Ruthless Compassion with Dr. Marcia Sirota

A voracious reader and aspiring writer since childhood, Charise Jewell was born in Germiston, South Africa and immigrated to Canada when she was seven years old. She holds an Honours B.Eng. in mechanical engineering from McGill University and worked as a robotics engineer for fifteen years before becoming a writer. She proudly lives with bipolar disorder and educates for the fair and dignified treatment of the mentally ill. Charise lives in Toronto with her husband and three children. You can find Charise Jewelle online... Webstie Instagram Twitter Facebook Originally published 5/19/22

Dr. Kevin Alderson, PhD, is a professor emeritus of counselling psychology from the University of Calgary. Dr. Alderson is the solo author of the 720-page textbook called Addictions Counseling Today: Substances and Addictive Behaviors (2020, Sage Publications). His most recent books include Choosing the Right Counselor for You (2019) and The Concise Guide to Opioid Addiction for Counselors (2021), both co-authored with Samuel T. Gladding and published by the American Counseling Association.Dr. Alderson holds the highest level of membership within the International Society of Substance Use Professionals, and he is also a professional member of the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). Dr. Alderson sits on the editorial board of both the Journal of Alcoholism, Drug Abuse & Substance Dependence and the Austin Journal of Drug Abuse and Addiction. He holds membership in the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the American Counseling Association. Between 2008 and 2020, Dr. Alderson was the editor-in-chief of the Canadian Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. He is the founder of both the first doctoral credential in the counseling and psychotherapy field in Canada and of its first doctoral program with Yorkville University. He completed an MSc in clinical, school, and community psychology from the University of Calgary and a Ph.D. in counselling psychology at the University of Alberta. Dr. Alderson is married and is the father of two adult children. Outside of counselling, he enjoys long walks, music, and time with friends and family. You can find Dr. Kevin Alderson online... Website Facebook LinkedIn Originally published 5/5/22

Laura Carney is a writer and magazine copy editor in New York. She's been published by the Washington Post, the Associated Press, The Hill, Runner's World, Good Housekeeping, The Fix, Upworthy, and other places, and her book My Father’s List: How Living My Dad’s Dreams Set Me Free is being published by Post Hill Press in May 2023. She’s @myfatherslist on Instagram and Twitter, and her websites are myfatherslist.com and bylauracarney.com. She is represented by Davey Literary and Media. You can find Laura online... Twitter Instagram Facebook Website Originally published 21/04/22

A former journalist and pro athlete, Dr. Kim Perkins works on innovation, culture, and communication with leaders at cutting-edge science, tech, and media companies. She holds a Ph.D. in positive organizational psychology and her first book, Winner Take None, explores the role competition plays in our lives. You can find Dr. Kim Perkins online... Twitter Website Originally published 4/7/22

Jennifer Moss is an award-winning journalist, author, public speaker, and expert in workplace well-being. She is a nationally syndicated radio columnist and writes for Harvard Business Review. Her newest book, The Burnout Epidemic, is now available wherever you buy books. You can find her online... Website Twitter Originally published 03/24/22

Kathryn Greenberg is a Certified Life Coach specializing in mindfulness, trauma, and addiction. She shares her journey of healing as a way to show those who may be struggling that their life is worth living. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Greenberg moved to Sarasota, Florida in 2013, and wonders why she waited so long. Kathryn’s unique approach is informed and inspired by the time she spends working with people in very difficult circumstances – jails and courts, homeless shelters, residential treatment centers, and human service agencies. Kathryn discovered that within those individuals, living in terrific pain and struggle, lies a store of inner strength, which when mindfully accessed, can liberate them from the darkest of places. In addition to managing her practice and continuing her work as a tireless ‘hope evangelist,’ Kathryn serves on the boards of the Salvation Army of Sarasota County, Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center, and Purpose House Transitional Homes. She attended Boston University and Marymount University, and holds a degree in Developmental Psychology. She is also a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. She loves dogs, dessert, and anything crafty. Her gratitude for each day is off the charts. You can find Kathryn online... Website Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Originally published 03/10/22

