Tess Talks

What if the way we understand antidepressants—and mental health treatment more broadly—is missing part of the story?

Dr Josef Witt-Doerring is a psychiatrist, former FDA medical officer and founder of the Taper Clinic. After reviewing psychiatric drugs for the US market, he became increasingly concerned about how little long-term evidence exists for medications that many people take for years—or even decades.

In this conversation, Tess and Dr Josef examine the benefits, limitations and potential risks of psychiatric medications, why coming off them can be so difficult, and the lifestyle factors that may be overlooked when treating anxiety and depression. They also unpack the Lindsay Clancy case, postpartum psychosis and the possible role of medication, before exploring the prescription-drug patterns connected to public figures including Matthew Perry, Britney Spears and Amanda Bynes.

They discuss:
What Dr Josef discovered while reviewing psychiatric drugs at the FDA
Why many antidepressant trials are shorter than their real-world use
The chemical-imbalance theory and what SSRIs actually do
When psychiatric medication can be helpful or even lifesaving
Why medication should never be stopped abruptly without medical support
The risks of withdrawal, polypharmacy and “stacking” prescriptions
Why women experiencing menopause may be prescribed antidepressants
How pharmaceutical marketing influences doctors and public perception
Dr Josef’s approach to safely tapering psychiatric medication
The Lindsay Clancy medication timeline and postpartum-psychosis defence
Whether someone experiencing psychosis can still appear outwardly normal
The unanswered questions surrounding the Clancy investigation
Matthew Perry, ketamine and treatment that fell outside standard care
Why benzodiazepines and opioids can become a lethal combination
The links Dr Josef sees between cannabis, stimulants and psychosis
Why emotions can be signals rather than symptoms to automatically silence

This episode explores complex and disputed medical and legal issues. It is for informational purposes only and should not replace individual medical advice. Never begin, stop or alter psychiatric medication without guidance from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

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Dave Asprey is one of the pioneers of the modern biohacking movement, founder of Bulletproof & Danger Coffee, host of The Human Upgrade, bestselling author and creator of the Biohacking Conference. In this episode of Tess Talks, Tess sits down with Dave to go beyond the usual conversation about supplements and longevity — exploring what it actually means to optimise your health in a world that can often feel designed against it.

From ultra-processed food and the stark differences between American and international food standards, to sleep, fertility, preventive healthcare and the growing cost of wellness, Dave shares what he believes we're getting wrong about modern health. He also opens up about his own evolution from physical optimisation to spirituality and consciousness, the ideas behind Heavily Meditated, and why after decades of biohacking, some of the most powerful tools may have nothing to do with expensive technology.

In this episode:
Why Dave believes biohacking can become a spiritual experience
His current morning routine and what he actually prioritises today
The evolution from Bulletproof Radio to The Human Upgrade
Bulletproof Coffee, fasting, energy and weight loss
Taking close to 100 supplements — and how he knows what’s actually working
Ultra-processed foods and why ingredients differ between the U.S., Australia and Europe
FDA, EU and Australian regulatory differences
Why so many people struggle with sleep — and how to improve sleep quality
Why feeling healthy isn't always a linear journey
Preventive healthcare vs waiting until we're sick
Has biohacking become an exclusive luxury?
The highest-impact health changes that don't require spending thousands
Fertility optimisation and having children later in life
Meditation, stress, triggers and the ideas behind Heavily Meditated
What Dave thinks the future of human health and longevity looks like

Episode sponsors:

Thrivix Health Optimisation: Australia’s doctor-led telehealth clinic offers personalised, evidence-based care based on your individual health, blood work and goals.
Visit www.thrivix.co and use code TESSTALKS10 for 10% off.

Follow Dave Asprey: @daveasprey

Find more: daveasprey.com

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Victoria’s Secret model turned content creator, entrepreneur and mother Vita Sidorkina joins Tess for an honest conversation about what really happens behind the glamour — and what it takes to completely reinvent yourself when the career you built your identity around comes to an end.
Tess and Vita also talk motherhood, family routines, intuitive wellness, why consistency beats intensity, and the philosophy behind Vita’s new fitness and wellness app, THE CORE.

