Asking Why with Clint Davis

This week Clint speaks with Dr. Shawn McNeil & Dr. Donard.  In this conversation they explore the latest research and clinical practices in psychiatry, focusing on schizophrenia, genetic testing, early detection, and the impact of AI on mental health.    Dr. Shawn McNeil hosts an Apple podcast, "Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract" Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract - Podcast - Apple Podcasts. A quarterly, interactive addiction journal club was discussed, paired with presentation Dr. McNeil discusses on his podcast. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/addiction-medicine-beyond-the-abstract/id1806152019   Biography Dr. Shawn McNeil is a physician and researcher at LSU Health Shreveport. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and serves as Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program and Director of Neuroinformatics Research. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed his Psychiatry residency at LSU Health Shreveport and is a recipient of the Resident Recognition Award from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). He also completed his fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at LSU Health, serving as chief resident of the program.   Clinically, Dr. McNeil practices at Louisiana Behavioral Health where he serves as Chief Medical Officer. He also supervises residents at the Ochsner LSU Health Ambulatory Care Center. His primary research is clinical in nature. He is Principal Investigator on a clinical trial (Apathy in Schizophrenia, Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.) at the LSU Health Psychiatry Research Clinic which is investigating the use of Lumateperone on motivation in patients with psychotic disorders. He previously worked on the Blüm Autism Study (sponsored by Curemark) and the Tapestry Autism Study (sponsored by Axial Therapeutics). He is also the Director of Clinical Research for the Louisiana Addiction Research Center.   Dr. McNeil serves as President of the Louisiana Psychiatric Medical Association (LPMA). He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Addiction Medicine (JAM) and is host of their podcast "Addiction Medicine: Beyond the Abstract". He is a 2018 recipient of the ASAM's Ruth Fox Memorial Endowment Scholarship. He has also served on the editorial board of the APA’s American Journal of Psychiatry Resident’s Journal and he has been recognized as a Fellow of the APA.   Dr. McNeil was previously a staff physician at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center and treated veterans in the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic. He continues to proudly serve as a Deputy Coroner of Caddo Parish, Louisiana.     Donard Dwyer, PhDProfessor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine   Biography Donard Dwyer received his BS degree in Psychology from Tulane University, a Master’s degree in education (MEd) from the University of Rochester and his PhD from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). In addition, to holding positions as a Research Scientist at the Max-Planck Society laboratories in Würzburg, Germany and Director of Immunology at a Cambridge biotechnology company, Dr. Dwyer has spent 32 years in academic research at UAB and LSU Health Shreveport. He is currently professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience at LSU Health Shreveport. In addition, he is Vice-Chair for Research in the Department of Psychiatry.   His research interests range broadly from the evolution of protein ligand-receptor interactions, the electronic properties of amino acids and regulation of glucose transport in neurons to behavioral genetics of motivation and movement in C. elegans and the genetic basis for schizophrenia and neuropsychiatric disorders. He is currently focused on the role of insulin signaling pathways in regulation of motivation in “suicidal” worms and characterization of the genetic archit

In this interview, Chris Leins shares his journey into OCD and anxiety treatment, effective therapy modalities like ERP, and practical strategies for managing intrusive thoughts. Perfect for anyone seeking understanding and hope in their mental health journey. Chris J.K. Leins, MA, LPCC-S, is a leading clinician in OCD and anxiety disorders, known for helping hundreds of individuals reclaim their lives since 2015. Trained directly in the tradition of Dr. Edna Foa, the founder of modern Exposure Therapy, Chris brings clinical rigor and real-world experience to every project he supports. Chris also lives with OCD himself, bringing both professional expertise and lived understanding to his patients. A published author and respected voice in the field, Chris has presented his work at both the International OCD Foundation and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies conferences.   OCD Straight Talk Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ocd-straight-talk/id1503360581Kentucky OCD Treatment Center - https://kentuckyocd.comOscar, the AI OCD Coach - https://ocdspace.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to OCD and Anxiety Disorders02:26 Chris Leins' Journey into Counseling05:20 Understanding OCD and Personal Experiences08:13 Effective Treatment Modalities for OCD11:00 The Role of Exposure Therapy13:42 Compulsions and Their Management16:24 Tolerating Distress and Managing Intrusive Thoughts17:01 Understanding Tolerance in Anxiety Management19:55 Empowerment Through Acknowledgment and Choice22:51 The Hard Work of Therapy: Resistance and Commitment26:37 Behavior Change as the Key to Overcoming OCD30:38 Transitioning from Validation to Action in Therapy  

