Psych Up Live

Few of us have been spared relationships with emotional predators – The neighbor who wanted to share everything only to spread rumors; the boss who praised your work, asked for late hours and then promoted someone else; the fiancé who had a lover at college; the coach you trusted who made inappropriate advances. In this show, psychotherapist, mediator, custody evaluator and retired attorney, Steven Wolhandler, JD,MA,LPC draws upon his years of dealing with emotional predators and protecting their victims to pass on to us important insights and strategies. Referencing his book, Protecting Yourself from Emotional Predators: Neutralize the Users, Abusers and Manipulators Hidden Among Us, he defines the qualities and behaviors of the Emotional Predator and offers 5 important and effective steps for protecting ourselves. His discussion is as valuable a guide to knowing and empowering ourselves as to disempowering predators.

While the choice of using marijuana is personal and legalization is likely moving forward, Alex Berenson, former New York Times reporter, invites you to consider this question with your children- How dangerous is today's marijuana? Drawing upon research, he clarifies that unlike the marijuana smoked in the 1970's with a 2% level of THC, the main psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, today the level of THC is 25%. Underscoring this potency, Berenson untangles the THC in marijuana with the relatively small amount of CBD, the non-intoxicating extract of cannabis, used to treat medical problems. Many assume that recreational marijuana is safe and benign because of the medical association. The findings are quite the contrary. Berenson reports mental illness and violence as possible reactions from smoking marijuana-with increasing use increasing the risk. Whatever your opinion– for the sake of your children, listen in.

We hear a great deal in the media about narcissism. If you have ever wondered if the person you work for, the man you are dating or the friend who knows everything is a narcissist, listen in. On this show Dr. Joseph Burgo, psychologist and author of the book, The Narcissist You Know: Defending Yourself Against Extreme Narcissists in an All-About Me Age, will draw upon his clinical experience and fascinating examples to discuss the Narcissist. He will make clear the tell tale signs of narcissism, the secrets the narcissist hides even from self and the parenting styles that may set the stage for narcissism. In the back and forth with host, Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Burgo will also discuss how to cope with a narcissist in a way that preserves your choice to engage or disengage. Be prepared to be informed.

Miscarriages are more common than most people realize. They can occur in as many as one in four women in their lifetime. Miscarriages are the hidden losses that couples grieve together and come to fear together. In this show, Dr. Lora Shahine, Board Certified Physician in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility as well as Obstetrics and Gynecology, draws upon her years of experience and new book, Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage an Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, to empower those who have suffered a miscarriage with the latest information and guidance. From clarifying the causes of miscarriage, to demystifying tests, recognizing the psychological impact on women as well as men, providing Western and Eastern approaches to minimize the risk of miscarriage and more, Dr. Shahine shares with a personal interest and concern. She makes hope possible.

Regardless, of gender, age, or political persuasion, we all fall for fake news. Not You? Listen in as MIT trained science writer, Matthew Hutson, discusses how and why we are all increasingly susceptible to believing misinformation. Drawing upon his recent article in Psychology Today, "How Memory Became Weaponized," Matthew Hutson discusses the flaws of human memory, our evolutionary tendency to believe what we see, and the attack on our memories with algorithms used by marketers, trolls, or anyone with an agenda they want believed. He discusses the many ways that our memories are assaulted by factors like the speed of information dissemination, the purposeful mixing of fake news with real news, or the repetition of false headlines or images which capitalize on our tendency to believe what we see and remember what we believe. Importantly, he shares strategies to "fend off fakery." Frightening and fascinating. Listen in and Call in.

In this show Jennie Kramer, LCSW-R draws upon her experience in treating all forms of eating disorders and her co-authored book, Overcoming Binge Eating for Dummies to offer expert and useable information on Binge Eating Disorder (BED). With sensitivity and realistic perspective, she answers questions like-What is Binge Eating? Does it differ from compulsive eating or overeating? Who binges and why? She underscores the health risks associated with Binge Eating Disorder and describes first steps to change for those struggling. She accounts for the physical, psychological and social factors involved in change and highlights questions like the difference between emotional and physical hunger. She considers pros and cons of treatment options while at the same time offering 10 things to do now instead of bingeing. If you or someone you love needs clear and expert information on Binge Eating, this is the show to hear.

In this show noted journalist, Rachel Hills, author of The Sex Myth: The Gap Between our Fantasies and Reality, invites us to look more closely at the invisible norms and unspoken assumptions that shape the way we think about sex today.

Drawing upon six years' research, including interviews with women and men across three continents, she gives us an unexpected look at reality and a re-consideration of the meaning of sexual freedom. Don’t miss this show.

Jane Baker, author of the book, Trading Places: When Our Son Became a Daughter, will share the insider experience of parenting her son while he makes the decision to disclose his true self, his sense of being trapped in the wrong body, and the therapy and treatment he seeks in the process of becoming a transgender woman. As the mother of this transgender woman, Jane Baker reveals her own doubts, anguish,and fears. She shares her mission to learn everything to prove her daughter wrong, the reactions of others and the place of acceptance she and her daughter find in this journey. Joining her is Dr. Antonia Caretto, licensed psychologist and specialist in many areas including Gender Variance and Dysphoria. As a member of the World Professional Association For Transgender Health, Dr. Caretto has worked with parents and teens dealing with transgender issues and will address the physical and psychological aspects of transgender identification and transition for all family members.

In this show, Savannah Sanders M.S., author of Sex Trafficking Prevention: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Parents and Professionals shares her experience of offering a year-long online trauma course with a community of 27 women which became for them a powerful healing journey. Drawing upon her own childhood abuse and experience of being trafficked plus insights gained from her years of advocacy, professional studies and personal therapy, Savannah recognized that being informed about trauma and understanding strategies for healing means being empowered. Being empowered in a community with others makes conquering trauma possible. Listen in as she shares the story of "Conquer Trauma: A Year of Transformation."

This show is a tribute to all singles who would like to be in a relationship but have not yet found the right person. Guest Sara Eckel, author and well known contributor to the popular New York Times Column 'Modern Love' draws upon her poignant, funny and important book, It's Not You: 27 (Wrong) Reasons You're Single, to debunk the myths that society advances and singles accept for what is deemed as their failure to be coupled up- " You're too picky." " You don't really want a relationship." " You don't know love." In a culture that insists that you can work at getting what you want – being single for many who want a relationship begs the question, What's wrong with Me?" Drawing upon her own experience, feedback from readers and those she interviewed, Sara Eckel believes that there is a common experience of blame that many singles experience that transcends gender, race or sexual orientation. Her goal is to push back on societal presumptions to make way for what is right about you!