Shows
SSRI’M OKImposter Syndrome, Self-Doubt, and the End of Season 2In the Season 2 finale of SSRI’M OK, psychiatrist Dr. Bijan Zarrabi and comedian Macey Isaacs dive into imposter syndrome and how it shows up in their careers and lives.
We reflect on:
Bijan graduating from psychiatry residency
What screening questionnaires really are
How imposter syndrome relates to this podcast
Our favorite moments from Season 2
What we’re excited about for Season 3
An episode that didn’t make the cut
A surprise phone call to Julian Stern (is he camera ready?)
Bijan tells us his Philz coffee order
Thank you for listening to season 2, and make su...2025-08-0546 min
SSRI’M OKWhat Social Media is Doing to Our Attention Spans (and What We Can Do About It)In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatrist, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, talk about social media and what it’s doing to our attention spans. From flashlight metaphors to memory recall, they explore how attention works, what “brain rot” really means, and how to use social media more intentionally.
They dive into the science behind attention, including why multitasking can actually make it harder to focus and how engaging with multiple forms of media at once might affect memory and sustained concentration. Macey and Bijan also talk about the difference between...2025-07-2259 min
SSRI’M OKWhat OCD Really Is (and Isn’t): A Comedian with OCD & a Psychiatrist Break It DownOur guest Julian Stern has a show in Los Angeles on Friday, July 18th at The Crow. If you liked this episode and are in the area, please go see him live!
In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by comedian Julian Stern—who shows up a little late, but jumps right into the deep end with us.
Julian opens up about what it’s actually like to live with OCD—beyond the casual “I’m so OCD” comments people throw around. W...2025-07-081h 13
SSRI’M OKThe Mediterranean Diet Might Change Your Mood—Here's How with Matt DurndakIn this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by their favorite comedian and skeptic, Matt Durndak, to talk about the Mediterranean diet—and why it’s one of the best things you can do for your mental health.
They break down what the Mediterranean diet actually is (spoiler: it’s more than just olive oil and red wine) and why it’s considered the healthiest diet in the world. They cover how it supports brain health by reducing inflammation through folate, omega-3s, and antiox...2025-06-2449 min
SSRI’M OKBonus: Misery Loves Mental Health from Misery Loves MandyHere is a special bonus episode! Dr. Bijan Zarrabi and Macey Isaacs were guests on the podcast "Misery Loves Mandy" for episode number 146 titled "Misery Loves Mental Health." We loved it so much that we wanted to share it here on our feed. Below are the show notes taken from Misery Loves Mandy.
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They are miserable about the stigma that antidepressants kill creativity, performance anxiety, and the struggle to stay productive without burning out. In this special episode of 'Misery Loves Mandy' for Mental Health Awareness Month, Mandy sits down with Macey Isaacs and...2025-06-101h 13
SSRI’M OKHow to Find the Right Therapist—Even Without InsuranceIn this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, talk about how to find a good therapist—even if you don't have insurance.
They break down the steps, starting with figuring out how you’re going to pay and whether you’re using insurance. If you're not, don’t panic—there are still affordable options like sliding scale therapists and training clinics.
Bijan shares insights from his recent trip to the APA (American Psychiatric Association) conference, including what he learned about mental health and social media...2025-05-2741 min
SSRI’M OKUsing Humor to Cope: When It Helps—And When It Hurts with Mandy MartinoIn this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by fellow comic Mandy Martino (from Misery Loves Mandy) to explore the psychology of humor:
👉 Is humor always a healthy coping mechanism—or can it sometimes be harmful?
We dive into research on humor, mental health, and defense mechanisms, and explore how the jokes we make can reflect deeper emotional patterns.
