Psychologists Off the Clock

By Debbie Sorensen, Jill Stoddard, Yael Schonbrun, Michael Herold & Emily EdlynnScience Social Sciences Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement

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Psychologists Off the Clock episodes

June 11, 2025411. No One is Self-Made with Lakeysha Hallmon
True strength and success lie in how well we can come together and support one another and how well we can stand side by side to move forward as a collective.
That powerful message comes straight from our guest, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, who is the author of No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life, and it perfectly sets the tone for this deeply honest and inspiring conversation with Jill.
They talk about why we’re not meant to do life or business solo, the power of building your “village,” and how real success comes from community, not isolation.
If you’ve ever wondered who you need in your corner, how to find your purpose, or how to stop carrying the weight alone, this one’s for you. Hit play on this conversation to find out what being “village made” really means and why it just might change the way you show up in the world.

Listen and Learn:
Why the "self-made" myth is harmful and how being "village-made" redefines success

How neuroscience proves we're wired for community and why it's vital for well-being

Why being communal is especially critical for marginalized communities to overcome systemic barriers

Are purpose and alignment the driving forces behind building a thriving community?

"Life assignments" you can put into practice reveal your true purpose

The six essential roles needed to build your "village" and how they contribute to collective success

How to attract your "village" by showing up authentically and setting intentions in new spaces

The crucial difference between individual and "village-made" values, and how they shape community

Key "village-made" values like sharing space with those who shine and radical inclusivity

When to keep grinding and when surrendering opens doors you never expected

Channelling your anger into action and the "village verbs" that empower community building
Resources:
Find Lakeysha and buy her book, No One is Self-Made, at https://drkeyhallmon.com/noism/ or get it at our POTC bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780063315891

Connect with Lakeysha on social media: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeysha-hallmon-ed-d-52680215a
https://www.instagram.com/drkeyhallmon
Debbie’s article on asking for help: https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-ask-for-help-without-discomfort-or-apology
About Lakeysha Hallmon
Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon has transformed the lives of thousands of Black entrepreneurs across the world through her flagship brand The Village Market, and sister organizations The Village Retail, a storefront featuring premier Black-owned brands and nonprofit Our Village United, which revitalizes small businesses by providing funding and technical services. Her love of community, paired with her mantra, Support Is a Verb, inspires Black entrepreneurs everywhere and the communities who support them with intention. As an award-winning expert in education and business development, Hallmon’s innovative village model has become highly sought-after and has facilitated 8.3 million dollars in sales to Black businesses.

Related Episodes
116. Building a Meaningful, Values-based Life with Jenna LeJeune

138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser

234. The Power of Us with Dominic Packer

273. A More Just Future with Dolly Chugh

285. What Do You Want Out of Life? Values Fulfillment Theory with Valerie Tiberius

329. The Power of Curiosity with Scott Shigeoka

370. Freedom, Energy, and Power with Emma Seppälä

371. Uniting Toward a Better Future with Diana McLain Smith

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56 min
June 04, 2025410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty
It’s easy to forget how much doing something creative can lift your mood. Whether you're painting, building something, or just doodling for fun, creating is good for your brain and your mental health!

In this conversation, Debbie interviews bestselling author Kelly Corrigan, along with her daughter and coauthor, Claire Corrigan Lichty. They talk about their new children’s book, Marianne the Maker, which highlights how creativity and hands-on making can support well-being for kids and adults alike.
Listen in to hear about Kelly and Claire's experience working together as a mother-and-daughter duo, and learn how to incorporate everyday creativity to lift spirits, spark connection, and bond families!
Listen and Learn:
How can engaging in small creative acts help restore mental clarity and emotional balance during times of stress or uncertainty?

Why is creativity not just a luxury but a scientifically backed, essential part of human well-being that can help both children and adults access better mental health?

Actively supporting children's creativity by observing their interests and making space at home that reflects and encourages those passions

Why is it valuable for families to create a home environment that normalizes creativity and engaged leisure, and how does this foster long-term cognitive and emotional development in kids?

