INNERCALLING

I interview Brian Monday, who shares the story of his son, Eric. We discuss teen depression, suicide, grief, and the lessons Brian learned through losing his son—and how those lessons can help us better support young people living with depression while reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. *** Brian Monday is the Founder and President of the Eric Monday Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated t...

I interview Dr. Bill Richards, a pioneering clinical psychologist and one of the leading figures in psychedelic-assisted therapy, on his book Sacred Knowledge: Psychedelics and Religious Experiences. We discuss psilocybin, psychedelic therapy, mystical experiences, consciousness, spirituality, mental health, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy can transform our relationship with death. *** Dr. Bi...

I interview my friend and teacher, Zen Buddhist priest Ryushin Marchaj, about how to live when you know you will die. We explore death, reincarnation, impermanence, and the existential pain—and beauty—of being human, through the lens of Zen Buddhism. *** Rev. Konrad Ryushin Marchaj, is a Zen priest in the tradition of Zen Buddhism, and a dharma heir of the late John Daido Loori, Roshi. Ryushin Sen...

In this episode, I grill my colleague, clinical child psychologist Dr. David Wen, on some of the hardest questions I've received from parents of kids and teens with ADHD over the years, including consequences, rewards, privileges, and what the heck to do when your child simply won't listen and doesn't care. *** Dr. David Wen is a licensed clinical psychologist at Hope+Wellness who specializes in w...

I interview my friend, therapist Brenton Queen, LMFT about a difficult time in his life involving shame, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. We talk about psychedelic assisted therapy and the role of spirituality in healing. *** This episode contains an open conversation about depression, suicidal thoughts, and addiction. Please take care of yourself and take a break if you need to. If you or someon...

I interview Susan X Jane about AI and how it relates to systems of power. We talk about systems of power, who controls data and meaning, and process what this means as users of AI. We also talk about how to form healthy relationships with AI that have shimmer and joy to them. *** Susan X Jane is a cultural systems designer and founder of Swarm X Studio, where she develops tools and practices for r...

I interview my friend Ben Juwano about the time he survived depression & got kicked out of grad school. We also talk about what it takes to pursue a career in animation these days. *** Ben Juwono is a Supervising Director @ Disney TV Animation. He is an Emmy and Annie Award-winning Storyboard Artist, Director, and Show Creator. But before any of that, Ben was my Physics TA at the University of...

What does neuropsych testing actually reveal about your brain? In this episode, neuropsychologist Dr. Kayleigh Hale and Dr. Victoria Ranade explore how neuropsychological testing can help children, teens, and adults understand ADHD, anxiety, neurodivergence, and masking — and why a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming approach changes everything. Whether you're a parent wondering if your chil...

I interview author Mark Matousek. We talk about his latest book, Emerson, the Stoics, and Me: Timeless Wisdom for an Authentic Life, as well as the role of craftsmanship, creativity, what it means to stay true to yourself as a writer in the age of AI, and writing as a spiritual practice. ** Mark Matousek is a bestselling author, teacher, and speaker whose work explores personal awakening, self-inq...

I was raised by a single father, so I’ve always had a deep respect for how difficult and essential good fathering is. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Wen, a clinical psychologist specializing in parents, children, and families. We talk about why anger is often the first challenge for fathers, and the tension between what you received growing up and the kind of father you want to be. We ex...

I interview my friend, therapist and actor Nick Sholley, MSW, about his career in theater - what it was like and advice for any young people who are interested. We also talk about the craft of acting and his advice to follow what feels most alive to you in the moment. *** Nick Sholley is an actor and licensed therapist. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/peter-n-sholley-mft-great-barrin...

I interview Susan Murphy about how to find your authentic voice, particularly as a woman. There's a voice within each of us that you may not realize you have - it's your true one. *This episode contains a discussion of suicide and grief. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Please take care of yourself while...

How do we stay connected to one another even when the world is pulling us apart? How can we remember a sense of kinship and cultivate it in our communities? I invited my friend and colleague, Dr. Jennifer Young, onto the show to share her thoughts on this very topic as well as the nonprofit she recently started to support refugee mental health. We talk about what it's like to follow an inner calli...

