Behavioral Health Today

The Hunger Beneath: Food, Trauma & the Journey Back to Wholeness with Jillian Acosta, RD, LDN – Episode 379

We don’t just eat to nourish our bodies—we eat to soothe, to cope, to connect. True healing begins when we ask: what is the hunger really for? In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Jillian Acosta, a registered dietitian who specializes in functional medicine, the psychology of eating, and trauma-informed care. Jillian is the founder of The Root Cause Method, where she blends nutritional therapy with psychedelic integration to help clients heal their relationship with food, emotions, and self—while uncovering the trauma often hidden beneath chronic health struggles. Drawing from her own lived experience with childhood food issues and disordered eating, Jillian shares how her personal healing journey shaped the innovative programs she leads today, including Wildflower and The Garden. Together, we explore how food can become a bridge to deeper emotional truths—and how curiosity, compassion, and connection are the real medicine.

 

For more information about Jillian Acosta and The Root Cause Method, please visit: https://therootcausemethod.com/
To register for a Discovery Call with Jillian, please visit: https://therootcausemethod.practicebetter.io/#/5f68b2d12a9c240e88b0eb89/forms?f=665494eef15664817c5d1b65

Connect on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jillianacosta_rd/

Connect on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-acosta-rd-ldn-8b8a1490/

Connect on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/The-Root-Cause-Method-111503260764074

 

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Rethinking Mental Health in Education with Brandy Samuell – Episode 378

Every educator is a first responder to student behavior, let’s make sure they’re equipped to respond with confidence. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Brandy Samuell, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience spanning the classroom, district leadership, and crisis response. From teacher to assistant superintendent, Brandy has dedicated her career to supporting the emotional and behavioral needs of students. Now serving as Director of Mental Health and Related Services at eLuma, Brandy helps schools implement proactive mental health strategies and crisis intervention systems. With a background in Business Administration and School Counseling, as well as advanced work in Educational Diagnostics and Leadership, she brings both breadth and depth to the conversation. She is also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management. Together, Graham and Brandy discuss the evolving role of mental health in education, the essential need for staff wellness, and how we can build school cultures that support both students and the adults who serve them.

 

For more information about eLuma, please visit: https://eluma.com

For more information about free webinars for educators and clinicians, please visit: https://eluma.com/resources/webinars/

Read the eLuma’s Blog at: https://eluma.com/blog/

Connect with eLuma on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elumatherapy/

Connect with eLuma on Instagram on: https://www.instagram.com/elumatherapy/

The Question Is the Bridge: How Curiosity Connects Us with Topaz Adizes – Episode 377

The quality of your life is shaped by the quality of your questions. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Topaz Adizes, an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, and experience design architect. Topaz is the founder and executive director of The Skin Deep, a studio known for its powerful explorations of human connection. A Sundance and Skoll Foundation fellow, his work has appeared at Cannes, Sundance, SXSW, and in publications like The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The New York Times. We’re thrilled to welcome Topaz back to the show to explore how curiosity and intentional questions can deepen connection, dismantle bias, invite vulnerability, and create safe spaces for honest dialogue.

 

For more information about 12 Questions for Love: A Guide to Intimate Conversations & Deep Relationships, please visit: https://shop.theskindeep.com/products/12-questions-for-love-a-guide-to-intimate-conversations-and-deeper-relationships
For more information about The Skin Deep, please visit: https://shop.theskindeep.com
Connect with The Skin Deep on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/theskindeep/videos
Connect with The Skin Deep on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/the_skindeep/
For more information about Topaz Adizes, please visit: https://www.topazadizes.com

 

Anniversary Special: Navigating the Roots of Suppressed Emotions with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, LMFT – Episode 376

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. Anger isn't the enemy—it's a warning light, signaling that something deeper needs attention. When we validate and express it constructively, we unlock empathy, self-awareness, and stronger relationships. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Bronwyn Schweigerdt, LMFT—a licensed psychotherapist, public speaker, author, and host of “Angry at the Right Things”. Bronwyn is known for her evocative approach to therapy, helping clients externalize and process deeply buried emotions like anger and rage. She believes these intense feelings, when acknowledged and expressed, are key to overcoming mental health struggles such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. By fostering a healthy relationship with anger, Bronwyn empowers individuals to set boundaries, build self-trust, and break free from dysfunctional patterns. Her work is rooted in the belief that sharing trauma with a compassionate listener transforms isolation into healing. We're thrilled to have her here to explore healthy anger management, the power of processing intense emotions, and practical strategies for creating a healthier relationship with anger.