Abby Medcalf is a Relationship Maven, psychologist, author, podcast host and Tedx speaker who has helped thousands of people think differently so they can create connection, ease and joy in their relationships (especially the one with yourself)! With her unique background in both business and counseling, she brings a fresh, effective perspective to life’s struggles using humor and her direct, no-nonsense style. With over 30 years of experience, Abby is a recognized authority and sought-after speaker at organizations such as Google, Apple, AT&T, Kaiser, PG&E, American Airlines and Chevron. She’s been a featured expert on CBS and ABC news, and has been a contributor to Huff Post, Women’s Health, and Bustle. She’s the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book, “Be Happily Married, Even if Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing,” and the host of the top-rated “Relationships Made Easy” Podcast. Her new book and program, Negative Thinking Sucks, and Not in a Good Way will be out soon! You can find Abby Medcalf online... Website Twitter: @AbbyThriving YouTube: Abby Medcalf Thriving Instagram: @abbymedcalfthriving Facebook: Abby Medcalf LinkedIn: Abby Medcalf Thriving Originally published on 02/10/22

Abby Medcalf is a Relationship Maven, psychologist, author, podcast host and Tedx speaker who has helped thousands of people think differently so they can create connection, ease and joy in their relationships (especially the one with yourself)! With her unique background in both business and counseling, she brings a fresh, effective perspective to life’s struggles using humor and her direct, no-nonsense style. With over 30 years of experience, Abby is a recognized authority and sought-after speaker at organizations such as Google, Apple, AT&T, Kaiser, PG&E, American Airlines and Chevron. She’s been a featured expert on CBS and ABC news, and has been a contributor to Huff Post, Women’s Health, and Bustle. She’s the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book, “Be Happily Married, Even if Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing,” and the host of the top-rated “Relationships Made Easy” Podcast. Her new book and program, Negative Thinking Sucks, and Not in a Good Way will be out soon! Stay tuned for Part 2! You can find Abby Medcalf online... Website Twitter: @AbbyThriving YouTube: Abby Medcalf Thriving Instagram: @abbymedcalfthriving Facebook: Abby Medcalf LinkedIn: Abby Medcalf Thriving Originally published on 02/17/22

In this episode, Dr. Marcia Sirota talks about how love is the solution to a thriving community. Website Twitter Instagram

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of child abuse, suicide, and mentions of self-harm which may be disturbing for some listeners. Dr. Jen Fraser has a PhD in Comparative Literature which trained her to take diverse discourses and put them into dialogue. Her books draw on literature, psychology, law and anthropology as she analyzes culture and society. Her sixth book, The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health turns to neuroscience in order to rethink how abuse shapes our world and learn new ways to recover from it grounded in science (forthcoming with Prometheus Books March 8, 2022). You can find Dr. Jennifer Fraser online... The Bullied Brain Twitter: @teachingbullies Originally published 02/03/22

Trigger warning: this episode contains discussions of child abuse and suicide which may be disturbing for some listeners. Dr. Jen Fraser has a PhD in Comparative Literature which trained her to take diverse discourses and put them into dialogue. Her books draw on literature, psychology, law and anthropology as she analyzes culture and society. Her sixth book, The Bullied Brain: Heal Your Scars and Restore Your Health turns to neuroscience in order to rethink how abuse shapes our world and learn new ways to recover from it grounded in science (forthcoming with Prometheus Books March 8, 2022). Stay tuned for Part 2! You can find Dr. Jennifer Fraser online... The Bullied Brain Twitter : @teachingbullies Originally published 01/27/22

Shannon Moroney is the author of two bestselling memoirs: Through the Glass and Out of the Shadows. She is an internationally recognized advocate of restorative justice and travels extensively--in person and virtually--to lead transformative forgiveness workshops and retreats for people and communities overcoming trauma, and to keynote justice and mental health conferences. She is a registered social worker and trauma therapist specializing in treating survivors of sexual assault and trafficking, and the family members of people who offend. Shannon is the clinical director of Shannon Moroney and Associates, "supporting your journey to post-traumatic growth", and creator of the Heal for Real Foundation. She lives in Toronto with her twin daughters. You can find Shannon online... Website: www.shannonmoroney.com Instagram: @shannonmoroneyauthor Originally published 01/13/22

