Episodes

  • Psychopharmacology Masterclass: Drug Classes, Mechanisms of Action, and What Every Psychologist Needs to Know for Clinical Practice and the

    Psychopharmacology Masterclass: Drug Classes, Mechanisms of Action, and What Every Psychologist Needs to Know for Clinical Practice and the
    Jun 24 2026
    Psychopharmacology is one of the most heavily tested and clinically consequential domains in professional psychology, covering everything from the neurochemical mechanisms behind antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anxiolytics to the pharmacokinetic principles that determine how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in ways that directly affect treatment outcomes and patient safety. This lecture-style episode breaks down the major drug classes tested on the EPPP and encountered in integrated care settings, including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, MAOIs, first and second generation antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and lithium, covering their mechanisms, therapeutic windows, side effect profiles, and the clinical decision-making frameworks psychologists need to consult competently with prescribing professionals. Whether you are preparing for licensure, refreshing your pharmacology knowledge for supervision or consultation, or building the scientific foundation you need to practice in an era of increasingly integrated behavioral health care, this episode delivers the core content in a focused, high-yield format designed to make complex neuroscience and pharmacology accessible and retainable.
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    17 mins
  • Retracted: The Hepatitis B Vaccine, Autism Claims, and the Challenges of Causation

    Retracted: The Hepatitis B Vaccine, Autism Claims, and the Challenges of Causation
    Jun 9 2026
    In this episode, we examine the recent retraction of a 2010 study that suggested a link between neonatal hepatitis B vaccination and autism in boys. We break down the methodological flaws that led to its withdrawal, explore related research from the same authors and others, and dive into why establishing causal links between vaccines and autism remains extraordinarily complex. Autism is multifactorial—shaped by genetics, environment, and timing—and we discuss the broader scientific consensus while highlighting the importance of rigorous evidence in public health debates.
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    7 mins
  • Escitalopram for Kids’ Anxiety: FDA Approval or Risky Gamble? Weighing the Evidence”

    Escitalopram for Kids’ Anxiety: FDA Approval or Risky Gamble? Weighing the Evidence”
    Jun 8 2026
    In 2023, the FDA approved escitalopram (Lexapro) for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in children aged 7 and older, based largely on one industry-sponsored trial showing a small statistical edge over placebo on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS). Critics argue the benefits fall below clinically meaningful thresholds while risks—particularly a roughly six-fold increase in treatment-emergent suicidal ideation—raise serious concerns about the risk-benefit balance. This episode explores the trial data, study limitations, broader context of pediatric antidepressant use, and what it means for families and clinicians navigating anxiety treatment options.
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    8 mins
  • Noribogaine (DMX-1001): A Neuroplastogen Breakthrough for Alcohol Use Disorder or Another Psychedelic Promise with Risks?

    Noribogaine (DMX-1001): A Neuroplastogen Breakthrough for Alcohol Use Disorder or Another Psychedelic Promise with Risks?
    Jun 1 2026
    The FDA accepted DemeRx’s IND for oral noribogaine (DMX-1001) in April 2026, advancing a longer-acting metabolite of ibogaine as a potential treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) through neuroplasticity and polypharmacology. We explore the science, preclinical data, early Phase 1 results, related ibogaine/noribogaine studies, and what this could mean for the millions struggling with AUD. Tune in for a balanced look at the pros, cons, limitations, and practical implications of this emerging therapy.20
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    5 mins
  • Rising Costs in Healthcare: The 2026 Pharmaceutical Price Increases and Their Implications

    Rising Costs in Healthcare: The 2026 Pharmaceutical Price Increases and Their Implications
    May 27 2026
    I n early 2026, pharmaceutical manufacturers announced list price increases on at least 350 brand-name medications, continuing a pattern that affects treatments for cancer, COVID-19, migraines, and other conditions despite policy efforts to enhance affordability. This episode examines the scope of these hikes, notable examples such as Pfizer’s adjustments to Ibrance and Comirnaty, and the broader context of Medicare negotiations that provide relief for select drugs. Listeners will gain insights into the economic drivers, patient impacts, and potential long-term consequences for healthcare access and innovation.100
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    5 mins
  • The Accidental Mind: Serendipity and the Birth of Modern Psychopharmacology part 2

    The Accidental Mind: Serendipity and the Birth of Modern Psychopharmacology part 2
    May 26 2026
    Part two In the mid-20th century, a handful of chance observations transformed psychiatry from an asylum-bound specialty into a medical field powered by effective drugs. This episode explores how chlorpromazine emerged from industrial dyes and surgical experiments, how imipramine and lithium were stumbled upon while chasing unrelated ideas, and how these discoveries reshaped our understanding of mental illness. Join us for a fascinating journey through scientific luck, keen observation, and the drugs that freed millions from institutional walls.1
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    5 mins
  • The Accidental Mind: Serendipity and the Birth of Modern Psychopharmacology part 1

    The Accidental Mind: Serendipity and the Birth of Modern Psychopharmacology part 1
    May 25 2026
    In the mid-20th century, a handful of chance observations transformed psychiatry from an asylum-bound specialty into a medical field powered by effective drugs. This episode explores how chlorpromazine emerged from industrial dyes and surgical experiments, how imipramine and lithium were stumbled upon while chasing unrelated ideas, and how these discoveries reshaped our understanding of mental illness. Join us for a fascinating journey through scientific luck, keen observation, and the drugs that freed millions from institutional walls.
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    4 mins
  • Curcumin: Turmeric’s Golden Promise for Blood Sugar and Mood – Evidence, Arguments For and Against

    Curcumin: Turmeric’s Golden Promise for Blood Sugar and Mood – Evidence, Arguments For and Against
    May 21 2026
    Explore the 2026 meta-analysis and supporting studies on curcumin for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, depression, and anxiety, weighing compelling arguments in favor of its use against important limitations and counterpoints. We break down benefits like improved glycemic control and mood support alongside bioavailability issues, study flaws, safety concerns, and why it’s no miracle cure. This balanced episode includes a layman’s summary, real-world example, and practical guidance for anyone considering turmeric or supplements
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    6 mins