The Mental Wealth Podcast

Mental Wealth Pod

The Mental Wealth Podcast is a mental health podcast built on one idea: honest conversations about mental health change lives. Each episode tackles real challenges — anxiety, stress, burnout, emotional resilience, and the mindset shifts that actually move the needle. We talk with therapists, researchers, and everyday people who've navigated their own mental health journey, bringing you the tools and perspectives to do the same. No judgment. No stigma. Just real talk about what it means to invest in your mental health. Whether you're managing anxiety, rebuilding after adversity, or simply trying to show up stronger — this podcast meets you where you are. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe free and join the conversation. Website: https://mentalwealthpod.com DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

  1. 6d ago

    43 - The Human Connection Cure: Rethinking How We Treat Mental Illness with Dr. John Mezzulo

    Dr. John Mezzullo — dual-trained in internal medicine and psychiatry — joins The Mental Wealth Pod team for a wide-ranging conversation on what's really changed in mental healthcare. Drawing on decades of experience across geriatric psychiatry and now young adult populations in a college-town referral center, Dr. Mezzullo pulls back the curtain on why he's seeing dramatically more psychosis and trauma-driven illness in patients as young as 18 — and what's actually driving it: substance use, COVID-era isolation, academic pressure, and a generation that's more "coddled" than the one before it. He makes the case that psychiatry is still a young science — closer to cardiology before echocardiograms than to a mature specialty — and argues that therapy, not medication, may be doing more of the heavy lifting than most people assume. Ethan and John also dig into what separates good care from great care, why patients should never settle for a rushed 15-minute appointment, and how the right collaborative relationship between psychiatrist and provider can change outcomes entirely. Whether you're navigating care for yourself, a college-age child, or an aging parent, this episode offers a grounded, experience-backed roadmap for becoming a more informed mental health consumer. Main points covered: Dr. Mezzullo's path into med-psych (dual internal medicine + psychiatry training)How time pressure and provider shortages have reshaped psychiatric care since he startedPsychiatrist vs. psychologist vs. social worker vs. primary care — who should treat whatThe power of a true collaborative-care model (his work with Dr. Levine as a case study)Rising rates of psychosis and mood instability in college-age patientsThe role of substance use (meth, THC, LSD) and trauma/abuse in his current caseloadWhy therapy may activate more of the brain than medication — and how the two work togetherTreating psychosis across age groups: geriatric vs. young adult presentationsHow to know if treatment is "working" — success looks different for every patientWhy psychiatry is still a relatively primitive science compared to fields like cardiologyHow to become an educated mental health consumer and when to switch providersCOVID-19's lasting impact on youth mental health and isolation-driven traumaCommon stressors facing today's college students (sleep, nutrition, loss of hobbies, overprotective upbringing)Virtual vs. in-person therapy — when each works bestFinal advice: "You deserve it. You're worth it. You're not alone."Episode Transcript: https://mentalwealthpod.com/43-the-human-connection-cure-rethinking-how-we-treat-mental-illness-with-dr-john-mezzulo The Mental Wealth Podcast is co-hosted by Mukund and Rob, with Dr. Ethan Levine serving as clinical advisor, and delivers evidence-based conversations on mental wellness, anxiety, resilience, burnout, and emotional intelligence. www.mentalwealthpod.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWealthPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mental_wealth_pod/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mental_wealth_pod DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

