Welcome to Holding Space with Dr. Barker—a podcast dedicated to fostering personal growth, emotional healing, and professional development. Hosted by Dr. Christopher Barker, a seasoned psychologist with over two decades of clinical experience, this podcast offers a thoughtful, compassionate space for meaningful conversations about mental health and psychotherapy. Whether you're on your own path toward greater self-awareness and well-being, or you're a fellow therapist committed to deepening ...
…
continue reading
Dr Christopher Barker Podcasts
Myth-busting and evidence-based advice to help you kick butt with your health and fitness - on a vegan diet. Join our movement of No-Bullsh!t Vegans who value critical thinking and want to further our cause using scientific truths, not made-up facts. Meet our expert guests who use science to acquire knowledge about the world and how it works. Learn why some of the biggest trends in vegan health and fitness are completely false and based on misinformation. Your host, vegan fitness coach and a ...
…
continue reading
In this episode, Mr. Garrett Sutton, founder of Corporate Direct and Sutton Law Center, sheds some insight on what Corporate Direct is all about and how they can help protect your business. Mr. Sutton is one of the Rich Dad advisors for bestselling author Robert Kiyosaki. He has sold over a million books, many coming from the Rich Dad, Poor Dad wealth-building book series, that help guide entrepreneurs and investors. For more than 30 years, Mr. Sutton has run his practice assisting entrepren ...
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Kinks, Paraphilias, and Kink-Aware Therapy | Holding Space Podcast with Dr. Christopher Barker
21:25
21:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:25In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a clinical psychologist in New Jersey, explores the world of kink-aware therapy and the psychological perspectives on kinks, fetishes, and paraphilias. He breaks down what defines a sexual interest as a disorder versus when it remains a consensual lifestyle choice, explaining the importance …
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 207: Multisport coach Saskia Bjornson on vegan endurance, open-water confidence, and beginner-friendly triathlons
47:57
47:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:57Vegan triathlete and coach Saskia Bjornson joins me to talk about endurance on plants, building confidence in open water, and why her sold-out beginner triathlon is changing the game. We dive into the power of food as a gateway to change, how to tackle fear and anxiety in sport, and what it means to make endurance events inclusive, low-waste, and f…
…
continue reading

1
Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs, How to Help, & Safety Planning | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker
11:14
11:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:14Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide, self-harm, and mental health struggles.** In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker (clinical psychologist, NJ) discusses Suicide Prevention Month, how to recognize warning signs of suicide, and practical steps anyone can take to help a person at risk. Dr. Barker explains common indica…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 206: Busting fitness & menopause myths with Christopher Barker
56:01
56:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:01Coach and clinical nutritionist Christopher Barker (author of Mansplaining the Menopause) is here for a no-B.S. tour through female health, strength, and longevity. We tackle the most persistent menopause myths (including HRT fears), what habits *actually* affect body composition, RED-S and under-fuelling, sane protein targets on a plant-based diet…
…
continue reading

1
Anxiety vs OCD: Intrusive Thoughts, ACT & EMDR Explained — with “Therapy with Josh”
26:46
26:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:46In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker, Dr. Barker sits down with Josh (“Therapy with Josh”), an accredited CBT therapist from Essex, UK, trained in EMDR and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Together they unpack the real differences between anxiety and OCD, why OCD isn’t just “an anxiety disorder,” and how emotions like …
…
continue reading

1
False Memories, Belief Systems & The Mandela Effect Explained | Dr. Barker
11:42
11:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:42In this episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, we dive into the fascinating world of the Mandela Effect — why so many people remember events, quotes, and facts incorrectly. From Darth Vader’s famous line to “Mirror, mirror on the wall,” we explore how false memories spread, why they stick, and what they reveal about the way our minds and belief …
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 205: Muscles, myths, and macros: A no-B.S. guide to vegan strength training
20:33
20:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:33What really matters for getting stronger on a vegan diet? Spoiler: it’s not spending hours on cardio or obsessing over tiny details. In this episode, I break down the 4-part health and body composition hierarchy we use with our coaching clients. It’s a simple pyramid that shows where to focus your energy for the biggest results. You’ll learn why nu…
…
continue reading

