Mental Filter

We have all seen the glitz and glam of Hollywood when celebrities walk the red carpet. For some, the red carpet fulfills their lifelong dream of being a Hollywood star, while others struggle with the expectations that come along with this role. For this episode, we sat down with Chris Trondsen, a news host, therapist, and advocate for mental health. Chris shared pieces of his journey struggling with BDD and OCD, which eventually led him to pursue a psychology degree to become a therapist to help those just like him.

You can connect with Chris on Twitter (https://twitter.com/christrondsen), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/christrondsen/), or via email ([email protected]).

As always, thank you for your continued support by subscribing, reviewing, rating, and coercing your mailperson to listen :)

Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C

www.cbtbaltimore.com

This week we were joined by Bob Tewksbury, retired major league baseball pitcher and mental skills coach. Bob's baseball journey was one for the books, but the end of his baseball career was the beginning of new career in sports psychology. As he describes in his book, 90% Mental, sports are not just about hitting a home run or scoring the winning goal; there are layers to great players, and mental skills are just one. We talked with Bob about his experience in the outfield, and what he is up to now, as well as how the mental skills applied in sports are applicable to our lives, even if we do not play a sport.

You can connect with Bob via his website, https://bobtewksbury.com/, or on Twitter, https://twitter.com/bob_tewksbury.

As always, thank you for your continued support by subscribing, reviewing, rating, and coercing your mailperson to listen :)

Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C

wwww.cbtbaltimore.com

From the newspaper headlines, to interruptions in your regularly scheduled programming on television, we are all familiar with the "doom and gloom" that this world has to offer. Sometimes, it seems like it can be easier to get caught up in that doom and gloom, and forget about the sunshine that can (and does!) peacefully exist.

Dude. Be Nice. has one mission: treat yourself and others better. All created by a man who wanted to be the anti-doom and gloom, Dude. Be Nice. is known for their awesome videos that highlight people who go the extra mile, and deserve recognition for doing so. This week, we got to sit down with Brett Camalich from Dude. Be Nice. (https://www.dudebenice.com/) to hear about his experiences in giving to others, and ultimately, what he gained from giving.

As always, thank you for your continued support by subscribing, reviewing, rating, and coercing your mailperson to listen :)

Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C

wwww.cbtbaltimore.com

Throughout life, we meet individuals at our favorite coffee shop, or in a class we’ve taken, or even mailing a card at your local post office. What do all of these things have in common? Well, each of those people have things that make them unique, that make them stand out from those around them.

This week, we sat down with Ed Latimore, a former professional heavyweight boxer whose life started in the projects of Pennsylvania, which then eventually led him to pursue a degree in physics, develop an interest in chess, and lead a life of practicing stoicism. This episode really packs a lot of punches into one. The best place to find him is at www.edlatimore.com and all SM platforms.

As always, thank you for your continued support by subscribing, reviewing, rating, and coercing your mailperson to listen :)

As a disclaimer, the thoughts and opinions of every guest co-host vary. While we respect them, they are not necessarily indicative of the values upheld by CBT Baltimore.

Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C

wwww.cbtbaltimore.com

Each and every one of us has experienced challenges that are unfair, and seemingly insurmountable, sometimes leaving us to question the purpose that this pain is playing in our lives. We may ask, "why me?", feeling defeated by our tribulations, looking for a way out of the darkness. The children of Kids Kicking Cancer have a bit of a different idea.

We sat down with Rabbi Elimelech Goldburg, "Rabbi G", (https://kidskickingcancer.org/) a black belt Rabbi and founder of Kicks Kicking Cancer, to hear about how children experiencing pediatric illness and cancer are our true teachers. It is truly an inspiration to listen to Rabbi G describe how the children with the toughest feats face them with a smile on their face, and literally, a breath of fresh air.

Thank you for your continued support by subscribing, reviewing, rating, and coercing your mailperson to listen :)

Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C www.cbtbaltimore.com

If that sounds like an oxymoron to you then this episode is what you're looking for! Not only is possible to be happy while at work, but it is also invaluable. Invaluable for the worker and the boss. This may seem like an out-of-reach goal but it does not have to be.

