Imani State of Mind
By Imani State of Mind
Imani State of Mind is a weekly podcast hosted by psychiatrist and TV personality Dr. Imani Walker and co-host comedian MegScoop Thomas, sharing their personal and professional experiences to help navigate and normalize conversations about mental health. Each week they’ll talk about what’s happening in news, pop culture, and our daily lives as we work to get our minds right.
Imani State of MindJun 24, 2022
00:00
02:50
Coming Soon: new Imani State of Mind
Get into an Imani State of Mind with psychiatrist Dr. Imai Walker and Co host MegScoop Thomas. Every week the ladies are breaking down mental illness and mental health through pop culture, news and their own experiences. It’s time to normalize what getting your mind right really looks like.
Jun 24, 202202:50
Taking A Pause
Imani State Of Mind is taking a short break. While you wait for new episodes, send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com and check out some of our past episodes (Protect Ya Neck about Wu Tang and my interview with Jemele Hill are two of my favorites.) More updates about the show will drop here and on my instagram: @doctor.imani.
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Apr 15, 202100:49
Two Bitches On Prozac Are Back
It’s been a full year since Dr. Imani and Kam Law started antidepressants, and they'll tell you the good, the weird, and the sweaty of it all. Plus, American Horror Story: Coven on this week's Pop Culture Diagnosis. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
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Apr 08, 202147:45
Anxiety? I Got It From My Mama w/ Nichole Perkins
Dr. Imani and Kam Law go deep with writer and host of the podcast This Is Good For You Nichole Perkins (@tnwhiskeywoman). Nichole says talking to her mom about their shared anxiety and depression changed their relationship...for the better! Get Nichole's memoir, Sometimes I Trip On How Happy We Could Be, this fall. Content warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts. If you are having thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
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Apr 01, 202155:58
They Did WHAT to Meghan Markle??
Dr. Imani and Kam Law break down Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's interview with Oprah and debunk myths around suicide and toxic relationships. Plus, Pop Culture Diagnosis: Lovecraft Country. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064. Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you need help, please call the National Suicide Hotline 800-273-8255.
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Mar 25, 202148:55
Take Me As I Am
Dr. Imani and Kam Law look back at how the GOAT Mary J. Blige has always been real and honest about her addiction and depression over the years, especially in her music. Plus, get ready to get your mental health questions answered on #GetYourMindRight. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
Content warning: This episode discusses child abuse.
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Content warning: This episode discusses child abuse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 18, 202148:46
The Kids Are Not Okay
How have the kids been coping this year? Not great! The APA says that Gen Z has the worst mental health of any generation. Plus, Dr. Imani and Kam Law answer your questions and #GetYourMindRight. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 11, 202149:51
Crying Over A Celebrity? You're Not Crazy
Dr. Imani and Kam Law explain why celebrity deaths hit so hard, especially while we're grieving so much during Covid. Plus, they dissect psychopathy in American Crime Story: The Assassination Of Gianni Versace on Pop Culture Diagnosis. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 04, 202148:11
Fake It Till You Make It
Who are all these white people pretending to be Black?? This week Dr. Imani and Kam Law explain the psychology behind Blackfishing, and they help you #GetYourMindRight by answering your mental health questions. Send your questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 25, 202101:03:40
Pandemic Fatigue
This pandemic has been going on for almost a whole year...are you good? Of course not! Dr. Imani and Kam Law check in about Zoom fatigue, coping with a year of isolation, and they take a deep dive into HBO's Watchmen on Pop Culture Diagnosis. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 18, 202148:55
Family Secrets
When you find out about a family secret, it can shake up your whole life. Dr. Imani and Kam Law break down how secrets take a toll on your mental health. Plus, they'll answer your questions about mental health on this week's #GetYourMindRight. Send your questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 11, 202147:39
Protect Ya Neck
Presidents are temporary, but Wu-Tang is forever. Get hype with Dr. Imani and Kam Law as they take a look at how Wu-Tang talks about mental illness. Plus, HBO's Beware The Slenderman is this week's patient on Pop Culture Diagnosis. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 04, 202148:59
Analyze This, Part 2: Madame Vice President
This episode is a celebration of the highest ranking woman in the room: Vice President Kamala Harris. Plus, Dr. Imani and Kam Law answer your mental health questions on this week's #GetYourMindRight segment. Send your questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 28, 202150:44
Analyze This, Part 1: Moving On After Trump
On January 6 there was almost a coup and on January 20 we got a whole new president. Whiplash, much?? Imani and Kam discuss how to bridge the divide with your loved ones when you don't agree about politics. Plus, Imani answers your mental health questions on this week's Get Your Mind Right. Send your questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or call 424-235-0064 and Dr. Imani might answer it on the show! (Note: We recorded this episode last week before the Inauguration.)