The benefits of creative hobbies as a form of active rest highlight their role in reducing mental fatigue, enhancing focus, and providing a healthy escape from cognitive overload

How writing, even in imperfect or irregular ways, can serve as a powerful tool for mental clarity and emotional release during stressful times

The importance of unstructured time and creative making in fostering self-entertainment, well-being, and resisting cultural pressures to constantly be productive

The importance of sharing creative work for values-driven reasons rather than external validation

Resources:
Kelly’s website: https://www.kellycorrigan.com/

Podcast: Kelly Corrigan Wonders: https://www.kellycorrigan.com/podcast

Book: https://www.mariannethemaker.com/ https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593206096
Social Media:
Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellycorrigan/

Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycorrigan/

Claire on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claire.lichty/

Kelly’s TED Talk, To Love Is to Be Brave: https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_corrigan_to_love_is_to_be_brave
Kelly’s New York Times Op Eds:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/05/opinion/parenting-college-empty-nest-pandemic.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/13/well/family/advice-to-my-college-freshman.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/24/opinion/thanksgiving-family-forgiveness.html

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/22/well/family/college-applications-parents-children-advice.html
Your Brain on Art (book mentioned in this interview): https://bookshop.org/p/books/your-brain-on-art-how-the-arts-transform-us-susan-magsamen/18580097

If you want to write and could use some writing prompts and guided writing exercises, check out Debbie’s Guided Journaling Substack here: https://guidedjournaling.substack.com/

Debbie’s article on letting kids be bored: https://www.drdebbiesorensen.com/blogposts/2020/5/15/parents-get-ready-for-the-summer-of-boredom

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59 min
May 28, 2025409. Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times with Melinda Wenner Moyer
Raising grounded, thoughtful kids in today’s chaotic world is no small task.
In this episode, Emily talks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book, Hello, Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times.
Melinda shares practical, research-based tools to help parents guide their children through media influence, bias, and the challenges of social media and technology.
It’s a powerful conversation filled with real-world strategies for raising compassionate, critical-thinking kids who can thrive, even when the world feels upside down.

Listen and Learn:
How can parents raise compassionate, resilient kids when the world feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain?

Understanding how bias and polarization form in kids is key to raising thoughtful, inclusive humans

Why kids develop biased thinking and how family conversations can counter social media's influence

How listening to your kids can reduce extremism, build empathy, and shape a better future

Ways to talk with your kid about bias and hate language, even if they don't open up easily

The importance of getting your kids to team up with diverse friends on projects to help them see past biases

Teaching kids media literacy helps them think critically

Research often misrepresents social media harm, but parent-child bonds shape kids’ real tech experience

Managing kids’ tech means by balancing connection, autonomy, and open talks, not just strict rules

Melinda’s hope for parents embracing open talks and respect, shaping a stronger, kinder generation

Resources:
Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593719367

Melinda’s website: https://www.melindawennermoyer.com/

Melinda’s Substack: https://melindawmoyer.substack.com/

Connect with Melinda on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/melindawmoyer/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/melindawennermoyer/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindawennermoyer

Emily’s Substack article about Netflix’s Adolescence: https://emilyedlynn.substack.com/p/the-two-problems-with-netflixs-adolescence?r=8nx18

About Melinda Wenner Moyer
Melinda Wenner Moyer is an award-winning journalist whose work explores the intersection of science and everyday life. She’s known for her deep dives into subjects that have both scientific and societal implications, addressing issues that are relevant to parents, families, and the general public. Melinda is a contributing editor at Scientific American magazine and a regular contributor and former columnist at The New York Times. Her first book, How To Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes, was published in July 2021 and won a gold medal in the 2022 Living Now Book Awards. Her second book, Hello Cruel World!: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times, will be published on May 27, 2025. She lives in New York's Hudson Valley.
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398. Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money with Elizabeth Husserl

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1 hr 4 min
May 21, 2025408. Connecting Like a Hostage Negotiator with Gary Noesner
What if the ability to negotiate with a hostage-taker was also a skill that could improve relationships in everyday life?
Gary Noesner, who is a former FBI chief negotiator and author of 'Stalling for Time,' which deep dives into his experiences and the lessons he's learned about human nature and effective communication over his 30-year career, joins Yael for this episode.
You’ll hear how patience, empathy, and active listening aren't just crisis tools; they're essential for everyday connection too.
Gary also reflects on the evolution of negotiation tactics, the significance of emotional control, and the value of building genuine relationships.
Listen and Learn:
How active listening transformed hostage negotiation, from trading demands to truly hearing the pain beneath

Why most hostage-takers aren’t criminals but people in crisis, and how listening changes everything

How sitting with uncertainty and leading with empathy defuses crises more than force ever could

Why slowing down negotiations and investing in human understanding can save lives in high-stakes crises

Understanding even the most difficult people can defuse conflict and open the door to real influence

The Waco Siege and how it exposed a clash of FBI strategies and what it taught us about negotiation, power, and restraint

What strategies do elite negotiators use to maintain composure in high-pressure situations and handle their emotions without assuming undue responsibility?

