In this episode, Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down again with guest Younes Sadaghiani to explore two of today’s biggest mental-health challenges, our dependence on our phones and our tendency to please everyone but ourselves.
Younes opens up about how hard it is to “turn off” and disconnect from constant stimulation, while Dr. Tamir shares his own practice of going fully offline, especially on flights, to reflect with just a pen and paper. They dive into why even short digital breaks can be deeply therapeutic, restoring attention, creativity, and calm.
The conversation also turns to people-pleasing and authenticity. Younes calls out the need to be liked over being respected, while Dr. Tamir explains how self-neglect in pursuit of approval can quietly sabotage happiness and purpose. Together, they challenge listeners to trade external validation for internal peace.
This is a raw, real discussion about slowing down, saying no, and showing up as your truest self, both on and off the screen.
In this inspiring episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T & Friends, Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down with world-renowned improviser, comedian, and educator Tara DeFrancisco, a performer with over 9,000 live shows under her belt, co-founder of The Nest Theatre, creator of The Improv Retreat, and co-star of the critically acclaimed improvised musical HERE.
Together, they explore the connection between comedy, creativity, and mental health, diving deep into what it means to live authentically in a world obsessed with perfection. Tara shares how improv teaches us to embrace failure, find humor in chaos, and practice radical presence, both on stage and in life.
They discuss:
How to create “brave spaces” where people feel safe to fail and grow
The overlap between improv and therapy, and why laughter can be healing
The tension between authenticity and performance on social media
The anxious side of creativity, and how to reframe fear as fuel
Why doing nothing is one of the hardest but healthiest things for creative minds
With her signature blend of humor, honesty, and heart, Tara reminds us that life is one big improv scene, and we’re all just finding our lines.
In this powerful episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T & Friends, we welcome Penny Hawkins Smith—better known online as Hospice Nurse Penny. Over her many years in hospice and palliative care, Penny has witnessed over a thousand end-of-life journeys.
But Penny didn’t stop at clinical care. Using TikTok, Instagram, humor, storytelling, and bold visuals, she’s built a platform that normalizes conversations about death and dying. Her viral videos shine a light on the parts of life we often avoid: visions, fluid decisions, grief, anticipatory fear, and what “a good death” might even mean.
In this episode, we explore:
How Penny turned taboo into content — going viral by reframing death in human terms
The real physiological, emotional, and relational dynamics of the dying process
How families can better navigate grief, expectations, and “the last days”
Why storytelling, humor, and social media are surprisingly powerful tools for death literacy
What “living well with death in view” can teach all of us
Whether you’re caregiving, grieving, curious, or simply human, this conversation invites you to lean into life by acknowledging death.
In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Tamir sits down with Younes Sadaghiani, Iranian-born, former Muslim, and outspoken political analyst, to explore faith, identity, and the growing tensions between religious ideology and personal freedom.
Younes reflects on his journey: leaving a life shaped by strict religious norms, the challenges of speaking out, and what it means to rebuild one’s identity from scratch. Together, he and Dr. Tamir examine the rise of political Islam in both the Middle East and the West, the role of ex-Muslims in discourse on religion and state, and how society might foster more honest conversations about belief, dissent, and societal values.
Whether you grew up deeply religious, wrestle with faith, or are interested in the crossroads of activism, identity, and politics, this episode is for you.
Key Themes:
• The personal cost and liberation in leaving one’s faith
• Political Islam, ideology, and its influence beyond religion
• Identity, belonging, and what “home” means after faith
• Why ex-Muslim voices matter in secular societies
• Dialogue, dissent, and what’s needed for a more open public square
Tune in for a courageous discussion about truth, purpose, and the human journey.
In this deeply moving episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, we sit down with Milaena Ferrarese, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian, founder of Healthy Kinnect, and a survivor of a 13-year eating disorder.
Milaena bravely shares her journey from the darkness of disordered eating to becoming a medical nutrition expert. Together, we explore:
-How her eating disorder began, how it evolved, and the mindset shifts that sparked healing.
-Why food is often not the true culprit, but rather the psychological and emotional underpinnings of illness.
-The role of personalized nutrition, fortified by genetic testing, in rekindling a harmonious relationship with food.
-How tackling root causes like self-worth, trauma, and identity can redefine recovery.Insight into the mind-gut connection and why food impacts us far beyond the physical body.
Whether you're on your own path to healing or simply curious about the psychology of nutrition, this conversation offers hope, clarity, and real strategies to nurture both body and soul.
What does it really mean to be a man today?
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down with CrossFit Games Champion, entrepreneur, and father Jason Khalipa to tackle one of the most debated topics of our time: modern masculinity. Together, they explore where society may have led men astray, why the term “toxic masculinity” has become so misunderstood, and how strength and compassion can, and must,coexist.
From fatherhood to fitness, bullying to resilience, Jason opens up about raising sons in today’s world, the role of discipline and adversity in shaping confidence, and the importance of showing up, not just in the gym, but for family and community. Dr. T brings the lens of psychiatry to highlight the psychological roots of insecurity, anger, and authenticity in men.
Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or someone striving to better understand the challenges facing men today, this episode will leave you thinking deeply about what it takes to raise and be good men in a rapidly changing world.
In this inspiring episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, psychiatrist Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down with Emmy-nominated journalist and FOX 5 San Diego morning anchor Shally Zomorodi for a deeply human conversation about authenticity, vulnerability, and the balancing act of life in the spotlight.
Shally opens up about her 27 years in journalism, her Iranian-American identity, and what it’s like to live much of her life in public, from anchoring breaking news to dancing with her kids on social media. Together, she and Dr. T explore the mental health challenges of being “always on,” how she protects her own peace, why she believes everyone should have access to therapy, and the importance of modeling emotional openness for her four children.
From discussing the Women, Life, Freedom movement in Iran to navigating online criticism and embracing the power of a good cry, Shally shares how she stays grounded, connected, and committed to spreading joy.
Whether you’re an influencer, parent, journalist, or simply someone trying to show up authentically in a noisy world, this candid conversation is filled with wisdom, heart, and plenty of Shally’s signature positivity.
In this thought-provoking episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, Addiction Psychiatrist Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down with Licensed Clinical Social Worker Jacquelyn Gilde to explore a timely and controversial question: Can ChatGPT, or any AI, truly replace a human therapist?
They dig deep into the pros, cons, and potential risks of turning to AI for mental health support. From the irreplaceable nuances of human connection and reading unspoken cues, to the ways AI tools like ChatGPT and Woebot can help with access, self-reflection, and therapy prep, this conversation pulls no punches.
Whether you’re curious about the future of therapy, skeptical of AI’s role in mental health, or wondering how these tools might fit into your own care, you’ll find candid insights, real-world examples, and expert perspectives you won’t hear anywhere else.
In this gripping episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, psychiatrist and host Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down with comedian, advocate, and viral sensation Yechiel Jacobs (@jacobsyechiel).
What started as a single video filmed out of frustration in his car has turned into a full-blown movement. With over 286K followers, Yechiel opens up about the power of comedy during crisis, the backlash he’s faced, and the emotional toll... and reward, of advocacy in a divided world.
They discuss:
Going viral after October 7th
Death threats, DMs, and staying the course
How comedy can expose lies and heal pain
Balancing authenticity and social media pressure
His motto: If it makes you uncomfortable, do it
From Laugh Factory open mics to sold-out shows across the globe, Yechiel’s story is one of boldness, humor, and resilience. Whether you're Jewish, a creator, or someone seeking meaning during turbulent times, this conversation hits deep.
#CandidMinds #DrTandFriends #YechielJacobs #ComedyAndAdvocacy #Israel #MentalHealth #GoingViral
In this wide-ranging and refreshingly honest episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, psychiatrist Dr. Tamir Aldad welcomes OB-GYN, content creator, and mother of 3 Dr. Fran (aka @pagingdrfran) for a no-BS conversation about reproductive health, emotional truth, and what it actually means to show up for patients today.
Together, they dive into topics that are often misunderstood or overlooked in both medicine and everyday life:
The stigma and misconceptions around birth control
PMDD, hormonal mood shifts, and how they affect mental health
Treatment vs. cure
Body image struggles
The messy art of relating to patients as real humans
This episode is funny, frank, and full of insights; whether you’re a patient, provider, or just someone trying to better understand your body and mind.
If you're tired of the sugarcoated health talk, this one’s for you.
In this raw and deeply human episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, psychiatrist and host Dr. Tamir Aldad welcomes comedian, entrepreneur, and former Hasidic educator Leah Forster for one of the most honest conversations you’ll hear this year.
Leah shares the story of living a double life—teaching in ultra-Orthodox schools by day and privately exploring her identity by night. From being outed on social media to losing her career, surviving religious and sexual trauma, and eventually reclaiming her voice through comedy, business, and mindfulness, Leah’s journey is a masterclass in resilience.
Whether you’re navigating faith, identity, grief, or growth, Leah’s story is a reminder: it’s never too late to start living in alignment with who you really are.
TW: This episode contains discussions of trauma, religious repression, and mental health challenges.
Summer is often seen as a season of fun—but for those in recovery, it can be filled with pressure, triggers, and unexpected challenges. In this episode, Dr. T and Jacquelyn Gilde dive into why relapse rates tend to spike in the summer months. They explore the role of nostalgia, sensory triggers, social expectations, and why “just one drink” can be a dangerous myth.
From harm reduction to creating a summer sobriety game plan, this episode offers real-life stories, clinical insight, and strategies for staying strong when the world turns up the heat.
Why do so many goals fizzle out by February? In this episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T & Friends, hosts Dr. Tamir Aldad, Nick Bracks, and Jacquelyn Gilde unpack why traditional goal-setting often fails — and what actually works. From breaking down overwhelming resolutions into small, achievable steps, to understanding the role of relapse, self-compassion, and habit-building, this conversation blends clinical insight, personal experience, and honest reflection.
