When East Meets West

We are bringing back the episode where Howard Spector shares how his journey from psychology student to tech entrepreneur led him to create Simple Practice, a business management software now used by over 100,000 healthcare providers and earning recognition as one of Forbes' best startup employers. • Discovered his passion for psychology as a teenager through Carl Jung's works • Attended...

From season 1, we being back the intersection of existentialism and behaviorism with our first guest, Dr. Robin Walser, discussing how these seemingly different approaches overlap in addressing life's fundamental questions about meaning and conscious living. • Both existentialism and ACT focus on being conscious and alive, asking what meaning we will create given our finite time • Rather than...

Dr. Pete and Dr. Nikki explore the complex relationship between sex and human connection, examining how sexual behavior can foster intimacy with others and oneself beyond simplistic cultural narratives. • Sex and intimacy are distinct concepts—intimacy can be as simple as holding hands or sharing a meaningful glance • America's puritanical roots have created unnecessary shame and rigid bounda...

Psychologists Dr. Pete Economou and Dr. Nikki Rubin re-introduce their podcast bridging Eastern mindfulness practices with Western behavioral science. They share their professional backgrounds, personal journeys with mindfulness, and mission to make psychological science accessible to help people suffer less. • Pete is a PhD counseling psychologist, Zen practitioner, and associate professor at Rut...

Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin celebrate five years since their first podcast collaboration, reflecting on how their journey began during the pandemic and evolved into a successful partnership despite initial reluctance. • Pete convinced Nikki to start podcasting during the pandemic despite her private nature • Nikki went from "kicking and screaming" to embracing the podcast after experiencing h...

We explore the difference between youth as a chronological stage and youthfulness as a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life, examining how these concepts influence our approach to aging and personal growth. • Youth is a developmental stage where we test boundaries and build character through experiences • The natural risk-taking of youth serves an important purpose in development • Socia...

We explore the uncomfortable yet necessary world of professional branding from our perspective as psychologists. Despite one of us actively disliking branding while simultaneously being considered a private practice celebrity, we unpack how visual representation communicates our values even when we resist traditional marketing approaches. • Tension between authentic representation and curated prof...

Can koans untangle the complexities of our minds and offer a path to mental clarity? Explore this fascinating possibility with our special guest, Nikki, who passionately shares her experiences with these intricate Zen riddles. By challenging the intellectual mind, koans invite us into a space of simplicity and stillness, a concept that resonates deeply with the practice of meditation. We also refl...

Unlock the true complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with us as we shatter common stereotypes and misconceptions. Have you ever wondered if OCD is more than meticulous hand-washing or repetitive checking? Discover the hidden layers of this disorder, including the intriguing "pure O" subtypes where compulsions are mental rather than physical. We'll share our personal journey...

We explore the fascinating complexities of memory, discussing how it functions, the different types, and the factors affecting recall. Listeners gain insights into the fragility of memory, including false memories, the nature of repressed memories, and the impact of memory disorders like dementia.  • The distinctions between long-term and short-term memory  • The influence of sensory input on memo...

This episode delves into the concept of collective trauma through the lens of the recent fires in Los Angeles. We explore resilience, coping strategies, and the importance of community support in the aftermath of such devastating events. • Defining collective trauma and its impact on communities  • Personal experiences with the recent L.A. fires  • Importance of vulnerability and sharing in healin...

Navigating friendships in adulthood can feel daunting, but understanding it as "friend dating" opens up new possibilities for connection. By focusing on personal interests and being open to vulnerability, listeners can cultivate meaningful relationships in their lives. • The significance of "friend dating" as a metaphor  • The impact of adult responsibilities on friendships  •...

This episode delves into the First Noble Truth of Buddhism, which asserts the inevitability of suffering as a universal human experience. We discuss the differences between pain and suffering, the implications of expectations on our emotional state, and how Buddhist practices can help us cope with life's challenges.  • Explaining the First Noble Truth and its significance  • Understanding suf...

In this episode, we delve into the concept of the midlife crisis, exploring its validity and how personal narratives shape our experiences. We discuss the intersection of cultural expectations and individual identity while highlighting the potential for growth during significant life transitions.  • Defining and discussing the midlife crisis and its prevalence  • Personal stories reflecting variou...

Ever wondered why New Year’s resolutions often feel like they’re woven from the same fairy tale fabric as Cinderella’s midnight transformation? Join us on this whimsical exploration of fresh starts, where we poke fun at the cultural expectation of overnight success while offering insights from our therapeutic experiences.  This episode encourages listeners to consider a more fluid approach to New...

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos and the pressure to be perfect? Let’s explore a refreshing perspective on how embracing imperfections can actually lead to a more fulfilling holiday season. As we gather around festive tables and navigate family dynamics, we discuss the importance of lowering expectations to reduce stress and invite authenticity. Whether you're working through the holidays...

Ever wondered why we tend to see the world in black-and-white terms? Discover the hidden complexities of our thought processes and learn how embracing nuance can transform how you understand reality and connect with others. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the limits of binary thinking and introduce you to the concept of dialectical thinking—holding two opposing ideas at once. We draw...

What if the secret to a more abundant life lies in something as simple as gratitude? Join us as we embark on a thoughtful exploration of gratitude's complex nature, especially as we approach the holiday season. We'll unravel the subtle distinctions between gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation, and discuss how cultural practices and lifestyle choices, such as abstaining from alcohol...

What happens when a tradition starts to feel more like a burden than a joy? Join us as we navigate the nuanced world of holiday customs, from the heartwarming to the hilariously rigid. We kick off with personal stories, revealing how attending Alvin Ailey performances in New York has evolved from a cherished ritual to a topic of reflection. Traditions can be a comforting presence, weaving joy and...

What if the way we handle election results could foster personal growth and empathy? After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of the recent US presidential election, we explore strategies for coping with outcomes, whether you're celebrating or feeling disheartened. Drawing from Eastern philosophies and cognitive behavioral therapy, we discuss the importance of holding outcomes lightly a...

What if our constant need for digital engagement is robbing us of true mental rest? Discover strategies to reclaim your peace in our latest episode, where we unravel the paradox of digital detoxing in our tech-centric lives. We dive into the necessity of finding a balance between beneficial technology use and the addictive nature of our devices. From mindfulness apps to the inevitable pull of noti...

Imagine navigating the bustling streets of New York, only to find your path blocked by unexpected construction. That's how life often feels, doesn't it? Join us as we tackle these metaphorical roadblocks and share how they mirror life's surprises—like an OCD flare-up during treatment or a missed job promotion. Together, we shine a light on the importance of flexibility and adaptabil...

Unlock the secrets of wisdom as we journey through its rich and multifaceted landscape, drawing insights from both Eastern and Western viewpoints. Imagine wisdom not as a static treasure of the old but as a dynamic force that can emerge vibrantly in the young. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of how wisdom is more than just accrued knowledge or intelligence. Join us as we explore...

What if the passion for your favorite sports team could teach you about compassion, connection, and life's unpredictable twists? This episode is your all-access pass to the vibrant world of East Coast versus West Coast sports fandom. We swap stories about what it means to wear your team’s colors with pride, whether you’re stuck in LA traffic trying to catch a Dodgers game or navigating the bu...