 

Subscribe to “Angry At The Right Things” Podcast hosted by Bronwyn Schweigerdt at: https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com
For more information about Bronwyn and her private practice, please visit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/bronwyn-schweigerdt-lompoc-ca/1080547
Connect with Bronwyn on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronwyn-schweigerdt-3124857
Connect with Bronwyn on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bronwyn.schweigerdt/

Anniversary Special: Improvising Healing—Psychotherapy as Jazz, Not Jargon with Ross Ellenhorn – Episode 375

We don’t need more treatment manuals—we need more musicians. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Ross Ellenhorn, a pioneering voice in mental health and addiction recovery. As the founder and CEO of Ellenhorn—the nation's most comprehensive community integration program—Ross has spent his career helping individuals heal and thrive within their lives, not away from them. With a joint PhD in Social Welfare Policy and Sociology from Brandeis University, he’s a sought-after speaker, consultant, and advocate for reshaping behavioral health care. Ross’s work defies traditional paradigms, elevating collaboration, creativity, and authentic human connection as the true drivers of healing. Together, we explore the art of psychotherapy as an improvisational practice—fluid, relational, and deeply human. It’s a conversation about reframing resistance, restoring hope, and making space for people to recover in ways that honor their lived experience.

 

For more information about Ross Ellenhorn, please visit: https://www.ellenhorn.com

For more information on “Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing A Life”, by Ross Ellenhorn, please visit: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/purple-crayons-ross-ellenhorn?variant=40128124846114

For more information about Cardea and Ketamine Treatment, please visit: https://cardea.net

Connect with Ross on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-ellenhorn-47a6751

Connect with Ellenhorn PACT on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ellenhornPACT

Anniversary Special: Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Mental Health Solutions with Dr. Ishan Shivanand – Episode 374

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Ishan Shivanand. Ishan is a distinguished mental health researcher and professor specializing in non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive meditative modalities. As the Founder of Yoga of Immortals (also known as YOI) programs, Ishan has developed innovative wellness initiatives tailored to diverse demographics, including youth, professionals, athletes, and military personnel. Rooted in ancient yogic wisdom and healing sciences of India, YOI protocols encompass breathwork, yogic techniques, and cognitive stimulation to combat stress, burnout, and promote mental resilience. With scientifically proven results demonstrating significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and insomnia, Ishan's programs have impacted over a million participants worldwide and garnered integration into numerous governmental, healthcare, and corporate institutions. We’re excited to have Ishan with us today to discuss Yoga of Immortals, his resilience training programs and exploring this concept he called “restful alertness”.

For more information about Dr. Ishan Shivanand & Yoga of Immortals, please visit: https://yogaofimmortals.com
Explore YOI Mental Wellness Programs for Healthcare Workers, please visit: https://yogaofimmortals.com/health-care-workers/

Anniversary Special: The Joy-Success Cycle with Kevin Surace – Episode 373

Joy isn’t found — it’s built, one choice at a time. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Kevin Surace.  Kevin is a Silicon Valley innovator, serial entrepreneur, and CEO, known as the father of the Virtual Assistant. With 94 worldwide patents, Kevin has led pioneering work in technology, including the first cellular data smartphone and human-like AI virtual assistant. He is the author of the upcoming book Joy-Success: How Joy Drives Success and Success Creates More Joy, where he explores the transformative power of joy in both personal and professional life. Kevin has been recognized as INC Magazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year, a CNBC Top Innovator of the Decade, and a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer. His work spans major projects, including AI-driven building management and the retrofits of the Empire State Building and New York Stock Exchange. We’re thrilled to welcome Kevin to the show as we explore the transformative power of the Joy-Success cycle, diving into how prioritizing joy in everyday tasks can fuel success, reduce negativity, build resilience, and foster a more fulfilling life, all while offering practical strategies to shift mindsets and cultivate positive emotions both personally and professionally.

 

For more information about Kevin Surace, please visit: https://www.kevinsurace.com
Listen to Kevin on other podcasts at: https://www.kevinsurace.com/podcasts

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksurace/

Watch Kevin on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtbSDiR9r1f2NCTq5eWw8zQ

Connect with Kevin on Instrgram at: https://www.instagram.com/kevinsurace/

Connect with Kevin on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/kevinsurace

Anniversary Special: Grandiose vs. Vulnerable Narcissism with Keith Campbell, PhD – Episode 372

In celebration of our fifth anniversary, we’re re-releasing one of our favorite episodes from the past year. In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of narcissism, examining how both grandiose and vulnerable traits influence self-esteem, relationships, and the impact of social media on these behaviors. Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Keith Campbell, Professor of Psychology at the University of Georgia and a leading expert on narcissism. Keith has authored over 200 scientific papers and several notable books, including “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement and The New Science of Narcissism”. His work has been featured in various media outlets, from The Today Show to The Joe Rogan Experience, and he is the creator of a widely-viewed TED-Ed lesson on narcissism. With degrees from UC Berkeley, San Diego State University, and a Ph.D. from UNC Chapel Hill, Keith brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation on the rise of entitlement in modern society.

