G. Scott Graham (he/him)

Scott joined Momma on October 25, 2023 live on Twitch to talk about Prolonged Grief Disorder, Psychedelics and Psychiatric Service Dogs

About Scott

G. Scott Graham is an author, a career coach, a business coach and a psychedelic support coach in Boston, Massachusetts. Scott is driven to help clients follow their “true azimuth,” which is different from “true north.” It means coaching clients to identify the true focus of their life — something that speaks individually to them. It means recognizing the forces that push our lives off course and adjusting to them so you get where you want to go. It means that when you are 90 years old and you look back on your life you have a sense of pride, accomplishment, and meaning — with no regrets.

When he is not coaching people to be their very best, Scott manages a non-profit farm animal rescue. Scott participates in Tough Mudders, teaches Sun 73 Tai Chi, stand-up paddleboards with his dogs Groot and Rocket, and goes camping at State Parks throughout New England as much as possible. His daily spiritual practice focuses on anāpānasati, vipassanā, and mettā-bhāvanā meditation. Scott believes service is vital to a life well-lived: he volunteers as an EMT Instructor, as a Firefighter, and as a Master Gardener in his community. In his “free time,” he writes books.

Key Facts about G. Scott Graham:

• Education: Antioch University New England, University of South Florida

• Founder: True Azimuth Coaching, Willoughby Rescue, Vermont New Hampshire DOT SAP Services

• Host: Your True Azimuth Podcast

Socials / Links for Guest Connection

• Websites:

  • https://gscottgraham.com

  • https://trueazimuth.biz

  • https://psychedelicsupportcoach.com

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TrueazimuthBiz-BusinessCoach

• Book:

  • https://www.amazon.com/G-Scott-Graham/e/B00TM2D33I

  • https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13516966.G_Scott_Graham

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bostoncareercoach/

• X / Twitter - https://twitter.com/grahamgscott

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/author.gscottgraham

• Crunchbase - https://www.crunchbase.com/person/g-scott-graham

• Threads - https://www.threads.net/@grahamgscott

References / Things Mentioned During the Stream

• One of the most powerful mental health ads Momma has seen lately: https://youtu.be/tX8TgVR33KM?si=5yVvSUvvi4MvYyJU CHECK IN ON YOUR FRIENDS FOLKS!!! <3

• Book Recommendation (free!): The Life Transforming Bucket List

• Outward Bound

• Book Recommendation: Psychedelic Integration Workbook: Sixty-Day Journal & Transcendence Blueprint by G. Scott Graham 

• The Johari Window

• US Service Animal Requirements

• Tough Mudder

• Vipassana Meditation - Free Program

Episode Summary

In this episode of Even Tacos Fall Apart, MommaFoxFire interviews G Scott Graham on the complex topics of Prolonged Grief Disorder, Psychedelics, and Psychiatric Service Dogs. 

Key Takeaways:

• Prolonged grief disorder is a new diagnosis that puts a timeline on the grieving process, which can be problematic as grief is a fluid and individual experience.

• It is important to check in with friends and loved ones about their mental health and ask specific questions about their emotions, such as 'How's your depression?' or 'How's your grief today?'

• The societal norms around grief and mental health can be limiting and may not reflect the reality of individual experiences.

• Support and understanding are crucial for those who are grieving or struggling with mental health issues.

• Open and honest communication is key when it comes to discussing mental health and providing support to others. It is important to embrace and experience a wide range of emotions, including sadness, rather than pushing them away.

• Psychedelics can have therapeutic benefits for mental health, but effective engagement and integration are crucial for a meaningful experience.

• Having a clear vision and purpose in life is essential for finding meaning and fulfillment.

• Service animals can play a significant role in providing support and assistance to individuals with disabilities. Service animals and emotional support animals can provide valuable support and companionship during difficult times.

• Being present for others and offering support without trying to fix their problems can make a significant difference.

• Finding a balance between intentional planning and being open to the flow of life can lead to greater purpose and contentment.

• Mental illness is not a permanent way of being, and it's important to remember that feelings and experiences can change over time.

• Equanimity, or accepting the ups and downs of life without attachment or resistance, can lead to greater peace and happiness.

The conversation begins with a candid exploration of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), a newly recognized diagnosis that attempts to put a timeline on the grieving process. Scott highlights the problematic nature of this diagnosis, emphasizing that grief is a fluid and deeply individual experience that cannot be neatly categorized. He stresses the importance of checking in with friends and loved ones about their mental health, encouraging open and honest communication by asking specific questions about their emotions, such as "How's your depression?" or "How's your grief today?"

The societal norms surrounding grief and mental health are also scrutinized, with Scott underscoring their limitations in accurately reflecting individual experiences. He advocates for a more supportive and understanding approach, emphasizing the significance of providing unconditional support to those who are grieving or struggling with mental health issues.

The conversation then shifts to the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for mental health treatment. Scott discusses his own experiences with psychedelics and highlights the importance of effective engagement and integration for a meaningful psychedelic experience. He emphasizes the need for careful consideration and preparation when embarking on a psychedelic journey, as well as the importance of integrating insights gained from these experiences into everyday life.

Another significant topic explored in this conversation is the role of psychiatric service dogs in providing support and assistance to individuals with disabilities. Scott shares personal anecdotes about his own service dogs and highlights the invaluable companionship and support they offer during difficult times. He emphasizes the importance of being present for others and offering support without trying to fix their problems, highlighting the profound impact that service animals can have on individuals' mental health and well-being.

Throughout the discussion, a common thread emerges: the importance of finding balance and acceptance in navigating life's challenges. Scott emphasizes the need for a clear vision and purpose in life to find meaning and fulfillment, while also advocating for equanimity – the acceptance of life's ups and downs without attachment or resistance – as a pathway to greater peace and happiness.

Overall, the interview provides a thought-provoking exploration of complex issues surrounding grief, mental health, psychedelics, and the role of service animals. Through personal anecdotes and insightful commentary, Scott and MommaFoxFire offer valuable perspectives and insights, encouraging listeners to approach these topics with compassion, understanding, and an open mind.