The Nature of Nurture

Connect With The Contributors:

Bart Magee: https://www.accessinst.org/ Twitter @bartmagee @accessInstSF Insta @bartmagee @accessinstsf

Blythe Adamson: blytheadamson.com Twitter: @DrBlytheAdamson Instagram: @DrBlytheAdamson

Luis Perez: https://www.ifrsf.org/ https://www.drluisperez.com/

Links From This Episode:

• FAA Traffic by the Numbers: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers/
• Forbes article about global air travel: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tamarathiessen/2020/04/01/40-percent-less-flights-worlwide-air-travel-restrictions/?sh=914607e60790
• Washington Post - 96% of covid cases have been transmitted indoors: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/04/13/covid-outside-safety/
• El Pais article about how aerosols function indoors: https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html
• Covid impacts the latino population at three times the rate of white people: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-california/california-latinos-contracting-covid-19-at-three-times-rate-of-whites-idUSKCN24T2UI
• How to Hug During a Pandemic (NYT): https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/04/well/family/coronavirus-pandemic-hug-mask.html

Welcome to season four of The Nature of Nurture with Dr. Leslie Carr, which is being filmed with video for the first time! Buckle up for this season, which covers topics including surviving suicidal feelings, issues with psychiatric medications, the impact of cultural and political aspects on mental well-being, unexplored scientific questions, and more.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• The Nature of Nurture trailer

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Carly Quellman, Production assistant
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

June Johnson, entrepreneur, model, and advocate, joins host Leslie for a wide-ranging conversation where she candidly shares her personal journey, including her rebellious phases, grappling with double consciousness as a Black woman, and her transition into entrepreneurship in the cannabis space after facing racial discrimination at a former workplace.

June grew up surrounded by strong Black role models, dedicated to community empowerment. Her great-grandfather helped register Black voters, and her cousin was Atlanta's first Black mayor at age 35. This environment nurtured her critical thinking and activism. Her mother also exposed her to various spiritual practices, shaping June's open-minded approach to faith and philosophies.

She shares her mantra of "resist, rest, repeat," emphasizing the significance of taking action, practicing self-care, and continuously engaging in the fight for justice. She explores how the idea that true activism involves not only being aware of issues but also mobilizing towards tangible solutions.

June and Leslie also discuss the importance of creating a positive vision for the future, sharing how focusing on a constructive and hopeful picture of the world can inspire action and collective change. By visualizing a world free from oppressive systems like white supremacy and patriarchy, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Navigating the cannabis industry as a Black woman has brought new challenges. June recounts launching her own businesses after facing racism, harassment, and unethical conduct at a previous cannabis company. She's now focused on educating others about cannabis for wellness through her Weed Doula consultancy and throwing cannabis-themed events via Collective High.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• June’s Linktree
• The Weed Doula on Instagram
• Get in touch with June via email
• Collective High
• We The People on Geneva
• Buy a copy of "Super Genes: Unlock the Astonishing Power of Your DNA for Optimum Health and Well-Being” by Deepak Chopra
• Listen to June’s podcast, Sunday Soul Sessions on Patreon
• Learn more about 40 Tons and support the 40 Tons Foundation
• Watch Slavery by Another Name

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

How does our mental health impact our environment? How does our environment impact our mental health? Your host Leslie is joined by Shira Gill, a globally recognized home organizing expert and best-selling author of 'Minimalista' and 'Organized Living’ to discuss these questions and more, focusing on the profound impact of minimalism and organization on mental health.

Shira shares her personal journey from a childhood seeking control amidst chaos to becoming an advocate for intentional living through decluttering. She emphasizes that organization is about more than just arranging physical spaces; it's a tool for managing mental health, fostering personal transformation, and navigating loss in a controlled, positive manner.

Through her practice, Shira has witnessed remarkable changes in her clients' lives, affirming that simplifying one's environment can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. Shira also touches on the cultural aspects of clutter and consumerism, especially focusing on how these challenges manifest differently across the globe. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for taking small steps towards organized living, emphasizing the beneficial impacts of minimalism on both mental well-being and personal growth.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Connect with Shira:
  • Website
  • Instagram
• The Fifteen-Minute Win: How to Start Taking Action

Show credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Leslie sits down with producer, dancer, and choreographer Just Jet (simply known as Jet) for a raw and honest discussion of mental health, suicidal thoughts, and the impact of public scrutiny on personal wellbeing. Jet shares his remarkable journey from busking on the streets to winning MTV’s America's Best Dance Crew and eventually working with icons like Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift. While this might sound like a dream come true, Jet also discusses the less often talked about, yet significant personal mental health battles and public downfall he dealt with as a result of that fame.

He shares his experience of being canceled during the COVID pandemic — a time already ripe with emotional upheaval and how it amplified his feelings of isolation and disconnection, leading to thoughts of suicide. Jet now focuses his creative energy on music production and is an active advocate in mental health who works to help people understand the significance of connection, gratitude, and finding your purpose.

Warning that this discussion includes a conversation about suicide so if you think you shouldn’t hang out for that, take care of yourself.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube. Because this conversation includes political speech in the form of references to Israel and Gaza, the original version of the video on YouTube had to be edited in order to meet their policy guidelines. The version of the conversation that exists here in your podcast app remains unedited.
• You can find Jet @JustJet across all social media platforms, or you can follow him on Instagram here.
• If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, in the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or use the Lifeline Chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. Services are free and confidential.