 

For more information about Keith Campbell, please visit: https://www.wkeithcampbell.com

For more information about “The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement” by W. Keith Campbell, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Narcissism-Epidemic-Living-Age-Entitlement-ebook/dp/B00256Z3AY?ref_=ast_author_dp

For more information about “The New Science of Narcissism: Understanding One of the Greatest Psychological Challenges of Our Time—and What You Can Do About It” by W. Keith Campbell, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Narcissism-Understanding-Psychological-Time-ebook/dp/B089LGLN1D?ref_=ast_author_dp

Connect with Keith Campbell on X at: https://x.com/wkeithcampbell

BHT Bytes – Between the Headline & the Heart: How We Respond to the News – Episode 371

The news shapes our feelings more than our opinions—don’t let it choose your mood. In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Peter Fenger and Sharlee Dixon unpack something we all wrestle with: our relationship with the news. In a world flooded with headlines designed to spark outrage and steal our focus, it’s easy to feel emotionally hijacked without even realizing it. But what if there’s a better way?

Together, we explore the subtle yet powerful difference between reacting and responding to the news. How can we stay informed and empathetic without letting every headline raise our blood pressure? How do we stay engaged without losing our peace of mind? Let’s talk about how to reclaim our attention, guard our mental health, and choose intention over emotional autopilot.

 

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When Words Don’t Work: Art, Access, & the Fight Against Stigma with Manami Yamamoto, LMFT – Episode 370

Healing doesn’t start with a diagnosis—it starts with feeling safe enough to be seen.
In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Manami Yamamoto, MA, LMFT, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Founder of Blue Humming Therapy—a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting holistic mental health within diverse communities. With a compassionate, culturally attuned approach, Manami works with individuals, couples, and families of all ages to foster balance, connection, and inner guidance. Her work centers on creating safe, inclusive spaces where healing can unfold in ways that honor each person’s unique path. An internationally recognized leader in the mental health space, Manami brings deep experience and heartfelt wisdom to today’s conversation. Together, we explore how she’s breaking down stigma in minority communities, using creative therapies to expand access, and addressing systemic barriers to support, education, and equity in mental health care.

 

For more information about Minami Yamamoto and Blue Humming Therapy, please visit: https://www.bluehummingtherapy.org

For free informational mental health documents & psychoeducation, please visit:https://www.bluehummingtherapy.org/psychoeducation

Connect with Blue Humming Therapy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/bluehummingtherapy/

Connect with Blue Humming on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bluehummingtherapy/

Connect with Blue Humming on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/bluehummingtherapy/

 

Clinicians Series: Practicing Curiosity Without Judgment – The Gentle Power Behind Growth with Jon Steele, LMFT – Episode 369

Curiosity calms what judgment clenches. In this episode of the Clinicians Series, Dr. Graham Taylor speaks with Jon Steele, LMFT—a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with high performers, including athletes and professionals navigating intense pressure. Drawing from his own experience as a former collegiate athlete, Jon brings a deep understanding of both the competitive mindset and the emotional toll it can take. In his private practice, Jon supports clients through anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and the pursuit of mental fitness. His work centers on dismantling shame, cultivating self-compassion, and developing sustainable strategies for resilience. Together, we explore the quiet power of curiosity—how shifting from self-judgment to self-inquiry can unlock healing, clarity, and true growth. Whether you're on the field, in the boardroom, or simply striving to perform at your best, this conversation offers a meaningful path forward.

 

Watch the Mental Fitness Stories podcast with Jon Steele, please subscribe on major podcast platforms or visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttffNmewd9oJIU8b-nU9aw

For more information about Jon Steele and his private practice, please visit: https://www.jonsteeletherapy.com
To learn more about sports, grief, and loss, please read Jon’s blog by visiting: https://www.jonsteeletherapy.com/blog
Connect with Jon Steele on LinkedIn, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-steele-169061a6
Or connect with Jon on Facebook at Jon Steele, LMFT, or visit: https://www.facebook.com/jonsteelelmftsports/

Clinicians Series: Daoism & Ancient Wisdom – Reproductive Health, Vitality & Balance with Michelle Oravitz – Episode 368

Nature holds the key to balance—when we align with it, vitality follows. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Michelle Oravitz, founder of The Wholesome Lotus. Michelle began her career as an architect but found her true calling in alternative medicine after acupuncture transformed her health and well-being. Inspired by this personal shift, she pursued extensive training in Ayurvedic and Oriental Medicine, graduating as valedictorian. Now, she specializes in gynecological health and fertility, drawing from her own journey with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Michelle is the author of “The Way of Fertility” and the host of “The Wholesome Fertility Podcast”, where she shares expert insights and holistic fertility strategies. In today’s Clinicians Series, we explore how Daoism and Chinese medicine influence Michelle’s approach to healing. Our conversation delves into the art of listening to the body, the power of balance, and the integration of ancient wisdom for lasting wellness—with a special focus on reproductive health and personal empowerment.

