The Truth About Addiction: Dr. Ben Shapiro & Dr. Brett Shurman Break It Down
On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite is joined by Dr. Ben Shapiro and Dr. Brett Shurman, two leading addiction psychiatrists and co-owners of three psychiatric clinics specializing in substance use, mood disorders, and innovative mental health treatments. Together, they break down the realities of modern psychiatric care and the science behind addiction.The doctors begin by exploring why TMS has become one of their favorite and most effective tools in psychiatric treatment. They then dive into the neuroscience of addiction, explaining the true “reasons” people use substances and how these brain-based mechanisms shape dependency. The conversation shifts to the Fentanyl crisis, exposing what the public isn’t hearing and revealing how fentanyl contamination is impacting clinics behind the scenes. They warn that if someone is buying anything off the street—or unverified online sources—the risk is now higher than ever.Richard, Dr. Shapiro, and Dr. Shurman discusses why psychiatric illness and addiction must be treated in tandem rather than separately. They explain how childhood trauma, early mood issues, and developmental challenges often lay the groundwork for addiction later in life. The doctors also clarify how clinicians differentiate Bipolar Disorder from Borderline Personality Disorder, and why chronic mood problems starting at a young age shape attachment, personality structure, and long-term psychiatric health.The conversation covers the importance of a strong therapist–patient relationship and the dangers of misdiagnosis—especially when patients are given antidepressants or stimulants instead of proper addiction treatment. They offer essential guidance for families of loved ones battling addiction and compare classic psychotherapy to newer, emerging solutions. Finally, they break down how psychedelics, ketamine, and MDMA are being used in clinical settings—and why many first-time adult users report “seeing God.”
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Sober and Strong: Marine Veteran Shane Neal’s New Mission
On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down for the first time with one of his own clients, Shane Neal—a Marine Corps veteran who has been sober for 18 months. Shane served 8 years in the Marines, leaving as a sergeant after a medical discharge due to a back injury. In this powerful conversation, he opens up about his journey through addiction, recovery, mental health treatment, and finding purpose after the military.Shane shares how treatment completely transformed his life and credits Richard for guiding him through the process. He talks about entering treatment initially for alcohol use, and how that opened the door for him to begin mental health treatment, breaking the cycle that had held him back for years. Shane also reveals how a DUI arrest became a turning point—one that led him to inspire change among his fellow inmates by sharing his own story and encouraging them to seek help.The episode also explores the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, including its unexpected origins in a bar, and how Marine tradition continues to shape identity long after service ends. Shane closes with heartfelt advice for anyone struggling with substances, speaking directly to those who feel lost, stuck, or unsure if recovery is possible.
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Unlocking the Brain Secrets That Could Change Your Life with Dr. Amen
On this episode of the We’re Out Of Time podcast, host Richard Taite sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist, bestselling author, and brain health pioneer Dr. Daniel Amen. Known for transforming the conversation around mental health through his groundbreaking SPECT imaging work, Dr. Amen has helped millions understand one core truth: when you change your brain, you change your life.Dr. Amen begins by sharing how his fascination with the brain started in medical school, noticing how psychiatry rarely looked at the organ it was treating. He highlights the alarming reality that many mental health struggles are deeply connected to underlying brain issues—yet the brain is often ignored. He explains why antidepressants, while helpful for some, can actually harm others, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment instead of one-size-fits-all solutions.He then dives into the modern crisis affecting today’s youth, warning that “we are thrilling our children to death with screens” and reinforcing how brain health and mental health are inseparable. Referencing his bestselling book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Dr. Amen stresses the importance of lifestyle choices—avoiding junk food, alcohol, marijuana, and drugs—to protect and optimize brain function.Dr. Amen also shares one of his most practical tools: recognizing that it’s not your thoughts that create suffering, but the thoughts you attach yourself to. He discusses how giving his brain a name helps him separate from unhelpful or irrational thinking. The conversation expands into what happens in the brain when someone breaks free from addiction, and what the brain looks like in a state of total peace. He also outlines the dangers of environmental toxins like aspartame, citing studies on how these substances affect brain function.In closing, Dr. Amen reiterates his foundational message: you are not stuck with the brain you have. With the right tools, awareness, and habits, you can change your brain—and in turn, transform your entire life.
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Redefining the Veteran Narrative: Kevin Schmiegel's Mission Beyond the Uniform
Today, host Richard Taite sits down with Kevin Schmiegel, founder of ZeroMils, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to supporting veterans and bridging the gap between military and civilian life. Coming from a family of service—both his father and mother were called to serve—Kevin’s commitment to the country runs deep. A retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who served 20 years and deployed to over 50 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Kevin’s experience in leadership and resilience shaped his mission long before ZeroMils came to life.After leaving the Marines, Kevin transitioned into a high-level role at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the demands of corporate life eventually led to burnout and depression—a struggle familiar to many veterans navigating life after service. Through that difficult chapter, Kevin rediscovered his purpose and found a new mission: helping his brothers and sisters in uniform successfully transition back into civilian life.Kevin co-founded ZeroMils alongside a fellow Marine brother, with a mission to redefine the veteran narrative. Rather than seeing veterans as “broken,” he believes they embody discipline, leadership, and purpose—qualities that make them exceptional citizens and employees. Through his work, Kevin is helping shift the stigma surrounding veterans while connecting them to jobs, housing, and community resources.With decades of experience in both military and civilian leadership, Kevin has partnered with numerous nonprofits to successfully place dozens of veterans into the workforce. His life’s work is dedicated to bridging the civilian-military divide and ensuring those who served have the tools, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.In this inspiring conversation, Kevin Schmiegel opens up about his journey from military service to personal struggle to renewed purpose. Through ZeroMils, he’s proving that veterans aren’t defined by their hardships—they’re defined by their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serve. His story is a reminder that while the uniform may come off, the mission to create impact never ends.
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The Battle After Service: David West’s Fight for Veterans
Marine veteran David West joins Richard Taite on We’re Out of Time to share his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and service. Raised in a household where survival meant bringing money home—by any means necessary—David found discipline and direction in the Marines, rising to Sergeant in just three years. But after leaving the service just 15 days before 9/11, he faced a new kind of battle: homelessness, shame, and the struggle to find purpose in civilian life.He opens up about the stigma veterans face when re-enlisting—how society views them as unable to “hack it” outside—and the hard truth of returning home to instability. Living out of his car, keeping clothes in his trunk to hide his homelessness, and facing exploitation in construction jobs, David’s journey reveals the harsh reality many veterans endure after service.Today, David works as a Veteran Service Officer, dedicating his life to helping other veterans get the benefits, respect, and hope they deserve. His story is a testament to leadership, perseverance, and the healing power of giving back. As he shares, it’s not enough to hand the homeless money—they need connection, compassion, and guidance to rebuild their lives.This episode is a moving exploration of what it truly means to serve, struggle, and stand back up—both for oneself and for others.
This is home of the "We're Out Of Time" podcast where dives into the issues America can’t afford to ignore—from the fentanyl crisis and mental health to parenting, resilience, and hope. Hosted by addiction recovery expert Richard Taite, this podcast cuts through the noise with raw truth, real stories, and life-saving conversations. From former addicts and wellness experts to celebrities, athletes, musicians, and influencers, we ask the questions no one else will—educating, empowering, and demanding answers before it’s too late.
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