What if the way we understand antidepressants—and mental health treatment more broadly—is missing part of the story?

Dr Josef Witt-Doerring is a psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer and founder of the Taper Clinic. After reviewing psychiatric drugs for the US market, he became increasingly concerned about how little long-term evidence exists for medications that many people take for years—or even decades.

In this conversation, Tess and Dr Josef examine the benefits, limitations and potential risks of psychiatric medications, why coming off them can be so difficult, and the lifestyle factors that may be overlooked when treating anxiety and depression. They also unpack the Lindsay Clancy case, postpartum psychosis and the possible role of medication, before exploring the prescription-drug patterns connected to public figures including Matthew Perry, Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes.

They discuss:

• What Dr Josef discovered while reviewing psychiatric drugs at the FDA
• Why many antidepressant trials are shorter than their real-world use
• The chemical-imbalance theory and what SSRIs actually do
• When psychiatric medication can be helpful or even lifesaving
• Why medication should never be stopped abruptly without medical support
• The risks of withdrawal, polypharmacy and “stacking” prescriptions
• Why women experiencing menopause may be prescribed antidepressants
• How pharmaceutical marketing influences doctors and public perception
• Dr Josef’s approach to safely tapering psychiatric medication
• The Lindsay Clancy medication timeline and postpartum-psychosis defence
• Whether someone experiencing psychosis can still appear outwardly normal
• The unanswered questions surrounding the Clancy investigation
• Matthew Perry, ketamine and treatment that fell outside standard care
• Why benzodiazepines and opioids can become a lethal combination
• The links Dr Josef sees between cannabis, stimulants and psychosis
• Why emotions can be signals rather than symptoms to automatically silence

This episode explores complex and disputed medical and legal issues. It is for informational purposes only and should not replace individual medical advice. Never begin, stop or alter psychiatric medication without guidance from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Follow @drjosefwittdoerring

Find more: taperclinic.com

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Dave Asprey is one of the pioneers of the modern biohacking movement, founder of Bulletproof & Danger Coffee, host of The Human Upgrade, bestselling author and creator of the Biohacking Conference. In this episode of Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Dave to go beyond the usual conversation about supplements and longevity — exploring what it actually means to optimise your health in a world that can often feel designed against it.

From ultra-processed food and the stark differences between American and international food standards, to sleep, fertility, preventive healthcare and the growing cost of wellness, Dave shares what he believes we're getting wrong about modern health. He also opens up about his own evolution from physical optimisation to spirituality and consciousness, the ideas behind Heavily Meditated, and why after decades of biohacking, some of the most powerful tools may have nothing to do with expensive technology.

In this episode:

• Why Dave believes biohacking can become a spiritual experience
• His current morning routine and what he actually prioritises today
• The evolution from Bulletproof Radio to The Human Upgrade
• Bulletproof Coffee, fasting, energy and weight loss
• Taking close to 100 supplements — and how he knows what’s actually working
• Ultra-processed foods and why ingredients differ between the U.S., Australia and Europe
• FDA, EU and Australian regulatory differences
• Why so many people struggle with sleep — and how to improve sleep quality
• Why feeling healthy isn't always a linear journey
• Preventive healthcare vs waiting until we're sick
• Has biohacking become an exclusive luxury?
• The highest-impact health changes that don't require spending thousands
• Fertility optimisation and having children later in life
• Meditation, stress, triggers and the ideas behind Heavily Meditated
• What Dave thinks the future of human health and longevity looks like

Episode sponsors:

Thrivix Health Optimisation: Australia’s doctor-led telehealth clinic offers personalised, evidence-based care based on your individual health, blood work and goals.

Visit www.thrivix.co and use code TESSTALKS10 for 10% off.

Follow Dave Asprey: @daveasprey

Find more: daveasprey.com

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Victoria’s Secret model turned content creator, entrepreneur and mother Vita Sidorkina joins Tess for an honest conversation about what really happens behind the glamour — and what it takes to completely reinvent yourself when the career you built your identity around comes to an end.

