Let's Get Psyched

Love and acceptance when we are young is crucial to becoming securely attached. And that level of attachment stays with us the rest of our lives. We invited professor and psychiatrist Dr. Jeff Katzman to explain attachment and how it can be repaired in therapy and in our own lives. Hosts: Eyrn, Alan Guest: Jeff Katzman, MD

Professor and psychiatrist Dr. Jeff Katzman recently released his second book with co-author Dan O’Connor entitled “Ensemble!: Using the Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely World.” Join our conversation with him as we discover how to use the principles of improv to make genuine connections while releasing ourselves from “scripts” of who we’re supposed to be. Hosts: Eyrn, Tosh...

Initial studies on frontline health care workers fighting COVID-19 show that about 14-15 percent develop mental health conditions such as Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD. One study released in 2020 indicated that the rate of “probable” alcohol use disorder could be as high as 43 percent. We invited 3 internists with 3 different COVID-19 experiences during the pand...

We invited two “warriors” from the HIV/AIDS fight, Dr. Richard Loftus and Jeff Taylor, to talk about the similarities with the COVID-19 pandemic. Are there lessons learned from the AIDS that we can use now? How was treatment and prevention affected by the unique political landscape that existed during the outbreak? Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Alan Guests: Richard Loftus, MD, Jeff Taylor

We invite Colorado-based journalist Chris Walker to talk about how legalization of recreational use of cannabis is playing out. Spoiler Alert: We don't resolve anything, but cannabis is always interesting. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Saloni Guest: Chris Walker

Many clinicians and first responders spend a significant amount of time treating and/or interacting with individuals who live outside because they lack a home. Over time, this interaction can lead to frustration as interventions seem ineffective. We invite journalist Chris Walker to sort through facts and fiction about the homeless population. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan Guest: Chris Walker

On this second episode we explore dating apps and sex addiction treatment with cybersex expert and lead author of the chapter “Hacking the Human Sex Drive” in the new APA textbook “The Technologic Addictions.” Are the new ways of connection and sexual connection over the internet a good or bad thing for society? Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Joshua, Alan Guest: Lancer Naghdechi, MD

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is an even greater emphasis and utilization of the internet as a means of connecting with others and sexual gratification. We invite expert on “cybersex” Dr. Lancer Naghdechi of Rutgers to join our discussion in the first of two episodes on identifying how sex, pornography, sex addiction, and sexually themed apps are making their way into socie...

Every year, millions of parents consider how best to help their child struggling with mood, attention, and behavior problems. The risks to the child's self-esteem, falling far behind in school, and even endangering their own safety are often very real and significant. Medication is frequently considered. But what are some of the risks involved? We talk to expert Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist D...

The most important and influential document ever produced in the area of diagnosis of mental health conditions has been the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or DSM. It has shaped how we as clinicians conceptualize, research, treat, as well as how and whether we get reimbursed. Join our conversation with Dr. Carl Feinstein, a psychiatrist who participated in the formation of th...

Not many people realize how much stress and pressure graduate students endure. We invite Ph. D. Candidate Karen Atkins (yes she's Alan's sister) to provide insights into why this life in grad school is unlike any other type of stress out there. She also shares her best advice on how to succeed. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan Guest: Karen Atkins

No other court case (and subsequent rulings and legislation) has impacted mental health practice as much as Tarasoff v. Regents (1976). The parents of Tatiana Tarasoff sued the Regents of the University of California and psychologist Dr. Lawrence Moore for failing to warn them that a patient being seen at the university counseling center was planning to murder Ms. Tarasoff, a fellow student. In th...

The polygraph ("lie detector") has had a controversial history since it was invented in California by John Larson, a police officer with a Ph. D. in  physiology. Periodically used in criminal investigations, employee screenings, and identifying who might be leaking classified information, we discuss some of the research behind it as well as some risks associated with its use. Hosts: Eyrn...

We think this newly discovered waste clearance system of the body is so important we devoted an entire episode to it. The glymphatic system may play a role in Alzheimer's (and perhaps some cancers). Listen to our podcast to hear Alan and Toshia explain what it is and what you can do to make sure it operates well. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Are there situations that make you feel anxious? Has anxiety gotten in the way of fully enjoying your life? You can change your relationship with anxiety and expand your world in the process. We invite UCR Psychology Intern, Bryan Balvaneda to help us tackle one of the most common problems in humanity—too much anxiety! Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Alan Guest: Bryan Balvaneda

With depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts on the rise, responding  with self-compassion opens new possibilities of growth and change. Join our discussion along with guest host UCR Psychology Intern, Bryan Balvaneda on how developing this skill might help. We also ask: “Does self-compassion make a person “soft” and  less productive?” Find out how much self-compassion you have b...

The "Warrior Toughness Program" was commissioned by the United States Navy and developed by a clinical psychologist, a Navy chaplain, and our guest, Navy SEAL Master Chief Stephen Drum. Join us as we interview him to find out the keys to developing mental toughness and the ability to make good decisions in high pressure situations. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Saloni Guest: Stephen Drum

We invited retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Stephen Drum to talk about "Combat  Psychology." What type of mindset helps to manage the stress of combat? What are the motivating factors to maintain focus and make good decisions while in combat? Listen to this episode to find out. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan, Saloni Guest: Stephen Drum

Procrastination is the number one killer of time in the United States.  Fortunately, the “Let’s Get Psyched” hosts are on the case. Tune in to learn a few facts about this actually complex phenomenon, as well as a few strategies for overcoming it. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Diem, Edgar, Alan

Have you ever been bothered by appearing more competent than you really  are? Have you succeeded at something and then worried about how the expectations from others would now be too high? Have you ever attributed some of your successes to luck?” Answering “Yes” points to “Impostor Syndrome” and the need to listen to this podcast. Take the impostor phenomenon test yourself at http://impostort...

Is our growing obsession with video games and social media leading to shorter and shorter attention spans? Are video games contributing to aggression in children? These are not easy questions but we have psychiatrist and avid video game player Dr. Gino Mortillaro with us so  we were ready for them. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Joshua, Alan, Saloni Guest: Gino Mortillaro, MD

This week we invited Dr. Gino A. Mortillaro to talk about gender development. We focus on how parents should support their child's gender development. Parents usually have many concerns about how their child might be singled out for not acting in ways that match their biological sex.  Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Joshua, Alan, Saloni Guest: Gino A. Mortillaro, MD

Can "happiness" be a specific goal in mental health treatment. Or should clinicians keep their focus on reducing symptoms instead? Does a psychologist's or psychiatrist's beliefs about what constitutes a happy life influence psychotherapy and counseling? The hosts of "Let's Get Psyched" care about questions like these. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

Freud believed that reports of a fear of dying actually reflected underlying childhood conflicts (classic!) rather than something more basic in human behavior. Join the group as we look at some of the research on "death anxiety." Is a fear of death behind many mental health conditions? How is a fear of death managed in a clinical setting?  Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, Alan

This episode originally aired on KUCR in November of 2019. It touches on early adulthood, parenting styles, and the Matthew McConaughey movie. Hosts: Eyrn, Toshia, and Joshua Guest: Elliot Fong