Beyond Well with Sheila Hamilton

Cybersecurity executives have one of the world's most stressful positions: faced with external threats from hackers who never rest and tasked with protecting critical data, government security, and medical information. Not surprisingly, more than half of CISO's and CIO's say stress will make them leave the job within the next 24 months. Omar Khawaja is a former CISO who decided to help others in similar positions recognize their stress and prioritize their lives in order to develop better balance in their lives. Now, as a CISO to the CISO's, Omar talks with Sheila about resilience, burnout, and one of the world's most high-stakes job.

We are thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Christy Gibson, a physician and researcher who marries her Western expertise with the knowledge and wisdom of functional medicine and other therapies that have shown promise for patients struggling with immune disorders, gut dysfunction, and drug resistance. Dr. Gibson's new book, 'The Modern Trauma Toolkit' will be released by Hachette Books in Spring of 2023. We welcome her understanding of integrated trauma work and her appreciation of resilience. Follow her @TikTokTraumaDocWelcome, Dr. Gibson!

We are thrilled to introduce you to Dr. Christy Gibson, a physician and researcher who marries her Western expertise with the knowledge and wisdom of functional medicine and other therapies that have shown promise for patients struggling with immune disorders, gut dysfunction, and drug resistance. Dr. Gibson's career goal is to enhance individual and community well-being through health education, promotion of agency, connection, and healing from trauma. Welcome, Dr. Gibson!

Dr Frank, a practicing psychologist and member of Overeaters Anonymous, joins us to discuss disordered eating, shame, and his personal realization that food had become an addiction. Overeating has much of the same psychological basis as alcohol and drug addictions and a twelve-step process for recovery has been immensely helpful for tens of millions of American adults. For more information https://oa.org/

Dr. Steven Batash is among the world’s leading experts on non-surgical weight loss procedures. He has worked closely with the doctors who pioneered the techniques he practices and has countless success stories of patients in the US, Europe, and South America. Dr. Batash completed his undergraduate education at Columbia University and received his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine. As a board-certified gastroenterologist, he is currently affiliated with NYU Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.In this episode, Dr. Batash talks about the proliferation of Ozempic users and outlines the side effects and decision-making regarding long term use of the drug.

Millions of Americans are now taking drugs that were intended to help diabetics for weight management. Dr. Steven Batash is among the world’s leading experts on non-surgical weight loss procedures.  Dr. Batash completed his undergraduate education at Columbia University and received his medical degree from NYU School of Medicine. As a board-certified gastroenterologist, he is currently affiliated with NYU Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.Dr. Batash discusses the link between weight management and mental health, as well as the impact of the new generation of weight loss drugs on focus, mood, and well-being.

A ReVisit with Author Chris Colin "The Day the Internet Died". Chris Colin is a reporter for the NYTimes the New Yorker, and Wired Magazine. His book OFF, The Day The Internet Died is a comical picture book about a day when all the screens went dark. We all dream about a life free of scrolling or tweeting, but Colin imagines what an analog world might actually look like and why our attachments to our screens has created a new kind of addiction and dependence.

Dr. James Polo talks about the trap of perfectionism and why perfectionists don't always end up more successful in business. How do psychiatrists and psychologists treat perfectionists whose rigidity is beginning to impact their relationships and jobs? Let's get into it!

Courtenay Hameister, author of 'Okay, Fine, Whatever' a humorous look at living with anxiety, joins us for part two of our first program ever.

Courtenay Hameister kindly agreed to be our first guest on Beyond Well and the episode remains one of our favorites; she is guileless, hilarious, and heartbreakingly real about living with anxiety. It's worth a listen, broken down into two parts.   Courtenay is the author of 'Okay, Fine, Whatever,' a humorous look at living with anxiety.

Andrew Solomon is a New York Times Bestselling author, a regular New Yorker contributor, and a person with clinical depression.Andrew's book, 'The Noonday Demon, An Atlas of Depression' was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and won the 2001 National Book Award. The Noonday Demon's contribution to our understanding not only of mental illness but also of the human condition is stunning, examining depression in personal, cultural, and scientific terms.Drawing on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors and scientists, policymakers and politicians, Solomon reveals the subtleties the complexities, and the agony of the disease. ,

Andrea Herron's brilliant guidance for managing workplace mental health issues is one of our favorites. We spend eight to ten hours a day at our workplaces and the people in positions of authority can impact our mental health more than our doctors, friends, even our spouses.This guide for how to navigate human resources and a workplace if you need a mental health break is one you should bookmark or share with friends who are struggling.

Suzanne Anderson and Sheila Hamilton's profoundly intimate and revealing discussion about losing their husbands to suicide. Suzanne is the founder of The Mysterial Woman and a psychologist, coach, leadership consultant and transformational teacher. Her pioneering work helps guide others to awaken to their full feminine and masculine strength.In this interview, Suzanne discusses the story behind, 'You Make Your Path By Walking, a Transformational Field Guide Through Trauma.'

What is manifestation? How does it work, and why has it consumed the attention and energy of millions of young people? Cathleen Beerkens discusses the concept of manifestation and how to use its principles to create better relationships, expand your career, and bring happiness to your life.

If you love someone who is struggling with anxiety and feel helpless to impact their life positively, this episode is for you, with common sense advice and tips to help support the person who suffers from anxiety.

Dr. Jessica Chaudhary joins us to talk about the critical role data analytics can play in determining who might be at risk for suicide and how we might provide support to prevent suicide.

A Wellness Revolution Founder Cathleen Beerkens is urging you to ask these questions of your relationships; is it for a reason, a season or a lifetime? This episode is chocked full of timely advice and tips for anyone navigating a relationship.

We are undoubtedly in the long tail of Covid, and the mental health challenges that resulted from isolation, loneliness, and the impact of losing loved ones to an international pandemic.But not everyone who is struggling needs psychiatric or psychological help. Many people attempting to cope with personal problems could use the help of a personal health and wellness coach; for help with relationships, weight management, career changes, and financial advice. Cathleen Beerkens, CEO of A Wellness Revolution, discusses when it's the right time to hire a coach versus when you might need to seek psychological or psychiatric care.

The stomach is often referred to as the second brain, where the majority of our serotonin is made and our other feel good chemicals are created. Kathleen Beerkens talks about the extraordinary new science and age-old wisdom behind the phrase, “We are what we eat.”

The rise in conspiracy theories mirrors the rise in societal fear and anxiety. What can we do when we see others succumbing to conspiracy theories or a cult mentality? Dr. Jim Polo discusses.

Dr. Jim Polo discusses his own experiences as a military physician in the Iraq war and how trauma informs so much of the way we approach work, relationships, and our outlook onlife.?

Cathleen Beerkens is joining the Beyond Well Team of professionals. With an extensive background in nursing, coaching, and degrees in medicine and holistic health, Cathleen brings a holistic mindset to mental well-being and health.In this episode, Cathleen talks about how she transitioned from the "illness industry" to the wellness profession and why she became aware of the importance of embracing her spiritual path as part of her personal development and enlightenment.

Part two of our conversation with sex therapist and author, Kerry Cohen.

Kerry Cohen is the author of Loose Girl, and Crazy for You: Breaking the Spell of Sex and Love Addiction. Kerry's training as a licensed clinical psychologist and sex therapist is immensely helpful in understanding addictions, compulsions, and the behaviors society deems undesirable.

This episode looks at how Karen Karbo deliberately changed her life to live abroad and how she balances the pull of familial obligations, French paperwork, and a new, expanded way of living in middle age. Karen is an American novelist, non-fiction writer, and journalist. Karbo's three comic novels, Trespassers Welcome Here, The Diamond Lane, and Motherhood Made a Man Out of Me, were each named New York Times Notable Books.

Sabrina Ullman Matthews is one of my favorite people; a brilliant therapist, a curious and sharp mind, and such insightful views on ageism and true beauty. We spoke with her about how she lives the back half of her life with optimism and passion. How do we avoid and ignore the negative stereotypes of aging and live with full authenticity and joy? This is an episode filled with Sabrina's insight and humor.

There is no role as humbling or fraught with the potential for heartbreak than caring for an aging parent. Siblings who live nearby often shoulder the majority of hands on work, while others who live remotely do the best they can to offer financial assistance and other expertise. In this episode, Dr. James Polo talks about how communication at every step of your parent's aging process can help alleviate some of the problems that inevitably crop up when making decisions about care, housing, and end of life decisions.

