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. It's a time when many people find themselves reevaluating their lives, questioning their choices, and sometimes feeling stuck in their current circumstances. However, midlife can also be a transformative period, a time when acceptance of one’s situation can lead to empowerment and positive change.
Lucie QuigleyPublished 3 months ago in PsycheTestosterone’s Impact on Mood and Mental Health
The article explores the impact of testosterone on mood and mental health, discussing its role in regulating emotions, its effects on mental disorders, and considerations for testosterone replacement therapy.
Timothy A RowlandPublished 3 months ago in PsycheNarcissism And Personality Disorders
Are all personality disorders the outcomes of frustrated narcissism? During our formative years (6 months to 6 years old), we are all “narcissists”. Primary Narcissism is a useful and critically important defense mechanism. As the infant separates from his mother and becomes an individual, it is likely to experience great apprehension, fear, and pain. Narcissism shields the child from these negative emotions. By pretending to be omnipotent, the toddler fends off the profound feelings of isolation, unease, pending doom, and helplessness that are attendant on the individuation-separation phase of personal development.
kavinda ranabahuPublished 4 months ago in PsycheMastering Persuasion: Unveiling the Art of Influence
In the fascinating fabric of human relationships, the power of elegant persuasion emerges as an art form. Think of it as a dance of words, gestures and ideas—an art that opens the doors of time and creates connections that endure forever. In this investigation, we will dive into five interesting ways, each applying a brush to the face and dropping you into the fascinating realm of persuasion.
Muhammad Sheraz GoharPublished 5 months ago in Psyche