Best Core Ish Podcasts (2025)

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Empowering Children, Teens, & Young Adults with Dr Christine Silverstein 51:11

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1h ago51:11

51:11

Dr Christine Silverstein believes that young people are strong, and that their strength increases the more the believe in themselves. As a Behavioral Health RN, author, and clinical hypnotist she specializes in helping children to find empowerment through healthy self-talk, academics, and strong relationships. Follow her work at www.idealperformanc…

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Surviving Nail Salon Chaos to Societal Woes-ISH 1:02:59

8h ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Send us a text What do a bad nail salon experience and the current political climate have in common? They both require you to find your voice. In this episode of Surviving-ish, host David and his good friend Kris dive into the messy reality of modern life. Join us as we explore how a small, funny inconvenience can lead to a deeper conversation abou…

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The Premiere: Surviving Pet Names, Family Weddings, & That Mental Health Talk-ISH 51:04

10h ago51:04

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Send us a text Welcome to the very first episode of 'Surviving Ish,' the podcast where we discuss the little nuances and sometimes the big stuff that we're attempting to survive. Hosted by David, this episode features Jenny from the 'Unholier' podcast and Johnna, a reoccurring guest with a powerful story. Together, they dive into various topics suc…

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Foster Care and Step Parenting, with Debbie Ausburn 1:03:20

20h ago1:03:20

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Debbie Ausburn is a social worker and the author of "Raising Other Peoples Children: What Foster Parenting Taught Me About Bringing Together A Blended Family." She shares her experiences as a Foster and Step Parent, and the lessons learned from successes and mistakes connecting and parenting children in situations where trust must be earned instead…

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What is Smart Horror? With Dalin & Izzy 1:15:57

15d ago1:15:57

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What kind of scary movies do you like? What type of storytelling do you find to be smart and compelling? It's Halloween time, a time for spooky, scary stuff, and I am joined by two movie and Halloween experts, Dalin Rowell of "It's Reely a Podcast, and Isabel Teran of "Hearsing Around," and "That's Bodacious Dude! 80 Radical Movies from the Eightie…

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Join The Because Organization's Fundraiser for Survivors of Trafficking 40:31

19d ago40:31

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Marcia Holt & Bill Cottringer return to the show to share details about the virtual walk/run fundraising event for The Because Organization, a nonprofit providing virtual and in-person services for survivors of Human Trafficking, and helping them to stabilize their lives vocationally, psychologically, medically, and in whatever other ways needed. L…

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Diagnosis, Assessment, and ADHD with Dr Barry Herman 51:50

20d ago51:50

51:50

The way in which we diagnose mental health conditions has been key to the treatment world. Much of this has historically been done through patient report and observable behavior. As time has gone by assessment instruments and tools have been developed to help, but the individual assessment will always be important. Dr Barry Herman, medical director…

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Can I fight Trauma with Joy? MC McDonald says YES! 42:58

21d ago42:58

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Dr Mary-Catherine (MC) MCDonald is a Research Professor, Trauma Recovery Expert, and the Author of "The Joy Reset." Her expertise is in the use of joy to combat the effects of trauma. Going deeper than just the philosophy of joy, she shares actionable techniques to reduce trauma symptoms. We also like & dislike some of the same trends in therapy. F…

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Purple Crayons, by Dr Ross Ellenhorn 54:47

1M ago54:47

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Remember "Harold and the Purple Crayon"? So does Dr Ross Ellenhorn, our guest today and the author of "Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life." Dr Ellenhorn uses the framework of the world of Harold and the Purple Crayon to showcase the importance of individuality and creativity when dealing with mental illness, addiction, and health. The charit…

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Women of Gotham, with Dalin Rowell 1:25:53

2M ago1:25:53

1:25:53

What kind of women characters do we find in Batman stories? How do they interact with Batman, The BatFamily, and the world of Gotham? Dalin Rowell, host & creator of "It's Reely a Podcast," joins me to discuss this year's Batman episode, where we focus on Characters such as Catwoman, Batgirl, Talia al Ghul, Baby Doll, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and …