How humility, likability, and relationship-building can defuse conflict at home, work, or in crisis

Resources:
Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator

https://garynoesner.com/

Yael’s newsletter post about connecting like a hostage negotiator

Kate Murphy’s book with a profile of Gary: Why Won’t You Listen to Me?

Jamie Holmes’ book with a profile of Gary: Nonsense

Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-noesner-1a2480b

Connect with Gary on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stalling-for-Time/148979708465038

Connect with Gary on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garynoesner/?hl=en
About Gary Noesner:
Gary Noesner retired from the FBI in 2003 following a 30-year career as an investigator, instructor, and negotiator. A significant focus of his career was directed toward investigating Middle East hijackings in which American citizens were victimized. In addition, he was an FBI hostage negotiator for 23 years of his career, retiring as the Chief of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Unit, Critical Incident Response Group, the first person to hold that position. In that capacity, he was heavily involved in numerous crisis incidents covering prison riots, right-wing militia standoffs, religious zealot sieges, terrorist embassy takeovers, airplane hijackings, and over 120 overseas kidnapping cases involving American citizens.
He has written a book about his FBI negotiation career, which was published by Penguin Random House in 2010, entitled Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator. The book is being used in part as the basis for a six-part mini-series on Waco that will air on the Paramount Network on January 24, 2018.
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1 hr 1 min
May 14, 2025407. Radical Listening with Robert Biswas-Diener
Today’s episode is one you’re really going to want to lean into because Michael is talking all about radical listening with Robert V. Biswas-Diener.

If you’ve ever felt like traditional ‘active listening’ just doesn’t cut it, this conversation is going to open your ears and your mind in a whole new way.
They chat about key ideas from Robert and his coauthor Christian Van Nieuwerburgh's book, Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection, such as why traditional active listening often falls short and what it means to really show up for someone through listening with intention, how to adapt your listening style depending on the situation, how culture can shape communication, and why staying curious might be one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox.

This conversation is for anyone who wants to have deeper, more meaningful conversations with friends, coworkers, or anyone you care about!

Listen and Learn:
Why does radical listening go beyond traditional active listening, and how does focusing on intention transform the way we pay attention in conversations?

How does your listening intention, whether to validate, learn, or fix, shape what specific cues and details you focus on during a conversation?

How can well-intentioned behaviors like comparing, competing, or offering advice become obstacles to effective listening and connection?

The importance of aligning your listening intention with the speaker's intention to create a true connection in a conversation

How you can use internal and external skills, like calming your mind or staying present, to become a better listener

Noticing different types of silence to help you understand what's really happening in a conversation

Understanding cultural differences, and letting go of the “awkward pause” to help you listen more openly

How you can accept someone’s perspective without agreeing with it, and still create a more respectful and open conversation

Why the way you ask questions matters, and why you want to ask ones that help the other person open up, not just satisfy your own curiosity

How can interjecting, when done thoughtfully, show deep engagement in a conversation without being rude?

Resources:
Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781523007196 Robert's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-biswas-diener-a860289/

Robert’s websites https://robertdiener.com/ and https://positiveacorn.com/

Christian’s website: https://coachonamotorcycle.com/

Parking Cars in America, 1910-1945: A History

https://relationalriffs.substack.com/p/why-listening-is-a-superpower

https://hiddenbrain.org/podcast/are-you-listening/

About Robert Biswas-Diener:
Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener is a researcher, author, and consultant with 75 peer-reviewed academic articles, and he has over 27,000 citations.
His previous books include The Upside Of Your Dark Side (New York Times bestseller, 2014) and the 2007 prose award winner, Happiness.
He has presented keynotes to Lululemon, Deloitte, Humana, AARP, The World Bank, and others.
In 2024, Thinkers50 named Robert one of the “50 most influential executive coaches in the world”.
He lives in Portland, Oregon, enjoying drawing and rock climbing.

