Psych Up Live

Many people embrace and use Eastern Meditative Practices as a pathway to reduce anxiety, find peace or awaken a free and expanded sense of self. Others have been in psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, as a way to reduce suffering, restore and expand self, heal from trauma, or find a "dwelling place" for pain. As such, it is likely that you have a personal sense of what such practices offer. In this show, Dr. Jeffrey Rubin will discuss and exemplify his development and use of Meditative Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis which draws upon the mix of Eastern Meditative Practice and Western Psychoanalytic/Psychotherapeutic technique in a relationship that facilitates genuine transformation and healing.

Dr. Jeffrey B. Rubin

Dr. Jeffrey B. Rubin practices psychoanalysis and psychotherapy and teaches meditation in New York City and North Salem, New York. Widely regarded as a leading integrator of the Western psychotherapeutic and Eastern meditative traditions, Dr. Rubin created Meditative Psychotherapy based on decades of study, teaching and helping people to flourish. Dr. Rubin is the author of eight books and numerous publications. He has taught at universities, psychoanalytic institutes and Buddhist and yoga centers. Dr. Rubin lectures in the US and has given workshops at the UN, the Esalen Institute, the Open Center and the 92nd Street Y. His pioneering approach to psychotherapy and Buddhism has been featured in The New York Times Magazine. Dr. Rubin is a graduate of Princeton University, Columbia University, and Union Institute. In the 2025 Brazilian Ju Jitsu championships, Dr. Rubin came in first in New York and New Jersey and third in the world.

In this show, Tiffany Braxton, discusses her new and important book," Consent Comics: An Engaging, Approachable Guide to Peer Pressure, Dating and Real-Life Boundaries," illustrated by Adilanie Garcia Amos. Drawing upon her experience as an educator and a survivor, Tiffany Braxton will consider and exemplify how the comics with characters depicted in a non-gender and non-racial way are universally applicable and provide powerfully engaging dialogue that covers Consent as Self-Care, Inner Red Flags, Empowered Yes, Trusting Self Again and Turning Pain into Power. Listen and view this unique and important show.

"Why Do We Fall For Conspiracy Theories?" In addressing this question he also addresses the issue of why we hang on to conspiracy theories once we believe them. In his interesting response, Dr. Mc Andrew considers whether certain factors make us more susceptible to embracing conspiracy theories. He proposes that in reality most of us can fall for the " right" conspiracy theory due to certain biases in how we all process information. Once we believe a conspiracy theory, Dr. Mc Andrew discusses why these beliefs are very difficult to undo. He discusses the impact of many forms of media in often providing a " false consensus" and " Exposure Effect" that fuels conspiracy theories. Dr. Mc Andrews describes why conspiracy theories flourish in atmospheres of fear and the consequences of conspiracy theories. You will be intrigued and informed. Listen in.

There are few people who have been injured or wronged by another who don't think about and want to mollify their psychic pain with revenge. In this episode, Dr. Steven Berglas, professor, psychotherapist, research scientist and executive coach invites us to consider " Taking Revenge – A Better Way." The author of award winning books, 70 articles and journal reports on cures of self-defeating behavior, Dr. Berglas discusses the personal cost of angry retaliation and the power of redirecting the brain's reaction to danger. With a wealth of professional experience and powerful examples, Dr. Berglas discusses the ways in which revenge seeking fuels rumination, increased anger, isolation, physical and emotional pain. It traps us and intensifies the original assault. Dr. Berglas demonstrates how to cope with the psychic pain that prompts revenge with a shift of mindset to achievement striving, to the possible, to missions that undue atrocity, to healing and to growth.

From films to novels to real life situations, we have heard the term narcissist and wondered – What are the characterizes a Narcissist? What does it mean to love a Narcissist? Rarely do we have the opportunity to learn the origins and the differences between Narcissism as a healthy sense of self-esteem and the pathology of someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this show, psychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Anthony Mazzella joins us to look closer at Narcissism, its origins, ways to understand and ways to cope whether you recognize your own narcissistic behavior or the behavior of the narcissist you love and care about.

