Shrinks Rap

James Bramson, Psy, D & Rafael Cortina, MFT

Shrinks Rap welcomes psychologists and healers to share their journeys - both personal and professional. James H. Bramson, licensed Psychologist and Social Worker, and Rafael J. Cortina, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist "rap" with a variety of guests, including new and seasoned therapists, thought leaders, creative artists, and lifestyle experts about how their paths brought them to the field of healing and what they've learned along the way.

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#92
August 18 · 51 min
Dude, Where's My Wife?
Shrinksrap.com was selected for MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Dr. Jim Bramson & Lisa Rosenthal interview Daria Flowers and her Dude, Greg What happens when the woman you love enters perimenopause and suddenly neither of you got the instruction manual? In this episode of ShrinksRap, Jim and Lisa sit down with women’s health professional, educator, and author Daria Flowers and her husband, Greg—aka “The Dude”—for a funny, candid, and compassionate conversation about menopause, marriage, and the fine art of not trying to fix everything. Daria was inspired to write her book while navigating her own perimenopause and its impact on her health, identity, and relationship. Greg readily confesses that he has lived every chapter. His hard-earned Dude wisdom? Be patient. Stay curious. Be humble. Stop trying to fix it. And keep your sense of humor. We explore what happens when estrogen and progesterone start behaving like they’ve misplaced the car keys: brain fog, night sweats, sleep disruption, weight and mood changes, shifting identity, and changes in sex and intimacy. Women can feel like strangers in their own bodies, while partners may feel confused, rejected, lonely—or simply wonder, “Dude, where's my wife?” But menopause doesn’t have to untether a relationship. It can be an opportunity to adapt, laugh, communicate, and grow closer. The key for Dudes everywhere: educate yourself, don’t take everything personally, and learn to show up without immediately reaching for the toolbox. With Daria’s practical hacks and Greg’s lessons from the front lines, this episode offers a roadmap for navigating one of life’s biggest biological—and relational—transitions together. Your wife hasn’t disappeared, Dude. The operating system is just getting an update. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#91
August 10 · 48 min
Honolulu Blues: Loving a Losing Team, Recovery, and Learning to Let Go with Joel Walkowski
Shrinksrap.com was selected for MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. What can being a lifelong Detroit Lions fan teach us about addiction, recovery, resilience, and life? Apparently, quite a lot—something yours truly, a long-suffering Lions fan, knows all too well. In this episode of ShrinksRap, Dr. James Bramson sits down with Joel Walkowski, author of Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man, to explore the unlikely intersection of football, comedy, recovery, and learning to love something almost certain to let you down. Joel describes being a Lions fan as being a musician on the Titanic: every Sunday the ship may be sinking, but you still show up and play. The Lions haven’t won an NFL championship since 1957 and have never appeared in a Super Bowl. Yet we diehards keep coming back. Joel explores the parallels between football fandom and addiction—the obsession, anticipation, emotional highs and lows, magical thinking, and eternal belief that this time will be different. Recovery taught him to feel disappointment without staying stuck in it. Sometimes that means heading straight to the basketball court after a Lions loss rather than spending Sunday marinating in Honolulu Blue misery. One of the most touching moments involves Joel’s dying father, “Banjo Bob,” who encouraged him to attend the Lions’ 2023 NFC Championship Game—where, naturally, Detroit blew a second-half lead. Bob’s humor remained intact to the end, wearing a shirt declaring, “I’m Not Dead Yet.” Clearly, funny runs in the family. Joel also takes us from living in a van in Vallejo to completing his education, working in stand-up comedy and celebrity roasts, and ultimately helping others through SMART Recovery. It’s a conversation about football that’s really about life: acceptance, resilience, recovery, humor, and learning to keep showing up when life doesn’t follow the script. Joel may have discovered the elixir for Lions diehards like me: how to keep winning at life even when your favorite team is losing. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#90
June 30 · 51 min
From EFT to EMDR: Healing Trauma, Relationships, and Ourselves with Dr. Jason N. Linder