Whether you’re navigating mental health challenges, chasing a fitness goal, or just trying to stay consistent in a noisy world, this episode offers a grounded, practical guide to setting goals that stick — without the burnout.
In this episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, Dr. Tamir Aldad, addiction psychiatrist and CEO of Mindful Care, is joined by Nick Bracks and Jackie Gilde to explore the modern epidemic of loneliness.
They delve into how social media and digital interactions, while seemingly connecting us, often leave us feeling more isolated than ever. The conversation covers the emotional and physical toll of loneliness, the illusion of online friendships, and the challenges of forming genuine connections in a swipe-right culture.
Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, the trio offers strategies to foster authentic relationships and combat the pervasive sense of disconnection in today’s world.
What if the reason you feel stuck today lives in your childhood?
In this powerful episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, Dr. Tamir Alad sits down with Nick Brax and Jackie Gilday to explore how early life experiences — even the ones you don’t consider “trauma” — can shape your thoughts, behaviors, and relationships well into adulthood.
From personal stories to clinical insight, the trio breaks down:
Why siblings can grow up in the same house and have totally different emotional realities
How defense mechanisms formed in childhood can quietly control adult life
Why the word “trauma” doesn’t need to define your healing
Simple tools like journaling and art that unlock emotional awareness
The ripple effect of healing: for yourself, your kids, and future generations
This is an episode for anyone curious about where their patterns started — and how to break free from them.
What makes high performers different when the pressure’s on? Dr. T, Jackie, and special guest Nick explore the building blocks of mental resilience — from grit and adaptability to emotional regulation and reframing. Drawing from clinical insights and personal journeys, they unpack how childhood experiences, sports, and modeling behaviors shape our response to stress and failure.
You’ll learn how elite performers interpret challenges, why early coaching and parenting matter more than we think, and how to apply tools like CBT, breathwork, and positive affirmations in daily life. Plus: a raw discussion about modern masculinity, parenting balance, and learning more from your losses than your wins.
Whether you’re navigating stress, parenting in a pressure-cooker, or striving to become more mentally tough, this episode gives you a real, grounded roadmap for growth.Subscribe, follow, and share Candid Minds — where real talk meets real transformatio
In today’s episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions in modern mental health: is self-diagnosing online a step toward healing—or a recipe for panic? From Googling symptoms at 2 AM to finding comfort (or chaos) in social media diagnoses, we unpack the risks and rewards of navigating mental health in the digital age.
Our hosts and guests explore the real-world impact of this trend—from patients arriving in sessions with a self-diagnosis, to the dangerous side of influencer anecdotes, TikTok trends, and confirmation bias.
You’ll hear both the empowerment and the pitfalls of seeking answers online—and learn how to be a critical consumer of information while staying hopeful and informed. This is an honest, eye-opening conversation about validation, vulnerability, and the importance of professional care in a world of instant information.
Shame can be one of the biggest obstacles to recovery, but how do we separate it from accountability? In this episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T & Friends, Dr. T and co-host Nick dive into the complex relationship between shame, guilt, and personal responsibility in addiction recovery. They discuss how shifting your mindset can turn negative experiences into empowering moments, the importance of a strong support system, and practical strategies like crisis planning to stay on track. Whether you’re on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation will challenge the way you think about shame and self-growth.
Addiction is complex, personal, and often misunderstood. In this special Q&A episode of Candid Minds with Dr. T and Friends, we tackle listener-submitted questions about addiction, substance use disorder, and behavioral dependencies. Co-host Nick shares his personal journey with alcohol and ADHD, while Dr. T breaks down the medical side of addiction—what it really is, why some people develop it while others don’t, and how it extends beyond substances to behaviors like social media and gambling. We also dive into misconceptions, relapse, enabling vs. supporting, and the key warning signs to look for in yourself or a loved one. Whether you’re struggling, supporting someone, or just curious, this episode provides real answers and real talk.
Tune in now. #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #CandidMinds #QandA
In this episode ofCandid Minds with Dr. T, Dr. Tamir Aldad sits down with renowned plastic surgeon and Netflix’sSkin Decision host, Dr. Sheila Nazarian, for an unfiltered conversation about authenticity, courage, and standing firm in your beliefs.
Sheila shares her journey as an Iranian immigrant, the pressures of defying expectations, and the personal evolution that led her to unapologetically advocate for her values. Together, they explore the challenges of cancel culture, the mental health impact of self-censorship, and the power of pushing past fear—one small step at a time.
Following the conversation, Dr. T is joined by author and mental health advocateNick Bracksto unpack the key takeaways. They dive into the psychology of authenticity, how cancel culture stifles creativity, and why embracing discomfort is the key to growth.
Whether you agree or disagree with Sheila’s views, there’s something to learn from her bold approach to life. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on resilience, leadership, and what it really means to own your voice.
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