The Nature of Nurture

In this special solo episode of The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Leslie Carr steps away from her usual interview format to share a timely and deeply personal reflection on the current global moment. Leslie begins by acknowledging the widespread fear and uncertainty many people are experiencing, describing the present as a potentially revolutionary period—one that feels unstable and unpredictable from within. While she recognizes the seriousness of the moment, she also offers a broader historical perspective, reminding listeners that even the darkest periods in human history have often given way to profound transformation and renewal. She explores the idea that society may be in the midst of a major shift, where existing systems are being challenged or dismantled. Rather than succumbing to fear, Leslie encourages listeners to consider the possibility of co-creating a new world—one that prioritizes humanity, sustainability, and collective well-being over exploitation and extraction. A central theme of the episode is the concept of an “energetic war”—a struggle not just for power or resources, but for human consciousness itself. Leslie discusses how oppressive forces can attempt to erode autonomy, joy, and a sense of self, emphasizing that protecting these aspects of our humanity is essential. She frames joy, presence, and connection not as distractions, but as forms of resistance. Alongside calls for civic engagement—such as protesting, voting, and advocating for change—Leslie underscores the importance of self-care and community care. She encourages listeners to disconnect from the constant noise of the digital world and reconnect with real-life experiences: spending time with loved ones, enjoying nature, sharing meals, and cultivating moments of genuine presence and laughter. Ultimately, this episode is both a grounding reminder and a hopeful call to action. Leslie urges listeners to remain solution-focused, to come together in meaningful ways, and to trust in the collective power of people to shape a better future. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by current events or searching for a more grounded, intentional way to navigate uncertain times, this episode offers reassurance, perspective, and a renewed sense of agency. Host Dr. Leslie Carr is a psychologist, educator, and host of The Nature of Nurture. Her work explores the intersections of psychology, culture, trauma, healing, and human development. Resources & Links The Nature of NurtureTheNatureofNurture.com Patreon Membershiphttps://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture Listen on Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347 Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Written and produced by Dr. Leslie Carr Engineered and edited by Asher Freidberg Recorded at SLAP Studios LA Disclaimer This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, or professional medical advice. If you have questions about your own mental health, please consult a licensed professional.

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie sits down with Yeshaia Blakeney (aka Shai), co-founder and co-CEO of Recovery Integrity and Antedote Lab—dual diagnosis treatment programs in Los Angeles. With more than twenty years of experience in addiction and mental health treatment, Shai brings both clinical and personal insight into recovery, spirituality, and the limits of conventional treatment models.Together, Leslie and Shai explore the therapeutic use of psychedelics in addiction treatment, the role of empathy and self-compassion in recovery, and forward-facing models focused on growth and integration. The conversation moves beyond clinical frameworks into deeper questions about consciousness, spirituality, and the nature of reality itself, touching on how mystical or transformative experiences can reshape identity, loosen rigid patterns, and open new pathways for healing.Through discussions of guilt, shame, connection, and the importance of community, the episode examines what it means for someone to be “stuck” in recovery and how connection, flexibility, and meaning-making may support lasting change. Leslie and Shai also reflect on cultural attitudes toward suffering, effort, and healing, and why fear and risk assessment often shape how new therapeutic approaches are received.The conversation concludes with a personal story from Shai about what he calls an “empirical miracle,” a deeply meaningful experience that shaped his relationship to spirituality, recovery, and the unknown — inviting listeners to consider how moments of coincidence, meaning, and connection can transform the way we understand our lives. GuestYeshaia Blakeney is the co-founder and co-CEO of Recovery Integrity and Antedote Lab, addiction and dual diagnosis treatment programs in Los Angeles. He is an addiction specialist with more than two decades of experience working in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Resources & Links Recovery Integrity Websitehttps://www.recoverintegrity.com/ Antidote Lab Websitehttps://antedotelab.com/ The Nature of NurtureTheNatureofNurture.com Patreon Membershiphttps://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture This podcast is available in all podcast apps but here’s the Apple link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347   CreditsHosted by Dr. Leslie CarrGuest: Yeshaia BlakeneyProduced by Dr. Leslie Carr and Bri CooreyRecorded at SLAP Studios LA DisclaimerThis episode includes discussion of psychedelics and mental health treatment. Psychedelics are illegal in many jurisdictions and are not appropriate for everyone. This content is for education and conversation only and is not medical advice. 

