In this episode, we take an in-depth look at Stephanie Foo’s acclaimed memoir, What My Bones Know. A successful radio producer for This American Life and Snap Judgment, Foo seemed to have it all on paper, but behind the scenes, she was battling a constant, crushing anxiety she called "the dread".

Join us as we explore her journey from a diagnosis of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) to her relentless pursuit of healing. Unlike traditional PTSD, which is often linked to a single event, C-PTSD arises from chronic, repeated trauma—in Foo's case, years of severe physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her parents in San Jose, California.

Key Topics Covered:

• Understanding C-PTSD: How Complex PTSD differs from traditional PTSD and why it creates a "relentless search for a savior".

• The Science of Trauma: We discuss the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores on physical health and life expectancy, and how trauma can literally reshape the brain.

• A Journalist’s Approach to Healing: Foo attacks her diagnosis like a reporter, interviewing scientists and experimenting with various therapies, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and restorative yoga.

• The Myth of the Model Minority: Foo investigates her hometown of San Jose to uncover the silent epidemic of intergenerational trauma within her immigrant community, challenging the idea of the "perfect" Asian American upbringing.

• Dr. Ham and the Hulk: We discuss the pivotal role of Dr. Jacob Ham, who taught Foo to reframe her rage (her "Hulk") not as a monster, but as a protective force to be thanked rather than shamed.

• From Broken to BADASS: The surprising twist where Foo learns that her trauma responses—specifically dissociation—can actually function as a superpower in times of crisis, a phenomenon researchers call BADASS (Blunted and Discordant Affect Sensitivity Syndrome).

Memorable Quote: "Healing is never final. It is never perfection. But along with the losses are the triumphs... I am the beast’s master, and at the end of each battle I stand strong and plant my flag."

Are you a busy clinician looking for bottom-line assessments of the latest psychiatric medications? In this episode, we dive into the Eighth Edition of the Medication Fact Book for Psychiatric Practice. Authored by Talia Puzantian, PharmD, and Daniel J. Carlat, MD, this comprehensive 2026 update is designed to provide "need-to-know" information that can be quickly absorbed during a busy day of seeing patients.

Join us as we explore the latest additions to this essential reference guide, including:

• New FDA Approvals: We cover nine new fact sheets featuring recently approved treatments, such as the novel antipsychotic xanomeline/trospium (Cobenfy), the rapid-acting postpartum depression drug zuranolone (Zurzuvae), and the new antidepressant gepirone (Exxua).
• Clinical Decision Tools: Learn about the book's 11 updated treatment algorithms and 33 quick-scan tables, covering everything from ADHD and mood stabilizers to somatic treatments like blue light blocking glasses.
• Practical Practice Management: We discuss a brand-new appendix dedicated to navigating the frustration of prior authorization requests and denials, alongside updated guidance on dosing in hepatic and renal impairment.
• Expanded Treatment Categories: Discover the latest protocols for anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies in dementia care and updated strategies for managing side effects like weight gain and tardive dyskinesia.

Whether you are a psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or psychologist, this episode offers a preview of the algorithms and clinical pearls you need to streamline your prescribing practice.

This podcast discusses the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, which posits that mitochondrial dysfunction is the fundamental biological root of mental illness. Rather than viewing psychiatric conditions solely as neurotransmitter imbalances, this framework suggests that disorders like depression and schizophrenia are manifestations of cellular energy failure in the brain. Research indicates a bi-directional link between metabolic diseases and mental health, where issues like insulin resistance can actually predict future psychiatric decline. Consequently, traditional medications may fail because they only address downstream symptoms instead of the underlying metabolic crisis. To bridge this gap, the text advocates for metabolic interventions such as the ketogenic diet, which may restore brain function by enhancing mitochondrial health and providing alternative fuel sources. This perspective seeks to integrate psychiatry with general medicine, reframing mental health as a reflection of the body's overall energy regulation and physical vitality.