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

00:00 Intro

00:40 You Lied to Me

02:53 Society Programming 

8:46 Alcohol

11:10 Why Do People Drink?

14:19 Sponsor

14:42 How Alcohol Works

22:36 The Social Factor

25:37 Spiritual Connection

26:23 What’s the Trouble with Alcohol?

34:26 Alcohol Risk Factors

40:13 Alcohol Effects in SPECT Scans

42:08 Wrap Up

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain shares the deeply personal story of how he survived a deadly fire at his Catholic school that claimed the lives of 93 classmates and three nuns—a trauma that left an indelible mark on his life and, as Dr. Amen explains, his brain.

00:00 Intro

01:50 Sponsor

03:10 Jonathan’s Journey/Goals

06:35 Jonathan’s History

08:03 Chicago Fire Tragedy

21:32 BRIGHT MINDS Risk Factors

24:39 Head Trauma

27:27 Mold Exposure

28:45 BRIGHT MINDS Continued

30:11 SPECT Scan Analysis (Surface)

37:16 SPECT Scan Analysis (Active)

39:23 The Plan

42:17 Bad Days, Good Data

44:45 Sponsor

46:12 Wrap Up