Beyond Well with Sheila Hamilton

Ross Szabo is the Director of Wellness at the Geffen Center and one of the most sought-after mental health speakers and trainers on college campuses. He offers valuable insights on young adults, male violence, and the state of adolescent mental health.

Should your next therapist be an AI chatbot?Not so fast. Ian Kreitzberg is a Puck News reporter specializing in technology and AI. He recently tried out a new app claiming to be “A Therapist in Your Pocket.”Kreitzberg talks with Sheila about the trend toward AI chatbots dispensing advice, along with its potential risks and benefits: Among the benefits: Greater accessibility, early detection, personalized treatment plans and support for therapists. Among the risks: AI does not replace human empathy, a critical component of the therapeutic relationship.It may provide dangerously inaccurate or harmful recommendations. Privacy and data security: AI is not bound by the same privacy regulations as licensed clinicians.And Algorithmic bias: All models are trained on existing data, which can reflect and amplify societal biases based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

Cristi Bundukamara, known as Dr. B, is a passionate mental health professional dedicated to helping others build resilience and take control of their mental well-being.Dr. B’s personal grief is as profound as her career, shaped by the loss of three children and her husband. Cristi’s practice is strengthened by decades as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, helping people overcome their most profound traumas and personal losses. In this interview, Dr. B. talks about spiritual growth from loss, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic techniques for healing, and the use of ketamine assisted therapy.

Author Kelly Sundberg joins Sheila to talk about her new book, ’The Answer is in the Wound. Sundberg wrote the intimate essay collection after leaving an abusive marriage. She details the lasting effects of trauma and PTSD on survivors in a nonlinear method that relied on scholarship, spirituality, tattoos and journaling. For anyone who has suffered domestic abuse, intimidation or sexual coercion, The Answer is in the Wound, is one woman’s unusual path to survivorship.

John DeGoey is a certified financial planner and portfolio manager who joins us to talk about finances and mental health. There is no greater contributor to mental health problems than lacking the basic necessities: food, shelter, clothing and comfort. John offers his thoughts on the biggest threat to our financial security and how we can begin viewing our financial security more productively.

Adolescent mental illness is spiking—and it’s not just hormones or “kids these days.” Dr. John Puls, one of the nation’s top adolescent mental health practitioners, joins Sheila to break down the real forces driving this crisis. From high-potency THC in today’s marijuana to the isolating grip of social media, from pandemic-born loneliness to the toxic influence of the “manosphere” on young men, Puls pulls no punches. If you’re a parent, guardian, or anyone who cares about the mental health of the next generation, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Dr. Dobson returns to the show to talk about child sex predators and the difficulty of prosecuting them. Dr. Dobson’s work as a forensic psychiatrist helps her understand both the mind and motivation of child sex predators. In this episode, Dr. Dobson talks*Epstein Files*Motivations of Child Sex Predators*What prevents most children from coming forward*Why child sex predators are difficult to catch in the digital age

Andrea Leeb was just four and a half the first time her father, David, sexually abused her. Her mother, Marlene, walked in to check on what was supposed to be a bedtime bath. When she witnessed her husband abusing her daughter, she didn’t throw the man out, or call the police—she crumpled to the floor and awoke with hysterical blindness. Why are the people around child sex abusers complicit? What are the tactics people use to frighten children into silence?Why does the system continue to disbelieve children when they tell the truth?And how does this case dovetail with the coverup of child sexual abuse in our country?Andrea Leeb is our guest on Beyond Well, talking about her memoir, Such A Pretty Picture

This episode is a revisit from January 2020. Covid hadn't shut us down yet. We were still recording in a studio all together. Nobody knew about Zoom yet. Together with Dr. Jenna LeJune and Dr. Brian Goff we honed in and hunkered down on a human emotion we all deal with. Shame. Enjoy this blast from the past.

Many people are aware of dogs being utilized as emotional support animals for mental health conditions. But Logan Gore explains the new trend of dogs being trained as service animals for mental health conditions. Dogs are helping people with depression attend to basic hygiene and exercise. Dogs are helping people with anxiety re-establish healthy breathing and blood pressure. Logan's dog has been trained to help alleviate debilitating panic attacks. Where do you get started? How does it work? This episode is all about Mental Health Mutts.

