Send us questions here! Are psychedelics the future of psychiatryâor just another wave of hype? In this episode, Maria and Tabitha sit down with John Greeley to break down what the research really says about psychedelics like psilocybin, MDMA, and ketamine. We cover safety, harm reduction, cultural concerns, and what clinicians and patients alike need to know. âš Learn about: The science behind psychedelics and the brainWhy harm reduction mattersHow providers can support patients using psyched...
Send us questions here! Ketamine has been called a breakthrough treatment for depression, PTSD, and anxiety. But behind the hype lies a complex reality. In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria Ingalla, Tabitha Arey, and John Greeley take on the promises and pitfalls of ketamine therapyâexploring its science, ethical dilemmas, and why integration is essential. This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians, patients, and anyone curious about where ketamine fits into the future of mental healt...
Send us questions here! Buying cannabis shouldnât feel like gambling with your mental healthâbut often it does. From high-THC strains that increase risk of negative outcomes to poorly regulated CBD products for kids, cannabis is far from simple. In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria and Tabitha talk with John Greeley about cannabis, psychiatry, and why informed choices matter. đž Learn more: here đ Info Resources: here đ± CBD Resources: here Socials: Facebook: Paperflower Psychiatry Instagram...
Send us questions here! "I Want To Rip My Skin Off": Sensory Hell and Sex What does sex feel like when sensory input is overwhelming or painful? In this episode of Brain Trash, we explore the intense (and often unspoken) connection between sensory processing and intimacy for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. We talk about touch aversion, masturbation as self-discovery, aftercare, scripting your needs, and why hookup culture often fails neurodivergent bodies. This oneâs raw, honest, and...
Send us questions here! The Safe Word is âConsentâ: The Psychology of Autism and Sex What do kink, structure, and sensory regulation have in common? For many autistic individuals, BDSM isnât just about pleasureâitâs about safety, identity, and healing. In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria and Tabitha explore: Why autistic folks are often drawn to kink communitiesThe comfort of clear roles, rules, and ritualsHow consent and power exchange can support trauma recoveryThe connection between sens...
Send us questions here! WELCOME TO THE SECOND SEASON OF BRAIN TRASH! Autism and Sex: Myths, Consent, and Neurodivergent Intimacy This episode of Brain Trash takes a bold step into a rarely discussed space: the intersection of autism and sex. Hosts Maria Ingalla and Tabitha explore the myths, misunderstandings, and unique challenges autistic people face in navigating intimacy, consent, and sensory overwhelm. đ„ In this episode: Debunking myths about autistic sex and asexualityThe pressure to pe...
Send us questions here! Why Autistic Brains Struggle with Sleep | Brain Trash Podcast In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey unpack the science and lived experiences behind sleep struggles in autistic individuals. From melatonin dysregulation and altered sleep architecture to sensory processing and behavioral cyclesâthis episode digs into why sleep is so often misunderstood in neurodivergent care. Whether youâre a provider, parent, or navigating your own neurodivergent...
Send us questions here! In this episode of Brain Trash, hosts Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey take a brutally honest look at what psychiatric diagnosis actually means in 2025. From rushed 15-minute appointments to diagnosis codes written for insurance companiesânot careâthis episode unpacks the messy, outdated system we're all stuck in. We dive into: How ICD-10 and DSM coding shapes your treatmentThe dangers of misdiagnosis (especially for neurodivergent folks)Why screeners donât tell the full...
Send us questions here! RFK's proposed Autism Registry isnât about public healthâitâs about power. This week on Brain Trash, we dive into the controversial Autism Registry plan and what it means for neurodivergent communities. We discuss how data collection can be weaponized, why environmental blame narratives are harmful, and how this policy might impact access to services. Weâre calling it what it is: a dangerous precedent. Hear the truth and download our free guide at paperflowerinstitute....
Send us questions here! Is it clumsiness â or is it dyspraxia? In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey break down what developmental coordination disorder (dyspraxia) actually looks like â and why so many neurodivergent people are going undiagnosed. We talk about: Why dyspraxia is way more than just being âbad at sportsâWhat dyspraxia means for motor skills, daily living, and mental healthThe real impact on kids and adults navigating a world not built for their br...
Send us questions here! In this conversation, Maria Ingalla and Tabitha discuss the implications of a new executive order related to child abuse prevention, focusing on the controversial topic of gender ideology and its perceived threat to children. They explore the realities of child abuse, the impact of trauma, and the importance of support for trans youth. The discussion highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers in the current political climate and emphasizes the need f...
Send us questions here! Summary Psychiatric meds but make it a high school yearbook superlative. đ In this episode of Brain Trash, Maria and Tabitha dive into the chaotic world of mental health medicationsâwhoâs the MVP, whoâs most likely to ruin your sex life, and whoâs the overachiever you canât live without. From SSRIs and benzodiazepines to ADHD meds, weâre breaking down what they do, their side effects, and the real conversations doctors arenât always having. Plus, letâs talk about what ...
Send us questions here! Episode Summary: Mental health is under fireâagain. In this episode, Maria and Tabitha break down the âMake America Healthy Againâ executive order and its dangerous implications for people with autism, ADHD, and mental health conditions. From medication access to Big Pharmaâs grip on treatment options, weâre exposing the misinformation fueling public fear and the real consequences of misguided health policies. Why are mental health diagnoses like autism and ADHD...
Send us questions here! Summary In this episode, Maria and Tabitha explore the intricate connections between neurodivergence and connective tissue disorders, particularly focusing on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and POTS. They discuss the prevalence of these conditions in women, the role of collagen in bodily functions, and the challenges faced by patients in the healthcare system, including gaslighting and misunderstandings in treatment. The conversation emphasizes the need for better education, a...
Send us questions here! Autism has long been boxed into a narrow stereotypeâwhite, male, socially awkward, obsessed with trains. But what about the autistic people who donât fit that mold? The girl who made it to adulthood without a diagnosis because she was âjust shyâ? The high-achieving professional who burns out repeatedly but is told theyâre just anxious? The Black kid who gets labeled as âdefiantâ instead of supported? The adult who spent years self-medicating with alcohol or drugs becau...
Send us questions here! Is TikTok actually helping people understand neurodivergence, or is it just fueling a wave of self-diagnoses? In this no-BS, unfiltered first episode of Brain Trash, weâre tackling the big debate about social media and self-diagnosis. Weâre Maria Ingalla and Tabitha Arey, psychiatric nurse practitioners who are super tired of the outdated approach to mental health. Weâre here to dive into: The real reason so many people are turning to TikTok for answers How ...