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! Can eye movements really help heal trauma? Is joy actually one of our most vulnerable—and least expressed—emotions? And how do trauma therapists spend their days swimming through other people’s pain without needing EMDR themselves after every session? In this episode of ShrinksRap, Dr. James Bramson sits down with nationally recognized trauma expert Dr. Jason N. Linder to explore the powerful intersection of EMDR, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), mindfulness, and attachment neuroscience. Together, they discuss how these approaches complement one another, when each is most effective, and why healing isn’t simply about reducing symptoms—it’s about creating safety, secure connection, resilience, and the freedom to fully engage in life. The conversation also ventures beyond the therapy office to explore what gives therapists joy and meaning, why the ability to say “no” is essential for emotional safety and effective clinical supervision, and how today’s immigration climate is affecting Latino and immigrant communities. Along the way, Dr. Linder shares practical wisdom for clinicians, hope for those recovering from trauma, and lessons learned from decades of helping people heal. Whether you’re a therapist, psychology student, or simply fascinated by how people grow and recover, this episode is filled with warmth, clinical insight, and just enough humor to remind us that even trauma therapists occasionally laugh… usually after making sure everyone has completed their resourcing exercise. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#89
June 14 · 42 min
From Insight to Embodiment: Healing Trauma, Addiction, and the Nervous System with Beth Foley
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! Today on ShrinksRap, we welcome Beth Foley, a Bay Area somatic trauma practitioner, yoga therapist, and wellness advocate who helps people heal from trauma, addiction, chronic stress, and anxiety by reconnecting with the wisdom of the body. Beth also offers wellness trainings and consultation for individuals, groups, and organizations, and will be a featured panelist at the next Human Potential Conference in Berkeley, California, on October 22, 2026. In this conversation, we explore the powerful link between addiction and the nervous system, why insight alone is often not enough for lasting recovery, how trauma gets stored in the body, and what healing can look like when we move beyond symptom management toward greater connection, meaning, freedom, and aliveness. Whether you’re interested in recovery, mindfulness, trauma, or personal growth, Beth offers practical wisdom and a refreshing reminder: sometimes the body knows the way forward before the mind catches up. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#88
June 10 · 52 min
AI, Leadership, and the Future of Being Fully Human at Work
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! Jeremy Hirshberg on Leadership, Burnout, Meaning, and Why Your Boss Shouldn’t Sound Like ChatGPT Jeremy Hirshberg — organizational psychologist, leadership consultant and executive coach for Organizational Solutions, founder of Kaleidoscope Collaborative, and host of Resiliency Rounds and The Good Life, Reconsidered — joins the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, leadership, resilience, and what happens when technology starts moving faster than the human nervous system. Drawing on his work at the Center for Creative Leadership and Booz Allen Hamilton, Jeremy explores how organizations can integrate AI without losing empathy, creativity, psychological safety, or their collective soul. We discuss burnout, “AI theater,” executive anxiety, emotional intelligence, adaptability, meaning-making, and why the future belongs not simply to companies with the best technology — but to those combining high AI capability with being fully human. This taps into an interdependent cultural framework. Along the way we ask uncomfortable questions: What work should humans still own? What decisions should never be delegated to AI? Can mindfulness survive Slack notifications? And is your company innovating… or just panic-Googling the future with better branding? Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#87
May 29 · 49 min
Psychedelics and Addiction: Hope, Hype, Healing, and Risk — A Conversation with Dr. Janis Phelps
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! In this thought-provoking episode of Shrinks Rap, yours truly, Dr. James Bramson, sits down with Janis Phelps—clinical psychologist, professor, and founder of the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research at CIIS — to explore one of the most fascinating, hopeful, and controversial frontiers in modern mental health treatment: psychedelic-assisted therapy for addiction and emotional healing. As public enthusiasm for psychedelics accelerates faster than a Silicon Valley startup pitch deck, are we entering a genuine new era of recovery—or another cycle of overpromising and magical thinking? Dr. Phelps brings decades of experience in clinical psychology, mindfulness, ethics, and therapist training to a nuanced conversation about both the extraordinary potential and very real risks of psychedelic medicine. Janis also discusses her hope that psychedelic experiences can help cultivate a more interconnected “one world, one love” mindset—one that fosters compassion, reverence for nature, and a deeper sense of meaning and belonging. From this expanded awareness of consciousness, she believes people may become more attuned not only to their own healing, but also to the ecological and spiritual crises facing our planet. In short: perhaps healing ourselves and healing the Earth are not entirely separate projects. Heavy stuff—but in a good way. Together, we