Best Psych Ward Stories Podcasts (2025)

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CTE, Hyperbaric Therapy & The Hidden Toll Of Olympic Bobsledding | William Person 1:11:50

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8d ago1:11:50

1:11:50

Olympic bobsledder and mental health advocate William Person opens up about repeated crashes, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), and the terrifying mental fallout—panic, memory loss, “lost years,” and suicidal thinking—in this conversation with host Nicholas Wichman (“The DEFECTIVE Schizoaffective”) and co-host Tony Medeiros (“IndyPocket”). He…

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How Foreign Influence Works in Washington 51:46

13d ago51:46

51:46

The United States is wealthy, powerful, and a democracy. That means there are many avenues for foreign countries vying to influence its politics and policy. Though many forms of foreign lobbying are legal and totally above-board, those efforts are largely misunderstood and all too understudied. But understanding the geopolitics of influence can hel…

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Empathy, Respect & Culture Change In Schools: Building Safer, Supportive Educational Communities w/ Mike & Jeff 1:15:03

22d ago1:15:03

1:15:03

In this episode, our hosts dive deeper with Mike and Jeff—longtime guests and mental health advocates—to explore critical themes of empathy, respect, and culture change in schools and communities. We address how pressures from standardized testing, social media, and evolving societal values impact emotional learning and how these challenges require…

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What Americans Really Think of Trump's Foreign Policy 55:40

26d ago55:40

55:40

Trump embodies many contradictions when it comes to foreign policy. IGA's newly released study, "Reckless Peacemaker? How Americans See Trump's Foreign Policy," tries to make sense of these contradictions by polling Americans on the biggest geopolitical challenges of today. We found that Americans think Trump is performing poorly overall, but there…

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Cyberbullying & Kids’ Mental Health: Understanding Digital Age Bullying Impacts w/ Mike & Jeff 1:11:15

1M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

In this eye-opening episode, hosts dive deep into the intersection of cyberbullying and kids’ mental health, unpacking how bullying in the digital age has evolved and intensified. Join Mike and Jeff, longtime friends and experienced mental health professionals, as they explore the pervasive impact of online harassment on anxiety, depression, and id…

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Exploring Family Trauma & Mental Health: A Mother-Son Conversation w/ Kim Wichman 39:40

2M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we dive into the complex intersection of family trauma, mental health, and grief through an intimate mother-son conversation with Kim Wichman and host Nicholas Wichman. Discover how family dynamics are shaped by protective parenting in the wake of loss and the profound impact of childhood trau…

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Public Safety & Crime Prevention | Perception Vs. Reality w/ Officer Manning 57:32

2M ago57:32

57:32

Gender dynamics, trauma, and preparedness: why many women excel in the police force, the emotional toll of critical incidents, and how public safety has drastically improved over the last several years. We talk perception vs. reality of danger, prevention limits with motivated offenders, lessons learned from past incidents, and the habits that prot…

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Policing & Mental Health | Authority, Stereotypes & Stress Management w/ Officer Manning 55:00

3M ago55:00

55:00

Law enforcement meets real-world mental health. Training intimidation, what police authority really allows (and doesn’t), and how officers manage stress in high-pressure calls. A candid, on-the-ground conversation about domestic violence cases, victim cooperation, bias, and community relations—humanizing the badge without sugarcoating the system. E…

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Alcoholism & Recovery | Reclaiming Life After Addiction w/ Jake Miller 44:36

3M ago44:36

44:36

Alcohol is the most dangerous drug most of us normalize. Recovery is daily and relentless—but it’s how you get your life back. A candid mental health episode about what alcoholism really costs, losing your main coping skill to injury, life changes that isolate you, and what it takes to start over when this drug destroys your life. Episode focus: al…

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Rebuilding After Trauma | Aftermath Of Domestic Abuse & Divorce w/ Kristi Morris 46:09

