Mind Tricks Radio

Shari Brown met with me today to discuss the complicated and nuanced topic of multiple minority identities, in particular, the intersection of racial/ethnic identity with gender/sexual identity.  Shari is an advanced doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at University of Hawaii at Manoa, whose clinical, research and mentorship experiences are focused on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations. Shari is ori...

Today I interviewed Dr. Zeal Okogeri, who spoke with me about kindness, compassion, and generosity which he illustrates in his four published books. His most recent book, You Can Never Go Wrong By Being Kind, is an anthology of real life stories on the transformative potential of kindness and compassion. Dr. Okogeri spoke with me about his colorful and happy childhood growing up in a small village...

In Episode 16, I interview Dr. Rebecca Gladding, author of the book, You Are Not Your Brain, The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life co-written with Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz. Dr. Gladding served as a clinical instructor and attending psychiatrist at UCLA and was featured in A&E's critically acclaimed series Obsessed. She is Founder & Medi...

After a nearly one year hiatus from Mind Tricks, I've started a new series of episodes with lively and informative guests on topics related to psychology. Episode 15 is particularly tasty, as I interview Ethnobotanist and Chocolatier, Dr. Nat Bletter, who discusses his love for medicinal plants, and in particular, the psychoactive properties of plants.  Dr. Bletter talks about chemical complexitie...

Interview with Dr. Tyler Ralston, a Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Ralston returned to speak with me about how to identify red flags in abusive relationships, and how to avoid starting a relationship with an abusive partner. Dr. Ralston is a co-author of Treating PTSD in Battered Women, a step-by-step manual for therapists and counselors.

A conversation with Dr. Adam Dorsay, Clinical Psychologist in San Jose, California.  We talked about Positive Psychology, and the concepts of Learned Helplessness, Optimism, and Pessimism and how they may affect a person's ability to grow and find fulfillment in his or her life.

Interview with Dr. Kyla Wahlstrom, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Minnesota.  Dr. Wahlstrom has researched teens and sleep for 23 years, and has generated overwhelming findings on the profound health benefits of later school start times for teenagers. Based on Dr. Wahlstrom's work, the need for later school start times has been endorsed by organizations such as the American Pediatri...

Interview with Dr. Liza Wacker, Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii.  Dr. Wacker spoke with me about Perfectionism -- how to identify perfectionism and understand how it gets in the way of achieving happiness and fulfillment. She gives great examples of ways to shift perfectionistic thinking and engage in behaviors that promote healthy striving.

A conversation with Dr. Adam Dorsay, Clinical Psychologist in San Jose, California.  We talk about the psychological and emotional distress that many are feeling around the current COVID-19 crisis, and offer suggestions on positive and helpful ways to cope and even grow from this experience. This episode is dedicated in memory of Larry Kaplan.

Interview with Dr. Sarah Sarkis, Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii.  Dr. Sarkis returned to speak with me me about psychological defense mechanisms we employ as a means of protecting ourselves from deeply uncomfortable feelings. She calls defense mechanisms the mind's personal homeland security system.  

Interview with Dr. Cindy Goodness Zane, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Honolulu who specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples, families and individuals. Dr. Zane spoke with me about love, attachment and her work with Emotionally Focused Therapy.

Interview with Dr. Akihiko Masuda, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Dr. Masuda spoke with me about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness. For more information about this episode, please visit my Blog at  Dr. Akihiko Masuda .

Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Stern, Clinical Child Psychologist in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Dr. Stern spoke with me about parenting styles ranging from hyper-scheduling to unscheduling. For more information about this episode, please visit my Blog at  Interview with Dr. Jeffrey Stern . 

Interview with Dr. Adam Dorsay, Clinical Psychologist in San Jose, California.  Dr. Adam spoke with me about the importance of Adult Friendships, and the psychological and emotional barriers that impede people from forming and maintaining friendships. For more information about this episode, please visit my Blog at  Interview with Dr. Adam Dorsay . 

Interview with Dr. Sarah Sarkis, Clinical Psychologist in Hawaii.  Dr. Sarkis spoke with me about how to become more aware on how our unconscious processes affect us in every aspect of our lives. For more information about this episode, Please visit my Blog at Interview With Dr. Sarah Sarkis .       

Interview with Sharon Hicks, author of How Do You Grab a Naked Lady? Ms. Hicks writes this colorful and emotionally gripping memoir about her life growing up with a mother dealing with Bipolar Disorder. For more information about this episode, Please visit my Blog at How Do You Grab a Naked Lady?

Interview with Tricia Burke, LCSW, a psychotherapist in private practice in the states of Washington and Hawaii. Tricia spoke with me about Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and Empaths. For more information about this episode, Please visit my Blog at  Highly Sensitive People (HSP) and Empaths .

Interview with Dr. Tyler Ralston, a Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice in Honolulu, Hawaii. Dr. Ralston spoke with me about the cognitive model of trauma related guilt. He is a co-author of Treating PTSD in Battered Women, a step-by-step manual for therapists and counselors. For more info about this episode, please visit my Blog at  Unwarranted Guilt.