A PsychoDelicious Conversation

This episode examines how media-driven body ideals shape mental health, body image, and perceptions of physical change. Melissa and Mike combine personal experiences with clinical perspectives to explore eating disorders, body dysmorphia, the limitations of BMI, and the growing role of GLP-1 medications. The discussion places these issues within a biopsychosocial framework, while distinguishing the neurological and psychological factors that influence body perception and behavior.

YouTube: Seen and Not Seen – Talking Heads

YouTube: Body Language – Queen

Resources & Links:

Search: Serotonin vs. Dopamine

Search: The Bod is Not Apologies by Sony...

In Part 2 of their discussion on polyamory, Mike, Melissa, and Morgan explore different forms of non-monogamous relationships. With an emphasis on the importance of communication, trust, and personal choice, they discuss jealousy, family dynamics, and how relationships can change over time. Ultimately, healthy relationships begin with understanding and caring for yourself.

Resources & Links:

Search: Esther Perel - State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

On this episode, hosts Mike, Melissa, and Morgan explore polyamory, including how it differs from open relationships and infidelity. They discuss the importance of honesty, communication, boundaries and attachment, while also examining how culture and changing views on relationships may shape the way people approach love and partnership.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

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On this episode, Mike, Melissa, and Morgan explore how psychedelics are being studied as a treatment for conditions like depression, PTSD, and addiction. They discuss the promise of psychedelic therapy, the importance of medical supervision, and why these treatments should be part of a broader mental health plan. The conversation also highlights the risks of using psychedelics without professional guidance.

Resources & Links:

Website: JAMA Psychiatry (Article: Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder)

Website: Nature Medicine (Article: MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study)

Website: eClinical...

On this episode Mike, Morgan, and Melissa explore how psychedelics like psilocybin, ketamine, and MDMA are being studied for mental health treatment. With the recent rise of accessabilty and micro-dosing, the discussion highlights the need for more research to better understand these therapies. They discuss the possible benefits, as well as risks, and why professional guidance and harm reduction are important.

Resources & Links:

Website: JAMA Psychiatry (Article: Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder)

Website: Nature Medicine (Article: MDMA-assisted therapy for severe PTSD: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 study)

Website...

On this episode, Melissa and Morgan return to discuss the connection between mental health and disability, including the challenges of applying for disability benefits. They discuss the FMLA (Family anf Medical Leave Act) and explain the differences between disability claims, as well as share their experience with the process.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Family and Medical Leave Act

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

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On this episode, Morgan and Melissa explore how disability can impact people’s lives, including physical, mental, cognitive, and developmental challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding workplace needs, seeking accommodations, and creating more inclusive spaces where everyone feels supported and valued.

Search: Defining Disability

YouTube: Crip Camp - A Disability Revolution (2020)

Website: Family and Medical Leave Act

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Re...

Mike, Melissa, and Morgan return discuss how personal breakdowns can sometimes lead to meaningful breakthroughs and growth. They explore the value of vulnerability, the importance of seeking guidance, and the role personal responsibility plays in creating positive change.

Youtube: James Brown - "That's Life" (1969)

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

Mike Stratton's A Groove Supreme

Spotify: Mike's...

Mike, Melissa, and Morgan explore how breaks of all kinds, breakdowns, breakups, even breakfast, can affect mental health, relationships, and daily life. They discuss warning signs of emotional distress, the importance of seeking support, and when professional help may be needed. The episode encourages listeners to prioritize their well-being by taking needed breaks and addressing challenges before they become overwhelming.

Youtube: Frank Sinatra - "That's Life" (1966)

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous...

In this episode, the hosts discuss how art and creativity can play an important role in supporting mental health and emotional healing. They also explore the value of reconnecting with personal passions, spending time in nature, and building strong community connections to improve overall well-being.

Mentioned This Episode:

Search: The Artist’s Way

Website: Art Therapy Resources - Information on art therapy and its benefits.

Website: Online Workshops - Offers online art classes that focus on mental well-being.

Website: Mental Health & Art Blogs - A blog that discusses the in...

Mike, Morgan, and Melissa explore the connection between art and mental health, sharing how creative activities can help people work through their thoughts and emotions. They discuss simple ways to express yourself, such as journaling, painting, and other forms of art, and how these activities can support overall well-being. The conversation highlights how creativity is something everyone can use to better understand themselves and connect with others.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Art Therapy Resources - Information on art therapy and its benefits.

Website: Online Workshops - Offers online art classes that focus on...

On this episode, Mike and Morgan return to take a thoughtful look at how emotional regulation plays such an important role in mental health and strategies to help with the flux in high and low emotional states. The conversation explores how trauma, anxiety, and personality disorders can affect the way people respond to stress and emotions. They also share helpful tools like breathing exercises, body awareness, and other healthy ways to manage overwhelming feelings.

Mentioned This Episode:

Article: Fundamental Questions in Emotional Regulation

Article: Emotional Regulation

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If you or...

This episode explores emotional regulation as a key part of mental health. Hosts Mike and Morgan discuss how emotions often serve a protective purpose and why it’s just as important to understand them as it is to manage them. They explore concepts like Internal Family Systems, where different emotional “parts” of ourselves are recognized and using personal insights that highlight how emotional awareness can strengthen relationships and support overall well-being.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Internal Family Systems

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In part two of a two part series, Mike returns with guest Julie Roy, for a thoughtful look at trauma and how it can be treated. Using techniques that focus on grounding the body, can begin to ground the mind, so techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can assist with dissociative feelings or events. Along the way, they share helpful strategies for managing strong emotions and tuning into the body.

Website: National Library of Medicine / EMDR 2.0

Search: The Body Keeps the Score by Besel van der Kolk

Website: Polyvagal Institute

This episode explores trauma, especially complex trauma, and it's impact on our mental health. Host Mike Stratton is joined in studio by fellow therapist and colleague, Julie Roy, to discuss the many forms of trauma, distinguishing between “big T” and “little t” experiences, and highlighting how ongoing relational trauma can be just as impactful as major events. By recognizing even subtle signs and patterns of trauma, therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective tools for healing.

Website: Cleveland Clinic / What is EMDR Therapy?

Website: Dr. Francine Shapiro...

On this episode, hosts Mike, Morgan, and Melissa talk about how ordinary happiness can help balance out everyday struggles. Their discussion covers how small, happy moments, like spending time with friends or doing something you love, can make a big difference. Finding balance is what helps us feel better overall and it can be as simple as thinking positively, or seeking stronger connections with others, but we all need reminders that it’s okay to feel both happiness and pain.

Mentioned This Episode:

Search: Stumbling into Happiness by Daniel Gilbert

Mike Stratton’s A Gr...

On this episode, Mike, Morgan, and Melissa explore emotional pain and its impact on mental health, especially when it shifts from normal, short-term sadness to deeper, ongoing distress. Everyday life struggles can build up and affect emotional well-being, so when this pain goes unrecognized, it can lead to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or caged in. Recognizing when emotional pain becomes too much and when to seek support, is instrumental to protecting and improving mental health.

Mentioned This Episode:

Search: The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck

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This episode continues the spine-tingling exploration of mental health and the paranormal as Melissa, Morgan, and Mike share personal experiences with ghosts and spirituality. They discuss past life regression, entity encounters, and how such experiences can affect mental well-being. The hosts also consider ways to reframe perceived paranormal encounters and discuss techniques like hypnosis and meditation for exploring these phenomena.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on...

This episode takes a sidestep into the realm of parapsychology, to explore its intersections with mental health. Hosts Melissa, Morgan, and Mike discuss how spiritual beliefs and experiences can manifest in various ways, potentially influencing individuals' mental well-being. While it can be difficult navigating the delicate balance between recognizing spiritual experiences and addressing possible psychotic symptoms, the hosts highlight the importance of empathy and understanding. They also share their own varying perceptions and experiences of the paranormal, and how their significance may have shaped their approach to the therapeutic process.

Mentioned This Episode

Website: Religion...

In part two on resolutions, this episode explores the role of goal-setting in therapy, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions. Join hosts, Mike, Morgan, and Melissa, as they discuss the necessity of setting actionable and realistic goals that resonate with each individual's unique circumstances. This episode highlights the distinction between revealing or setting a goal versus the work towards a goal, and advocating for an approach that fosters realistic expectations of progress.

Website: SMART Goals

Website: The Stages of Change

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This episode dives into the urge and conditioning of goal setting, particularly in the context of New Year's resolutions. Join hosts, Mike, Morgan, and Melissa, as they explore their own approach to resolutions, some of which includes adopting words that empower you to stay mindful of progress towards a your goal. They also discuss the balance between professional and personal goals, underscoring the necessity of self-assessment for holistic mental wellbeing.

