Advertise on podcast: Dr. G: Engaging Minds POLITICAL DETOX

Kelly Wendorf is an executive coach and founder of EQUUS, whose unique approach blends evidence-based leadership coaching with the ancient, intuitive wisdom of horses and the natural world. A Santa Fe native who has lived around the globe, Kelly helps people reconnect with their most grounded, resilient selves by observing how horse herds conserve energy, maintain connection, and navigate uncertainty—skills she believes are essential in today’s highly reactive and politically toxic environment. Through her equine-assisted coaching, writing, and upcoming Elevation leadership summit, Kelly creates spaces where individuals can slow down, deepen awareness, and rediscover the clarity, presence, and inner capacity needed to thrive. Learn more about Kelly at https://equusinspired.com.

Joshua Bronfman is a motorcycle racing pro, entrepreneur, and dedicated young dad residing in Scottsdale, AZ, with his wife, Danielle, and their two kids, Henry (2) and Charlotte (8 months). His journey into invention began with a late-night mishap involving a faulty baby sound machine during Henry's infancy. Frustrated by the lack of quality, versatile, and aesthetically pleasing sound machines that met their family’s needs, Josh and Danielle took it upon themselves to create the perfect solution. Though inventing a noise machine was far from his expertise as a motorbike enthusiast, Josh tapped into his core family principles and a mission to help his kids sleep. Through trial, error, and perseverance, he transformed his vision into reality in just two years. The result is Dreamer, a high-quality sound machine designed to be portable for travel and fit seamlessly on a nursery shelf. Now available online at major retail sites, Dreamer is soon set to hit brick-and-mortar stores, all thanks to Josh’s innovative spirit and commitment to his family's well-being. Learn more about Josh at https://SleepwithDreamer.com.

Hakim Bellamy served as the Inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of Albuquerque (2012-2014) and recently completed a four year Mayoral appointment as the Deputy Director for the Department of Arts & Culture at the City of Albuquerque. Bellamy is a W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, an Academy for the Love of Learning Fellow, Western States Arts Alliance Launchpad Fellow, Santa Fe Arts Institute Food Justice Fellow, New Mexico Strategic Leadership Institute alum and Citizen University Civic Seminary Fellow. In 2012 he published his first collection of poetry, SWEAR (West End Press/University of New Mexico Press), and it landed him the Working Class Studies Tillie Olsen Award for Literature in 2012. In 2019 his book We Are Neighbors (co-created with photographer and book designer Justin Thor Simenson) was shortlisted for the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards. His latest title Commissions y Corridos (UNM Press) published in 2022 is his seventh book. With an M.A. in Communications from the University of New Mexico (UNM), Bellamy holds a juris doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and has held adjunct faculty positions at UNM and the Institute of American Indian Arts. A National Poetry Slam Champion, Bellamy has performed his work in at least seven countries and continues to leverage his art to transform his communities. Learn more about Hakim at www.hakimbellamy.com.

Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Tonya talk about the administration's attempt to rewrite American history by erasing culture. Rick Najera is a creative force whose pen has carved bold, brown lines across Broadway stages, Hollywood screens, and the national conversation on Latino identity. A true original, Rick’s storytelling blends sharp wit, deep heart, and fearless cultural commentary. From the bright lights of Latinologues on Broadway—his groundbreaking work that gave voice to untold Latino stories—to the writer’s room of In Living Color and Mad TV (where he worked with Key and Peel and Jamie Fox and Jenifer Lopez), Rick has always led with authenticity. His Showtime comedy specials, Diary of a Dad Man and Legally Brown, showcase his rare ability to make you laugh while cracking open truths about family, faith, and identity. A writer, actor, producer, and cultural visionary, Rick’s credits span television, film, and theater—including work with Fox, Hulu, Warner Bros., and major studios—while never losing sight of his mission: to elevate the Latino narrative. As the creator and host of Latino Thought Makers, Rick has become a leading voice in the dialogue around Latino excellence and empowerment, speaking across the nation to inspire the next generation, interviewing Dr. Cornel West and Dolores Huerta and Danny Trejo and many more. Whether it’s behind the scenes or center stage, Rick Najera doesn’t just tell stories—he builds bridges, breaks barriers, and makes sure we all laugh along the way. Latin History for Morons marks the second time he has worked with Leguizamo. He wrote the holiday classic Nothing Like the Holidays starring John Leguizamo. Most recently, he wrote and directed Sweet 15, his interactive Quinceanera that played to audiences in Miami and Chicago. With two Writers Guild nominations for his work in comedy, he is a rare writer that finds brave stories that make you laugh. His new historical novel Love Truth and Loyalty will be published in the fall. Learn more about Rick at www.ricknajera.com.

Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Tonya McKenzie is the founder of Sand & Shores, a Communications, Marketing, and Sports Media firm. She is an international speaker and the Chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Tonya is a public relations expert specializing in storytelling, building community, and increasing brand awareness.  Tonya consults organizational leaders, sports professionals, and brands, helping them to increase their leads, profits, and exposure. Commissioner McKenzie is also the host of the Leaders & Learners Podcast, speaking to leaders, experts, authors, and personalities connected to the Golden State of California. Tonya was the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was named the Redondo Beach Woman of the Year. She is the Vice President of the Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles and serves in various other leadership positions. Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. Tonya McKenzie has authored several books, including a memoir titled A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder, addressing non-combat PTSD, predatory behavior, generational trauma, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for over 23 years and has four kids, including a set of twins. Learn more about Tonya at www.tonyamckenzie.com.

Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Chad L. Johnson is the host of the Not All There podcast, a raw and darkly funny exploration of addiction, sobriety, and what it means to live an honest life in recovery. With over 10 years of continuous sobriety, Chad blends lived experience, humor, and insight to create real conversations that resonate. He’s also the founder of Sober with Chad coaching, the creator of the Sober Soirée community events, and co-founder of the MERGE Leadership Summit. Chad’s mission is simple: help others find connection, healing, and purpose—one honest conversation at a time. Learn more about Chad at https://www.notalltherepodcast.com

Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Spencer talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain a positive outlook in our daily lives. Spencer Windes is an editor, writer and nonprofit executive based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He's previously worked in development at the ACLU during the first Trump administration, as well as at the Center for Biological Diversity. Currently, he's a contributing editor at Santa Fe Magazine. Learn more about Spencer at https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerwindes/.

Special Guest Chris Roland Chris is a transformational teacher, coach, and sound healing facilitator currently based in South Africa. He has travelled, lived or worked in sixty+ countries, and his unusually full and colorful life and unique toolset enable Chris to relate to clients through first hand real world experience.  Chris is also a multi-talented award winning writer, director, producer, media consultant and coach. He has written, directed, and/or produced 80+ films, TV series, commercials, and videos. He has owned seven companies in the film and TV industry, including production, distribution, equipment rental, and finance. Chris now focuses exclusively on writing and directing, and providing coaching and consulting to the wider global industry drawing from his vast experience on three continents.

Special Guest Dr. Palesa Makhale-Mahlangu Palesa Makhale-Mahlangu is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Johannesburg, South Africa.  She is a consultant in various fields of mental health and for corporate in the Employee Assistant Programme. Her consulting has included running strategic planning workshops for the National Department of Health (Mental Health) on Victim Empowerment Programmes in three regions as well as evaluating the mental health hospitals and clinics in Mpumalanga Province (South Africa). She also worked on the consolidation of the reports from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Women’s Hearings ( Held in South Africa post liberation, 1994). In addition, she facilitated diversity management workshops on gender)and has facilitated workshops for various NGO’s; Government departments; Corporate sector and Faith based groups around mental health. She has also done the Employee Wellness Programmes for corporate South Africa. She was headhunted for the position of Research Specialist by Human Science Research Council (HSRC) for two years in mental health research. She has also worked as coordinator for the Trauma Clinic at Wits University. Amongst her numerous appointments, she was appointed to the International Rehabilitation Council on Torture in  Copenhagen, Denmark, representing South Africa for three years. She also held the position of Chairperson of the ANC Branch in Washington D.C. And was also appointed as Chairperson of the South African National Defence Force (Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Advisory Committee- A Ministerial Appointment) for 3yrs. Currently she sits as a board member for Kitso Lesedi( an NGO addressing the plight of unsheltered (homeless) persons.  She holds a from B.A. Goshen College, Indiana (USA), MSc in Personality Psychology, Howard University, Washington D.C (USA), and pursued a D. Litt et Phil degree at Rand Afrikaans University ( South Africa). Ph.D, University of South Africa (UNISA). She was awarded internships at the Centre for Victims of Torture, Minneapolis, USA and at the International Rehabilitation Centre for Torture in Copenhagen, Denmark. Among her numerous publications is a poetry book titled: MBALE (1998), 3 edition, and her latest work, Phekolo: Afro-centric Healing Modality for Rape Survivors.