Dr. Marcia Sirota celebrates her 100th episode of the Ruthless Compassion Podcast by sharing her New Year's resolution for 2022: becoming a kindness warrior. Being a kindness warrior enables you to be authentic, loving, and intimate without the potential drama, codependency, frustration, and resentment that can come from people-pleasing and being too nice. She shares tips and words of inspiration about how to become a kindness warrior, and encourages listeners to follow her on her journey. Website Twitter Instagram

Dr. Jelena Kecmanovic ("Dr K.") is a clinical psychologist, the founding director of the Arlington/DC Behavior Therapy Institute (ABTI), and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University. She is a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) expert with over 25 years of experience as a therapist, teacher, mentor, researcher, author, and presenter. Dr K. is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post, and her work also has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Business Insider, and Salon, among others. She also writes a Psychology Today blog “From science to practice,” and has been quoted and interviewed widely, from the New York Times to NPR. You can find Dr. Jelena Kecmanovic online... Twitter: @DrKPsychologist LinkedIn: Jelena Kecmanovic - Dr K. Originally published 01/06/22

Christina Crook is a pioneer and leading voice of digital well-being. As the author of award winning The Joy Of Missing Out: FInding Balance in a Wired World and the leader of global (#)JOMO movement, she regularly shares her insights in major media outlets and interviews other mindful tech leaders as the host of the JOMO podcast. Her commentary on technology and daily life have appeared in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, BBC.com, Harper’s Bazaar, NPR, Times of India and Glamour. She lives with her family in Toronto, Canada. You can find Christina online... Website: www.christinacrook.com Twitter: @cmcrook Originally published 12/23/21

Lydia Denworth is an award-winning science journalist and a sought-after speaker. She is a contributing editor at Scientific American and the author of Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond, which was named one of the best leadership books of 2020 by Adam Grant and called "the best of science writing" by Booklist. She has written two other books of popular science: I Can Hear You Whisper and Toxic Truth. Her work has also appeared in The Atlantic, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Time and many other publications. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her family. You can find Lydia online... Twitter: @LydiaDenworth Website: https://lydiadenworth.com/ Originally published 12/09/21

This is Part 2 of this podcast episode. Listen to Part 1 here. Dr. Gabor Maté is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in twenty-five languages, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing, he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. You can find Dr. Gabor Maté online... Website: www.drgabormate.com Twitter: @drgabormate Originally Published 11/25/21

Dr. Gabor Maté is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in twenty-five languages, including the award-winning In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing, he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this episode. You can find Dr. Gabor Maté online... Website: www.drgabormate.com Twitter: @drgabormate Originally Published 11/18/21

Dr. Robert Barrett has spent much of his life studying behaviour, group dynamics, and organizational culture and is the author of the bestselling book Hardwired: How Our Instincts to Be Healthy Are Making Us Sick. His primary focus is on why we do the things we do and the underlying forces that shape our lives. This intriguing theme has taken Robert to some of the world’s most fascinating research and work environments. Dr. Barrett has traveled to rural Nigeria to interview recruiters and leaders of death squads on how they indoctrinate fighters, he helped build Canada’s first ever Patient Safety Officer program for Canadian hospitals, lectured on intercultural negotiation to NATO officers deploying to Afghanistan, and was lead researcher on a unique program designed to investigate ways to mitigate astronaut crew conflict in space for future Mars missions. Robert’s work on motivation and team dynamics is also supported by 13 years as an elite athlete. Robert has written for the Huffington Post and has appeared more than 50 times on national television and radio. He is the recipient of 13 major academic awards and is a human factors expert with over 17,000 hours of flying experience. His most recent work – and the theme of his book Hardwired – is to understand the growing disharmony between our slow evolutionary adaptation and our rapidly changing world, and why this underlying friction is now one of the most critical determinants of our behaviour and health. You can find Dr. Robert Barrett online... Website Twitter: @drrobertbarrett Originally Published 11/11/21

Nya Abernathy, founder of The Dignity Effect, is a public educator, curriculum designer, and peacemaker focused on social-emotional learning and living for adults. Her aim is to help people reconnect with themselves and others with grace, accountability, and hope. You can find Nya online... Instagram: @thedignityeffect Website Originally Published 10/28/21

