Full video available on Patreon This week on the Medical Media Mixer Podcast, we’re recording on location at Reckless Town Farm Distillery 🍸 for a relaxed, unfiltered chat about stories that prove truth really is stranger than fiction. Tara and Nicole dive into four standout documentaries and true stories — the devastating Take Care of Maya, the explosive Charlie Sheen: The Last Party, the controversial Rebel Royals, and the unsettling Unknown Number: The High School Catfish. Along the way, they sip spirits and spiral into royal side talk — from The Crown and Spare to Netflix’s Harry & Meghan — exploring how media turns real lives into entertainment. (Note: Apologies for the audio — Tara’s mic went a little rogue during this on-location recording!) 💬 We Discuss: ✅ Take Care of Maya – medical trauma, child advocacy, and systemic failure ✅ Charlie Sheen Documentary – celebrity culture and public downfall ✅ Rebel Royals – rebellion, monarchy, and the cost of fame ✅ Unknown Number: The High School Catfish – digital deception and psychological manipulation 💭 Plus: brief detours into The Crown, Spare, and Netflix’s Harry & Meghan 🥃 Recorded At: Reckless Town Farm Distillery — where small-batch spirits meet big conversations. 🔗 Sources & References: Reckless Town Spirits Take Care of Maya – Wikipedia Unknown Number: The High School Catfish – Wikipedia Charlie Sheen Documentary – IMDb Rebel Royals – IMDb Harry & Meghan – Netflix The Crown – Wikipedia Spare by Prince Harry   New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

In this festive episode, we raise a glass to two holiday cocktails — The Sleigh Bell Spritz and The Blue Christmas — while taking a smart, humorous look at Santa’s health through the lens of medicine, media, and modern wellness. We compare classic and modern portrayals of Santa (Miracle on 34th Street, The Christmas Chronicles), then step into a playful medical workup: metabolic syndrome, sleep deprivation, chimney-related respiratory exposure, infectious disease risks, cardiovascular strain, and the mental health toll of being the world’s most overworked seasonal icon. We also explore the symbolism of Santa in pop culture and wrap with practical holiday wellness tips for listeners on stress, moderation, and Seasonal Affective Disorder. Cozy, clever, and packed with evidence-based insights — this episode blends myth, medicine, and merrymaking in one cheerful holiday package. 🔗 Sources Santa & Medical Research Occupational Health of Santa Claus – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4789091/ • Claus for Concern – https://onyxhealth.com/claus-for-concern/ • Ho Ho Ho! Santa’s Health Habits – https://www.doctorsmanteca.com/Blog/2013/December/Ho-Ho-Ho-Santa-s-Health-Habits.aspx • Mother Jones – Santa Claus Medical Research – https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2006/12/doctor-santa-claus/ Media References Miracle on 34th Street – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miracle_on_34th_Street • The Christmas Chronicles – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2990140/ Mental Health & Holidays NAMI – https://www.nami.org/Blogs/From-the-CEO/December-2021/The-Most-Difficult-Time-of-The-Year-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays • SAMHSA – https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/supporting-your-mental-health-during-holiday-season • Holiday Mental Health (PMC) – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3257984/ • Arbor Place: Managing Holiday Stress – https://arborplaceinc.org/2019/12/19/how-to-manage-stress-mental-health-during-the-holidays/ • Why Christmas Movies Feel Good – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/positively-media/202212/why-christmas-movies-make-us-feel-good • Therapist-Recommended Holiday Movies – https://hopeforthejourney.org/a-therapists-top-holiday-movies-for-managing-stress/ Seasonal Affective Disorder Mayo Clinic – https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 • NIMH – https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/seasonal-affective-disorder Cocktail Inspiration Blue Christmas Cocktail – https://www.midwestliving.com/recipe/drinks/blue-blue-christmas-cocktail/ 🍸 Sleigh Bell Spritz — Cocktail Recipe Flavor Profile:Crisp, sparkling, and slightly tart with warming winter notes — cranberry, orange, and a hint of spice. Ingredients (Serves 1):🧊 3 oz Prosecco (or other dry sparkling wine)🍊 1 oz Aperol (sub cranberry liqueur for deeper red)🍒 1 oz 100% cranberry juice🫙 ½ oz spiced simple syrup (recipe below)💧 Splash of club soda🍋 Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon or orange Spiced Simple Syrup (makes ~1 cup):½ cup sugar½ cup water1 cinnamon stick3 whole cloves1 star anise (optional)Orange peel (optional)Combine ingredients in a saucepan; simmer until dissolved and steep 10 min. Strain and cool. Keeps 2 weeks in fridge. Cocktail Assembly:Fill a wine/spritz glass with ice. Add Aperol (or cranberry liqueur), cranberry juice, and spiced syrup. Top with Prosecco and a splash of club soda. Gently stir once.Garnish: fresh cranberries, rosemary sprig, optional orange slice/twist. Mocktail Version (Non-Alcoholic Sleigh Bell Spritz):3 oz sparkling white grape juice2 oz cranberry juice½ oz spiced syrupSplash of club soda or ginger aleGarnish as above. Optional Rim:Mix sugar + orange zest + cinnamon; rim glass before pouring. New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't wa