  2. Jul 26

    42 - ADHD in Professionals: Rewriting the Narrative with Dr. Jennie Byrne

    Psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author Dr. Jennie Byrne talks to the Mental Wealth team this week to unpack ADHD in high-achieving professionals — CEOs, lawyers, doctors, entrepreneurs— who are told they're "too high-functioning" to have it.  Dr. Byrne explains why she calls ADHD "a terrible name" and makes the case for thinking of it as neurodiversity rather than disorder. She walks through her three-part assessment process (clinical interview, computer-based attention testing, and executive function rating scales), and shares why sleep and screen habits are often mistaken for ADHD. The conversation covers: Why professionals are so often misdiagnosed (bipolar, anxiety) before anyone considers ADHDHow medication fits as one tool among many — and why it's not one-size-fits-all or foreverWhy standard CBT often needs to be adapted for ADHD brains, including rejection sensitivityGender differences: how cultural expectations and hormone shifts (like perimenopause) shape how ADHD shows up in womenPractical, low-stigma ways managers can support neurodivergent team members without requiring disclosure — from psychologically safe check-ins to rethinking meeting structureDr. Byrne's book, "ADHD in Professionals," draws on 40+ interviews with real professionals navigating diagnosis, stigma, and thriving — not just surviving — with an ADHD brain. Free resources available at constellationplc.com. Dr. Jennie Byrne's Book: ADHD in Professionals Dr. Jennie Byrne's Youtube Consultation Service: https://www.constellationpllc.com/contact/ LinkedIn The Mental Wealth Podcast is co-hosted by Mukund and Rob, with Dr. Ethan Levine serving as clinical advisor, and delivers evidence-based conversations on mental wellness, anxiety, resilience, burnout, and emotional intelligence. www.mentalwealthpod.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWealthPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mental_wealth_pod/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mental_wealth_pod DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

    42 - ADHD in Professionals: Rewriting the Narrative with Dr. Jennie Byrne
  3. Jul 20

    41 - Dignity, Dementia, and the Sandwich Generation with Dr. Surah Grumet

    In this episode of the Mental Wealth Podcast, geriatrician and hospice/palliative medicine specialist Dr. Surah Grumet — author of “Mindful Aging” — joins Dr. Ethan Levine to talk about what it really means to grow older in America. Dr. Grumet draws on 20+ years of family medicine and geriatric care to cover: • Why dignity, not age-reversal, is the real goal of mindful aging • How to start a conversation with a parent about memory loss or cognitive decline — without triggering defensiveness • Navigating driving safety concerns and other tough independence conversations • The critical difference between a power of attorney and a durable power of attorney (and why every adult needs one) • Supporting the “sandwich generation” — those caring for kids and aging parents at once • Understanding dementia-related behavior changes like paranoia and anger, and where they come from • Polypharmacy: why older adults often end up on medications they no longer need • Cultural differences in how families care for aging loved ones A candid, practical conversation for anyone navigating aging — their own or a loved one’s — with real tools, not platitudes. Dr. Surah Grumet's Instagram: @age.mindfully YouTube: Surah Grumet MD Consultation Service:  https://www.mindfulagingllc.org/ Episode Transcript: https://mentalwealthpod.com/41-mindful-aging-dignity-dementia-and-the-sandwich-generation-with-dr-surah-grumett The Mental Wealth Podcast is co-hosted by Dr. Ethan Levine and Rob, with Dr. Ethan Levine serving as clinical advisor, and delivers evidence-based conversations on mental wellness, anxiety, resilience, burnout, and emotional intelligence. www.mentalwealthpod.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWealthPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mental_wealth_pod/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mental_wealth_pod DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

    41 - Dignity, Dementia, and the Sandwich Generation with Dr. Surah Grumet
  4. Jul 4

    40 - Tim McDonald on Turning Pain Into Purpose: From Stage 4 Cancer to Liver Transplant

    Tim McDonald sits down with Rob, Mukund, and Dr. Levine to unpack his 2020 diagnosis, the oncologist he fired mid-treatment, and the 14-month search for his own liver donor. He shares the "ego script" technique that carried him through the emotional rollercoaster, how COVID complicated his care, why he distinguishes volunteers from advocates, and how the diagnosis reshaped his marriage and his bucket list.  Tim is a Fight Colorectal Cancer ambassador, Man Up to Cancer member, and author of "From Patient to Advocate." This conversation covers mindset, caregiver communication, and turning a cancer diagnosis into a lifelong advocacy mission. www.mentalwealthpod.com Episode Transcript: https://mentalwealthpod.com/40-tim-mcdonald-on-turning-pain-into-purpose-from-stage-4-cancer-to-liver-transplant The Mental Wealth Podcast is co-hosted by Mukund and Rob, with Dr. Ethan Levine serving as clinical advisor, and delivers evidence-based conversations on mental wellness, anxiety, resilience, burnout, and emotional intelligence. www.mentalwealthpod.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWealthPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mental_wealth_pod/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mental_wealth_pod DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

