Betrayal and the Brain

Betrayal and the Brain

Author: Functional Forum March 3, 2026 Duration: 34:15

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Debbie Silber, PhD, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and author of Unstuck.

The conversation explores why betrayal is a distinct and often overlooked root cause of chronic physical and mental health conditions. Dr. Silber shares her groundbreaking research on Post-Betrayal Syndrome (PBS), the predictable 5 stages of healing, and why so many patients remain "stuck" despite functional or conventional care.

This episode reframes betrayal not as an emotional inconvenience—but as a physiological event that reshapes the brain, nervous system, immune function, and digestive health.

 

About the Guest:

Debbie Silber, PhD is the founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and creator of the PBT® (Post-Betrayal Transformation) Certification Program. After experiencing multiple betrayals herself, she completed a PhD study on how betrayal impacts health, work, and relationships. Her research identified Post-Betrayal Syndrome and the 5 stages of healing. She is the author of Unstuck and works with both individuals and healthcare practitioners worldwide.

Website: https://thepbtinstitute.com/about-debi-6/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspireEmpowerTransform/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debisilber/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DebiSilber

 

James Maskell

Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell

 


Thank you for listening.

Please subscribe and share.

This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/


Hosted by the Functional Forum, Evolution of Medicine Podcast sits at the intersection of health, fitness, and alternative approaches to well-being. It’s a space for conversations that go beyond conventional treatment, exploring the ideas and practitioners actively reshaping how we think about care. Each episode features in-depth discussions with clinicians, researchers, and thought leaders who are redefining the patient journey. You’ll hear practical insights into functional medicine, preventative strategies, and the nuanced connections between lifestyle, nutrition, and long-term health. This podcast digs into the real-world application of these evolving principles, offering listeners a forward-looking perspective on what it means to truly support the body's innate capacity for healing. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the systems, science, and stories driving this shift, providing a valuable resource for both healthcare professionals and anyone invested in taking a more active role in their own wellness. The dialogue here is dedicated to understanding the full spectrum of what modern medicine can become.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Evolution of Medicine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
IFM Conference Recap – AI and Consciousness in Medicine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:51
What happens when artificial intelligence meets consciousness in medicine? In this live episode from the Institute for Functional Medicine Annual Conference, James Maskell speaks with psychiatrist Dr. Robert Hedaya about…
An Ecological View of Your Body [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:26
What if the future of medicine is not just about data—but about ecology? In this live episode of The Evolution of Medicine Podcast recorded at the Institute for Functional Medicine Annual Conference, James Maskell speaks…
Inflammation, Heart Disease and the Cleveland Clinic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:15
What if the future of cardiology requires looking far beyond cholesterol numbers? In this live Evolution of Medicine Podcast episode from the Institute for Functional Medicine Annual Conference, James Maskell speaks with…
Mapping Qi Gong onto The Functional Medicine Matrix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:07
What if one of the most powerful healing tools isn't a supplement or medication—but a simple movement practice rooted in breath, awareness, and human connection? In this live Evolution of Medicine Podcast episode from th…
IFM AIC Recap - What You Missed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:24
What if chronic disease isn't a single problem—but a breakdown across multiple biological networks? In this live Evolution of Medicine Podcast episode from the IFM conference, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Kristine Burke…
Functional Forum Live from San Francisco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:39
What if chronic disease, cognitive decline, and even trauma were not fixed conditions—but modifiable biological states? In this Functional Forum episode, James Maskell and Matt Wiggins bring together leading clinicians a…
Your Voice Builds Trust: How Doctors Win Patients Through Podcasting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:43
What if the fastest way to grow your medical practice isn't advertising—but conversation? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell speaks with Bret Gregory, founder of DrTalks, about how podcasting is…
Resonance: The Art and Science of Human Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:59
What if health is shaped less by individual optimization—and more by our relationships? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell speaks with Michael Trainer, author of Resonance, about how relationship…
Parsley Health: Now In Network Across 150m Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:31
What does it take to bring functional medicine into mainstream insurance systems? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Robin Berzin about Parsley Health's landmark achievement: beco…
Growbaby: Reducing Preterm Birth with Precision Nutrition [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:57
What if the future of maternal healthcare began before conception? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine , James Maskell and Emily Rydbom explore how nutrition, systems biology, and integrated care models are tran…