Joined by the affable, congenial Greg Kettner (https://www.gregkettner.com/), we dive into the intersection where humor and our 'day jobs' meet. It is an inspiration to hear how Greg used a tragic event as a springboard to bring so much good into people's lives.

Thank you for your continued support by subscribing, reviewing, rating, and coercing your mailperson to listen :)

Shmuel Fischler LCSW-C www.cbtbaltimore.com

Throwback Thursday!

Way back when (before the existence of Mental Filter) I met Stuart Ralph at the annual International OCD Foundation Conference. Stuart is not only the nicest and most genuine guy one can be, but he is also the host of a podcast called The OCD Stories https://theocdstories.com/ The podcast has been extremely influential in advocating, educating, and connecting within the OCD community. It is also super popular ;)

He graciously allowed me to turn the mic on him. In its original format, this was a video discussion now formatted for audio. We explored his own journey with OCD, the power of storytelling, and highlighting how we may never realize how much we can positively impact others if we are willing to try.

For me, it was inspiring, moving, and meaningful. It also was the catalyst for this podcast being born.

Shmuel

The brain is fascinating, to say the least! It's so unique and individual for each of us. It holds our pattern of thinking. It is the nerve center for everything that we do. It influences our emotions and personalities. It is both powerful and sensitive. Also, as much as we have advanced in our knowledge of it, we still haven’t scratched the surface.

So what happens if it becomes compromised? Even that is so unique because each person is impacted differently. It can depend on how and which portion of it becomes compromised. Whether you're a layperson or professional we welcome you into our conversation with an expert who navigates families on their journey after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). You may be surprised what falls into that category.

We hone in on the mental health aspect and explore the experience of the individual and their loved ones, as they navigate a new reality. As always, we are grateful for your support whether it be subscribing, sharing, reviewing, or painting your chest with our logo and streaking at a post-COVID sports game. We appreciate you

Did you say you wanted more?! Well, you're in luck because we didn't stop talking just yet.

Part II of the topic below.....

The world of performing arts is as vast as it is deep. There are so many highs and along with it a fair amount of lows. Hopefully, this will be just the first of many episodes that explores the experience of performing arts, on professional and personal levels, through the lens of mental health. Is the saying 'life imitates art' accurate or is it art imitating life? hmmm...

This double-episode is not just for the performer out there. You, the listener, might notice your head nodding in mutual understanding as our co-host Evan Jay Newman (https://www.evanjaynewman.com/) candidly shares his experiences of his journey from child actor to musical director. Evan's travels have taken him across the globe and he has played significant roles in the production of Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, and Green Day's American Idiot.

Please join Shmuel (www.cbtbaltimore.com) and Evan in Part I and Part II of this intriguing dialog about performing arts and mental health.

We are grateful for the continued support you provide by liking, sharing, and creating multiple pseudonyms so you can write numerous reviews ;)

Below are some of the projects Evan mentions he is currently involved in.

https://www.lyrathemusical.com/

http://www.highnotesshow.com/

The world of performing arts is as vast as it is deep. There are so many highs and along with it a fair amount of lows. Hopefully, this will be just the first of many episodes that explores the experience of performing arts, on professional and personal levels, through the lens of mental health. Is the saying 'life imitates art' accurate or is it art imitating life? hmmm...

This double-episode is not just for the performer out there. You, the listener, might notice your head nodding in mutual understanding as our co-host Evan Jay Newman (https://www.evanjaynewman.com/) candidly shares his experiences of his journey from child actor to musical director. Evan's travels have taken him across the globe and he has played significant roles in the production of Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, and Green Day's American Idiot.

Please join Shmuel (www.cbtbaltimore.com) and Evan in Part I and Part II of this intriguing dialog about performing arts and mental health.

We are grateful for the continued support you provide by liking, sharing, and creating multiple pseudonyms so you can write numerous reviews ;)

Below are some of the projects Evan mentions he is currently involved in.

https://www.lyrathemusical.com/

http://www.highnotesshow.com/