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The Human Animal, with Frank Forcich 45:51

2M ago45:51

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Frank Forcich is a biologist and health educator. He teaches people to understanding life through the lens of what attributes human beings have as animals within the natural world, and to assess how we are influenced by health and habitat. His perspective helps to break down the things that influence the way we form culture, community, and how we m…

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Choices & Redemption in the new film 55, with Filmmaker Shyam Madiraju 51:24

2M ago51:24

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Shyam Madiraju is the writer & Director of "55," a modern Dickensian story set in Mumbai, India. It tells the story of a young pickpocket who faces hard decisions about survival, morality, and what power we have over our own lives. Look for the film streaming on Video On Demand, and follow Shyam's work on Instagram @mad_n_shy The highlighted nonpro…

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Adventure, Redemption, & Storytelling with Author Bill Combs 47:41

2M ago47:41

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Bill Combs is the Author of the novel, "The Quantum Gate," (and its upcoming sequel). An adventure story in the spirit of Indiana Jones, Da Vinci Code, Stargate, this novel is a story of trauma and redemption, with riddles, treasure hunting, and mystical elements. He joins the podcast to share this story and his approach to creating realistic chara…

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Live Event Audio for Overdose Awareness Part 2 2:58:12

2M ago2:58:12

2:58:12

The second half of the 4th Annual Live Stream for International Overdose Awareness Day. In this segment of the stream Dwight and Isabel Teran are joined by the Reels of Justice Podcast hosts to discuss addiction, engagement with life, and cultural/societal elements of health. Ryan Luis Rodriguez, Robb Maynard, Ben Haslar, and Dylan Schlender have a…

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Live Event Audio for Overdose Awareness (part 1) 2:17:33

2M ago2:17:33

2:17:33

This is the first half of the Annual Live Stream for International Overdose Awareness Day, 2025. Join hosts Dwight and Izzie as we look at how Engagement & Avoidance factor into addiction. In Part one we are joined by Chris Revill and Mike Lundsford. Please support & share our highlighted charity of the month, Akshaya Pahtra, a NGO in India providi…

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Monday Mental Tip Do Things Poorly 14:49

2M ago14:49

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Monday Mental Health Tip Time, talking about the human tendency to wait to act until we feel sure of success, and what that can cost us in experiences. Big thank you and shout out to the folks who appeared on and helped the Live Stream for Overdose Awareness yesterday. That audio will be showing up in the feed soon. Thanks to: Isabel Teran, Ryan Lu…

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Live Stream tomorrow! 5:54

3M ago5:54

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Tomorrow will be the Broken Brain's 4th annual Live Stream for Overdose Awareness! Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live to WATCH live, on YouTube FB or Linkedin, or you can JOIN the live stream with me! Links and details all at that page.

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Depiction of Youth Suicide in American Cinema, with Dr Alessandra Seggi 51:33

3M ago51:33

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Dr Alessandra Seggi is a Professor of Sociology and Crimonology for Villanova University, and Author of the book "Youth and Suicide in American Cinema: Context, Causes, and Consequences." She talks about the ethics and effects of depictions of suicide, the possible positive applications, processing emotions, as well as the risks. With suicide being…

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Resiliance & How Events Shape Us, with Dr John Demartini 46:56

3M ago46:56

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Author, educator, and Behavioral Psychology expert Dr John Demartini is a survivor. Faced with literacy & academic challenges, physical injury, and a period of homelessness as a youth, he learned to overcome obstacles by finding opportunities within struggle. He teaches others how to reframe traumatic events to aid personal development, to "send us…

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Healing through Breathing, Feeling, and Crying, with MJ Renshaw 49:21

3M ago49:21

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MJ Renshaw is a breathwork trainer, podcast host, and author of the book "How To Cry." She helps individuals use spirituality, breath, and somatic techniques for emotional regulation and healing. Drawing from her own experiences with Trauma, she shares her experiences of trauma, healing, and learining to help others. Follow her work at www.beingmet…

