Trauma is one of the most talked-about and most misunderstood topics in mental health culture. 

In this episode of Psychobabble, Joe Nucci unpacks two very different books on trauma: Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score and George Bonanno’s The End of Trauma.

Although both books offer powerful insights into how we process painful experiences, they don’t always agree. One emphasizes the body and stored trauma, while the other highlights resilience and recovery. So which one is right? Watch for the answer.

#TheBodyKeepsTheScore #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth #Psychology #Resilience #SomaticTherapy #PTSDRecovery #Psychobabble

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Joe Nucci sits down with Dr. Suzy Welch, professor, author, researcher, and creator of the "Values Bridge" framework, to explore how understanding your unique values, aptitudes, and personality can unlock a more authentic and fulfilling life and career.

From Suzy’s days as a crime reporter to becoming a business journalist, launching a methodology at NYU, and grieving the loss of her husband, this conversation offers profound insights into navigating paradoxes, increasing self-awareness, and making better life decisions based on who you truly are.

Topics Covered:

• How to manage conflicting values like ambition vs. self-care
• Why most of us are far less self-aware than we think
• How work and love reveal your most authentic self

Suzy’s book: Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career

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Can AI actually help us heal?

Joe Nucci sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Elisha Goldstein to explore the intersection of therapy, technology, and emotional health. From AI-generated therapists to the science of connection and healthspan, they unpack what the future of mental health might look like.

Topics include:

• The promise and pitfalls of AI in therapy
• Mindfulness—when it helps and when it harms
• Healthspan vs. lifespan: living longer and better
• Why social connection is the ultimate longevity hack
• Moral outrage, anger, and digital citizenship in the social media era

#psychology #AI #mentalhealth #therapy #mindfulness #futureoftherapy

Pre-order Joe’s new book Psychobabble: Viral Mental Health Myths & the Truths to Set You Free (released September 23, 2025): https://a.co/d/11WG9Gw

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In this provocative episode of Psychobabble, Joe Nucci sits down with Anthony Rispo—Columbia graduate, writer, and rising content creator—to unpack his intellectual evolution from progressive activism to political heterodoxy. 

Rispo shares how the events of 2020 triggered a wave of cognitive dissonance, prompting him to explore overlooked voices, challenge academic dogmas, and examine the psychological underpinnings of political behavior.

A candid, research-backed exploration of polarization, this episode is a must-listen for anyone questioning the status quo or struggling to discuss it openly.

🔎 Topics include:

• Left vs. right-wing authoritarianism

• Identity, victimhood, and performative activism

• Content creation and backlash

• The limits of academic discourse

• How psychological traits influence ideology

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Instagram: @joenuccitherapy

Website: joenuccitherapy.com

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In this episode of Psychobabble, we’re breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in modern therapy: the victim mindset.

Joe sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman to unpack the psychology of victimhood and the mental health labels that can quietly hold people back.

Dr. Kaufman shares powerful insights from his new book Rise Above, and the two discuss:

• Why “trauma-informed” therapy isn’t always helpful

• The potential connection between trauma and identity politics 

• The difference between emotional validation and emotional regulation

• What vulnerable narcissism looks like

• Why therapists need to believe in transformation, not just affirm your pain

Whether you're a therapist, a client, or both, this raw conversation will offer tools for emotional resilience.

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#psychobabble #victimmindset #trauma #traumainformedtherapy #narcissism #mentalhealth

Follow Joe Nucci:

Instagram: @joenuccitherapy

Website: joenuccitherapy.com

Book: Psychobabble

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Bestselling author and linguist Amanda Montell joins psychotherapist Joe Nucci to unpack the psychology behind our modern-day psychological biases.

Topics we cover:

• Cognitive biases like the Illusory Truth Effect and Confirmation Bias
• The cult of celebrity
• How to think more clearly in a world of noise

Get Amanda’s bestselling book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

Pre-order Psychobabble

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In a powerful interview, relationship expert Dr. Warren Farrell sits down with Joe Nucci to discuss his new book, From Rolemate to Soulmate, which compiles decades of experience researching relationships and training couples counselors. They discuss:

• Frameworks to help partners grow together
• The destructive character of rigid gender roles
• Controlling patterns that hurt connection

Whether it’s showing up emotionally or learning how your traits can help (or hurt) your relationship, this interview will help you become the soulmate your partner deserves.

Buy From Rolemate to Soulmate

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Do you actually have trauma?

Therapist and capacity expert RaQuel Hopkins and I discuss what our culture gets wrong about common mental health terms and verbs.  

Listen in as we discuss trauma, victimhood, and other viral mental health myths.

Bonus - Raquel got a sneak preview of my coming book, Psychobabble, and she shares her feedback with you in the clip.

For more on Raquel, check out her Instagram @raquel_the_capacity_expert.

‼️Pre-order my book, Psychobabble!

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Black women in America. Jim Crow’s South. Solidarity with Jewish communities. 

Join me as I have a powerful and timely conversation with singer, activist, and content creator Malynda Hale to discuss all these and more. 

In a world that demands binary answers, we discuss how to practically live out nuanced beliefs. 

For more on Malynda, check out her Instagram @malyndahale and her website.

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Is intuition real? Licensed psychotherapist Joe Nucci sits down with psychic and intuition expert Shoshanna French to discuss the real science behind energy, empathy, emotional boundaries, and, yes, intuition. 

From navigating messy family dynamics to sensing when a business deal is off, Shoshanna shares how intuition is a skill anyone can learn. This episode will challenge your beliefs on mindfulness, boundaries, and emotional intelligence. 

For more on Shoshanna, check out her Instagram @shoshannafrenchstokes and her website.

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