Host Leslie welcomes environmental lawyer, author, and nonprofit founder Heather White back to The Nature of Nurture for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation about climate, mental health, and hope. Heather is the founder of OneGreenThing.org and author of four books including Eco Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids, and Our Future. Together, Leslie and Heather take an unflinching look at the urgent state of the climate crisis—the political setbacks, the psychological toll on younger generations, and the intersection between environmental collapse and mental health. But while the discussion begins in realism, it ends in empowerment. Heather shares why she still believes it's not too late to change direction—and how everyday actions, collective consciousness, and hope itself are revolutionary tools in shaping a livable future. She introduces the idea of doing “one green thing” each day, explains why both individual and systemic change are essential, and offers insight into her “Service Superpower Assessment” that helps people connect their unique strengths to meaningful action. Heather and Leslie also discuss creative long-term thinking inspired by Heather’s TED Talk, Eco Anxiety as a Message from Our Future Selves—a call to imagine the kind of world we could build by 2050 if we act with courage, compassion, and vision today. This conversation covers: How climate anxiety impacts young people Why culture and politics must shift together Simple, actionable ways to live with purpose in the face of crisis The role of imagination in transforming fear into hope Guest Heather White is an environmental lawyer, advocate, and founder of OneGreenThing.org, a nonprofit addressing climate and mental health through joyful daily action. She has served in leadership roles on Capitol Hill, worked on Al Gore’s presidential campaign, and is the author of Eco Anxiety: Saving Our Sanity, Our Kids, and Our Future and 60 Days to a Greener Life. Her TED Talk, Eco Anxiety as a Message from Our Future Selves, invites audiences to turn fear into creativity and stewardship. Resources & Links The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com One Green Thing: OneGreenThing.org Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture This podcast is available in all podcast apps but here’s the Apple link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347 Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Guest: Heather White Produced by Dr. Leslie Carr, Bri Coorey, and Asher Freidberg Recorded at SLAP Studios LA

Host Leslie is joined by Orly Israel, founder of The Listening Table, which offers judgment-free spaces where people can sit down and be heard without interruption, advice, or fixing. Orly shares how his listening practice began through a prison communication workshop, how “just listening” can build trust faster than we think, and what he’s learned from years of hearing strangers’ real stories in public.The conversation also turns deeply personal as Orly reflects on losing his home in the Palisades Fire, and the long tail of trauma that followed: displacement, instability, guilt, and the challenge of rebuilding a grounded life while trying to stay mission-driven. Together, Leslie and Orly explore the loneliness epidemic, the role of connection in preventing crisis, why men struggle to form emotionally supportive friendships—as well as what it looks like to show up for people in the aftermath of disaster. GuestOrly Israel is the founder of The Listening Table, an initiative offering neutral, judgment-free spaces where people can be heard without interruption or advice. Since 2020, the project has been viewed online by millions and has inspired dozens of listening tables worldwide.   Resources & Links The Listening TableOrlyIsrael.com The Nature of NurtureTheNatureofNurture.com Patreon Membershiphttps://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture CreditsHosted by Dr. Leslie CarrGuest: Orly IsraelProduced by Dr. Leslie Carr and Bri CooreyRecorded at SLAP Studios LA 