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The Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery with Mallary Tenore Tarpley 44:43

3M ago44:43

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Over 30 million people in the USA have a diagnosable eating disorder, with many going undiagnosed, and even more having distorted thoughts about food and body issues. Mallary Tenor Tarpley is the author of the new book "Slip: Life in the Middle of Eating Disorder Recovery," (RELEASED TODAY!) where she shares information about the genetic influences…

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Mental Health Tip: Engagement vs Avoidance in Addiction 17:56

4M ago17:56

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Holy cow! The upload on Monday didn't work, so this is now a mid-week mental health tip! This episode is setting the stage for the Live Event coming up on 8/31, for International Overdose Awareness Day. Go to www.dwighthurst.com/live for the sweet details. Last chance to sign up and have 50% of your Patreon donation each month go the Learning Works…

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How to Use Chakras with Dr Shai Tubali 55:17

4M ago55:17

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Shai Tubali is a specialist in meditation, mental flexibility, and the modern application of ancient philosophies. He is also the author of the new book: Your Chakra Personality, in which he details ways that people use the philosophy of Chakras in healing. He also shares the dangers of comparison and how to find healthy tension in our lives. Follo…

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Religious & Social Trauma in Queer Patients, with Ann Russo, LCSW 52:37

4M ago52:37

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Ann Russo is a clinical social worker, therapist, and founder of AMR Therapy & Support Services. She specializes in healing religious trauma, client empowerment, and inclusivity in mental health. Ann is a strong advocate for all survivors within marginalized communities. Follow her work at www.amrtherapy.com Visit www.dcoffeyfoundation.org to suppo…

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Sexism & Sensibility with Dr Jo-Ann Finkelstein 53:54

4M ago53:54

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Dr Jo-Ann Finkelstein is a Psychologist and Author. Her new book, "Sexism & Sensibility: Raising Empowered, Resilient Girls in the Modern World," helps parents and young women to face toxic messages about body image, femininity, and sex. Follow her work at www.joannfinkelstein.com. Our charity of focus this month is Learning Works, a delightful non…

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Monday Mental Tip: Assessing Our Expectations 9:44

4M ago9:44

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Anxiety magnifies and distorts worries, making them seem even more urgent than they are. One technique to mitigate this is to look at underlying assumptions and expectations about our lives and duties. The highlighted charity this month on the podcast is Learning Works, a nonprofit dedicated to providing academic assistance to those who might other…

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Why We Do Things, with JonRobert Tartaglione 54:59

4M ago54:59

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Psychology is primarily a study of understanding why we do things. This is an important part of measuring, predicting, and providing treatment for aspects of behavior. The question of how to accurately study this behavior and how to use it ethically is the work of today's guest. JonRobert Tartaglione uses social and psychological research to help d…

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A Neurological look at Autism & ADHD, with Dr Steven Lazar 57:24

5M ago57:24

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Dr Steven Lazar is a pediatric neurologist specializing in detection, diagnosis, and management of neurodevelopmental disorders. He is also the Medical Director of Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinics for Texas Children's Hospital, and is here today to teach us about modern understanding and study of ADHD and Autism, and his focus on individual…

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Trauma Informed Violence Recovery with Marcia Holt & Bill Cottringer 48:28

5M ago48:28

48:28

Marcia Holt is the CEO & Founder of Because Organization, helping survivors of Trafficking. She returns to the podcast with Dr Bill Cottringer, Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Expert, to discuss the use of Trauma Informed Care, and the importance of this specialty when working with the after-effects of Human Trafficking. Follow their work at www.b…

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RPG in Therapy: Live-Play of Green Oaks, by Roberto de Luca 1:43:34

5M ago1:43:34

1:43:34

Another example of the use of TTRPG for emotional and therapeutic applications. This is a live-play session of a mysterious nursing home environment. Players created characters of retired individuals (with sketchy pasts) and gained advantages in their choices through communicating negative emotions, communication, and problem-solving. Go to www.dwi…

