The Telepsychiatrist Dr. Jodi Midiri

More than one BILLION of earth's humans are obese. which is important because this condition is an indicator of such a wide range of other health issues. The three discuss mindful eating; really taking into account the feelings and experience of eating food with Bernadette, a former nutritional therapist turned mindful eating therapist. 

Mindful eating is the opposite of a diet; it’s about fixing your relationship with food, not losing weight. Bringing a quality of awareness to food and being aware of our stream of experience can dramatically alter our experience of eating.  Bernadette welcomes the audience, and guides Nam through the ‘3 raisins experience’ as an introduction to mindfulness eating.
Resources
Bernadette's website
Bernadette's Linkedin
Bernadette's Facebook
CDC Obesity Statistics
Forbes Obesity Statistics
BMI Calculator
Top 10 Reasons Why The BMI Is Bogus

In this episode, Dr Midiri and Nam interview humor academics, Stephen and Carol about their personal and professional experiences with humor.  They examine what it means to be funny, types of humor, and how it applies to the human condition.

They discuss how humor affects mental health, the comedians who suffer from mental health, and it's use in the darkest of times.  They also discuss the very real impact that humor can have on your physical health.    

Resources
Stephen’s website
Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke - Mayo Clinic
Laughter is the Best Medicine - HelpGuide.org
The Use of Humor in Serious Mental Illness: A Review
Humor in Psychiatry: Lessons From Neuroscience, Psychopathology, and Treatment Research
The Benefits of Humor | Psychology Today
Using Humor as a Coping Tool | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

This episode features the heart-wrenching story of Carrie and her unimaginable experience of being prayed upon by one of the people in which she should have been able to trust the most – her therapist and psychiatrist. This stunning story goes to the heart of dysfunction in psychiatric practice and the gaps we need to close in ethical behavior. 
The group then discusses art therapy, imagery, and how art and creativity can be used as an antidote to trauma.  Carries guides Nam through a therapeutic visualization exercise.  
Resources
Carrie's website
Carrie's book, Seduced Into Darkness: Transcending my Psychiatrists Sexual Abuse
Carrie's book trailer
PTSD Criteria
A. Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one (or more) of the following ways:
Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of a family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse)B. Presence of one (or more) of the following intrusion symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred:
Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s).Recurrent distressing dreams in which the content and/or affect of the dream are related to the traumatic event(s).Dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks) in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event(s) were recurring.Intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).Marked physiological reactions to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event(s).C. Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by one or both of the following:
Avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).Avoidance of or efforts to avoid external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) that arouse distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic event(s).D. Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event(s), beginning or worsening after the traumatic event(s) occurred, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:
Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s)Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” “The world is completely dangerous,” “My whole nervous system is permanently ruined”).Persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others.Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.Persistent inability to experience positive emotions (e.g., inability to experience happine

In this episode, Dr Midiri and Nam talk through ADHD with two patients; one 10 year old boy and one adult woman. They review criteria for hyperactive, inattentive, and combined type presentations. 

Dr Midiri shares her own story about being diagnosed with ADHD and her experience in taking medication for the first time. Nam and Dr Midiri finish off conversing about the intricacies of ADHD, including how the disorder shows up differently in genders.

Resources
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
ADDitude Magazine
Understood
ADHD Coaches Organization
National Institute of Mental Health: ADHD Information
American Academy of Pediatrics: ADHD
ADHD Medication Review by Cleveland Clinic

At the top of season 2, Dr Midiri introduces Nam; her new comedian co-host. Nam reveals what he doesn’t want anyone to know about him.
Then, Dr Midiri and Nam talk attachment theory with the wise Julie Menanno MA, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Relationship Coach, and author. Julie is trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples.  Together, they talk about various relationship problems such as perfectionism, trying to ‘fix’ the problem vs. the power of validation, and vulnerability.  Don't miss this gem if you want to improve your own relationship!


References
All of Julie's info and resources
Julie's instragram, with over 1.1 million followers, shares helpful hints for your relationship
Book counseling services with Julie and her team
Preorder Julie's new book, Secure Love: Create a Relationship that Lasts a Lifetime

Description
 In this episode Dr. Jodi Midiri interviews TWO mental health professionals and discusses the delicate and relevant subject of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV.)  Dr. Zappert is an expert on the topic and Dina is a social worker and survivor.  
Together, they break down the misconceptions and stereotypes attached to IPV and survivors. We learn some shocking statistics about the sheer prevalence of abuse and, finally, we hear from the unique and jarring perspective of a survivor’s fight for help.
 
References
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish and 200+ through interpretation service 
800-799-7233
Domestic Violence Hotline
Create a Safety Plan
IPV Factsheet from the CDC

Newspaper Coverage of Intimate Partner Violence: Sewing Representations of Risk
Washington Post:  No more free passes to famous men who abuse women

NY Times: Domestic Violence Awareness Hasn’t Caught Up with #MeToo