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353. Ask Great Questions with Jeff Wetzler

360. The Laws of Connection with David Robson

191. Conversations that Connect with AJ Harbinger

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52 min
May 07, 2025406. Leading for Wellness with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer
Leadership so often comes with the pressure to appear strong, composed, and endlessly capable, but that version of leadership is no longer serving us. In this episode, Debbie sits down with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer, co-authors of Leading for Wellness, for a meaningful conversation about redefining leadership through the lens of wellness, authenticity, and vulnerability.

They share why it’s time to move beyond outdated ideals of stoicism and perfection and how embracing a more human-centered approach, through genuine connection, clear boundaries, and flexible team cultures, can lead to healthier, more productive workplaces. With real-life examples and research-backed insights, Patricia and Katina offer practical strategies leaders can use to show up more fully, support their teams more deeply, and lead with intention and care.
Listen and Learn:
How toxic workplaces don’t just harm employees, they drain communities, profits, and society as a whole

How small acts of support from “generator” leaders can spark workplace wellness, even in hard times

Can embracing authenticity over outdated leadership norms help teams connect, grow, and stay human?

Why showing vulnerability and owning mistakes builds trust, safety, and real connection in leadership

Building emotionally honest, flexible team cultures without slipping into toxic positivity

How humane leaders bend rigid rules and protect their teams without crossing ethical lines

The ways leaders break toxic overwork cycles and build teams that thrive without being always on
Resources:
Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781394292011Connect with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer on social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciagrabarek/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katina-sawyer-ph-d/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/workrbeeing/
https://www.instagram.com/workrbeeing/
https://www.instagram.com/patriciagrabarek/
About Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer:
Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer are co-founders of Workr Beeing, and coauthor of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives.

Patricia Grabarek, Ph.D., is a seasoned industrial and organizational psychologist specializing in workplace wellness, organizational culture, employee engagement, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development. With a background in both consulting and internal roles, Dr. Grabarek has led people analytics and talent management initiatives for more than 60 organizations across various industries. Her work focuses on research-based strategies to improve well-being, retention, performance, and diversity efforts. She holds a Ph.D. and MS in industrial/organizational psychology from Penn State and a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA.
Katina Sawyer, Ph.D., is an industrial and organizational psychologist and an Associate Professor of Management and Organizations at the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. A leading expert in work-life balance, leadership, positive workplace behaviors, and diversity, she has published more than 50 peer-reviewed studies, book chapters, and articles in outlets such as Harvard Business Review. She holds a B.A. in psychology from Villanova University and a dual Ph.D. and M.S. in industrial and organizational psychology and women’s studies from Penn State.
Related episodes:
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265. The Power of Emotions at Work with Karla McLaren

299. Leadership and the Changing Workplace with Chris Shipley

378. The Happy High Achiever with Mary Anderson

357. Is Your Work Worth It? How to Think About Meaningful Work with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson

290. Shared Sisterhood: Collective Action for Racial and Gender Equity at Work with Tina Opie and Beth Livingston

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1 hr 2 min
April 30, 2025405. Taming the Inner Critic with Holly Yates and Shawn Whooley
Constantly battling that harsh inner voice that tells you you're not enough, that you’ll never measure up?
It can feel like this voice is always lurking, trying to undermine your confidence and making it so much harder to move forward. The good news is that you can change your internal narrative.
For this episode, Jill welcomes Shawn Costello Woolley and Holly Yates, coauthors of The Inner Critic Workbook, a fantastic resource that helps you transform your inner critic into a supportive, empowering voice.
You’ll understand how shame fuels negative self-talk, but more importantly, how self-compassion, mindfulness, and connecting with shared humanity can help you to quiet your critic and start building a kinder, more confident inner dialogue.

