Holistic Psychiatry Podcast
Episodes
How Nutrients Impact Neurotransmitters & Walsh Data
19 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
It is increasingly understood that our brain health is dependent on our having healthy nutrient levels. But how do nutrients actually impact our neur...
Children, Teens & Technology: Research & Resources for Parents
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In light of the recent lawsuit against Meta and YouTube/Google, I want to share an overview of some of the research into the impacts of screen media o...
Stop Chasing "Anti-Aging." Lower Oxidative Stress Instead
07 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this short episode, I discuss the relationship between accelerated aging “oxidative stress.” Oxidative stress is what accelerates aging, promot...
Stop Saying “Underage” & Other Words That Blur the Lines
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I encourage clarity, as our news is flooded with information about released files. I address concerns about the normalization of abus...
The Physiologic Roots of Panic - A Holistic Approach
31 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss panic attacks and underlying vulnerabilities that can increase the sensitivity of our alarm system. * What is a panic attac...
Making Room For the Soul
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
As the new year gets rolling, I’ve been trying to make room for what I call “the soul.” To me, this means being more receptive to those mysteri...
Copper Overload: Common in ADHD, Postpartum Depression, Panic & Tantrums
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
SummaryIn this episode, I discuss copper overload, a common yet often overlooked contributor to various mental health issues, including postpartum dep...
Mold Toxicity: A Common Cause of Brain Symptoms
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss:* Mold related illness, with a focus on mold toxicity and mold colonization* The wide range of brain symptoms (and other sy...
Compulsive Caregiving - A Common But Less Obvious Attachment Pattern
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore compulsive caregiving from an attachment perspective. This is a more subtle form of insecure attachment that nonetheless af...
The Cause of Bipolar Disorder - Recent Discovery by Dr. William Walsh
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I am happy to share a recent conversation I had with Dr. William Walsh about his new book, “The Essence of Bipolar Disorder,” where he lays out hi...
Anxious-Preoccupied Attachment Style
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the anxious (ambivalent–preoccupied) attachment style — a pattern marked by intensity, dependence, and a longing for re...
Dismissive-Avoidant Attachment Style
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What do the TV and film characters Don Draper (Mad Men), James Bond, Miranda Priestly (The Devil Wears Prada), and Rick Blaine (Casablanca) have in co...
How Our First 3 Years Impact Our Emotional Regulation
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lately, I've been thinking about the increasing use of the term “dysregulated.” This is an effective term that expresses having difficulty accessi...
Thinking Holistically About Symptoms.....in a World That Compartmentalizes
17 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Lately, I've been thinking about how detrimental the medical field's compartmentalization of our body systems is to understanding what's really going ...
Difference Between Functional, Holistic & Conventional Psychiatry
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I hope you’re enjoying a lovely summer. In recent months, I’ve been taking time away from writing and teaching to help my parents (who are in thei...
When Supplements (or Meds) Cause or Worsen Brain Symptoms
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Previously shared as a paid newsletter in May 2024. In previous newsletters, I’ve addressed many of the more common contributing factors to brain sy...
Strengthening the Right Brain in Left Brain Times
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are living in a world that feels increasingly “left-brained.” Though both hemispheres are constantly working together, they have distinct valu...
OCD & Nutrient Based Therapies
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, is a debilitating condition that involves intrusive thoughts and time-consuming, repetitive behaviors. It impa...
Breakthrough Theory of Bipolar Disorder
27 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the Advanced Course for Walsh-Trained Practitioners. To date, 1,200 practitioners from 75 countries ha...
How & Why I Became a Holistic Psychiatrist
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”― Lao TzuIn this episode, I share my journey through illness to health and how this ...
When the Left Brain & Undermethylation Meet Beauty Filters
06 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recently, an interview by Christiane Amanpour caught my attention. It was with Coralie Fargiat, the director of “The Substance.” Though I haven’...
Beyond Identity & the Stress of the Self
30 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently, I was having a conversation with my daughter - who’s 19 - about the mental changes in a family member with memory loss. I commented that i...
Recognizing the "Root Causes" of Brain Symptoms in Children
26 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In previous podcasts, I’ve discussed the more common underlying factors that can drive brain-related symptoms. These factors, or “roots,” each h...
Lowering Our Exposure to Toxins
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the last podcast, I discussed sources of toxins and how they can impact the brain and development.In this podcast, I’ll focus on ways to reduce e...
Understanding the Impact of Toxins on the Brain & Brain Development
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently I saw a humorous reel of a man going through his day. As he does, you hear his inner dialogue. He’s trying to prepare a healthy snack, but ...
