talkBD Bipolar Disorder Podcast

Why does bipolar disorder exist? And what if bipolar disorder isn’t just an illness, but also an evolutionary adaptation? Dr. Holly Swartz reveals the evolutionary secrets of bipolar disorder - from flexible circadian rhythms that once helped our ancestors survive, to the creativity and boldness often linked with mania.

(0:00) Evolution

(0:22) Circadian Control in Nature

(1:43) Advantages of Flexible Biological Clocks

(4:48) Risk-Takin...

Neuroscientist Dr. Adrienne Benediktsson opens up about her journey with bipolar disorder - from the terrifying moment of trying to jump out of a plane mid-air to retracing lost memories after a psychotic episode. Dr. Benediktsson shares how harrowing experiences with depression and mania led her to discover new ways of living - and thriving - with bipolar disorder, offering a powerful reminder that hope, healing, and a meaningful ...

Mental health advocate Shaley Hoogendoorn shares a powerful journey of bipolar disorder, and the years spent hiding in plain sight with unexplained symptoms of mania, depression and psychosis.

After a public breakdown in front of 700 people, Shaley disappeared in shame - that moment became the turning point in her bipolar disorder journey.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:34) Early Symptoms & Growing Up

(07:32) First Depression "I Wanted...

Bipolar disorder expert Dr. Sheri Johnson and mental health advocate Robert Villanueva breaks down why what and when you eat is vital for people with bipolar disorder. They also dive into the science behind two emerging and promising approaches to eating for bipolar disorder: the Mediterranean Diet and Time-Restricted Eating.

(00:00) About Sheri & Robert

(03:40) Treating Bipolar with Metabolic Health

(06:11) Mediterranean Diet

(10:...

Internationally renowned bipolar disorder expert Dr. Trisha Suppes unravels the latest science in bipolar disorder treatment by breaking down the proven and cutting-edge treatments available today - exploring traditional solutions such as Lithium and mood stabilizers alongside exciting new options like psilocybin, ketamine, and the Ketogenic diet. Dr. Suppes also navigates the complexities of mania and tackles the perennial questio...

This is the powerful bipolar disorder story of "ordinary guy" Robert Villanueva.

Robert "Coach V" Villanueva grew up in East Bay of San Francisco amidst undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Seeking a better life away from a dysfunctional home, Robert left home at 15 and became a wrestling coach and garbageman before experiencing his darkest moments with depression and mania. At the brink of despair, Robert found solace among other patient...

Award-winning researcher ⁠Dr. Holly Swartz⁠ breaks down the "bipolar clock", and proposes a fresh approach to take charge of your bipolar symptoms by timing your light exposure, temperature, body position, eating, and social contact. Dr. Swartz also discusses the science behind social rhythm therapy (SRT) and Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), and presents a fresh approach to reset your biological body clock and take ...

Over 2,400 years ago, Greek physician Hippocrates first detailed symptoms of "opposite" mood states - what we now understand as mania and depression. Throughout the Middle Ages and into the modern era, vivid descriptions of melancholy and euphoria continued to surface, drawing focus to a set of distinct symptoms that appeared to occur in cycles. In this special talkBD episode, psychiatrist Dr. Manuel Sánchez de Carmona dives throu...

Psychiatrist Dr. Joanna Jarecki shares a powerful story of living with bipolar disorder - from spiralling into depression to being taken to hospital in handcuffs during mania. Dr. Jarecki reveals how her experience with bipolar I disorder turned her to psychiatry to help others in their recovery journey, and delivers a heartfelt message of hope that living well with bipolar disorder is possible. Hosted by Dr. Erin Michalak.

(00:0...

A remarkable story of living with bipolar disorder: 36-year US Army retired combat veteran Maj. Gen. Gregg. F. Martin shares his experience of bipolar disorder after joining the army at 18, and how his symptoms remained hidden and undiagnosed despite alarming warning signs during multiple deployments and stages of his military career. Gregg Martin also details his route to recovery, bipolar disorder in his family, and his top strat...

Author Sara Schley recounts her story of living with bipolar II disorder - from her first episode of depression in college, to publishing her memoir after keeping it a secret for over 40 years. Sara also breaks down why people with bipolar II disorder are commonly misdiagnosed, her upcoming film on bipolar disorder - BrainStorm, and the life lessons she practices to live well with bipolar disorder. Hosted by Dr. ⁠Erin Michalak⁠. (...

36-year US Army combat veteran Maj. Gen. Gregg. F. Martin and psychiatrist Dr. Manuel Sánchez de Carmona break down psychosis through their extensive lived and clinical expertise - delving into common triggers, treatment and medication, and psychotic symptoms including paranoid ideas, persecutory delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thought and behaviour. Gregg Martin also recounts harrowing psychotic episodes of "bipolar he...

Sexual health researcher Dr. Heather Armstrong and mental health educator Victoria Maxwell break down how bipolar disorder, mania, depression, and medication impacts sex, how to deal with hypersexuality and low libido, and strategies to improve your sexual well-being. Hosted by Dr. Emma Morton.

(03:46) About Dr. Heather Armstrong
(04:38) About Victoria Maxwell
(06:32) How of Bipolar Disorder Affects Sex
(09:23) Hypersexuality & Tr...

Neuropsychiatric geneticist Dr. Jehannine Austin offers a fascinating insight into “bipolar gene” and “bipolar jar”, genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk for bipolar disorder, the latest in genetic testing for bipolar disorder, and what you should know before having children as a parent with bipolar disorder.

Hosted by Dr. Erin Michalak.

Dr. Jehannine Austin is the Executive director of the BC Mental Health and...

Psychedelics researcher Meghan DellaCrosse breaks down her research on psilocybin, the results from a new study looking at magic mushrooms use for bipolar disorder, the benefits and drawbacks of using psilocybin, and the future of psychedelics research for mental health.

Hosted by Dr. Emma Morton.

Meghan DellaCrosse is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA. Following completion of pre-...

Communication researcher Dr. Bradford Bitterly and cognitive therapist Dr. Lisa O'Donnell tackle the reasons, considerations, and potential risks and benefits of disclosing your bipolar disorder diagnosis at the workplace and in personal relationships with friends and family. Hosted by Dr. Erin Michalak.

Dr. Bradford Bitterly is an Assistant Professor of Management at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His researc...

A 31-year journey: Mental health writer Louise Dwerryhouse shares her remarkable story living with bipolar disorder. Louise revisits the events and lost years following her diagnosis, including years of battling depression, mania, and multiple hospitalizations. She also shares the most important factors and strategies she implemented to ultimately achieve stability, and offers advice to listeners who are also living with bipolar d...

Psychiatrist and clinical informaticist Dr. John Torous and mental health educator Victoria Maxwell speak on the role of online platforms and mental health apps in supporting mental health and bipolar disorder and how these technologies can be integrated into wellness and treatment plans.

Hosted by Dr. Emma Morton. 

Dr. John Torous is director of the digital psychiatry division, in the Department of Psychiatry at Beth...

Psychologist Dr. David Gard speaks on the use of psilocybin to treat bipolar disorder/depression, the potential benefits and risks, and breaks down the latest research on the role of psychedelics and psilocybin in supporting mental health. Hosted by Dr. Emma Morton.

Dr. David Gard is a Professor of Psychology, Director of the Motivation and Emotion Research Lab, and the Coordinator of the Clinical Psychology Master’s Program. He re...