Julie Lythcott-Haims believes in humans and is deeply interested in what gets in our way. Her work encompasses writing, speaking, mentoring, and activism. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the anti-helicopter parenting manifesto How to Raise an Adult which gave rise to a popular TED Talk. Her second book is the critically-acclaimed and award-winning prose poetry memoir Real American, which illustrates her experience as a Black and biracial person in white spaces. A third book, Your Turn: How to Be an Adult, has been called a “groundbreakingly frank” guide to adulthood. Julie is a former corporate lawyer and Stanford dean, and she holds a BA from Stanford, a JD from Harvard, and an MFA in Writing from California College of the Arts. She currently serves on the boards of Common Sense Media and the Black Women’s Health Imperative, and on the advisory board of LeanIn.Org and Parents magazine. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner of over thirty years, their itinerant young adults, and her mother. You can find Julie online... Twitter: @jlythcotthaims Instagram: @jlythcotthaims Facebook: Julie Lythcott-Haims Website Originally Published 10/14/21

Michael Ungar, Ph.D., is a Family Therapist and Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University where he holds the Canada Research Chair in Child, Family and Community Resilience. His ground-breaking work is recognized around the world for its emphasis on how to use the theory of resilience to increase both individual and community agility during crises, with numerous communities, organizations and businesses adopting his concept of resilience as a negotiated process that enhances people's wellbeing when facing adversity. Dr. Ungar has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the subject of resilience and is the author of 17 books for mental health professionals, researchers and caregivers. These include Change Your World: The Science of Resilience and the True Path to Success, a book for adults experiencing stress at work and at home, and Multisystemic Resilience: Adaptation and Transformation in Contexts of Change, an open access edited volume with contributors from a dozen diverse disciplines ranging from epigenetics and psychology to architecture and computing science. His blog, Nurturing Resilience, can be read on Psychology Today's website. You can find Dr. Ungar online... Website: www.michaelungar.com Twitter: @MichaelUngarPhD Originally Published 09/30/21

Raymond Van Gobel is Mr Rayz, a kids entertainer and educator with heart on a mission to help kids find their courage and be brave! He also has managed bipolar affective disorder for over 22 years and has learned mental health strategies and ways to courageously battle mental illness with its challenges. He was recently on the board of OBAD.ca ( The organization for bipolar affective disorder) where he is on the team of peer group support specialists, the leading mental health peer group in Alberta. Ray make his home in Calgary and is a divorced single father to three fast growing kids in middle school and high school. You can find Raymond online... `Instagram: @mrrayz Originally Published 09/16/21

Robert Hawke is a comedian, author and speaker. Rob honed his storytelling and comedic skills with The Second City Comedy Troupe. He has shared in a Canadian Comedy Award and Gemini Award Nomination for Best Writing in a Comedy Series. Robert creates riveting virtual keynote presentations that give audiences immediately usable tips and tools to build resilience in these ridiculous times. Rob wrote the books Kicking Cancer's Ass: A Lighthearted Guide To The Fight Of Your Life and Doing Happiness: Uncovering The Hidden Benefits Of Feeling Good. He lives in Peterborough with his terrific wife and ridiculously small dog. You can find Robert online... Twitter: @RobertHawke Website Originally Published 09/02/21

Carlita Victoria is a Raleigh, North Carolina native, she attended The University of NC at Greensboro (BFA Dance Performance & Choreography, K-12 Dance Education). A committed mental health advocate, Carlita founded Darkness RISING Nonprofit for Black mental health to create a safe space and mental health resources for the Black community. National Tour: Chuck Davis & The African American Dance Ensemble, MADAGASCAR LIVE: CHINA, Industrial: Glee Project Promo featuring Darren Criss. (Lead Singer) Regional: THE COLOR PURPLE (Nettie), DREAMGIRLS (Lorrell Robinson), HAIRSPRAY (Little Inez/Dynamite), ROCK OF AGES (Justice), DISNEY’S ALADDIN (Regional Premiere), Urban Bush Women (Apprentice). Carlita is an active performer, certified personal fitness instructor, and mental health advocate. You can find Carlita online... Instagram: @darknessrisingproject Instagram: @itscarlitav Twitter: @darkriseproject Twitter: @itscarlitav Facebook: @darknessrisingproject Website Originally Published 08/19/21