In this episode of Medical Media Mixer, we explore the unsettling true story behind The Shrink Next Door — both the hit podcast and the Apple TV+ miniseries starring Will Ferrell and Paul Rudd. We examine how a trusted therapist exploited his patient for decades, manipulating boundaries, finances, and emotional control — blurring the line between care and coercion. Drawing from real psychological research, we unpack the signs of manipulation, narcissistic behavior, and therapist ethics violations that fueled this disturbing case. To lighten the mood, we sip on our featured drink — The Shrinking Violet Cocktail — a floral, gin-based recipe that’s as delicate and deceptive as the relationship at the center of this true story. Join us for a conversation at the crossroads of psychology, ethics, and pop culture. 🔗 Sources & Further Reading 🎬 The Story The Shrink Next Door – Wikipedia The Shrink Next Door Podcast – Amazon Music Time Magazine – “The True Story Behind The Shrink Next Door” New York Post – “Shrink Next Door Doctor Loses Appeal for Medical License” 🧩 Psychology & Manipulation Psychology Today – 14 Signs of Psychological and Emotional Manipulation The Masks of Manipulation – National Center for School Mental Health (PDF) Psychiatry Online – Ethical Boundaries and Power in the Therapist–Patient Relationship PubMed – “The Role of Transference and Countertransference in the Therapeutic Relationship” 🍸 Cocktail Pairing The Shrinking Violet Cocktail – Point Reyes Nature New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

This week on the Medical Media Mixer Podcast, we’re stepping into the magical and the medicinal. First, we break down the A24 film Death of a Unicorn (starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega), a dark comedy where myth collides with modern greed. Then, we journey through history to explore how unicorn horns—or “alicorns”—were once treasured as universal antidotes, plague cures, and symbols of purity. Finally, to bring a little sparkle to the mix, we sip on our featured drink, the Loco Unicorn cocktail: a whimsical, tropical blend that channels the fantasy and fun of these legendary creatures. 📚 Sources & Further Reading 🎬 Film Death of a Unicorn – Wikipedia – Overview of the 2025 A24 film starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega. 🦄 Unicorn Horns in Myth & Medicine The Magic of the Unicorn Horn – Ancient Origins – How unicorn horns were believed to purify water, protect from poison, and heal disease. Unicorns and Medicine: Myths and Historical Beliefs – Connect Paranormal – Cultural symbolism of unicorn horns and their supposed healing powers. The Use of Unicorn Horn in Medicine – Medievalists.net – Unicorn horn in medieval pharmacopeia and daily medical practice. Unicorn Horns to Treat the Plague (1745–1807) – The Pharmaceutical Journal – The horn’s role as a marketed cure for plague. 🔬 Debunking & Scientific Context Rhino Resource Center – Narwhal tusks, rhino horns, and the trade in “fake” unicorn horns. Fish Fossil and Fake Medicinal Unicorn Horn – GeoscienceWorld – How fossils and misidentified bones contributed to unicorn horn myths. Unicorn Horns, Royal Protection, and Poison Antidotes – History.com – Royals who owned, displayed, and used unicorn horns. How Unicorn Horns Became Linked to Poison – Mental Floss – The history of horn goblets, antidotes, and Royal Society experiments. 🍹 Cocktail of the Week https://www.facebook.com/mixmastery1/photos/loco-unicorn-cocktail-a-magical-layered-cocktail-with-a-coconut-twist-vibrant-co/122145179768477215/?_rdr New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