Understanding the Impact of Toxins on the Brain & Brain Development
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently I saw a humorous reel of a man going through his day. As he does, you hear his inner dialogue. He’s trying to prepare a healthy snack, but...
Muscle Strengthening & Brain Health
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Likely you’ve heard about the importance of muscle strengthening in the prevention of bone health. What is less known, however, is the relationship ...
Getting Radical With Gratitude
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice. - Meister EckhartIn recent years, the benefits of practici...
How Our Microbiome Influences Our Mental Health
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our gut microbiome forms a dynamic ecosystem of trillions of microbes, including bacteria, viruses, archaea, and fungi, in thousands of species—many...
Our Most Vital Relationship
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The way I think about it:We come into and leave this world accompanied by our souls. While here, one of our tasks is to maintain our connection to tha...
Understanding the Pineal Gland, Melatonin & Sleep
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is a wealth of information about sleep. In this podcast, I'll highlight aspects I find especially interesting and significant. * The Pineal G...
Favorite Functional Medicine Psychiatry Books
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After sharing my favorite books for engaging the right brain last year, I thought I’d now share some for stimulating the left brain. Anyone familia...
How Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone Impact Neurotransmitters
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In previous podcasts, I’ve discussed many root causes of brain symptoms, none of which exist independently from our hormones. In this podcast, I’...
Limbic System Dysfunction & What We Can Do About It
30 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our limbic system (commonly called the lizard brain) plays an important role in our safety. If it’s over-functioning, however, we can feel chronical...
Addiction: Multiple Root Causes Aligning
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Addiction” - a compulsive, chronic, physiological, or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful phy...
Physician Depression, Burnout & Suicide - Consider Undermethylation
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It can be easy to forget that medical professionals are vulnerable to stress, burnout, and even physical and mental health issues. Though we expect th...
Mold Prevention For Brain Health - Home Exterior Maintenance
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Exterior building maintenance is crucial for preventing mold from growing inside a building” - Jerry Parker, CEIC, CMRTwenty-five percent of peop...
What Skin Symptoms Can Tell Us About Brain Symptoms
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Skin conditions are common in those with brain-related conditions. Most of what you’ll find about this relationship is the suggestion that one is ca...
Smart Meters, Brain Symptoms & Solutions
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Windheim, BA, BBEC, EMRS, RFSO is a Certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist and Certified Building Biology Environmental Consultant. He i...
Walsh Biotypes of Depression With a Focus on Undermethylation
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I recently had the pleasure of being on the Nourished By Nature: Mind Body Wellness Podcast with Annika Taylor, a holistic health practitioner. After...
Effective Prevention & Treatment of Alzheimer's
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Because Alzheimer’s starts before the onset of symptoms and because having almost any psychiatric condition appears to raise our vulnerability, many...
Alzheimer's: The Factors We Have Control Over
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease, meaning it involves the death of brain cells and the eventual loss of brain tissue. The brain changes l...
Intermittent Fasting & Brain Health
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this newsletter and podcast episode, I share the simple yet powerful tool of intermittent fasting. Here, I discuss:* The types of intermittent fas...
Mental Health, Media & the Election
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My purpose in this video is to remind us to protect our mental health, our physical health and our relationships this election season. We have a natu...
Pyrrole Disorder & Low Stress Tolerance
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this video and podcast episode, I discuss pyrrole disorder - one of the most common nutrient imbalances in brain-related conditions affecting adult...
Zinc & the Brain
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this video newsletter, I discuss why zinc is so important for the brain. I’ll address:* Psychiatric conditions linked to low zinc.* Three ways th...
Narcissistic Relationships & Healing
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the last episode, I discussed narcissistic personality disorder - traits, seeming causes, prognosis, and course. In this episode, I’ll discuss...
Understanding Narcissistic Personality
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
-In this newsletter, I'll discuss:--The Impact of Narcissistic Personality Disorder --Terminology & Diagnostic Criteria--Seeming Contributing Factors-...
Candida - Barriers to Healing
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Candida is the most common fungi in the microbiome. Several factors, including antibiotic exposure, can lead to its overgrowth and colonization in the...
Hypermobility, RCCX Theory, Mental Health & Complex Chronic Illness
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hypermobility - having one or more joints that bend further than normal -is a surprisingly common trait in those with brain symptoms. Using RCCX the...
Exercise & the Brain
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Exercise has been found to be as effective as SSRIs and as effective as psychotherapy for depression.*In this episode, I’ll discuss:* The mood-enhan...
