What happens when telling the truth costs you everything… and then changes everything?

In this episode of The Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast, host Katinka Blackford Newman speaks to whistleblower Blair Hamrick, a former pharmaceutical sales representative who took on GlaxoSmithKline and helped expose one of the largest healthcare fraud cases in history.

His testimony contributed to a $3 billion settlement with the US government. Under whistleblower law, he received $31 million.

But this is not a story about money. It is a story about integrity, pressure, risk, and what it takes to stand up inside a system that rewards silence.

Blair describes what he saw from the inside of the pharmaceutical industry, the moment he began to question it, and what followed when he chose to act. We talk about the culture of sales, the human cost of misinformation, and the personal consequences of stepping out of line.

This conversation sits at the heart of a wider question: what happens when the systems we trust are not as they seem, and what does it take to face that honestly?

• What life is really like as a pharmaceutical sales rep

• The moment Blair began to question what he was being asked to do

• How the whistleblowing process works in practice

• The $3 billion settlement and what it represented

• The personal and professional risks of speaking out

• What this reveals about the wider culture of Big Pharma

• Integrity, consequences, and the price of telling the truth

Katinka Blackford Newman is a life coach, journalist and founder of the not for profit, Antidepressant Risks.

00:00 Introduction to Med Free Mental Fitness

00:47 Brooke's Journey with Antidepressants

02:25 The Effects and Side Effects of Medication

04:11 Questioning the Medication

14:07 The Turning Point: Deciding to Come Off Medication

15:29 The Struggle of Withdrawal

18:14 Rebuilding Life Beyond Medication

31:28 Advocacy and Current Work

34:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Together, they question whether we are truly uncovering hidden illnesses or simply pathologising normal human variation, stress, and distress. Dr. Timimi shares his decades of experience inside mental health services and explains why he challenges the medical model applied to childhood. The conversation dives deep into the unintended consequences of labelling, the limitations of psychiatric diagnoses, and the risks of over-medicalising children’s emotions and behaviours.

Key topics include:

• Why rates of ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression are soaring
• The subjective nature of psychiatric diagnoses
• The impact of labels on children, families, and society
• The role of medication and its long-term effects
• Alternatives to the medical model: resilience, connection, and understanding

If you’re a parent, educator, mental health professional, or simply curious about the future of mental health, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer a fresh perspective.

🔔 If this conversation resonates, please like, subscribe, and leave a review to help these ideas reach more people!

You can watch this episode as a video on youtube

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:16 Meet Miranda Levy: A Personal Journey

01:16 The Onset of Insomnia

01:42 The Struggle with Medication

05:29 Life in Disarray

08:40 A Desperate Search for Solutions

13:32 The Impact on Family and Diagnosis

19:50 A Chemical Soup of Medications

22:21 The Decision to Enter Rehab

23:36 Experiences in Rehab

24:51 Withdrawal and Akathisia

27:37 Hospitalization and Further Treatment

30:17 Living with Family and Initial Recovery

33:21 Gradual Improvement and New Beginnings

37:08 Rebuilding Life and Relationships

42:10 Reflections and Advice on Sleep Medication

44:50 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion

00:00 Introduction to the Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast

00:40 Origins of Soteria House

03:04 Eugene's Journey to Soteria House

06:47 First Impressions and Early Experiences

09:45 Success Stories and Therapeutic Approaches

16:42 Understanding Psychosis and Mental Health Labels

19:37 Empathy and Understanding at TER

20:09 A Real-Life Example of Psychosis

20:41 The Journey of Rebirth

22:16 The Heroic Transformation

23:52 Reunion and Reflections

28:17 The Impact of Medication

31:26 The Satter Model's Influence

32:39 Medication: Choice vs. Force

36:06 The Misconception of Medication

38:10 Concluding Thoughts

Katinka Blackford Newman is a life coach, journalist and CEO of the nonprofit Antidepressantrisks.org

She can be reached at Katinka@kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

After the sudden loss of her husband, Mary Ann faced overwhelming grief that led to the prescription of an antidepressant which resulted in a severe adverse reaction. This led to led to a psychotic episode and a harrowing experience within the mental healthcare system. She candidly shares her story of navigating medication side effects, misdiagnosis, and the struggle to be heard by professionals. Mary Ann's resilience shines through as she recounts her path from despair to healing, the importance of support, and the lessons she learned about grief, recovery, and self-compassion.

Whether you or someone you know is coping with loss, mental health struggles, or the complexities of psychiatric care, this episode offers hope, validation, and practical insights.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:30 – Mary Ann’s story: sudden loss and the onset of grief

10:00 – Navigating the healthcare system and medication side effects

25:00 – Hospitalisation, recovery, and rebuilding life

40:00 – Advice for those experiencing grief and mental health challenges

If you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe, and leave a review.