Listen and Learn:
How your inner critic often sabotages your path toward what matters to you most
Why your inner critic exists, how it hijacks your progress, and the ways it holds you back in life
Is your inner critic pushing you to avoid discomfort, keeping you from the meaningful things you crave?
Why self-compassion isn’t about letting yourself off the hook
Why attempting to replace your inner critic with positivity frequently fails, and what works instead
When your inner critic speaks, does it close doors or point you in the direction of values you care about?
Using the CARE method for growth to turn your inner critic into a compassionate coach
How shame isolates you, but sharing struggles helps you connect and turns our inner critic into a coach
Transforming self-criticism into compassion by speaking to yourself the way you would to a friend
Stepping back from your thoughts and reacting intentionally, not just based on emotional interpretations
How observing your thoughts and actions in the present moment can help clarify your values and guide your choices

Resources:
The Inner Critic Workbook: Self-Compassion and Mindfulness Skills to Reduce Feelings of Shame, Build Self-Worth, and Improve Your Life and Relationships: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781648484292
Shawn’s website: https://www.drshawnwhooley.com/

More about Holly on: https://www.newharbinger.com/author/holly-yates/
Connect with Shawn and Holly on social media:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-yates-8a8055321
https://www.instagram.com/holly.yates.healing/
https://www.instagram.com/shawncostello19/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-costello-whooley-psyd-b181294
Related Episodes:
385. Oliver Burkeman on Embracing Your Limitations

346. Self-compassion Daily Journal with Diana Hill

341. Self-Forgiveness with Grant Dewar

301. Seven Daily ACT Practices for Living Fully with Diana Hill and Debbie Sorensen

201. Fierce Compassion with Kristin Neff

147. Extending Compassion with Janina Scarlet and Sara Schairer

145. Caring, Compassion, and Cooperation with Paul Gilbert

75. Mindful Self-Compassion with Christopher Germer

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58 min
April 23, 2025404. Raising Loving Siblings with Jonathan Caspi
You’ve tried reasoning with your kids, setting boundaries, and even taking away privileges, but the conflict just keeps bubbling up. When nothing seems to calm the chaos, where can you turn as a parent who’s simply worn out and craving peace in your home?

For this conversation, Emily brings in guest Dr. Jonathan Caspi, an internationally recognized sibling expert and professor at Montclair State University. Jonathan offers insights from his book, Raising Loving Siblings, on the parental role in sibling conflict, the importance of sibling closeness, and strategies to manage and improve sibling relationships.

Tune in if you are interested in learning about parental involvement and guidance for cultivating positive sibling relationships and reducing conflict.

Listen and Learn:
Why well-meaning parents may unknowingly fuel sibling rivalry and what to do differently instead
Does parental conflict fuel sibling rivalry?
Why recognizing harmful sibling behavior matters
How sibling bullying hides in plain sight through avoidance, fear, and subtle signs parents often miss
Why everyday sibling spats are normal, but constant conflict may signal deeper family dynamics at play
Can frequent sibling fights sabotage lifelong bonds?
Why perceived favoritism can fuel sibling conflict, why avoiding favoritism talk may actually hurt family dynamics, and how to handle it better
How to manage sibling bickering and aggression with strategies that foster better behavior and connection
How validating kids' emotions and avoiding the 'victim vs. aggressor' mindset can help resolve sibling conflicts
How parents' own childhood experiences can shape their approach to sibling relationships
Resources:
● Jonathan's book Raising Loving Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Help Your Kids Connect
● Jonathan’s websites:
https://siblingexpert.com/author/caspij/
http://www.theeasyfamily.com/
● Connect with Jonathan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siblingexpert/

About Jonathan Caspi
Jonathan Caspi, PhD, MSW, is Professor of Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Dr. Caspi is an internationally recognized sibling expert. In addition to researching, writing, and teaching about families and siblings, he has been a family therapist for over 30 years and has a private practice in New Jersey.

Related Episodes:
397. The Mindful Path to Intimacy with James Cordova
386. Parents Are Stressed: What Do We Do About It? With Emily, Debbie, and Yael
373. How to Stop Freaking Out with Carla Naumburg
369. Good News About Adolescence with Ellen Galinsky
241. Emotion Coaching Skills for Families with Mindy Solomon

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1 hr 3 min
April 16, 2025403. Conflict Resilience with Bob Bordone and Joel Salinas
What if your next disagreement could actually bring you closer to someone instead of driving you apart?

In this episode, we’re diving into Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In with co-authors Bob Bordone, a conflict resolution expert from Harvard, and Joe Salinas, a behavioral neurologist and founder of Isaac Health.

Together with Yael, they have a down-to-earth conversation about what it really takes to stay present in conflict and why that matters for your relationships and your brain.

