Best Dr Christopher Barker Podcasts (2025)

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What Is “Normal”? Understanding Mental Health and the Bell Curve with Dr. Christopher Barker 11:27

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6d ago11:27

11:27

In this insightful episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker, a licensed clinical psychologist in New Jersey, explores one of the most common and misunderstood questions in mental health: “What is normal?” Dr. Barker dives into how psychologists define “normal” not as a judgment of worth, but as a statistical and contextual concept — somethi…

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Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders: Mental Health, Genetics, and the Meaning of “Normal” | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker 11:45

13d ago11:45

11:45

In this episode of Holding Space, Dr. Christopher Barker explores the complexities of autism spectrum disorders through the lens of psychology, genetics, and society. He discusses the difference between correlation and causation, highlighting the genetic factors—such as SHANK2 and FMR1 mutations—and environmental influences like prenatal conditions…

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From Grad School to the Therapy Room: Real Talk with Haley & Chloe - Therapy On Demand 42:35

20d ago42:35

42:35

By Dr. Christopher Barker

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NBSV 207: Multisport coach Saskia Bjornson on vegan endurance, open-water confidence, and beginner-friendly triathlons 47:57

27d ago47:57

47:57

Vegan 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…

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Understanding Kinks, Paraphilias, and Kink-Aware Therapy | Holding Space Podcast with Dr. Christopher Barker 21:25

28d ago21:25

21:25

In 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 …

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Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs, How to Help, & Safety Planning | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker 11:14

1M ago11:14

11:14

Trigger 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…

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NBSV 206: Busting fitness & menopause myths with Christopher Barker 56:01

1M ago56:01

56:01

Coach 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…

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Anxiety vs OCD: Intrusive Thoughts, ACT & EMDR Explained — with “Therapy with Josh” 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

In 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 …

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False Memories, Belief Systems & The Mandela Effect Explained | Dr. Barker 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

In 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 …

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NBSV 205: Muscles, myths, and macros: A no-B.S. guide to vegan strength training 20:33

2M ago20:33

20:33

What 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…

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Diagnosis, Labels, and Mental Health: What They Really Mean | Holding Space with Dr. Barker 14:07

2M ago14:07

14:07

In 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…

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School Shootings, Trauma, and the Ripple Effect on Mental Health 16:45

2M ago16:45

16:45

In 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 …

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Dissociation & Anxiety: What It Really Means (And Why It Happens) 16:52

2M ago16:52

16:52

In 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…

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NBSV 204: Athlete. Advocate. Changemaker. Candace Burton on building a global plant-based future 28:51

2M ago28:51

28:51

From 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…

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Confirmation Bias Explained: Stop Letting Negative Thinking Control You 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

In 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…

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Self-Harm vs Suicidal Behavior in BPD: Understanding the Difference | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker 13:24

3M ago13:24

13:24

In 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…

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NBSV 203: Author Anne Broyles on empowering kids to tackle climate change with veganism 42:24

3M ago42:24

42:24

We 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…

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Bipolar II vs Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): What’s the Difference? | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker 15:52

3M ago15:52

15:52

In 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…

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Emotionally Immature Partners: Signs, Impact & Growth | Holding Space with Dr. Christopher Barker 11:42

3M ago11:42

11:42

In 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…

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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

3M ago46:49

46:49

Iain 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…

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Break the Cycle: Communicate Smarter with Transactional Analysis 11:19

3M ago11:19

11:19

Welcome 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…

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The Cassandra Dilemma: Why Knowing Isn’t Enough (Even for Therapists) 10:43

4M ago10:43

10:43

Welcome 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…

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NBSV 201: John Sanbonmatsu on The Omnivore's Deception — the myth of ethical meat 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

Is "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,…

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Artificial Inteligence & Therapy 11:35

4M ago11:35

11:35

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…

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Conflicting Attachment Styles & How to Communicate Through Them 25:03

4M ago25:03

25:03

In 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…

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NBSV 200: Live from my studio—chats with listeners, team call-ins, and kitten shenanigans 52:12

4M ago52:12

52:12

For 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…

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Roots of Attachment Style Theory 14:29

4M ago14:29

14:29

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…

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Understanding Attachment Styles: Secure, Anxious, Avoidant & Disorganized | Holding Space with Dr. Barker 11:56

4M ago11:56

11:56

In 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…

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NBSV 199: More than a diet — The psychological shifts of vegan living with Dr. Angela Crawford 49:50

5M ago49:50

49:50

What 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 …

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Understanding Psychopathy, Sociopathy, and Functional Psychopaths | Holding Space Podcast 11:36

5M ago11:36

11:36

Welcome 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 …

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Are We All on a Spectrum? Understanding Autism, Bipolar, and Beyond | Holding Space Podcast 13:29

5M ago13:29

13:29

Welcome 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…

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NBSV 198: Thom Norman on ending factory farming through evidence-based giving 35:03

5M ago35:03

35:03

I 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…

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Stress vs. Anxiety: Knowing the Difference & Calming the Storm 11:21

5M ago11:21

11:21

In 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—…

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From White Rats to Real Life: Understanding Phobias and How to Unlearn Fear 14:46

5M ago14:46

14:46

In 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-…

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NBSV 197: Coach K's strategy sessions vol. 4 — Muscle recovery, high-protein foods, meal prep, and outsmarting our own brains 49:16

6M ago49:16

49:16

In 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…

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Embracing the Feeling: Mindfulness, Values & Acceptance 15:53

6M ago15:53

15:53

In 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…

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Epigenetic's, Trauma, and Learning to Accept Yourself 18:17

6M ago18:17

18:17

Dr. 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.…

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NBSV 196: Fitness, veganism, and social justice: why politics belong in plant-based health 26:55

6M ago26:55

26:55

I 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…