TESS BRIGHAM (MFT, BCC), dubbed the 'Millennial Therapist' by CNBC, is an expert psychotherapist, certified life coach, and public speaker. She specializes in helping millennials discover their unique life path in order to go out into the world and make an impact. Tess' acclaimed one-on-one coaching empowers young adults to gain the confidence they need to create their dream life through concrete and actionable steps. Tess is a vital resource for those who may be feeling stuck, uninspired, or uncertain by where they are in life. She has written the Quarter Life Crisis Handbook, and also works with parents in helping them "launch your millennial". Her keynote speeches and workshops include topics such as: millennials in the workplace and parenting your millennial children. She's worked with companies including: General Assembly, The Bar Method, Newport Academy, and Better Up, to name a few. Based in San Francisco, California, Tess has over 15 years of experience helping thousands of people find their purpose, develop their confidence, and create a life they're excited about living. Her work has been featured in Oprah Magazine, ThriveGlobal, HuffPost, Thought Catalog, Insider, Yahoo! News, Bustle, NBC, Real Simple, and more. You can find Tess online... Instagram: @tess_brigham Twitter: @mftTess Website Originally Published 07/08/21

As CEO of MI, I am committed to supporting my team in building digital tools that empower better living and faster healing. We blend science and design with internally developed technology that remotely and objectively measures mind and body data (typically via computer vision enabled psychobiometrics). By partnering with medical and academic institutions around the world, we rigorously interrogate the efficacy of our products through multi-centre randomised controlled trials. Our commitment of using science to ensure our tools work and are tailored to suit each individual means you can trust a MI product is the most effective product for you, no matter where you live or who you are. Until 2017, I was a Principal Investigator of the Zurich Neuroscience Centre where my laboratory at the Psychiatry Hospital focused on understanding molecules and neural circuits that give rise to the motivation to explore. This work was a continuation of a discovery I made in 2009 while completing my PhD at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto in the lab of Prof. John Roder. We discovered a molecular link between environmental exploration and spatial learning, and in doing so observed an active role for the hippocampus in motivational behaviour. These results were recently extended by my lab and the labs of others to reveal roles of cortical and subcortical inputs to the hippocampus in novelty-driven exploration, research made possible by recent advancements in optogenetics in the freely behaving animal in combination with wireless electrophysiology, PET and fMRI. Together, this avenue of research has shed light on the mechanisms underscoring the intimate relationships between exploration, efficient learning and cognitive disease. At the circuit level, the importance of curiosity for healthy living may parallel the beneficial effects of mindfulness that MI delivers to its customers through the product AmDTx. Originally Published: June, 24 2021

Marion Nestle is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University. She teaches and writes about food politics, the role of the food industry in food choice, and how the Coronavirus pandemic affects food systems. You can find Marion Nestle online... Website

Allyson G. Harrison is a clinical psychologist, currently employed as the clinical director of the Regional Assessment & Resource Centre at Queen's University. She also holds an appointment as an Associate professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Queen's University. Her research is dedicated to issues of differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders and the cognitive effects of mental health conditions. Originally Published: May 27th, 2021

Described as one of the most sought-after, engaging, thought-provoking, and truly transformative international speakers and scholars in her field, Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe is a multi-award-winning education and psychology instructor and resiliency expert. What sets Dr. Robyne apart is how she learned resiliency from the ground up, as a person who has experienced significant obstacles yet forged her come back. She lives in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada with her husband, Jeff, and their three children: Hunter, Ava Lesley and Jaxson. Robyne runs on coffee, hiking her pups – Apollo and Luna, historical fiction and time with her family! Be sure to check out her new book: Calm Within The Storm – Pre-sales are now open. Official launch date: March 23, 2021 You can find Robyne online... Website Twitter: @rhanleydafoe Instagram: @dr_robynehd LinkedIn: @Dr_robynehd

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a historian, educator, and commentator on fascism, authoritarian leaders, and propaganda — and the threats these present to democracies around the world. Professor of History and Italian Studies at New York University, she is author or editor of seven books and many essays and op-eds in media outlets including CNN, The New Yorker, and The Washington Post. Her newest book is Strongmen: From Mussolini to the Present (Norton, 2020), which examines the authoritarian playbook illiberal leaders have used for a century Find her Book Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present here You can find Ruth online... Website Twitter: @ruthbenghiat. Instagram: @ruthbenghiat. Originally Published: April 29, 2021

