In this powerful episode of the Depth Dialogues Podcast, we speak with Adanna Eke, LCSW—psychotherapist, consultant, and founder of The Depth Studio. Adanna’s career spans child welfare, emergency psychiatry, and psychoanalytic training, all of which inform her trauma-informed approach to working with foster youth and marginalized communities.Together, we explore the importance of long-term relational care, culturally sensitive therapy, and the unique model of A Home Within, where Adanna serves as co-clinical director of the Los Angeles chapter. This conversation offers a profound look into what it means to hold space for healing within a system that often forgets how to care.Topics Include:• Depth psychology as a form of social justice• Culturally grounded, trauma-informed therapy• The role of A Home Within in supporting foster youth• Guidance for early-career clinicians seeking community-oriented work• Building Practice in Community and the future of relational healing

Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

n this episode of the Depth Dialogues podcast, we are joined by Dr. Skye Cleary—philosopher, author, educator, and existential guide—whose work breathes new life into timeless questions of meaning, authenticity, and human connection. Drawing from her acclaimed books "How to Be Authentic" and "Existentialism and Romantic Love," Skye speaks to the deep tensions of our era: from curated selves and polarized identities to the complexities of love and liberation.Together, we explore how existentialist thought—particularly the legacy of Simone de Beauvoir—can illuminate our search for fulfillment, responsibility, and emotional honesty in a fractured world. With grace and insight, Skye reflects on how we might reclaim the courage to live authentically, love deeply, and engage more truthfully with ourselves and others.Tune in as we dive into existential practices, relational healing, and the possibility of collective transformation through philosophical awakening.
Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

In this thought-provoking episode of Depth Dialogues, we sit down with Dr. Usha Tummala-Narra, a distinguished clinical psychologist and professor at Boston College, whose work explores the intersections of trauma, immigration, race, and psychoanalytic psychotherapy.Drawing from her extensive research and clinical practice, Dr. Tummala-Narra delves into the psychological impact of immigration, the role of cultural narratives in psychodynamic therapy, and the importance of integrating intersectionality into the therapeutic process. We discuss her influential books, including Psychoanalytic Theory and Cultural Competence in Psychotherapy and Trauma and Racial Minority Immigrants: Turmoil, Uncertainty, and Resistance, and examine how culturally informed psychoanalysis can contribute to healing in polarized societies.Join us for a rich conversation on resilience, identity, and the evolving landscape of depth psychology in addressing social crises.

Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

In this episode of Depth Dialogues, we had the honor of speaking with Rhonda Magee, JD, a leading voice in mindfulness-based social justice, legal education, and contemplative leadership.As a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law and the author of The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness, Rhonda spent over two decades pioneering the integration of contemplative practices into legal studies, social activism, and personal transformation. Her work highlighted how awareness, compassion, and soulfulness can foster healing in individuals and communities.In our conversation, we explored the role of mindfulness in addressing systemic bias and injustice, examining how awareness and contemplative practices can challenge deep-seated patterns of inequality. Rhonda discussed the inner work of racial healing and its profound impact on collective transformation, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness in fostering meaningful social change. We also discussed the intersection of soulfulness, presence, and depth psychology, considering how these elements contribute to a more holistic approach to justice and healing. Rhonda also shared methods for connecting inner healing to meaningful, sustained activism, emphasizing the importance of integrating personal transformation with efforts to build a more just and compassionate world.

Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

In this powerful episode of Depth Dialogues, we welcome Jim Hernandez, whose remarkable journey from gang involvement to advocacy and healing exemplifies the transformative power of inner peace and personal growth.For 15 years, Jim navigated the hardships of gang life, enduring profound loss, including the tragic death of his brother in a violent confrontation—a turning point that reshaped his future. Inspired by existential philosophy and the writings of thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Jim embarked on a transformative journey toward healing, purpose, and self-discovery.A life-changing mentorship with renowned existential psychologist Rollo May provided Jim with the guidance and support to catalyze his personal growth and become a catalyst for change. Today, as the founder and director of The Center for Inner Peace in Red Bluff, California, Jim dedicates his life to healing through art, counseling, mentoring, and community outreach.This episode is more than just a conversation—it's an invitation to reflect on how we can cultivate healing, connection, and transformation in our communities. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the power of resilience, healing, and the human capacity for change.Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

In this captivating episode of Depth Dialogues, we are joined by two luminaries of existential and humanistic psychology: Dr. Emmy van Deurzen and Dr. Mick Cooper. Together, they take us on an exploration of how existential therapy can move beyond the consulting room to address the pressing social, ethical, and environmental challenges of our time.Dr. Emmy van Deurzen, founder of the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London, has inspired generations of therapists with her unique integration of philosophical inquiry and therapeutic practice, emphasizing resilience, meaning-making, and authentic living. Dr. Mick Cooper, a Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton, is a leader in pluralistic therapy and a passionate advocate for psychology’s role in fostering social justice and systemic change.In this conversation, we explore how existential and humanistic therapies can help individuals confront personal struggles and engage with larger societal issues. We discuss their vision for taking therapy beyond the consulting room and into the world, mobilizing it as a force for collective resilience and transformation.We also discuss the upcoming Existential Movement conference, "Into the Wild Woods: Existential Responses to Turbulent Times," and the forthcoming World Congress of Existential Therapy conference in 2026, highlighting their potential to shape the future of the field. Tune in to hear Emmy and Mick’s reflections on navigating the human condition, addressing systemic injustice, and using the tools of existential psychology to create meaningful change.

Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

In this episode of Depth Dialogues, we're honored to host Dr. Nathaniel Granger, a visionary leader in humanistic psychology and social justice advocacy. As a former president of the APA Division 32 Society for Humanistic Psychology, adjunct professor at Saybrook University, and founder of Be REAL Ministries, Dr. Granger has dedicated his career to empowering marginalized communities through both his therapeutic work and his role as a pastor.Dr. Granger's prolific work includes publications and poetry collections like Stay Awhile: Poetic Narratives on Multiculturalism and Diversity, Silent Screams: Poetic Journeys Through Addiction and Recovery, and Rising Voices: Poems Towards a Social Justice Revolution. His scholarship and creative expressions tackle the complexities of identity, race, trauma, and resilience, offering a unique lens on social healing through humanistic and depth psychological approaches.In our conversation, we dive into Dr. Granger’s journey and discuss how depth psychology principles can inform an inclusive approach to therapy and healing. We explore the power of poetry in fostering social justice, the integration of faith in therapeutic practice, and his insights on leadership in existential therapy. Dr. Granger also shares his thoughts on the mission of the Corps of Depth Healers to mobilize depth psychology in addressing societal crises.Join us for an inspiring discussion on bridging faith, creativity, and psychology to bring about meaningful social change.

Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

In this episode of Depth Dialogues, we are honored to welcome Dr. Susan Rowland, a leading scholar in depth psychology and literary studies. As the past Associate Chair of the MA in Engaged Humanities and Creative Life, and the PhD in Jungian and Archetypal Studies programs at Pacifica Graduate Institute, Dr. Rowland has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of depth psychology.With over thirty years of academic experience and ten groundbreaking books to her name, Dr. Rowland has masterfully bridged Jungian theory with literary criticism, gender studies, and ecological consciousness. In this conversation, we explore her latest work, The Ecocritical Psyche, which examines the deep relationship between Jungian symbols and our connection to the natural world, offering a powerful lens for understanding ecological and psychological crises.We also discuss Dr. Rowland’s contributions to the study of myth, technology, and the feminine, and how her work offers profound insights for addressing modern societal challenges. Additionally, we dive into her creative work as a novelist, where her passion for depth psychology and detective fiction come together in the Mary Wandwalker Mystery Series.Join us for a rich conversation that spans depth psychology, literature, ecology, and the creative imagination.Subscribe to the Depth Dialogues podcast for more thought-provoking episodes! Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

Marla Estes, the founder of Building Bridgers, joins us in this compelling episode of the Depth Dialogues podcast to discuss her ground-breaking strategy for addressing social and political polarization. Marla delves into the concept of "depolarizing within," a transformative process that fosters deeper understanding and communication across diverse viewpoints.Throughout the episode, Marla explores the essence of depolarization, emphasizing the development of self-awareness and the need to address cognitive biases that often lead to conflict. She provides insights into her Building Bridgers program, which uses interactive discussions, media literacy, and viewpoint diversity to help participants confront their own blind spots and engage in more meaningful dialogues.Marla also offers practical strategies for individuals and groups to enhance communication, navigate challenging conversations, and bridge divides in both personal and political contexts. She discusses the critical role of media literacy in overcoming polarized perspectives and highlights her work as the Jackson County Coordinator for Urban Rural Action, where she facilitates collaboration between people from various backgrounds to achieve common goals.Join us for an engaging discussion on how internal shifts can lead to external harmony and learn how to apply these principles to foster better communication and connection in today’s divided world.Subscribe to the Depth Dialogues podcast for more thought-provoking conversations and updates!🔗 Links:Explore Marla Estes’s program aimed at fostering understanding and communication across different viewpoints. https://www.buildingbridgers.com/Learn about Marla Estes’s role as the Jackson County Coordinator and the organization’s efforts to unite diverse groups.https://www.uraction.org/Follow the latest updates and initiatives from Building Bridgers.https://www.facebook.com/BuildingBridgers/Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen Music Composition: Tyler Gamlen and Joe Vanderhoff Music Performance: Joe Vanderhoff Motion Graphics and Logo Design: Ugly Owl Films Recording and Editing: Tyler Gamlen

Marla Estes, the founder of Building Bridgers, joins us in this compelling episode of the Depth Dialogues podcast to discuss her ground-breaking strategy for addressing social and political polarization. Marla delves into the concept of "depolarizing within," a transformative process that fosters deeper understanding and communication across diverse viewpoints.

Hosts: Dr. Kirk Schneider and Tyler Gamlen