Medicinal Media

Medicinal Media Creating mental wellness content with a focus on young people and families

08/21/2026

Your body holds the truth even when your mind can’t remember.

In this reel, somatic therapist Gabriela Ucrós LMFT, Sirena Psychotherapy has an initial session with Nahima Shaffer.

Explore the full series of docs and articles at medicinalmedia.com/perception-box-portal

❤️‍🔥 🎬 Produced with a grant by Unlikely Collaborators

Series Editor Jae Shim
Series Producer Erika Paige Barnette
Animator Michael Hadwin
Series Associate Producer Nahima Shaffer
Series Exec Producer Rob VanAlkemade
Medicinal Media Co-founders Melissa & Mike Wilson

Your body remembers what your mind tries to move past. This Perception Box project explores emotional pain and the somat...
08/20/2026

Your body remembers what your mind tries to move past.

This Perception Box project explores emotional pain and the somatic response: what past experiences do to the body, what your nervous system is trying to tell you, and what moving through it with self-compassion can look like. Two illustrated articles and a short documentary, all at medicinalmedia.com

🔗medicinalmedia.com/explore/emotional-pain

See all five projects at medicinalmedia.com/perception-box-portal

We each experience the world through our own Perception Box, a framework for understanding our subjective experience of reality, shaped by our unique history, beliefs, and experiences. By becoming more aware of the assumptions that influence it, we can broaden what’s possible for ourselves. In moments of challenge, this awareness opens the door to new perspectives and growth. Join us as we explore ways to thrive as our Perception Box expands.

In partnership with Unlikely Collaborators
Written by Laura Onstot and Sonia Chien
Illustrations by Jon McCormack and Olga Kurkina
Series managing editor Jessi Cape
Series video editor Jae Shim
Series Producer Nahima Shaffer
Series Executive Producers Erika Paige Barnette and Rob VanAlkemade

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08/18/2026

What if two people can see the exact same thing, completely differently?

10-year-old Julian explores this idea, along with how to conquer writer’s block, in his original song from The Healing Power of Music, a live Medicinal Media event hosted by our friends at Unlikely Collaborators this summer. 🎶

Julian’s original song is a playful reminder that our perspective isn’t the only perspective. Getting curious about what someone else sees can create connection, and help us expand our Perception Box

For more, visit medicinalmedia.com/music

Monthly newsletter: medicinalmedia.com/signup

08/17/2026

Medicinal Media selects: The Undercurrent Relational Laboratory

https://www.sirenapsychotherapy.com/the-undercurrent-a-relational-laboratory

Our friend Gabriela Ucros LMFT of Sirena Therapy is co-hosting this six-week experiential curriculum that takes participants through the arc of relationship: meeting, creating safety, building intimacy, rupture, repair, and integration.

Gabriela was featured in our recent Perception Box documentary: Pain Is a Part of Us

https://youtu.be/QXLjasGzqFk?si=a_WzQ4VPac-44hej

08/13/2026

What happens inside a child’s brain when they learn music? 🧠🎶

We’re excited to share the latest video from our live event, The Healing Power of Music, held this past summer at Unlikely Collaborators.

In this reel, Dr. Assal Habibi, Director of the Center for Music, Brain and Society at USC, shares highlights from her groundbreaking research exploring how music training impacts the developing brain.

Her longitudinal study followed children in the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) program, examining changes in brain development, neural connectivity, decision-making, language, and social-emotional well-being.

Explore more from The Healing Power of Music at medicinalmedia.com/music

This past Sunday was the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples—a day to recognize and celebrate the cultur...
08/10/2026

This past Sunday was the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples—a day to recognize and celebrate the cultures, histories, voices, and contributions of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

From artists and storytellers to educators, dancers, poets, activists, and wellness creators, Indigenous voices are using social media to share culture, challenge stereotypes, preserve traditions, and connect people across communities.

In our article Connecting with Indigenous creators online by Nicole LaMarco, we highlight some compelling Native American creators who share their perspectives on healing, wellness, creativity, culture, education, and community.

Featured artwork by KamiJo Whiteclay

Also featuring Naiomi Glasses, Marika Sila, Lily Joy, Waneek Horn-Miller, Witchy Twitchy, Teri Greeves, Pakari, Kinsale Drake, Dr. James A. Makokis, Jase Roe, Asinaabe, Willow Allen, Kendra Jessie Rosychuk, Jayroy Makokis, Eagle Blackbird, Sherry McKay, Michelle Chubb, James Jones, and Shayla Oulette Stonechild 🙏🏼

Humans are wired for connection — but for teens, young adults, and anyone navigating a life transition, finding time to ...
08/06/2026

Humans are wired for connection — but for teens, young adults, and anyone navigating a life transition, finding time to build real friendships can feel overwhelming. Making a semi-close friendship takes around 200 hours. But it’s worth it!

Writer Mhaya Polacco explores the digital tools and real-world strategies that actually work. With illustrations by Carlos Arrojo

Full article at medicinalmedia.com/explore/making-new-friends-virtually

Mental health and human connection are deeply linked. Shoutout to Mental Health America for their ongoing work to make both more accessible to young people.

Join our free monthly newsletter: medicinalmedia.com/signup

08/04/2026

Medicinal Media selects: OK You! Stay tuned for some magical collaborations between us. 📡💗

🚨Mess up, and your amygdala hits the alarm. Shame can keep it stuck there. 💕 But recovery? That’s when the real brain ac...
07/28/2026

🚨Mess up, and your amygdala hits the alarm.

Shame can keep it stuck there.

💕 But recovery? That’s when the real brain activity starts.

✍🏽 Tammy Danan explores what that means for young people, how childhood environment shapes our relationship with failure, and why recovery matters more than the mistake itself.

🎨 Illustrations by Maggie Stephenson with Voiceover by Juniper Grace

Full article: medicinalmedia.com/explore/mistakes

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