The share of American adults providing uncompensated care to friends or family members with serious medical conditions and the elderly is growing rapidly. What is even more alarming is that thirty percent of long term facilities could face bankruptcy in the coming years, forcing even more of the caregiving impact in-home and onto unpaid family and friends. Dr. James Polo discusses the psychological impact of long term caregiving and shares some of the strategies for staying well.

The stigma of mental illness prevents far too many people from seeking care. Even more concerning is how difficult it is to find a practitioner in a timely manner, especially one who is taking new patients. Dr. James Polo talks about the difficulty of navigating mental healthcare and provides tips for running the gauntlet.

Dr. James Polo talks about some of the difficulties, challenges and opportunities of middle age.

Ellen Urbani is a human rights activist, mother, and urban farmer who has spent most of her life in service of others. Now, Ellen shares with us the excruciating process of uncoupling from her life partner in order to fulfill her dream of living internationally. With exquisite care, Ellen sets the stage for eventual divorce and her departure from the people and the life she’s nurtured so lovingly.

The CDC has released a worrying report on adolescent mental health. More than 2/3 of teenage females report suffering from persistent sadness. Dr. Polo discusses the role of social media, early puberty, and external pressures that are creating a pressure cooker for adolescent mental health.

Dr. LeJune and Dr. Brian Goff talk about cancel culture, the increase in trigger warnings, and the pros and cons of safe spaces on college campuses, businesses and public gathering places.

Sheila Hamilton is a national speaker on suicide prevention, mental health, and resilience. In this live presentation, Sheila talks about the unique opportunity we have to remake ourselves, again and again. During Suicide Prevention month, reach out to someone who may be suffering from prolonged grief, complicated depression or suicidal thoughts and remind them: One day, your story about what you are going through will help someone else survive another day. There is an opportunity for growth in every aspect of our suffering. Stay Another Day.

Many people who are deep in the throes of depression or anxiety can't recognize how sick they've become, and they resist help. Here's a simple guide for broaching the subject of well-being, when and how to get professional help, and the language of love that should be used again and again in dealing with someone's mental health disorder.

Long before Sheila started the podcast Beyond Well she found herself feeling depressed, lethargic and sluggish during the winter months. Seasonal affective disorder in the Pacific Northwest is a serious challenge. Here, she talks to the host of City Cast about the evidence-based strategies she used to recover.

Dr. James Polo 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.

Technology has opened a new frontier in mental health support and data collection. Mobile devices like cell phones, smartphones, and tablets are giving the public, doctors, and researchers new ways to access help, monitor progress, and increase understanding of mental well-being. Mobile mental health support, apps that can help people create changes in their personal behaviors, and telehealth are just a few of the many digital breakthroughs that have come to the aid of people who are suffering from mental health distress. However, the new technology frontier includes a lot of uncertainty regarding effectiveness, data collection worries, and lasting impacts.

Payton Nyquvest had a history of trauma that resulted in deep depression. He tried every form of therapy and meds, and was considering ending his life when he tried Ayahuasca. The experience was guided, reassuring, and transformative. Payton devoted his life to understanding psychedelics and empowering people to heal and be well through the development and delivery of psychedelic medicine and integration. Payton is the Co-founder and CEO of Numinus, a company that engages in both the research for psychedelics and the commercialized expansion of the sector. Payton has deep business leadership experience, particularly in the finance sector, and is a recognized innovator and visionary in mental health care.

Dr. Jim Polo has been watching the rise and fall of psychedelics in the treatment of mental health since the 1960’s when many physicians were duscredited for supporting alternative treatments. Through the lens of a practicing psychiatrist, Dr. Polo talks about the potential of psychedelics at a time when the development of other psycho pharmaceuticals has stalled.

Nearly eighty percent of people who make New Year's resolutions abandon their goals within three weeks.  Dr. James Polo talks about how to hack your resolution into more manageable, actionable goals that will help you achieve success. Whether you are considering a weight-loss regimen, dry-January, or changing your relationship to work, these tips are helpful and doable.