In this episode Dr. Deborah Serani, psychologist and author discusses the reality of depression as a mood disorder in later life. Drawing upon her new and comprehensive book " Depression in Later Life: An Essential Guide," she underscores that depression is too often overlooked by those suffering, their families and even at times by their physicians. In the back and forth with host Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Serani provides crucial information and illuminating examples that will be as valuable for health-care professionals as for seniors who don't understand why they are suffering. She will answer questions like: What Is Geriatric Depression? Isn't Depression a normal part of aging? Why is it so often missed or dismissed? What are the steps for proper assessment? What are the treatment options? Are depressed seniors a suicide risk? Adding to this, Dr. Serani considers the power of "conscious aging" as an asset to physical and emotional well-being. This is an important show for all.

Our show today is going to bring you up close and personal to the stories of men who struggled for half a life-time daring to find themselves, own and tell their stories. The power of this theme will be illuminated by our guest Vinnie Kinsella, a professional storyteller and reader, performer and the editor of the powerful book, Fashionably Late, Gay, Bi & Trans Men Who Came Out Late in Life. Your story may be very different. If you have ever wondered if you should go public with your story – you will be informed, inspired and impressed by our guest Vinnie Kinsella.

What if you could use 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science? You can. In this show, Dr. Therese Huston returns to Psych Up Live with her new book "Sharp" - a little book that can play a very big role is your everyday success. Across the age spectrum people want to focus better, remember more, handle stress, bias, cope with pain, stay healthy and unlock their full potential. Dr. Huston guides us. She has already done the research and captured what we need to know and do to be more focused and productive often with 10 minute (sometimes 5 minute) strategies. Whether you want to feel more effective at work, with family or in achieving your personal goals- Listen in.

THERESE HUSTON, PH.D., is a cognitive neuroscientist and Faculty Development Consultant at Seattle University. She was the founding director of the university's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and is now a consultant for its Center for Faculty Development. Therese is the author of previous books: Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower; How Women Decide; and Teaching What You Don't Know. She has been interviewed on Harpers Bazaar and Goop for Let's Talk, and has written for TIME, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review and The Guardian. Therese has led workshops and presentations to Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and universities world-wide. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and their dog.

From films to novels to real life situations, we have heard the term narcissist and wondered – What are the characterizes a Narcissist? What does it mean to love a Narcissist? Rarely do we have the opportunity to learn the origins and the differences between Narcissism as a healthy sense of self-esteem and the pathology of someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this show, psychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Anthony Mazzella joins us to look closer at Narcissism, its origins, ways to understand and ways to cope whether you recognize your own narcissistic behavior or the behavior of the narcissist you love and care about.

Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate complex personality dynamics. He specializes in psychodynamic treatment, with a focus on narcissistic and borderline presentations, using a deeply attuned, insight-oriented approach. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Mazzella is a faculty member and supervisor, mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. He's also the creator and host of The Narcissism Decoder, a podcast and video channel that brings complex psychoanalytic ideas to life—making them relatable, practical, and especially relevant to understanding personality disorders and relationships.

In this show, Host Dr. Suzanne Phillips welcomes Dr. Elliott Zeisel, Psychoanalyst and Group Therapist whose award-winning televised series of an ongoing therapy group inspired Alexis Lloyd's award-winning film, 'Group: The Schopenhauer Effect,' just being released and starting to be in theaters across the US. In this film, Dr. Zeisel plays the role he has lived for over 40 years as a Group Therapist of an ongoing group of diverse members who have been with him for many years. In the fascinating new film, leader and group face a crisis in the leader's life that illuminates their personal issues and their relationship as group members in painful, powerful and profound ways. The film draws upon the theme of Dr. Irwin Yalom's renowned novel, The Schopenhauer Cure, which captures the pain, possibility, power and intensity of group therapy when the health of the leader is threatened. It is a riveting insider experience of group.

Dr. Elliot Zeisel is a psychoanalyst and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He has served as the Vice -Chair of the Foundation for Advancing Mental Health. He is a founder of the Center for Group Studies and serves on the faculty. Dr. Zeisel has maintained practices in New York City, Austin, Texas and Rochester, NY. He is an executive producer and actor in an earlier web series GROUP which ran for two seasons, released on YouTube and premiered at the Naples International Film Festival, where it won the Programmer's Choice Award. This feature film was shot three years later with the same cast and crew, with the addition of Thomas Sadoski in the role of the newcomer. It is already being released in theaters to much acclaim. We have the rare privileged to speak today to the man behind the film and group therapist who plays himself in "GROUP - The Schopenhauer Effect."