
The Gently Used Human with Dr. Scott Lyons
Dr. Scott Lyons and his world renowned guests take us into the delightfully depthful and often hilarious exploration of what it is to be human, to have lived life, and come out gently used. From passion to pain, glory to defeat, comedy to drama to trauma, we’ve all been through it. This show unpacks the psychology and humor needed to keep you thriving on the roller coaster of being human.
Latest episodes

Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 14min
Finding Meaning in the Mess with Neeta Bhushan
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the quicksand of life's challenges, where every effort to move seems to pull you deeper into struggle? Or perhaps found yourself caught in a cycle of overachievement and overdoing, only to realize it's a shield against unprocessed trauma? This dance of resilience, this balancing act between breaking and rebuilding, just may be where we find our truest strength.In this episode, Dr. Scott is joined by Dr. Neeta Bhushan, a former cosmetic dentist turned resilience expert and advocate for human connection. Author of the critically acclaimed book, That Sucked, Now What? and Founder of the Global Grit Institute and the Dharma Coaching Institute. Her work has received international recognition, being featured in Forbes, LA Weekly and more, inspiring countless individuals to turn their struggles into opportunities for growth. Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and transformed as we unravel the art of turning life’s most sucky moments into stepping stones for growth and self-realization. Topics We Break Down:What the fuck resilience actually is. What it truly means to be able to sit in discomfort and ‘the stuck’. Navigating over-achievement and resilience.Why it’s so dangerous to carry unprocessed emotions and how they manifest in our health. What is behind the tendency to attract people who trigger what we refuse to face. Returning to your own divinity through spiritual and somatic therapies.Learning to ask for support and finding value beyond caretaking and hyperfunction.

Jan 17, 2024 • 53min
Comedy as Medicine with Margaret Cho
What is the true price of admission for laughter that moves you to tears? This episode’s guest isn’t just a comedian; she’s a force of nature in the world of entertainment and advocacy. In today’s episode, Dr. Scott sits down with Margaret Cho, a five-time Emmy nominee and a trailblazer for underrepresented groups who is reshaping the landscape of American comedy.Together, they explore the curious, subversive edges of Margaret’s comedy, where she addresses the absurdity of culture, life during the pandemic, her love for TikTok and reality shows, and even her fascination with pimple popping. They’ll also dive into how she navigates Asian hate through her humor, her journey of healing from addiction, and the transformative power of choice and finding agency on the road to belonging. Are you ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even squirm a little? Join us for a rollercoaster ride of insight and revelations with the incomparable Margaret Cho!Topics We Break Down:The role of humor in healing. Navigating social boundaries in comedic storytelling.Approaching life as an evolving work of art.How subversive humor develops from the realm of curiosity.Using storytelling as a tool to process personal and generational trauma.Overcoming addiction through medication, physical activity, and animals.Finding agency on the road to belonging.

Jan 10, 2024 • 49min
How to Get Excited with Debra Silverman
There’s no question that astrology is having a moment, when even the non-believers among us will openly blame mercury for their technology troubles or saturn for the turbulence in their late 20’s. But what is it about understanding ourselves through the stars that is so compelling? What if astrology isn’t just about predicting our future but is actually a way to feel happier in our daily lives? In this episode, Dr. Scott Lyons is joined by Debra Silverman, Astrologer and Physiotherapist, to unpack the cosmic influences in our daily lives. Debra, author of The Missing Element and the host of The I Don't Believe In Astrology Podcast, views astrology not as a fortune-telling gimmick but as a compass for self-discovery, a playful guide, and a pathway to healing.In our conversation, we explore the unexpected corridors of astrology and its profound insights into understanding the human condition. We unpack the symbiosis of astrology and psychology, the intricacies of our internal "complaining machine,” the limitations of the human operating system, activating the observer within us, the healing power of dance, and much more. Topics We Break Down:The intersection between astrology and psychology.Examples that demonstrate the value of astrology.Patterns of the human operating system.Turning on the observer within us.Insights into the healing concept of “embodiment.”Reconnecting with nature to overcome depression.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Robin Hood of Wellness: “Happy, Healthy, Horny” with Max Lugavere
Ever find yourself questioning the jigsaw puzzle of health content out three on the interwebs, wondering if that extra bite of processed food is really playing roulette with your brain and gut health? And amidst the cacophony of dietary do's and don'ts, pondering why the dietary heroes and villains of the internet seem to switch roles and ideas almost daily. Enter Max Lugavere, a dynamo in the realms of health and science journalism. With bestsellers like "Genius Foods'' under his belt and the potent voice of The Genius Life podcast, Max doesn't just preach health; he bridges the gaps between diet, brain longevity, and delectable culinary choices. Through his lens, the connection between the foods we devour and the vitality of our minds isn't just a notion—it's a symphony, a dance, a harmonious interplay.In this episode, Dr. Scott speaks with Max about health in the modern age, delving into evidence-based fitness strategies, the controversy surrounding carbs, and the golden triad of being “Happy, Healthy, Horny” to discover what truly propels us towards a state of well-being.Join us as we disentangle the confusing webs of health advice, champion evidence over anecdotes and prioritize authenticity over trends. Topics We Break Down:Defining ‘health’ in all its facets and what it truly means to be healthy. Developing resilience through fitness and health.The interconnected nature of metabolic, heart, and neurological health.What is behind overconsumption, underconsumption, and food quality.Returning to our own bodies for information about our health.