This episode dives into the world of Orphan Black, exploring its blend of science fiction, bioethics, and identity. We unpack themes of human cloning, genetic engineering, and bodily autonomy through the lens of the Clone Club — a community of clones navigating control, individuality, and sisterhood. Paired with our Clone Club Martini, we discuss real-world concepts like mirror twins, human chimeras, gene therapy, eugenics, and weaponized infertility, linking the show’s storytelling to contemporary debates in genetics and ethics. Perfect for fans of sci-fi, bioethics, and Tatiana Maslany’s groundbreaking performances. 🔗 References & Further Reading Tipsy Nerds Book Club – TNBC Cocktail Recipes Season 2 Orphan Black – Wikipedia “The Everlasting Wonder of Orphan Black” – Dread Central “The Secret Genius of Orphan Black” – Read by Kevin Orphan Black Wiki (Fandom) “Orphan Black and the Future of Kinship and Sociality” – PMC Article “Beyond DNA: Orphan Black and the Politics of Reproduction” – PMC Article “Orphan Black Is My Ultimate Comfort Rewatch for Dark Times” – Reactor Mag Parents.com – Mirror Twins Explained New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

In this episode of Medical Media Mixer, we raise a glass with our Friendsgiving Fizz cocktail while celebrating the chaos and comedy of Friends Thanksgiving episodes. From Joey’s iconic turkey hat to Monica’s culinary disasters, we recap the most memorable moments and fan-favorite episodes. Then, we get serious about holiday health, exploring common Thanksgiving-related medical issues such as overeating, heart attacks, “holiday heart” atrial fibrillation, kitchen accidents, and alcohol-related emergencies. Learn tips to stay safe, enjoy your feast, and make it through the holiday season without an ER visit. P.S.So yes Burt Reynolds died… in 2018. RIP to whichever mustachioed actor that Nicole saw passed away on October 2025. 🦃  Sources Vulture – The Best “Friends” Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked The Pioneer Woman – All the Friends Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked JHU News-Letter – All 10 Friends Thanksgiving Episodes Ranked CBR – How Friends Perfected the Thanksgiving Episode Regional Hospital – 4 Ways Thanksgiving Can Put You in an ER Stony Brook Medicine – Tips for a Heart Healthy Thanksgiving Harvard Health – Avoid These Common Health Perils of Thanksgiving SignatureMD – 10 Thanksgiving Health Facts Friendsgiving Fizz Cocktail Recipe New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

Medical Media Mixer is your go-to health and wellness podcast, shaken with cocktails and stirred with entertainment and media. In this episode, we sit down with psychic medium Nicole Angel to explore the fascinating intersection of psychology, parapsychology, and the paranormal. From the science of noetics to the psychology of intuition, we dive into how research, lived experiences, and pop culture shape the way we understand psychic phenomena. 📚 Interestingly, host Tara just started Dan Brown’s Secret of Secrets—a novel rooted in the world of noetic science and inspired by organizations like the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). 👻 What We Cover in This Episode Nicole Angel’s journey as a psychic medium and how she “tunes in” to spirit The difference between evidential mediumship, trance mediumship, and physical mediumship Where psychology overlaps with paranormal experiences like visions, voices, and near-death experiences The psychological benefits of believing in psychic phenomena and the afterlife What parapsychology research says about ESP, telepathy, and remote viewing Ethical responsibilities when working with grieving or vulnerable clients How psychic mediums are portrayed in pop culture and media—and what Nicole would change 📖 Research Spotlight: Parapsychology Studies We also highlight three key studies in the field: Etzel Cardeña (2018, American Psychologist): Meta-analyses suggest statistically significant support for psi phenomena, though replication challenges remain. Targ & Puthoff (1974, Nature): Early claims of successful remote viewing under sensory shielding. Marks & Kammann (1978, Nature): Follow-up study challenging the above results, pointing to issues of cueing and methodological flaws. These studies frame the ongoing debate: is psi real, a psychological effect, or something else entirely? 🍸 This Week’s Cocktail – The  Psychic Potion A magical twist on a gin & tonic using butterfly pea flower–infused gin that changes color when citrus is added. ✨ Ingredients: 2 oz butterfly pea flower–infused gin 4 oz tonic water ½ oz fresh lemon juice Garnish: lavender sprig or lemon peel Directions: Fill a tall glass with ice, add the gin and tonic, then slowly pour in lemon juice to watch the drink shift from blue to pink. Garnish and enjoy! 🔗 Links & Resources Dan Brown – Secret of Secrets (Goodreads) Institute of Noetic Sciences – Wikipedia Research articles: Cardeña (2018) – The Experimental Evidence for Parapsychological Phenomena Targ & Puthoff (1974) – Information transmission under conditions of sensory shielding Marks & Kammann (1978) – Information transmission in remote viewing experiments Connect with Nicole Angel: Website Instagram Facebook New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