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Jan 21, 202101:03:51
So You Have A Chronic Condition
The long-term effects of Covid-19 are still being studied, but recent research shows Covid is creating a whole new population of people with chronic pain and fatigue. Imani and Kam share how they've coped and found support with their own chronic conditions. And on Pop Culture Diagnosis, Imani finally gets to ask, "what’s up with Don Draper?" Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
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Jan 14, 202159:37
A Guide To Psychopaths And Sociopaths
American Psycho, Natural Born Killers, The Joker...we love psychopaths in our movies. But how do you tell if someone is really a psychopath? And on this week's Pop Culture Diagnosis, it's Homeland and bipolar disorder.
Need mental health advice? Send your question to askdrimani@gmail.com or call (424) 235-0064 and Dr. Imani might answer it on the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Need mental health advice? Send your question to askdrimani@gmail.com or call (424) 235-0064 and Dr. Imani might answer it on the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 07, 202156:18
Mental Health Hazards On the Job
Work has really changed since the pandemic started, but, honestly, toxic workplaces still exist! Workplace PTSD and the grind of hustle culture can really wear down your mental health. Imani and Kam share their worst job experiences, red flags on the job, and how to make moves to get out. Plus, Imani and Kam delve deep into why people Catfish on Pop Culture Diagnosis.
Need mental health advice? Send your question to askdrimani@gmail.com or call (424) 235-0064 and Dr. Imani might answer it on the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Need mental health advice? Send your question to askdrimani@gmail.com or call (424) 235-0064 and Dr. Imani might answer it on the show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 202058:38
Schizo-what??
Time for a study break! Schizophrenia is rare, but it’s the mental illness that shows up the most in pop culture. Imani explains what schizophrenia is - and isn't! - and debunks the most famous misconceptions about it. And on Pop Culture Diagnosis, Imani breaks down how The CW's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend portrays borderline personality disorder.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (424) 235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani. Send your mental health questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (424) 235-0064.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 10, 202001:09:18
You Need Therapy! And So Do I
This year has been rough on all of us. We've been sheltering-in-place for months, there's another third wave of Covid-19 cases in the US, and honestly, the election season felt like it lasted 1000 years. You have got to process your feelings, and therapy is a great way to do that. Imani and Kam share how they made therapy work for them, and reveals how she went from a therapy-skeptic to a therapy-convert. Plus, on Pop Culture Diagnosis, Imani takes a close look at Breaking Bad's Walter White.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 03, 202052:28
The Next Thing You'll Hear Is The Sound Of Me Hanging Up
We all need a little space — even from the people we love — and the best way to make room for your whole self is to set boundaries. With the winter holidays approaching, Imani and Kam are joined by an expert close to home: Imani's own mom, Paula! Learn how to ask for what you need from your friends and family. Plus, Imani, Kam, and Paula help YOU Get Your Mind Right and answer listener questions about mental health.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani. If you have a question for Dr. Imani, email askdrimani@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (424) 235-0064.
Imani State Of Mind is taking off next week for Thanksgiving - we'll be back with a new episode on 12/3.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani. If you have a question for Dr. Imani, email askdrimani@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (424) 235-0064.
