In this episode, psychiatrist Dr. Matt Bernstein (founder of ACCORD) explains why metabolic therapies—ketogenic nutrition, circadian alignment, exercise, and mind-body work—often improve energy, mood, sleep, focus, and even psychosis, while enabling safer deprescribing. We dig into why standard care so often fails to restore function; what ketogenic diets can do in severe illness; why incentives from Big Food, Big Pharma, and insurers sideline foundational lifestyle care; and what families can start doing right now—because real change is likely to be grassroots.

In this interview, Dr. Jeffrey Wiegers (BioReset Medical) explains what MUSE stem cells are, how they differ from traditional mesenchymal stem cells, and whether they might help after neurological injuries—concussion/TBI, stroke, chemo neuropathy, or protracted withdrawal (including PSSD). We also cover safety, side effects, why sourcing and good manufacturing practice matter, and new state-level pathways in the U.S.   https://www.bioresetmedical.com/

John and Dee Foster were severely harmed by benzodiazepines—yet instead of staying silent, they spent years fighting for change. Their persistence paid off: the new ASAM benzodiazepine deprescribing guidelines now formally acknowledge physical dependence, protracted withdrawal, the need for slow, patient-led tapers that can take months to years, the importance of shared decision-making, and the role of peer and non-drug supports. John and Dee share what they won for patients, and why these guidelines could mark a turning point in holding the medical system accountable.

In this interview, Cooper Davis shares his 13-year journey on psychiatric medications: starting with Ritalin in high school, moving through nearly every stimulant, and eventually adding multiple other drugs. What began as a dramatic improvement in focus and grades slowly turned into tolerance, side effects, and a growing medication stack that hurt his health, relationships, and career. He describes the moments that pushed him to quit, his withdrawal in a 12-step rehab, and the process of rebuilding life without medications. This is a candid look at both the benefits and costs of psychiatric drugs, and what life can look like after coming off.

Clinical psychologist Anders Sørensen shares his journey from traditional talk therapy to becoming a leading voice in psychiatric drug withdrawal. After realizing that medications were emotionally blunting his clients and preventing meaningful therapeutic work, Anders began researching safe tapering strategies. Anders also discusses his new book Crossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming and Staying Off Psychiatric Drugs, and shares practical insights from years of clinical experience, research, and collaboration with the withdrawal community.

What happens when legal marijuana leads to psychosis, addiction, and family collapse? In this powerful interview, Dr. Yosef speaks with Aubree Adams, founder of Every Brain Matters, whose son suffered from cannabis induced psychosis after using high-potency THC products like dabs. This is not “just weed” — it’s an industrialized drug that is hurting people, especially teens. Aubree shares her family's harrowing story of watching her son become delusional, suicidal, and hospitalized — all linked to marijuana use. She exposes how the cannabis industry, medical system, and public policy continue to mislead families while ignoring the clear science linking THC to psychosis, addiction, and long-term brain damage. We dive into misdiagnosis, lack of support, withdrawal, and the painful reality of parenting a teen through marijuana addiction. Whether you're a parent, a clinician, or someone questioning the safety of today's weed — you need to hear this.

In this conversation, Dr. Joanna Moncrieff discusses her book 'Chemically Imbalanced'. She argues that there is no compelling evidence for a chemical imbalance in depression and questions the continued prescription of antidepressants. We explore the interests of the pharmaceutical industry, the ethical implications of using drugs to mask symptoms, and the need for a paradigm shift in mental health treatment. We discuss the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on psychiatric literature and the defensive stance of the psychiatric profession against critical viewpoints.

Laura Delano shares her journey from being a 'professional psychiatric patient' for over a decade to becoming a leading voice in the psychiatric drug withdrawal movement. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Laura was prescribed a cocktail of medications that only worsened her mental and physical health. After a near-fatal suicide attempt, she began questioning everything she was told about her diagnosis and treatment. Laura discusses her harrowing tapering experience, the impact of psychiatric labels, and how she ultimately reclaimed her life by challenging the mainstream narrative. Today, she’s the founder of Inner Compass Initiative and the author of Unshrunk, where she continues to educate and support those questioning their psychiatric treatment.

Imagine this: you’re at rock bottom, balancing single parenthood with overwhelming mental health struggles. After seeking help, an antidepressant seems like the answer—until things spiral. What starts as relief transforms into a whirlwind of impulsive decisions, relocation to a remote Alaskan town, and a ‘bipolar disorder’ diagnosis that only brings more medications and more side effects. But what if those very medications were the root of the problem? Discover the inspiring journey of TaperClinic’s coach Neseret as she breaks free from over a decade of psychiatric misdiagnoses and medications to reclaim her life against all odds

Functional psychiatry is changing everything you know about mental health. In this powerful interview, Dr. James Greenblatt—founder of Psychiatry Redefined and leading voice in functional psychiatry—reveals how nutrient deficiencies, overlooked infections, and gut health can be the real cause of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. We cover everything from lithium orotate and B12 to the ketogenic diet, psychedelics, and why the current psychiatric model often fails.   Dr. Greenblatt shares clinical cases, science-backed protocols, and why hope is very real, even for those labeled as “treatment-resistant.” If you or a loved one has been on multiple meds with little relief, this could be the interview that changes everything. Root-cause psychiatry is here, and it’s powerful.