Episode Summary: In this episode of Medical Media Mixer, we sip on the Tranquillum Tonic, a serene-yet-sinister cocktail inspired by Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers, while diving into the psychological and ethical complexities of psychedelic-assisted therapy. We explore how the show’s fictional wellness retreat reflects real-world debates about psilocybin, trauma healing, and the fine line between innovation and exploitation in mental health care. From the Harvard Psilocybin Project of the 1960s to modern clinical trials and the APA’s evolving stance on psychedelic therapy, we unpack the science, history, and controversy behind this growing movement. Tune in for an evidence-based conversation about trauma recovery, altered states of consciousness, and the ethical responsibilities of mental health professionals navigating this psychedelic frontier. 🍸 Featured Cocktail: The Tranquillum Tonic Ingredients: 2 oz vodka ½ oz blue curaçao ½ oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) ½ oz fresh lemon juice 1 dash Angostura bitters 2 oz sparkling water Garnish: 1 sprig rosemary Dried butterfly pea flower petals (optional) Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice and add vodka, blue curaçao, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice. Shake until chilled and strain into a tall glass with fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and a dash of bitters. Garnish with rosemary and optional butterfly pea petals for a color-changing effect—symbolizing Masha’s mysterious methods and the blurred line between therapy and manipulation. Symbolism: 💙 Blue hue = Calmness, illusion of wellness. 🌿 Rosemary = Nature’s healing and ritual. 🌸 Butterfly pea flower = Transformation and altered perception. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: ✅ The psychological portrayal of trauma and recovery in Nine Perfect Strangers ✅ The history of psilocybin and the Harvard Psilocybin Project ✅ Current research on psychedelics in trauma and depression treatment ✅ Ethical questions around informed consent, dosing, and power imbalance ✅ The risks of “wellness culture” overstepping clinical boundaries ✅ How science and fiction shape our understanding of mental health innovation 📚 References & Resources Mentioned: Nine Perfect Strangers – Wikipedia Psilocybin Mushroom – Wikipedia Psilocybin – Wikipedia Harvard Psilocybin Project – Wikipedia Therapeutic Use of Psychedelics – PubMed Central (PMC) APA Monitor: Trends in Psychedelic Treatments (2025)   New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

Show notes In this episode of Medical Media Mixer, we turn up the heat with our featured cocktail — the HIIT & Sip: High-Intensity Iced Tea (Spicy Burn Edition) — while breaking down the truth behind The Biggest Loser and Netflix’s documentary Fit for TV. We uncover the hidden realities of extreme weight loss shows, sharing shocking statistics on metabolic slowdown, mental health impacts, and the long-term dangers of severe calorie restriction. Our hosts explore why obesity is now recognized as a chronic disease, and how registered dietitians (RDNs), certified obesity medicine physicians, and personal trainers use science—not shame—to support healthy, sustainable weight management. Tune in for evidence-based insights, a spicy cocktail twist, and an honest conversation about weight loss myths, metabolic adaptation, and the psychology of transformation. 🍹 Featured Cocktail: HIIT & Sip – High-Intensity Iced Tea (Spicy Burn Edition) Ingredients: 2 oz gin 3 oz chilled green tea (unsweetened, brewed strong) 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice 0.5 oz honey syrup (or agave/stevia for lighter option) Pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 thin jalapeño slice (for heat) Soda water (to top) Ice Garnish: Lemon wheel + mint sprig (optional cayenne dust for a fiery pop) Instructions: Brew strong green tea and chill. Combine gin, green tea, lemon juice, honey syrup, and cayenne (or muddle jalapeño for fresh spice) in a shaker. Shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice and top with soda water. Garnish and enjoy the burn! Symbolism: 🌶️ Cayenne/Jalapeño = The “burn” of HIIT training. 🍵 Green Tea = Energy boost and metabolism support. 🍯 Honey + Lemon = Balance between recovery and intensity. ✨ Sparkling Finish = The cool-down after the workout. 🧠 What You’ll Learn: ✅ The truth about The Biggest Loser and weight loss TV ✅ Insights from Fit for TV on the impact of fame and fitness ✅ The risks of severe calorie restriction ✅ What “metabolic adaptation” really means ✅ Why obesity is classified as a chronic disease ✅ The role of RDNs, obesity medicine physicians, and trainers in safe, sustainable weight loss 📚 References & Resources Mentioned: Fit for TV – Wikipedia The Biggest Loser – Wikipedia Exercise, Metabolism, and Weight – Harvard Health Metabolic Adaptation – PubMed Central (PMC) Drastic Caloric Restriction – News Medical Calorie Deficit Overview – WebMD Why Obesity Is a Disease – Obesity Medicine Association Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Training – Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) NASM Certified Personal Trainer Accreditation Trusted Nutrition Voices on Instagram: Exam Room Nutrition Dr. Jessica Knurick  JacobFoods  Abbey’s Kitchen New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

