In this interview, Al interviews Dr. Rick Doblin, founder and executive director of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), on the topic of MDMA research for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Rick shares some incredibly personal stories related to how he became involved and interested in psychedelics, including the story of a college counselor who shared a book with him in order to improve his psychedelic "trips". Hear how MAPS was able to receive ...
Mar 28, 2021•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 90
In this episode, Al interviews Theodora Blanchfield on the topic of receiving ketamine infusions (recorded 8-10-21). For the past five years or so, Theodora had been struggling with severe depression. In that time, she was hospitalized twice for suicidal ideation and spent six weeks at an in-patient program. Her therapist then suggested ketamine. After a great deal of research, Theodora decided to give it a shot. She describes her first session in great detail and the immediate, positive impact ...
Feb 28, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 89
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Gukasyan, psychiatrist and post-doctoral research fellow at Johns Hopkins University, on the topic of psychedelics and the treatment of mental illness. Dr. Gukasyan describes the current research that is ongoing at Johns Hopkins. Hear about the history of psychedelics and the ins and outs regarding the structure of the research. You'll hear about the guides, the importance of set and setting, and much more. Given that research regarding antidepressants is at a ...
Jan 31, 2021•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 88
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Nolan Williams, assistant professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and the director of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab (recorded 11-20-20). Dr. Williams has a broad background in neuropsychiatry and is double board certified in both neurology and psychiatry. Dr. Williams describes what Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is and how it works. He goes on to describe the very recent research he is leading at Stanford University ...
Dec 27, 2020•31 min•Ep. 87
In this episode, Al interviews world-renown addiction specialist and CEO/Founder of Robb Kelly Recovery Group (recorded 10-7-20). Dr. Kelly candidly shares his tragic story of what drinking did to his life. Dr. Kelly had a love and talent for music at a very young age. He was playing gigs with his uncle on stage at the age of nine. It was between sets at one of these gigs that his uncle gave him his first beer. Dr. Kelly describes how, as a functioning alcoholic, he was able to enter the Univers...
Nov 29, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 86
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Sam Ko, Board Certified Emergency Physician and Medical Director of Reset Ketamine, on the topic of Ketamine (recorded 7-9-20). Dr. Ko talks about his own challenges of working as an emergency room doctor for just over two years and having reached a point of burn out. After spending time traveling the world, studying yoga and meditation, and taking leadership courses, Dr. Ko was able to become rejuvenated and ponder the question, "What is something unique that ...
Oct 25, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 85
In this episode, Al interviews Mindy Greiling, former Minnesota State Representative, Former National NAMI Board Member and author of Fix What You Can: Schizophrenia and a Law Maker's Fight for Her Son (recorded 8-19-20). A former teacher and school board member, Mindy first joined the Minnesota House of Representatives with her eye on education. After six years in the legislature, her son, Jim, was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. While continuing her work within the education committee...
Sep 27, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 84
Today, September 3, World Suicide Prevention Day, marks three years to the day that the Depression Files podcast has been up and running. Every other week I’ve published a man’s lived experience with depression and/or other mental illnesses. In addition, I’ve published several BONUS episodes in between episodes in which we’ve had a guest and taken a deep dive into a topic such as bipolar disorder or suicide. Today, on the third anniversary of the show, I’d like to announce a few changes that wil...
Sep 10, 2020•2 min•Ep. 83
In this episode, Al interviews Josh Knutti, host of the Overcoming You podcast (recorded 7-1-20). Josh worked his way up the corporate ladder and was managing a $580 million, 22K associates company that operated in several countries. But it was never enough for Josh. Wanting more, he left his job and planned to purchase his own company. This major deal fell through at the last possible moment, leaving Josh broke and with nothing. Josh describes the debilitating depression he experienced for a ye...
Sep 06, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 82
In this episode, Al interviews James Withey, former therapist, mental health advocate, public speaker, and author (recorded 6-18-20). James shares the challenges of losing his father at age five and knowing he was gay at the young age of eleven or twelve, yet keeping those feelings hidden until age eighteen. James very candidly describes his battle with anxiety, panic attacks, anorexia and depression. Multiple suicide attempts and hospitalizations, James still has a safety plan in place that inc...
