What is the nature of man? Or woman? Or humankind? It seems that the cycle of violence is so greatly ingrained in our being that we are destined to forever be at war - with ourselves, and with each other, Hear A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett about the wars that we wage on every level of our lives. How do we shift from power to partnership - strife to joy - and from rage to peace?

It's been almost two years of life without opportunities to see Live theater - which has been devastating for both patrons and performers. What have we missed - socially, emotionally and as a community - and how will we find our way back to the stage? Hear a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett and George Walker, beloved actor, educator and graduate of PCPA - the Pacific Conservatory Theater about his life, roles, passions and the Hurdy gurdy that he built and plays in the current run of Shakespeare's As You Like It.

R.A.C.E. Matters SLO is a grassroots organization that amplifies issues of racial justice and centers Black voices. hear this conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett and Executive Director, Courtney Haile about her work developing cultural programs, including the Belonging art series and producing the documentary, Restrictions Apply about the history of housing discrimination in America’s happiest city, San Luis Obispo.

Another Valentine's Day approaches and we are again, cautiously venturing back out into the world to gather, celebrate and renew connections that have been sidelined, redefined and often lost, during this pandemic that's kept us at more than arm's length. Will we ever hug freely again? Hear a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett about igniting your love story, reviving your social life and remembering the art of the embrace.

Strong committed relationships are the key to good mental health and cultural well-being - but achieving these essential connections is often challenging and elusive. What is the state of love, marriage and family in the 21st century? Listen to a Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, and Stephanie Coontz, Director of Research and Public Education at the Council on Contemporary Families, Professor Emerita at The Evergreen State College and author of seven books on marriage and family life, including The Way We Never Were: American Families and the Nostalgia Trap and Marriage, A History: How Love Conquered Marriage.

At a time when society is shifting it's beliefs of what it means to be in relationship- and with the state of the institution of marriage ever in flux - many people are searching for new and creative ways to create long term stable and committed relationships that still support their individual needs and desires. Tune in Tuesday at 2 pm (pst) for A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett and Dr Tammy Nelson, Psychotherapist, Certified Sex Therapist and author of Open Monogamy - a guide to co-creating your ideal relationship agreement.

When it comes time to review our lives, let us hope that we've been fortunate enough to experience the joy of many different paths and adventures - and be thankful that we've had the resilience and fortitude to withstand the inevitable pain, loss and tragedies that accompany a life lived fully. Listen to A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth Barrett, and radio host, Dave Congalton about his many different lives - author, screenwriter, animal advocate, educator, comic, friend, husband and ever-changing man. Celebrating the highs, lows and miracles of longevity.

Can We Talk ourselves Better?Talk therapy has been the primary form of mental health care for more than 100 years - but does sharing our life experiences and stories with a stranger really offer the healing that we are searching for? A Conversation with Dr. Joshua Coleman, psychologist, author and practitioner, about rethinking the helping professions and the possible paths toward wholeness.

At a time when many are feeling constricted in their lives, looking for ways to revive lost energy and inspirations - the Reluctant Therapist explores the many facets of Gratitude as a prescription for healing stress fatigue, burn out and many other mood disrupters. Ideas for taking small steps toward big internal and external growth in the year ahead.

Host Elizabeth Barrett is joined by Leslie St. John, a faculty member in the English department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for this week's Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist.