Side Effects with Dr. Josef

In this episode, psychiatrist Dr. Matt Bernstein (founder of ACCORD) explains why metabolic therapies—ketogenic nutrition, circadian alignment, exercise, and mind-body work—often improve energy, mood, sleep, focus, and even psychosis, while enabling safer deprescribing. We dig into why standard care so often fails to restore function; what ketogenic diets can do in severe illness; why incentives from Big Food, Big Pharma, and insur...

In this interview, Dr. Jeffrey Wiegers (BioReset Medical) explains what MUSE stem cells are, how they differ from traditional mesenchymal stem cells, and whether they might help after neurological injuries—concussion/TBI, stroke, chemo neuropathy, or protracted withdrawal (including PSSD). We also cover safety, side effects, why sourcing and good manufacturing practice matter, and new state-level pathways in the U.S.

https://...

John and Dee Foster were severely harmed by benzodiazepines—yet instead of staying silent, they spent years fighting for change. Their persistence paid off: the new ASAM benzodiazepine deprescribing guidelines now formally acknowledge physical dependence, protracted withdrawal, the need for slow, patient-led tapers that can take months to years, the importance of shared decision-making, and the role of peer and non-drug support...

In this interview, Cooper Davis shares his 13-year journey on psychiatric medications: starting with Ritalin in high school, moving through nearly every stimulant, and eventually adding multiple other drugs. What began as a dramatic improvement in focus and grades slowly turned into tolerance, side effects, and a growing medication stack that hurt his health, relationships, and career.

He describes the moments that pushed him t...

Clinical psychologist Anders Sørensen shares his journey from traditional talk therapy to becoming a leading voice in psychiatric drug withdrawal. After realizing that medications were emotionally blunting his clients and preventing meaningful therapeutic work, Anders began researching safe tapering strategies.

Anders also discusses his new book Crossing Zero: The Art and Science of Coming and Staying Off Psychiatric Drugs, and sha...

What happens when legal marijuana leads to psychosis, addiction, and family collapse? In this powerful interview, Dr. Yosef speaks with Aubree Adams, founder of Every Brain Matters, whose son suffered from cannabis induced psychosis after using high-potency THC products like dabs. This is not “just weed” — it’s an industrialized drug that is hurting people, especially teens. Aubree shares her family's harrowing story of watching he...

In this conversation, Dr. Joanna Moncrieff discusses her book 'Chemically Imbalanced'. She argues that there is no compelling evidence for a chemical imbalance in depression and questions the continued prescription of antidepressants. We explore the interests of the pharmaceutical industry, the ethical implications of using drugs to mask symptoms, and the need for a paradigm shift in mental health treatment. We discuss the influenc...

Laura Delano shares her journey from being a 'professional psychiatric patient' for over a decade to becoming a leading voice in the psychiatric drug withdrawal movement. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Laura was prescribed a cocktail of medications that only worsened her mental and physical health. After a near-fatal suicide attempt, she began questioning everything she was told about her diagnosis and treatment. Laura discusses ...

Imagine this: you’re at rock bottom, balancing single parenthood with overwhelming mental health struggles. After seeking help, an antidepressant seems like the answer—until things spiral. What starts as relief transforms into a whirlwind of impulsive decisions, relocation to a remote Alaskan town, and a ‘bipolar disorder’ diagnosis that only brings more medications and more side effects. But what if those very medications were the...

Functional psychiatry is changing everything you know about mental health. In this powerful interview, Dr. James Greenblatt—founder of Psychiatry Redefined and leading voice in functional psychiatry—reveals how nutrient deficiencies, overlooked infections, and gut health can be the real cause of depression, ADHD, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. We cover everything from lithium orotate and B12 to the ketogenic diet, psychedelics, a...

Brooke Siem shares her journey from being prescribed antidepressants as a teen to rediscovering life after withdrawal. She discusses the emotional and physical toll of coming off medications, the impact on her identity and relationships, and the challenges of rebuilding her life.

Brooke discusses misconceptions about depression, the grief of lost time, and the role of curiosity in healing. Her story, as detailed in her memoir "...

In this conversation, Dr. Josef and Laurie Hammer explore the transformative potential of amino acid therapy for mental health, particularly in treating anxiety and depression. Laurie shares her personal journey with amino acids, detailing how they helped her overcome her own struggles with mental health. The discussion covers the testing methods for neurotransmitter levels, the rapid effects of amino acids, treatment duration, cos...

In this conversation, D E Foster shares his profound journey through protracted withdrawal from benzodiazepines, detailing the significant changes in his life, relationships, and career. He discusses the emotional and psychological impacts of withdrawal, the importance of support systems, and the gradual healing process he has experienced over the years. Foster emphasizes the need for community and understanding in navigating the c...

In this conversation, Lauren Kennedy West shares her journey of living with schizoaffective disorder, detailing her experiences with mental health struggles, the impact of her diagnosis, and her relationship with medications. She discusses the importance of vulnerability in sharing her story and the evolution of her YouTube channel, which aims to connect and support others facing similar challenges. Lauren also explores her transit...

Medicated for over two decades, Trudy Slaght faced life-changing side effects and lost dreams. Now, after five years off all psychiatric meds, she’s healthier than ever and ready to chase her dreams again. Discover how she did it and the powerful lessons from her journey. 

Life on Less Meds is a podcast that reveals the truth about drug side effects and the best strategies to manage them. 

Your host, Josef Witt-Doerring intervi...

Life on Less Meds is a podcast that reveals the truth about drug side effects and the best strategies to manage them. 

Your host, Josef Witt-Doerring interviews patients, victims, and experts to cover topics such as adverse reactions, post-acute withdrawal, benzodiazepine withdrawals, PSSD, and drug tapering. His mission is to raise awareness about the side effects and injuries caused by psychiatric medications to improve informe...