Timecoded Highlights:

• 00:00 – Introduction:
• Katinka welcomes listeners and introduces the episode’s focus on weight loss, new weight loss jabs, and med-free methods.
• 00:26 – Meet Philippe Tahan:
• Philippe’s background as a psychotherapist specializing in weight loss and body image, and author of "Shrink the Diet for the Mind."
• 00:45 – Philippe’s Personal Journey:
• Philippe shares his own struggles with weight, dieting, and the emotional triggers behind overeating.
• 02:45 – The Cycle of Dieting:
• Why diets work temporarily, the frustration of regaining weight, and the importance of understanding emotional eating.
• 04:32 – Emotional Triggers & Therapy:
• How emotions like anger and anxiety drive overeating, and the role of therapy in breaking the cycle.
• 07:11 – The Weight Loss Jab Phenomenon:
• Discussion of the rise of weight loss injections, their side effects, and why many people regain weight after stopping.
• 10:00 – The Emotional Cost of Quick Fixes:
• Shame, secrecy, and the psychological impact of relying on medication for weight loss.
• 13:00 – Why Diets Don’t Work:
• Philippe explains the limitations of diets, the set point theory, and why sustainable change requires addressing habits and emotions.
• 16:00 – Mindful & Intuitive Eating:
• Coaching clients to eat mindfully, slow down, and reconnect with their body’s signals.
• 19:40 – Family, Culture, and Self-Limiting Beliefs:
• How family narratives and generational beliefs shape our relationship with food and body image.
• 22:00 – The Real Goal: Freedom, Not Just Weight Loss:
• The importance of finding confidence, happiness, and self-acceptance beyond the number on the scale.
• 25:00 – Final Thoughts & Advice:
• Philippe’s honest take on weight loss jabs, the need for self-awareness, and how to make empowered choices.
• 29:50 – Where to Find Philippe:
• Details on Philippe’s book, podcast, and how to connect with him online.

In this episode of the Med Free Mental Fitness podcast, host Katinka Blackford Newman interviews Robert Whitaker, an award-winning journalist and founder of MAD in America. They discuss the long-term harms of psychiatric medications, particularly antidepressants and ADHD stimulants, and challenge the mainstream narrative that these drugs are universally beneficial. Whitaker shares insights from his groundbreaking book, 'Anatomy of an Epidemic,' and reveals the disturbing lack of long-term efficacy data for these medications. The episode delves into the consequences of the widespread use of psychiatric drugs, the failures of the current medical model, and the necessity for more supportive, non-pharmaceutical interventions.

00:00 Introduction to Med Free Mental Fitness

00:45 Robert Whitaker's Journey and Impact

01:52 The Tragic Consequences of Psychiatric Medications

04:01 ADHD and the Long-Term Effects of Stimulants

06:13 Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Psychiatric Drugs

07:55 The False Narrative of Chemical Imbalances

22:46 The Reality of Antidepressant Withdrawal

32:27 Mad in America: A Platform for Change

35:12 A New Narrative for Mental Health

41:12 Conclusion and Contact Information

·       

·       00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

·       00:24 Joseph Pack's Personal ADHD Journey

·       02:29 The Start of Drug-Free ADHD

·       02:42 Experiences with ADHD Medication

·       04:04 Concerns and Side Effects of ADHD Medication

·       08:15 Debating ADHD Medication Efficacy

·       16:48 Alternative Approaches to Managing ADHD

·       20:12 Questioning ADHD Diagnoses and Labels

·       22:18 Dealing with ADHD: Personal Experiences

·       23:31 Questioning the ADHD Label

·       24:48 Challenges of Coming Off Medication

·       25:04 Breathing and Meditation Techniques

·       25:49 Cold Water Therapy for ADHD

·       26:19 Time Blocking and Productivity Hacks

·       28:08 Chaos Planning and the Never Nothing Rule

·       30:46 The Surrender Experiment and Spiritual Journey

·       35:08 Critique of Big Pharma and ADHD Medication

·       36:55 ADHD Diagnosis in Children

·       38:13 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Joseph Pack can be reached at https://drugfreeadhd.org/

If you want to have a conversation about life coaching, Katinka Blackford Newman can be reached through www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

They explore the alternative explanations for the causes of depression and the consequences of prolonged antidepressant usage.

Key topics include emotional blunting, sexual dysfunction, increased risks of falls and fractures in older adults, bleeding associated with SSRIs, risks to unborn babies, and potential withdrawal syndrome in newborns. Additionally, the episode touches upon the possible links between antidepressants and increased heart problems as well as cognitive decline.

Professor Moncrieff provides valuable insights into the causes of depression and the importance of understanding the implications of antidepressant use.