Lessening Our Fear of Public Speaking
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, 75% of people rank fear of public speaking as their number one fear.In this episode, I discuss:...
Functional Medicine Psychiatry - Addressing the Root Causes of Brain Symptoms
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is Functional Medicine?“An integrative, biology-based approach that promotes healing and wellness by focusing on the bio-chemically unique aspe...
Genetic Variants & Brain Symptoms
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Psychiatric symptoms normally are not caused by a specific gene. Instead, certain genes, or rather genetic variants, raise our vulnerability to develo...
The Gifts of Meditation & How to Begin
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’ll address:* Common obstacles to starting a meditation practice* The uniting thread of all forms of meditation* The types of medi...
EMF & The Brain
11 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I look forward to the day when lowering exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) will be right up there with other basic health recommendations, such ...
How We Can Assess & Lower Our EMF Exposure
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As with toxins, EMF (a “toxicant”) can impact the brain in a number of ways. It contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of the ...
Mental Shifts for Sustaining "Healthy" Habits
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I won’t focus on any specific health choices. We all know what they generally are for us at this time in our life or in our healing...
Lowering Brain Inflammation
18 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The last newsletter, I addressed how our hormonal stress response can trigger mast cells and microglial cells, thereby interfering with neuronal commu...
How Stress Causes Brain Inflammation
13 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I’ll break down the key players in brain inflammation, how these players work together, and how they can ultimately disrupt neurona...
Angry Outbursts - Responsibility to Get Help, Enabling & Biochemical Drivers
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s an older child with frequent tantrums, or an adult who easily loses their temper, I think of angry outbursts as a symptom with underlyi...
Balancing Togetherness & Separateness - Differentiation & Family Systems Theory
11 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Though we are wired for connection, we’re also separate human beings. How we navigate these two realities can make all the difference in the quali...
Schizophrenia's Three Biotypes & Walsh Nutrient Therapies
05 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Schizophrenia affects 1 in 300 people or 24 million people worldwide (2.6 million in the U.S.) It remains the most treatment resistant psychiatric con...
Compulsive Caregiving, Overfunctioning, Codependency & Nice Guy/Good Girl Syndrome
22 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you don’t identify with one of the labels in the title, you likely know someone who does. As with all labels, however, they don’t completely de...
How Head Position & Neck Alignment Impact Mental Health
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Misalignment of the upper part of the spine is an often overlooked problem for those with brain symptoms, chronic complex illness and/or mysterious he...
Following the Energy into 2024
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In anticipation of the new year, I’m previewing some of the topics I look forward to sharing in the coming months. * Topics that I briefly comment...
Honoring the Darkness, Trusting the Light & Welcoming Winter
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss winter solstice, themes of darkness and light, winter, the Dark Night of the Soul, radical gratitude, and the rhythms of th...
Left & Right Brain - Knowing When To Call in the Other Half
31 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Though both brain hemispheres are continuously working together in complex ways, there are attributes which are more strongly associated with each sid...
Being At Peace With Our Body
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Part of any healing journey is to be at peace in our body. Our ability to feel embodied is a job for our brain’s right hemisphere. Our left hemisph...
Treatment of High Copper
04 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the last episode, I addressed the causes, symptoms and conditions associated with high copper. In this episode I address:* Testing and why if copp...
High Copper Causes and Conditions
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, I review how high copper affects dopamine and norepinephrine, how copper can become elevated and the conditions or situations...
Books for the Right Brain
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, I share my favorite 10 Right Brain books - books that have been particularly helpful in my own healing process. By right brai...
Mold Toxicity & The Brain
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mold toxicity is a surprisingly common and important player when it comes to brain related symptoms. You won’t find it mentioned in the research int...
Saying "No" for Our Health & the Higher Good
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, I address the chronic and significant stress that comes with being unable to effectively say, “No.” Over-committing can i...
Psych Med: Beyond Black-and-White Thinking
25 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
To lay some groundwork for the podcast episode:Though conventionally trained as an adult and child psychiatrist, I no longer prescribe psychiatric med...
The Art of Healing
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss:* What I mean by creativity and art.* The many lessons we can learn from the creative process* Why I believe this shift in ...
10 Undermethylation Myths (MTHFR, Brain Health & The Great Folate Debate)
05 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I answer:* What is MTHFR and more specifically undermethylation (UM)?* What is the incidence of (UM) in various brain disorders, incl...
Connecting the Dots - A Conversation with Lynn - A Woman with High Anxiety & Multiple Unexplained Physical Symptoms
20 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I have a conversation with Lynn (name changed), about her quest to find answers. Lynn has been given various diagnoses and has obtain...
