The Blueprint
Welcome to The Blueprint Podcast—where we throw out the old blueprint so you can become who you were always meant to be.
The Blueprint Podcast is a Top 1.5% show for a reason. Host Jason Smith, with a unique background in law enforcement and a master’s in Threat and Response Management from the University of Chicago, distills complicated topics into clear, actionable insights, all while providing a sense of humor and real-world perspective.
He helps you heal the relationship you have with yourself—the core foundation for building the relationships you actually desire.
You'll immerse yourself in conversations with top authors, coaches, researchers, and others who share inspiring stories of resilience and growth. Beyond the deep dives, you'll also find a variety of content covering real-time events, Q&As, and yes, maybe even some aliens. There's truly something for everyone in every episode.
This is where you take your personal power back from the places you’ve given it away to so freely. It’s time to become who you were always meant to be.
If you're a new listener, you're in the right place. Want more? Follow along @jbirdfit on all platforms. Ask a question: info.jbirdfit@gmail.com
Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and catch the video version on YouTube. https://stan.store/Jbirdfit
The Blueprint
Ep. 104 Brooke Siem, Author May Cause Side Effects
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
Podcast: The Blueprint Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blueprint/id1640788166
The Self-Discovery Blueprint & The Power of the Pivot 12 Part Series:
