Wit & Reason with Dr. Alexis Moreno

The media doesn’t have a great track record for accurately or even compassionately representing mental illness. But today, we have the pleasure to talk with close friends, writers, and producers, Dara Sanandaji and Freddie Bell. Dara shares what it’s like to live and function in today’s world with mental illness and has partnered up with Freddie to create "Breaking the Silence" a refreshingly open and honest documentary about Dara's process with Bipolar Disorder with psychotic features, now streaming on Amazon video.

Resources from the Show

• Learn more about Breaking the Silence documentary

• Take a look at Dara Sanandaji’s biography

• Visit Dara Sanandaji’s website here

• Learn more about Freddie Bell

Airing Weekdays on 96.3 HD4 DC Radio

GUESTS

Dara sanandaji- He/Him

Peer support consultant and advisor

Dara Sanandaji was born in Tehran, Iran, and has both Iranian-Kurdish and Czech heritage. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 2000, where he earned a B.A. in Economics and studied abroad at the University Autónoma de Madrid. He then graduated from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2006 and later worked in the financial services sector, where he earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP ®) designation in 2011. A few years later, Dara found a passion for video editing and filmmaking, primarily working with home family footage taken over the past 50+ years and setting it to music. He followed his calling and fully transitioned into writing and filmmaking in 2013, and since then, he has written, directed, produced, and edited two feature-length, award-winning documentary films: Breaking the Silence (2022) and Two Weeks with Dada (2015, re-released 2021). Dara also hosted his own independent radio show, "The Big Picture Radio Show," in Chicago in 2014 and has authored two books: Breaking the Silence: A Journey Deep Inside the Mind (2021) and Mirror for the Mind: A Tribute to the Wisdom of Humanity (2021). Dara was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features in 1999 and has been doing extensive research and outreach for mental health awareness since 2015. He has been working closely with clinician Dr. Morris Goldman since 2010 and has served as a peer group leader, consultant, and advisor for Dr. Goldman’s REPP (Recovery from Early Psychosis Program) at Northwestern Medicine since 2018.

FREDDIE BELL- HE/HIm

executive producer

Experienced Producer with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment industry. Skilled in Music Licensing, Event Management, Entertainment Industry, Entertainment, and Film. Strong arts and design professional.

Host

ALEXIS MORENO, PSYD, MA, MS - SHE/HER

PSYCHOLOGIST, HEALTH CORRESPONDENT, Speaker, & Founder

Dr. Alexis (she/her) utilizes the powerful impact awareness, education, & opportunity have on mental health. She mindfully creates fun & supportive experiences for her speaking and media audience and private clients to safely explore their true values, learn new healthy practices, & take action steps toward living authentically.

She has a Doctorate in Clinical Community Psychology, a Master of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy, & a Bachelor of Science in both Television Broadcasting & Psychology. With over 16 years of experience in media & psychology, she aims to make mental health relatable & accessible for all through her coaching, consultation, & media outreach.

Dr. Alexis provides media, speaking, & mental health consultation services. Book a complimentary consult with Dr. Alexis to arrange services today!