Website: Auld Lang Syne - Robert Burns (1788)

Website: Auld Land Syne - Guy Lombardo (1947)

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On this episode, the conversation returns to the discussion on dreams and how we interface with them. Join hosts Mike, Morgan, and Melissa as they dive onto how dreams can be both a source of anxiety and a pathway to self-discovery, ultimately contributing to our mental well-being. The discussion also highlights the therapeutic potential of analyzing recurring dream themes, which often mirror our waking anxieties and desires.

Mentioned This Episode:

Dreams - Akira Kurosawa

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This episode explores the relationship between dreams, their significance in processing emotions, and their ability to inform on our experiences. Join Mike, Morgan, and Melissa, as they dive into various theories of dream interpretation, from Freud to Jung, highlighting dreams as reflections of one’s emotional state and unresolved issues. The discussion also highlights the therapeutic potential of analyzing dreams to facilitate emotional healing and self-discovery.

Mention This Episode:

Everybody Dreams : by Michael Stratton

Dreams : by Carl Jung

The Interpretation of Dreams : by Sigmund Freud

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This episode continues the conversation about the intricate relationship between mental and physical well-being, emphasizing the mind-body connection as a pivotal aspect of mental health. Join hosts, Mike, Morgan, and Melissa, as they explore how gut health impacts mental states, primarily through nerve clusters and the vagus nerve. They discuss therapeutic practices such as EMDR, yoga, and mindfulness, which leverage this connection to facilitate healing, emotional regulation, and enhancing mental well-being through physical awareness.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome...

This episode addresses the intricate relationship between gut health and mental health, emphasizing the significant impact of gut microbiota on emotional well-being. Join hosts Mike, Morgan, and Melissa, as they explore how imbalances in gut function correlate with mental health and the role of nutrition in fostering a healthy microbiome. They also examine the impact of dietary choices on emotional stability, advocating for healthier eating habits as a supportive measure in mental health treatment.

Mentioned This Episode:

Nutritional Psychiatry: Your Brain on Food

Nutritional Psychiatry: The Gut-Brain Connection

Vagus Nerve

Join Mike, Morgan, and Melissa as they continue their conversation exploring the intricate relationship between mental health and the holiday season. Emphasizing the challenges posed by seasonal affective disorder and the impact of festive environments on emotional well-being. the convergence of holiday stressors, which include familial interactions, financial pressures, and the pervasive influence of substance use during this time, can all notably add up.

Mentioned This Episode:

Website: Health Partners (Dealing with Depression During the Holidays)

Website: National Library of Medicine (Research on Seasonal Affective Disorder & SAD Lamps)

Website: Healthline (Vitamin...

This episode explores how holidays and family are intricately tied to mental health, highlighting the complexities that these occasions evoke. Join Mike, Morgan, and Melissa as they delve into the duality of holiday experiences. Joy and celebration may coexist with stress, grief, and expectations; therefor, understanding the disparity between societal expectations of joy during the holidays and personal experiences of loneliness can be distressing for many.

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. 988 Website

Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Join Mike, Morgan, and Melissa for part two, as they round out their conversation on women's mental health. Emphasizing the need for specialized treatment approaches that consider gender differences, this episode centers on treatment and the unique dynamics encountered in therapeutic settings. Gender affects the motivations for seeking therapy, the dynamics between patient and therapist, as well as the differing approaches adopted by practitioners, as it becomes vitally important to recognize the influences of gender on mental health and treatment.

Mentioned This Episode:

EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

DBT: Dialectic Behavior Therapy<...

On this episode, Join Mike and Morgan as they welcome their new co-host, Melissa Black, to explore the vital and often overlooked subject of women's mental health. As a myriad factors can contribute to the psychological well-being of women, it's critical to recognize the unique challenges women face throughout various stages of life, including puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. The discussion also highlights the evolution of societal attitudes and the increasing recognition of the need for specialized care given the historically skewed approach of mental health research and treatment.

Learn More About Topics Mentioned this Episode:

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On this episode, Mike and Morgan conclude their discussion on family and the role therapy can play in shaping family dynamics. Structured family therapy aims to affirm the individual within the outline of the group, while helping to challenge the system as a whole. Family members might play specific or different roles within the group, so it can be vital to understand who is engaged and who is disengaged within the familial unit. Sometimes we need to establish healthy boundaries with out family, whether it is limits we may need set when we need space, as well as being...