Special Guest Dr. David Schechter Dr. G welcomes Dr. David Schechter, physician whose career stands on principles. First, treat the whole patient (mind and body) in the context of his family, work, and his environment. Second, provide the highest quality care based upon the most up-to-date medical research. Third, emphasize prevention, a healthy lifestyle, and exercise as the mainstays of a comprehensive program. Dr. Schechter graduated with a degree from Princeton University. While a medical student at NYU in the early 1980's, he was first exposed to a stress related disorder-- his own! After successful treatment as a patient of Dr. John Sarno, he performed a telephone follow up study, in Dr. Sarno’s office. After a residency in Family Medicine at UCLA/Santa Monica Hospital, he received a Certificate of Additional Qualifications in Sports Medicine. Dr. Schechter has been treating chronic pain and other functional disorders with a psycho-educational approach for over 25 years in private practice. Dr. Schechter taught at the USC/California Hospital Family Medicine Residency, part-time, for over a decade and received two Outstanding teacher awards. In addition, Dr. Schechter is the author of Think Away Your Pain, The MindBody Workbook, and the MindBody Workbook for Teens. The first two are home educational materials for stress-pain and functional disorders. The last is an educational tool for adolescents to help deal with and prevent these disorders. He is a co-author of A Diagnostic Guide For Psychophysiologic Disorders. This new book is designed for professionals and all proceeds go the non-profit PPDA below. Dr. Schechter is Treasurer, Board of Directors, Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDassociation.org), a non-profit dedicated to educating the public and health care professionals about PPD. He was the Principal Investigator of the Seligman Medical Institute between 2003-2007, and, with that part-time grant, he published several papers, the final one an outcome study published in Alternative Therapies. He is in private practice in Culver City, California and also sees telemedicine patients, from around the US and other countries as well. Learn more about Dr. Schechter at https://www.mindbodymedicine.com.

Special Guest Dr. Evelyn Higgins Dr. Evelyn Higgins is a recognized international expert in the epidemiology of substance use disorders, process addictions, and mental health conditions.  She is a graduate of the State University of New York with postgraduate studies at Harvard Medical School in Body, Mind, and Spirit medicine with an emphasis on resiliency.  A Diplomate in Addiction and Compulsive Disorders, she is also a member of the Pharmacogene Variation Consortium, is a Certified Addiction Professional and a Diplomate of the American Board of Disability specializing in pain management. Dr. Higgins’ work with addictions and primary mental health conditions led her to invent the patent-pending custom genetic panel utilized exclusively by her companies Wired For Addiction® and the Neurotransmitter Reset Program®.   In 1996, Dr. Higgins was selected as a community hero and bestowed the privilege of being an Olympic flame torchbearer, and she served as the official team doctor for the 1996 Somali Olympic team. Dr. Higgins has broadcasted on both public and commercial radio, and is the host of The Dr. Evelyn Higgins Show, a nationally syndicated radio program.She is the recipient of the prestigious Gracie Award for Outstanding Lifestyle programming, and was a finalist in the 2009 New York Radio Festival. With a heart for philanthropy, Dr. Higgins was the Executive Director of MMUUSA, a global NGO originally based in Tanzania, Africa, later donating her time to Jupiter Medical Center as a member of the Women’s Health Advisory Council, as well as a board member of Veterans Resource Services. Dr. Higgins has authored several books, including her latest, The Dr. Higgins Guide to Health & Wellness, along with The Mystery of Happiness: A Step By Step Journal of Gratitude. She frequently presents her recognized philosophy, “Prescription for Life,” when she lectures on various health and wellness topics. Her upcoming book, Three Meetings, was the result of a 534-mile trek from southern France through the Pyrenees Mountains, and across the entire country of Spain.

Special Guest Cary Nelson Dr. Cary D. Nelson is a board-certified family practitioner, aesthetic and medical concierge and nutraceutical advisor. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles, in 1993. After a postgraduate spent working with Developmentally Disabled adults and as an EMT, he began his medical school journey at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara, graduating in 2000, and then completing a requisite Fifth Pathway Program at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY in 2001.  Dr. Nelson began his internship in the heart of Brooklyn at Wycoff Heights Medical Center in affiliation with Cornell University. He eventually transferred to the PIH Family Practice Residency Program, Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital in Whittier in 2005 and finished as Co-Chief resident. It was during his second year, however, that he found his passion for what was then a “new” field of medicine called Aesthetic Medicine. He is currently on staff at Torrance Memorial Medical Center and on the Clinical Advisory Council for ThermiAesthetics. He has also taken on a role as scientific advisor for a nutraceutical supplement probiotic called the “Perfect Biotics.” Arguably the most complete probiotic on the market, it has helped Americans across the country with a multitude of health concerns, with internet-only U.S. sales topping 2.5M units in under two years. Devoted to understanding the process of life through the ages, Dr. Nelson works part-time with multiple Southern California hospice agencies providing support and teaching for nursing staff, visiting with ill patients and their families, and sharing guidance in the dying process. When he’s not working, Dr. Nelson enjoys spending time with his wife, his animals, working out and traveling.

