Latest news with #JenAffleck
Fox News
25-05-2025
- Health
- Fox News
What is ketamine therapy? Mormon reality stars tout controversial treatment
Season 2 of the reality show "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" depicted one couple — Jen and Zac Affleck — as they went through ketamine therapy, which they claimed saved their marriage. What is ketamine, and can it really benefit relationships? An anesthetic used to induce sleep before and after surgery, according to Cleveland Clinic, ketamine is also used illegally as a recreational drug. The Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) describes ketamine as a "dissociative drug," meaning it causes people to feel "separated or detached" from their bodies or physical surroundings. In recent years, ketamine has been used as an alternative therapy for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). "It can be a party drug, and it can be abused, but I think if you have the right intention and you do it in the proper setting with a doctor, it can be super impactful," Zac Affleck said in an interview with Women's Health. As far as personal beliefs, "there's nothing in the Mormon guidelines that says you can't do ketamine, but it's in the gray area," Affleck added. In 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a derivative of ketamine in a nasal spray format (Spravato, or S-ketamine) for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal ideation. Some clinical studies have shown that ketamine therapy can be effective in treating severe depression in veterans. "Ketamine acts like an antidepressant that can help distract someone from negative thoughts and feelings in a relatively short amount of time," Rolando Larice, M.D., medical director at Sana Lake Recovery in Missouri, told Fox News Digital. The drug is believed to create more connections between brain cells, a process thought to ease depression and decrease suicidal thoughts, according to Mayo Clinic. Dr. Justin Gerstner, psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Ellie Mental Health in Minnesota, previously told Fox News Digital that he uses ketamine therapy in his own practice. "It's been quite transformative for a lot of our clients," he said. One practice administers ketamine to clients via IV injection, partnered with psychotherapy. Gerstner's practice usually administers ketamine to clients via IV injection in two- to three-hour sessions, partnered with psychotherapy before and after treatment. It is intended to be used in combination with antidepressant pills only under the supervision of a medical professional. At high doses, the drug can cause adverse health issues that affect cardiovascular, respiratory and neurologic function, which can be fatal, said the American Addiction Centers website. Some risks include elevated blood pressure, difficulty breathing, amnesia, seizures, addiction, problems with judgment and coordination, and a lower urinary tract irritation called ulcerative cystitis, according to the same source. "Common causes of overdose death include excess sedation, respiratory failure, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, coma and seizures," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News' senior medical advisor, previously told Fox News Digital. Larice cautioned that ketamine does carry a risk of addiction or dependency. While ketamine IV therapy could be an alternative option if other treatments haven't been effective for mental health conditions, experts urge caution. "People may see celebrities like Jen Affleck make claims that ketamine therapy saved her marriage, but if it's shown as a quick fix to solve all of your problems rather than a step toward healing, that's when it can be dangerous," Larice cautioned. For more Health articles, visit It is important for the IV treatment to be monitored by medical professionals in case dangerous side effects occur, he said. Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When does 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 2 come out? Where to watch
When does 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 2 come out? Where to watch Show Caption Hide Caption Mother-in-law surprised by invite to witness grandchild's birth In Pasco, WA, a mother-in-law burst into tears of joy when her daughter-in-law invited her to be present in the delivery room for her grandchild's birth. #MomTok is back: "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" is returning to Hulu for its second season. The reality show follows a group of TikTok influencer moms and their Mormon friend group that became embroiled in a scandal around "soft swinging" − couples sharing partners with limited sexual contact. Notable faces from last season, including Taylor Frankie Paul and Jen Affleck, will be returning to the show, and there will also be a new face on the cast. Here's everything to know about "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Season 2, including how and when it will be released. 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 2 premiere date Season 2 will premiere on Thursday, May 15. It will have ten episodes, all of which will hit Hulu that day. 