Claire Soares is the founder of The Self Funded CEO™ Coaching Program and the mastermind behind the multi-million dollar flagship startup travel company, Up in the Air Life. She believes in doing what you love, being who you are, and living life out loud. As a former sales executive at a Fortune 500 company, Claire was a road warrior traveling over 1000 flights during her sales career. Throughout that time she learned the ins and outs of business travel and in 2013 channeled her love for luxury, champagne, and exotic destinations into her successful company, Up in the Air Life. Claire and Up in the Air Life have been featured in the Wal-mart Black Girl Magic Campaign, The AirBnB Inaugural Black Travel Leaders List, USA Today, The Huffington Post, Essence, Ebony, The Root, Rolling Out, The Griot, and other online publications. You can find Claire online at... Instagram: @clairebsoares Website

Bailey Parnell is the Founder & CEO of SkillsCamp, a soft skills training company, and was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women. Bailey is a TEDx speaker with over 2.5 million views, an award-winning digital marketer, and a businesswoman with a talent for helping people develop the skills they need for success. Her work and expertise have been featured in Forbes, CBC, FOX, Flare Magazine, and more. Bailey did her Masters in Communications and Culture at Ryerson University with research looking into social media's impact on mental health, the results of which she presented at the World Youth Forum in Egypt and turned into her signature 5 Steps Towards #SafeSocial. Check out Safe Social here You can find Bailey online at... IG: @baileyparnell TW: @baileyparnell Linked In: Bailey Parnell Facebook: Bailey Parnell Originally Published: 04/01/2021

Dana G. Cohen, MD has been practicing integrative medicine for the last 20 years in Manhattan. She is a nationally renowned internal and integrative medicine specialist whose multi-disciplinary approach has helped treat thousands of patients using a variety of conventional and complementary therapies. In practice for nearly two decades, Cohen trained under the late Dr. Robert Atkins, author of the iconic "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," and Dr. Ronald L. Hoffman, a pioneer of integrative medicine and founder of the Hoffman Center in New York City. Cohen earned her medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed a three-year internal medicine residency at Albany Medical Center and was board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in 1998. She was appointed to the Board of Directors of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM), the leading voice of integrative medicine, where she currently serves as advisor to the Board of Directors and advisor to the education committee. In addition, she is on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Organic and Natural Health Association. She has co-authored QUENCH: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration (Hachette Books; June 12, 2018) with cultural anthropologist Gina Bria. You can find Dana online at... IG: @drdanacohen TW: @drdanacohen FB: @danacohenmd Website

Timothy Caulfield is a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, a Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health, and Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta. His interdisciplinary research on topics like stem cells, genetics, research ethics, the public representations of science, and health policy issues has allowed him to publish over 350 academic articles. He has won numerous academic and writing awards and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Trudeau Foundation, and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. He contributes frequently for the popular press and is the author of two national bestsellers: The Cure for Everything: Untangling the Twisted Messages about Health, Fitness and Happiness, and Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash. Caulfield also has a strong social media presence and is the host and co-producer of the documentary TV series, A User's Guide to Cheating Death. You can find him online at... Instagram: @caulfieldtim Twitter: @CaulfieldTim Originally Published: March 4, 2021

Allyson G. Harrison is a clinical psychologist, currently employed as the clinical director of the Regional Assessment & Resource Centre at Queen's University. She also holds an appointment as an Associate professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology at Queen's University. Her research is dedicated to issues of differential diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders and the cognitive effects of mental health conditions. Originally Published: February 18, 2021

Dr. Ryan Martin researches and writes on healthy and unhealthy expressions of anger. His book, Why We Get Mad: How to Use Your Anger for Positive Change, explores why people become angry, some of the common consequences of anger, and how people can use their anger in productive ways. Ryan also hosts the popular psychology podcast, Psychology and Stuff. He was trained as a counseling psychologist at the University of Southern Mississippi where he first started studying anger after earning his undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of St. Thomas. He has worked with clients- angry and otherwise- in a variety of settings including community mental health centers, college counseling centers, and a VA Hospital. Ryan's new book can be found here You can find Ryan online at... TW: @angerprofessor Facebook: @angerprofessor IG: @angerprofessor Website

