Dr Aaron Kaplan

I enjoyed a fascinating and lively conversation with well renowned psychologist, Dr. Carl Jung. Today we discussed basic principles in the theories Dr. Jung has developed over the years, including the meaning of dreams, archetypes, and the collective unconscious. Dr. Jung discussed how his own life path has helped him develop his influential theories, including his religious upbringing, his early work as a psychiatrist working with Dr. Eugene Bleuler, and his well known collegial relationship and then split with Dr. Sigmund Frued.

Wait.... What? Yes, Dr. Jung passed away in 1961.

Today's interview with Dr. Jung launches my new project -- interviews with influential thinkers and clinicians who have passed away but remain prominent figures in the development of the field. I utilize artificial intelligence to clone and recreate the voices of these figures, and to create meaningful dialogue in an interview format consistent with the Mind Tricks Radio format.

Please take a listen and let me know what you think. The technology is not perfect, but I will be working to refine the process over time. Please let me know if you have any requests or suggestions for future interviews. Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 61: Interview with Carl Jung -- Jungian Concepts in Psychology -- On Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 61: Interview with Carl Jung -- Jungian Concepts in Psychology -- On Dreams, Archetypes, and the Collective Unconscious - Jul 5, 2024

Mind Tricks Ep. 60: Distortion of the Day! Emotional Reasoning, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan

In today's Distortion of the Day!, I talk about Emotional Reasoning. Distortions of the Day! are brief episodes running under 10 minutes where I introduce psychological concepts in a fun, practical, useful way.

Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 60: Distortion of the Day! Emotional Reasoning, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 60: Distortion of the Day! Emotional Reasoning, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Dec 1, 2022

Mind Tricks Radio, Ep. 59: Distortion of the Day! Personalization

In today's Distortion of the Day!, I talk about Personalization. Distortions of the Day! are brief episodes running under 10 minutes where I introduce psychological concepts in a fun, practical, useful way. Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 59: Distortion of the Day! Personalization, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 59: Distortion of the Day! Personalization, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Nov 25, 2022

Mind Tricks Radio Ep. 58: Nurturing Adult Friendships, with Dr. Andrea Bonior

I enjoyed a lively conversation today with Dr. Andrea Bonior, a licensed Clinical Psychologist and faculty member of Georgetown University. Dr. Bonior spoke with me today about nurturing adult friendships, and the importance of friendships to both physical and emotional health and well-being. She talked about many aspects of friendships, including:

Picking and maintaining the right friends for your personality; recognizing when friendships are healthy versus unhealthy; how life events can challenge friendships and how to face these challenges; recognizing the normal ebbs and flows of friendships; differences between males and females on making and maintaining friendships; friendships and social media; simple suggestions for nurturing existing friendships

Dr. Bonior recently launched her own psychology podcast called Baggage Check: Mental Health Talk and Advice, which premiered November 1st. Baggage Check is about getting real regarding mental health and making listeners part of the conversation. She’s written several books on topics of psychology, including THE FRIENDSHIP FIX about topics related to Adult Friendships.

Dr. Bonior is a frequent commentator in media outlets such as NPR, CNN, The Today Show, The NY Times, and the Washington Post, and her Psychology Today blog has been read more than 25 million times. She speaks to audiences large and small about work-life balance and mental and emotional health.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 58: Nurturing Adult Friendships, with Dr. Andrea Bonior on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 58: Nurturing Adult Friendships, with Dr. Andrea Bonior - Nov 21, 2022

MIND TRICKS RADIO Ep. 57: Distortion of the Day! Mind Reading

In today's Distortion of the Day!, I talk about Mind Reading. Distortions of the Day! are brief episodes running under 10 minutes where I introduce psychological concepts in a fun, practical, useful way.

Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 57: Distortion of the Day! Mind Reading, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 57: Distortion of the Day! Mind Reading, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Nov 18, 2022

MInd Tricks Radio Ep. 56: Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment for Living Your Best Life, with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg

I enjoyed a lively conversation with Dr Michelle P. Maidenberg, a psychotherapist in private practice in Harrison, NY. I interviewed Dr. Maidenberg about her new book, “Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want.” This book is packed with all sorts of meaningful explanations and pointers about Core Values, Growth Mindset, Radical Self-Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment.

