#54 | Voices of Valor: Dr. Anthony Feinstein on Journalists Upholding Truth
Dr. Anthony Feinstein is a renowned neuropsychiatrist with a dual MD and PhD. Dr. Feinstein's work at the University of Toronto focuses on the psychiatric complications of neurological diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis.
Beyond his clinical practice, he passionately explores the psychological impacts on journalists in conflict zones, exploring the psychological effects of conflict on journalists covering the Balkans, Iraq, Mexico, Syria, Kenya, Iran, Afghanistan, the refugee crisis in Europe and the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on New York City. Additionally, he serves as a consultant to multiple news organizations including the Globe and Mail, CNN, and the New York Times.
His work in this area extends from groundbreaking research on war journalism & emotional health to his Peabody Award winning documentary, Under Fire: Journalists in Combat and to multiple books including his most recent, Moral Courage, 19 Profiles of Investigative Journalists, highlighting the risks and resilience of journalists across the globe.
“They are the last vestiges of civil society in their country. And so their fellow citizens look to them and admire them. They want to read them, because they know that this is the individual who's giving [them] the truth.” — Dr. Anthony Feinstein
Dr. Feinstein’s deep insights include a discussion on the resilience of those who confront the psychological challenges of reporting from the frontlines of global conflicts. This conversation is not only about the science of the mind but also about the courage of the human spirit in facing adversity.
In this episode, we discuss:
How one patient expanded Dr. Feinstein’s professional trajectory.
How discovering a lack of research on the resiliency of journalists in conflict zones led to a new field of study and care.
Treating journalists for PTSD and other psychological issues.
How the presence of Moral Courage impacts the actions of journalists in difficult scenarios.
How the threat of moral injury leads to the display of moral courage.
The increasing danger of harm and kidnapping for journalists in many countries.
How journalists in failing or absent democracies risk their lives to tell the truth.
Stories of journalists standing up to power in Iran, Russia, India and more.