explore: • What people are getting wrong right now about psychedelics and addiction • The biggest upside—and biggest dangers—for vulnerable patients • Who may benefit most, and who should absolutely avoid these treatments • Whether psychedelics can become another form of emotional escape or spiritual bypassing • Why some profound psychedelic experiences lead to lasting transformation—and others fade quickly • The most common reasons psychedelic treatment fails • What matters most: the medicine, the therapist, or the integration process • Whether a “mystical experience” is actually necessary for recovery • How clinicians screen for psychosis risk, destabilization, and contraindications • Whether the field is over-promising results to people desperate for healing Dr. Phelps also discusses the importance of ethical therapist training, mindfulness, integration, and the intersection of Eastern contemplative traditions with psychotherapy. The conversation balances curiosity with caution, hope with realism, and science with soul—while reminding listeners that psychedelic healing is not magic, but a complex process that depends on careful screening, support, and integration. For clinicians, seekers, skeptics, recovering humans, and anyone interested in the future of mental health and recovery, this episode offers a grounded and deeply human exploration of what psychedelic healing can—and cannot—do. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#85
May 22 · 46 min
High Potency Cannabis, Fentanyl, and Teens: What Parents Need to Know — A Conversation with Dr. Veronika Mesheriakova
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! Dr. Veronika Mesheriakova is an adolescent medicine physician, addiction specialist, and founder of the Northern California Adolescent Specialty Center. She previously served as an Associate Professor in the Division of Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine at University of California, San Francisco, where she founded the UCSF Youth Outpatient Substance Use Program and conducted research focused on adolescent substance use and addiction. Dr. Mesheriakova completed her pediatrics residency at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Adolescent Medicine at UCSF. She will also be a featured speaker at the Human Potential Conference. In this timely episode of Shrinks Rap, Dr. James Bramson speaks with Dr. Veronika Mesheriakova about the growing mental health and addiction crisis facing today’s teens. Together, they explore the rise of high-potency cannabis, fentanyl exposure, vaping, and polysubstance use among adolescents—many of whom appear outwardly “fine” while quietly struggling emotionally. Dr. Mesheriakova explains how today’s cannabis differs dramatically from earlier generations, with higher THC concentrations linked to anxiety, depression, psychosis risk, emotional dysregulation, and addiction in developing brains. The conversation also examines the growing danger of fentanyl contamination in counterfeit pills and recreational drugs, making experimentation increasingly life-threatening. The episode highlights practical ways parents can approach teens without escalating shame, secrecy, or power struggles around substances and screen time. Dr. Mesheriakova emphasizes the importance of family involvement, the role medications can play in treatment, and how recovery ultimately depends on helping adolescents reconnect with hope, purpose, belonging, and a future worth showing up for. The conversation balances science, compassion, and humor—because parenting teenagers sometimes requires both evidence-based care and an excellent breathing practice. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#84
May 16 · 1 hr 3 min
From Theatre-in-the-Round to the Boardroom: How Dr. Mark Rittenberg Humanized the C-Suite
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! This week on Shrinks Rap: what happens when a theater guy walks into the boardroom and accidentally teaches Fortune 100 executives how to have feelings? Dr. James H. Bramson sits down with Dr. Mark Rittenberg — executive coach, leadership whisperer, former actor, Fulbright Scholar, South African bridge-builder, and possibly the only man alive who can quote Shakespeare while fixing your corporate culture. From Harvard to Soweto to Silicon Valley, Mark has spent decades teaching leaders how to communicate like actual humans instead of PowerPoint templates with pulse rates. We talk about his journey from the theater to the boardroom, the profound influence of Angeles Arrien, and why empathy may be the most radical leadership skill left in modern civilization. Somewhere between authentic leadership, multicultural transformation, executive coaching, and stories that sound too cinematic to be real, we also explore: • Why the best leaders know how to listen — and actually know their employees • How acting and presentation skills can rescue broken organizations • The origin story behind his Executive Coaching program at University of California, Berkeley Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#86
May 16 · 1 hr 3 min
Leading Like Mandela: Storytelling, Presence & Authentic Leadership with Ingrid Gavshon