This is a "No Stone Unturned" episode featuring the amazing Manny Trujillo. This episode was recorded six years ago and is just as relevant today as it was then. Manny shares lived experience regarding the cultural and specific experience of a latino man dealing with depression and mental health. As well as some of the challenges for Latino's seeking help in the modern day. Manny is a manager for a major power utility as well as serving as board chair to develop a medical non profit to help deliver and provide medical services for those who might otherwise not have adequate health care coverage. Serving those who are or have been marginalized by todays health care system and working to develop network of providers who can build new acumen in the area of health care that focuses on "whole person" care. Enjoy.

This is a "No Stone Unturned" episode we recorded in 2019 with filmaker Lucy Winer. On June 21, 1967, at the age of 17, Lucy Winer was committed to the female violent ward of Kings Park State Hospital following a series of failed suicide attempts. Over 30 years later, now a veteran documentary filmmaker, Lucy returned to Kings Park for the first time since her discharge. Her meetings with other former patients, their families, and the hospital staff reveal the painful legacy of our state hospital system and the crisis left by its demise. We speak to Lucy about her project "Unlocked stories of mental health care". Enjoy.

No Stone unturned. This episode was originally released in September 2019. Sarah Smith is an activist with Mind Freedom International championing human rights in the mental health system. Enjoy.

This is a fun revisit from 2019. It's part of the "No Stone Unturned" series where we listen back to an episode from days of yore. This one is with Kiah Stern. Kiah Stern was (and is) an actress working out of Portland, New York, Chicago and L.A. Kiah joined us in studio with Dr. Goff and Dr. LeJune and speaks candidly about the jumping headlong into a career that can be tough on one's ego and self esteem. Enjoy.

This is a "No Stone Untruned" episode from 2019 with the amazing C. Lamar Frizzell. An expert in the field of behavioral healthcare for over 20 years. When we caught up with him, C. Lamar Frizzell was CEO of Cedar Hills Hospital. Before that, he held a similar role at Willow Creek Behavioral Health located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Oakwood Springs, Perimeter Behavioral Hospital of Jackson... the list goes on. As we speak today in 2025, he has just been named CEO of Recovery Centers of America in the Capitol region located in Maryland. Frizzell brings practical experience as a line-staff member and is educated in the fields of both Mental Health and Divinity In this interview, Sheila talks with Frizzell about the enormous pressure facing psychiatric hospitals because of an explosion of people in crisis. There are never enough beds, care is complicated, and psychiatric doctors and nurses are in short supply. Frizzell’s personal history growing up in a home where mental health problems were abundant informs his compassion and empathy for people in crisis.

As part of our "No Stone Unturned" series, we present to you a great interview from 2019 with our guest Lindy West. Lindy West is an American writer, comedian, and activist. She is the author of the essay collections Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman and The Witches Are Coming and a contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. Topics she writes about include feminism, popular culture, and the fat acceptance movement. Enjoy.

Dr. Leigh Vinocur spent years in emergency rooms listening to people complain of heart trouble, stomach distress, and difficulty breathing. Often times, the patient never recognized the culprit: sustained and toxic stress. In Dr. Vinocur’s new book, Never Let Them See you Sweat, she breaks down the physical impact of years of toxic stress on the body and mind. Stress isn’t always a villain. Dr. Vinocur talks about how stress can sometimes help us—and when it starts to hurt us. What actually happens to our brains when we’re under long-term stress. A lot of people think stress is just a mental thing—but how does it show up in our bodies. How long-term stress plays into mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or burnout. The ‘double whammy’ of being sick and stressed. The mind body connection—what does that mean about reversing stress? Evidence based ways to reduce stress in your life.

This is a revisit from 2019. In this episode we spoke in studio to Author Lidia Yuknavitch about her life, the shadow of trauma, and the life of an artist/writer. Lidia also talks about her memoir, “The Chronology of Water" and how small acts of creating saved her life. At the time, Lidia dropped the secret that the film was going to be directed by Kristen Stewart and starring Imogen Poots as Lidia.  Well, this year the film dropped at the Cannes film festival to much acclaim. The film follows Lidia's journey from childhood trauma and abuse to finding her voice through writing. Since you'll be seeing the movie soon, we thought it might be fun to revist this show. Enjoy.

A No Stone Untruned episode from 2019. Leslie Barber, Grief Warrior. Fear of death is natural, fear of grief shouldn't be. Our culture is not good at handling grief. We have a habit of denying death and pretending it won't happen to us. We suggest that people move on, buck up, and forget. Grief is a misunderstood emotion, especially when it happens to us. When you eliminate the assumptions of grief, and build respect for its process, you recognize and respect grief for its natural state. You become a Grief Warrior.