Dr. Maidenberg is an adjunct faculty member at New York University teaching a graduate course in Mindfulness Practice. She is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of “Thru My Eyes”, a nonprofit organization that offers free clinically-guided videotaping to chronically medically ill individuals who want to leave video legacies for their children and loved ones.

Dr. Maidenberg is also the author of the book “Free Your Child From Overeating" 53 Mind-Body Strategies For Lifelong Health” and her new book She writes the Psychology Today Blog: Being Your Best Self and is a contributing editor of the journal GROUP. She is dedicated and invested in health and mental health advocacy.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 56: Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment for Living Your Best Life, with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 56: Acceptance, Compassion, and Empowerment for Living Your Best Life, with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg - Nov 14, 2022

MIND TRICKS RADIO Episode 55: Distortion of the Day! Overgeneralization, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan

In today's Distortion of the Day!, I talk about Overgeneralization. Distortions of the Day! are brief episodes running under 10 minutes where I introduce psychological concepts in a fun, practical, useful way.

Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 55: Distortion of the Day! Overgeneralization, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 55: Distortion of the Day! Overgeneralization, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Nov 11, 2022

Episode 54: How to Stop Taking Too Much Responsibility for Others, with Dr. Dianne Grande

Today I enjoyed a fun conversation with Dr. Dianne Grande, a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in the western suburbs of Chicago. We talked about the ways in which people take too much responsibility for others as Caretakers, Enablers, and Rescuers. Dr. Grande talks about how people get into unhealthy dynamics with others that are marked by dependency, resentment, and helplessness, and ways in which people can change this dynamics for themselves and their relationships with others.

Dr. Grande publishes articles on mental health topics for the Choosing Therapy website. She also writes monthly blogs on various topics including communication skills, emotional vulnerability and connection, self-esteem, and expectations in marriage. Her blog, titled “In It Together,” is published on Psychology Today’s website.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 54: How to Stop Taking Too Much Responsibility for Others, with Dr. Dianne Grande on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 54: How to Stop Taking Too Much Responsibility for Others, with Dr. Dianne Grande - Nov 7, 2022

Episode 53: Distortion of the Day! Jumping to Conclusions, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan

In today's Distortion of the Day!, I talk about Jumping to Conclusions.

The reason why Jumping to Conclusions can be such a problem is it can cause you to make rash or wrong decisions based on a lack of accurate information.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 53: Distortion of the Day! Jumping to Conclusions, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 53: Distortion of the Day! Jumping to Conclusions, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Nov 4, 2022

Episode 52: Do I Have OCD? A Deep Dive on OCD Symptomatology, with Dr. Martin Hsia

I enjoyed having the opportunity today to "pick the brain" of Dr. Martin Hsia, a Clinical Psychologist and expert in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We talked in-depth about many forms of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors commonly encountered with OCD. Dr. Hsia provides many examples of what differentiates "normal" thinking and behavior from OCD symptoms.

Dr. Hsia is the Clinical Director at the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Southern California (http://www.CBTSoCal.com). CBT SoCal is a group practice that specializes in treating people with Anxiety Disorders, most specifically Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in its various forms, as well as CBT for unique presentations such as Trichotillomania, Excoriation Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Insomnia, Tics, and Chronic Pain.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-52-do-i-have-ocd-a-deep-dive-on-ocd/id1489657852?i=1000584504700&itsct=podcast_box&itscg=30200&ls=1

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 52: Do I Have OCD? A Deep Dive on OCD Symptomatology, with Dr. Martin Hsia on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 52: Do I Have OCD? A Deep Dive on OCD Symptomatology, with Dr. Martin Hsia - Oct 31, 2022

MIND TRICKS RADIO Episode 51: Distortion of the Day! Black and White Thinking, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan

In today's episode of Distortion of the Day!, I discuss Black and White Thinking, also known as All Or Nothing Thinking or Absolute Thinking.