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! What do documentary filmmaking, executive leadership, and Nelson Mandela have in common? According to Ingrid Gavshon — everything. This week on Shrinks Rap, Dr. James H. Bramson sits down with Ingrid Gavshon — leadership communications expert, executive coach, award-winning filmmaker, and faculty member at University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business — for a conversation about storytelling, human connection, and the kind of leadership people actually want to follow. Ingrid has spent her career helping leaders find their authentic voice — whether behind a camera, in a boardroom, or standing in front of a terrified MBA class trying not to die during a presentation. Drawing from her work producing a thirteen-part documentary series on Mandela, she shares the leadership qualities that made him transformational: presence, humility, deep listening, moral courage, and the ability to make people feel seen even in conflict. Together, Jim and Ingrid explore: • What modern leaders misunderstand about charisma • Why storytelling is more powerful than authority • How empathy changes workplace culture • The surprising overlap between filmmaking and executive coaching They also discuss how Ingrid uses filmmaking techniques, experiential learning, and coaching to help aspiring leaders at Haas develop confidence, emotional intelligence, and authentic executive presence — without sounding like corporate robots reading from LinkedIn posts. Part leadership masterclass, part creative exploration, part value clarification for overachieving professionals, this episode asks a timely question: In a world full of noise, what does it mean to truly connect? Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#83
April 16 · 1 hr 1 min
My Dinner with Peter: Infinite Compassion, Infinite Jest
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! When you walk into the elegant home of Dr. Peter Carnochan, you’re greeted by a statue of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. Over the course of our dinner together and podcast conversation, it becomes clear that the figure is not decorative. It’s emblematic of Peter himself. Peter Carnochan is something of a paradox. He describes himself as half California hippie and half East Coast WASP. He came up through alternative schooling that centered art and creativity. From there, he studied at Harvard University, earning a degree philosophy—an intellectual backbone that now undergirds everything he does. Both in real life, and in the award-winning documentary, Andre Is an Idiot, Peter played the real life role of Andre Ricciardi’s psychologist. His client, Andre, is dying of colon cancer and, in many ways, becomes a kind of embodiment of “infinite jest”—finding humor in everything, even in the face of death, while documenting the experience. Peter’s defining qualities are on full display: infinite compassion paired with grounded wisdom. The result is a remarkable film that captures humor, courage, and an almost defiant vulnerability. In several scenes, Peter offers guidance that is both clinically precise and deeply human, gently expanding Andre’s capacity to face reality while staying connected to the people he loves. Today, Peter has returned to his Silicon Valley roots, working as an executive coach to some of the titans of the tech world. He brings to that ecosystem not just strategy, but a grounded life philosophy that blends compassion, insight, and a deep respect for the complexity of being human. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#82
April 7 · 54 min
From Self-Conscious to Worth-Conscious: Rewiring the Inner Narrative
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! What if the real issue isn’t that you lack confidence—but that you’ve been living from the wrong kind of consciousness? And what if worth isn’t something you earn, but something you are born with? In this episode, I sit down with Dawna Daigneault, author of Understanding Self-Worth: A Guide to Worth-Conscious Theory and Psychotherapeutic Practice (Routledge, 2026), to explore a fresh and clinically compelling framework for understanding self-worth. Dawna introduces Worth-Conscious Theory (WCT), a model she has been developing for over a decade, which distinguishes between self-consciousness—a state rooted in evaluation, comparison, and performance—and worth-consciousness, a more grounded, inherent sense of being enough. We unpack how many individuals struggle with what Dawna calls “systemically denied self-worth,” and how this shows up in anxiety, perfectionism, relationships, and the relentless pressure to prove oneself. She also walks us through the “Conscious Moment” technique—an accessible, ACT-informed intervention designed to help clients (and the rest of us) shift out of self-judgment and into a more stable, compassionate awareness of worth. This conversation bridges theory and practice, offering clinicians and everyday listeners a powerful lens—and practical tools—for rewiring the inner narrative from “Am I enough?” to a deeper, quieter knowing that you already are. If you’ve ever felt caught in the loop of self-doubt or driven by the need to earn your worth, this episode offers a meaningful way out. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#81
February 24 · 50 min
Can AI Bots Cause Delusions?