00:00 Introduction to Antidepressant Risks

00:10 Emotional Blunting and Sexual Dysfunction

00:15 Risks for Older Adults

00:27 Bleeding and Pregnancy Risks

00:44 Withdrawal Syndrome in Newborns

01:00 Heart Problems and Cognitive Decline

01:09 Summary of Adverse Effects

With thanks to Iain Mitchell for his video editing skills

Professor Moncrieff's book "Chemically Imbalanced"is widely available including at Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chemically-Imbalanced-Making-Unmaking-Serotonin/dp/180399679X

If you would like to have a conversation with host Katinka Blackford Newman about coaching , please book a call here , you can email her at Katinka@kbnlifecoaching and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

You can find out more about the potential risks of antidepressants at www.Antidepressantrisks.org - a not for profit founded by host Katinka Blackford Newman.

​​If you'd like to watch the video version of this interview, you can watch it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpZDWN8GW2g

In this episode, Katinka Blackford Newman interviews Ed Jones, the author of a compelling new book, 'Medication, Mental Illness, and Murder: What Killed the Crespi Twins.' The discussion delves into the tragic story of David Crespi, who murdered his twin daughters while under the influence of the antidepressant Prozac, which can have rare but severe side effects, including psychosis and violence. Jones shares his personal connection to the Crespi family and the investigative journey he undertook to uncover the truth behind the medication's impact. The episode explores the broader implications of antidepressant use, informed consent, and the often-overlooked dangers of these medications.

00:00 Introduction to Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast

00:30 Exploring the Link Between Antidepressants and Violence

00:59 The Tragic Story of the Crespi Family

02:22 David Crespi's Mental State and Legal Proceedings

10:10 Understanding Akathisia and Its Impact

13:18 Personal Experiences with Antidepressant-Induced Psychosis

13:45 Gratitude and Reflection

14:27 The Case of Lindsay Clancy

16:47 The Crespi Tragedy

17:31 The Role of Prescription Drugs

21:39 David Crespi's Prison Experience

24:20 Kim Crespi's Struggles and Hope

25:39 Preventing Future Tragedies

28:08 Final Thoughts and Resources

If you would like to have a conversation with host Katinka Blackford Newman about coaching , please book a call here and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

​​If you'd love to watch the video version of our interviews, be sure to subscribe to the podcast's YouTube channel

In this thought-provoking episode of The Med Free Mental Fitness Podcast, life coach, journalist, and author Katinka Blackford Newman engages in a deep conversation with Laura Delano, author of 'Unshrunk? How the Mental Health Industry Took Over My Life and My Fight to Get it Back.'

Laura shares her harrowing experience of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 14, enduring 14 years of psychiatric treatments, and taking 19 different medications, only to question the validity and impact of her diagnosis and treatments years later. Now 15 years drug and diagnosis-free, Laura runs the Inner Compass Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people make informed choices about their mental health. Together, Katinka and Laura explore the implications of mental health diagnoses, the effects of psychiatric drugs, and the journey to reclaiming life and authenticity.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Host

00:45 Introducing Laura Delano and Her Story

03:20 Laura's Early Life and Diagnosis

09:04 Struggles with Medication and Mental Health

23:21 The Turning Point: Discovering a New Perspective

33:09 Life After Medication: Recovery and Advocacy

39:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

If you would like to have a conversation with host KATINKA BLACKFORD NEWMAN about coaching client, please book a call here and you can visit her coaching site at www.kbnlifecoaching.co.uk

​​If you'd love to watch the video version of our interviews, be sure to subscribe to the podcast's YouTube channel here.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UejLhcCwO3Q&t=44s

In this episode of the Med free Mental Fitness Podcast, host Katinka Blackford Newman speaks with bestselling author and mental health ambassador Rachel Kelly. Rachel shares her personal experiences with severe depression, the impact it had on her family, and her struggles with various medications. She discusses her journey to recovery, the importance of feeling empowered, and her skepticism toward the chemical imbalance narrative. They also explore Rachel's new book 'The Gift of Teenagers', which focuses on positive parenting and mental health strategies for young people. Rachel emphasizes the significance of agency in mental health recovery and the need for more preventative measures and non-medical approaches within the healthcare system.

00:00 Welcome to the Medfree Mental Fitness Podcast

01:04 Rachel Kelly's Mental Health Journey Begins

01:57 The Struggles with Medication

04:10 Impact on Family and Personal Reflections

05:17 Questioning the Chemical Imbalance Narrative

12:01 The Second Episode and Recovery

17:27 Writing and Sharing Her Story

25:45 The Gift of Teenagers

31:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

If you'd like to watch the video version of this podcast, watch it on Youtube https://youtu.be/ptANRGJ4JV8?si=DLf9kMDYNzJCon3r