Being laid off from work is one of the major traumas an individual can suffer. Our jobs have a profound impact on our financial well-being and sense of security, as well as providing a necessary social support and daily purpose. So, how do we cope when we are suddenly laid off from work? Dr. Jim Polo provides a framework for making sure your mindset remains strong and optimistic, including:  Taking time to reassess what went right and what you'd do differently at work. Finding a support group who can help you decompress and begin a job search. Avoiding catastrophic thinking. Focusing on what you can control.  Eliminating the stigma of unemployment and using available resources. Taking the opportunity to reassess your life's goals. Networking the right way to find the next meaningful role.

Trish Walker turned a pivotal birthday into an opportunity for spiritual growth and self-development. Her bucket list of fifty mind expanding and heart thumping experiences taught Trish the value of reaching beyond our comfort zones at mid-life. Now a certified coach, energy healer, author and part time actor, Trish inspires all of us to just get started.

Part two of our conversation with Dr. Brian Pilecki on the potential promise of psychedelics in a therapeutic setting. Dr. Brian Pilecki combs the findings of science with compassion and curiosity. He is research the efficacy of psychedelics and studying harm reduction for people who want to use psychedelics to help with trauma, ptsd, anxiety disorders, and depression. In recent years, psychedelics have drawn interest for their unique ability to create a mind shift and lasting relief for clients who have otherwise battled intractable suffering.

Oregon has approved the use of psyilocybin in a clinical setting. Within the year, some practitioners will be licensed to guide people through a pcilosybin experience. Dr. Brian Pilecki is one of the psychologists who has studied the efficacy of psychedelics and studying harm reduction for people who want to use psychedelics to help with trauma, ptsd, anxiety disorders, and depression. In recent years, psychedelics have drawn interest for their unique ability to create a mind shift and lasting relief for clients who have otherwise battled intractable suffering.

Recorded Pre-Covid Lockdown in January of 2020. First released on Mar 23, 2020 Shame is the most painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. But, as Dr. Goff and Dr. LeJeune discuss, shame roots at the very being of what we care about most. With an increase in public shaming, the potential of depression, isolation, and self-harm increases. The point, as Dr. LeJeune says, is to always offer a fellow human the path to retribution.

Michelle DeCourcy is one of tens of thousands of women who are choosing to have their breast implants removed. After battling leukemia in her thirties, and learning about a type of cancer that is related to breast implants, the designer and performer investigated the pros and cons of replacement. BII (breast implant illness) is not well understood, but the impacts can be debilitating. Women suffer joint pain, brain fog, and other immune system irregularities. Immediately following the procedure, Michelle noted less inflammation in her body, and her frequent bouts with anxiety and depression disappeared. (This is one woman's story about a profound change that had a positive impact on her life and is not meant to be interpreted as medical advice. For more information, see resources below and talk to your doctor.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAprdn6bt9I     https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/08/health/breast-implants-cancer.html NYTImes Article https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness BreastCancer.Org https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-know-about-breast-implants#:~:text=UPDATE%3A%20The%20FDA%20issued%20a,that%20forms%20around%20breast%20implants. FDA resource

Dr. Jenna LeJeune and Dr. Brian Goff talk about navigating the holiday season, and dealing with internal and external stress.

Farzana Nayani (she/hers), is a recognized DEI specialist, international keynote speaker, and business coach. Of multiethnic Filipina-Pakistani background, Farzana is a passionate advocate for the multiracial community, and through her coaching practice, she supports individuals to move towards healing, transformation and achieving their full potential in a culturally sensitive and grounded way.  Nayani talks about:  Taking care of your employees and giving them a sense of well-being with ERGs Supporting marginalized groups who have faced tragedy and also have to carry on with work: How can we support them effectively as leaders and colleagues, or, if we are these professionals ourselves – how do we best address these issues? Will women and other marginalized groups suffer the highest consequences of “quiet quitting” and "labor hoarding"

Jennifer Cassetta witnessed the attack on the twin towers and, months later, endured a personal attack. Jennifer turned to the wisdom of the dojo and the training and discipline of martial arts to strengthen her body, steel her mind, and expand her compassion for herself and others. The Art of Badassery is Jennifer's program for helping women feel safe and powerful from the streets to the boardroom. A third-degree black belt in Hapkido and a master's degree in nutrition, Jennifer teaches women how to fuel themselves to rise above fear and reclaim their power.