Hour 3: The Cosmonaut Next Door | 01-16-26

On this “Ventilation Friday,” Lionel dives deep into his fascination with the legal and social complexities of mental illness. Drawing from his past as a young prosecutor handling “Baker Acts” and insanity pleas, Lionel recounts chilling courtroom memories—from the “Thorazine shuffle” to the tragic case of Billy Ferry. The lines open up for a raw, unfiltered session where listeners share harrowing encounters with schizophrenia, including a heartbreaking story of self-mutilation and a spouse hearing voices from “Aunt Rose”. Lionel also tackles the link between high-potency modern cannabis and psychosis, while debating callers who try to blame mental health crises on demons and the “spiritual realm”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices