Revolving Door Syndrome

In this episode, we kōrero Dr. Davin Tan, an adolescent psychiatrist. We explore the profound impact parents have on their children's lives, discussing attachment, resilience, and the changing dynamics of modern families. Davin shares insights from his experiences in Youth Justice and Forensic Psychiatry units, shedding light on the delicate balance between autonomy and safety in mental health care.

This is a special episode of 'Revolving Door Syndrome', recorded live at the ASB Waterfront Theatre after a performance of 'Things That Matter'. This production is an adaptation of Dr David Galler's book of the same name. We sit down with Dr Mamaeroa David and Rob Campbell to delve into the show. During our discussion, we address the stark realities that the show sheds light on regarding our struggling health system and how its themes resonate all too closely with real life.

In this episode we kōrero with Dr. Adrian Gray, an addiction specialist. We delve into the complexities surrounding mental health, societal influences, and the transformative power of psychedelic therapy. Speaking about the rise of anxiety and depression in modern society, Dr Adrian Gray underscores how psychedelic therapies offer a 'reset', a refreshing perspective that extends beyond traditional Western medicine. As we explore substances like Ayahuasca and LSD for therapeutic use, the conversation bridges the gap between their indigenous roots and their clinical applications in contemporary settings. Amidst a growing interest in psychedelics, we discuss the potential conflicts between the holistic, community-based approaches of native cultures and the commercial interests of the pharmaceutical industry. Join us for a compelling conversation about this unconventional yet promising approach to mental health.

On this episode, we sit down with Harry Tam, a former public policy advisor and patched member of New Zealand's Mongrel Mob. Harry offers a unique perspective on crime, gang culture, and the societal and economic factors that perpetuate these issues. He criticises the media's role in sensationalising crime and the political rhetoric around being "tough on crime". Drawing from his personal experiences and observations, Harry emphasises the need to focus on changing harmful behaviours rather than trying to eliminate gangs. He also discusses the impact of economic policies on communities and how they can lead to cycles of crime and gang involvement. This episode is a deep dive into the complexities of crime, gang culture, and the societal and economic factors that contribute to these issues from the perspective of someone who has both lived experience and policy expertise.

This week we are joined by Dr Julian Buchanan, retired associate professor of criminology and addiction. He is now using his research and experiences to advocate for drug policy reform through the Harm Reduction Coalition Aotearoa.

Julian is originally from Liverpool, UK and is now enjoying a busy ‘retirement’ in Waikenae beach.

Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM is an Australian emergency doctor, lawyer, author, pilot and disability advocate - and he does it all from a wheelchair. Dinesh shares his story of surviving a severe spinal cord injury to finishing medical training and showing that he has all the abilities to achieve a fulfilling career helping people in emergency situations.

On this episode we kōrero with Rob Campbell and Dave Letele, an unlikely pairing of best mates. It all began when Dave encouraged Rob to put aside the wine and sausage rolls and join him in the gym. Now bound by the Brown Buttabean creed, Rob and Dave share a joint mission and vision for a more community driven approach to health. Making no secret of his discontent with the health reforms, Rob indulges us with the stories of political turmoil behind closed doors that ultimately lead to his sacking. While Dave provides an insight into his grassroots organisation and the vital work being lead by community groups and LinkedIn conversations.

On this episode we kōrero with Dr Carmen Basu, the founder of Milk and Honey Paediatrics. As a paediatrician who grew disillusioned with her ability to innovate within the public health system, Carmen has pioneered a fresh approach to the first 1000 days of life. Drawing upon research from Scandinavia, which vividly portrays the lasting advantages of early investments, Carmen raises a thought-provoking question: Why aren't we implementing this approach in Aotearoa?

On this episode we kōrero with Cherie Jaeger, a mother, teacher and principal of Marist Alternative Education school in Auckland. For students that have fallen out of mainstream education, Cherie's school offers a unique lifeline of hope for disenfranchised youth. Cherie breaks down the challenges she sees in her day to day and provides some heartbreaking stories that illustrate how hard it is to break the cycle.

On this episode we kōrero with Dr Nic Szecket, an internal medicine consultant, about the inevitable nature of mistakes in medicine, why they occur and how we can reduce the chances of them reoccurring. Having trained and worked before in the Canadian health system, Dr Szecket provides some perspective when reflecting on our own system in Aotearoa.