The Nature of Nurture

Season 4 of The Nature of Nurture is on its way, and there are some exciting changes you’ll want to know about! Please listen to this welcome message to find out more.Written & narrated by Leslie CarrEdited by Amanda McGrane at Cassiopeia StudioLinks Mentioned in this Episode:The Nature of Nurture YouTube channel

Welcome to season four of The Nature of Nurture with Dr. Leslie Carr, which is being filmed with video for the first time! Buckle up for this season, which covers topics including surviving suicidal feelings, issues with psychiatric medications, the impact of cultural and political aspects on mental well-being, unexplored scientific questions, and more. Links mentioned in the episode:The Nature of Nurture trailerShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Carly Quellman, Production assistantRaphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Host Leslie is joined by Dr. Jennifer Ellice, founder of the Golden Afternoon Ketamine Clinic and emergency room physician, to discuss psychedelic therapy and how ketamine specifically can help with depression, addiction, PTSD, and more. Dr. Jenn shares her journey from working in a methadone clinic to discovering the healing powers of ketamine in the ER. She shares compelling stories from her practice, highlighting the profound changes in perspective, emotional insights, and healing possible with this approach. Their discussion also touches on the broader implications for mental health care within a capitalist system. Finally, Dr. Jenn provides advice for individuals who are curious about exploring psychedelic therapy, emphasizing the importance of guided, respectful journeys.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeLearn more about Golden Afternoon, Dr. Jenn’s Ketamine ClinicWhat is neuroplasticity?Listen to The Nature of Reality, Rhadika Dirks’ Nature of Nurture episodeShow credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Carly Quellman, Production assistantRaphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Leslie sits down with producer, dancer, and choreographer Just Jet (simply known as Jet) for a raw and honest discussion of mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of public scrutiny on personal wellbeing. Jet shares his remarkable journey from busking on the streets to winning MTV’s America's Best Dance Crew and eventually working with icons like Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. While this might sound like a dream come true, Jet also discusses the less often talked about, yet significant personal mental health battles and public downfall he dealt with as a result of that fame. He shares his experience of being canceled during the COVID pandemic — a time already ripe with emotional upheaval and how it amplified his feelings of isolation and disconnection, leading to thoughts of suicide. Jet now focuses his creative energy on music production and is an active advocate in mental health who works to help people understand the significance of connection, gratitude, and finding your purpose. Warning that this discussion includes a conversation about suicide so if you think you shouldn’t hang out for that, take care of yourself.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTube. Because this conversation includes political speech in the form of references to Israel and Gaza, the original version of the video on YouTube had to be edited in order to meet their policy guidelines. The version of the conversation that exists here in your podcast app remains unedited.You can find Jet @JustJet across all social media platforms, or you can follow him on Instagram here.If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. Services are free and confidential.

