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In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ana N. Cervantes, a dual-board-certified forensic psychiatrist whose career serves as a vital bridge between the worlds of medicine and the legal system. Born in Mexico and natively bilingual, Dr. Cervantes brings a uniquely nuanced perspective to her role as the Program Director for the Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship at the University at Buffalo. Her professional pedigree is world-class, spanning from her medical degree at Case Western Reserve to a residency at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital and a specialized fellowship at the University of Maryland. As an Adjunct Professor at the UB School of Law, she doesn't just treat patients; she shapes how future lawyers and judges understand the human mind, teaching them to navigate the complex interface of psychiatric expertise and courtroom testimony.

Our conversation pulls back the curtain on the gritty, "on-the-ground" reality of her day-to-day life, which stands in stark contrast to the structured "Ivory Tower" of academia. Dr. Cervantes shares the personal story of what first drew her to psychiatry and the evolution of her 20-year career. We dive deep into the sobering environment of the Erie County Correctional Facility, where she identifies the "common threads" of trauma and untreated illness that link many inmates. She provides a raw look at the most vulnerable populations for suicide within the jail system and the specific, often overlooked challenges surrounding men’s mental health in the criminal justice realm.

Beyond the clinical and legal, we explore the modern human condition. We reflect on our state of hyper-connectivity—laughing about how we are now tethered to the internet even while flying on planes—and discuss the long-term psychological effects of never truly being "offline." Finally, Dr. Cervantes offers profound insight into the "human" side of being a forensic expert; she reveals how she manages to keep her "cup" full and maintain her compassion after two decades of navigating high-profile criminal cases, civil commitments, and the heavy ethical dilemmas that define her field. This is a fascinating look at the person behind the professional, exploring how she maintains her integrity and spirit while working at the intersection of tragedy, law, and healing.

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Fourteen years ago, Brian Lottman walked away from his former life to become a wandering monk, dedicated to sharing the mystical path of Self-Realization. In this episode, we explore Brian’s unique and inspiring lifestyle as a modern-day renunciant, tracing his transformative travels through the spiritual landscapes of India and the high-vibration energy of Mount Shasta. Brian shares the profound impact of Swami Purnima on his path and explains how his "Satsang" gatherings—filled with kirtan, ancient tales of saints, and deep meditation—help individuals dissolve inner barriers to find true healing. We discuss the "Stir the Heart" mission and learn specific practices to purify negativity, awakening the body’s natural healing power to bring a sense of sacred presence into our everyday lives.

https://www.stirtheheart.com/

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In this episode, we are joined by a distinguished expert from the University at Buffalo, a PhD and trained cognitive psychologist whose work bridges the gap between the mind’s mechanics and the human experience. With a background in teaching both historic and modern psychological science, our guest brings a wealth of knowledge in cognitive science, offering listeners a deeper look into how we perceive and process the world around us.

Beyond the classroom, their research delves into the fascinating world of auditory perception and cognition. We explore how the sounds we hear—from the complexity of music to the nuances of language—intertwine with our emotions, spark mental imagery, and trigger powerful physiological responses. This conversation offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science and the senses, revealing the intricate ways our brains interpret the soundtrack of our lives.

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