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Cognitive-Behavioral Elements in Health Psychology, with Dr Alan Rozanski 45:07

5M ago45:07

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Dr Alan Rozanski is a professor of medicine at Icahn University of MEdicine, teaching cardiology, health psychology, and the importance of cognitive techniques in healthcare. He has developed a 6 stage health model, exercise, muscle care, diet, sleep, emotions, and thinking quality. Follow his work at www.alanrozanski.com. Go to www.covenanthouseca…

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Gender Roles, Invention, and Wheels on Suitcases 19:39

5M ago19:39

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What happens when gender stereotypes, economic development, societal expectations and the 5,000 year old technology known as the wheel all converge? You get wheels on the bottom of your suitcase! This is the monthly dive into psychological & cultural history available to all listeners of the show. To hear the weekly bonus history episodes go to www…

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How To Build and Keep Motivation with Mr Motivation (Sean Murphy) 51:42

6M ago51:42

51:42

Sean Murphy, AKA Mr Motivation, is an educator and motivational speaker. He has taught students, Scholars as he calls them, at every level from Elementary School to College. As a Veteran and someone who has overcome many obstacles he has developed expertise in motivation, and how we can reframe challenges to help catapult personal development. Lear…

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Monday Mental Tip: What Do You Think You Will Answer? 15:18

6M ago15:18

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It's about time Piglet started pulling his weight on this show. For this week's mental health tip we look at a technique of Cognitive Reframing endorsed by both Winnie the Pooh and David Mamet. It's a new month, which means we have a new charity-of-focus. Covenant House California is a nonprofit that helps Homeless Youth to find housing and resourc…

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American Philanthropy & George Peabody (Patreon Sample) 10:10

6M ago10:10

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George Peabody, known as the Father of American Philanthropy, donated 1/2 of his fortune throughout his life to education, feeding the needy, and fighting poverty. This episode dives into the history of the Peabody Education Fund, the first modern nonprofit started in the USA. There are also some interesting tidbits about earlier charitable groups …

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Self-Growth Through Consciousness-Altering Techniques, with Masati 50:12

6M ago50:12

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Many people value philosophical & spiritual approaches to trauma recovery, self-improvement, and breaking unhealthy patterns. My guest today is Masati, is the CEO & Founder of Xponential Intelligence Science, dedicated to the study and application of Dimensional Consciousness and shifting focus while suffering. He finds that reframing our emotions …

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Anger ISN'T the Enemy: Ann Russo on Embracing Your Feelings in the Healing Process 53:12

6M ago53:12

53:12

Send us a text In this episode of 'The Process of Healing,' David converses with Ann Russo about the complex journey of trauma and recovery. David and Ann discuss various elements of trauma, including personal experiences, the influence of societal norms on emotional expression, particularly in men, and the critical importance of advocacy and authe…

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Greek Mothers Never Die, with Rachel Suissa 50:49

6M ago50:49

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Rachel Suissa is the writer & director of "Greek Mother's Never Die," a film with dramatic, romantic, and comedic elements which follows Ella, a young Greek American woman who finds that the spirit of her recently deceased mother continues to give her advice and life guidance. Rachel shares how she used her own Greek heritage and experience to tell…

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Disciplined Listening with Forensic Interviewer Michael Reddington 49:10

6M ago49:10

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Michael Reddington is a former private investigator and Forensic Interviewer. In his book "The Disciplined Listening Method," he describes lessons learned from conducting Interviews, and his belief that every conversation has hidden meaning and value, and that two people effectively communicating can meet both of their needs, and the role of empath…

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Monday Mental Tip: Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame Street? 10:23

6M ago10:23

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Never give up! A little look at a social movement success, as Sesame Street appears to have been saved from cancellation. Each one of us can opt in or out of doing something to help with things we care about, and every contribution helps. Go to www.grandviewforgood.org to learn more about this month's highlighted nonprofit organization, helping rai…

