Anxiety, Addiction and the Pursuit of Happiness

One year ago this week, the first case of the coronavirus was confirmed in the United States. In the 12 months since, Covid-19 has devastated communities and economies across the country, and fundamentally altered our lives. Progress is being made on the vaccine front, and there’s a glimmering light at the end of the tunnel. But without a doubt, this has been a difficult year for our collective mental health.

On this week’s show, we’ve gathered together health experts and advocates to examine cravings, addiction, and mental health – both at home and in the food and beverage industry. We begin with Harvard Medical School psychologist Dr. Ronald D. Siegel. A long-time student of mindfulness meditation, he explains the psychology of happiness, and why humans use food and drink as a pathway to achieve it.

 Then, Will Arendell, a renowned substance abuse counselor, demystifies the psychology and physiology behind addiction.

Finally, we sit down with Kat Kinsman, author of Hi, Anxiety: Life With A Bad Case Of Nerves, for a frank and honest conversation about anxiety and depression. Kat has created an online forum for the industry, Chefs With Issues, that today is both a website and an active closed group on Facebook. After Anthony Bourdain's tragic death in June 2018, Kat traveled the country, creating safe spaces for open, raw, and thoughtful conversations about the industry's mental health and substance abuse issues.

There is help, 24 hours a day, no matter where you are. Call 1-800-273-TALK. When talking isn't possible, text the Crisis Text Line at #741741 to reach out.