Shrinks Rap was recently ranked #2 among psychotherapy podcasts and included in MillionPodcasts’ 2026 Top 100 Psychology Podcasts list. Thank you listeners! Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Julia Sheffield, professor at Vanderbilt University and clinician specializing in psychotic and delusional disorders. She discusses her research and her interview with The New York Times on how AI chatbots may unintentionally reinforce or contribute to delusional thinking. Dr. Sheffield explains how AI can mirror and amplify distorted beliefs by bypassing reality testing, raising concerns about vulnerable users forming unhealthy attachments — reminiscent of Her starring Joaquin Phoenix where a man falls in love with a bot and slowly loses his grounding. Invoking the image of being “10 feet tall” — a nod to - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - people ask Dr. Sheffield how not to fall into the rabbit hole. How altered perception, magnified meaning, and distorted reality can take hold in both human psychology and AI-mediated experience. Dr. Sheffield frames psychosis on a spectrum and challenges the field’s overreliance on the medical model, emphasizing that therapy can be highly effective. She calls for clinicians to engage more confidently with this often-avoided yet deeply treatable population. A timely conversation at the intersection of AI, attachment, delusion, and reality. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 MillionPodcasts helps you find the best podcasts on the web. Podcast Database for PR Outreach & Guest Booking - MillionPodcasts WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#80
Dec 8, 2025 · 48 min
It Is Not Your Fault: What Parents, Clinicians, and Educators Should Know About Treating Eating Disorders
Featuring Dr. Lauren Hartman M.D. Dr. Jim sits down with Dr. Lauren Hartman, a double board-certified specialist in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics, contributor to Psychology Today, and author of the forthcoming book Freeing Children & Young Adults from Shame, Scales & Stigma. In this episode, Dr. Hartman breaks down what every parent, clinician, and educator needs to understand about eating disorders—and why it’s not your fault. She highlights the essential role families can play in the healing process and offers practical guidance for supporting adolescents with compassion and clarity. We explore the Barbie effect, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and how social media and comparison culture fuel distorted body image and perfectionism. Dr. Hartman underscores the absurdity of our societal ideals: the original 1959 Barbie, scaled to human size, would stand 5’9”, weigh 110 pounds, measure 39–18–33, and—ironically—would meet criteria for anorexia. And Barbie’s measurements haven’t improved much since. Zooming out, we look at the cultural forces that perpetuate body shaming and misunderstanding about what “healthy” truly means. Dr. Hartman shares how to talk with adolescents about their eating disorders, what treatments show the strongest evidence, and how to navigate parental shame without derailing recovery. Finally, we discuss the powerful role of Internal Family Systems (IFS) as an integrative therapeutic approach for adolescents and families—an essential model for clinicians working in this space. This episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting young people on the path toward healing, nourishment, and self-compassion. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#79
Dec 1, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
Mindful Parenting During Times of Uncertainty: Human Potential Conference
Featuring Drs. Benton-Hardy, Freed, Peterson, and Ehrensaft • Hosted by Dr. Jim Bramson In this special episode, four brilliant clinicians explore what it means to parent mindfully in an age of rapid change, digital overload, and cultural uncertainty. Each expert brings a unique blend of curiosity, expertise, humor, and heart to the conversation. Dr. Lisa R. Benton-Hardy reflects on the risks of “Dr. Google” and the gap between online advice and true clinical expertise—especially when parents are overwhelmed by information. Dr. Dan Peters challenges the term “failure to launch,” offering a compassionate reframing: young adults often need more time to find their place in today’s complex world, and that’s not a failure. He also dives into the experiences of twice-exceptional (2E) children in dialogue with Dr. Hardy. Dr. Diane Ehrensaft discusses current research on gender-affirming care, the stressful political climate facing transgender youth and the professionals who support them, and what all parents can learn from the resilience and wisdom of queer and gender-diverse clients. Dr. Richard Freed brings his signature wit and clarity to the topic of persuasive design, attention hacking, and the addictive architecture of modern video games. He unpacks how Silicon Valley profits from keeping kids online—and why mindful parenting requires understanding the commoditization of a child’s attention span. This episode offers grounded, practical, and deeply human guidance for navigating parenting in our increasingly uncertain times. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#78
Oct 21, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
The Architect of Connection: Jeff Cohen on Couples Therapy