Michael Coughlin was an entrepreneur with no history of bipolar disorder—until he took an antidepressant.   In this eye-opening interview, Michael shares how a doctor prescribed him Paxil for situational anxiety, triggering a terrifying spiral of adverse effects. Instead of recognizing the drug reaction, the mental health system labeled him bipolar and placed him on heavy antipsychotic medication.

Brooke Siem shares her journey from being prescribed antidepressants as a teen to rediscovering life after withdrawal. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of coming off medications, the impact on her identity and relationships, and the challenges of rebuilding her life. Brooke discusses misconceptions about depression, the grief of lost time, and the role of curiosity in healing. Her story, as detailed in her memoir "May Cause Side Effects," offers hope and inspiration to anyone navigating similar struggles.

In this conversation, Dr. Josef and Laurie Hammer explore the transformative potential of amino acid therapy for mental health, particularly in treating anxiety and depression. Laurie shares her personal journey with amino acids, detailing how they helped her overcome her own struggles with mental health. The discussion covers the testing methods for neurotransmitter levels, the rapid effects of amino acids, treatment duration, costs, and the importance of vitamins and minerals in supporting neurotransmitter production. Laurie emphasizes that amino acids can provide immediate relief and are a viable alternative to traditional medications, while also addressing the risks and considerations involved in their use. The conversation concludes with Laurie's philosophy on treatment and who can benefit from amino acid therapy.

In this conversation, D E Foster shares his profound journey through protracted withdrawal from benzodiazepines, detailing the significant changes in his life, relationships, and career. He discusses the emotional and psychological impacts of withdrawal, the importance of support systems, and the gradual healing process he has experienced over the years. Foster emphasizes the need for community and understanding in navigating the challenges faced by those affected by drug injuries, while also highlighting the importance of environmental factors and personal sensitivities. He concludes with a message of hope, encouraging others to seek help and affirming that healing is possible.

In this conversation, Lauren Kennedy West shares her journey of living with schizoaffective disorder, detailing her experiences with mental health struggles, the impact of her diagnosis, and her relationship with medications. She discusses the importance of vulnerability in sharing her story and the evolution of her YouTube channel, which aims to connect and support others facing similar challenges. Lauren also explores her transition to a ketogenic diet as a non-drug approach to managing her symptoms, reflecting on the profound changes in her life after reducing her medications. In this conversation, Lauren Kennedy West and Dr. Josef explore the complexities of mental health treatment, particularly focusing on the use of antipsychotic medications and the impact on identity. They discuss the societal perceptions of mental illness, the importance of patient empowerment, and the need for a broader understanding of recovery that goes beyond medication. The conversation also critiques the healthcare system's reliance on pharmaceuticals and the influence of pharmaceutical companies on treatment narratives. Throughout, they emphasize the emotional challenges faced by individuals navigating mental illness and the importance of community support in the recovery process.

Medicated for over two decades, Trudy Slaght faced life-changing side effects and lost dreams. Now, after five years off all psychiatric meds, she’s healthier than ever and ready to chase her dreams again. Discover how she did it and the powerful lessons from her journey.    Life on Less Meds is a podcast that reveals the truth about drug side effects and the best strategies to manage them.    Your host, Josef Witt-Doerring interviews patients, victims, and experts to cover topics such as adverse reactions, post-acute withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawals, PSSD, and drug tapering. His mission is to raise awareness about the side effects and injuries caused by psychiatric medications to improve informed consent.   All My Links: https://beacons.ai/drjosef   Disclaimer: All of the information on this podcast is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/ personal medical advice from me to you. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The views and opinions of the podcast guests are their own and should not be taken as medical advice. info@taperclinic.com

Life on Less Meds is a podcast that reveals the truth about drug side effects and the best strategies to manage them.    Your host, Josef Witt-Doerring interviews patients, victims, and experts to cover topics such as adverse reactions, post-acute withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawals, PSSD, and drug tapering. His mission is to raise awareness about the side effects and injuries caused by psychiatric medications to improve informed consent.   All My Links: https://beacons.ai/drjosef   Disclaimer: All of the information on this podcast is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/ personal medical advice from me to you. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The views and opinions of the podcast guests are their own and should not be taken as medical advice. info@taperclinic.com

Life on Less Meds is a podcast that reveals the truth about drug side effects and the best strategies to manage them.  Your host, Josef Witt-Doerring interviews patients, victims, and experts to cover topics such as adverse reactions, post-acute withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawals, PSSD, and drug tapering. His mission is to raise awareness about the side effects and injuries caused by psychiatric medications to improve informed consent.   All My Links: https://beacons.ai/drjosef   Disclaimer: All of the information on this podcast is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/ personal medical advice from me to you. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The views and opinions of the podcast guests are their own and should not be taken as medical advice. info@taperclinic.com