Author Laura Stanfill joins Beyond Well to talk about how our mental health is impacted by our creative outlets. Laura is the publisher of Forest Avenue press as well as two books; Imagine a door., A writers guide to unlocking your story, and Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary. You will love her insight on creativity during turmoil, knowing the interior of our minds and how to settle in to creativity as a grounding, life-sustaining force. Enjoy.

This show is from 2019. No Stone Unturned. Laryssa Birdseye offers a fresh sound with a timeless presentation, a seamless mix of pop and jazz, with a palpable Hip Hop feel. Enjoy.

No Stone Unturned, a Beyond Well revisit. From 2019 an interview with author Cheryl Strayed and her husband (Mr. Sugar) Brian Lindstrom. Making that relationship last. Enjoy.

This is part two of our revisit with Dan Schilling. The Beyond Well No Stone Unturned series. Where we root around in the basement of our old shows and find gems that for whatever reason may have gotten missed the first time around. This is just such an episode. If you missed part one, I would recommend listening to it first. But to be honest, Dan Schilling is so compelling even out of sequence this interview is incredible. Enjoy.

Dan Schilling has lived a life and career right out of an action movie, where jumping out of a plane is all in a days work. You’ll hear how he became part of Special Forces in the Military. You’ll hear him speak of many situations and also dodges a few questions because the story is still considered Classified. A life very Hollywood in it’s reality. He has a lot to say about what makes a person seek this type of livelihood serving the country, how the military defines ones “Self” and the unfortunate fallout of trauma and suicide among Veterans. It features in studio guests Doctors Brian Goff and Jenna LeJune. Beyond Well and “No Stone Unturned” part one of our interview with Dan Schilling. Enjoy.

A revisit. Part two of our third show ever! Kerry Cohen. Sex, Promiscuity and love addiction. Part one. Enjoy.

This is a revisit from 2019. Our third show ever! Kerry Cohen. Loose Girl. Sex, Promiscuity and love addiction. Part one. Enjoy.

This is a revisit with our episode featuring Author Karen Karbo. She came to us live from France and we felt so Continental! Enjoy!

A revisit from two years ago. Andrew Soloman is an author and lecturer on psychology, politics and the arts. He's a Columbia University professor and an amazing guest. Enjoy this blast from the past.

This is a No Stone Unturned Re-Visit. This episode was recorded in 2020. Featuring Filmaker Kimi Culp. Enjoy.

This is a re-visit from 2022. Featuring Dr. Jim Polo.

This show is part of our "No Stone Unturned" series where for whatever reason an episode may have slipped between the cracks and it certainly could use another listen. This show was recorded in 2019. It features Ken Cervera. A brush with death and post traumatic growth. Inspiring moments and owning ones truth. Enjoy.

Dov Baron. Last year we interviewed him. Then, it was his turn to interview Sheila. Then apparently, some folks missed the first original interview and asked for it to be re-visited. It's like Groundhog Day around here. So, one more time around the podcast carousel. Dov Baron has quickly become one of my favorite podcast hosts. With his searing intellect and wide-ranging knowledge, his program allows the curious listener to learn from neuroscientists, philosophers, physicists, and not-so-regular people.

This is part two of my day in the Interviewee chair. Dov Baron has quickly become one of my favorite podcast hosts. With his searing intellect and wide-ranging knowledge, his program allows the curious listener to learn from neuroscientists, philosophers, physicists, and not-so-regular people. Last year we interviewed him. Now, it's his turn to interview me. Yikes!

Dov Baron has quickly become one of my favorite podcast hosts. With his searing intellect and wide-ranging knowledge, his program allows the curious listener to learn from neuroscientists, philosophers, physicists, and not-so-regular people. Last year we interviewed him. Now, it's his turn to interview me. Yikes!

Dr. Greg Chasson joins host Sheila Hamilton to talk to the “other 50%” of people who may feel devastated by a second Trump presidency.In this episode, Dr. Chasson talks about strategies for maintaining your mental health during a long period of duress.Among the strategies:Setting boundaries for how much news you take in.Finding your nexus of controlVIsiting with a friend face to face to listen and provide feedback regarding fears and trepidationSeeking out counseling if your feelings are getting in the way of your lifeSmall acts of kindness to othersCommunity building at a local level.Observing nature or animals.