Sakinah Hofler is an award-winning writer and a doctoral candidate in English and Comparative Literature at the University of Cincinnati. She has won the Manchester Fiction Prize, the Hurston/Wright Award for College Writers, and the Sherwood Anderson Fiction Award, among others. She has received fellowships from the Edward H. and Mary C. Kingsbury Foundation, the Charles Phelps Taft Research Center, and the P.E.O. Scholar Award. A former chemical and quality engineer for the United States Department of Defense, she's at work on her first novel. You can find Sakinah online at... TW: blackquisition IG: blackquisition Website Originally Published: 01/21/2021

Mark Henick is a mental health advocate and strategist based in Toronto, Canada. His TEDx talk on suicide is among the most watched ever, and he is the host of the So-Called Normal and Living Well podcasts. His forthcoming book, So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression, and Resilience, will be published by HarperCollins on January 12, and is currently available for presale at most major bookstores worldwide. You can learn more about Marks book by clicking here You can find Mark online at... Twitter - @markhenick Facebook - @markhenick Instagram - @markhenick LinkedIn - Mark Henick Website Originally Published: 01/07/2021

A passionate transpartisan political disruptor, Dave Meslin has spent the last twenty years as a political biologist, exploring the strange and mysterious worlds of protest movements, party politics and non-profit organizations. Wearing a suit and tie one day and shouting through a megaphone the next, Dave has worked as an executive assistant at both city hall and the provincial legislature, painted do-it-yourself bike lanes on the street, organized hundreds of volunteers, started a handful of non-profits, worked as federal lobbyist, helped draft provincial legislation, survived tear-gas riots in three countries, buried his car and got thrown in jail. Not in that order. Dave's best-selling book, Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up, is a roadmap for change and a cure for cynicism. You can find out more about his book by clicking here You can find Dave online at... Instagram - @davemeslin Twitter - @meslin Facebook - Dave Meslin Website Originally Published: 12/23/2020

Laurie Palau is the author of the book HOT MESS: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO GETTING ORGANIZED, host of the popular weekly podcast, This ORGANIZED Life, and founder of Simply B Organized-a lifestyle company helping people live simply and work smarter. Her advice has been featured in national publications including Real Simple & The New York Times. A self-described homebody and coffee lover, Laurie lives in Bucks County, PA with her husband Josh, 2 daughters, and dog, Jeter. You can find Laurie online at... Instagram - @simplyborganized Facebook - Laurie Palau LinkedIn - simplyborganized Website Originally Published: 12/10/20

Jacqueline is a certified life coach who helps high-achievers create lives that feel as good on the inside as they may look on the outside. She holds a master's degree in behavioral and social health sciences from Brown University, and she is a current doctoral student at Rutgers University in the clinical psychology Ph.D. program. In her spare time, she can be found playing with her dog Lulu. Jacqueline is accepting new clients for 1:1 6 months of coaching, click here to learn more. You can find Jacqueline online at... Instagram - @jacquelines.coaching Website Originally Published: 11/26/2020

Jillian Richardson helps people find a sense of belonging within themselves and their relationships. She is the author of Un-Lonely Planet, a guide to creating a strong sense of community. She's also the creator of The Joy List, a weekly newsletter of events and tools that help people create more connection in their life. When she's not facilitating workshops or coaching one-on-one, you can find Jillian writing poems and talking to every dog she meets. You can find her book Unlonely Planet by clicking here You can find Jillian online at... Twitter - @thatjillian Instagram - @thatjillian Website Originally Published: 11/12/2020

Dr. Robert Barrett has spent much of his life studying behavior, group dynamics, and organizational culture. His primary focus is on why we do the things we do and how individuals and teams can reach top performance. He has traveled to rural Nigeria to interview recruiters and leaders of death squads on how they indoctrinate fighters, he helped build Canada's first ever Patient Safety Officer program for Canadian hospitals, lectured on intercultural negotiation for senior Canadian Forces officers deploying to Afghanistan, and was lead researcher on a unique program designed to investigate ways to mitigate astronaut crew conflict in space for future Mars missions. Robert Barrett has a new book HARDWIRED: How Our Instincts to Be Healthy are Making Us Sick coming out on November 10th. You can find Robert online at... www.drrobertbarrett.com LinkedIn - Robert Barrett, PhD Twitter - @drrobertbarrett Originally Published: 10/26/2020

