Doorknob Comments

In this podcast episode, George Grombacher, a seasoned finance professional, joins psychiatrists Fara and Grant to explore the psychological dimensions of financial behavior. They discuss how childhood experiences and observed behaviors from adults shape our financial habits, whether we lean towards saving or spending. Grombacher emphasizes the need to confront limiting beliefs about money, drawin...

Join hosts Fara and Grant on the latest Doorknob Comments podcast episode, where they delve into the intricate dynamics shaping the therapist-client relationship. They dissect the subtleties of this bond, emphasizing its profound impact on therapy efficacy. Ethical dilemmas like confidentiality and intervention in client danger are explored, alongside the significance of self-awareness and transpa...

Tune in to the latest episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, where hosts Fara and Grant take a candid dive into the intricate world of love and dating, perfectly timed for the approaching Valentine's Day. From dissecting the dynamics of romantic relationships to scrutinizing the impact of social media on our perceptions of love, they leave no stone unturned. Drawing parallels from the relations...

Join Fara and Grant on the latest episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast as they dive deep into the beautiful complexities of intercultural marriage. Le like to think that love knows no borders, but what about the hurdles that come with actually making it work? Together, they explore the ups and downs of love across cultures, from navigating emotional expressions to dealing with societal pressur...

In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, we are excited to sit down with Dr. Edward Shapiro, a distinguished author and psychoanalyst. During our conversation, we discuss his book "Finding a Place to Stand .” We explore the significance of family dynamics, institutional roles, and citizenship. He highlights the value of self-reflection and the challenges of leadership in a polarized socie...

In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by psychoanalyst and author Johanna Dobrich. In our conversation, Johanna discusses her book " Working with Survivor Siblings " and her research into the unique challenges faced by individuals who grew up with chronically or severely disabled siblings. The conversation examines the profound impact these sibling relation...

Have you considered how diabetes medication might affect your mental health and body image? While managing diabetes, it's essential to recognize the potential psychiatric implications of these medications. In this episode of the Doorknob Comments podcast, Fara and Grant discuss the psychiatric effects of a new class of diabetes medications. They examine research on these drugs, their role in menta...

In this episode, Grant and Fara discuss the topic of masochism. They explore what it means, how it shows up in our social media habits during difficult times, its connection to "doom scrolling", and strategies for coping with our potentially masochistic tendencies as we prioritize our mental health. We hope you enjoy. 

In this episode, Fara and Grant talk about the endings and transitions of therapy. They talk about why saying goodbye in therapy can be tough for both therapists and patients, highlighting the significant importance of the process. They share practical advice on how to navigate the challenges of therapeutic termination, providing an approach to closure that suits individual needs. It's an insightf...

In today's episode, Fara and Grant have a conversation with Dr. Jonathan DePierro, an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Associate Director of the Center for Stress, Resilience and Personal Growth. Dr. DePierro talks with Fara and Grant about the research his team conducts on resilience, and how we might more productively think about resilienc...

Today, Grant and Fara are joined by Keith Wasserman, who is a producer and a major figure in the film "Dear Ani". In this episode, they have a conversation with Keith about his life, the process of making the film, and his relationship with and understanding of his experiences of mania. " Dear Ani " is a journey that explores music, art, and mania. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode of th...

In this episode, Grant and Fara talk about something that psychoanalysts call enactment. They talk about the positive and traumatic experiences that shape enactments, and how we can use these moments for learning and therapeutic benefit—not only during therapy but also in everyday life.  We hope you enjoy.

In this episode, Grant and Fara talk about transitioning into winter. They reflect on some of the physical and mental changes that might happen during the winter season, and how we can better react to these changes: seeking help, understanding and listening to our bodies, and more.  We hope you enjoy. 

In today's episode, Fara and Grant explore the concept of authenticity. They interrogate what it means to be truly authentic, what people strive for when they aim to live authentically, and how we socially make sense of and understand what we call authentic behavior.  We hope you enjoy. 

In this episode, Fara and Grant are joined by Dan Rocker , the President of the International Paruresis Association, and the Co-Director of the Shy Bladder Center. Dan Rocker is an expert on Paruresis (significant urinary hesitation and inhibition) and breaks down some myths and misconceptions about the social phobia. We hope you enjoy! Follow us on Instagram at @doorknobcomments , on TikTok at do...

In this episode, Fara and Grant talk about the way narratives shape self-identity. They discuss the constraints of certain personal narratives, the effects of trauma on narrative construction, and how altering our perspective on these narratives might offer us more mental and emotional clarity.  We hope you enjoy. 

In this episode, Grant and Fara discuss intrusive thinking. What it may or may not mean, and ways to make sense of these thoughts. They touch on personal experiences with intrusive thoughts, research on the phenomenon, and pigeons!  We hope you enjoy it. 

In this episode, Fara and Grant talk about ways that people make, grow, and end friendships. They discuss the anxiety around reaching out to new people, the difficult conversations that can come with holding friends accountable, and how we might part ways when we feel wronged in existing friendships. 

Today, Grant and Fara talk about navigating those early stages of talking about a relationship: defining the relationship, having a conversation about where things stand, and communicating what we mean to the other person. Are we dating? Netflix-N-Chilling? Just hanging out? Should we even put a label on it? It can be tricky, but hopefully, this episode provides useful tips to help navigate these...

In this episode, Grant and Fara talk about Therapy Speak outside of the clinical setting and explore the potential benefits. Join in to hear more about the interactional setting of the therapy session and what might be lost in translating this therapy speak to everyday life. 

In today's episode, we're going to talk about the trials and tribulations facing people in the middle and upper middle classes as they try to work out what is meaningful in life. Is it about worldly success, money, and the schools you go to? Is it about how you live and how spend your time and with whom?  We'll be exploring the television series, Fleishman Is in Trouble , as an entry point fo...

Today we cover what we see as some of the noise and disinformation around mental health treatment. We explore social media's benefits and pitfalls as a space for learning about potential remedies: from giving patients greater autonomy and information, to unsafe substance usage with potentially harmful outcomes. We hope you enjoy it and take something away.

Today we talk all about motivation and New Year's resolutions. The episode was recorded early in January, but the conversation may be even more important today. Throughout the episode, try to reflect on some of the goals you may have set for yourself this year. And if you’re struggling with  some of these goals, how might you reframe your motivations in a healthy manner? Thinking about the be...

In this episode, Fara and Grant discuss recent mental health initiatives in NYC for hospitalizing unhoused people, school policies that may be harmful or stigmatizing to students, and the foundations of stigma and the implications for individuals and society. 

Welcome Back to Season 2 of Doorknob Comments! Fara and Grant talk about taking time off and coming back strong.