In this episode, Gavin interviews psychiatrist Dr. Alex Mageno about his path from an early interest in pediatrics to psychiatry, and how he began specializing in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Dr. Mageno explains the difference between psychiatrists and psychologists, then breaks down TMS as an external magnetic stimulation that activates brain nerves, promotes new neural connections, and targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in depression. Dr. Mageno reviews FDA approvals (depression, OCD, chronic pain, and adolescent depression) and ongoing research uses, typical insurance qualification after multiple medication trials, costs for self-pay, side effects and seizure risk, and the time commitment of a standard 36-session course. He also discusses protocols like deep TMS and accelerated/SAINT approaches, shares patient success stories, and emphasizes hope and other options if TMS fails.

In this episode, Gavin interviews Tina Tanner about her lifelong mental health journey shaped by severe childhood abuse, neglect, and early attachment wounds. Tina describes recurring cycles of major depression and hypomanic productivity that led to a bipolar diagnosis she felt didn’t fit. For decades, Tina endured chronic anxiety, suicidal ideation, and extensive medical issues and surgeries she connects to living in chronic stress. While studying for her Master's degree, Tina discovered the diagnosis that finally made everything make sense: complex PTSD. After years of therapy and medications, Tina pursued ECT at age 56 following a painful family betrayal, but she felt it worsened her memory and left her unable to function socially for years. She credits finding safety with her husband Jack and, ultimately, TMS at Whole Mind with relieving her depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, restoring joy, improving memory, helping her taper off medications, and giving her a stable “middle” state. Tina urges others—especially adult women with overlooked ADHD and trauma histories—to keep searching, ask for help, and consider TMS.

In this episode, Gavin sits down with Dan Colton to discuss his extensive battle with depression, spanning more than two decades. Dan shares how his struggle began at the age of 22 following his parents' unexpected divorce, and how it continued through various life events including law school, military service, and the death of his mother. Despite trying traditional medications and therapy, Dan found little relief from his treatment-resistant depression until he discovered ketamine treatments. He explains his initial reservations about ketamine due to its reputation as a recreational drug, and how he overcame those reservations to experience its benefits firsthand. Dan details his treatment journey with both ketamine injections and Spravato (a nasal spray form of estketamine) and how they had a massive positive impact on his mental health and overall outlook on life. Dan also speaks to the importance of seeking help, the value of second opinions, and maintaining open discussions about mental health.