Look, Just Tell Me What To Do.

Brad Smallwood, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, discusses the myriad changes that have occurred since the world opened back up: shifts in urban geography—blocked off streets, multiplying parklets, restaurants spilling out onto our sidewalks.  Also, are habits around masking here to stay? And are people spending less time on their cell phones in social situations? What affects might covid h...

Today we examine the various forms of depression, tools to mitigate serious symptoms of depression as well as resources for those suffering with this disease. In addition, we will also focus on suicidal thoughts and how to recognize when and if they pose a serious threat.   ** National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 ** If you are seeking low cost therapy, try googling "Low cost" or "Free...

Today we speak with working class hero and “Refuse Engineer, Ben. Every day Ben rises at the crack of 11pm to make the very early morning rounds to pick up your recycling in the city of San Francisco. We will be looking at the strange things he finds while on the job—everything from sections of people’s fount lawns, money, skateboards and adult…toys. We will also be taking a look at how to manage...

Today we talk with Dan Chaison, former US Army sergeant deployed to Afghanistan, who went on to become a United States Senate foreign policy aide. At times, Dan’s experience granted him a devastating view of how even the wildest personal beliefs are formed, changed over time, or staunchly remain unchanged. Dan will comb through his career experiences for examples of media disinformation, the life...

Today we talk to Dr. Amy Lawson about her journey from Christian Fundamentalism to a scholar of Jungian and Archetypal Studies. We will also look at philosophical structures that seem inherently at odds with one another as well as how to go within and choose which philosophy works best for ourselves.    Amy's podcast!   Stuffofdreams.fireside.fm   You can also contact Amy at stuffofdreamspodcast@g...

Today we focus on the phenomenon of the functional alcoholic. Our guest describes her daily struggle with alcohol dependency and her ongoing quest for sobriety.      Substance Abuse Resources:   Community support: AASF.ORG (AA is the single most amazing resource ever developed since the invention of the public library. I don’t care what anyone says) al-anonsf.org (ALANON is another incredible reso...

How does one go about finding a therapist? Today we talk with Anicia Williams LMFT and Dylan Kersh LMFT and discuss the various pitfalls and strategies behind locating, interviewing and ultimately choosing the perfect therapist for YOU.     Anicia Williams LMFT is a psychotherapist in Marin County, specializing in multicultural issues, trauma, addictions and the relationships that suffer as a resu...

Today we speak with Michael Downie, who swears by the curative properties of video games, dungeons and dragons, and simply pursuing the things in life which bring you joy.  Michael's podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/5044366 You can also find him on twitter: @Gadget8Bit    My contact information:   benjaminrussack@gmail.com;  benjaminrussack.com       Here is a comprehensive link to mental h...

Today we look at the underlying causes of the underlying causes...that is, if Duel Diagnosis is all about self medicating anxiety or depression with drugs or alcohol, what caused the anxiety and depression in the first place?    Shameless plug for my father's book on Animal Dream Symbolism:  Animal Guides in Life, Myth and Dreams (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts, 97) My contact I...

Today we meet Alec, a young, successful guy working in the advertising industry who has chosen to toss it all and pursue his dream of becoming an innovator in the world of custom made automobiles. We discuss the psychology of taking risks, assessing one's quality of life, as well as the fear of stepping into the unknown.   Shameless plug for my father's book on Animal Dream Symbolism:  Animal Guid...

Today we talk with Brad Smallwood, LMFT, about the challenges many of have faced over the past year of the pandemic. We focus on ideas such as "Chaos management" and learning to talk yourself down from "accepting invitations" by your partner or spouse who may attempt to engage you in an argument.  Also, Brad recounts how his wife, a registered nurse in San Francisco, is no longer experiencing the...

Today we talk with Dylan Kersh, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, about our shared experiences in the world of recovery and the oft volatile living conditions  of the Sober Living Environment, or SLE—a home for persons in early recovery from addiction who are matriculating back into every day life. Next, Dylan will discuss how the modality of attachment theory may answer the question of why...

Today, we have a conversation with Saima Jamshed, a Life Coach out of San Francisco, CA. We discuss the similarities and differences between seeing a Life Coach and a regular licensed therapist such as an MFT, like myself, or an LCSW. Also, you will get to listen as Saima puts me in the hot seat and uses "Parts Work" to analyze my problematic relationship with food.  ---- Bay Area Tech Sister turn...

Today we Speak with Dr. Jacobs, a chiropractor out of San Francisco. Together we discuss the myths, risks and rewards of chiropractics. Dr. Jacobs will also focus on how chiropractors are trained and educated, as well as his personal journey towards becoming a chiropractor. Lastly, he will also offer tips on how to insure that your chiropractor is the real thing.  Contact information for Dr. Jacob...

Need a job? Trying to make new friends? Want a date?  Well guess, what, you’re probably going to need a persona…and more importantly, one that works. Everything from putting on a suit, to buying a new pair of shoes or adjusting your body language and tone of voice. Today, we talk with Natalie, a therapist out of San Francisco. Together we will discuss the various aspects and functions of the perso...

Today we discuss the issue of ambivalence and addiction with Mike.    My contact info: benjaminrussack@gmail.com   Shameless plug for my father's book on Animal Dream Symbolism:  Animal Guides in Life, Myth and Dreams (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts, 97)

I have a short list of mentors. Seymour, my old therapist, Cliff, my supervisor from Bayside Marin, and Gary Bubash LMFT , my unwitting roommate from...2002.  Today, we talk about the before times—before we became therapists, before I lost 100 pounds, before Gary gave up his job as a video editor to go back to school in his mid forties.   Somewhere between a drill sergeant and a teddy bear, Gary h...

Today we talk to Dr. Louis, who will give us tips and tricks for maintaining, revitalizing and repairing marriages that may have experienced strain during the lockdown.  Dr. Louis has over 10 years of experience as a Licensed Psychologist, speaker and consultant. She’s the owner/CEO of Atlanta Couple Therapy, a well-known practice located in Atlanta, Georgia. Her approaches have influenced people,...

Today we talk to Stephanie Hanger, LMFT, about maintaining our sanity during Covid. This episode is raw, unpolished, and probably inappropriate. That's just fine with me. These are strange times and this is how I've decided to manage and express my feelings. Today, we drop quotes from the Dalai Lama, details around the Black Plague as well as speculate about how civilization may, or may not, arise...

Do dreams actually mean anything or are they just garbage dumps of the mind?  And even if we could learn something by excavating the our subconscious landfill, then what? Whats all that trash good for anyway?  Today, we interview Dr. Amy Lawson, perdiabtrition turned Phd in jungian and archetypal studies who now has her own podcast, The Stuff of Dreams, where she reads and interprets dreams  sent...

Today we talk to spiritual thought leader, TJ Woodward. We will discuss  how the ego manifests itself in our lives, for good and for ill, and what we can do to improve our relationship with what TJ calls “The Essential Self”. TJ Woodward is a revolutionary recovery expert, bestselling author, inspirational speaker, and addiction treatment specialist who has helped countless people through his simp...

Depth or Archetypal Psychology: a philosophy which asserts that an unconscious exists, that archetypes are real, that myths can have measurable and lasting effect on our everyday lives.    Yet, how could studying a 3k year old greek myth possibly address the issue of, say, mitigating modern day physician burn out?  And how might taking into account the unconscious needs and fears of small children...

What unconscious motivation could these people possibly have in their desire to dominate big cats?  Why is Joe Exotic so convinced that Carol’s second husband Is buried under a septic tank, of all places? ` How is Carol Baskin’s relationship to cats tied to her taking control of her own destiny?  And how is that related to the strange photo of her husband on a leash…on their wedding day?  Depth or...

Today we talk with Brad Smallwood, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist , who will help us develop coping skills to manage our anxiety during the Covid 19 crises:  -Focus on what we can control, instead of what we can’t.  -Having a negative thought?  Go do something positive  -Tell yourself: I’m okay right now. Brad even recommends being of service—from picking up a couple groceries for your nei...

Could our sudden confinement due to the recent Shelter in Place mandate allow for new opportunities? How might we use this time alone to actually improve our lives? In these dark times, Clare Johnson, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, will discuss her focus on experiencing joy amidst the Covid 19 crises—afternoons of playing in the grass at home with her family, of building forts and bak.ing...