Brian Johnson talks with Harvard psychiatrist Christopher M. Palmer about his book Brain Energy, which argues that mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. Palmer's research suggests treating psychiatric conditions through metabolic approaches rather than traditional methods.
Hi, this is Brian. Welcome back to another heroic plus one. In our last plus one we talked about what I consider to be the single most important interview I've ever done. I repeat, that chat was with Harvard psychiatrist Chris Palmer. And why was that chat the most powerful one I've ever had? I'll repeat because Chris has identified the number one thing that connects all physiological and and psychological disorders like anxiety, depression, et cetera, and provides both a coherent theoretical framework to articulate the underlying cause and much more importantly, an incredibly straightforward and practical way to address the issues. Again, we talk about this wisdom in our notes on Brain Energy, which you can download for free. Find the link in this plus one. But it really came to life in this 90 minute practical wisdom packed chat. Again, you can watch or listen to that for free. Linked in the plus one. If you or a loved one has ever experienced any psychological challenges, I highly recommend you take the time to read the note and watch or listen to the interview. It has the potential to change and save lives. And before we jump in and discuss why his theoretical framework matters and discuss some practical ideas on how we can apply the wisdom to our lives today, I want to say that I got tears in my eyes when I read the Inside Flap, then Christopher's dedication in the book. First, a little more Context, the inside cover of the book says. In Brain energy, Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Christopher M. Palmer unites our existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework. Mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. Palmer explains this new understanding of mental illness in detail, from symptoms and risk factors to what is happening in brain cells, and sheds light on new treatment pathways for all mental disorders, including anxiety, depression, adhd, alcoholism, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, autism, and even schizophrenia. Now I circled alcoholism and thought of my dad and his dad and my brother when I read that. Then I turned the page and read Christopher's dedication to my mother. He said, my futile attempts to save you from the ravages of mental illness lit a fire in me that burns to this day. He said, I'm sorry I didn't figure this out in time to help you. May you rest in peace. Now I got tears in my eyes and goosebumps as I typed that and as I just said that. Amen. I feel the same way about my father and I feel an intense fire to help you and your families deal with the extraordinary challenges we all face and the unprecedented mental turmoil we are all experiencing in the process. With that and with love as our fuel, I repeat myself yet again. If you or a loved one has ever experienced any psychological challenges. I highly recommend you take the time to read the note and watch or listen to the interview. It has the potential to change and save lives. Again, check out our notes on brain energy right here. Linked and. And to that chat, Linked again. That's all I've got for today. I'm sending love to you and your family. Day one, all in. Let's go, hero.