Topics include:
Mandy’s childhood trauma (yes, involving hamsters) and how comedians often turn pain into punchlines
How using humor as a chil...2025-05-131h 01
SSRI’M OKSleep Apnea: The Snore You Ignore with Scotty CavIn this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by standup comedian Scotty Cav to talk about sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is surprisingly common, yet many people don’t even realize they have it. We break down exactly what sleep apnea is — a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep — and discuss the two main types: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the more common form caused by physical blockage of the airway, and central sleep apnea, which happens when the brain doesn't send the right signals...2025-04-2958 min
Misery Loves MandyMisery Loves Easter | EP 140 Macey Isaacs & Audrey StewartMacey & Audrey are miserable about chaotic Easter traditions, being dragged to church for communion, and the terror of having to sit on a creepy Easter Bunny’s lap.Join host Mandy, along with comedians Audrey Stewart and Macy Isaacs, for a special Easter episode where they dive into their miserable yet funny Easter moments, share chaotic family traditions, and discuss the quirks of growing up. 🌟Support the pod and join us for Misery Loves Mandy Unfiltered in Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/miserylovesmandy📩 Email YOUR "Misery Loves Company" story to mise...2025-04-161h 12
Misery Loves MandyMisery Loves Easter | EP 140 Macey Isaacs & Audrey StewartMacey & Audrey are miserable about chaotic Easter traditions, being dragged to church for communion, and the terror of having to sit on a creepy Easter Bunny’s lap.Join host Mandy, along with comedians Audrey Stewart and Macy Isaacs, for a special Easter episode where they dive into their miserable yet funny Easter moments, share chaotic family traditions, and discuss the quirks of growing up. 🌟Support the pod and join us for Misery Loves Mandy Unfiltered in Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/miserylovesmandy📩...2025-04-161h 12
SSRI’M OKTherapy Talk: Boundaries with Leah BonnemaIn this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by the hilarious Leah Bonnema (The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Don’t Tell Comedy) for a deep—and deeply funny—conversation about boundaries. What are boundaries, anyway? They break it down with examples of physical, emotional, and time-based boundaries (yes, even Howie Mandel’s famous fist bump counts). They explore why boundaries are essential—not just for maintaining your own well-being, but for preventing resentment and burnout, and striking that delicate balance between your individual needs and the need...2025-04-151h 16
SSRI’M OKTherapy Talk: GaslightingWarning: There is talk of Santa Claus in this episode. Listener discretion advised.
In this episode of SSRI’M OK, hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, delve into the concept of gaslighting—what it actually means and why people do it. They start by breaking down the origin of the term “gaslighting” and how it got its name before exploring the many tactics people use to manipulate others in this way.
They also discuss what to do if you realize you’re being gaslit, the connection between narcissism and gaslight...2025-04-011h 06
SSRI’M OKBonus: Self-Care Tips for The HolidaysIn this bonus episode of “SSRI’M OK,” hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, share practical tips for practicing self-care during the holiday season. Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you’re the first to know when Season 2 drops!
Resources Mentioned:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/
https://www.calm.com/blog/mindfulness-exercises
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
Art is by Zoe Zakson.
Music is “As I Figure” by Kevin MacLeod....2024-12-1751 min
SSRI’M OKSeason Finale With Macey, Bijan, and ZoeThanks for listening this season! We cannot wait for season 2! For updates on future episodes, follow us on X or Instagram @ssrimokpod. In the meantime, feel free to send in your mental health questions or topics you'd like discussed in our next season.
Go to PureYogaTexas.com/pure-yogatv to become a member today!
Art is by Zoe Zakson.
Music is “As I Figure” by Kevin MacLeod.
Check out our website: ssrimokpod.com
Follow us on IG or X: @ssrimokpod
2024-09-1934 min
SSRI’M OKDefining DEI: What It Means and Why It Matters With Dr. Jason WestIn this episode of “SSRI’M OK,” hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, delve into the fascinating intersection of mental health, diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI.) They are joined by Dr. Jason West, the DEI and Belonging chair at Brigham Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
The discussion begins by defining DEI and its essential role in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have fair access to opportunities and resources. Equity is framed as an ethical issue, one that is not just a moral imperative but also crucial for the...2024-09-041h 41
SSRI’M OKADHD with Dr. Saad Rahmat and Jessica Saul (Part 2)In this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by Dr. Saad Rahmat and comedian Jessica Saul for this follow-up episode. In part 1, Dr. Rahmat provided an insightful overview of ADHD, and now, in this episode, Jessica Saul shares her personal experience living with the condition.
The conversation dives into the challenges of dealing with anxiety alongside ADHD, exploring how these two conditions often intertwine and exacerbate each other. Jessica opens up about her struggles with negative self-talk and self-criticism, providing a raw an...2024-08-201h 06
SSRI’M OKADHD with Dr. Saad Rahmat (Part 1)In this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by Dr. Saad Rahmat. Dr. Rahmat is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Director of the Child Track in the BWH/HMS Psychiatry Residency Program, and Medical Director of Young Adult Mental Health in the Brigham Psychiatric Specialties. He is passionate about the development of evidence-based psychiatric care for transitional-age youth, particularly those with serious mental illnesses.
In this episode, Dr. Rahmat begins by defining ADHD, explaining what it i...2024-08-061h 05
SSRI’M OKWhy Are We Feeling Lonely? with Dr. Brendan JohnsonIn this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by the perceptive Dr. Brendan Johnson. Dr. Johnson was a Visiting Research Scholar at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford, where he conducted research on 'the mental commons' and its enclosure as a paradigm for explaining worsening mental health in society at large. He is the co-host of the “Social Medicine On Air” podcast.
In this thought-provoking episode, we explore how the structures and pressures of capitalism contribute to widespread unhappiness and anxiety. Dr. Johnson explains why people...2024-07-231h 08
SSRI’M OKSex and Couples Therapy with Dr. Nikki HaddadIn this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, and Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, are joined by the insightful Dr. Nikki Haddad. Dr. Haddad's clinical interests and expertise encompass women's mental health, trauma, and couples and sex therapy.
Join us as we dive deep into Dr. Haddad's journey and discover what inspired her to specialize in couples therapy. We explore the transformative benefits of couples therapy, including how it can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and foster a deeper emotional connection between partners. Dr. Haddad shares valuable insights and practical tips th...2024-07-091h 15
SSRI’M OKSeasonal Depression with Dr. Cynthia PengIn this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Macey Isaacs, a stand-up comedian, and Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, are joined by Dr. Cynthia Peng. Dr. Peng, who treats patients with psychiatric conditions in the inpatient, consult, and outpatient settings, will discuss Major Depressive Disorder with a Seasonal Pattern, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. It’s getting warmer and MDD with a Seasonal Pattern is not limited to the winter! Do you have that summertime sadness? She will define the disorder, explain how it can be diagnosed, and delve into its history and possible causes. Tune in t...2024-06-2553 min
SSRI’M OKReligion and Psychiatry: A Happy Medium With Dr. Deborah Park and Comedian Matt DurndakIn this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Macey, a stand-up comedian, and Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, bring a unique blend of humor and mental health insights. They are joined by Dr. Deborah Park, a resident psychiatrist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, to explore the intersection of religion, psychiatry, and happiness. Later, they are joined by comedian Matt Durndak to present the side of a skeptic. The conversation touches on belief, unbelief, locus of control, and more.
Resources Mentioned:
“Build the Life You Want” by Arthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey
Maria B...2024-06-111h 16
SSRI’M OKMore on SSRIs With Dr. Montie MeyerIn this episode of "SSRI’M OK," hosts Macey, a stand-up comedian, and Dr. Bijan Zarrabi, a psychiatry resident doctor, bring a unique blend of humor and mental health insights. They are joined by Dr. Montie Meyer, staff psychiatrist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, to delve even deeper into the world of SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). The conversation touches on the science behind SSRIs, their effects, and common misconceptions, providing listeners with both educational content and lighthearted moments.
Resources Mentioned:
Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A...2024-05-281h 09
SSRI’M OKWhat Even Are SSRIs?In this episode, we briefly discuss what a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is since the name of our podcast is “SSRI’M OK” and some people don’t understand the reference and that’s okay. That’s what we get for trying to be creative. We also briefly discuss the history of the discovery of some antidepressant medications like SSRIs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs.)
Key Points:
Your brain is made of cells. The two main types of cells in the brain are neurons, and glial cells, also known as neuroglia.
Neurons communicate with each other using...2024-05-147h 08