3M ago46:09

46:09

Adulthood after childhood trauma: a suicide attempt, single motherhood (with four kids), domestic abuse, a devastating divorce, custody and court battles, and what actually helped. A candid mental health episode with trauma-recovery tools, boundaries, and co-parenting realities with an abusive ex-partner. Episode focus: rebuilding after a life of t…

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Healing, Trauma & Disassociation | Surviving Sexual Assault & Child Abuse w/ Kristi Morris 50:31

4M ago50:31

50:31

In this episode, we delve into how sexual assault, childhood abuse, and early dissociation shape trust, identity, and coping mechanisms in trauma recovery—a survivor’s poignant story shared by Kristi Morris. Join us for a candid discussion on the importance of language and validation in healing, and learn how finding safety is essential in navigati…

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Exploring Men's Mental Health | Toxic Masculinity, Feminism & Vulnerability w/ Josh Guffey 3:28:43

5M ago3:28:43

3:28:43

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into men’s mental health and the intersection with toxic masculinity and feminism. Join us as we uncover the critical issues of suicide risk and the strengths that men carry, challenging the notion that "toxic" equates to masculine. This candid conversation opens the door to emotional containers, respect,…

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Living With Schizophrenia | Embracing Creativity During Psychosis w/ Rachel Star Withers 2:19:17

5M ago2:19:17

2:19:17

In this episode, we dive into the intersection of living with schizophrenia and the role of creativity emerging from psychosis. Join us for a raw, candid conversation with Rachel Star Withers as we explore the emotional toll of stigma, suicidal ideation, and finding meaning through your passions. This discussion highlights the challenges of navigat…

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Episode 10: Why The '90s Matter 30:48

6M ago30:48

30:48

The 1990s were a pivotal decade for the United States and the world. This season on None Of The Above, we rewinded to the '90s to cover the breakup of the Soviet Union, America's unipolar moment, and the rise of China. We explored civil war in Afghanistan, the spread of nuclear weapons, South Africa's transition to democracy, and much more. The '90…

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Faith, Religion & Mental Health | Finding Spirituality Without Judgment 3:04:19

6M ago3:04:19

3:04:19

Explore the intersection of faith and mental health in this candid episode, where we discuss how to build a personal spiritual path that honors your journey without the constraints of judgment or societal expectations. From examining the balance of faith versus performance to cultivating a community without conformity, we dive deep into practices t…

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Episode 9: A Military Without Rival 39:12

6M ago39:12

39:12

The military and the very idea of national security changed a lot in the 1990s. Politicians promised a new period of peace and prosperity after the Cold War, but the military would not draw down from the international arena. On the contrary, the United States turned to policing the world, and the military carried out new types of missions meant to …

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Navigating Shadow Work | Safe Expression Vs. Exploitation In Managing Dangerous Urges 1:33:03

6M ago1:33:03

1:33:03

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of navigating shadow work and managing dangerous urges through safe expression and guided exploration, while staunchly opposing exploitation. We openly discuss themes of consent, boundaries, and the importance of seeking professional help when faced with overwhelming feelings—highlighting that glamori…

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Acceptance As Growth | The Power Of Friendship & Accountability w/ Josh Guffey 2:15:19

6M ago2:15:19

2:15:19

In this compelling episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we explore how acceptance, accountability, and friendship serve as catalysts for personal growth. Discover how to own your truths, embrace your regrets, and choose repair over drama. We dive into the impact of good versus harmful teachers, the negative influence of mentors on relati…

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Episode 8: The Cost of Humanitarian Intervention 43:12

7M ago43:12

43:12

When the Cold War ended, many imagined a more peaceful world. Yet the 1990s were marked by humanitarian crises in Somalia, Rwanda, and former Yugoslavia. Images of mass atrocities and genocide reached wide audiences on newly available 24/7 TV news channels, as humanitarians increasingly advocated for military intervention. The United States under B…

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How To Embrace Your Shadow Self | Harnessing Authenticity In Darkness 1:31:19

7M ago1:31:19

1:31:19

In this episode, we explore how accepting your shadow self can lead to greater safety, sanity, and wholeness. By facing the parts of ourselves that we tend to hide, we can foster a more authentic existence—moving away from performative behaviors toward genuine self-acceptance. We delve into the importance of denial as an unhealthy practice and prov…