Aug 23, 2020•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 81
This is a Bonus Episode in which Al interviews an expert or guest on a particular topic related to mental health. In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Peter Gutierrez on the topic of suicide (recorded 6-24-20). Al and Dr. Gutierrez discuss a wide range of topics around suicide; data, impulsivity, Ketamine, therapy groups and much more! Dr. Gutierrez is a clinical research psychologist focused on the topic of suicide prevention. He currently works for LivingWorks as a research suicidologist. If you...
Aug 16, 2020•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 80
In this interview, Al interviews Matthew Williams, author, public speaker, and project worker for the Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind Charity. Matthew describes three major bouts of depression that he has dealt with in his lifetime. Matthew speaks of taking mental health leaves from work, his fear of starting medications, his recovery, and his passion for doing work that supports others. Matthew is the author of, Something Changed: Stumbling Through Divorce, Dating, and Depression and A Familiar...
Aug 09, 2020•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 79
In this episode, Al interviews Evan Whitehead, director of special services, national consultant, and public speaker (recorded 4-8-20). Growing up with a father who was unpredictable due to substance abuse, Evan experienced trauma as a child. At times, the power and phones at their home would be shut off and the family moved a number of times throughout his childhood. Evan experienced his first bout of depression when he left home for college and started playing DI football. In high school, Evan...
Jul 26, 2020•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 78
This is a Bonus Episode in which Al interviews an expert or guest on a particular topic related to mental health. In this episode, Al interviews Michael Pipich LMFT on the topic of bipolar disorder (recorded 6-16-20). Michael describes the differences between various types of bipolar disorder and the importance of a holistic approach to treating one with this mental illness. Michael shares various treatment options, describes some of the medications, and explains the importance of having family ...
Jul 19, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 76
In this episode, Al interviews Jon Harper, assistant principal, author, podcaster, and public speaker (recorded 4-1-20). Jon and Al, both assistance principals, discuss the importance of supporting educators with their own mental health. Jon talks about the importance of vulnerability as a leader and the importance of self-care. Jon also shares the story of his own "breakdown" due to a continued rise in the level of anxiety he was dealing with eight years ago. Jon wrote an article titled, " 5 St...
Jul 12, 2020•51 min•Ep. 77
In this episode, Al interviews John Arenburg, addictions counselor, former longer-term care worker, volunteer firefighter, author, and mental health advocate (recorded 3-30-20). John struggled in school from a young age, acting out and smashing things and often finding himself in the principal's office. He began to see a social worker at the age of eleven or so, yet his behaviors peaked in middle school. John became a volunteer firefighter while still in high school and a full-active member at t...
Jun 28, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 75
In this episode, Al interviews Brett Stevens, start-up consultant, former professional Poker Player, and author (recorded 3-26-20). Brett had no signs of any type of mental illness until the age of nineteen when he had his first manic episode. Brett takes us through his three manic episodes, all of which began with seven days of paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations. Each of which landed him in a psychiatric hospital inpatient program. Each impacting his life for approximately eighteen months....
Jun 14, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, Al interviews Jordan Brown, mental health advocate, trained social worker, and author (recorded 4-6-20). Although Jordan has experienced anxiety since childhood, it wasn't until 2012, after open heart surgery, that he experienced depression. Jordan describes his path to recovery, including a six-day inpatient hospitalization. As a trained social worker with experience in the mental health field, Jordan shares some incredible insights. Combining his love of writing and his passio...
May 31, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 73
In this episode, Al interviews Jon Middleton, former cardiac nurse and teacher of health and social care (recorded 3-18-20). Jon shares his story of growing up with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. Jon's first diagnosis of depression came at age nineteen or twenty after three tragic deaths of people who were close to him in the short span of two weeks, while dealing with the stress of nursing school. Jon describes several episodes of depression he has had to work through, the impact of st...
May 17, 2020•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 72
In this episode, Al interviews Sean Blackwell, researcher and teacher of the spiritual dimension and healing potential of bipolar disorder and author (recorded 3-4-20). Sean shares the path that led him to depression, as well as the many synchronicities that led him to a Landmark Forum conference in which he experienced his first and only psychotic episode. Sean describes this episode, which he refers to as a "Mystical experience", along with his four-day stay at a psychiatric hospital. Hear abo...
May 03, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 71
In this episode, Al interviews Raymond Baxter, mental health activist, cryptocurrency enthusiast, and found of The Relationship Blogger (recorded 2-25-20). Raymond grew up with extreme anxiety and a susceptibility to depression. He recalls his first panic attack at the age of eight years old. At the age of thirteen, he lost a father-figure to a fast-moving stomach cancer. This threw Raymond into a spiral of poor behavior and bad choices. He started drinking and taking drugs. He was kicked off th...