Tess and Vita also talk motherhood, family routines, intuitive wellness, why consistency beats intensity, and the philosophy behind Vita’s new fitness and wellness app, THE CORE.

In this episode:

• Getting scouted at 13 and leaving Russia
• The reality of the modeling industry
• Being rejected from the Victoria’s Secret show
• The extreme diet and training behind VS
• What the Victoria’s Secret “sisterhood” was really like
• Vita’s thoughts on Victoria’s Secret today
• Losing her identity after leaving modeling
• Motherhood and rebuilding her sense of purpose
• Losing followers while changing careers
• Starting again despite other people’s opinions
• The reality of being a full-time content creator
• Vita’s 20–80 rule for consistency
• Building THE CORE and creating a healthier approach to fitness
• Why intuitive eating changed her relationship with wellness

Tess Talks listeners can use TESSTALKS20 for 20% off THE CORE for 30 days.

Download the CORE app on Apple or Android: Here

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow Vita: @vitasidorkina

Follow THE CORE: @thecore

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Logan Hollowell is the Los Angeles-based fine jewellery designer and founder behind her namesake luxury jewellery house, known for creating modern heirlooms rooted in symbolism, spirituality and intention. Her pieces have built a global following, with her designs worn by names including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Jessica Alba and Elsa Hosk.

In this episode, Tess and Logan unpack what it takes to build a business differently — from turning ADHD and feeling “different” into entrepreneurial strengths, to rejecting traditional hustle culture, embracing feminine energy and reprogramming the beliefs that tell us we're not enough. They also dive into manifestation, self-worth, the meaning behind Logan's designs, her engagement and the rituals that keep her grounded.

In this episode:

• Being told not to pursue her dream
• Turning ADHD into an entrepreneurial strength
• Feminine energy vs hustle culture in business
• Reprogramming limiting beliefs and self-worth
• Manifestation, spirituality and trusting yourself
• The symbolism and intention behind her jewellery
• Creating the Aura Sleeve for the Oura Ring
• The moment Logan realised her brand had gone global
• Love, engagement and finding her perfect ring
• The daily rituals that keep her grounded

Mentioned:

Shop Logan Hollowell: Visit the new flagship at 411 Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, or the SoHo, New York showroom.

Tess Talks listeners can also receive 15% off for 30 days with code TESS15

Head to loganhollowell.com

Follow Logan: @loganhollowell

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In this solo episode of Tess Talks, Tess shares a heartfelt life update following the exciting announcement that she's expecting a baby boy. From the behind-the-scenes story of her Maldives gender reveal to the lessons she's learned through two very different pregnancies, Tess reflects on fertility, motherhood and the mindset shifts that have shaped this chapter of her life.

She also opens up about a conversation so many women are having but rarely say out loud: how do you balance building a career while also being the present mother you want to be? From financial independence and career ambitions to the pressure of "doing it all", this episode is an honest reflection on modern womanhood, pregnancy and finding confidence in your own path.

In this episode:

• The story behind discovering she's expecting a baby boy
• What really happened during the Maldives gender reveal
• Why this pregnancy has felt so different the second time around
• The importance of preconception health for both women and men
• The fertility experts and podcast episodes that have transformed her perspective
• Why positive pregnancy and birth stories deserve more attention
• The mindset shifts that have helped her approach pregnancy with confidence
• The realities of balancing career ambitions with motherhood
• The difficult questions women face around work, finances and family
• Books that sparked a new perspective on marriage, motherhood and financial independence
• What she's doing differently during her second pregnancy
• Her current approach to supplements, nutrition and birth preparation
• A sneak peek at an exciting new building project coming soon

Tess Talks Episodes Mentioned:

• Dr Natalie Crawford
• Lily Nichols
• Gabrielle Brennan
• Sheridan Joy Austin (Foraged For You)
• Dave Asprey (upcoming episode)

Other mentions:

Strangers - Belle Burder: Shop here

Start With You - Emma Grede: Shop here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

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Board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Natalie Crawford joins Tess to unpack the science behind fertility, egg quality, hormones and reproductive health. From understanding your AMH levels and whether you should get tested early, to the truth about IVF, egg freezing and the lifestyle factors that genuinely impact fertility, this episode is packed with practical, empowering advice every woman should know. Rather than creating fear, Dr. Crawford shares the knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your health and future.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why fertility is one of the biggest indicators of your overall health
• The difference between egg quantity and egg quality
• What AMH levels actually mean (and why they don't tell the full story)
• Should you get fertility testing before trying for a baby?
• What's considered a healthy follicle count at different ages
• The truth about IVF and egg freezing
• Can you improve your egg quality naturally?
• The lifestyle habits that have the biggest impact on fertility
• Why inflammation plays such a significant role in reproductive health
• How stress, sleep, exercise and nutrition affect your hormones
• Why male fertility is just as important as female fertility
• How testosterone supplementation can impact sperm health
• Should your partner prepare for pregnancy too?
• Tracking ovulation correctly (and why most apps get it wrong)
• The biggest misconceptions around hormonal contraception
• PCOS, endometriosis and when painful periods aren't "normal"
• The five fertility non-negotiables every woman should know
• The future of fertility medicine and having children later in life

Mentioned in this episode:

Purchase Dr Natalie’s Book, The Fertility Formula: Amazon Link

Follow Dr Natalie: @nataliecrawfordmd

Find more: www.nataliecrawfordmd.com

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whether you're building your dream home, planning a renovation or simply trying to make your wardrobe feel less chaotic, this episode is packed with practical advice you'll wish you knew sooner.

Lisa Adams is founder of LA Closet Design, the luxury design studio behind some of the world's most beautiful wardrobes. Having designed spaces for everyone from Khloé Kardashian and Kris Jenner to Reese Witherspoon, Christina Aguilera and Tyra Banks, Lisa shares the design principles that make a home feel calmer, more functional and effortlessly luxurious—no matter your budget.

From hidden storage solutions to the psychology of clutter, this conversation will completely change the way you think about organising your home.

In this episode we discuss:

• The biggest storage mistakes people make when building or renovating
• Why every home should be designed around function before aesthetics
• The psychology of clutter and how it impacts your mood
• Clever storage solutions that maximise every square metre
• The luxury home features actually worth investing in
• Open wardrobes vs closed wardrobes: which is better?
• The organisation systems Lisa uses in celebrity homes
• Why decluttering shouldn't be a once-a-year task
• How to make your wardrobe feel like a luxury boutique
• Small upgrades that instantly elevate your home
• Hidden storage ideas you'll wish you'd thought of sooner
• The one design principle that makes every home feel more expensive

Follow Lisa: @laclosetdesign

Find more: www.laclosetdesign.com

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For years, Robbi Ann Jan looked like she had it all. A successful career, thriving businesses, a growing online platform and the life many people dream of. But behind the success was heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a search for something deeper.

In this deeply honest conversation, Robbi shares the life-changing experiences that led her from betrayal and public heartbreak to faith, healing and a completely new sense of purpose. We discuss identity, relationships, social media, modern culture, spirituality and why she believes so many people are searching for meaning right now.

In this episode we cover:

• Discovering her husband’s affair and rebuilding her life from scratch

• The heartbreak that shaped her identity and future relationships

• Why success, money and followers didn't bring fulfillment

• The difference between healing yourself and surrendering to faith

• Her journey from a "Sunday Christian" to a deeply personal relationship with God

• Why more young people seem drawn to spirituality and Christianity

• Dating, marriage and protecting relationships in the age of social media

• Finding peace after public breakups

• Why she began speaking openly about culture, politics and current events

• Questioning mainstream narratives and learning to think independently

• The state of modern society and why so many people feel disconnected

• What gives her hope for the future

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow @robbijan

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.