How does our mental health impact our environment? How does our environment impact our mental health? Your host Leslie is joined by Shira Gill, a globally recognized home organizing expert and best-selling author of 'Minimalista' and 'Organized Living’ to discuss these questions and more, focusing on the profound impact of minimalism and organization on mental health.Shira shares her personal journey from a childhood seeking control amidst chaos to becoming an advocate for intentional living through decluttering. She emphasizes that organization is about more than just arranging physical spaces; it's a tool for managing mental health, fostering personal transformation, and navigating loss in a controlled, positive manner. Through her practice, Shira has witnessed remarkable changes in her clients' lives, affirming that simplifying one's environment can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. Shira also touches on the cultural aspects of clutter and consumerism, especially focusing on how these challenges manifest differently across the globe. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for taking small steps towards organized living, emphasizing the beneficial impacts of minimalism on both mental well-being and personal growth.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeConnect with Shira:WebsiteInstagramThe Fifteen-Minute Win: How to Start Taking ActionShow credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Raphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Have the quick fixes provided by psych meds caused us to overlook the real, underlying causes in our mental health struggles? Psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring joins host Leslie to explore the current treatment model that puts profit before patient well-being and encourages the overprescription of drugs in mental healthcare.Dr. Josef shares how the psychiatric care system resembles more a conveyor belt of treatment - quick evaluations and prescription solutions - rather than a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the root causes of mental distress. A passionate advocate for deprescribing, he also shares heart-wrenching stories and expert insights on the urgent need for a tailored approach to mental healthcare. He peels back the curtain to expose the pharmaceutical industry's influence on the industry and questions the wisdom of a system that frequently overprescribes antidepressants. Dr. Josef also shares the risks of long-term medication use, such as emotional blunting and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), and the daunting journey of medication tapering. The conversation wraps up with an honest reflection on the journey of understanding depression in the context of our environment and the challenges faced by those navigating the daunting process of antidepressant withdrawal.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeLearn more about the Taper ClinicWhat is PSSD?Dr. Josef’s YouTube channelShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Raphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Reproductive autonomy isn't just about the right to choose; it's also about the ability to shape one's destiny. Host Leslie is joined by Jill Filipovic, a former lawyer turned journalist, who is dedicated to the critical issues of women's rights and reproductive freedom. Jill shares how her early disillusionment with media coverage of the Iraq War led her to pursue a law career initially, before pivoting to journalism full-time to focus on human rights issues impacting women globally. She explores the evolving landscape of women's rights, examining the profound influence of reproductive autonomy on women's physical, mental, and financial health and the broader implications for society in areas such as climate change, migration, and conflict.Jill and Leslie also share personal insights on the privilege of being able to choose whether or not to become a mother, and how this has profoundly shaped the trajectories of their own lives and careers. The episode concludes with Jill highlighting the intersections between her journalism work and her passion for leading international yoga and writing retreats that foster community, creativity, and self-actualization within feminist spaces.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeJill’s websiteFollow Jill on TwitterSubscribe to Jill’s Substack newsletterFollow Jill on InstagramOn The Ground retreatsListen to Experiencing Postpartum Psychosis with Lisa Abramson, from season one of The Nature of NurtureThe National Abortion FederationThe Brigid AllianceCenter for Reproductive RightsRegister to voteLearn more about the Turnaway StudyShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Raphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles and New York