In this week’s episode of the Medical Media Mixer Podcast, we dive into The Substance (2024) — a haunting exploration of body horror, identity, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. From Teeth (2007) to Nightbitch (2024), we unravel how film and medicine intersect in their portrayals of body dysmorphia, feminine transformation, and cultural beauty standards. We’ll discuss how psychological conditions like Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) are mirrored through disturbing cinematic metaphors — from the myth of vagina dentata to the grotesque metamorphoses seen on screen. Our featured cocktail, The Substance Martini, adds a touch of dark glamour to a conversation that blurs the line between science, self-image, and horror. 🎙️ Join us as we sip, analyze, and confront what it really means to inhabit a body in a world obsessed with perfection. 🧠 We Discuss: ✅ The evolution of body horror and its psychological symbolism ✅ How Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) manifests and impacts self-perception ✅ The Substance, Teeth, and Nightbitch as mirrors of societal pressure and gender politics ✅ The intersection of film, feminism, and medicine ✅ Coping with body image struggles and promoting body positivity 🍸 Featured Cocktail: The Activator Martini — a luxurious cocktail inspired by the film’s haunting aesthetic. 🔗 Recipe from Tasting Table 🎬 Films Mentioned: The Substance (2024) Teeth (2007) Nightbitch (2024) Vagina Dentata Myth 🩺 Medical & Psychological References: Hopkins Medicine – Body Dysmorphic Disorder Anxiety & Depression Association of America – BDD Overview The Jed Foundation – Tips for Body Positivity 🪄 Pop Culture & Self-Care: Shop inspired self-care and witchy wellness at Practical Magic New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

The Hershey Kiss Cocktail: Chocolate in Medicine, Culture & the Movie Chocolat This week on the Medical Media Mixer Podcast, we indulge in the sweet side of history, health, and pop culture with our featured drink—the Hershey Kiss chocolate martini. Inspired by the iconic Hershey’s treat, this cocktail pairs perfectly with our exploration of chocolate as both a cultural delicacy and a medicinal remedy. We dive into the role of chocolate in medicine, from theobromine and heart health to ancient healing practices, and examine how films like Chocolat (2000) romanticize it as a source of transformation and desire. Along the way, we highlight pop culture moments featuring chocolate—from Gilmore Girls and Legally Blonde to House M.D. and Victoria—while uncovering the surprising connections between indulgence, health, and history.   📚 References Books & Articles Coe, S. D., & Coe, M. D. The True History of Chocolate Grivetti, L., & Shapiro, H. Chocolate: History, Culture, and Heritage Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Dark Chocolate and Health Buijsse et al. (2010), European Heart Journal Mastroiacovo et al. (2015), American Journal of Clinical Nutrition NIH MedlinePlus – Theobromine: Link Media Chocolat (2000) Gilmore Girls Legally Blonde (2001) House M.D. – “Unfaithful” Victoria (PBS) Apocalypto (2006) Cocktail : https://savoryreviews.com/2024/07/hershey-kiss-chocolate-martini/ New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

  In this episode of the Medical Media Mixer Podcast, we shake up history, psychology, and mixology with our featured drink—the Schizophrenia cocktail. Inspired by the movie and book, The Professor and The Madman, the incredible true story of Dr. William Chester Minor and the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary, we explore the fine line between genius and madness, the impact of schizophrenia on creativity, and how the media portrays mental illness. Sip along as we uncover how a troubled surgeon behind asylum walls helped shape one of the greatest works in the English language.   Film & Literature The Professor and the Madman (2019 film): Wikipedia The Surgeon of Crowthorne / The Professor and the Madman (book by Simon Winchester): Wikipedia Amazon listing for The Professor and the Madman: Amazon “The Strange Tale of the Dictionary” (Accuracy Matters): Link Catchplay article: EDSays Historical Figure William Chester Minor biography: Wikipedia Psychiatry & Genius Schizophrenia overview (APA): Psychiatry.org Five Types of Schizophrenia: Columbia Psychiatry “Association Between Major Mental Disorders and Geniuses”: Psychiatric Times “Thin Line Between Genius and Insanity”: Psychology Today Cocktail Inspiration Instagram cocktail post: Instagram New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