When you engage in Black and White thinking, you approach things from an extreme point of view. Either something is all good or all bad. A person either’s got your back, or you cant count on them. A situation is either totally awesome or totally screwed. And another person’s perspective or point of view is either completely in alignment with yours, or you are in total disagreement. There is no in-between. And that’s an unfortunate way to approach life because it creates barriers between you and the world around you by shutting out the possibilities of connection and growth that lie in the grey areas.

Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 51:Distortion of the Day! Black and White Thinking, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 51:Distortion of the Day! Black and White Thinking, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Oct 28, 2022

MIND TRICKS RADIO Episode 50 : Why do Men and Women have the Same Argument Over and Over?, with Dr. Avrum Weiss

I enjoyed catching up with Dr. Avrum Weiss about the reason why couples have the same argument again and again and again and ....

Dr. Weiss was a guest on MIND TRICKS RADIO Episode 31 where he spoke about his important and thought provoking, best-selling book, Hidden in Plain Sight: How Men's Fear of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships.

In today's episode, we discussed the reasons why men and women argue about the same thing, and how this stems from their internal psychodynamics, upbringings, and fundamental differences in the men and women approach relationships and communication. If you're a woman in a relationship and keep scratching your head around why your partner shuts down, becomes defensive, and argues with you, I think you will find this episode enlightening. And if you're a man and wonder why your partner picks on you and won't back off, please tune in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 50: Why do Men and Women have the Same Argument Over and Over?, with Dr. Avrum Weiss on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 50: Why do Men and Women have the Same Argument Over and Over?, with Dr. Avrum Weiss - Oct 24, 2022

Episode 49: Distortion of the Day! Catastrophic Thinking

I'm super excited to release my first episode of Distortion of the Day! These episodes will run under 10 minutes and I will introduce psychological concepts in a fun, practical, useful way.
Today's episode explains Catastrophic Thinking, or Catastrophizing. This is a common cognitive error where you tend to focus on the worst case scenario in the absence of logic or data to support your fear. I hope you find the episode helpful, and wishing you the best in cognitive clarity! Thanks for tuning in!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 49: Distortion of the Day! Catastrophic Thinking, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 49: Distortion of the Day! Catastrophic Thinking, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Oct 21, 2022

Episode 48: How To Identify Your Core Irrational Beliefs

In this episode I discuss a helpful therapeutic topic called Core Irrational Beliefs (CIB). CIB's typically stem from the experiences a child has growing up with learning from his or her family of origin, messages from the media, interactions with peers, and from trauma. CIB's significantly shape the way we view the world around us and about our roles and relationships. I like to conceptualize CIB's as pertaining to the Self, Others, and the World around us. I spend time in this episode discussing these types of CIB's and where they come from, and I use case studies to illustrate the various CIB's.

I also highly recommend listening to Episode 46: The ABC's of Cognitive Therapy which is directly pertinent to this topic of CIB's. Thanks for checking it out; and please be sure to like and leave a good review for me and forward the episode to others who may be interested.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 48: How To Identify Your Core Irrational Beliefs, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 48: How To Identify Your Core Irrational Beliefs, with Dr. Aaron Kaplan - Oct 17, 2022

Becoming a Limitless Person!

Today I met with Dr. Kimberly Quinn, a professor of Cognitive Psychology at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Quinn teaches and speaks on topics of Positive Psychology. Today we talked about becoming a "Limitless Person," who is someone that taps into their authentic self, is true to their values, and isn't afraid to create the life for themselves that they want and deserve. Limitless people do not hold themselves back -- they "go for it" in life without shame or hesitation. To do this, they cultivate a strong sense of gratitude, compassion, and interconnectedness to the world around them. We discussed many of the key mindsets shared by Limitless People.

Dr. Quinn teaches courses on Mindcraft (with a D) and Cognitive Psychology and she speaks at various colleges, universities, and organizations on a variety of topics related to optimal functioning and life satisfaction. She’s done TedX talks including:

No Need to Fix Me: I’m Not Broken
The Double-edged Sword: ADHD and Impulsivity
Dr. Quinn also has her own weekly podcast called Mindcraft podcast, and a Mindcraft Youtube channel. Both are aimed at striving for optimal well-being and life satisfaction. She also writes for Psychology Today on topics related to positive psychology.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 47: Becoming a Limitless Person, With Dr. Kimberly Quinn on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 47: Becoming a Limitless Person, With Dr. Kimberly Quinn - Oct 11, 2022

