Episode 77: Awe isn’t just a beautiful emotion—it’s a powerful tool for well-being. Research shows it can reduce stress, ease anxiety, lift mood, and even relieve chronic pain. Host Debra Sloss is joined by Dr. Michael Amster, co-author of The Power of Awe, and Jaime Garcia to explore how awe regulates the nervous system, enhances mental health, and simple ways to cultivate it in just one minute a day.
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Episode 76: Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) allows terminally ill, mentally capable adults to self-ingest prescribed medication to pass peacefully on their own terms. As the Baby Boomer generation ages, end-of-life choices are more relevant than ever. Psychotherapist and host Debra Sloss is joined by Dr. Lisa Segnitz, a palliative care physician, Kim Stokely, who supported her sister through MAID, and Neil Vargas-Gladen, a chaplain offering spiritual insights. Together, they explore MAID’s ethical, medical, mental health and emotional dimensions.
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Episode 75: This episode unpacks the differences between codependent and interdependent relationships, focusing on setting healthy boundaries and recognizing what you can and cannot control. Psychotherapist Kat Zwick, LMFT, and Jill, a Co-Dependents Anonymous member, share insights and strategies for managing anxious or imbalanced dynamics—with a loved one facing mental health challenges, substance abuse, or other difficulties. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, spouse, or friend, this conversation offers valuable tools to navigate relationships and foster personal well-being.
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Episode 74: Over 70% of U.S. adults have experienced trauma, which can deeply impact mental and physical health by altering the brain and nervous system. Fortunately, recovery is possible. Yoga teacher Abbey Asher shares how she maintained her mental health while caring for her terminally ill husband, and trauma specialist Karen Ouse, LMFT, provides strategies to heal, calm the nervous system, and build resilience. This episode offers tools and hope for rebuilding after trauma.
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Episode 73: This episode sheds light on the overlooked struggles of mothers supporting adult children with mental health or addiction challenges. Balancing unconditional love with setting boundaries and preserving their own well-being requires immense resilience. Psychotherapist and author Judith Smith, PhD, shares research on mothers navigating these challenges later in life, while Cathy Pereyra, a mother and a mental health education and support group leader, offers her lived experience and practical insights. Together, our guests and several contributing mothers discuss the support needed to help these mothers not just survive, but thrive.
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Episode 72: This episode tackles the impact of social media on teen mental health, featuring teen voices at the forefront. Guest host Niku Sedarat, an 18-year-old mental health advocate, joins three young adults and Harvard psychologist Dr. Emily Weinstein to share research-based findings, real life experiences, and insights. Together, they discuss the dual role of social media in both supporting and challenging well-being of youth, while offering parents and caregivers a deeper understanding of the digital lives of today’s teens.
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Episode 71: In this episode, we dive into the complexities of navigating the special education system, particularly for students with hidden disabilities such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety. With 13% of California’s K-12 students receiving individualized services, understanding this process is crucial for parents and caregivers seeking the best support for their children. Joined by educator and parent Anne Childers and Dr. Kathryn Keithly, a licensed educational psychologist, we aim to provide a practical guide for advocating within the school system.
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Episode 70: In this episode, we discuss bipolar disorder and its challenges for college students. Allyson Makuch shares her inspiring journey of navigating bipolar disorder through college and graduate school, while Dr. David Lo from the University of California, Santa Cruz provides advice on managing bipolar disorder while pursuing academic goals.
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Episode 69: Explore the profound impact of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in this episode. Educator and musician Lisa Taylor shares her personal journey with OCD and the treatments that help her thrive, including Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy. Psychologist Dr. Dufford discusses OCD symptoms and evidence-based treatments. Learn about an emerging therapy called I-CBT. Plus, enjoy an original song by Lisa about her experience.
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Episode 68: We explore the challenges of caregiving for aging parents, a role that one in six Americans, especially women, undertake. Award-winning author Laura Davis discusses her experience of reconciling with her mother while caring for her through dementia and death. Dr. Karl Segnitz provides advice on end-of-life care and support. Tune in to gain insights and support for this vital role.
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