In this special birthday + National PA Day episode of Medical Media Mixer, we explore how Physician Assistants (PAs) have been portrayed on screen, from Royal Pains’ Divya Katdare to ER’s Jeanie Boulet, and even real-life astronaut PA Hayley Arceneaux. Beyond Hollywood, we dive into the fascinating history of the PA profession, its evolution, certification process, and what makes PAs such an essential part of modern medicine. Plus, we’re raising a glass with a refreshing themed cocktail—The Royal Remedy. 🍸✨ 🎬 Media Portrayals of PAs Royal Pains – Wikipedia Divya Katdare – Royal Pains Fandom Jeanie Boulet – Wikipedia Hayley Arceneaux – Wikipedia 👩‍⚕️ PA Profession – History & Role AAPA – What Is a PA? AAPA – PA History Overview NCCPA – National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants PAHx – NCCPA History Article 📚 Book Reference Wild Ride by Hayley Arceneaux – Amazon 🍸 Cocktail of the Week:  The Royal Remedy Ingredients: 2 oz vodka 1 oz fresh cucumber juice 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur 0.75 oz lime juice 0.5 oz mint syrup Splash of tonic or sparkling water Garnish: thin cucumber ribbon + mint sprig Instructions: Shake vodka, cucumber juice, elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and mint syrup with ice. Strain into a chilled coupe or large rocks glass over ice. Top with tonic or sparkling water. Garnish with cucumber ribbon and mint sprig. New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

This week on Medical Media Mixer, we step out of the studio and into the tasting room at Tree City Distillery in Kenilworth, NJ. Join us as we sip vodka, share quirky health and psychology fun facts, and dive into some hilarious drinking games. From cocktail trivia to offbeat book discoveries, this episode mixes science, spirits, and just the right amount of silliness. 🍸✨   The full video is available on Patreon- head over there and sign up for exclusive content! 🎙️Support your local Wineries, Distilleries and Breweries! ℹ️ Sources & References 📖 Why Do Men Have Nipples? – Amazon 🎲 Cocktail Table Topics – Amazon 📖 WTF (Weird True Facts Psychology) – Amazon 🎲 Psychobox: Psychological Games – Amazon 🥂 Tree City Vodka 📸 Tree City Distillery Instagram 🎵 Tree City Distillery TikTok New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

In this episode of Medical Media Mixer, we uncover the chilling yet unbelievable story of Natasha Ryan—the Australian teenager who shocked the world when she was found alive after being presumed dead for years. Dubbed “The Girl in the Cupboard,” her case blurs the lines between truth and lies, media frenzy and reality. We also explore broader issues of missing persons, global statistics, and how families and organizations continue the fight to bring missing children home.   📚 Sources & Further Reading   🎬 The Girl Who Wasn’t Dead – IMDb 📰 Natasha Ryan Story – Wikipedia 📰 The Guardian: Queensland woman Natasha Ryan remembered as more than just the girl in the cupboard 🌍 Missing Children Resources National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) Global Missing Kids International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children – Statistics AMBER Alert Information 🍸 Cocktail Connection Truth & Lies Cocktail – Recipe   New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

In this episode of Medical Media Mixer, we dive into the fascinating intersection of science fiction and real-life space medicine. From Andy Weir’s novels (Artemis, The Martian, and Project Hail Mary) to NASA’s rigorous astronaut training and health standards, we explore what it really takes to survive and thrive beyond Earth. How do astronauts prepare their bodies for zero gravity? What medical risks do they face on long-term missions? And how does fiction mirror the challenges of real space travel? 🚀✨   📚 Sources and Further Reading 📘 Fictional Novels Referenced Andy Weir – Artemis 🔗 Artemis (Wikipedia) Andy Weir – Project Hail Mary 🔗 Project Hail Mary (Wikipedia) Andy Weir – The Martian 🔗 The Martian (Wikipedia) 📚 Astronaut Physical Requirements NASA – Astronaut Selection and Training Standards 🔗 NASA PDF NASA – Medical Standards for Human Spaceflight (NASA-STD-3001) 🔗 Exercise Countermeasures Overview NASA – Spaceflight Human-System Standard Volume 1 (Crew Health) 🔗 NASA PDF 🧑‍🚀 NASA & Health in Space NASA – FAQ: The Real Story About Astronaut Health Care in Space 🔗 NASA Astronaut Health FAQ NASA – Twins Study (Scott & Mark Kelly) 🔗 NASA Twins Study Summary NASA – Astronaut Biographies (Scott Kelly, Valery Polyakov, Peggy Whitson, and more)🔗 NASA Astronaut Biographies New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