1
Diagnosis, Labels, and Mental Health: What They Really Mean | Holding Space with Dr. Barker
14:07
14:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:07In Episode 23 of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, Dr. Christopher Barker dives into the complicated world of mental health diagnosis. From bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder to ADHD and depression, he explains why symptoms can overlap and lead to misdiagnosis, and why diagnoses are often misunderstood. Dr. Barker shares over 20 year…
…
continue reading

1
School Shootings, Trauma, and the Ripple Effect on Mental Health
16:45
16:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:45In this special edition of Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker, we explore the devastating reality of the Minnesota school shooting and its far-reaching psychological consequences. Dr. Barker introduces the concept of the ricochet effect of trauma — the ripple impact of a traumatic event that extends beyond those directly affected, spreading …
…
continue reading

1
Dissociation & Anxiety: What It Really Means (And Why It Happens)
16:52
16:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:52In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker is joined by licensed associate counselor Keilani Noble to explore dissociation—what it is, how it connects to anxiety and depression, and why it’s often misunderstood. They share real-life experiences of dissociation, from moments of sensory overload to coping with overwhelming emotions, and…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 204: Athlete. Advocate. Changemaker. Candace Burton on building a global plant-based future
28:51
28:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:51From rowing as part of the first all-Black women’s 8 at the world’s largest regatta, to helping steer over $8 million in grants that fuel plant-based change, Candace brings the same grit from the boat to her work in philanthropy. We dive into her journey to veganism while training as an athlete, the lessons she’s carried from sports into leadership…
…
continue reading

1
Confirmation Bias Explained: Stop Letting Negative Thinking Control You
9:18
9:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:18In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, breaks down confirmation bias—how we tend to focus only on evidence that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring anything that challenges them. Dr. Barker uses a visual "doorway" analogy to explain how negative thinking can reinf…
…
continue reading

1
Self-Harm vs Suicidal Behavior in BPD: Understanding the Difference | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker
13:24
13:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:24In this deeply compassionate episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker returns to expand on the criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)—focusing on one of the most misunderstood and sensitive topics: recurrent suicidal behavior and self-harm. Dr. Barker draws a clear and vital distinction between suicidal intent and self-mutilatio…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 203: Author Anne Broyles on empowering kids to tackle climate change with veganism
42:24
42:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:24We discuss Anne’s new children’s book, Eating to Save the Planet: How Veganism Helps Fight Climate Change. We also explore how Anne’s Cherokee heritage and commitment to diversity shape her writing, why kids need books that act as “windows and mirrors,” and how young readers (and the rest of us) can take climate action through our food choices. Fro…
…
continue reading

1
Bipolar II vs Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): What’s the Difference? | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker
15:52
15:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:52In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker answers a listener’s question that many people wonder: What’s the difference between Bipolar Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)? While the two are often confused—especially Bipolar II and BPD—they are distinct diagnoses with different origins, symptoms, and treatments. Dr. Bar…
…
continue reading

1
Emotionally Immature Partners: Signs, Impact & Growth | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker
11:42
11:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:42In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the complex world of emotionally immature partners—what emotional immaturity looks like in relationships, how it impacts connection, and what you can do about it. Building on past discussions of emotionally immature parents and psychological development, Dr. Barker breaks down the ke…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 202: Iain Tolhurst on how the world’s first stock-free farm grows 120 tons of food annually with zero animal inputs
46:49
46:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:49Iain Tolhurst is a pioneer of stock-free organic farming who’s been growing vegetables for nearly 40 years without a single animal input. No manure, no bone meal, no grazing animals—just thriving soil, rich biodiversity, and 120 tons of vegetables per year. You’ll learn how this groundbreaking system works, why it’s more climate-resilient than conv…
…
continue reading