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Overcoming PTSD | A Veteran's Journey Of Healing After War w/ Marc Wichman 2:44:16

7M ago2:44:16

2:44:16

In this episode, we dive deep into how PTSD, childhood trauma, and the chaos of coming home impact a veteran's life. Join us for a candid conversation with Vietnam veteran and my Great Uncle, Marc Wichman, who shares his journey of combat, marriage, grief, and recovery without holding back. From surviving childhood abuse to choosing the military, a…

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Rhythm & Cognition | How Drumming Boosts IQ & Learning w/ Chris Brien 2:29:14

7M ago2:29:14

2:29:14

In this episode, we explore how drumming shapes cognition by improving attention, learning, and neuroplasticity—alongside the fascinating concepts of synesthesia and authentic ASMR. Join us for a candid discussion on practice systems, teaching mindsets, and discover why rhythm training can sharpen your cognitive abilities both on and off the kit. Y…

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Episode 7: America's China Gamble 41:25

7M ago41:25

41:25

China's violent Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989 marked a turning point in US-China relations. After two decades of slowly but steadily nurturing friendly relations, the United States would choose to develop economic ties without insisting on democratic reforms. The prevailing hope was that China's economic growth would inevitably lead to politic…

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Sudan and the Limits of Western Peacebuilding (from the archive) 26:33

8M ago26:33

26:33

Sudan's civil war recently entered its third year. It has claimed the lives of around 150,000 people and displaced around 13 million. In this archival episode, we revisit the outbreak of violence that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Army, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and a paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces, led by…

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Episode 6: How Apartheid Ended in South Africa 40:05

8M ago40:05

40:05

In the 1990s, South Africa ended apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation, and became a democracy. During the Cold War, the United States supported South Africa's apartheid government because it was anti-communist. But American civil rights activists pushed Washington to reassess its support – which it did as the Cold War wound down. Nelson…

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Recovery From Infidelity & Alcoholism | A Candid Talk w/ Josh Guffey 3:09:31

8M ago3:09:31

3:09:31

In this episode, we delve into how infidelity, alcohol misuse, and family trauma can devastate lives, while exploring what real mental health recovery looks like. Join us for a candid discussion on betrayal, trauma, and suicidal ideation, as well as practical recovery tools that help rebuild lives without erasing the past. We shine a light on the i…

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Episode 5: Why the Israel-Palestine Peace Process Failed 45:19

9M ago45:19

45:19

The 1990s witnessed a turning point in one of the world's most intractable disputes. After four decades of conflict, the 1991 Madrid Conference opened the door for peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. A flurry of negotiations and agreements followed. The Camp David Summit in 2000 was the Clinton administration's last-ditch attempt to prod…

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Drumming With ADHD | Creative Coping Strategies For Mental Health w/ Jay Fenichel 1:40:44

9M ago1:40:44

1:40:44

Explore the unique ways drumming can serve as a powerful focus tool for those with ADHD/ADD, enhancing attention and creativity. In this episode of "Beat The Mental Health Out Of It!", we delve into how rhythm acts as a coping mechanism for mental health challenges. We discuss burnout-proof practices and teaching methods that foster intrinsic motiv…

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Navigating Mental Health With AI | Ego Death, Self-Discovery & Insights w/ Alexis Krebs 1:50:26

9M ago1:50:26

1:50:26

In this episode, we dive into how AI conversations, including EchoAI dialogues, can drive radical self-discovery, turning technology into concrete mental health support, rather than a mere substitute. We engage in a grounded discussion about ego death, structured self-reflection, and noetic resonance theory, focusing on crucial aspects like stigma,…

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Episode 4: Fewer Nukes, More Danger 38:29

9M ago38:29

38:29

Nightmares of mushroom clouds and fears of mutually assured destruction plagued many during the Cold War. But by the early 1990s, both the United States and Russia promised a world with fewer nuclear weapons. Together, they agreed to dismantle 80% of their strategic nuclear warheads. Meanwhile, other countries such as North Korea and Pakistan saw v…