June Johnson, entrepreneur, model, and advocate, joins host Leslie for a wide-ranging conversation where she candidly shares her personal journey, including her rebellious phases, grappling with double consciousness as a Black woman, and her transition into entrepreneurship in the cannabis space after facing racial discrimination at a former workplace.June grew up surrounded by strong Black role models, dedicated to community empowerment. Her great-grandfather helped register Black voters, and her cousin was Atlanta's first Black mayor at age 35. This environment nurtured her critical thinking and activism. Her mother also exposed her to various spiritual practices, shaping June's open-minded approach to faith and philosophies.She shares her mantra of "resist, rest, repeat," emphasizing the significance of taking action, practicing self-care, and continuously engaging in the fight for justice. She explores how the idea that true activism involves not only being aware of issues but also mobilizing towards tangible solutions.June and Leslie also discuss the importance of creating a positive vision for the future, sharing how focusing on a constructive and hopeful picture of the world can inspire action and collective change. By visualizing a world free from oppressive systems like white supremacy and patriarchy, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.Navigating the cannabis industry as a Black woman has brought new challenges. June recounts launching her own businesses after facing racism, harassment, and unethical conduct at a previous cannabis company. She's now focused on educating others about cannabis for wellness through her Weed Doula consultancy and throwing cannabis-themed events via Collective High. Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeJune’s LinktreeThe Weed Doula on InstagramGet in touch with June via emailCollective HighWe The People on GenevaBuy a copy of "Super Genes: Unlock the Astonishing Power of Your DNA for Optimum Health and Well-Being” by Deepak ChopraListen to June’s podcast, Sunday Soul Sessions on PatreonLearn more about 40 Tons and support the 40 Tons FoundationWatch Slavery by Another NameShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Raphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Host Leslie is joined by multidisciplinary artist and author Scott Nathan who shares some incredible and wild stories from his life. He discusses his unexpected journey to TikTok fame and the success of his book, "The Big Book of Bad Decisions." Scott also recounts the fascinating story of how a medium helped him find his birth family, providing concrete and actionable information that led him to connect with his half-sisters.The conversation dives into the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and the impact of past traumas while also exploring how Scott's own experiences and upbringing shaped his perspective on life and relationships. Scott's reflections on meeting his biological mother shed light on the complex interplay between genetics and environment in shaping our lives, highlighting the importance of understanding the factors that influence our mental health and well-being. Scott and Leslie also discuss the importance of understanding and accepting one's past while embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeScott’s websiteFollow Scott on TikTokBuy a copy of Scott’s book, “The Big Book of Bad Decisions”Connect with medium, Carissa SchumacherListen to The Nature of Reality with physicist Radhika Dirks, from season two of The Nature of NurtureShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Carly Quellman, Production assistantRaphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Helen Vonderheide joins Leslie for a fascinating discussion about the world of the Akashic Records. Helen provides a clear and concise explanation of what the Akashic Records are, describing them as an archive of our soul's journey stored in an etheric field. She also shares her personal journey of discovering the Akashic Records, starting with a transformative reading in 2012 that inspired her to learn how to access them for herself.Helen reflects on her upbringing in Chicago, where she felt a calling to connect with something greater than herself from a young age. Raised in a Catholic environment, she later explored Buddhism, finding resonance in its universal and inclusive teachings. This spiritual exploration eventually led her to the Akashic Records, where she discovered a profound connection to her soul's journey.She shares the challenges and breakthroughs she encountered in her journey of learning to access the Akashic Records, from struggling with the traditional prayer to accessing the records to finding her unique invocation method. Evidence for this methodology is also discussed.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeHelen’s websiteFollow Hellen on InstagramBooks that can help you learn more:"How to Read the Akashic Records: Accessing the Archive of the Soul and Its Journey" by Linda Howe “Science and the Akashic Field An Integral Theory of Everything” by Ervin LaszloShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Raphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Host Leslie is joined by Rachel Hardy, intuitive coach and mentor, to explore the profound impact our nervous systems have on mental health and overall wellbeing. Rachel shares how her journey to becoming a nervous system regulation expert was influenced by both her professional experience in injury recovery and chronic pain management, and her personal health struggles with autoimmune conditions and  depression.Rachel explains how our bodies store trauma, and how our nervous systems evolve through social engagement, particularly during infancy. Leslie and Rachel also discuss the often-overlooked connection between nervous system dysregulation and common mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. They challenge traditional cognitive-only approaches to healing, advocating for a more holistic method that incorporates body awareness and physical manifestations of emotions. Rachel also emphasizes the significance of how understanding and regulating our nervous systems can transform our lives and enable us to live on our own terms.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeRachel’s websiteJoin The Resilient Goddess, Rachel’s Facebook groupFollow Rachel on InstagramLearn more about Dr. Peter Levine and Somatic Experiencing“When Did Everyone Get So ‘Dysregulated’? How managing our mental health became a matter of monitoring our nervous systems” via The CutShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Raphaello, Post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, Media ManagerRecorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Host Leslie sits down with certified breathwork practitioner Robert Bahedry to explore the transformative power of breathwork. Rooted in ancient yoga pranayama practices, breathwork serves as a potent form of energy medicine that promotes holistic healing across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Robert shares his personal journey from yoga student to instructor, emphasizing how mastering breathwork reduced his cravings for substances like alcohol, and enhanced his overall wellbeing.Leslie and Robert discuss the concept of how trauma is stored in our tissues, and how breathwork releases that trauma at the cellular level. They also address societal programming around masculinity and how it limits emotional expression. Roberts offers valuable insights into balancing masculine and feminine energies to reconcile internal conflicts and foster a more holistic self.Links mentioned in the episode:Watch this episode on YouTubeRobert’s websiteFollow Robert on InstagramShow Credits:Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:Dawn Forrester, episode co-producerRaphaello, post-production supervisorSarah Carefoot, media managerRecorded by Danesha Brown at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Exploring the different facets of the human condition in Season 3. Some of those facets include, sex, drugs, and technology. Tune in now! Links: drlesliecarr.comThe Nature of Nurture is produced by Cassiopeia Studio

Your host Leslie sits down with political scientist Dr. Caroline Heldman to discuss the role that female body objectification plays in sex and a woman’s role in society at large. Issues related to advertising, media, and culture are discussed. Warning: This discussion contains graphic discussions of pornography that includes descriptions of sexual assault. This conversation isn’t suitable for very young children, and survivors of sexual assault should listen with caution.Links mentioned in the episode:The release of the book has been delayed (as of 1/30/23) but you can follow Caroline on Amazon here to be alerted when it’s published.drcarolineheldman.comThe Nature of Nurture is produced by Amanda Mayo at Cassiopeia Studio.