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How A Clockwork Orange Impacted Behavioral Psychology 35:59

6M ago35:59

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Thursday Thistory! Today we are diving into the history of the classic novel & movie "A Clockwork Orange," and the effect it had on public perceptions of Behavioral Psychology. Go to www.grandviewforgood.org to learn about this month's highlighted nonprofit, working on public awareness of mental health and increasing access to care.…

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PTSD & Veterans with Dr Charlie Powell 53:41

6M ago53:41

53:41

Dr Charlie Powell helps military veterans dealing with PTSD and the stress of transitioning into civilian life. His experience as a decorated two war veteran and combat physician led him to confront his own Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, as he learned that it could not simply be avoided. This led him to create a TV series. "Healing Heroes, No Mind …

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Monday Mental Tip: Finding Barometers for your Mental Health 17:26

6M ago17:26

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This week's tip focuses on finding measures for our own emotional & mental health. This can help to get the jump on a depressive, anxious, or other types of episodes that can drag down quality of life, or worse. Go to www.grandviewforgood.org to check out this month's charity-of-focus, a wonderful organization helping people find access to mental h…

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The Gifts of My Fathers Madness with Author Natasha Williams 48:04

6M ago48:04

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"The Parts of Him I Kept: The Gifts of My Father's Madness," is a new memoir by Author Natasha Williams. She opens up about living with a father who struggled with Schizophrenia and Psychosis his entire life. It is a story of hope, love, trauma, loss, and a look at the definition of terms like "normal," and "sanity." Natasha describes what she has …

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Monday Mental Tip: When Someone You Love Comes Out 11:50

6M ago11:50

11:50

This past week I saw some interviews with Robert and Airyn De Niro, about their relationship and Robert De Niro's reaction to Airyn recently being outed as Trans by paparazzi. This led me to think about lessons I have learned from working with Transgendered People (and parents) about supportive and loving ways to respond to someone when they come o…

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Cannabinoids and Psychedelics in Therapy with Dave Rabin 41:40

7M ago41:40

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Dr David Rabin is a MD and PhD specializing in psychedelic-assisted treatment for individuals, particularly individuals with PTSD. He is an expert in MDMA and Ketamine therapies, and joins the show to discuss ongoing research and his observations as a professional working in this arena. Go to www.transcendingbarriersatl.org to support our charity-o…

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Monday Mental Tip: Stuff Just For You 7:27

7M ago7:27

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How many things do you do simply for love of the activity? Self-Care tip again today, on our weekly Monday Mental Tip! Go to www.transcendingbarriersatl.org to visit this month's highlighted charity: TRANScending Barriers Atlanta, a nonprofit helping Black Trans people with legal issues and advocacy.…

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Hope Rose: Custody Chaos—A Mother's Unyielding Battle 55:53

7M ago55:53

55:53

Send us a text In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Process Appealing Survivor Edition, join the host as they sit down with Ms. Hope Rose. Hope shares her harrowing story of domestic abuse, her tumultuous battle in the family court system, and the profound losses she endured to protect her son. Despite overwhelming challenges, Hope's resi…

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Addiction Education, Advocacy, & Podcasting with Christin Day 37:53

7M ago37:53

37:53

Christin Day is the creator and host of "Recovery On Air," and the Communications Manager for Crossroads, INC, a nonprofit residential treatment center for addiction recovery. Christin is a passionate advocate for those facing addiction, and tells us how event management, interagency collaboration, and (woo-hoo) podcasting is in her work. You can h…

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Monday Mental Tip: What Makes Something Addictive 12:27

7M ago12:27

12:27

What makes something addictive, compulsive, or problematic? Here are a couple of ways to rate our comforting behaviors for trouble. Go to www.transcendingbarriersatl.org for this month's highlighted charity. TRANScending Barriers Atlanta is a wonderful nonprofit helping Black Trans people handle legal issues.…