Imani State Of Mind is taking off next week for Thanksgiving - we'll be back with a new episode on 12/3.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 19, 202001:08:43
Are You TOO Online? How To Deal With Too Much Social Media
We are all doomscrolling these days. What’s all that time on our phone doing to our brains? This week, Imani and Kam explain why social media is so addictive and how they've learned to stop scrolling. Plus, on Pop Culture Diagnosis, find out what Netflix's Ratched gets right - and wrong - about psychiatric hospitals.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 12, 202058:11
Winter Is Coming
Are you dreading those long dark nights of winter? Then this episode is for you. We are all extra-isolated this year because of the pandemic and if you’re prone to the winter blues, this winter might be extra tough on your mental health. Find out how to recognize if you have Seasonal Affective Disorder, ways to cope, and why winter messes with your brain. Plus, this week’s Pop Culture Diagnosis takes a close look at Randall Pearson’s anxiety on NBC’s This Is Us.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 05, 202053:54
Even Numbers Are To Be Trusted, Odd Numbers Are Not
Obsessive compulsive disorder is not about being a neat freak! Obsessions are intrusive thoughts that stem from anxiety - they can be about things like germs, luck, even death. Imani tells you the truth about OCD and she shares her own experience with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. Plus, Imani and Kam answer YOUR mental health questions in our brand new segment to Get Your Mind Right.
Send your questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (424) 235-0064.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send your questions to askdrimani@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at (424) 235-0064.
Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 29, 202001:02:49
How To Cope With Your Parents' Baggage with Jemele Hill
We’ve all got issues, and some of that baggage comes from our own parents. This week, sports journalist Jemele Hill joins Dr. Imani to talk about how they each dealt with their dads' absence from their lives and how it affected their mental health growing up. Follow Jemele on Twitter and Instagram @jemelehill. Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 22, 202001:05:36
Why Do We Love Conspiracy Theories?
Do you know someone who believes that Tupac is still alive or that the government faked the moon landing? Imani dives into the psychology that attracts so many people to conspiracy theories, and how to set boundaries with people in your life who are in too deep. Plus, Imani takes a look at how Netflix's Jessica Jones depicts PTSD. (Content warning: contains discussion of emotional and physical abuse.) Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 15, 202057:52
What Work-Life Balance?? Let's Talk Burnout
Caregiver burnout is REAL— especially during a pandemic! How are you supposed to go to work, teach your kids math, make sure your parents are okay, clean your house, and get food on the table without losing it? Imani breaks down why burnout is a serious mental health issue and shares some tips to cope. Plus, we're throwing it back to the 90s for this week's Pop Culture Diagnosis about Saved By The Bell’s very special episode on caffeine pill addiction. (We are so excited!) Keep up with Dr. Imani on Instagram @doctor.imani and on Twitter @doctor_imani.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 08, 202001:06:08
Grieving The Old Normal
Remember the Before Times...when you didn't throw an extra mask in your bag when you went out? When you used to go out?? Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, we're all getting used to a new normal. This week, Imani walks us through the collective grief we're feeling about losing our old way of life and how to cope. Plus, on this week’s Pop Culture Diagnosis, Imani breaks down Netflix's Bojack Horseman to find out if a talking horse can be real about depression.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 10, 202058:03
Safe At Home...Except When You're Not
During a pandemic, sheltering-in-place can protect you from getting sick, but for people in abusive relationships, it can also mean being stuck isolating with your abuser. Domestic violence cases have spiked dramatically in the past few months as COVID-19 has kept people at home. Imani breaks down the signs of abuse, how to get help, and how realistic domestic violence in pop culture is with anti-violence advocate and therapist Sequoya Hayes.
If you or a loved one need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you or a loved one need help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 03, 202057:22
What Does It Mean To Have An Eating Disorder?
If you think eating disorders are just a "white girl problem", this episode is for you. The National Eating Disorder Association estimates that 30 million Americans are affected by eating disorders. Imani breaks down how eating disorders affect people across all demographics, what eating disorders are, and how you can cope if you're struggling with disordered eating. Plus, she dives deep into forensic psychiatry and psychopathy in Netflix’s Mindhunter on this week’s Pop Culture Diagnosis.