  *** Trigger warning for SA***   Title The Innocent One   In this week’s episode of Medical Media Mixer Podcast we cover: The documentary Abducted in Plain Sight 📺 The dramatization Friend of the Family 🎬 We discuss: ✅The wild story that could only happen in the 70s ✅The true seriousness of the actual events- trigger warning for SA/Child abuse   🎙️Have you seen the memes with Jan’s dad? 🤷‍♂️   #abductedinplainsight #SA #afriendofthefamily #aliens #survivorsupport #medicalmediamixer #womeninmedicine #medical #media #cocktail #podcast   ℹ️ Sources:   Abducted in Plain Sight and Friend of the Family https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abducted_in_Plain_Sight  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Friend_of_the_Family_(miniseries)    https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/10/jan-broberg-bob-berchtold-real-life-a-friend-of-the-family?srsltid=AfmBOoqys_89IRJZyYBhWfqm_iW5yhJluz5EAvbwYBj3OWnp8Rw0ku6m    https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Innocence-Jan-Broberg-Story/dp/0974515205    Innocent one cocktail - https://www.backporchsomm.com/mimosa-cocktail/    Statistics - https://rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem    Resources - https://rainn.org/ https://enoughabuse.org/get-help/survivor-support/  https://thejanbrobergfoundation.org/  New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

Episode 35   released  Sept 1   Title The Army & Navy   In this week’s episode of Medical Media Mixer Podcast we cover:   The Women, by Kristin Hannah 📖   We discuss: ✅The role of nursing in military history ✅The recognition of PTSD as a diagnosis 🎙️We would love to hear from any military nurses/medical personell ℹ️ Sources: 📚Sources  📖 Book Goodreads – The Women by Kristin Hannah https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305853-the-women 🏥 History of Military Nursing Health.mil – Military Medical History Timeline https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/Military-Medical-History/Historical-Timelines/Nurses JHU School of Nursing – History of Nurses in the U.S. Armed Forces https://nursing.jhu.edu/magazine/articles/2024/11/the-history-of-nurses-in-the-united-states-armed-forces/ Vietnam Center & Archive – Women in the Vietnam War https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/exhibits/nurses/ CBS News – Veteran Army Nurses Share Experiences https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/veteran-army-nurses-share-experiences/ VA News – Women Veterans in Vietnam https://news.va.gov/86001/women-veterans-bravely-served-vietnam-war/ ⚕️ Medical Realities & Injuries in Vietnam PMC – Battlefield Case Fatality Rates in Modern Wars https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4586048/ 🧠 Psychological Trauma & PTSD VA.gov – History of PTSD as a Diagnosis https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/history_ptsd.asp Psychology Today – Moral Injury and the Vietnam War https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/head-strong/202501/moral-injury-and-the-vietnam-war Cocktail: https://www.foodandwine.com/army-and-navy-cocktail-recipe-11737140   New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

Episode 34  released  August 25   Title The Chi-Chi Chowchilla    In this week’s episode of Medical Media Mixer Podcast we cover: Max (HBO) – Chowchilla Documentary Film 🎬 CNN – Chowchilla Kidnapping Escape Feature (2023) 📺 We discuss: ✅The true crime story of the Chowchilla kidnapping of 1976 ✅How this helped shape the research into childhood trauma   🎙️Have you ever heard of this case? ℹ️ Sources:   🚍 Chowchilla Kidnapping – News, Documentary, and Historical Accounts City of Chowchilla – Official Historical Summary https://www.cityofchowchilla.org/300/1976-Bus-Kidnapping CNN – Chowchilla Kidnapping Escape Feature (2023) https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/02/us/chowchilla-kidnapping-escape-cnn-film Max (HBO) – Chowchilla Documentary Film https://www.max.com/movies/chowchilla/35e6ffd5-2cb1-4bd4-b2f3-62064f73a7a2 Wikipedia – 1976 Chowchilla Kidnapping https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_Chowchilla_kidnapping 📚 Books & Trauma Research Goodreads – Too Scared to Cry by Lenore Terr, M.D. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/787568.Too_Scared_To_Cry PMC – Research Article on Childhood Trauma https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7163898/ NCTSN – About Child Trauma (National Child Traumatic Stress Network) https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/about-child-trauma 🧠 Therapeutic Approaches Psychology Today – Sandplay Therapy Overview https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/sandplay-therapy 🍸 Pop Culture & Themed Drink Boomer Magazine – Mixology & Murder: Chi-Chi Chowchilla Cocktail https://www.boomermagazine.com/mixology-and-murder-chi-chi-chowchilla-cocktail/     New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita For updates visit our 💻 Website  