1
Break the Cycle: Communicate Smarter with Transactional Analysis
11:19
11:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:19Welcome to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this episode, Dr. Barker dives deep into a classic and still-relevant psychological concept: Transactional Analysis—and why understanding it might be the key to healthier, more productive relationships. With over 25 years of experience as a psychologist, Dr. Barker unpacks how we subconscious…
…
continue reading

1
The Cassandra Dilemma: Why Knowing Isn’t Enough (Even for Therapists)
10:43
10:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:43Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this powerful and introspective episode, Dr. Barker explores a unique psychological concept he calls “The Cassandra Dilemma.” Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Barker shares what he believes is the hardest part of being a therapist—not burnout or long hours—but watch…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 201: John Sanbonmatsu on The Omnivore’s Deception — the myth of ethical meat
45:44
45:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:44Is “ethical meat” just a comforting bedtime story for omnivores? Philosopher and author John Sanbonmatsu joins me to unpack the myths that keep animal exploitation hidden in plain sight — from the illusion of “humane” farming to the deep cultural stories we tell ourselves to feel morally innocent. Drawing from his new book The Omnivore’s Deception,…
…
continue reading
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the growing use of artificial intelligence in therapeutic settings—and the serious ethical, emotional, and psychological implications that come with it. Trigger warning: this episode discusses suicide, reality distortion, and emotional m…
…
continue reading

1
Conflicting Attachment Styles & How to Communicate Through Them
25:03
25:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:03In this insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker welcomes therapist and former student Irene Sullivan to explore how conflicting attachment styles—especially anxious and avoidant patterns—can disrupt connection in relationships. Together, they discuss the emotional dance between co-regulators and self-regulators, the power of cle…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 200: Live from my studio—chats with listeners, team call-ins, and kitten shenanigans
52:12
52:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:12For the first time ever, The No-Bullsh!t Vegan Podcast goes LIVE! Join me in my Powell River recording studio (with a tiny kitten desperately trying to break in) as we celebrate 200 episodes of myth-busting, strength-building, and plant-powered badassery. I’m joined by amazing listeners, clients, and members of the K.I. team for an unscripted, comm…
…
continue reading
Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker! In this episode, Dr. Barker deepens our exploration of attachment styles—those foundational behavioral patterns that shape the way we connect, love, and relate to others. Building on the previous discussion, he revisits the four classic attachment styles—secure, anxious, avoidant, and disor…
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Attachment Styles: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant & Disorganized | Holding Space with Dr. Barker
11:56
11:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:56In this insightful episode of Holding Space with Dr. Barker, clinical psychologist Dr. Christopher Barker explores the psychology of attachment styles—a concept rooted in developmental and relationship psychology that's gained significant attention in recent years. Drawing on foundational research by Mary Ainsworth and Bowlby’s attachment theory, D…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 199: More than a diet — The psychological shifts of vegan living with Dr. Angela Crawford
49:50
49:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:50What happens when going vegan transforms more than just your plate? In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Angela Crawford to explore the emotional, psychological, and even spiritual shifts that often come with the vegan journey. We talk about the myth of deprivation, the reality of abundance, and the inner alignment that comes …
…
continue reading

1
Understanding Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and Functional Psychopaths | Holding Space Podcast
11:36
11:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:36Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Barker explores the traits of psychopathy, sociopathy, and antisocial personality disorder—shedding light on what these terms really mean, how they manifest in everyday life, and the concept of the "functional psychopath." From empathy deficits to the …
…
continue reading