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Unmasking Authenticity | Overcoming Insecurity To Be Seen 32:05

9M ago32:05

32:05

In this episode, we delve into how masking, people-pleasing, insecurity, and shame can keep us from being our authentic selves. Discover the tiny actionable steps—what we call 'tiny reps'—that help you build real authenticity without overwhelming your life. This candid mental health podcast emphasizes vulnerability, boundaries, and self-worth—no pl…

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Friendship & Mental Illness | The Power Of Peer Support w/ Ryan Manning 2:09:53

9M ago2:09:53

2:09:53

Explore how friendship and peer support can be lifelines in the face of mental illness with my guest, Ryan Manning. In this candid episode about mental health, we delve into how the quiet presence of friends can make a world of difference. Discussing schizoaffective storms, the awkwardness of showing up without trying to "fix" problems, and the imp…

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Episode 3: The CIA, Afghanistan, and the Road to 9/11 46:17

10M ago46:17

46:17

This is the story of how a CIA covert action program inadvertently created the conditions for the Taliban to seize control and provide safe haven for Osama bin Laden. Following a Cold War proxy battle between the Soviet Union and the United States, al Qaeda gained strength throughout the 1990s, leading to the deadliest attack on American soil on Se…

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Suicide Survival & Recovery | Why You Are NOT A Burden — My Personal Journey 2:25:24

10M ago2:25:24

2:25:24

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into suicide survival and recovery, shedding light on passive suicidal ideation and the intricate dance of grief. We aim to debunk the harmful myth that you are 'a burden.' Through a raw, first-person narrative, this candid conversation offers essential coping tools and a beacon of hope, free from glamor and plat…

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Transforming Isolation Into Restorative Solitude | A Guide To Depression Recovery 1:56:16

10M ago1:56:16

1:56:16

In this episode, we explore how to harness isolation and intentional solitude as valuable tools for depression recovery. Learn how to differentiate between moments when solitude supports healing and when isolation may lead to rumination and heightened loneliness. This candid mental health podcast discusses coping skills for depression, relapse prev…

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Episode 2: How Democracy Failed in Russia 45:24

10M ago45:24

45:24

America was on top of the world in the 1990s as its erstwhile rival, Russia, was struggling to find its footing. President Boris Yelstin's liberal reforms were soon dashed by economic crises and infighting among Russian elites. US policymakers also contributed to this tragedy, which would lead to Vladimir Putin's rise by the end of the decade. In t…

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Turning Pain Into Music | Insights On BPD, Addiction & Songwriting With Trevor Wischmeyer 2:20:29

10M ago2:20:29

2:20:29

In this candid episode, we explore how BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder), addiction, and the art of ruthless editing can transform pain into meaningful art—without glamorizing the damage done. Join writer and musician Trevor Wischmeyer (Sympathy For The Typewriter) as we delve into the intertwining processes of craft, accountability, and emotio…

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Navigating Emotional Dysregulation & Cognitive Distortions | Strategies For Better Decisions 1:04:58

10M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Emotional dysregulation and cognitive distortions can hijack your decision-making, making it essential to explore effective strategies for better choices. In this episode, we dive into how to use simple data checks, gut checks, and pattern interrupts to stabilize your choices when your brain’s on tilt. Join us for a candid mental health discussion …

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Episode 1: Dawn of Unipolarity 42:32

10M ago42:32

42:32

The 1990s were a decade of transformation and optimism. Teenagers were listening to grunge rock and hip hop on their walkmans. Flannels and jean jackets became staples of '90s fashion. And seemingly without warning, the Cold War was over, the Soviet Union had dissolved, and the United States emerged as the sole superpower. Today's world seems more …

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Harnessing Flow State Through Drumming | A Tool For Mental Health 46:24