Dr. Leslie Carr sits down with her friend Dr. Radhika Dirks, an AI technologist and global advisor, for a wide-ranging conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping mental health, attention, intimacy, parenting, work, and the planet. Dr. Dirks breaks down why AI can feel so compelling, how “AI psychosis” and attachment can emerge for vulnerable users, and what it means to be intentional with tools designed to keep us engaged. Together, Leslie and Radhika explore the ethical stakes of building addictive systems, the difference between human connection and AI companionship, and practical ways to protect your nervous system and your family in a world where AI is already everywhere. About the GuestDr. Radhika Dirks is a global AI advisor and founder/CEO known for building ambitious AI companies and advising organizations on the future of intelligence (radhikadirks.com). Resources & Links Dr. Radhika Dirks websitehttps://www.radhikadirks.com Dr. Radhika Dirks’ bookhttps://www.radhikadirks.com/book The Nature of NurtureTheNatureofNurture.com Patreon Membershiphttps://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture This podcast is available in all podcast apps but here’s the Apple link:   CreditsHosted by Dr. Leslie CarrGuest: Dr. Radhika DirksProduced by Dr. Leslie Carr and Bri CooreyRecorded at SLAP Studios LA  

Nature of Nurture is a space for real talk, big questions, and grounded hope. In a time when climate anxiety, uncertainty, and burnout are shaping how we think about the future, this show invites you to pause, tune into your intuition, and reconnect with what actually gives you agency.Each episode blends science, storytelling, and soul—exploring how personal action, community care, and small daily practices can create meaningful change without requiring perfection or overwhelm. From climate grief to purpose, from policy to personal legacy, this is about learning the rules, breaking the ones that don’t serve us, and finding sustainable ways to show up for the planet and the next generation.If you’re looking to feel informed, empowered, and surprisingly energized about the future, you’re in the right place.Come along—we’ve got paradigms to shift.Season Five starts now.

In this Season Five opener of The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Leslie Carr sits down with her friend and collaborator Julia de’Caneva for a candid, expansive conversation about mortality, meaning, and what it actually takes to live fully.Julia is a cancer survivor, holistic health coach, writer, and death care educator whose work centers on integrating wellness with an honest relationship to death. Together, Leslie and Julia explore why modern culture avoids conversations about dying, how mortality awareness can deepen our appreciation for life, and how nervous system regulation helps us stay present with fear, grief, and uncertainty.This episode weaves together themes of healing, burnout, capitalism, nature, spirituality, embodiment, and curiosity, offering listeners an invitation to stop avoiding the inevitable and instead use it as a guide for living more intentionally. About the GuestJulia de’Caneva is a cancer survivor, holistic health coach, writer, and death care educator. She is the creator of If It’s the Last Thing I Do and the co-founder of Elemental, a wellness company devoted to reshaping the human relationship with nature, embodiment, and mortality.Julia and Leslie also co-lead in-person workshops focused on nervous system regulation and embodiment. Resources & LinksIf It’s the Last Thing I Do — Julia de’Canevahttps://www.ifitsthelastthingido.com/Elementalhttps://www.experienceelemental.com/The Nature of Nurturehttps://lesliecarr.com/podcast/Patreon Membershiphttps://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurtureWatch on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture  CreditsHosted by Dr. Leslie CarrGuest: Julia de’CanevaProduced by Dr. Leslie Carr & Bri CooreyRecorded at SLAP Studios LA

Season 5 is on the way! In this announcement, Leslie shares exciting updates about the upcoming launch in January, the new Patreon community with early episode access, bonus content, and monthly live calls with Julia De’Caneva. After a season of growth behind the scenes, the show is ready for its next chapter.The Nature of Nurture Patreon link

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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/ 

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 

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

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.

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 

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.

