Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast

Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Monthly

Welcome to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast. In this podcast, we feature guests who are actively involved in addressing the mental health impacts of climate change. Each episode delves into their perspectives and real-world experiences, offering valuable insights into how environmental changes affect our psychological well-being. Together, we explore actionable steps to tackle these challenges.Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation

Episodes

  1. Aug 26

    Microplastics & (in) Your Brain with Dr.’s Elizabeth Ryznar and Dr. Christos Symeonidis - Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail Plastic is everywhere—but what is it doing to our brains? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Ryznar and Dr. Christos Symeonidis explain why plastic pollution is not only an environmental crisis but also an urgent, emerging mental health concern. Together, they explore how microplastics, nanoplastics, and the thousands of chemicals used in plastic production enter our bodies and how these exposures may affect brain development, emotional and behavioral health, and long-term psychiatric well-being.  Why plastic pollution belongs in the mental health conversationWhat microplastics and nanoplastics are and how they enter the brain and bodyHow chemicals in plastics can interfere with hormones, development, and neurological healthWhat psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals can do to raise awareness and help our patients.*Also, we feature a brief update from Dr. Ryznar on the American Psychiatric Association’s newly approved position statement on single-use plastics. This first episode lays the groundwork for an incredible discussion about what plastic pollution could mean for our minds and the future of mental healthcare. Stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms 🌿 Learn more or support the CPA: climatepsychiatry.org ✉️ Contact the podcast: climatepsychpodcast@gmail.com Support the show

    Microplastics & (in) Your Brain with Dr.’s Elizabeth Ryznar and Dr. Christos Symeonidis - Part 1

  2. May 6

    Coco’s Fire: A Children’s Book and Model for Youth Anxiety - With Jeremy Wortzel

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast, child and adolescent psychiatry resident and Coco’s Fire co-author Dr. Jeremy Wortzel joins us to discuss how we can help young people navigate climate anxiety through connection, curiosity, and action. Together, we explore Coco’s Fire, a children’s book created to introduce climate change in a developmentally thoughtful and emotionally supportive way. Dr. Wortzel shares the story behind the book, the growing body of research on eco-anxiety among youth, and practical ways for parents, clinicians, and communities to support young people facing an uncertain future. We also discuss the therapeutic role of nature, green spaces, and outdoor experiences in mental health care, and how psychiatry can expand beyond the clinic room to address the environmental determinants of well-being. Highlights from this episode: •  The growing evidence behind climate anxiety and distress in children and adolescents •  How Coco’s Fire was designed to help transform fear into empowerment and action •  Practical strategies for parents to have healthy climate conversations with children •  Why “getting educated, getting involved, and getting outside” can help transform anxiety into resilience •  Why clinicians should begin thinking about climate and environment as part of holistic mental health care This conversation is a hopeful and deeply human exploration of how we can support the next generation while building healthier communities, healthier minds, and a healthier planet. Further reading referenced in this episode: Wortzel JD, Deng V-S, Angrish J, et al. Pediatric climate distress: A scoping review and clinical resource. Journal of Climate Change and Health. 2024;20:100349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2024.100349 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266727822400052X 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms 🌿 Learn more or support the CPA: climatepsychiatry.org Support the show

    Coco’s Fire: A Children’s Book and Model for Youth Anxiety - With Jeremy Wortzel

  3. 04/24/2025

    Toxic Exposures: What Psychiatrists Must Face in a Changing World with Dr. Sugden

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast, psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist Dr. Steven Sugden explores how psychiatry must adapt to the realities of a rapidly changing world. We discuss how traditional models of addiction — including the brain disease, learning, and psychodynamic frameworks — offer insight not only into substance use but also into modern exposures like ultra-processed foods, climate-related stressors, and disrupted lifestyles. Drawing from clinical experience and a holistic understanding of how environment, behavior, and health intersect, Dr. Sugden explains why these factors deserve greater attention in psychiatric practice and recovery models. Highlights from this episode: A walkthrough of the three major models of addiction and how they apply to both substance use and behavioral patternsHow junk food and ultra-processed foods may represent the first addictive exposure in early lifeThe impact of heat exposure on emotional regulation, impulsivity, and psychiatric vulnerabilityHow rising global temperatures and pollution are degrading food quality and deepening health disparitiesWhy psychiatrists must expand their role to include advocacy, prevention, and environmental awareness in clinical care This conversation challenges us to broaden the lens of psychiatry, acknowledging that many drivers of mental distress come not just from within, but from the world we live in. 🎧 Available now on all podcast platforms  🌿 Learn more or support the CPA: climatepsychiatry.org Support the show