After successfully building her business over the last twenty-plus years, Marcia Moran thought she had life by the tail. Little did she know what was in store. After helping other entrepreneurs start their companies, she decided to found her own business consulting practice, Performance Architect, in 2012 and co-founded Positive Business DC that same year. She suffered a major stroke in 2014. Marcia applied her skills in planning and strategy as she strived to become whole. She never gave up. Over time she learned to walk again, but Marcia struggled with aphasia, a language disorder. Marcia created Stroke FORWARD because she felt there is a need to share hope to stroke survivors and their caretakers. Learning to become her own health advocate one step a time and exploring holistic methods for healing are keys to her recovery. Marcia speaks and shares her message of hope, inspiration, healing, and a way forward as she goes across the country. You can find Marcia's book on Amazon.com: Stroke Forward: How to Become Your Own Healthcare Advocate . . . One Step at a Time You can find Marcia online at... Facebook - @StrokeForward LinkedIn - Marcia Moran Or at her website Originally Published: 10/08/2020

A mental health advocate and former ward of the Children's Aid Society, David is an adjunct college lecturer, community worker, consultant, and published writer and playwright.David completed graduate studies at York University and holds a diploma in Human Services Counseling (mental health and addictions). He is trained in Family Group Conferencing, Restorative Circles, and Life Skill Facilitation and has been a member of faculty in both Child and Youth Care and Social Service Work programs in Toronto, Oakville and Brampton. David regularly speaks on, and facilitates training around mental health, identity, working across difference, restorative practice and transformative change. He is a regular contributor to CBC Arts and Huffington Post Canada, and is presently completing post-graduate studies in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation. You can find David online at… Facebook - @PastorDavidLewisPeart Twitter - @davidlewispeart Original Published: 09/17/20

Sam Morris is a lifelong student of the wisdom teachings of the East, particularly Zen and Taoism. Through his executive mentoring program, Zen Warrior Training, Sam works with high performing clients in the art and science of self-actualization, resilience and embodied present-moment awareness to help them achieve their next level of success and fulfillment in their careers, health and personal lives. You can find Sam online at... Facebook @ZenWarriorTraining Instagram: @ZenWarriorTraining Twitter @ZWarriorTraining Or at his website. Originally Published: 9/10/2020

Dr. Mark Goulston is an executive coach, keynote speaker, author of seven books including “Just Listen” which became the top book on listening in the world. He hosts the My Wakeup Call podcast and is the founder of the field of Surgical Empathy, a process that helps people heal from PTSD. This is part two of a two part conversation between Dr. Sirota and Dr. Goulston. You can find Dr. Goulston online at... @MarkGoulston on Twitter @MarkGoulston on Instagram @drmarkgoulston on Facebook And at his website https://markgoulston.com/ Make sure to check out his podcast My Wakeup Call with Dr. Mark Goulston

Dr. Mark Goulston is an executive coach, keynote speaker, author of seven books including “Just Listen” which became the top book on listening in the world. He hosts the My Wakeup Call podcast and is the founder of the field of Surgical Empathy, a process that helps people heal from PTSD. This is part one of a two part conversation between Dr. Sirota and Dr. Goulston. You can find Dr. Goulston online at... @MarkGoulston on Twitter @MarkGoulston on Instagram @drmarkgoulston on Facebook And at his website https://markgoulston.com/ Make sure to check out his podcast My Wakeup Call with Dr. Mark Goulston

David Hopkins writes a little bit of everything. His work includes the novel, Wear Chainmail to the Apocalypse, and the burlesque memoir, The Wild and Wayward Tales of Tammi True. He has written op-eds for the Dallas Morning News and Chicago Tribune. His essay “How a TV Sitcom Triggered the Downfall of Western Civilization” was a Medium.com editor’s pick with over four million views. It has been translated into several languages and republished in other countries. David is working on his next ten books. For more information, visit https://thatdavidhopkins.com You can find David online at... @davidhopkins on Twitter @thatdavidhopkins on Instagram And make sure to check out Wear Chainmail to the Apocolypse on Amazon!