Hesitation Media with Brian Nuckols

About Hesitation Media Inspired by Stanton Marlan’s Hesitation and Slowness: Gateway to Psyche's Depth, Hesitation Media is rooted in the belief that being right matters more than being first. Like the Slow Food and Slow Travel movements, we prioritize doing things properly. Instead of racing social media to breaking news, we focus on accuracy, depth, context, analysis, and expert opinion—the timeless values of quality journalism. About Brian Nuckols Brian Nuckols is a writer and empathic journalist whose work explores the intersection of empathy, mental health, and societal transformation. As one of the pioneers of empathic journalism, Brian combines the immersive storytelling of gonzo journalism with the depth and reflection of narrative non-fiction. His approach is informed by years of experience as a Jungian psychoanalyst working with heroin addiction, trauma, and the complexities of human connection. Brian’s primary research project examines empathy as a weapon against self-hatred and social conformity. His writing invites readers to meet across divides—whether political, cultural, or personal—and to confront the parts of themselves they find ugly, difficult, or even hateful. By fostering self-acceptance, Brian advocates for deeper compassion toward others and a more connected world. Research Interests Mental Health and Addiction: Investigating systemic issues behind the overdose crisis and deaths of despair, blending policy insights with human stories and innovative solutions like psychedelics. Psychedelics and Innovation: Writing about the intersection of culture, neuroscience, and geopolitics in the rapidly evolving psychedelics industry. Philosophy and Society: Exploring the role of meaning, connection, and self-acceptance in the face of social pressures and cultural disconnection. Media and Entertainment: Analyzing how media shapes empathy, polarization, and cultural values. Geopolitics of Human Flourishing: Investigating how global systems influence mental health, addiction, and cultural shifts.

briannuckols.substack.com