 

For more information about Michelle Oravitz, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com
For more information about “The Way of Fertility: Awaken Your Reproductive Potential Through the Power of Ancient Wisdom” by Michelle Oravitz, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility
For more information about The Wholesome Lotus Fertility, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/thewayoffertility
Get a Free Fertility eBook: My Top 10 Fertility Boosting Tips, please visit: https://www.michelleoravitz.com/mytop10fertilityboostingtips
Connect with Michelle on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thewholesomelotusfertility/
Connect on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/thewholesomelotus/?ref=bookmarks
Connect on X at: https://twitter.com/Wholesomelotus

Aging, Mood & Memory: The Powerful Role of Neuropeptides with Dr. Jennifer Garrison – Episode 367

Your brain isn’t just wired—it’s mapped biochemically, and those signals may hold the key to longevity. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Jennifer Garrison, a leading researcher at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and an adjunct assistant professor of gerontology. Dr. Garrison’s groundbreaking work focuses on neuropeptides—the brain’s chemical messengers—and their powerful influence on aging, behavior, and reproductive decline. Using cutting-edge techniques, she investigates how neuropeptide shifts impact longevity and explores the intricate brain-ovary connection, a key yet often overlooked factor in women’s health. A recipient of prestigious honors, including the Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship, Dr. Garrison is at the forefront of research aimed at unlocking new interventions for age-related conditions. Join us as we dive into her pioneering discoveries and discuss how understanding these biochemical signals could transform our approach to aging—especially for women’s health and longevity.

 

For more information about Dr. Jennifer Garrison and Garrison Lab, please visit: https://garrisonlab.com

For more information about Productive Health and the Productive Health Global Consortium, please visit: https://gcrle.org

If you would like to support the Global Consortium for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, please consider donating: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/centerforhealthyaginginwomen/

Connect with Buck Institute for Research on Aging on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/buckinstituteforaging/

Connect with Buck Institute for Research on Aging on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buck-institute-for-research-on-aging/

Connect with Buck Institute for Research on Aging on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClKDVsCWOcAxUXgVyaIGVdw

BHT Bytes – The Rise of Charter Schools: Who Wins and Who Loses? – Episode 366

Innovation or Inequality? Charter schools bring fresh ideas—but at what cost to public education? In this episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Sharlee Dixon and Peter Fenger dive into a topic that impacts millions of families: the ongoing debate between public and charter schools. As charter schools rise in popularity, they spark critical questions about funding, resources, and student success. Are they a necessary innovation, or do they weaken public education by diverting essential support? How do these differences shape the experiences of students, teachers, and parents? And what should families consider when choosing the right school for their child? Join us as we explore what’s really at stake in the evolving landscape of education.

 

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Beyond Betrayal: Male Infidelity, Vulnerability & The Courage to Heal with Dr. Jeanne Michele– Episode 365

Infidelity isn’t the end—it’s a reckoning. True healing begins when blame gives way to understanding. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor sits down with Dr. Jeanne Michele, a trailblazer in personal development with over two decades of experience in teaching, modern philosophy, and coaching. Dr. Michele specializes in helping individuals, couples, and leaders transform their deepest aspirations into reality, offering innovative perspectives that go beyond traditional methods. With a PhD in Psychology and a Master’s in Spiritual Psychology, she is dedicated to guiding people through life’s most challenging relational struggles. This October, she released her debut book, “The Infidelity Cure: How to Rebuild Your Life & Relationship After Your Affair”—a transformative guide for those seeking to heal and strengthen their relationships. In this conversation, we explore the realities of male infidelity, its impact on relationships, and Dr. Michele’s approach to healing and rebuilding trust. Through vulnerability, self-awareness, and a shift toward more collaborative partnerships, she offers a path forward for couples looking to repair and evolve.

 

For more information about Dr. Jeanne Michele, please visit: https://drjeannemichele.com

For more information about “The Infidelity Cure: How to Rebuild Your Life & Relationship After Your Affair”, by Dr. Jeanne Michele, please visit: https://theinfidelitycure.com

Connect with Jeanne on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drjeannemichele/

Connect with Jeanne on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeannemichele

Connect with Jeanne on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/JeanneMichelePhD

Connect with Jeanne on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClz-RN9Sw5Dyf2GKLsWYidA