MIND TRICKS RADIO Episode 46: The ABC’s of Cognitive Therapy: Identify and Reframe Your Irrational Thoughts

Today I decided to try something different and recorded my first solo episode of Mind Tricks Radio. While I am eclectic in my approach to clinical psychology, meaning I draw from many different modalities when I work with patients, I find that cognitive therapy techniques can be extremely helpful to the therapeutic process. This episode may be helpful if you're new to cognitive therapy and would like to gain a better understanding on how your thoughts affect your mood. If you've had experience with cognitive therapy, this may be a practical and simple refresher on basic CBT concepts.

In this episode, I talk about the ABC's of Cognitive Therapy, including identifying triggers and events, the thoughts we have about them, and the resulting feelings. I discuss the concept of "mixed mood states," for which it's therapeutically helpful to tease apart the many feelings we can experience simultaneously. I discuss how to slow down your thinking and identifying how your thoughts are connected to your feelings. I also discuss how to examine your thoughts and evaluate whether they are Rational and/or Functional as a means of reframing and restructuring irrational thinking.

I hope you find the episode to be useful! Please Subscribe to MIND TRICKS RADIO, and Like the episode if you enjoy it. It's also very helpful to leave a good review, I really appreciate it!

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 46: The ABC’s of Cognitive Therapy: Identify and Reframe Your Irrational Thoughts on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 46: The ABC’s of Cognitive Therapy: Identify and Reframe Your Irrational Thoughts - Oct 4, 2022

Episode 45: The Curious Case of Tyke the Elephant

Today's episode of Mind Tricks Radio is an unusual one. I interviewed Dr. Tyler Ralston about his firsthand experience witnessing the rampage of Tyke the Elephant through the streets of Honolulu on August 20, 1994.

During a performance by Circus International, an African Bush Elephant named Tyke mauled her trainer and then charged out of the event at the Neal Blaisdell Center and rampaged through the streets of the Kakaako business district. She was eventually brought down by police gunfire over 30 minutes later. She was shot at least 86 times. This was a pivotal event for Dr. Ralston and caused him to think more intently about trauma. It also prompted him to take action and address animal cruelty and public policy.

In the interview, Dr. Ralston talks about his own personal experience coping with the traumatic event, and then discusses common factors leading a person to be traumatized. He also discusses how he dealt with the trauma, and how he helps others heal from their own traumas using cognitive and behavioral techniques common to trauma treatment.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 45: The Curious Case of Tyke the Elephant -- A Psychologist’s Firsthand Experience of Trauma and How He Addressed it, with Dr. Tyler Ralston on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 45: The Curious Case of Tyke the Elephant -- A Psychologist’s Firsthand Experience of Trauma and How He Addressed it, with Dr. Tyler Ralston - Sep 30, 2022

Episode 44: The Silent Treatment: A Cutting Form of Passive-Aggression, with Dr. Bernard Golden

After taking a break from podcasting for five months, I'm excited to launch the next season of MIND TRICKS RADIO! This podcast series explores contemporary themes in psychology, where I interview innovative clinicians, researchers, and thinkers in the field.

In today's interview, I met with Clinical Psychologist Bernard Golden and spoke with him about Passive-Aggression and the Silent Treatment. Dr. Golden has written several books and articles on the subject of Anger, including: Overcoming Destructive Anger: Strategies That Work; Healthy Anger: How to Help Children and Teen Manage Their Anger; and Unlock Your Creative Genius.

We do a deep dive today on a form of anger known as Passive-Aggression, and how it can be manifested in the Silent Treatment. Dr. Golden describes what it's like to be both the perpetrator and the recipient of Passive-Aggression, and some of the psychological mechanisms that underly the phenomenon. Lastly, Dr. Golden explains ways in which he helps individuals better understand and deal with their Anger, especially as it relates to Passive-Aggression and Silent Treatment.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 44: The Silent Treatment: A Cutting Form of Passive-Aggression, with Dr. Bernard Golden on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 44: The Silent Treatment: A Cutting Form of Passive-Aggression, with Dr. Bernard Golden - Sep 24, 2022

Bouncing Back from Rejection

I enjoyed a lively conversation today on the topic of Rejection, with Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps. She discussed how people can better understand their reactions to rejection and ways they can develop strategies to cope with these uncomfortable thoughts and feelings.