Leslie interviews wellness icon Quentin Vennie about his life growing up in West Baltimore on the front lines of the drug trade, and his journey to wellness. They discuss panic attacks and the nature of anxiolytic drugs, and the role that juicing, yoga, and meditation played in his mental health recovery. Links mentioned in the episode:Equitea.comQuentin’s memoir is Strong in the Broken Places: A Memoir of Addiction and Redemption Through Wellness.www.quentinvennie.comThe Nature of Nurture is produced by Amanda Mayo at Cassiopeia Studio

Host Leslie talks about the psychology of money with expert Barbara Stanny Huson. They talk about how a person’s personal history impacts their relationship with money - about how to change it.Links mentioned in the episode:Barbara Ehrenreich: Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. In 2001 when the book was published, 60% of US citizens made less than $68k per year.Real median US household income was $70,784 in 2021: https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2022/demo/p60-276.htmlBarbara’s books are an excellent resource and all of them can be found right here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Barbara-Stanny/author/B00IZU358G?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=trueLeslie’s other favorite books about money and personal finance are You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen Sincero and The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist.The Nature of Nurture is produced by Amanda Mayo at Cassiopeia Studio.

Host Leslie sits down with Tracey Higgins to explore Tracey’s full recovery from schizophrenia without medication. They discuss the role that trauma played in her symptoms, and the controversy that surrounds her message that recovery from schizophrenia is possible. Links Mentioned in this Episode:Tracey’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bridge-Memoir-Tracey-Higgins/dp/1777595215Tracey’s website: www.fullrecoveryfromschizophrenia.caEleanor Longden TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/eleanor_longden_the_voices_in_my_head?language=enThe relatively low rate (33%) of concordance in identical twins indicates that other factors besides genetics are at play in schizophrenia development: https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-schizophrenia-genetic-5104852The Nature of Nurture is produced by Amanda Mayo at Cassiopeia Sudio

Leslie sits down with British filmmaker Liz Smith to talk about two of her documentaries which focus on the role that the internet is playing in our changing world. They begin by talking about I Am Gen Z (now available on Amazon Prime), and how social media has impacted this generation of people that have never lived without it. They continue with the next film that’s in development called The Deadline, which will explore how social media is creating a politically polarized society, and the impact that will have on our ability to solve big problems like climate change.Links Mentioned in this Episode: Liz’s website: https://liz-smith.com/I Am Gen Z on Amazon Prime in the US: https://www.amazon.com/I-Am-Gen-Jamie-Bartlett/dp/B0B6T22PS6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V6WZV6MJCG7Z&keywords=i+am+gen+z&qid=1676377092&sprefix=i+am+gen+z,aps,156&sr=8-1How to see I Am Gen Z outside of the US: https://iamgenzfilm.com/screenings/To learn more about The Deadline and how to support the film: https://thedeadlinefilm.org/The Nature of Nurture is produced by Amanda Mayo at Cassiopeia Studio

Your host Leslie sits down with the founder of Sapien Labs, Tara Thiagarajan, to discuss their cutting edge research. The role that technology and environmental toxins play in mental health, among other things, are discussed. Links Mentioned in this Episode:SapienLabs.org  Nature.com: The impact of socioeconomic and stimulus inequality on human brain physiology = https://sapienlabs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-impact-of-socioeconomic-and-stimulus-inequality-on-human-brain-physiology.pdfYou, Rewired: How Modernity Changes the Brain = https://interestingengineering.com/science/you-rewired-how-modernity-changes-the-brainVox: A survey on global mental well-being shows that the kids are not all right = https://www.vox.com/23013483/mental-health-pandemic-young-people-sapien-labsWorld Economic Forum: Our world is in the grip of a mental health crisis - here’s what we can do to help = https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/04/world-mental-health-crisis-covid-19/The Washington Post: The crisis of student mental health is much vaster than we realize = https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/12/05/crisis-student-mental-health-is-much-vaster-than-we-realize/

Connect with the Contributors:Leslie's website is lesliecarr.comErica can be found at TRISF.COM Links Mentioned in This Episode: https://terryreal.com/