  5. Jun 7

    39 - AI, Job Loss & the Hollowing Out of the Middle Class

    AI isn't just changing how we work—it's hollowing out the middle. In this episode, Rob sits down with Pam Mandel, host of the Canned podcast, to talk about what's actually happening on the ground: the white-collar workers who've been out of work for 18 months, the job seekers drowning in fake AI-generated applications, the screenwriters who trained the machine that replaced them—twice. They dig into the psychological weight of job loss when your identity is fused to your work, why managers are failing their teams, and what solidarity between workers might actually look like. No economists, no corporate spin—just honest, human conversation about a tectonic shift in the economy. Check out Pam's podcast Canned wherever you listen. www.mentalwealthpod.com Episode Transcript: https://mentalwealthpod.com/39-ai-job-loss-the-hollowing-out-of-the-middle-class The Mental Wealth Podcast is co-hosted by Mukund and Rob, with Dr. Ethan Levine serving as clinical advisor, and delivers evidence-based conversations on mental wellness, anxiety, resilience, burnout, and emotional intelligence. www.mentalwealthpod.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MentalWealthPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mental_wealth_pod/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mental_wealth_pod DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

    39 - AI, Job Loss & the Hollowing Out of the Middle Class
  6. 12/02/2025

    37 - Breaking Free from Unworthiness with Diane Lang

    Ever feel like you're not good enough, no matter what you accomplish? You're not alone. In this episode, we sit down with therapist, educator, and author Diane Lang to explore the thought patterns that quietly undermine our confidence and what we can do to change them. Diane, author of "Worthy," shares insights on: The difference between perfectionism and excellence, and why striving for perfection sets us up for failureHow a growth mindset and the power of "yet" can transform our approach to challengesPractical mindfulness techniques that take just 2-3 minutes but can reset your entire dayWhy over-apologizing is connected to feelings of unworthinessThe real relationship between money and happiness (spoiler: it's not what you think)How to navigate social media without damaging your self-worthSimple daily practices like journaling and gratitude that can rewire your brainWhether you're dealing with imposter syndrome, people-pleasing tendencies, or just want to build more self-awareness, this conversation offers compassionate, practical guidance for your journey toward self-acceptance. www.mentalwealthpod.com DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and "Pedal My Way" names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

    37 - Breaking Free from Unworthiness with Diane Lang
  7. 11/06/2025

    36 - Choice Inflation: Why More Options Are Exhausting Us

    Feeling overwhelmed by decisions? You're not alone. In this episode, we welcome back Emily Papps from RemakeTheRules.com to discuss "choice inflation" - a term she's coined to describe the modern phenomenon of having exponentially more choices to make AND vastly more information to process for each decision. Emily breaks down the "cycle of exhaustion" that traps so many of us: uncertainty leads us to create information management tools, but those tools actually create choice inflation, leading to information overload, then decision fatigue, and ultimately back to uncertainty - without resolving any of our original discomfort. In this episode, we explore: What choice inflation is and why it's affecting everyone from individuals to small business ownersThe gap between data quantity and decision qualityHow to think probabilistically without becoming a statisticianWhy dating apps and hiring processes make us value the wrong informationThe difference between describing a job and understanding what it takes to do it wellPractical strategies for cutting through information overloadHow to verify if the problems you're solving are actually real problemsEmily offers invaluable insights on managing the overwhelming volume of choices in modern life, whether you're navigating online dating, hiring employees, or making strategic business decisions. Her key message? Every choice has consequences - the question is whether you're okay with them. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, hiring managers, and anyone feeling paralyzed by too many options. www.mentalwealthpod.com DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" and "Pedal My Way" names and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

    36 - Choice Inflation: Why More Options Are Exhausting Us

About

The Mental Wealth Podcast is a mental health podcast built on one idea: honest conversations about mental health change lives. Each episode tackles real challenges — anxiety, stress, burnout, emotional resilience, and the mindset shifts that actually move the needle. We talk with therapists, researchers, and everyday people who've navigated their own mental health journey, bringing you the tools and perspectives to do the same. No judgment. No stigma. Just real talk about what it means to invest in your mental health. Whether you're managing anxiety, rebuilding after adversity, or simply trying to show up stronger — this podcast meets you where you are. New episodes drop regularly. Subscribe free and join the conversation. Website: https://mentalwealthpod.com DISCLAIMER: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker's own and do not constitute legal, medical, or other forms of professional advice. The material and information presented here is for general information and entertainment purposes only. The "Mental Wealth Podcast" name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.