Title The Arcuate Angel   In this week’s episode of Medical Media Mixer Podcast we cover: Greys Anatomy "Everyday Angel” Season 15 episode 5 📺 “The Secular Prayers of Medicine” by Kateland Kelly 📖   We discuss: ✅Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome ✅Rare diseases, “zebras” ✅Medical gaslighting in women   🎙️We have our first guest on the podcast, author, PA, and rare disease warrior Kateland Kelly!   ℹ️ Sources: 📚 References & Resources Scholarly Articles: Reilly LM, et al. (2019). Clinical outcomes of MALS after surgical release. ScienceDirect Hwang D, et al. (2023). Diagnostic imaging in MALS. PMC8917964 DeNobile JW, et al. (2023). Surgical and functional outcomes in patients with MALS. PMC10629207 European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (2015). MALS surgical case series. EJVES Mayo Clinic. Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS). MayoClinic.org Is Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) linked to EDS and POTS?https://www.eds.clinic/articles/median-arcuate-ligament-syndrome-mals-linked-eds-pots#:~:text=In%20patients%20with%20EDS%2C%20the,the%20general%20population%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8B.   Narrative/Pop Culture: Grey’s Anatomy, “Everyday Angel” Episode Summary. Fandom Article The Mighty  The Mighty Kelly, Kateland. Secular Prayers of Medicine: Stories from the Frontlines. Amazon Grey’s Anatomy Series Overview. Wikipedia   https://medium.com/@IRahmanJones/im-as-mad-as-hell-and-i-m-not-going-to-take-this-any-more-18758ebbe55f    Kateland Kelly’s Socials: https://www.instagram.com/thewriteassistant/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/TheWriteAssistantLLC/ https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWriteAssistant#items   MALS PALS Facebook Support Group:  https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16zBkYAZ9S/ National MALS Foundation:  malsfoundation.org Text Book:  https://www.amazon.com/Median-Arcuate-Ligament-Syndrome-Management/dp/3031807391 Cocktail 🍸 The Arcuate Angel Ingredients: 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin  ¾ oz Elderflower liqueur (St. Germain) ½ oz Fresh lemon juice  ¼ oz Lavender syrup  2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters Optional: edible flower or lemon peel twist for garnish Put all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, strain and pour into a martini or coupe glass and enjoy! 🍹 The Arcuate Angel (Mocktail Version) A delicate, healing drink that reflects the mystery and resilience of MALS, and honors the quiet strength shown in Grey’s Anatomy’s "Everyday Angel." Ingredients: 2 oz Butterfly pea flower tea (brewed and chilled ¾ oz Elderflower cordial or syrup ½ oz Fresh lemon juice will change the color from purple to pink ¼ oz Lavender syrup 2 dashes grapefruit or non-alcoholic aromatic bitters (like All The Bitter brand or similar) Sparkling water (to top) Optional: lemon twist, lavender sprig, or edible flower for garnish Instructions: Brew butterfly pea flower tea, chill it, and set aside. In a shaker with ice, combine the tea, elderflower syrup, lemon juice, lavender syrup, and bitters. Shake lightly or stir to combine and chill. Pour into a coupe or rocks glass. Top with a splash of sparkling water for effervescence. Garnish with a lemon twist or edible flower — watch the color transformation as the lemon hits!   New episodes every Monday → Hit that subscribe button! 🔔 ⭐️ Rate and Review 🍸 Cocktail recipes drop on socials every weekend before the episode airs 🍹 #medicalmediamixer #womeninmedicine #medical #psychology #wellness #media #cocktail #podcast #entertainment #comedy  If you love the podcast, please join our 💳 Patreon to support our continued success! If you don't want to commit to a monthly contribution, you can always donate on ☕️Buy Me a Coffee 🎶 Music Credits: Music by Vlad Krotov, Sound Effect by Akiva Vita 💻 Website