Apr 19, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, Al interviews Chris Agudo, delivery driver, suicide attempt survivor, author, and cofounder of Living Is So Big (recorded 2-24-20). Chris can put his finger on four things that occurred in a short period of time that threw him into a dangerous, downward spiral of depression; 1) unrelenting, unexplained massive headaches, 2) a broken relationship, 3) poor grades, and 4) a tragic accident that killed two of his friends. Chris decided to visit his brother and a friend for a final g...
Apr 05, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 69
In this episode, Al interviews Tom Cronin, retreat host, meditation teacher, coach, keynote speaker, author, and film producer (recorded 2-17-20). Tom shares his story of working on the floor for 26 years in finance markets as one of Sydney’s leading bond and swap brokers. Tom started this job at the young age of nineteen. Receiving a company sports car and taking clients out for expensive meals and drinks, he was living the dream. However, after eight years of this lifestyle, depression had cre...
Mar 22, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, Al interviews Andy Grant, transformational energy coach, founder of Real Men Feel , best-selling author & suicide attempt survivor (recorded 2-11-20). At age five, Andy began to be molested by a neighbor who was a family friend. He experienced suicidal thoughts from the very young age of eight years old and had his first, of many, attempts at twelve. At age fifteen, in a five-minute appointment based solely on a hereditary factor, Andy was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. An...
Mar 08, 2020•1 hr 16 min
In this episode, Al interviews Brock Wilbur, political reporter and standup comedian (recorded 2-5-20). Brock describes a life with several suicide attempts, one as young as 3rd or 4th grade. He describes losing many friends who would simply disappear from his life with no known reason. Until, that is, one day when a friend called Brock's wife to explain that Brock had broken into her apartment and ranted at her for about an hour about a treasure map that didn't exist. She was especially concern...
Feb 23, 2020•56 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, Al interviews Immanuel Jones, YouTuber, certified life coach, and mental health advocate (recorded 2-3-20). Immanuel believes he struggled with depression since elementary school. He always wondered why everybody else at school seemed happy and was able to have fun. Throughout much of middle school, Immanuel wanted to sleep and not wake up. It wasn't until high school that he realized there was an issue with his mental health. However, it wasn't until much later that he'd finall...
Feb 09, 2020•51 min•Season 1Ep. 66
In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Dan Crocker, poet and college professor (recorded 8-26-17). Dan describes his first panic attack at age sixteen. At age 43, Dan was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Dan describes his first mania in which he had only one hour of sleep in a six-day period of time, as well as experiencing delusions. Dan has written several books including, Do Not Look Directly Into Me, The Cornstalk Man, Shit House Rat, just to name a few. He and his wife host the podcast, Sanespl...
Jan 26, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 65
In this episode, Al interviews Donald "Skip" G. Mondragon II, internal medicine physician, 26-year army veteran, author, and mental health advocate (recorded 1-10-19). Skip grew up with seven siblings. After returning from the Korean War, his father battled mental illness, was in and out of the VA Hospital, and sadly died when Skip was only thirteen years old. Skip was bullied throughout elementary school, until he joined the wrestling team in eighth grade. Wrestling became a huge part of Skip's...
Jan 12, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 64
In this episode, Al interviews Sam Miltich, jazz guitarist and mental health advocate (recorded 12-16-19). At the age of 18 and living in his rural hometown in northern Minnesota, Sam was discovered by a Minnesota Public Radio reporter and his jazz career skyrocketed. This young, small town jazz musician joined Paul Mehling's Hot Club of San Francisco and started touring internationally with the world-renowned Robin Nolan Trio. At the age of twenty-two, Sam was stricken with a major psychotic ep...
Dec 29, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 63
In this episode, Al interviews Joe Dwyer, author, animal chaplain, certified pet loss counselor, dog trainer, and public speaker (recorded 11-18-19). Joe describes growing up with psoriasis that covered his body from head to toe. Due to his extreme case of psoriasis, classmates referred to Joe as, "The Creeping Crud". Joe describes how, as an adult, there was a day in which he crumbled to the floor of his kitchen that was the start of a two-week period of major depression. Joe wrote a book title...
Dec 15, 2019•55 min•Season 1Ep. 62