1
Are We All on a Spectrum? Understanding Autism, Bipolar, and Beyond | Holding Space Podcast
13:29
13:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:29Welcome back to Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker. In this episode, Dr. Barker explores the idea that many mental health and behavioral conditions exist on spectrums—from autism and bipolar disorder to personality traits and relationship dynamics. He breaks down the characteristics of autism spectrum behaviors, bipolar type 1 and 2, and eve…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 198: Thom Norman on ending factory farming through evidence-based giving
35:03
35:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:03I speak with Thom Norman, co-founder of FarmKind, a nonprofit organization working to end factory farming through evidence-based giving. Thom shares his personal journey to veganism and why he left a legal career in nuclear energy policy to pursue systemic change for animals. He discusses the unique approach FarmKind takes in identifying and suppor…
…
continue reading

1
Stress vs. Anxiety: Knowing the Difference & Calming the Storm
11:21
11:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:21In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker is joined by intern Julia Bellotti for an honest conversation about the differences between stress, anxiety, and panic attacks. Julia shares a personal story of navigating a panic attack while driving, and together, they discuss simple, effective techniques for managing overwhelming feelings—…
…
continue reading

1
From White Rats to Real Life: Understanding Phobias and How to Unlearn Fear
14:46
14:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:46In this eye-opening episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the psychology of phobias—from how irrational fears are formed to how they can be effectively treated. With examples ranging from a child’s fear of John Wilkes Booth to the classic "Little Albert" experiment, Dr. Barker breaks down the behavioral roots of fear using real-…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 197: Coach K's strategy sessions vol. 4 — Muscle recovery, high-protein foods, meal prep, and outsmarting our own brains
49:16
49:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:16In this final volume of my free strategy call series, you’ll listen in on two coaching sessions packed with plant-based problem solving, strength training tweaks, and behaviour hacks. Anna wants to build muscle alongside MMA and dance without being sore for days, while Rebecca’s focused on navigating menopause, portion sizes, and protein goals (wit…
…
continue reading

1
Embracing the Feeling: Mindfulness, Values & Acceptance
15:53
15:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:53In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores why trying to eliminate uncomfortable emotions like anxiety or depression may do more harm than good. Drawing on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and Zen philosophy, he invites listeners to reframe their relationship with feelings by embracing t…
…
continue reading

1
Epigenetic's, Trauma, and Learning to Accept Yourself
18:17
18:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:17Dr. Christopher Barker explores how trauma can be biologically passed through generations — and how embracing imperfection is key to healing. From stress hormones to attachment styles, this episode of Holding Space dives into how we’re shaped by the past, but not defined by it. Healing begins with understanding, acceptance, and honest conversation.…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 196: Fitness, veganism, and social justice: why politics belong in plant-based health
26:55
26:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:55I dive into why fitness and veganism aren’t just personal choices—they’re political whether we realize it or not. Based on a recent article I wrote, I’m exploring how things like race, class, and ability shape who gets access to fitness and plant-based foods, and why pretending otherwise is itself a political act. This episode was sparked by a podc…
…
continue reading

1
Trauma-Induced Narcissism: The Mask, The Mirror, and the Wound
20:11
20:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:11In this deeply insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the often-misunderstood connection between trauma and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). Dr. Barker unpacks how narcissism can develop as a defense mechanism when trauma fractures a person’s sense of identity — leading to a constructed image they will do anyth…
…
continue reading

1
Tailoring Trauma Healing: The Power of Integrative Therapy
16:39
16:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:39In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Barker explores the versatile world of integrative therapy for trauma, emphasizing that “one size doesn’t fit all.” Drawing on his psychodynamic roots in object relations, he explains how early caregiver bonds shape later relationships and why a broad therapeutic toolkit—CBT, DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and somatic…
…
continue reading

1
NBSV 195: Environmental benefits of plant-based agriculture with agrologist Cory Davis
54:23
54:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:23Agrologist Cory Davis joins me to unpack the environmental toll of animal agriculture—and the enormous potential of plant-based food systems to reduce emissions, reclaim land, and restore ecosystems. Cory brings a systems-level perspective that blends science, ethics, and practical solutions. He also does some serious myth-busting about “sustainabl…
…
continue reading