Dr. Jim Bramson interviews his esteemed colleague and good mate - Jeff Cohen. Jeff Cohen is an articulate, deeply knowledgeable couples therapist with a background as unique as his approach. Before becoming a therapist, Jeff trained as an architect—and that foundation in design informs both his artistry as a visual artist and his craftsmanship as a clinician. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from blueprints to breakthroughs and offers an inside look at his work with couples through the PACT model and the Hakomi Method. He reflects on what couples should look for in therapy, what actually works best in the process, and what aspiring couples therapists ought to keep in mind. Jeff is brilliant, candid, and full of wisdom—you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the art and architecture of couples therapy. And then there’s the Minnesota trivia segment. Let’s just say Jeff nailed the politicians and Bob Dylan but forgot Prince, Judy Garland, the Coen Brothers, and Al Franken. Even so, his Minneapolis roots and mastery of the field are beyond question. Enjoy this rich, insightful, and slightly playful conversation! WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#77
Oct 13, 2025 · 51 min
Psychiatry and Mindful Parenting in the Land of Oz
Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Lisa Hardy, M.D. In this insightful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Hardy to explore the intersections of medication, therapy, and mindful parenting. Dr. Hardy shares her wisdom on when medication can be helpful versus when therapy may be most effective, the unique challenges of treating ADHD and twice-exceptional (2E) children, and how hormonal shifts during menopause influence mental health. The conversation also delves into the effects of social media on attention span, the often-overlooked importance of hydration, and the deeper themes of humility, curiosity, and authenticity in clinical work. Together, they “pull back the curtain” to reveal what it truly means to show up more fully human—for both clients and themselves as healers. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#76
Oct 8, 2025 · 56 min
Love Is in the Cards: How Michael & Vivienne Aronowitz Created Marriage Aces
Married for over 48 years, Michael and Vivienne Aronowitz transformed their own journey into Marriage Aces—a playful, research-based game designed to help couples strengthen emotional safety, gratitude, kindness, and a solid foundation. Each trip around the board and every card drawn from the four decks creates new opportunities for closeness and better communication. In this lively episode, they share their story, the influences that shaped the game (Gottman, Sue Johnson, Coach Tony Dungy), and why humor, lychees, and even peeled grapes belong in the recipe for a happy marriage. Link to Marriage Aces: https://www.drmichaelaronowitz.com/marriage-aces Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#75
Oct 6, 2025 · 56 min
Reclaiming Joy and Meaning: For Moms in Midlife
Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Lisa Rosenthal, J.D. and Johanna Murphy, Ph.D. In this episode, Dr. Jim sits down with Lisa Rosenthal (lawyer, coach, and all-around human potential wrangler) and Dr. Johanna Murphy (psychologist and midlife whisperer) to talk about their group for moms navigating the wonderfully confusing second act of life. They delve into subjects like menopause, changing roles, transitions, shifting responsibilities, and newfound freedom. Johanna and Lisa also dive into the rollercoaster of midlife transitions: the body shifts, relationships shift, identity shifts—basically everything shifts except the demands on your time (those, apparently, stay on repeat). Think of it as adolescence with better skin and more of an opportunity to be yourself because, after all, “everyone else is taken.” Together this dynamic duo explores how to ditch limiting narratives, embrace mindfulness tools, and find joy, meaning, and purpose in a stage of life that can feel like chaos and possibility rolled into one. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#74
Oct 6, 2025 · 58 min
Mindful Parenting Without Losing Your Self Compassion or Cool
Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Josh Wilson Parenting is the only gig where you’re expected to be a Zen monk, a crisis negotiator, and a part-time mediator — all before breakfast. In this episode of Shrinksrap, Dr. Jim Bramson sits down with Dr. Josh Wilson to explore mindful parenting through the lenses of IFS, ACT, and Imago —and, yes, how social media is both helping and wrecking us in equal measure. We dig into what it means to stay grounded when your kid is melting down in aisle 5 of Target, or when your teenager rolls their eyes so hard you worry they might sprain something. You’ll hear about practical strategies, awkward confessions, and why “just breathe” sometimes translates to hiding in the bathroom with Oreos. From bedtime battles to Instagram pressures, this episode reminds us that mindful parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about surviving the chaos with a little humor, a little compassion, and lot of curiosity, emotional maturity, self-awareness, and playfulness. After all, we want to stay lighthearted and unencumbered with PTSD (Playful Termination Stress Disorder). Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here
#73
Aug 8, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Brains, Biochemistry, Nutritional Psychiatry, and the Granby Roll: A Conversation with Dr. Sheldon Zablow
In this episode, you’ll be regaled by the brilliant stories and psychiatric hacks of Dr. Sheldon Zablow—known to his friends and patients as Dr. Z, and to me as Dr. Shelly. Dr. Z is a retired child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist who practiced in San Diego for over four decades. He taught child psychiatry at UCSD for 25 years, earning multiple teaching awards, and worked with everyone from military families aboard the USS Carl Vinson to underserved populations and elite medical institutions. What makes Dr. Z truly one of a kind is how effortlessly he bridges science and story—whether he’s explaining the neurobiology of mental health or describing wrestling maneuvers like The Granby Roll with poetic precision. He’s also the author of Your Vitamins Are Obsolete: The Vitamer Revolution, a provocative and practical book on nutritional psychiatry—and yes, we’ll dive into that too. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

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