Dr. Ellen Vora: Psychiatry, Spirituality, Witches & the Case for Magic | INNERCALLING Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_zIrjdevY1Q91PX5woaNtjTDvell1ZJ8 *** I interviewed Dr. Ellen Vora, board-certified psychiatrist and author of *Season of the Witch: A Psychiatrist’s Case for Magic*, about the intersection of science and spirituality, the power of intuition, and the role of spirituality in mental health. We explore why modern psychiatry often overlooks spirituality, how intuition shapes our understanding of ourselves, and whether consciousness might extend beyond physical death. Ellen shares how losing her mother transformed her understanding of grief, the afterlife, and the possibility of continued connection with loved ones. We discuss why women have historically been taught to distrust their intuition, how cultural conditioning shapes our skepticism, and what it means to reclaim our inner wisdom. We also explore the mental health benefits of spirituality, the healing potential and risks of psychedelics and ayahuasca, the importance of yin and rest in a productivity-driven world, and the unique challenges of motherhood and postpartum mental health. *** Ellen Vora, MD, is a holistic psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher, and the author of The Anatomy of Anxiety. She takes a functional medicine approach to mental health—considering the whole person and addressing imbalance at the root. Dr. Vora received her BA from Yale University and her medical degree from Columbia University, and she is board-certified in psychiatry and integrative holistic medicine. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter. ** 00:00 Introduction 01:00 Intuition and the Science of Knowing 04:00 What Is Magic? 05:00 Spirituality and Mental Health 08:00 Grief, Death, and the Afterlife 12:00 Consciousness and Life After Death 14:00 Why Psychiatry Ignores Spirituality 17:00 Spirituality, Depression, and Anxiety 19:00 How to Reconnect with Your Intuition 22:00 Yin and Yang: Rest, Burnout, and Productivity 24:00 Science, Spirituality, and the Unknown 27:00 Why Women Are Taught to Distrust Their Intuition 30:00 Psychedelic Therapy and Mental Health 34:00 Ayahuasca and Mystical Experiences 37:00 The Mind-Body Connection 38:00 How to Develop and Trust Your Intuition 40:00 Postpartum Depression and Women's Mental Health 43:00 Motherhood and Intuitive Wisdom ** EPISODE LINKS https://ellenvora.com/ https://link.amazon/B0aNhSSvr #TrustYourIntuition #SeasonOfTheWitch #EllenVora #WomensEmpowerment #InnerWisdom #ScienceAndSpirituality #SpiritualAwakening #MentalHealth #FeminineWisdom #Psychology #ReclaimYourPower #InnerCalling #BookTube #BookFriends *** Hi, I'm Dr. V! Welcome to INNERCALLING, where I host organic conversations at the intersection of mental health, science, spirituality, & wisdom. Together with leading scientists, psychologists, authors, philosophers, and spiritual teachers, we explore consciousness, resilience, purpose, human flourishing, & the timeless questions that shape a meaningful life. Questions we explore: • How do we find meaning in suffering? • What does it mean to be human in the age of AI? • What is consciousness? • How do we cultivate wisdom and purpose? As a clinical psychologist, I've seen that healing begins with curiosity and the courage to explore life's deepest questions. My hope is these conversations help you reconnect with the inner light within you—the one no darkness can overcome. Thank you so much for joining me! Dr. Victoria Ranade: www.victoriaranade.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/drvictoriaranade Hope+Wellness: https://www.hope-wellness.com Press & Media Inquiries: info@innercalling.org Website: www.innercalling.org Subscribe to support our show: https://www.youtube.com/@drvictoriaranade?sub_confirmation=1 *** Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed are those of the host and guest. Nothing in this episode should be construed as medical, psychological, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.