Beyond Well and a revisit with Dr. Jenna LeJune and how help someone struggling with anxiety. This episode comes from an interesting perspective. It was recorded in 2020 when we were all still deep in the throws of Covid quarantine. Joe Biden had not yet been President, the election hadn't happened yet. We were all working remotely and not leaving our homes. There was still no vaccine on the horizon. We were all getting stir crazy as well as perhaps seeing a few bright sides to the "new normal". It's odd and intriguing to hear us talk about things through that lens. One thing that was the same is Anxiety. What the heck is it and how do I deal with it and other peoples relationship with dealing with it. Fortunately, we had an expert willing to record a show from inside her closet surrounded by pillows. Enjoy.

This is a revisit from 2022. Beyond Well welcomes a visit with Angela Teuscher. Dry January and Mommy Drinking.

Are you bored? Distracted? Are you unable to focus on a project or even develop a goal for your life? Dr Greg Chasson talks about the experience of languishing  and how we can use evidence-based strategies to move us toward our goals and purpose.

This is a Revisit episode. New Years Resolutions. Are they good for us and how do they effect our mental health? This is a repeat episode from a couple of years ago featuring the expert incite of Dr. Jim Polo. Enjoy.

This is a revisit from 2020. This was recorded just a few weeks into Covid lockdown. It's a great interview but also interesting as we discuss how life was during quarantine. Enjoy.

This interview is from 2019. From the band Blind Pilot, our guest is Israel Nebeker. When Israel wasn't touring with the band, appearing on David Letterman, Ellen, or just being a part of Lollapalooza he took some time and sat down with us. There is nothing more wonderful than live music performed intimately in the studio. Israels words and lyrics are thoughtful and helpful for those struggling with finding their way through mental health. Enjoy.

Each year, we survey our listeners on their biggest questions about mental health. It is surprising how often the questions get back to the basics: How do I know if I’m mentally ill or just stressed? Where do I go for help? Does medicine help or hurt? Dr. Greg Chasson answers your top mental health questions of 2024

This is a revisit to a show we did in 2019. Dr. Jenna LeJeune and Dr. Brian Goff talk about navigating the holiday season, and dealing with internal and external stress. It is a very organic discussion as it just "happened" while we were still rolling audio from another show. We took the conversation as a gift and used it as a show... it's the season of gift giving and receiving after all. Enjoy.

Here’s Dr. Greg Chasson on Forced Gratitude. At a time when so many Americans are feeling threatened how do you cope with the forced gratitude themes that surround the holidays. Using the tenants of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dr. Chasson outlines why it can be dangerous and even counterproductive to deny someone’s experience in an attempt to move to them to a state of gratitude or happiness. How can you manage people’s grief, loss, or negative mood state differently? Listen in. And Happy Thanksgiving.

This is a revisit episode from 2019.

Ivan Maisel may be best known for his work as a legendary sportswriter and commentator on ESPN, but in February of 2015, Maisel received a call that would alter his life forever: his son Max's car was found abandoned in a parking lot next to Lake Ontario. How do we process the grief a parent experiences when the cause of death is suicide? In this profoundly emotional interview, Maisel explores the aftermath of loss and how his ongoing grief shapes him as a human and father.

A revisit with Dr. James Polo. He talks about the science behind seasonal affective disorder and why we need to attend to our diets, light exposure, and willingness to socialize during the winter months.

Nearly seventy-five percent of all Americans say they are experiencing election related stress. Dr. Greg Chasson is here to help us get through the coming weeks with evidence-based tools for stress reduction.

No Stone Unturned. Ron Artis II, Radical Honesty.This episode features live musical performances and was recorded in September of 2019.At the time we noted that Ron Artis II was growing into a newly accessible and emotionally acute period of his life. His new album, Love is Love, was a departure from the funk and soul fans were accustomed to from his wildly popular band, Ron Artis II and the Truth, but its stunning lyrics and melodic sound reveal a growth Ron himself says he nearly missed, “From the age of thirteen to eighteen, while I was concentrating on becoming the best guitar player I could be, I thought emotions were something to be dispensed with, a distraction. I didn’t realize how much potential for creativity I was missing.”

This is a "No Stone Unturned Re-Visit episode.It is from 2019.This is a fun episode as it starts with a conversation with one of our Doctors about a "Silent Retreat" she had just experienced.It also has a bit of a political vibe because we talk to Mike Schmidt who at the time was running for Multnomah county district attorney with one of the most multi-dimensional views toward the criminalization of the mentally ill we’ve ever heard. Mike’s experience as an inner city school teacher informs his sense of justice and rehabilitation.Enjoy!