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 

Connect with Contributors:Dr. Leslie Car: lesliecarr.com

Connect with Contributors:Dr. Leslie Car: lesliecarr.comRadhika Dirks: @radhikadirks on Instagram and https://xlabs.ai/ Links Mentioned in the Episode:The Fabric of the Cosmos with physicist Briane Greene on PBS: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/series/the-fabric-of-the-cosmos/Donald Hoffman TED talk Do we see reality as it is?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYp5XuGYqqYHyperspace by Michio Kaku (Leslie’s favorite book about theoretical physics and the magical nature of reality): https://www.amazon.com/Hyperspace-Scientific-Parallel-Universes-Dimension/dp/0385477058Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science by Werner Heisenberg https://www.amazon.com/Physics-Philosophy-Revolution-Modern-Science/dp/0061209198Science, Order, and Creativity: A Dramatic New Look at the Creative Roots of Science and Life by David Bohm https://www.amazon.com/Science-Order-Creativity-Dramatic-Creative/dp/0553344498The article about the placebo effect and knee surgery: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/020712075415.htmAn explanation of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis of linguistic relativity: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2014/jan/29/how-words-influence-thoughtAn explanation of Gödel’s Incompleteness Theorems: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/goedel-incompleteness/

Connect with Contributors:Dr. Leslie Car: lesliecarr.comFatimata Sanogo: @fatimatayoga on Instagram and https://sahelsage.org/ Links Mentioned in this Episode: Her book (31 Universal Spiritual Principles: A Daily Guide and Tool for spiritual growth, joy and empowerment, from the teachings of Michael Bernard Beckwith.): https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Spiritual-Principles-Fatimata-Sanogo/dp/0999257323The article about the knee surgery: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/07/020712075415.htmThe outcomes paradox: Schizophrenia patients in developing countries seem to fare better than their Western counterparts https://www.nature.com/articles/508S14aHer non-profit: https://sahelsage.org/

Connect with Contributors:Dr. Leslie Car: lesliecarr.comMichelle Masters: https://michellemastersnlp.com/Links Mentioned in this Episode:Heart of the Mind - Engaging Your Inner Power to Change with Neuro-Linguistic ProgrammingThe brain didn’t perceive the color blue and it wasn’t mentioned in early writing: https://www.dunnedwards.com/colors/specs/posts/color-blue-historyJoe Dispenza: https://drjoedispenza.com/Michelle’s book, Money Magic: Clear Your Path to Money, Time, and Happiness 

Connect with the Contributors:Alicia’s website is Ritualco.co Leslie's website is lesliecarr.com Links mentioned in the episode:Brain Over Binge (book): https://www.amazon.com/Brain-over-Binge-Conventional-Recovered/dp/0984481702Learned Optimism (book): https://www.amazon.com/Learned-Optimism-Change-Your-Mind/dp/1400078393https://facebook.com/groups/resilienceroundtable  60% of women have eating disorders: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080422202514.htm#:~:text=FULL%20STORY-,Sixty%2Dfive%20percent%20of%20American%20women%20between%20the%20ages%20of,North%20Carolina%20at%20Chapel%20Hill. Facebook community Food Body Self: https://www.facebook.com/groups/resilienceroundtable/?multi_permalinks=630692628141695%2C626169768593981%2C626172615260363%2C626169591927332%2C626171835260441&notif_id=1642449609687348&notif_t=group_activity&ref=notif 

Connect with the Contributors:Erika's website is TRISF.comLeslie's website is lesliecarr.com Links From This Episode: https://terryreal.com/

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

Season 2 of The Nature of Nurture coming Monday, January 31, 2022!

Thanks for listening to Season 1 of The Nature of Nurture! Tune into this quick bonus episode to hear a teaser for Season 2.