Dr. Becker-Phelps is dedicated to helping people understand themselves and what they need to do to become emotionally and psychologically healthy. She has authored Bouncing Back from Rejection and Insecure in Love. She writes a Psychology Today blog called Making Change.

She also has a YouTube channel. She treats individuals and couples in her clinical practice, located in New Jersey. She is on the medical staff of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey. To learn more about Dr. Becker-Phelps, visit www.drbecker-phelps.com. Her most recent book, Bouncing Back from Rejection can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/Bouncing-Back-Rejection-Resilience-Knocks/dp/1684034027

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-43-bouncing-back-from-rejection-with-dr-leslie/id1489657852?i=1000564532018&itsct=podcast_box_link&itscg=30200&ls=1

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 43: Bouncing Back From Rejection, with Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 43: Bouncing Back From Rejection, with Dr. Leslie Becker-Phelps - May 30, 2022

PTSD and Prolonged Exposure Therapy

I enjoyed interviewing Dr. Amy Lappen, a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Long Beach, California. She specializes in the treatment of PTSD, and has expertise in in using Prolonged Exposure Therapy for trauma and PTSD.

Aside from PTSD and Trauma treatment, Dr. Lappen specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence, anger management, disordered eating, maternal depression (peri-partum and post-partum depressions and/or anxiety), fertility issues, and parenting.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 42: PTSD and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, with Dr.Amy Lappen on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 42: PTSD and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, with Dr.Amy Lappen - May 22, 2022

Letting Go of Unhealthy Romantic Relationships

I enjoyed meeting up with Dr. Roxy Zarrabi, a Clinical Psychologist in private practice who specializes in helping women struggling with low self-esteem, anxiety, or dating/relationship challenges to feel confident about themselves and the future of their relationships. Dr. Zarrabi spoke with me today about many reasons why people have difficulty letting go of unhealthy relationships, and things they may do to challenge them.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 41: Letting Go of Unhealthy Romantic Relationships, with Dr Roxy Zarrabi. on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 41: Letting Go of Unhealthy Romantic Relationships, with Dr Roxy Zarrabi. - May 16, 2022

Workplace Burnout

I enjoyed a lively and informative interview with Dr. Rachelle Scott, Medical Director of Psychiatry at Eden Health, who spoke with me on the topic of Workplace Burnout. Dr. Scott discussed how employers and individuals can identify signs and causes of burnout, and how they can address burnout through better communication and attention to employees' needs. This topic is particularly timely as individuals navigate workplace dynamics after two years of the COVID pandemic.

Dr. Scott is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who received her Medical Degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and completed residency in psychiatry at the Zucker Hillside Hospital in NY. Prior to joining Eden Health she worked as a consulting psychiatrist with the Mental Health Service Corps, an initiative of THRIVE NYC, and subsequently became the Medical Director. She has many years of experience treating adult psychiatric patients in a variety of inpatient and outpatient settings but has been most passionate about providing holistic and integrated mental health care. Dr. Scott has contributed to pieces in Business Insider, NPR, Forbes, Employee Benefit News, and many other outlets.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 40: Workplace Burnout, with Dr. Rachelle Scott on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 40: Workplace Burnout, with Dr. Rachelle Scott - May 11, 2022

The Soul of Care

It was an honor to interview Harvard Professor Dr. Arthur Kleinman, a luminary in the field of Psychiatry and Medical Anthropology. When I was a college student, Dr. Kleinman's work was a major inspiration for me to pursue a career in Clinical Psychology with a research emphasis on intersection of psychology and culture.

During the interview, we discussed Dr. Kleinman's most recent book, The Soul of Care: The Moral Education of a Husband and a Doctor. In Soul of Care, Dr. Kleinman discussed his deeply personal 10 year journey of caring for his beloved wife Joan in her struggle with early onset Alzheimer's Dementia. He puts his own experience into perspective drawing from his intellectual and academic focuses on the challenges of Western Medicine to provide adequate and meaningful care to patients and their families. If you have ever been a caretaker, or you currently find yourself in this role, you will certainly find Dr. Kleinman's interview and his book both moving and validating.