11M ago46:24

46:24

In this episode, we explore how harnessing a flow state through drumming can effectively quiet intrusive thoughts and steady an anxious brain. We share real, lived experiences without sugar-coating the challenges faced, making tough days more manageable and survivable. This candid mental health podcast dives deep into creativity and grounding techn…

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Reframing Mental Health | Tackling Stigma & Support Parity 57:12

11M ago57:12

57:12

In this episode, we delve into how mental health parity, stigma, and support gaps shape outcomes—focusing on why the real fight is support vs. stigma, NOT illness vs. illness. Join us for a candid discussion that covers vital elements of mental health advocacy and policy, emphasizing practical support skills over platitudes. Support parity—how do w…

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Smashing Stigmas: Dark Humor In Mental Illness Recovery | Podcast On Lived Experiences 17:36

11M ago17:36

17:36

Explore how mental illness, dark humor, and community play a crucial role in real-life recovery in this candid episode of our mental health podcast. We dive deep into lived-experience mental health struggles, including schizoaffective disorder, and uncover how comedy can be a coping mechanism—balancing its benefits and drawbacks. Join us for unvarn…

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S2:EP6 .:. Mary's Journey 55:36

1+ y ago55:36

55:36

Send us a text In this podcast episode, the host invites her Instagram friend Mary to share her story of chronic illness, which began in middle school and has included a series of ailments such as insomnia, brain fog, anxiety, headaches, and migraines. Mary details her experiences from middle school through college, a traumatic car accident, missio…

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S2:EP5 .:. Ashley's Story 39:03

1+ y ago39:03

39:03

Send us a text In this episode, the host interviews Ashley, who shares her journey of dealing with chronic Lyme disease. Ashley discusses her initial symptoms in early 2020, including numbness and severe leg pain, which escalated over time. She talks about her eventual diagnosis, the challenges of finding the right medical treatment, and her mental…

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S2:EP 4 .:. Doctors I Should Have Reported 37:18

1+ y ago37:18

37:18

Send us a text In this episode I share many of the stories, throughout the years, that I should have reported, bad and good. There are doctors that you'll never forget, who went way outside their purview to help you in ways most doctors today don't. And then there are the plethora of doctors you'll never forget, because of how deliberately and obsc…

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S2:EP3 .:. Make Room at the Table 30:33

1+ y ago30:33

30:33

Send us a text In this episode, I straddle the parallel worlds of those who are chronically sick, and those who are able-bodied and otherwise healthy people. I go through some very specific examples, and ultimately make the point that it is vital we respect, sympathize, empathize and make room at the table for those who aren't like us (whatever you…

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S2:E2 .:. Psych Ward 45:01

1+ y ago45:01

45:01

Send us a text Trigger Warning: This episode covers the topic of unaliving. If this topic is a sensitive one for you, I suggest you skip this one. We'll see you back for episode 3 xoxo In this episode, I share my experience inside a psych facility. It was a time I never thought I'd experience, and it was a lot. I learned a lot about people in my si…

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S2:E1 .:. Bees, IVs, and Purpose 41:51

1+ y ago41:51

41:51

Send us a text Season 2:Episode 1 .:. In this episode, I share with you the choices I've been given to reach remission from 24yrs of Lyme disease. There's something involving bees, there's another option involving IVs, and then there's just stopping to recognize that despite all of these barbaric choices I have to choose between, there is purpose; …

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The Chainsaw Effect: Javier Milei and the Disruption of Argentina's Politics 25:11

1+ y ago25:11

25:11

The surprising election of Argentina's controversial new president, Javier Milei, captivated international media attention. Milei just passed his first major legislative package, and promises to further slash state spending and promote policies to privatize much of the Argentine economy. What drives his support beyond voters' weariness of the count…

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The Hell of Bad Assumptions: Lessons from Afghanistan 34:25

1+ y ago34:25

34:25

In the aftermath of 9/11, America's political leaders lept to action based on, what turned out to be, a series of misplaced and untested assumptions. From conflations between the Taliban and Al Qaeda to misguided theories about nation building, these assumptions drove two decades of policy failure in Afghanistan. Critical missteps came with a human…