Connect with Heather: OneGreenThing.org @OneGreenThing on Instagram @MyOneGreenThing on TwitterLinks From This Episode:The book Leslie’s mother got for her when she was 19 years old that awakened her interest in physics was Michio Kaku’s Hyperspace (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hyperspace-michio-kaku/1138748797). Some of her other favorite titles are The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene (http://www.briangreene.org/the-elegant-universe/), A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brief-history-of-time-stephen-hawking/1100328875), and Relativity: The Special and General Theory by Albert Einstein (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relativity-albert-einstein/1100059699). CNN - the Google satellite link, forty years of climate change time-lapse: https://www.cnn.com/videos/business/2021/04/15/google-earth-timelapse-zw-orig.cnn-business/video/playlists/business-google/www.350.org  An article on the connection between climate change and covid: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/oct/02/covid-19-and-the-climate-crisis-are-part-of-the-same-battleAn article about people deciding not to have children because of the climate crisis: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/27/climate-apocalypse-fears-stopping-people-having-children-studyThe work of David Quammen: https://www.davidquammen.com/Project Drawdown: https://drawdown.org/The Sunrise Movement: https://www.sunrisemovement.org/?ms=SunriseMovement-WeAreTheClimateRevolutionThe Scientific American article Leslie mentions: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/therapists-are-reckoning-with-eco-anxiety/The image Heather references about the koala that has “mental health issues” https://www.instagram.com/p/CN80qhPJY2P/Some additional information about Freddie Gray: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jul/20/freddie-gray-death-haunts-man-filmed-video-baltimoreSome additional information about Eric Garner: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2014/dec/04/i-cant-breathe-eric-garner-chokehold-death-video

Connect with Cuyler: Cuylerballenger.comhttps://lawndaleartcenter.org/exhibition/cuyler-ballenger/Instagram: @snake_ballenger  Connect with Lawdale:lawndaleartcenter.orgInstagram: @lawndaleartcenterLinks From This Episode:Crazy Like Us book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crazy-Like-Us/Ethan-Watters/9781416587095Crazy Like Us article: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/magazine/10psyche-t.htmlCDC opioid overdose stats 1999-2019: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.htmlSF covid data 2019-2020: https://www.sfchronicle.com/local-politics/article/It-didn-t-have-to-happen-2020-was-15872937.phpTwo research articles that address the relationship between stigma and the biomedical model of psychological suffering https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28942615/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6234201/Some information about the work of Nan Goldin: https://www.sfmoma.org/artist/nan_goldin/Nan Goldin’s protest against the Sackler family: https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/nan-goldin-leads-a-protest-at-the-guggenheim-against-the-sackler-familyThe death and life of Dash Snow: https://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/26/nyregion/26dash.htmlResearch supporting the idea that in monozygotic twins the rate of concordance is 30-40%: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12503715_Twin_studies_in_schizophrenia_with_special_emphasis_on_concordance_figuresTED talk given by Eleanor Longden, where she shares how talk therapy helped her heal from a diagnosis of Schizophrenia: https://www.ted.com/speakers/eleanor_longden

Connect with Lisa: www.lisaabramson.com + @lisaaabramson on Twitter and Instagram.Links From This Episode:Giving Birth Landed Me In the Psycho Ward: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/17/parenting/postpartum-psychosis-motherhood.htmlInformation on the link between sleep deprivation and psychotic experiences: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048360/#:~:text=The%20finding%20that%20sleep%20deprivation,8%2C%2010%E2%80%9312)

Connect with Corey: www.coreyponder.com, @coreytponder on Twitter and Instagram.Links From This Episode:Some pieces that Corey has written on confronting the idea of being Black in America:https://www.coreyponder.com/single-post/i-am-a-black-manhttps://www.coreyponder.com/single-post/failure-of-belief-is-why-america-failshttps://www.coreyponder.com/single-post/tired-of-the-loophttps://www.coreyponder.com/single-post/the-seven-stages-of-progress-blacklivesmatter-and-national-healing-1https://www.coreyponder.com/single-post/are-you-really-ready-to-be-an-allyhttps://www.coreyponder.com/single-post/empathy-is-powerful-make-it-a-daily-habitThe article about “centering” Leslie referenced: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/decentering-yourselfAnd Corey mentioned The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander:www.newjimcrow.com