* photo credit to Torben Eskerod

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 39: The Soul of Care, with Dr. Arthur Kleinman on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 39: The Soul of Care, with Dr. Arthur Kleinman - May 5, 2022

Buddhism, Psychotherapy, and the Kalama Sutta

I enjoyed a fascinating interview with author and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. John Cottone, on the ways that Buddhist thoughts and practice intersect with practices in Western psychotherapy. Since I became a psychologist, I have always noticed parallels between Buddhist thinking and psychotherapy and I was delighted to read a post by Dr. Cottone in Psychology Today on the topic. Specifically, Dr. Cottone summarized the Kalama Sutta -- or teachings by the Buddha that encourage people to examine and question reality with logic and reason.

Dr. John Cottone is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Stony Brook, NY and a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook. Dr. Cottone has numerous peer-reviewed research publications in neuroscience, psychiatry, psychotherapy outcome and moral reasoning. He is also a regular contributor to Psychology Today where he has a blog entitled The Cube, and he is the author of three books, including, Who Are You? Essential Questions for Hitchhikers on the Road of Truth.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 38: Buddhism, Psychotherapy, and the Kalama Sutta, with Dr. John Cottone on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 38: Buddhism, Psychotherapy, and the Kalama Sutta, with Dr. John Cottone - Apr 25, 2022

Spotting Good Therapy

I enjoyed a lively conversation about Spotting Good Therapy with best selling author, screenwriter, and Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Noam Shpancer. Dr. Shpancer has written on topics about the therapeutic process and describes elements of what makes therapy a positive and beneficial experience for clients. Dr. Shpancer's bestselling novel, The Good Psychologist was translated into six languages. A movie he co-wrote, The Other Story, premiered at the Toronto Film festival and was the most successful Israeli movie of 2018, receiving broad international distribution. Dr. Shpancer teaches at Otterbein University, and he’s also a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice, specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 37: Spotting Good Therapy, with Dr.Noam Shpancer on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 37: Spotting Good Therapy, with Dr.Noam Shpancer - Apr 20, 2022

Compulsive Overconsumption and the Dopamine Economy

Today I interviewed Stanford Psychiatrist and best selling author, Dr. Anna Lembke, about her book Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence. We discussed the neurophysiology of addiction that can lead to overconsumption and how Dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, plays a crucial role in the system. Dr. Lembke also discussed how individuals need to try and recalibrate themselves to accept that uncomfortable experiences, such as pain, boredom, and sadness are a necessary part of human existence.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 36:Compulsive Overconsumption and the Dopamine Economy, with Dr. Anna Lembke on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 36:Compulsive Overconsumption and the Dopamine Economy, with Dr. Anna Lembke - Apr 12, 2022

Home Is Us: A Story About Hope & Resilience

Today I interviewed Dr. Jackie Ogega, a champion for gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. We discussed her book Home Is Us: A Story About Hope & Resilience, a memoir of her experiences growing up in Kenya. Dr. Ogega describes the love and guidance of strong women in her childhood who gave her a sense of safety, security, and purpose in light of rampant community violence and oppression toward women.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 35: Home Is Us: A Story of Hope and Resilience, with Dr. Jackie Ogega on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 35: Home Is Us: A Story of Hope and Resilience, with Dr. Jackie Ogega - Apr 6, 2022

The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories and False Beliefs

Today I had an interesting conversation with UCLA Psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Pierre on the timely topic the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories and False Beliefs. Dr. Pierre explained how conspiracy theories often arise as a means of coping with fear and uncertainty, especially as the world has certainly experienced a mage-dose uncertainly in recent years. He talked about how and why people succumb to false beliefs and how they evaluate evidence to support their beliefs.

‎Mind Tricks Radio: Episode 34: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories and False Beliefs, With Dr. Joseph Pierre on Apple Podcasts ‎Show Mind Tricks Radio, Ep Episode 34: The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories and False Beliefs, With Dr. Joseph Pierre - Mar 30, 2022