The theme of this episode explores the intricate relationship between family dynamics and mental health, highlighting the profound impact familial interactions have on an individual's psychological well-being. Join Mike and Morgan as they discuss family structures, be they nuclear, extended, or adoptive, and how they shape our emotional landscapes. From the significance of early childhood experiences, to exposure to various attachment styles of parents and siblings, or even the pervasive influence familial expectations can have on an individual's development and coping mechanisms, listen along for a nuanced discussion that acknowledges both the positive and negative attributes inherent in familial...

Part two concludes Mike and Morgan’s discussion on the forces impacting mental health and treatment. With the current social, political, and economic landscapes seemingly in a state of constant flux, it can be difficult for communities and individuals to navigate the impact of these forces. Additionally, access to mental health treatment is becoming even more cumbersome with the constant changing of political winds. Drawing from personal experience and lessons from recent history, from the Vietnam War draft to Covid lockdown, this episode seeks to provide solutions to what can often feel overwhelming.

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Mike and Mo...

On this episode, Mike and Morgan peel back the layers of everyday life that affect mental health. From the top down, factors at the macro, meso, and micro levels can all intersect, affecting one's well-being, and the tapestry of our shared cultural fabric. Grand forces, like the socioeconomic and political climate have downstream influence on communities and individuals alike, where the impact of contemporary events and policies can have profound ramifications. Throughout the conversation, listeners are invited to engage with these matters, as we strive to foster a deeper understanding of the human experience amidst these tumultuous times.

In part two, Mike and Morgan finish their discussion on the effects of shame and explore strategies to alleviate the array of emotions it may bring about. Shame is often held onto as deeply personal and something to be cloaked in secrecy, which further exacerbates the problem. Societal pressures and expectations my deter someone from seeking help, or even acknowledging their own feelings; however, with self-disclosure and seeking personal truth, confronting shame directly can lead to a release and renewed sense of self.

Ways of Addressing and Overcoming Shame:

In part one of a two part series, Mike and Morgan unpack the intricate phenomenon of shame. Sometimes shame can help us know when we've made an error; however, shame can also lead to internalizing a negative self-image, clouding our ability to see ourselves as worthy. This episode discusses different types of shame, how shame manifests from our experiences and trauma, and how the nature of shame can feel isolating and deeply personal.

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous Conversation

Related Podcast: Mike & Morgan on Behind the Connection

In part two, Mike and Morgan continue to explore the topic of media consumption and its psychological effects on our well being, emphasizing how excessive exposure can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Through the conversation, they aim to illuminate the potential for media to both positively and negatively influence mental well-being, particularly in the context of doom scrolling and the compulsive nature of digital engagement. They advocate for mindfulness in media consumption, encouraging listeners to evaluate their habits and consider healthier alternatives if needed.

Conditions that can be impacted by media:

This episode delves into the intricate relationship between media consumption and mental health. Mike and Morgan explore their own personal media consumption habits and offer insights into how media influences our psychological well-being, discussing the effects of various forms of information—ranging from traditional news to social media.

Part 2 of this episode delves deeper into the intricate dynamics of childhood experiences and their profound implications on mental health. Mike and Morgan engage in a penetrating dialogue that explores the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), elucidating how such factors can significantly influence one's emotional and physical well-being throughout life. Through the lens of personal anecdotes, they examine the ways in which our formative years shape our identities and interpersonal relationships. The conversation further emphasizes the necessity of recognizing and addressing these past traumas to facilitate healing and promote healthier patterns in future generations.

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This episode delves into the intricate relationship between ancestry, culture, and identity, illuminating how our familial histories shape our present selves. We, Michael Stratton and Morgan Bowen, alongside our producer Daedalian Lowry, engage in a profound exploration of these themes, prompted by a listener's inquiry into the significance of ancestry. Throughout the conversation, we reflect upon personal experiences with ancestry research, revealing patterns of behavior and health that echo through generations. The dialogue is enriched by anecdotes and insights into how our respective family histories inform our professional practices in mental health. Ultimately, we seek to understand the broader...

This second part of A PsychoDelicious Conversation explores the intricate dynamics of stress management, elucidating various strategies that individuals may employ to navigate the pervasive challenges associated with stress. We invite listeners to consider both external and internal approaches to mitigate stressors, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and problem-solving in therapeutic contexts. Our discussion further explores the significance of establishing a sustainable practice of stress management, incorporating techniques such as meditation, physical exercise, and fostering community connections.

Website: Mayo Clinic - Stress Relievers

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Mike and Morgan welcome questions and comments Email: A PsychoDelicous...