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Star speaks out on childhood sexual abuse How to watch 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 2 "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" will be available to stream on Hulu. The streaming service offers subscriptions ranging from $9.99 a month to $18.99 a month for standard plans. Other packages including live television are between $82.99-$95.99 a month. New users can also sign up for a free trial. 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Season 2 cast All of Season 1's cast members will be returning for the show's second season. There will also be one newcomer. Jen Affleck (@jenniferaffleckk) is 25 years old and has 1.8 million followers on TikTok. She is married to Zac Affleck, a distant relative of Ben Affleck, and the couple has two children together and a third on the way. (@jenniferaffleckk) is 25 years old and has 1.8 million followers on TikTok. She is married to Zac Affleck, a distant relative of Ben Affleck, and the couple has two children together and a third on the way. Demi Engemann (@demilucymay_) has 1 million followers on TikTok. The 30-year-old is married to Bret Engemann − who is 16 years her senior, as noted on the show − and she has three kids. (@demilucymay_) has 1 million followers on TikTok. The 30-year-old is married to Bret Engemann − who is 16 years her senior, as noted on the show − and she has three kids. Taylor Frankie Paul (@taylorfrankiepaul) is the founder of #MomTok and the center of the "soft swinging" controversy. At 30 years old, she boasts 5.1 million followers on TikTok and has three children. (@taylorfrankiepaul) is the founder of #MomTok and the center of the "soft swinging" controversy. At 30 years old, she boasts 5.1 million followers on TikTok and has three children. Whitney Leavitt (@whitneyleavitt) was arguably the villain of last season. She shares her life with husband Connor Leavitt and their three children on her TikTok, where she has 2.3 million followers. (@whitneyleavitt) was arguably the villain of last season. She shares her life with husband Connor Leavitt and their three children on her TikTok, where she has 2.3 million followers. Mikayla Matthews (@mikaylamatthews) is 24 years old and married to Jace Matthews, with whom she shares three children and a fourth on the way. She is known for being open about her chronic health issues to her 2.9 million TikTok followers. She has also opened up about being sexual abused as a child. (@mikaylamatthews) is 24 years old and married to Jace Matthews, with whom she shares three children and a fourth on the way. She is known for being open about her chronic health issues to her 2.9 million TikTok followers. She has also opened up about being sexual abused as a child. Miranda McWhorter (@miranda__mcw) is the newcomer this season. She is divorced and has two children, and according to Hulu, was also embroiled in the "soft swinging" scandal. (@miranda__mcw) is the newcomer this season. She is divorced and has two children, and according to Hulu, was also embroiled in the "soft swinging" scandal. Mayci Neeley (@maycineeley) is a 30-year-old mother of two. She and her husband Jacob Neeley are also expecting another child together. She has 1.9 million followers on TikTok. (@maycineeley) is a 30-year-old mother of two. She and her husband Jacob Neeley are also expecting another child together. She has 1.9 million followers on TikTok. Jessi Ngatikaura (@_justjessiiii) is the hairstylist of the group − she owns a Utah salon that has been shown on the show. She is married to Jordon Ngatikaura and has three kids. The 32-year-old also has more than 820,000 followers on TikTok. (@_justjessiiii) is the hairstylist of the group − she owns a Utah salon that has been shown on the show. She is married to Jordon Ngatikaura and has three kids. The 32-year-old also has more than 820,000 followers on TikTok. Layla Taylor (@laylaleannetaylor) is the youngest of the group at 23 years old. She is divorced with two children and has nearly 450,000 followers on TikTok. Watch: 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' season 2 trailer We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn't influence our coverage. Melina Khan is a trending reporter covering national news for USA TODAY. She can be reached at MKhan@
Evening Standard
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Evening Standard
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2: Still soft-swinging, still soda-addicted, still absolutely unmissable
In between the drama, chaos and Ketamine therapy (courtesy of Jen Affleck and husband Zach), the show does occasionally try to remind us it has a deeper purpose. There's a lot of talk about breaking free from patriarchal structures and challenging the norms of the Latter Day Saints church. But let's be honest: most of us are here for the TikTok beef and the over-sharing. The preachy undertones feel a bit like someone trying to slip kale into a dessert: noble, but we'd prefer the sugar.
