Medicated teen to kitchen queen | Brooke Siem #473

Welcome to A2 The Show! In this riveting episode, we dive deep with Brooke Siem, a Food Network "Chopped" Champion and author of the groundbreaking memoir, "MAY CAUSE SIDE EFFECTS." As one of the first teens medicated with antidepressants, Brooke explores her journey of self-discovery off meds, and the realities of antidepressant withdrawal. Beyond her mental health journey, Brooke, an award-winning chef, dishes on the highs and lows of high-end kitchens and the balance she finds in cooking. Plus, she offers insights on the mental health industry's drug-centered approach and the potential pitfalls of medicating without sufficient research. Whether you're here for the mental health insights or the culinary tales, Brooke's story is a must-listen. Don't miss out, and yes, our in-person interviews come with snacks! Dive into the full podcast for all the flavors of this chat. #MikhailaPeterson 00:00 I still cook for private clients and do research and development. 06:46 Working in high-end kitchens is one of the most stressful jobs. 13:40 Creating and transforming with our hands, nourishing people, and seeking acceptance and attention are important aspects of being a chef 19:26 Balance between work and quality over quantity is crucial for the speaker. 24:47 The mental health field is expanding mental illness criteria and relying on a drug-centered approach 30:47 Genetic testing can reveal how well your body can metabolize certain drugs. 36:01 Polypharmacy can create problems as drugs interact within the individual, causing symptoms that may be misdiagnosed as a mental illness. 41:28 The pharmaceutical industry's influence on research and marketing is misleading 46:59 Medicating children with psychiatric drugs without sufficient long-term research is detrimental 52:47 The best outcomes are seen in people who do therapy without medication. 57:58 Researchers have found interesting connections between mass shooters and their ability to metabolize psychiatric drugs. 1:03:59 Forgiving oneself and focusing on self-acceptance is more productive than holding anger towards others. Welcome to "A² The Show" – your ticket to the human mind's wild rollercoaster! We're a crew of pals from Lebanon, now globally scattered, who combat homesickness with friendship, gaming, fiery chats, and a sprinkle of controversy. Our podcast is more than just words; it's a fun-fueled rebellion against the everyday, and a beacon in the mental health fog. With a diverse lineup of guests who've braved the depths of the human psyche, we're here to inspire resilience, provoke thought, and tickle your funny bone. So strap in for a journey through the human mind's crazy maze. It's like your favorite videogame, but the cheat codes are science, empathy, and a dash of madness. Dive into "A² The Show" – your unforgettable adventure starts here! Ride the digital waves with us on social media: @a2theshow Ali "The Professor" Haajl @alitheprofessor alitheprofessor.com Saeed El Jammal @saeedjay97 Mohamed Owydat @mowydat Abbas Jawhar @abbasjawhar3 Ameer Asmar @cold_and_flew Sherif Seif El Nasr