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Mark Briggs shares his journey from pastoral ministry to biblical counseling, emphasizing the importance of legacy, relationship, and spiritual growth. Discover practical insights on leadership, reparenting, and maintaining consistency in life and faith. MARK L. BRIGGS, DMinCertified Pastoral Counselor | Professional Clinical Member, National Christian Counselors Association | Certified in Crisis Intervention (CIT for Police & EMS) Clientele: Male Adolescents, Teenagers, Adults, Couples, and Families Mark L. Briggs is the founder and Senior Pastor of Riverpark Church in Shreveport—a unique church community that gathers in a restored amusement park, reflecting Mark’s creative heart and vision for ministry. He pastors alongside his wife, Laquita, and together they’ve built a ministry centered on authenticity and transformation. Mark is also the author of Behind the Mask of Religious Traditions and Confessions of Job’s Wife. A father of three and grandfather of nine, he enjoys open spaces, training horses, and craftsmanship of all kinds. With more than 40 years in ministry, Mark brings a deep understanding of spiritual formation and human complexity. His work as a pastoral counselor and police chaplain, combined with professional clinical training, allows him to blend faith-based insight with practical counseling tools—offering holistic guidance through both life’s darkest valleys and brightest seasons.   🔗 Learn more: https://www.marklbriggs.com   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Credibility01:12 Mark Briggs' Personal Journey and Ministry03:34 Transitioning into Biblical Counseling04:58 The Development of Disciples and Mentorship09:15 Keys to Longevity and Legacy in Ministry12:48 The Importance of Passing the Baton14:36 Consistency and Daily Spiritual Practices19:55 The Simplicity of Spiritual Growth24:38 Understanding Repentance and Reparenting32:48 The Role of Shame and Condemnation36:25 Connecting Generations and Legacy41:13 The Spirit of Elijah and Generational Transfer43:55 Practical Parenting and Mentorship Tips45:58 Boundaries, Counseling, and Wise Decisions47:25 Closing Remarks and Resources for Listeners

This week Clint speaks with Lisa Arendell.  Lisa resides in Shreveport with her husband, her college cheer sweetheart of nearly 30 years, and their youngest daughter who is a college junior.  Lisa is a: Keynote Speaker Certified Body Language Coach Certified Maxwell Leadership Coach & Trainer Certified Behavior Analysis Consultant (DISC) 35 Years of Small Business Ownership 25 Years of Leadership & Development   Handles: FB: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.arendell LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaarendell/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lisalouimpact/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confident-connections-connect-with-confidence-through/id1861838574 Website: https://lisalouimpact.com/ FB:https://www.facebook.com/lisa.arendell LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaarendell/

In this heartfelt interview, Martha shares her journey of resilience and faith following her husband's traumatic brain injury. Discover how community, faith, and perseverance have shaped her path of caregiving, healing, and giving back. Martha Boswell is a full time caregiver for her husband David, a traumatic brain injury survivor. She plans events and hosts Caregiver Coffees for the Brain Injury Association of Louisiana, and she is the author of four books. Her latest novel, Nothing to Lose, is a faith-based fictional account of life with a brain injury—a story of redemption and resilience—available on Amazon. She loves spending time with her family and connecting with other caregivers. Please connect on Facebook @supperontheshelf Instagram @tbiwifelife   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Martha's Background01:10 Perseverance and Faith in the Journey02:06 Husband’s Injury and Initial Shock04:39 Life Before and After the Injury09:23 The Fall and Immediate Aftermath12:28 Medical News and Family’s Response14:05 Miracle Moment: Eyes Open in January16:25 Early Rehabilitation and Challenges19:43 Insurance and Financial Stress21:28 Living with a Changed Husband23:30 Rebuilding Marriage and Hope26:29 Motivation and Purpose in Recovery28:54 Living Safely and Caregiver Strategies31:23 Support Groups and Community Resources33:40 Faith as the Foundation36:26 Lessons Learned and Resilience38:37 Dark Moments and God’s Use of Suffering41:08 Creative Outlets and Healing43:43 Self-Regulation and Spiritual Strength45:52 Community Events and Support Initiatives48:54 Connecting and Outreach Efforts50:25 Recovery, Resilience, and Restoration52:23 Hope in Eternity and Present Moments54:20 Closing Remarks and Gratitude