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns for season 2 this week
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns to screens for a second season this week, taking viewers right back into the world of #MomTok One of last year's most viral reality series is back this week as The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives returns for a brand-new season. The hit reality series plunges viewers into the world of #MomTok, following a group of mum influencers in Utah's Mormon community. During season one, their 'scandalous' world imploded when they were caught in the midst of a sex scandal that made international headlines. The eight-part series broke viewership records when it premiered in September, becoming the most-watched unscripted season premiere on Disney+ in its first four days on the platform. Now it's back for season two with 10 new episodes available to stream exclusively on Disney+ on Thursday, May 15. The series follows the lives of influencers Taylor Frankie Paul, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Jessi Ngatikaura, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews and Whitney Leavitt. A lot's happened since we last saw the group, with Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley and Jen Affleck all announcing their pregnancies. Elsewhere, Taylor took to social media to confirm she is no longer dating Dakota. Season two will see new cast member Miranda McWhorter re-joining the group. The official synopsis reads: 'The scandalous world of Mormon #MomTok is back and bigger than ever. When an original swinger from their infamous sex scandal makes a surprise return, friendships threaten to unravel as secrets, lies, and allegations explode. 'In a battle for the soul of #MomTok, will betrayal shatter the sisterhood, or will the truth set them free?' Following the success of season one, Disney+ confirmed The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will return for 20 new episodes, suggesting a third season is already in the works. The latest instalment follows the return of Molly-Mae: Behind it All, the Love Island star's hit docuseries that returned to Prime Video earlier this month. Disney+ dropped the final trailer for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives in April, with fans flooding the comments in anticipation. One fan said: 'I'm so ready for this wild new season.' Another said: 'Finally, I just watched the entire first season and it was fire. I'm so excited for the new season.' A third said: 'I need this yesterday. 'Not everyone will be tuning in though, as other YouTube comments said 'Why do people watch this' and 'None of the stuff seen in the show is real'. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season two will be available exclusively on Disney+ from May 15.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Jen Affleck makes shock marriage revelation
The Secret Lives of Mormon of Wives is already bringing drama and the second season doesn't premiere until next week. When season one ended last year, Jen Affleck, 25, and her husband Zac Affleck, 28, were the talk of the town, not just because of his 'disrespect' towards his wife, but also because he falsely kept claiming he was related to Ben Affleck. Jan revealed she and Zac separated shortly after season one ended, which is where viewers will find them in season two - living apart and going to therapy. 'Just because of everything that we went through last year and because of everything we've had to do so much therapy,' she explained to People. As for living apart, the soon-to-be mom of three said, 'It's all a blessing in disguise, but I definitely think it is daunting coming back to MomTok because we have gone through so much being a part of it,' Jen said. 'But again, we're learning so much on the way, so only taking the positives right now.' Zac and Jen are still figuring out their marriage and for the moment at least, Zac has put medical school in Arizona on the back burner. 'He still hasn't officially decided,' she said of whether he'll continue down that path. 'He still has about five months to decide, but as of right now, I think his priority is just supporting me and so I guess we'll see,' she told the outlet. While in therapy, the couple tried ketamine and Jen called it a 'life changer.' 'Definitely life changing — and I never thought I would try ketamine,' she told Us Weekly. 'But when you're looking for anything to help you try anything.' After she and Zac moved from Utah to Arizona, she wasn't feeling well and checked into a wellness center. 'Spent 11 days away from my loved ones, focusing on healing and working through my trauma,' Jen wrote via her Instagram Story in March. 'It was definitely one of the most challenging and impactful experiences I've ever had. Not the pregnancy journey I expected, but definitely what baby and I needed.' When season one ended last year, Jen, 25, and Zac, 28, were the talk of the town, not just because of his 'disrespect' towards his wife, but also because he falsely kept claiming he was related to Ben Affleck The couple are living apart while expecting their third child together. They are already parents to a 22-month-old son named Lucas and a 3-year-old daughter named Nora who were 'beyond excited' to hear the news. The couple shared the news of their upcoming new bundle of joy in February. Jen said she was surprised to learn of her pregnancy: 'I was a few days late, and while it was a surprise, we both had a feeling there was another baby waiting for us,' told People. 'We were very excited, there were a lot of emotions after a very crazy year!,' Jen said. While they do not know the sex of their third child just yet, Jen senses they are having a girl. 'I have a strong feeling it's a girl,' she explained. 'I've dreamed about this little girl for a while now, and I truly believe she's the one I'm carrying.' Jen called having a big family a 'dream.' The star, who has two siblings of her own, said: 'Having been raised with numerous foster kids, I've always dreamed of a big family, and seeing that dream come true is both exciting and fulfilling. 'It can be daunting to think about raising three babies while pursuing my career, but I want to show women and mothers that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter how unrealistic it may seem,' she said. Coincidentally, Jen is not the only woman in her family expecting a child - her sister is also now pregnant. 'My sister also recently found out she's pregnant after many years of trying with IVF, so we couldn't be more excited to embark on this journey together,' she said.
