Dr. Walt Menninger Talks “Like What You Do”, Psychiatry, and Hip Hop
Dr. Walt Menninger reflects on his illustrious career in psychiatry, the legacy of the Menninger Foundation, and his unexpected connection to Hip Hop in this in-depth conversation about his memoir, “Like What You Do”.
A Legendary Life: Bridging Psychiatry and Pop Culture
Dr. Walt Menninger, at 93, has lived a life brimming with remarkable milestones. As a psychiatrist, educator, and author, he is the custodian of a family legacy that revolutionized mental health care in America. During our conversation for The Hype Magazine, we looked deep into his personal and professional life as chronicled in his memoir, “Like What You Do”. We’d met for the first time at his book signing event and you know me! You can catch the entire video conversation below this recap!
What struck me most wasn’t just his profound intellect, humility, and openness to the new. Dr. Menninger showcased a rare ability to connect across generations from discussing century-old psychiatric practices to collaborating with Hip Hop artist SJ Hazim.
The Menninger Legacy: 100 Years of Mental Health Innovation
The Menninger Foundation, nearing its centennial anniversary, has been a cornerstone of psychiatric advancement. Dr. Menninger recounted its history with pride and precision. Founded in 1925, it began as a sanitarium spearheaded by his grandfather and later expanded into a global institution for mental health.
Dr. Menninger shared personal anecdotes of his early exposure to psychiatry, including reading his father’s book “You and Psychiatry“, which planted the seeds for his own career. The foundation’s pioneering contributions to mental health treatment have impacted countless lives, including my own family via several relatives who worked at the Topeka facility, making this interview deeply personal.
Life Lessons in “Like What You Do”
Dr. Menninger’s memoir is more than a recount of professional triumphs; it guides navigating life’s challenges. With 48 chapters spanning 429 pages, the book offers insights on resilience, stress management, and finding joy in unexpected places. Mixed with no-nonsense gems in digestible bites, as it were, the tome is detailed and entertaining while being insightful and mind-opening.
Notable Themes
- TGIF Syndrome: A term coined to describe the cumulative physical and mental toll of stress. Dr. Menninger emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s limits and listening to the body’s signals.
- Making Lemonade Out of Lemons: A recurring theme in his life, Dr. Menninger advocates for embracing opportunities—even those that seem less appealing initially.
- A New Chapter: Despite being decades into his career, Dr. Menninger continues to learn and evolve. Collaborating with Hip Hop artist SJ Hazim exemplifies his openness to new experiences.
Crossing Generations: Psychiatry Meets Hip Hop
l-r: Rapper/Community Activist SJ Hazim, Lamont Jackson (LJ’s Music Group), Dr. Walt Menninger, and Dr. Jerry Doby
One of our discussion’s most unexpected and heartwarming parts was Dr. Menninger’s collaboration with SJ Hazim, a Hip Hop artist and community activist from Topeka, Kansas. Their connection highlights the universality of human experiences, transcending age and cultural divides.
Dr. Menninger described his awe at witnessing a live Hip Hop performance, where high school students joined Hazim in an impromptu call-and-response. He credits Hazim as his “Hip Hop translator,” helping him understand this modern art form and its power to connect and inspire. Dr. Menninger discusses his experience with SJ in his memoir, AND, appears on SJ’s latest album A.I.M on an interlude called “Dr Walt Closing Remarks”.
Timeless Wisdom for the Next Generation
As a father of six and a grandfather of 15, I found Dr. Menninger’s insights on parenting and mentoring especially resonant. He stressed the importance of listening over prescribing advice, a principle he applies both as a psychiatrist and as a person.
For today’s generation, inundated with stress and societal pressures, Dr. Menninger’s philosophy of “liking what you do” rather than solely “doing what you like” offers a grounded, practical approach to fulfillment.
A Conversation That Stays With You
Dr. Walt Menninger and Dr. Jerry Doby meet for the first time at Round Table Bookstore in Topeka Kansas
Interviewing Dr. Menninger was more than a professional milestone—it was a human connection. His warmth and authenticity transcended the formality of the setting. As we closed, his parting words lingered: “Life begins at 93.”
This conversation reminded me that wisdom isn’t bound by time or discipline. Dr. Menninger’s life and work embody the seamless blend of tradition and innovation, offering lessons that will resonate with readers of all ages.
For anyone navigating the complexities of life or seeking inspiration to thrive amid challenges, “Like What You Do” is a must-read.
Where to Find “Like What You Do”
Dr. Menninger’s memoir is available at local bookstores like the family-owned Round Table Bookstore in Topeka where we initially met for his book signing and online via Amazon, IngramSpark, and major retailers.
Round Table Bookstore owners l-r Donna Schultz, Scott Howard, and Andrew Howard with Dr. Jerry Doby (middle)
Would you like to explore how this story connects with broader themes in mental health and culture? Tune into our Live Session conversation below and we welcome comments!
TweetAbout the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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