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In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Dr. Glenn Livingston shares his personal journey of overcoming food addiction and the struggles of shame associated with it. Glenn recounts his experience of being nearly 300 pounds and emotionally unfit to practice psychology effectively. He discusses how he overcame his addiction by understanding the neuroscience behind cravings, devising practical techniques to manage his impulses, and creating rational strategies to counteract them. Additionally, Glenn explains the importance of addressing organismic distress and the role of societal influences on overeating. He emphasizes the need for clear rules and cognitive discipline while providing practical tips and insights to help others manage their food addictions. Glenn also gives listeners a chance to acquire his free resources for further guidance.
Glenn Livingston, Ph.D. was the long time CEO of a multi-million dollar consulting firm which has serviced several Fortune 500 clients in the food industry. You may have seen his (or his company's) previous work, theories, and research in major periodicals like The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Sun Times, The Indiana Star Ledger, The NY Daily News, American Demographics, or any of the other major media outlets you see on this page. You may also have heard him on ABC, WGN, and/or CBS radio, or UPN TV.
Disillusioned by what traditional psychology had to offer overweight and/or food-obsessed individuals, Dr. Livingston spent several decades researching the nature of bingeing and overeating via work with his clients AND a self-funded research program with more than 40,000 participants. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Yeshiva University in 1991.
03:40 Introduction and Setting the Stage
05:45 Glenn's Personal Journey with Food Addiction
07:50 The Turning Point: Changing the Approach
09:50 Understanding the Brain's Role in Addiction
12:03 The Inner Pig Concept
15:47 From Personal Struggle to Public Success
16:57 Challenges and Insights from Coaching
19:55 Addressing the Root Causes of Overeating
27:38 Society's Role and Modern Food Environment
33:01 Exploring Dopamine Sources
33:47 Impact of Processed Food on the Nervous System
34:11 Understanding Downregulation and Upregulation
35:27 Reversing the Effects of Processed Food
37:33 Personal Experiences with Delayed Gratification
39:51 Extinguishing Cravings: The Brain's Process
50:41 Practical Tips for Managing Cravings
57:23 Conclusion and Resources
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this insightful episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, I welcome Panda Ludwig to discuss the often overlooked but critical topic of burnout. The conversation covers the stigma surrounding burnout, identifying early signs, and practical strategies for managing it. Panda shares her personal story of experiencing severe burnout and the journey back to health, emphasizing the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and understanding one's motivations. The episode provides valuable advice on maintaining a sustainable work-life balance, including tips on nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise and the significance of self-worth and passion in preventing burnout. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their lives, visualize their goals, and prioritize holistic well-being for long-term success.
Amanda “Panda” Ludwig is an award-winning entrepreneur and multi-company founder. Despite her diverse skill set, spanning corporate finance to non-profit management, the most profound part of her journey unfolds not in a boardroom but in a hospital room. At the peak of her career, Panda confronted a pivotal moment when a doctor delivered the words "slow down or die". Following a two-year medical leave, Panda has
emerged as a beacon of hope for high achievers, illustrating that success and
genuine happiness can coexist harmoniously by utilizing the insight and methods she developed during her recovery.
03:10 Welcome to the EZ Conversations Podcast
03:33 Understanding Burnout: Early Signs and Stigma
04:40 Redefining Burnout: A Scientific Perspective
06:18 Personal Journey: Recognizing the Signs
09:20 The Turning Point: Medical Warnings and Life Changes
10:38 Recovery and Sustainable Success
13:32 The Achiever's Mindset: Balancing Drive and Well-being
19:57 Peak Performance: The Importance of Rest and Recovery
34:29 The Glorification of Overwork
35:16 Cultural Differences in Work Ethic
38:13 The Science of Productivity
42:03 Recognizing and Preventing Burnout
45:31 Self-Care and Setting Boundaries
55:07 Practical Tips for Avoiding Burnout
58:23 Visualization Exercise for Goal Setting
1:01:50 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, host Furkhan welcomes Troy, an experienced yoga teacher from Trinidad and Tobago, to discuss the intricacies of identity, labels, and spirituality. The conversation covers the consequences of attaching too strongly to societal labels and how this can lead to suffering. They dive into the concept of a higher power beyond religious structures and the importance of redefining one's beliefs. Troy shares his experiences with meditation, religious teachings, especially his connection with Christ outside of organized religion, and the transformative power of divine love, free from fear and shame. The discussion also highlights the significance of understanding the collective spiritual existence, self-preservation, forgiveness, and recognizing the divine in everyone. Troy introduces his book, 'My Name is Love,' and shares how listeners can connect with him further through his website and Instagram.
Troy Hadeed was born in Trinidad, wrote his first letter to the editor at age 10, has taught yoga internationally for over 15 years, and founded several successful businesses, including a hemp store, a waste oil recycling business, and a yoga studio.
He has walked coast-to-coast across Central America, navigated the world on a ship, spent prolonged periods in silence, and continuously sought to make sense of the human experience.
In all things, Troy hopes that his life will assist others in rediscovering a relationship with the God of their understanding while inspiring people to embody more compassion, knowledge, and love.
03:27 Welcome and Introduction
03:51 Exploring Identity and Labels
05:13 The Concept of God and Religion
06:41 The Impact of Opinions and Beliefs
15:35 Meditation and Spiritual Journey
17:47 The Essence of Identity and Separation
28:25 The Immortality of Influence
29:39 Exploring Identity and Ego
31:38 Redefining God and Spirituality
34:56 The Role of Love in Divine Connection
39:09 Yoga and the Practice of Surrender
50:41 The Importance of Forgiveness and Understanding
53:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this transformative episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Logan candidly shares his journey from the depths of sexual addiction to recovery and healing. He reflects on his double life filled with pornography, infidelity, and prostitution, and the intense effort required to overcome these behaviors. Logan emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, accountability, and the role of community support. Discussions include the normalization of sexual behaviors, the concept of powerlessness in addiction, and the societal impacts. Logan's faith in God and the integration of spiritual and practical approaches are pivotal elements in his recovery story. Listeners are encouraged to seek help and understand that sobriety is a continuous process toward genuine healing. Logan's Instagram, 'no longer in bondage,' serves as a resource for those navigating similar challenges.
Logan is a born & raised Alaskan, married to his gorgeous bride Carrie, who herself is a 4th-generation Alaskan; and together they are raising 4 boys.
Their life is a simple one - they love their family time, their dogs, and exploring the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.
And yet, absolutely none of this should be possible today. For years, Logan did just about everything in his power to destroy his marriage and his life. Logan was a raging sex addict. Porn, affairs, hiring prostitutes, and more had simply become a way of life for Logan. He thought he had no hope.
In 2016, God began to change all that.
02:57 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:48 Logan's Journey to Recovery
06:31 The Mission to Help Others
08:00 Understanding Powerlessness and Rock Bottom
11:24 The Normalization of Sexual Addiction
18:17 Living a Double Life
25:03 The Relapse Cycle and Recovery
29:22 A Moment of Relapse
31:02 The Importance of Community Support
33:44 A Tale of Two Days
37:38 The Path to Healing
41:21 Embracing Accountability
45:03 The Role of Faith in Recovery
49:04 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this enlightening episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host Furkhan welcomes Dr. Dolores Fazzino, an accomplished nurse practitioner and medical intuitive. The conversation explores Dr. Fazzino's unique journey from aspiring concert clarinetist to healer, inspired by a miraculous event in her father's life. They delve deep into the intersection of consciousness, energy healing, and modern healthcare, highlighting the profound impact of spiritual awakening. Key themes include self-compassion, trust in one's inner voice, and the transformative power of holistic healing practices. Dr. Fazzino introduces her new program 'I'm Awake, Now What?' and her weekly podcast 'The Dr. Dolores Show', offering listeners practical insights for integrating physical and spiritual realms in their lives, especially during personal transformation and growth.
Dr. Dolores Fazzino, a trailblazing thought leader, visionary, and innovator, is revolutionizing the realm of energy healing. As a renowned Nurse Practitioner, Medical Intuitive, and Energy Whisperer, she fearlessly combines the power of intuition and trust to facilitate profound transformations. Driven by a deep belief in the body's innate wisdom, she guides individuals on a transformative journey, empowering them to tap into their healing potential. Prepare to be captivated by Dr. Fazzino's unique blend of intuition, energy-healing expertise, and unwavering trust in the body's innate ability to heal itself.
02:44 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:32 Meet Dolores Fazzino: Medical Intuitive and Energy Whisperer
04:14 Understanding Energy and Human Connection
07:52 Dolores' Journey: From Music to Healing
09:05 A Miraculous Healing: Dolores' Father's Story
18:55 The Power of Self-Compassion and Triggers
24:24 Raising Vibrations and Impacting the World
25:46 The Necessity of Self-Work
26:02 Phases of Awakening
27:02 Mass Awakenings and Their Impact
27:43 The Importance of Inner Certainty
29:02 Tuning into Energies
37:51 Mindful Activities and Their Benefits
40:33 Trusting Your Intuition
43:54 Upcoming Programs and Resources
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, listeners can dive into the multifaceted life of Aidan Gabor, who shares his incredible transformation from a crime-ridden past to finding solace and purpose through the Baha'i Faith. Aidan recounts growing up in a violent crime family, working with the DOJ to take down corrupt officials, and facing profound psychological impacts due to his upbringing. His story explores themes of intergenerational trauma, the struggle with empathy, and the battle between loyalty and justice as he worked as an undercover informant. Personal anecdotes highlight his journey through violence, spiritual awakening, and redemption. The narrative also sheds light on the broader implications of trauma in military and law enforcement careers, the importance of spiritual insight, and the quest for global unity. This gripping testimony offers a compelling look at human resilience and the possibility of transformation despite a dark past.
Aiden Gabor was still a teenager when Department of Justice agents approached him with an ultimatum: spend his life in prison for racketeering, embezzlement, extortion, and conspiracy to commit murder, or become an undercover agent.
Conflicting Loyalties is a sharp, honest memoir in three parts: the bloody life of a mob soldier from outside la famiglia; the death-defying, paranoid existence of an informant bringing down corrupt politicians and police departments from the inside; and unexpectedly finding peace late in life through the Baha’i faith while coping with an ALS diagnosis.
Conflicting Loyalties is a visceral tale of a man who gambles with his own life in order to save it, dodging his fate while searching for an identity, a father, and a family. It is for readers of Gianni Russo’s Hollywood Godfather, Joe Pistone’s classic Donnie Brasco, and anyone interested in mob life, police and political corruption, and finding peace after a life of violence
03:28 Introduction and Guest Background
04:13 Early Life and Family Ties
06:18 Childhood Lessons and Early Involvement
07:47 Teenage Years and Rising Through the Ranks
10:20 Violence and Lack of Empathy
13:31 Intergenerational Trauma
14:13 Marriage and Family Challenges
18:26 Transition to Law Enforcement
20:20 Becoming an Informant
25:28 Undercover Operations
32:42 Unexpected FBI Raid
34:54 The Blue Line and Its Consequences
35:16 Struggles with Alcohol and Hallucinations
35:45 Facing Suicidal Thoughts
36:51 Taking Down Corrupt Officials
38:31 Conflicting Loyalties and Personal Turmoil
40:30 Understanding Trauma in Law Enforcement
46:59 Spiritual Awakening and the Baha'i Faith
1:00:20 Final Reflections and Advice
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, I welcome Maura Eliza, a specialist in helping mentally exhausted women overcome overwhelm, for an insightful discussion. We delve into topics such as the link between shame and productivity, the impact of societal and cultural expectations, and the role of feminism in women's lives. Maura shares her personal experience with adrenal fatigue and how she adopted practical methods to recover. The conversation also explores the importance of self-care, redefining femininity, and embracing one's worth beyond achievement. Maura discusses how these insights can quickly relieve mental exhaustion and burnout. Additionally, practical tips for addressing mental exhaustion and balancing career and family life are shared.
Maura is a traditional naturopath with over 10 years of experience in natural health. She developed her signature method for helping mentally exhausted women overcome overwhelm after going through adrenal fatigue twice and using two radically different methods to heal herself. She loves to teach women that feeling better is closer and easier than they think and that it starts within themselves rather than in a supplement, workout, or diet change.
02:42 Welcome to the EZ Conversations Podcast
03:20 Mara's Journey with Adrenal Fatigue
04:35 The Role of Shame in Mental Exhaustion
09:05 The Dark Side of Feminism and Overwhelm
20:52 Practical Solutions for Mental Exhaustion
28:36 Embracing Self-Worth and Self-Care
29:14 The Pitfalls of Social Media and Finding Real Connections
32:11 Understanding and Embracing Femininity
33:16 Creating a Self-Care Routine
36:12 Reframing Self-Care and Avoiding Burnout
40:14 Balancing Career and Family Life
50:24 The Importance of Basic Self-Care
53:21 Resources and Community for Mental Exhaustion
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the EZ Conversations Podcast, host, Furkhan and guest Rodger Friedman engage in a robust discussion centered on key societal issues and their widespread implications. Drawing from Friedman's book, 'Erasing America,' the conversation explores themes of humor amidst serious issues, societal polarization, and the media's role in divisiveness. They discuss Friedmans background, his political and financial insights, and his predictions about governmental financial practices leading to potential national bankruptcy. Touching on energy independence, they assess both the U.S. and Canada's economic challenges. The conversation delves into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), questioning the balance between equal opportunity and outcome. With a focus on resilience, work ethic, and personal responsibility, they propose respectful, civil dialogue as a way to counter polarization and move society forward. To learn more about Roger Friedman's work or to purchase his book, listeners are directed to eocritic.com.
Rodger Friedman is the author of Erasing America: Broken Politics, Broken Country. He is a dedicated American who wants to help fix our broken country. His epiphany moment came when he realized that many Congressional Democrats and the entire executive branch were turning America into a socialist society, bankrupt the nation, erase our borders, install one-party government and ignore the Constitution. He picked up his pen and started writing a series of weekly memos which became the basis for this book. Rodger is a retirement wealth planner, living in Florida with his wife.
04:23 Introduction and Book Overview
05:19 Guest Background and Career
10:00 Polarization and Media Influence
15:55 Entitlement and Work Ethic
23:08 Financial Crisis and Government Spending
33:38 Political Accountability and Student Loans
35:33 The Role of Voting in Democracy
38:44 Energy Independence and Economic Impact
44:08 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Debate
52:19 Generational Differences and Productivity
55:34 Finding Common Ground in Polarized Times
1:00:26 Conclusion and Contact Information
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Furkhan engages in a deep discussion with Marcus Higgs, a communication coach for parents of preteens. We explore various topics, including the influence of words, culture's impact, and faith's role in shaping one's beliefs. Marcus shares insights from his experiences teaching and working with parents, emphasizing the importance of understanding personal values and virtues. The conversation delves into the power of storytelling, the significance of being a curious learner and finding meaning through connection with others. Marcus reflects on his journey of faith and belief, highlighting an openness to learning from different perspectives and experiences.
Marcus is a 'communication coach' for parents of adolescents 10 to 14 years old. He helps parents effectively show up, connect with their preteens, and secure a relationship while their child is pulling away.
Marcus especially finds joy in supporting multicultural families, families who communicate across generational and cultural divides. He has served internationally (in East Asia, Europe, South East Asia, Middle East and South America) for over a decade and a half. Marcus also grew up in a diverse home (with a mother from the Philippines and a father from the Bahamas), so he understands the challenges of an intercultural family.
You can learn more about him and his work at MarcusHiggs.com
03:27 Introduction and Guest Welcome
04:15 Guest Background and Career Journey
06:35 The Power of Words and Communication
09:31 Exploring Faith and Cultural Experiences
14:07 Working with Children and Parenting Insights
19:23 Understanding Culture and Human Connection
24:39 Experiences as a Bible Teacher
26:19 Cherished Memories of Bible Classes
26:27 Understanding Religion Through Different Lenses
27:01 The Role of a Teacher: Learning from Students
28:26 The Power of Listening and Understanding
30:58 Creating Safe Spaces and Imaginary Friends
32:59 Exploring Evolving Beliefs and Convictions
39:22 Virtues and Values in Education and Parenting
43:17 The Importance of Self-Knowledge and Resilience
49:24 Final Reflections and Contact Information
Sponsors of the Podcast:
If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, I sit down with Dr. Shannon Sauer-Zavala, a clinical psychologist with 15 years of experience, and talk about her research on mental health treatment, specifically anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. Dr. Sauer-Zavala discusses the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety and the role of personality traits in mental health. We explore the 'Big Five' personality model, the limitations of online personality tests, and the impact of temperament. Dr. Sauer-Zavala also shares her methods for increasing therapy accessibility, including modifying symptom-based treatments to target personality traits and using science-based indicators for ending therapy. We address the issues and potential of unlicensed 'life coaches' within the industry, emphasizing the importance of proper vetting and public education on effective treatment. The episode concludes with a discussion on the static nature of intelligence compared to the fluidity of personality and ways to contact Shannon for more information.
Dr. Sauer-Zavala is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience working with people struggling with anxiety and depression. She is also an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky (UK). She develops new treatments for common mental health conditions and tests them in rigorous clinical trials. Dr. Sauer-Zavala is the lead developer of a short-term intervention for personality difficulties to address common mental health problems – COMPASS (a loose acronym for cognitive behavioural modules for personality symptoms). Dr. Sauer-Zavala is also the Founder and Director of Compass Mental Health Training & Consulting.
Dr. Sauer-Zavala received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the UK in 2011; she completed her predoctoral residency at Duke University Medical Center and her postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University. Dr. Sauer-Zavala is well-regarded in her field. She has co-authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and an academic book on personality. Her research has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and the Templeton Foundation. Her work is internationally respected – in 2023 alone, Dr. Sauer-Zavala was invited to give keynote talks at mental health conferences in Sydney, Australia and Cambridge, UK. She has also worked closely with the Canadian government to develop a mental health prevention program for cadets training to become Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
04:40 Introduction and Guest Welcome
05:10 Guest Background and Research Focus
05:57 Understanding Anxiety and Effective Treatments
07:30 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Insights
10:39 Personality Traits and Mental Health
28:29 Challenges in Mental Health Accessibility
43:30 The Role of Intelligence in Therapy
47:56 Conclusion and Contact Information
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Or find Furkhan's Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com
Sponsors of the Podcast:
Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered therapy, counselling, or clinical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist–client relationship. The views expressed are my own and are separate from my clinical practice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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