Noggin Notes Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Douglas Novotny, a clinical psychologist with more than 25 years of clinical experience and over 15 years of teaching and supervising therapists. Together, we explore a deceptively simple question: What do we mean when we say "culture"? Over time, the meaning of culture has shifted dramatically. Once centered around shared values, traditions, and...

In this powerful and deeply human episode, we sit down with Tim McDonald, a Stage IV colorectal cancer survivor, advocate, and author, to hear his extraordinary story of resilience, courage, and self-advocacy. Tim opens up about the emotional, physical, and psychological realities of navigating a life-changing cancer diagnosis—and how learning to advocate for himself became one of the most importa...

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Freeman — licensed marriage and family therapist, Marine Corps veteran, and organizational development consultant known by many as “The People’s Therapist.” Based in Montana, Jake brings a unique blend of military leadership, systems thinking, and clinical insight into the therapy room. After serving over a decade as a Marine Corps officer in Civil Affairs, l...

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Malphrus, a Licensed Certified Social Worker (Clinical) with over a decade of experience helping adolescents and adults navigate meaningful personal growth—especially men who often feel underserved by traditional mental health care. We begin with a critical and timely topic: why so many boys are labeled with behavioral issues in school—and what might be misun...

In this important and nuanced episode, we welcome back Adam Coleman III to explore a complex and often overlooked issue within the U.S. supply chain: the realities surrounding undocumented labor in the trucking industry. This conversation goes beyond headlines. It examines the human, economic, and ethical layers behind how goods move across the country—and the people who make it possible. Together...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Leslie Elliott Boyce, an independent coach and consultant with a background in clinical mental health counseling, to explore how the counseling profession has evolved—and how graduate education has played a central role in shaping it. Leslie, co-founder of Solid Ground and host of The Radical Center, brings a thoughtful and balanced perspective to the c...

In this timely and necessary conversation, we speak with Soad Tabrizi, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience and the founder of Conservative Counselors—a growing directory connecting clients with reality-based therapists who reject ideological capture in mental health. Together, we explore what the term “Conservative Counselors” actually means, why it h...

In this returning conversation, we welcome back Ann de Passos, leadership consultant, coach, and facilitator who specializes in nervous system–informed leadership. Drawing on 15+ years across charity, corporate, and social enterprise sectors, Ann guides leaders and teams to operate from clarity, relational intelligence, and embodied resilience. We take a deep dive into the nervous system and Polyv...

In this deep, mythic conversation, we welcome Brant Elwood, author of Gods, Heroes and Groups: Relational Dynamics through Mythic Archetypes and an MA in social-organizational psychology. Brant blends mythopoetic lineage with practical organizational insight to reveal the unconscious dynamics that govern how groups behave — in communities, workplaces, and treatment settings. We explore: How mythic...

In this timely episode, Dr. Chloe Carmichael — clinical psychologist, USA Today bestselling author of Nervous Energy, and longtime educator — returns to Noggin Notes to explore why free speech matters in therapeutic settings and how self-censorship can damage both therapists and clients. We dig into the practical and ethical stakes: how open dialogue supports accurate diagnosis, trust, and psychol...

In this thought-provoking episode, we talk with Dr. Hannah Spier, Norwegian psychiatrist and creator of Psychobabble—a hybrid podcast and publication that challenges flawed psychology and exposes the therapists and cultural trends harming mental health.   Dr. Spier, who trained in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the University of Zurich, takes a critical look at how psychiatry has become dom...

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Rachel Haack, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, mother of five daughters, and passionate advocate for women navigating the second half of life. Together, we take a deep dive into the unique struggles women face during this stage—challenges that are often overlooked or minimized in mainstream discussions. Rachel shares her insights on: The emotio...

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Mark L. Ruffalo, M.S.W., D.Psa., a leading psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and professor of psychiatry at the University of Central Florida and Tufts University School of Medicine. With years of clinical experience in the psychoanalytic treatment of schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and other severe mental health conditions, Mark br...

On today’s show, we sit down with Jonathan Cogburn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Abilene, Texas, whose work bridges deep compassion with practical solutions. Jonathan currently serves in an education support agency, coaching school counselors in small and remote districts to navigate complex student needs—especially when community resources are scarce. He also trains school st...

In this bold and thought-provoking episode of Noggin Notes, Jake speaks with Suzannah Alexander, a writer, reformer, and former counseling student who made waves by stepping away from graduate school after facing ideological coercion in her program. Suzannah opens up about the emotional and professional toll of navigating a counseling program that conflicted with her values—and how that experience...

In this compelling episode of Noggin Notes, Jake sits down with Giff Lasta, a marriage coach and advocate for healthy masculinity, to explore what it means to be a man in today’s world—and how we’ve drifted from that foundation. Giff opens up about the importance of restoring masculinity through grounded manhood, not dominance or suppression, but through guidance, integrity, and responsibility—esp...

In this insightful episode of Noggin Notes, Jake is joined by John D. Haltigan, a researcher and expert in developmental psychology and attachment theory. With a rich academic background and years of published research, John Haltigan breaks down the science of attachment how we form bonds, why we connect the way we do, and what it means for our mental health and relationships. Together, they explo...

In this episode of Noggin Notes, Jake welcomes Ryan Rogers, a writer, mental health professional, and graduate student pursuing his master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in the mental health and addiction fields, Ryan brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Together, they dive deep into the intersections of psychology, phil...

In this eye-opening episode of Noggin Notes Podcast, Jake sits down with Nathalie Martinek, PhD, a former systems biology and cancer researcher turned Narcissism Hacker and independent medical culture researcher. Nathalie specializes in helping individuals and teams navigate toxic workplace dynamics, burnout, bullying, and narcissistic leadership. Together, they dive into the complexities of narci...

In this thought-provoking episode of Noggin Notes Podcast, host Jake welcomes a special guest, Dr. Robert C. Smith , a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based mental health care and doctor-patient communication. Dr. Smith, a University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Michigan State University, has dedicated his career to transforming the way medical professionals conne...

In this uplifting episode of Noggin Notes, Jake welcomes Dr. Norman Horn, founder of the Libertarian Christian Institute, to discuss the profound connection between spirituality, personal freedom, and mental health. With a background in engineering, theology, and advocacy, Dr. Horn offers a unique perspective on how embracing faith and liberty can lead to a more fulfilling and resilient life. Dr....

In this compelling episode of Noggin Notes, Jake sits down with Stephanie Winn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, consultant, and host of the podcast You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist. Stephanie is also the creator of the ROGD Repair Course and Community for Parents, a vital resource for families navigating Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria (ROGD). Stephanie explains the complexities of ROGD,...

In this episode of Noggin Notes, Jake is joined by Robin Atkins, a licensed professional counselor and reproductive mental health expert at the Charlotte Lozier Institute, to explore the intersection of reproductive health and mental well-being. Robin brings her deep expertise in helping individuals and families navigate the emotional challenges tied to fertility, pregnancy, postpartum care, and b...

In this thought-provoking episode of Noggin Notes, Jake welcomes Chuck Pezeshki, founder of Empathy Guru and a professor of mechanical engineering, to explore the transformative power of empathy in both personal and professional spheres. Chuck has dedicated his career to understanding how empathy works as a tool for deeper connection, improved mental health, and fostering emotional intelligence in...

In this insightful episode of Noggin Notes, Jake sits down with Lisabeth Lange to explore her bold perspectives on mental health, societal issues, and personal empowerment. Lisabeth also shares her journey as the author of The Luminescence Manual , a guide to healing and transformation through self-awareness and unconventional thinking. Throughout the conversation, Lisabeth discusses how her exper...