    Toxic Exposures: What Psychiatrists Must Face in a Changing World with Dr. Sugden

  4. 02/05/2025

    How Hopelessness Can Help Us: A Conversation on Climate Dialectics with Dr. Janet Lewis

    Send us Fan Mail In this third episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance podcast, we explore the psychological impact of climate change with Dr. Janet Lewis, Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester and co-founder of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance. Dr. Lewis walks us through her article “Climate Dialectics in Psychotherapy: Holding Open the Space Between Abyss and Advance,” explaining how therapists can help patients navigate climate change's emotional and psychological challenges. We discuss the importance of climate-aware therapy and how we can all hold space for eco-anxiety, grief, hope, and action in a rapidly changing world. Throughout this episode, we explore: The five core climate dialectics and their role in shaping our responses to climate change. How therapists can support patients in making sense of climate anxiety and eco-grief.Why holding space for conflicting emotions can help us cope and take meaningful action.The importance of acknowledging uncertainty while maintaining a sense of agency.Resources: 📖 Read Dr. Janet Lewis’ article: Lewis JL, Haase E, Trope A. Climate Dialectics in Psychotherapy: Holding Open the Space Between Abyss and Advance.Psychodyn Psychiatry. 2020;48(3):271-294. DOI: 10.1521/pdps.2020.48.3.271 🌿 Learn more about the Climate Psychiatry Alliance https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/ 💚 Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation Support the show

    How Hopelessness Can Help Us: A Conversation on Climate Dialectics with Dr. Janet Lewis

  5. 11/12/2024

    Climate Mental Health Post-Election in the U.S. - Climate Psychiatry Alliance Leaders React, Process, and Look Forward

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Emily Schutzenhofer and the Climate Psychiatry Alliance panel discuss the emotional impact of the recent U.S. election on climate mental health. They explore shared anxieties around climate distress and provide insights on resilience, community, and advocacy to help listeners stay engaged and hopeful amid uncertainty. Tune in for thoughtful guidance on supporting mental well-being and meaningful climate action. Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation Support the show

    Climate Mental Health Post-Election in the U.S. - Climate Psychiatry Alliance Leaders React, Process, and Look Forward

  6. 10/02/2024

    From Psychiatry to Climate Advocacy: A Conversation with Dr. Robin Cooper

    Send us Fan Mail In this first episode of the Climate Psychiatry Alliance podcast, we talk with Dr. Robin Cooper, the president and co-founder of CPA. We explore her journey from early activism in civil rights and anti-nuclear movements to addressing the mental health impacts of climate change.  Dr. Cooper discusses eco-anxiety, the psychological effects of climate-related disasters, and the critical role of mental health professionals in climate advocacy. We also share insights about environmental damage worldwide and personal perspectives on the broader challenges we all face. We discuss the CPA’s origins and highlight its mission to bring climate awareness into psychiatry. We also discuss the huge importance of policy advocacy and the role of voting to achieve meaningful change. The episode concludes by providing listeners with resources and practical ways to engage in climate action and mental health advocacy. Resources: Climate Psychiatry Alliance (CPA) –  https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/ Climate Psychology Alliance North America (CPA-NA) –  https://www.climatepsychology.us/becomeamemberPhysicians for Social Responsibility –  https://psr.orgClimate Health Now –  https://climatehealthnow.orgLove this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation Support the show

    From Psychiatry to Climate Advocacy: A Conversation with Dr. Robin Cooper
  • 6 Episodes

About

Welcome to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast. In this podcast, we feature guests who are actively involved in addressing the mental health impacts of climate change. Each episode delves into their perspectives and real-world experiences, offering valuable insights into how environmental changes affect our psychological well-being. Together, we explore actionable steps to tackle these challenges.Love this episode and looking to support our podcast and advocacy? Donate to the Climate Psychiatry Alliance today: https://www.climatepsychiatry.org/make-a-donation

Information

  • Creator
    Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast
  • Show Website
    Climate Psychiatry Alliance Podcast