Could AI be conscious? What exactly is consciousness in the first place? I ask my teacher Rev. Konrad Ryushin Marchaj for a conversation on AI, consciousness, plant medicine, as well as the nature of oneness. Ryushin draws on 40 years of Buddhist practice and his work with sacred plant medicine to explore ordinary versus extraordinary states of consciousness, why separateness is an illusion, and w...

I believe everything is energy and that this is obvious and not woo woo at all. Chinese medicine refers to energy as qi, and it is a fundamental part of understanding life and health. In this episode, I invite Deng Ming-Dao, author and Taoist teacher, to talk about what the heck qi is, why it makes complete sense, what Western medicine is critically missing. *** Deng Ming-Dao studied qigong, inter...

I've been wondering how best to support students, kids, and young adults with AI, so I reached out to one of the most brilliant scientists, leaders, and visionaries I know — Dr. Carl Lejuez, Provost of Stony Brook University. He is a former clinical psychology mentor of mine who had a huge impact on my career and taught me a lot about leadership. Whenever he talks, I listen — so of course I invite...

I've been trying to understand AI on a more in depth, nuanced level, but all I could find were youtube videos predicting AGI and the eventual doom of the human species. I found this awesome book called The AI Con and am excited to host one of the authors, Dr. Emily M. Bender, on the show today. We talk about how language shapes our understanding of AI, the dangers of synthetic text generation, acc...

Dr. Nancy Wadsworth is a Professor Emerita of Political Science at the University of Denver whose work sits at the intersection of culture, politics, race, religion, and social movements. She's the author of Ambivalent Miracles: Evangelicals and the Politics of Racial Healing and has written for The Washington Post, Vox, and The Denver Post. With a PhD from the New School for Social Research, Nanc...

This is the second episode in our series on Reclaiming Power. In this one, Nancy and I dig into the Epstein files, elite networks, and what we can actually do when the systems meant to protect us fail. I hope it's helpful to you! Content warning: This episode discusses sexual assault, the Epstein case, trafficking, and the psychological dynamics of destructive power. Listener discretion is advised...

Dr. Victoria Ranade and creative producers Carlisle and Western wrap up the innercalling Book Club with the final chapters of Kristen Kish's memoir, Accidentally on Purpose . In this closing conversation,we reflect on Kristen's remarkable full-circle journey from a teenager who felt she didn't belong, to a celebrated chef, Top Chef host, and woman fully at home in herself and her life. We explore...

I've been trying to process everything going on in the world these days by studying history, watching documentaries, talking with friends and family, patients and people in the community. Based on all of this, it seems that many of us are wondering: what's going on, and how the did we get here??! That's why I invited my good friend Dr. Nancy Wadsworth to the show. She is a Professor Emerita of Pol...

I'm turning 40 this year and it's gotten me thinking about death and existence. I've always struggled with knowing that I'd die one day. That's why I've decided to lean into learning more about death to understand what it might have to teach us about life. My guest today is Deborah Pascuzzi, who serves as an End of Life Companion and Complementary Alternative Medicine Certified Practitioner. We ta...

I interview Nicole Casteel about the journey toward healing, mother daughter wounds, and becoming your full divine feminine self. *** Nicole Casteel is a classically trained vocalist, transformational guide, and medicine musician. With a Master's in Opera Performance from Texas Tech University, Nicole spent years in classical voice before a profound awakening set her on a different path. Strugglin...

Can generative Artifical Intelligence actulally understand your problems, or is it just mimicking a connection? What are the ethical risks of using AI? Will AI one day replace your therapist? In this episode, Dr. Victoria Ranade and Dr. Colleen Byrne talk openly about AI to help explore this emerging technology and how people can use it thoughtfully and intentionally for mental health needs—withou...

Justin Jun Lee is a New York City-based photographer whose work spans editorial fashion, fine art weddings, and portraiture. His photography has been featured in Vogue, LA Times, New York Times, New York Times Bride, and more. He brings a minimalist style and emotional depth to each unique event he captures. His approach as a photographer is to not only create images that feel honest and interesti...