Quieting the Mind by Unplugging One Day a Week - A Conversation with Mary Anne Tierney, RN, MPH
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I have a conversation with my colleague and friend, Mary Anne Tierney, RN, MPH, an Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist, about the ma...
"Chronic Healing" - A Conversation with Dirk Nielandt
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share my conversation with Dirk Nielandt of Belgium. Dirk's story is a story of empowerment, resilience and possibility - a story...
Too Much Neurotransmitter Activity Part 2 of 2 (Second Example - COMT & MAOA Gene Variants)
21 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Too much neurotransmitter activity can cause nervousness, irritability, insomnia and in some cases mania and psychosis. This can also contribute to ...
Too Much Neurotransmitter Activity - Part 1 of 2 (First Example - Overmethylation)
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Neurotransmitters are the chemicals in the brain that allow brain cells to communicate with one another. Too much neurotransmission can cause nervou...
Managing Our Acute Stress Response: Finding Stillness & Grounding
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I'll talk about how we can still our mind and body in the middle of an acute stress response. Lowering stress is a powerful way to re...
Brain Inflammation (Part 2 of 2): Mast Cell Activation & The Relationship Between Brain and Body Symptoms
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss the many body and brain symptoms that can occur as a result of mast cell activation, and what can be done to address these ...
Brain Inflammation (Part 1 of 2) How, Why & The Role of Stress
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Inflammation is a contributing factor in most brain-related symptoms. In this episode I'll talk about how inflammation occurs, what causes this and wh...
Feeling Our Feelings
22 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss what can be one of our greatest challenges or one of our superpowers - our ability to recognize and express our feelings. I...
Mold Toxicity (Part 3 of 3) Addressing Mold In Our Indoor Environments
08 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of this three part series on Mold Toxicity, I discussed how mold toxins get into the body and what symptoms they can cause. The s...
Mold Toxicity (Part 2 of 3) - Diagnosis & Treatment
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss testing and treatment for mold toxicity (in the body), which is a common root cause of brain-related symptoms. Topics co...
Mold Toxicity (Part 1 of 3) - A Common Root Cause to Brain-Related Symptoms
18 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mold Toxicity is a very common root cause of brain-related symptoms. It is also a deeper root cause to the other root causes of brain-related symptoms...
Aligning Our Gifts & Passions With Our Times: Living Our Purpose
12 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I'll discuss how we can live a purposeful life, and how having a sense of purpose impacts our physiology, health and well-being. I'll ...
Environmental Tips For a Happier Home (Mold, EMF & Chemicals)
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, I’ll discuss ways we can all lower our exposure to mold toxins, EMF (electromagnetic fields) and chemicals in our homes, and why th...
Rewriting the Stories We Tell Ourselves & The Power of Meaning Making
20 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk about the stories we tell ourselves and how those stories have the power to shape our lives, as well as our health and well bei...
School Shootings Part 2 of 2: Interventions Along the Pathway to Violence
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This is the second of two episodes on school shootings. In this podcast I discuss the pathway to violence starting with childhood trauma, mental healt...
School Shootings Part 1 of 2: Impacts, Data & the Path to Violence
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
My intention in these two episodes on school shootings is to bring information not being discussed in the media. In this first episode, I'll focus on:...
Food Familes That Can Contribute to Brain Symptoms Part 2 of 2 (FODMAPS, Sulfur, Copper, Folate and Glutamate)
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode (part 2 of 2) I discuss five more food families (FODMAPS, sulfur, copper, folate, and glutamate) that can contribute to brain symptoms...
Food Families That Can Contribute to Brain Symptoms Part 1 of 2 (Histamine, Oxalates, Salicylates and Lectins)
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, I discuss particular food families. Sensitivities can occur when someone is reacting to a naturally occurring component sha...
Our Morning Routine: Rewiring Our Brain One Step at a Time
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our day is a microcosm of our life. How we begin impacts the quality of our day, and overtime, the quality of our life. In this episode, I’ll talk a...
Inattention & Hyperactivity: Copper Zinc Imbalances & Other Potential Root Causes
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I discuss ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a diagnosis given to approximately 11% of children in the U.S. The preval...
Honoring the Space Between Us (Boundaries)
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast I discuss the paradox: that to have healthy relationships, there needs to be space and a recognition that we are separate beings with ...
High Achievement in Teens - A Risk Factor for Depression (Consider Undermethylation)
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I discuss why teens who are high achievers are considered to be in the same risk category for depression and anxiety as those teens wh...