You’ll hear personal stories, surprising research, and powerful insights on why it’s so important to get comfortable with discomfort, listen with an open heart, and know when (and how) to engage in tough conversations.
Listen and Learn:
What happens when a conflict avoider and a conflict expert team up to explore how tension builds connection?
Why do two people experience the same conflict so differently, and how does your brain shape that story?
Is conflict really worse today, or have we just lost the resilience to stay in the heat and handle it?
Why avoiding conflict rewires your brain to fear it and building resilience means facing the heat, slowly.
How sharing real stories across deep divides can reshape how we see “the other” and actually spark true change.
Can deeper listening to those we disagree with reshape our brains, our beliefs, and maybe even our world?
Why listening grows from curiosity to open space for real connection
Knowing when to engage or exit conflict starts with curiosity and protects both peace and power
Resources:
Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In: http://www.conflictresiliencebook.com
Joel’s website: https://joelsalinasmd.com/
Bob’s website: https://www.bobbordone.com/about-me#:~:text=My%20Story,served%20as%20the%20Thaddeus%20R
Yael’s newsletter interview with the authors of You’re Not as Crazy as I Thought (But You’re Still Wrong)—on the topic of moving from “me versus you” to “us versus the problem”
Additional Books Referenced in the Episode
Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781250338143
The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780393354775
Rising Out of Hatred: The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780525434955
The Klansman's Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism: A Memoir: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781419764783
You're Not as Crazy as I Thought (But You're Still Wrong): https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781612344614
About Bob Bordone:
Robert C. Bordone is a Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School, founder and former director of the Harvard Negotiation and Mediation Clinical Program, former Thaddeus R. Beal Clinical Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, and founder of The Cambridge Negotiation Institute. He is co-author of Designing Systems and Processes for Managing Disputes, and co-editor of The Handbook of Dispute Resolution. Bordone was ranked among 2025’s World’s Top 30 Negotiation Professionals by Global Gurus.

About Joel Salinas:
Joel Salinas, M.D. is a behavioral neurologist, scientist, and Clinical Associate Professor of Neurology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, founder and Chief Medical Officer at Isaac Health, and former Harvard Medical School faculty. He is the author of Mirror Touch: A Memoir of Synesthesia and the Secret Life of the Brain.

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51. The Psychology of Political Division with Yael and Debbie
392. Outraged with Kurt Gray
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57 min
April 09, 2025402. Harm Reduction for Addiction with Kristin Dempsey
Breaking the cycle of addiction is both possible and challenging, but even just rethinking your relationship with it can be a powerful first step toward change.

Offering an alternative to strict abstinence models is Kristin Dempsey, the author of The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction, who invites you to reconsider your approach to addiction, offering a tangible, compassionate, and science-backed method of recovery known as harm reduction.

Through reflective listening, motivational interviewing, curiosity, and "change talk," Kristin talks to Michael about just a few of these helpful strategies for reassessing your relationship with addictive substances (and even other areas of your life) and navigating change in a way that feels both supportive and sustainable.

Listen and Learn:
How harm reduction and motivational interviewing reshape substance use treatment with compassion
What changes when someone explores behavior on their own with a workbook versus in live conversation?
How can Kristin’s workbook also reveal insights about everyday habits and hidden patterns?
Why do we resist advice, even when we ask for it, and how can choice unlock real change?
How “change talk” in motivational interviewing helps people move from intention to action
Using reflective listening to improve your conversations and build stronger, more meaningful connections
Can curiosity, not problem-solving, unlock deeper conversations and personal growth?
Why you should support someone struggling with substance use by building a relationship first, not by jumping to advice
Resources:
The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781648481901
Kristen’s social media links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-dempsey-ed-d-lpcc-lmft-322812a
Bluesky: ‪@kristind-lmft-lpcc.bsky.social‬
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057356474362.
For more on Kristen’s webinars and podcasts, in addition to information about her practice, see here: https://www.kristindempseycounseling.com/
Order The Harm Reduction Workbook and find free worksheets: https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648481901/the-harm-reduction-workbook-for-addiction/
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About Kristin Dempsey
Kristin L. Dempsey, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, is a psychotherapist, counselor educator, and trainer. For thirty years, she has supported individuals with exploring their own relationships to substances. She is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and has been privileged to provide motivational interviewing (MI) training to thousands of people in behavioral health, primary care, public health, school, corrections, and human services organizations.

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
58 min