Body of Wonder

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes sit down with Dr. Scott Shannon, a pioneer in integrative psychiatry, to discuss the factors attributed to the growing mental health crisis among adolescents. Dr. Shannon, discusses the role of poor nutrition, reduced physical activity, and the influence of smartphones and social media contributing to rising distress in young people. He examines the potential benefits as well as the challenges of using psychedelics in adolescents. As MDMA and other psychedelics move towards gaining FDA approval, he anticipates there will be pediatric trials. Dr. Weil and Dr. Shannon discuss how, with proper management, psychedelics could offer a less risky alternative to traditional psychiatric medications in adults, as well as children. The discussion also explores non-pharmacological interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and light therapy. Dr. Shannon offers an inside look at modern mental health challenges and the evolving landscape of treatment options, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of adolescent mental health care.

Discover the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old practice designed to restore balance and harmony within the body. In this episode, we are joined by Amita Nathwani, MA (Ayur) - an author, culinary expert, and Ayurvedic practitioner. Amita has dedicated her career to bridging traditional and contemporary medical systems. Along with hosts, Drs. Andy Weil and Victoria Maizes, Amita introduces listeners to the core principles of Ayurveda. Discover how to eat in alignment with your individual constitution (dosha), detoxify through the powerful Panchakarma process, and use breathing practices to enhance overall well-being. Tune in to learn how Ayurvedic practices can bring profound benefits to your modern lifestyle.

What is the vagus nerve, and what role does it play in our body? In this episode, we explore the "wandering nerve" and its profound impact our physical and emotional wellbeing. With research demonstrating its connection to many of our organs, impacting gut health and regulating emotional states, the vagus nerve is emerging as a central player in our overall health. We are joined by Stefan Chmelik. Traditional Chinese medicine physician and founder of the company that produces Sensate, a vagal toning device. He discusses how advances in neuroscience and biofeedback have paved the way for innovative solutions to influence our nervous system, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance. This conversation with Drs. Andrew Weil and Victoria Maizes and Stefan Chmelik offers listeners a fascinating look into the current understanding of the vagus nerve and the transformative potential of well-being technology.

In this episode, we are joined by renowned grief expert and author, Dr David Kessler. David delves into the intricacies of grief, drawing upon his extensive experience and the wisdom gained from years of working with clients in the field and alongside the pioneering psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Throughout this compassionate conversation with hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes, David describes how grief shapes individuals and communities, offering invaluable guidance on how to navigate the complex nature of loss and finding meaning. He shares practical advice on what to say to someone experiencing grief and provides listeners with essential tools to support themselves and others during times of profound loss.

Shauna Shapiro, PhD, discusses mindfulness and its impact on well-being. Topics include managing emotions, fostering relationships, reducing stress, and enhancing life quality. Dr. Shapiro offers a guided meditation. Key chapters cover attention, intention, attitude, rumination, evolutionary perspectives, intentions in meditation, and vagus nerve stimulation in mindfulness practice.

In this episode, we are joined by Harvard-trained physician, integrative medicine expert and graduate of our Fellowship, Dr. Akil Palanisamy. Dr. Palanisamy is the creator of the T.I.G.E.R protocol, a guide to address and heal autoimmune diseases. Combining modern science and traditional medicine approaches, Dr. Palanisamy discusses the five elements of the T.I.G.E.R protocol (which stands for Toxin, Infection, Gut Health, Eating Right, and Rest) and how it can combat autoimmune conditions. Join Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Victoria Maizes, and Dr. Palanisamy as they discuss the underlying triggers of autoimmune disease.  

Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes are joined by Seth Viddal, entrepreneur and leading voice in the word of green burials, as we explore conscious alternatives to common day burial practices. Viddal, who leads a green burial funeral home, sheds light on the growing popularity of green burials, the ecological benefits, and the cultural shift towards embracing this practice. He describes how "reverent body care" and a mindful approach to the end of life can contribute to a gentle passing and meaningful final resting place. Viddal guides listeners through the considerations and decision-making process when choosing green burials for oneself or a loved one, emphasizing the significance of this choice.  

Discover ways to extend your pet's lifespan through diet, exercise, and essential lifestyle choices. On this episode, Drs. Andrew Weil and Victoria Maizes sit down with integrative veterinarian, Dr. Randy Aronson to discuss the world of integrative pet care. In this interview, Dr. Aronson offers listeners insights from his decades of experience improving the health of animals. He sheds light on the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and tailored exercise routines for pets, to ensure they live long and well. We discuss harmful food fillers, environmental toxins, medications, vaccinations, acupuncture, and other hot topics in the pet care community. Whether you're a longtime pet owner or a new pet parent, this conversation will leave you with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights to enhance your pet’s quality of life.  

Dr. Elizabeth Raskin is a trailblazing integrative surgeon who is combining nutritional guidance, mind-body techniques, and cutting-edge robotics to change surgical care. Dr. Raskin’s journey into medicine was marked by a deep curiosity about the interconnectedness of the human body, mind, and spirit. As a result, she has become a pioneer in the field of integrative surgery, a discipline that embraces a holistic approach to healing. In this conversation, Drs. Weil, Maizes, and Raskin discuss how inexpensive and widely-available mind-body techniques, such as breathwork and meditation, are being used to prepare patients mentally and emotionally for surgery, leading to faster recoveries. Dr. Raskin discusses how the foods we eat can play a pivotal role in both preventing and recovering from illness and surgery. We also delve into integrative medicine’s philosophy of patient-centered care, where the individual is seen as a whole, unique person rather than a collection of symptoms. You won't want to miss this insightful look at the future of surgical care.  

Join us as we discuss the intricate connections between two seemingly opposing aspects of human experience, joy, and trauma. Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, an expert in integrative medicine and mental health, guides us through this complex terrain of our emotions. On this episode, Dr. Sethi shares insights on how to cultivate joy in our daily lives. As Dr. Sethi says, “Joy is the ability to sit with all that life has given us.” The conversation elicits thoughts from Drs. Weil, Maizes, and Sethi on why we should not aim to be happy all the time, and instead embrace the full range of the human experience.   Dr. Sethi expands on the potential for therapeutic psychedelics to facilitate deep emotional healing and transformation, which may offer hope to those who have struggled with treatment resistant depression. Finally, this episode includes skills to infuse more joy into your life.