In this episode:
Getting scouted at 13 and leaving Russia
The reality of the modeling industry
Being rejected from the Victoria’s Secret show
The extreme diet and training behind VS
What the Victoria’s Secret “sisterhood” was really like
Vita’s thoughts on Victoria’s Secret today
Losing her identity after leaving modeling
Motherhood and rebuilding her sense of purpose
Losing followers while changing careers
Starting again despite other people’s opinions
The reality of being a full-time content creator
Vita’s 20–80 rule for consistency
Building THE CORE and creating a healthier approach to fitness
Why intuitive eating changed her relationship with wellness

Tess Talks listeners can use TESSTALKS20 for 20% off THE CORE for 30 days.
Download the CORE app on Apple or Android: Here

Mentioned in this episode:

Follow Vita: @vitasidorkina

Follow THE CORE: @thecore

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Logan Hollowell is the Los Angeles-based fine jewellery designer and founder behind her namesake luxury jewellery house, known for creating modern heirlooms rooted in symbolism, spirituality and intention. Her pieces have built a global following, with her designs worn by names including Bella and Gigi Hadid, Rihanna, Jessica Alba and Elsa Hosk.

In this episode, Tess and Logan unpack what it takes to build a business differently — from turning ADHD and feeling “different” into entrepreneurial strengths, to rejecting traditional hustle culture, embracing feminine energy and reprogramming the beliefs that tell us we're not enough. They also dive into manifestation, self-worth, the meaning behind Logan's designs, her engagement and the rituals that keep her grounded.

In this episode:

Being told not to pursue her dream
Turning ADHD into an entrepreneurial strength
Feminine energy vs hustle culture in business
Reprogramming limiting beliefs and self-worth
Manifestation, spirituality and trusting yourself
The symbolism and intention behind her jewellery
Creating the Aura Sleeve for the Oura Ring
The moment Logan realised her brand had gone global
Love, engagement and finding her perfect ring
The daily rituals that keep her grounded

Mentioned:

Shop Logan Hollowell: Visit the new flagship at 411 Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, or the SoHo, New York showroom.
Tess Talks listeners can also receive 15% off for 30 days with code TESS15

Head to loganhollowell.com

Follow Logan: @loganhollowell

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

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In this solo episode of Tess Talks, Tess shares a heartfelt life update following the exciting announcement that she's expecting a baby boy. From the behind-the-scenes story of her Maldives gender reveal to the lessons she's learned through two very different pregnancies, Tess reflects on fertility, motherhood and the mindset shifts that have shaped this chapter of her life.
She also opens up about a conversation so many women are having but rarely say out loud: how do you balance building a career while also being the present mother you want to be? From financial independence and career ambitions to the pressure of "doing it all", this episode is an honest reflection on modern womanhood, pregnancy and finding confidence in your own path.

In this episode:
The story behind discovering she's expecting a baby boy
What really happened during the Maldives gender reveal
Why this pregnancy has felt so different the second time around
The importance of preconception health for both women and men
The fertility experts and podcast episodes that have transformed her perspective
Why positive pregnancy and birth stories deserve more attention
The mindset shifts that have helped her approach pregnancy with confidence
The realities of balancing career ambitions with motherhood
The difficult questions women face around work, finances and family
Books that sparked a new perspective on marriage, motherhood and financial independence
What she's doing differently during her second pregnancy
Her current approach to supplements, nutrition and birth preparation
A sneak peek at an exciting new building project coming soon

Tess Talks Episodes Mentioned:
Dr Natalie Crawford
Lily Nichols
Gabrielle Brennan
Sheridan Joy Austin (Foraged For You)
Dave Asprey (upcoming episode)

Other mentions:

Strangers - Belle Burder: Shop here
Start With You - Emma Grede: Shop here

Follow me on Instagram: @tess.shanahan & @tesstalksofficial

Follow me on TikTok: @tessshanahan

Follow me on YouTube: TessShanahan

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.