Connect With The Contributors:Bart Magee: https://www.accessinst.org/ Twitter @bartmagee @accessInstSF Insta @bartmagee @accessinstsfBlythe Adamson: blytheadamson.com Twitter: @DrBlytheAdamson Instagram: @DrBlytheAdamsonLuis Perez: https://www.ifrsf.org/ https://www.drluisperez.com/Links From This Episode:FAA Traffic by the Numbers: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers/Forbes article about global air travel: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/04/01/40-percent-less-flights-worlwide-air-travel-restrictions/?sh=914607e60790Washington Post - 96% of covid cases have been transmitted indoors: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/04/13/covid-outside-safety/El Pais article about how aerosols function indoors: https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.htmlCovid impacts the latino population at three times the rate of white people: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-california/california-latinos-contracting-covid-19-at-three-times-rate-of-whites-idUSKCN24T2UIHow to Hug During a Pandemic (NYT): https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/04/well/family/coronavirus-pandemic-hug-mask.html

Connect With The Contributors:Dr. Janja Lalich: http://cultresearch.org/ Twitter = @Janja_Lalich, and Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/Janja-Lalichs-Cults-Extremism-Page-183221905078546/Dr Leslie Carr: www.lesliecarr.com and @DrLeslieCarr on Twitter and InstagramLinks From This Episode:Some additional information about The Milgram Shock Experiments: https://www.simplypsychology.org/milgram.html#:~:text=Results%3A-,Results%3A,18%20variations%20of%20his%20study. Dr. Lalich mentions the NXIVM cult and there are two good documentaries if you haven’t seen them. There’s The Vow on HBO (https://www.hbo.com/the-vow/season-1) and Seduced on Starz (https://www.starz.com/us/en/series/seduced-inside-the-nxivm-cult/59967). Dr. Lalich also references the Heaven’s Gate cult and there’s also a very thorough documentary about that on HBO (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heaven%27s_Gate:_The_Cult_of_Cults) but (a note from Leslie): This is the stuff of nightmares so watch out if you’re extra-sensitive.We also talk about QAnon and HBO did a series about that as well: https://www.hbo.com/q-into-the-stormThe Cult of Trump  by Steven Hassan (for those who are curious): https://www.amazon.com/Cult-Trump-Leading-Explains-President/dp/1982127333

Dr. Sherrie Campbell: www.drsherriecampbell.com. Instagram = @Dr.Sherrie, Twitter = @Dr_Sherrie, and Facebook = SherrieCampbellPhD.Dr Leslie Carr: www.lesliecarr.com and @DrLeslieCarr on Twitter and Instagram Links From This Episode:David Pelzer, A Child Called It: https://www.amazon.com/Child-Called-Childs-Courage-Survive/dp/1558743669The Myers Briggs Personality Inventory: https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/Educated, a memoir by Tara Westover: https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Memoir-Tara-Westover/dp/0399590501Resilience by Erik Greitens: https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Hard-Won-Wisdom-Living-Better/dp/0544705262But It’s Your Family… (Dr. Sherrie’s book on the subject discussed today): https://www.amazon.com/But-Its-Your-Family-Aftermath/dp/1642790990The Genetics of Bipolar Disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3637882/ (please note that this articles shortens Bipolar Disorder to “BPD” which is highly unusual; “BPD” is usually the shorthand for Borderline Personality Disorder and they are not the same thing.)

Links from this Episode: Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-mental-illness/one-in-5-covid-19-patients-develop-mental-illness-within-90-days-study-idUKL8N2HS4ND“The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy” by Jonathan Shedler: https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-65-2-98.pdfA book about the DSM that some might find interesting: https://www.amazon.com/Book-Woe-DSM-Unmaking-Psychiatry/dp/0399158537This was recorded at The Battery in San Francisco on December 3, 2020 (@thebatterysf) Connect With The PanelJonathan Shedler, PhD: www.JonathanShedler.com, @JonathanShedler on TwitterEmily Anhalt, PsyD: www.Joincoa.com and @dremilyanhalt and @joincoa on both Instagram and Twitter Mahima Muralidharan, PsyD: www.cohearsf.comDr. Lesslie Carr: www.lesliecarr.com and @DrLeslieCarr on Twitter and Instagram

https://lesliecarr.com/