Elizabeth Smart shares her powerful journey after being kidnapped at age 14 in 2002, revealing how she turned unimaginable adversity into hope and posttraumatic growth. Join Dr. Amen and Elizabeth as they review her brain scans and discuss the brain’s response to trauma, the resilience factors that foster growth, and the actionable steps you can take to heal and thrive after life’s toughest challenges.

00:00 Intro

01:30 Sponsor

02:38 Elizabeth

05:39 Before the Kidnapping

07:07 The Kidnapping

13:18 The First Days

19:46 The Kidnappers

32:25 Mental State During Captivity

39:10 Rescue

53:15 The Aftermath/Panic Attacks

58:45 Processing the Trauma

1:04:24 Post-Traumatic Growth

1:09:50 The 4 Circles/BRIGHT MINDS Risk Factors

1:16:00 Elizabeth’s SPECT Brain Scans

1:23:12 Final Impressions

1:24:36 Sponsor

1:26:02 Wrap Up

Psilocybin—the active compound in magic mushrooms—is being hailed as a game-changer for mental health. But what’s the truth behind the buzz? In this must-see episode, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana Amen share brain imaging insights, discuss the potential benefits for depression, and raise important questions about safety and long-term risks. Is this psychedelic drug the breakthrough people hope for—or another psychiatric misstep?

00:00 Intro

00:43 Psilocybin

05:00 Why Take Mushrooms?

8:44 Transcendental Experiences

11:15 The Negative Effects of Psilocybin

15:06 Sponsor

16:20 The Neuropsychological Effects of Nicotine

21:19 What are the Drawbacks?

23:23 Second Hand Smoke

27:33 Quitting Smoking

29:09 Wrap Up

Cannabis is often hailed as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and chronic pain. But is it the miracle cure it’s made out to be? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Amen and Tana Amen reveal the darker side of marijuana no one’s talking about. Discover what SPECT scans show about its effects on brain health, mental well-being, and mood regulation—and learn why it’s important to know the full story before you decide if it’s right for you.

00:00 Intro

00:48 Cannabis

02:03 Why Do People Use?

10:41 Sponsor

12:00 The Trouble with Marijuana

18:48 The Psychological Consequences

22:53 The Risk Factors Associated with Cannabis

24:42 Taking Action

25:16 Dr. Amen’s 12 Steps

28:11 Your Why

29:31 Supplements

31:20 Habit Replacement

36:30 Wrap Up