Dec 27, 2023 • 39min
Millennial Musings & The Rise of the Social Celebrity with Rod Thill
Have you ever found yourself laughing at a meme that felt eerily reflective of your own life or contemplated how our endless scrolling through digital feeds impacts our mental health? In an era where the lines between online personas and real-life emotions blur, we delve into the fascinating and often untold stories behind social media fame.In this episode, Dr. Scott sits down with TikTok sensation Rod Thill to delve into the fascinating and untold stories behind social media fame, where the lines between online personas and real-life emotions blur. As you'll discover, Rod isn't your average content creator; he is a bold storyteller who blends millennial pop culture, humor, and raw honesty to talk about mental health and the realities of corporate life. From the intricate challenges of curating content for a diverse audience to forecasting the trends we hope to witness, we delve into Rod's experiences as a social media influencer. Tune in to reveal layers of fame, creativity, and the unspoken realities of navigating the digital limelight with Rod Thill.Topics We Break Down:The essential act of setting boundaries for our well-being.Tackling social discourse as a content creator.Protecting your peace through self-prioritizationNavigating the public’s expectations as an influencerHow millennials are navigating the challenges of being the lost generation.

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 27min
Finding Love and Oneself in The Public Eye with Rachel Lindsay
Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the glittering yet turbulent waters of celebrity and reality TV while striving to stay true to your own story? How does one maintain authenticity when every move is magnified, every choice scrutinized, in the high-stakes world of public life? It's a journey that demands a delicate balance between personal truth and public persona.In this episode, Dr. Scott dives into these questions with Rachel Lindsay – an author, attorney, and a trailblazer in the realm of media. Known for breaking new ground as the first Black lead on 'The Bachelorette,' Rachel's journey extends far beyond the television screen. Her story is one of navigating fame, forging a path of self-discovery, and using her platform to inspire and lead with purpose.Together, they’ll explore the challenges of living life in the public eye, the pressures and joys of being a role model, and Rachel’s evolution from reality TV star to a powerful voice in literature and advocacy. Prepare for a heartfelt and revealing discussion, as we celebrate the strength it takes to be a 'gently used human' in a world captivated by celebrity.Topics We Break Down:Keeping up with the pressure of fameThe power of purposefulness.Letting go of caution. Reality TV and the psychological impact of living a performative life. How being on a public platform impacts mental and emotional health.

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 10min
The Psychic Tease with Vincent Genna
Have you ever felt a gut instinct guiding you, an inner whisper about the future, or a tingling alert to danger? Or noticed a string of coincidences that felt almost mystically aligned? Where do these signals come from, and what do they really mean?In this episode, Dr. Scott welcomes Vincent Genna, a celebrated Psychic Therapist and Spiritual Teacher, renowned for his unique approach in connecting the spiritual with the everyday. Author of "The Secret That’s Holding You Back," Vincent doesn't just use his psychic gifts to explore the unseen; he also addresses the real-life obstacles that keep us trapped in unfulfilling patterns.Join us as we navigate the fascinating realms of intuition, examining the interplay of vibrations and the balance between earthly desires and spiritual insights. We'll delve into the art of deep listening and learn to honor our inner voice amid the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.Are you ready to embark on this journey of discovery and enlightenment? Tune in, as we uncover the mysteries of intuition and its powerful role in our lives.Topics We Break Down:The science of intuition The brain vs the mind and why we need bothMoving beyond self-protection mechanismsTrusting ourselvesDiscerning the difference between human ambition and intuitive response.

Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 14min
Break Up and Date Up Bootcamp with Amy Chan
Falling in love, breaking up, the thrilling but often tricky dance of attraction – it's all part of relationships. But what happens when the intense chemistry leads us astray, into repeated pain and harmful patterns, ending in a tough breakup full of heartache? And once we're there, how do we pick ourselves up, heal, and face the challenging world of dating again?Today on the podcast, Dr. Scott sits down with Amy Chan, an expert in healing from heartbreak and a leader in combining scientific and spiritual approaches for healthy dating. Amy, the founder of Renew Breakup Bootcamp and author of "Breakup Bootcamp - The Science of Rewiring Your Heart," dives into the messy yet enlightening world of relationships and breakups.Together, Dr. Scott and Amy unpack the complexities of romantic connections, discussing why we're drawn to certain people, the realness of vulnerability, and how to turn the end of a relationship into a new beginning. They explore how early life patterns affect our love lives and share tips for bouncing back stronger after a breakup.Tune in for an engaging talk with Amy Chan, where you'll find insights on navigating through heartbreak, embracing the dating scene again, and rewiring your heart for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.Topics We Break Down:The value of a kind breakup.Key tenants of good communication.The complexity of chemistry and attraction.Attachment theory and repatterning your attachment stance.How we heal within relationships.The dangers of putting people on a pedestal.Strategies for better dating.The power of authentic vulnerability.

Nov 29, 2023 • 57min
Revolutionary Joy Snacks with Grace Harry
Have you ever caught yourself in a moment of sheer joy and thought: why can't life always feel like this? Today's guest believes that effortless ease and play is the key to unlocking our inner guide and focusing on what truly matters to us. On the podcast today, Dr. Scott welcomes Grace Harry (The Joy Strategist) for a fascinating conversation about rediscovering and fostering joy in our lives. Beyond simply enjoying happiness when it arrives, Grace advocates for infusing joy into the very essence of our daily lives, recognizing its potential to drive profound, systemic change.In their conversation, Dr. Scott and Grace delve into the art of self-kindness, often reserved for others and the significance of being the architects of our own joy. They explore the deep impact of staying present in our happiness quest and offer insights into shifting from being 'triggered' to living in a state of contentment. This uplifting episode promises to guide listeners through the nuances of maintaining joyfulness, staying present, and fostering authentic connections in life. Topics We Break Down:Your heart’s job as the joy strategist of your own life.How we can take the development of personal joy into creating change in our world. What it truly means to be “triggered” and where the responsibility lies.Dangers of losing yourself in order to make others happy instead of prioritizing personal joy. Creating containers of intimacy to facilitate joy. Recognizing over-performance in our own lives.

Nov 22, 2023 • 60min
Green Glam: Eco-Slaying and Surfing Trends with Carrie Barber
Have you ever witnessed the transformative power of a single swipe of bold lipstick or found yourself wondering how TikTok turned the sunburn into the latest beauty trend? Have you ever debated whether makeup is a repressive and exploitative device or a transformative power of self-expression? Is it hurting our mental health or unlocking our creativity? Today, Dr. Scott welcomes Carrie Barber, a visionary in the beauty world who has reshaped beauty standards with her transformative approach. From art director for leading brands to trailblazer with MAKE Beauty, her career is a mosaic of innovation and a conscious beauty ethos. This chat delves into planet-friendly beauty, the evolving landscape of clean cosmetics, and the innovative integration of lab-engineered natural ingredients.Together, they’ll explore the dynamic world of digital-age trends and the deep connections between beauty, mental health, and self-acceptance. Brace yourself for an enlightening exploration into beauty's powerful potential, uncovering how it can be a catalyst for positive change, enriching not only our personal lives but also making a broader impact on the world.Topics We Break Down: How biotechnology is changing the beauty industryQualities of a successful entrepreneurThe intersection between mental health and beautyHow growth mindset helps with business (and life) challengesWhy trust and sustainability are essential for cosmetics brands