Special Guest Versa Manos Versa Manos is a Los Angeles-based talent manager and owner of Gorgeous Media Group. She brings over 35 years of entertainment and media experience to a roster of clients, which include actors, writers, directors and musicians. She is heavily invested in the industry, serving as a member of Film Independent, as an Executive Member of Women in Film, and is a former President of the Talent Managers Association. Her talent roster boasts a wonderful blend of established celebrities and developmental talent. Known for her tenacious spirit, sparkling wit, and a genuine concern for her clients, Versa has been responsible for guiding and maintaining the successful careers of international superstars including The Police, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Sex Pistols, David Bowie, and Nine Inch Nails. She played a pivotal role in the success of The Three Tenors at Dodger Stadium, Woodstock '94, and the Sex Pistols’ notorious Filthy Lucre Tour. She was also singularly responsible for the career breakthroughs of world music artist Manu Chao, described by Rolling Stone as one of the “ten great pleasures of the year that didn’t get away,” and Sam Sparro, turning the previously underground singer into a world-renowned pop sensation. She represents the interests of supermodel-turned-actress-turned-television-host Rachel Hunter and celebrated British actor and crooner Richard Shelton. Casting directors and producers have come to trust Versa’s fair-minded approach and commitment to her clients.

Special Guest Julie A. Werner-Simon Ms. Julie A. Werner-Simon is often referred to by her colleagues by the acronym “JAWS”– her initials.  In response to the historic overturn of Roe v. Wade, Ms. Werner-Simon leads the Overground Reproductive Law Project (ORLP), aka the “Harriet Project”, with Los Angeles Women Lawyers (WLALA) and the Southwestern Law School Women Law Student group. Their focus is to assist lawyers from Reproductive Access Yes (R.A.Y.) states who wish to provide reproductive assistance to women in “No-choice” states. Ms. Werner-Simon served a federal prosecutor for almost 30 years in Los Angeles and Alaska. She has also served as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and held positions as:  Deputy Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force and Senior Litigation Counsel of White Collar Crimes. Before her federal career, she was an Assistant District Attorney (state prosecutor) in Alaska primarily prosecuting sex crime cases. Werner-Simon has been recognized as a crime-victim advocate and lectures here and abroad on the American legal system, constitutional history, and the importance of civic literacy and engagement in democracies.On these shores, Werner-Simon advises, and at times, mentors lawyers and others on messaging, strategy and persuasion. She is also a pro bono lawyer for the national organization Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) representing minors from Central America facing deportation proceedings in the U.S.  And through May 2020, Werner-Simon is a Post-JD (juris-doctorate) Research Fellow in Constitutional Studies at Southwestern Law School.

Special Guest Tonya McKenzie Tonya is a Los Angeles County Commissioner of Alcohol and other Drugs, an author, and a master storyteller. You can find her at the intersection of public relations and leadership. Tonya consults civic organizations, nonprofits, authors, and other leaders on the rise to magnify their message and elevate their leadership in their careers, communities, and the media landscape. Mrs. McKenzie is also the co-host of My Morning Coffee Podcast with Lieutenant Gia Neil of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. She is currently serving as the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, President of the NRBBA (North Redondo Beach Business Association), the City of Redondo Beach GPAC (General Plan Advisory Council), Vice president of Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles, and serves on the Redondo Beach Police Community Engagement Board. Her body of work with chambers and business associations has shaped her into an advocate and valuable resource for small businesses and community organizations. Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. She is the author of a memoir titled, A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder, addressing non-combat-PTSD, predatory behavior, generational dysfunction, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for 20 years, has four kids, including a set of twins. She has culminated her work with the nonprofit, private and public arena to step out and speak up for the empowerment of women, the future of our children, and disadvantaged youth. Tonya prides herself on being able to simplify complex issues through conversation.