Ep. 104 Brooke Siem, Author May Cause Side Effects Artwork

The Blueprint

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The Blueprint

Ep. 104 Brooke Siem, Author May Cause Side Effects

April 08, 2025 • Jason Smith • Season 4

0:00 | 56:59

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Author of “May Cause Side Effects” | Chef | Advocate for Informed Mental Health Decisions

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, Jason sits down with Brooke Siem — award-winning chef, writer, and mental health advocate — for an honest conversation about resilience, antidepressant withdrawal, creative expression, and living life with full presence. Brooke shares her powerful story, from early childhood loss to her journey through psychiatric medication and severe withdrawal. She opens up about how the kitchen taught her resilience, how her creativity returned when she came off medications, and why she believes happiness is not just a feeling — it’s a skill.

Together, they explore the power of curiosity, emotional resilience, and finding meaning through life’s toughest moments. This episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning conventional paths to healing, curious about the reality of psychiatric medications, or seeking inspiration to trust their own inner compass.

What You’ll Learn: Brooke’s personal experience with antidepressant medications and the harsh realities of withdrawal The impact of childhood grief and how it shaped her early path How working in high-pressure kitchens taught her to embrace presence and adaptability Why curiosity is crucial for healing and growth The truth about the "chemical imbalance" theory of depression How art and painting became therapeutic outlets during her recovery Practical steps for cultivating nervous system regulation and resilience Why Brooke believes that happiness is a learned skill The conversation around parenting, medicating children, and systemic challenges Insights into Brooke's creative process, both as an author and a painter

Guest Bio: Brooke Siem is an award-winning chef, writer, and mental health advocate. She is the author of May Cause Side Effects, a memoir about antidepressant withdrawal and healing. When she’s not cooking for pro athletes, you’ll find her painting, writing, and speaking about the importance of informed consent in mental health treatment.

📖 May Cause Side Effects — Available wherever books are sold.

Connect with Brooke: Website: https://www.brookesiem.com/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookesiem/

Connect with Jason: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbirdfit/ | Breakthrough Coach

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