In this episode we delve into one of the most pressing issues in contemporary workplaces: burnout. Renowned researcher and psychologist Dr. Christina Maslach joins us to demystify the concept of burnout, debunking common misconceptions and addressing why it is so crucial for organizations to understand and combat this issue. We explore the inadequacies of self-care practices as the sole remedy, the critical role of organizational structures in fostering or mitigating burnout, and the actions individuals can take to safeguard their well-being. With a focus on practical solutions, she shares valuable guidance for organizations to create healthier workplaces and foster sustainable employee well-being. Our guest, Dr. Christina Maslach, is a respected Professor of Psychology (Emerita) and a researcher at the Healthy Workplaces Center at the University of California, Berkeley. She's a leading authority on job burnout, with her pioneering research shaping the field's understanding and providing the standard assessment tool, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Her most recent book, "The Burnout Challenge: Managing People's Relationships with their Jobs" (2022), continues her profound exploration of the subject. Dr. Maslach's work has earned her numerous accolades, including an award from the National Academy of Sciences for scientific reviewing (2020), and inclusion in Business Insider's 2021 list of the top 100 people transforming business. Her impact is underlined by the World Health Organization's official recognition of burnout as an occupational phenomenon with health consequences in 2019, a testament to her work's influence on global health discourse. Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Dr. Christina Maslach Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, a psychologist and author who is considered one of the country’s foremost experts on mental health and addiction. Dr. Kardaras is the author of the best-selling book "Glow Kids" and has written for TIME Magazine, Scientific American, Psychology Today and more. He's also been asked to speak in front of Congress about young adult mental health and has testified before various state legislatures as an expert witness on mental health as well as education issues. In our conversation, Dr. Kardaras discusses the growing problem of device addiction, particularly among young people. He talks about the ways in which technology can hijack our brains and lead to addiction, and he offers some tips for how we can break free from our devices and reclaim our lives. This is an important and timely conversation, and we hope you'll listen in. Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Dr. Nicholas Kardaras Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact

In this episode, we speak with Dr. John Umhau, an expert in addiction medicine, about the realities of alcoholism and alcohol use disorder, with a special focus on medication-assisted moderation or abstinence using drugs like naltrexone. With over 20 years of experience as a Senior Clinical Investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Dr. Umhau shares his insights on the differences between occasional or moderate drinking and alcohol use disorder, common misconceptions, and early warning signs. We discuss the effects of alcohol on the brain and organs, as well as the various treatment options, including medication-assisted approaches, available for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorder. Join us as we delve into the complexities of alcohol use, moderation, and the journey towards recovery through innovative treatment methods. Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Dr. John Umhau Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christy Huff, a cardiologist and medical director of the Benzodiazepine Information Coalition, to discuss the complexities surrounding benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. Intended as a cautionary tale and educational resource, this conversation delves into the risks, safe usage, and strategies for stopping benzodiazepine use, emphasizing the importance of not quitting cold turkey. Dr. Huff shares her personal experience with benzodiazepine withdrawal and her advocacy work for better physician education and patient-centered deprescribing. Tune in to learn more about the potential dangers of benzodiazepines, how to approach tapering responsibly, and how to work with your healthcare provider for the best possible outcome. Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Dr. Christy Huff Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact

In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Johan Norberg, an award-winning historian of ideas, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, and author of best-selling books like "Progress: Ten Reasons to Look Forward to the Future" and "Open: The Story of Human Progress."    Join us as we discuss the many reasons to be optimistic about the future, from dramatic reductions in violence and crime to increased life expectancies and access to education. In our conversation, we delve into the ten aspects of global improvement that Johan explores in his book, "Progress," and discuss the key factors driving these positive developments.   Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Johan Norberg Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of eating disorders with renowned expert Dr. Marcia Herrin. As the founder of the Dartmouth College Eating Disorders Prevention, Education and Treatment Program, Dr. Herrin has established one of the most respected programs of its kind in the nation. Currently, she runs a busy private practice specializing in children and adults with weight issues and eating disorders. Dr. Herrin received her Master's of Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley, and her doctorate in nutrition education from Columbia University. In our conversation, we explore the unique challenges faced by those struggling with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and other disordered eating patterns. We delve into the psychological and physiological factors that contribute to the development of these conditions, and discuss the most effective treatment approaches and support systems available. Dr. Herrin shares invaluable insights on how friends, family, and healthcare professionals can best support their loved ones on the road to healing. Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Dr. Marcia Herrin Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact

Grief is a universal and deeply emotional experience, and learning to navigate it is a crucial aspect of life. In this episode of The Most Days Show, we delve into the complexities of grief with Dr. Katherine Shear, a renowned expert in the field. Dr. Shear is not only an internist and psychiatrist, but also the founding director of the Center for Prolonged Grief at Columbia University and the Marion E. Kenworthy Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia School of Social Work and Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.   Having extensively researched anxiety disorders and prolonged grief disorder since 1995, Dr. Shear has a wealth of knowledge to share. In our conversation, we explore the nature of grief, its many layers, and how it shapes our lives. Dr. Shear also discusses Prolonged Grief Disorder Therapy (formerly known as Complicated Grief Treatment), an evidence-based approach she developed and tested in randomized controlled trials.   Her groundbreaking work has received support from the National Institute of Mental Health, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the United States Department of Defense. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion on grief and how we can better understand and cope with this essential human experience.   Host: Brent Franson, Founder & CEO, Most Days Guest: Dr. Katherine Shear Music: Patrick Lee Production: Artifact   More information on The Center for Prolonged Grief and the resources for those struggling with grief can be found here.

Today we’re talking with licensed psychologist, Dr. Doreen Marshall, Vice President of Mission Engagement at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Dr. Marshall has been engaged in suicide prevention and postvention work for over 20 years. In this episode, we cover what the latest data tells us about suicide – including which demographics it’s affecting the most (and why), the surprising impact of COVID-19, the outlook for survivors of suicide attempts, and much more. We lose 45,000 people to suicide annually, while 1.2 to 1.5 million more attempt it. Dr. Marshall expands upon intrusive thoughts vs. suicidal ideations – an important distinction in suicide prevention. She elaborates on the many contributing factors (including substance use, mental health concerns, isolation, access to means, economic/financial stressors, and relational discord) that come together in peak moments of distress, and how people can navigate these pivotal moments to decrease the risk of death by suicide.  Dr. Marshall holds a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and a master’s degree in Professional Counseling, with clinical, educational, and professional experience. She’s authored publications and produced several educational films. Her role at AFSP is fostering collaborations with groups and organizations that are looking to strengthen their suicide prevention and postvention efforts – like the Veterans Administration, DARE, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Parent Teacher Association, and many more. With her professional expertise, plus personal experience in losing a loved one to suicide, she has a lot of insight to share with us. If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or text TALK to 741741 to text with a trained crisis counselor for free, 24/7.

How do we use technology to improve quality of life? What is the role of robots to improve human health and quality of life now and in the future? With robotics and AI, there is technology for helping people know themselves and help themselves. Things like mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy, known interventions that are hard for people to do on their own can be done with a robot. Until everyone can have someone to help them, socially-assistive robots can fill a big void. Dr. Maja Matarić is a Chan Soon-Shiong distinguished professor of Computer Science, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics and the founder and director of the Interaction Lab at the University of Southern California where her research is aimed at developing technologies (particularly in robotics) that help improve human health and quality of life. Among others, Matarić received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring from President Barack Obama (2009), the Okawa Foundation Research Award, the NSF Career Award, the MIT Technology Review TR100 Innovation Award, the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society Early Career Award, and the Anita Borg Institute Women of Vision Award in Innovation. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), IEEE, AAAI, and ACM.

Dr. Russell Barkley, a prominent voice in ADHD research, discusses the evolution of ADHD, genetics, accurate diagnosis challenges, comprehensive treatment plans, managing adult ADHD with lifestyle changes, and the importance of seeking support and resources for those dealing with ADHD.