Content warning: This episode contains frank discussion of eating disorders. If you need help for an eating disorder or are concerned about a loved one, you can call the National Eating Disorder hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Content warning: This episode contains frank discussion of eating disorders. If you need help for an eating disorder or are concerned about a loved one, you can call the National Eating Disorder hotline at 1-800-931-2237.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 27, 202001:01:45
The Funny Thing About Depression
Electro convulsive therapy (ECT) sounds scary...but is it? This week, Imani talks with comedian Gary Gulman who underwent ECT to treat severe depression. Plus, Imani and Gary compare notes on the way depression has affected both of their lives over the years. Gary's hour-long comedy special, The Great Depresh, is out on HBONow and HBOGo.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 20, 202056:36
Getting Real About My Divorce
This week, Imani shares how she's been processing the end of her marriage to her partner of 11 years, how she's been coping with being alone and single parenting, and why divorce was the right move for her. Plus, she takes a close look at Spike Lee's latest movie Da 5 Bloods and how it deals with PTSD.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 13, 202001:02:55
The Real Deal About Anxiety
Do your thoughts hit different? You're not alone. Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the United States. This week, Imani breaks down what kinds of anxiety disorders there are, what they feel like, and how to get help for them. Plus, Imani digs into how mental illness shows up on HBO's Insecure.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 06, 202001:00:50
Okay, But How Are You REALLY Doing?
Between COVID and the most recent protests against police brutality, ""how are you?"" is a loaded question right now - especially for Black folks! Imani talks with reporter Priska Neely about the cognitive dissonance of getting check-in texts from her white friends (you can read her essay in The Cut about those texts here: https://www.thecut.com/2020/06/i-dont-need-your-check-in-texts.html), plus how Priska takes care of her mental health while reporting on traumatic events for her job.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 30, 202054:32
Let's Talk About What It Means To Be Bipolar
Is having bipolar disorder really like having a "sprained brain" like Kanye said? This week Imani breaks down for you what bipolar looks and feels like and how to get help. Plus, on Pop Culture Diagnosis, Imani goes deep on how bipolar disorder shows up for everyone's favorite hype man on FX's Dave.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 23, 202053:51
Protect Black Women And Girls
Black women are twice as likely to experience a major depressive disorder compared to Black men, but Black women are less likely to seek mental health help. This week Dr. Imani talks with therapist and author of The State of Black Girls, Marline Francois Madden to talk about why therapy is an important part of mental health care, how to find a therapist, and how to truly make time for self-care.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 16, 202056:37
You're Not Extra, You're Depressed
Stigma makes it hard for so many people to even talk about their mental health, let alone get help. But among Millennials and Gen Z, there's less and less stigma about mental illness. This week, Imani talks with Tracy Clayton (@brokeymcpoverty) about how she became a go-to voice for normalizing mental health conversations for Millennials on Twitter.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 09, 202053:39
Is This A Problem?
Substance abuse is on the rise as we’ve been in quarantine. This week, Imani talks with addiction psychiatrist and host of the ‘In Recovery’ podcast, Dr. Nzinga Harrison about what addiction is, why recovery can be so difficult, and what you should look out for if you’re worried about your own behavior.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 02, 202053:23
Don't Panic!
We are stressed! And this isn’t just normal stress - the pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives, and this summer there’s already been a non-stop tide of news stories of police shootings and violence against black communities. This week Dr. Imani lays out how to process the trauma of trying to live your life in the midst of a crisis. Plus, Dr. Imani breaks down how one of her favorite TV shows depicts mental illness in Pop Culture Diagnosis.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 25, 202056:08
Introducing Imani State of Mind Coming June 25th!
Psychiatrist Dr. Imani Walker (Bravo's Married to Medicine LA) will give you the tools to help you on your journey to getting your mind right. She’ll use her clinical expertise to break down mental illness through pop culture, the news, and her own experience managing her mental health. So sit down, take a deep breath, and relax because we’re about to get into an Imani State Of Mind.
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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 02, 202002:25