Join me in this illuminating episode as I sit down with Professor John Read, a leading mental health researcher. Drawing from decades of research and clinical experience, Prof. Read explains how childhood trauma physically reshapes the brain, challenges the oversimplified "chemical imbalance" theory of depression, and reveals disturbing data about the efficacy of antidepressant medications. Through evidence-based insights and real patient experiences, Prof. Read explains why the current psychiatric system often fails those it aims to help, and why many people struggling with mental health deserve better options than just medication.

Key Topics:

• Childhood Trauma and Mental Health: How early life trauma physically changes the brain and affects mental health in adulthood

• Critique of Modern Psychiatry: Examining the flaws in current psychiatric diagnostic systems and treatment approaches

• Antidepressant Medication: Efficacy and Concerns: Antidepressants vs Placebo and their side effects

• Pharmaceutical Industry Influence: How drug companies shape mental health research and treatment decisions

• Alternative Treatment Approaches: Exploring non-medication options for managing mental health

• Medication Withdrawal Support: Practical advice for safely stopping psychiatric medications

• Future of Mental Health Care: Discussing hopes for reform in mental health treatment, including moving away from ECT

Actionable Takeaways:

• Remember that mental health is complex and not just about brain chemistry - explore all factors affecting your wellbeing.

• Share your life experiences and any past trauma with your mental health provider, as these significantly impact your current health.

• Research multiple treatment options beyond medication, as antidepressants aren't always more effective than placebos.

• If stopping antidepressants, create a careful tapering plan with your doctor to avoid confusing withdrawal symptoms with returning depression.

• Focus on sleep, exercise, diet, and social connections as powerful tools for mental health improvement.

• Before taking any psychiatric medication, investigate both benefits and risks using independent sources.

• Connect with support groups and advocacy organisations for guidance through your mental health journey.

Connect with Professor John Read:
International Institute for Psychiatric Drug Withdrawal
Hearing Voices Network, England

Connect with Paul Taylor:
Learn more about Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor on LinkedIn
Paul Taylor on Instagram
Paul Taylor on YouTube

Support the Podcast:
If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.

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Today I discuss how our knowledge of Lactic Acid, or to be more specific, it's close cousin Lactate, which is Lactic Acid without the hydrogen ion. Most of us think about the unpleasant sensations and feelings, but research shows that Lactate has a myriad of surprising benefits for the body and brain.

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How you respond to stress today has been significantly influenced by your early childhood experiences. However, this doesn't mean you have to be victim of the past. Carly delves into what you can do on a daily basis to help you manage your stress and live well.

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In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating world of your gut microbiome—often called your 'second brain'—with leading expert Dr. Jason Hawrelak - a researcher, educator, and naturopath with 25 years’ clinical experience.

We explore how modern diets and environmental toxins are decimating our gut health, with shocking revelations about how 'forever chemicals' and the impact on our hea;th.

From explaining faecal transplants to understanding the critical role of probiotics during antibiotic treatment, this conversation uncovers cutting-edge research about the gut-brain connection and its impact on ageing, mental health, and overall wellbeing.

Whether you're struggling with digestive issues or simply want to optimise your health through personalised nutrition, this episode provides practical strategies to protect and enhance your microbiome in our modern toxic world.

Key Topics:

• The Gut-Brain Connection: Exploring the microbiome as a 'second brain' and its communication pathways with the central nervous system

• Modern Diet Challenges: Processed foods, emulsifiers, and preservatives' impact on gut health and the microbiome

• Faecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT): Historical context and current applications in treating various health conditions

• Environmental Toxins: Examining 'forever chemicals', microplastics, and their effects on gut health and human organs

• Antibiotics and Probiotics: Guidelines for probiotic use during antibiotic treatment and the role of Saccharomyces boulardii

• Ageing and the Microbiome: How gut bacteria changes with age, implications for health, and the Japanese 'ikigai' approach to healthy ageing

• Personalised Nutrition: The future of microbiome testing and customised dietary interventions based on individual gut profiles

Key Takeaways:

• Minimise ultra-processed foods and preservatives to protect your gut barrier, which houses 80% of your immune system.

• When prescribed antibiotics, take Saccharomyces boulardii a few hours after each dose to support your gut health.

• Reduce exposure to 'forever chemicals' by choosing plastic-free food storage and minimising packaged foods.

• Eat a varied diet whilst young to build a diverse microbiome that will serve you well into old age.

• Follow the Japanese 'ikigai' principle by growing your own vegetables and staying active to maintain gut health as you age.

• Manage your stress levels actively, as there's a direct two-way relationship between stress and gut health.

• Consider microbiome testing for personalised dietary recommendations if you're experiencing persistent digestive issues

Connect with Dr. Jason Hawrelak:
Dr Jason Hawrelak on LinkedIn
Learn more about Dr. Jason Hawrelak: Home - Probiotic Advisor
The Hawrelak Gut & Microbiome Clinic

Connect with Paul Taylor:
Learn more about Paul Taylor
Paul Taylor on LinkedIn
Paul Taylor on Instagram
Paul Taylor on YouTube

Support the Podcast:
If you found this episode valuable, please consider subscribing, rating, and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more people with important conversations like this one.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from hearing it—emotional eating is more common than we think, and this conversation could make a difference in someone's life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Carly explores the power of embracing life as it truely is. We often get stuck on how things 'should' be, but that mindset can lead to frustration, stress and disappointment. Whether it's family gatherings, challenging situations, or unexpected turns in life, learning to accept reality helps us find peace and live more fully in the present. Carly will dive into practical ways to release the struggle and focus on what truely matters.

Carly Taylor is a Mental Fitness Coach passionate about helping people tame their mind so they can live a rich, meaningful and fulfilled life. She is trained in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), Japanese Psychology, is an IIN qualified Health Coach and is currently undergoing a Maters of Counselling. For more information, go to carlytaylorcoaching.com.au or follow her on Instagram: carly_taylor_coaching.

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Of all the touted strategies and supplement touted to reduce your biological age and rate of aging, one stands out for the strength of the evidence, and we explore it on this week's Wisdom Wednesdays.

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