Shrinks Rap

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto 
 
David and Christine are not only a dynamic couple, but they are also incredible healers, impassioned speakers, skilled trainers, and mindful practitioners of psychedelic medicine and psychotherapy. They have worked in tandem (and separately) to help individuals who are traumatized or demoralized find relief, equanimity, and joy. 
 
Dr. David Pepper is a trained family doctor who has worked at UCSF for 30 years. He has been a part of a “1,000 births and 1,000 deaths.” He completed CIIS training in Psychedelics and Medicine and has done groundbreaking work that includes Palliative Care and Hospice work alongside Chemo/Radiation/Surgery in ICUs. He understands how Psychedelics can be useful in helping people who are at the end of their life. He and Christine are also committed to helping people become fully alive, and they see Psychedelics as the royal road to the collective unconscious. Allowing people to face their shadow side and come back more aware, resolute, grounded, and whole. 
 
Christine is quite accomplished in her own right. She has hosted several Psychedelics and Dying gatherings. She and David have provided Dharma for clergy members, doctors, and therapists, and emphasize “best practices” methods (for physicians and psychotherapists). Christine founded the DBT center in Oakland and integrates Ketamine in her practice. She has had great success using Ketamine for PTSD. If that was not impressive enough, she built a temple at Burning Man in her spare time. (Not to be outdone, Dr. David Pepper sued the EPA while he ran an asthma clinic with a bunch of doctors in California’s Central Valley and had success as an activist physician. Not exactly a slacker couple.)

Note* Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto will be presenting at the WCMI & EBMC, Psychology, Inc. “Radical Curiosity, Psychedelics, and Human Potential” Conference on October 26th at the Hillside Club (Berkeley, CA). Tickets can be secured through Eventbrite. 

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Drs. John Schinnerer and Jim Bramson reunite to tackle the subjects of self-awareness and humility. They share their own missteps on this subject and can now laugh about it (tragedy + time = humor). In this interview, Dr. John (whom  we lovingly like to call, the Caveman) takes us deep into his own cavernous mind and discusses the “death of ego” as a prerequisite to connecting to “source” (meta-consciousness). He opines about how the ego hamstrings our curiosity, psychological development, and narrative of “who we are” and “who we are becoming.” 

Dr. Jim and the Caveman deconstruct the movie “My Dinner with Andre” and Senator Josh Howley’s new book “Manhood: The Masculine Virtues America Needs.” They break into laughter reading reviews on Howley’s book which was seriously panned by critics. The book is a misguided portrayal on how men should show up in our society (much more “manly”) and how our society should show up better for manly men. Fortunately, Howleys’ book did not reference Tucker Carlson’s recommendation that men can return to their testosterone fueled dominance by tanning their testicles. Yet, there were other equally absurd assertions made by the Missouri Senator and fledgling author. This is the same guy who supported the January 6th insurrectionists storming the capital building (only to run away from them at the end). The Caveman and Dr. Jim delight in some old fashioned schadenfreude. Howley’s book has the opposite message Dr. John wants to convey in his popular Podcast (the Evolved Caveman) or in his men’s group he runs (for EBMC, Psychology, Inc). Dr. John does NOT want to normalize toxic masculinity (and he does not recommend tanning your testicles to become more manly). 

You may recall from our previous podcast with the Caveman, Dr. John consulted on the Pixar film “Inside out.” In this episode, he discusses the importance of men becoming curious and highly aware of their own feelings, not just anger and frustration, but the whole gamut of feelings. The aforementioned Pixar movie the Caveman consulted on illustrates the Internal Family System (IFS) model and the importance of EQ (emotional intelligence). In the film, the main protagonist learned how to be less agnostic about her own emotions. She learned to embrace her core feelings (or internal parts) and they connect her to what John refers to as “source” (i.e., sacred space, satori or nirvana).

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Rafael Cortina and his fellow Podcaster, Dr. Jim Bramson, discuss their unique approach to couples therapy. Rafael and Jim utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach that pulls from the following: Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Work, Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Terrance Real, and the PACT model (Tatkin’s work), to name but a few. 

In this episode, Rafael and Jim talk about what has worked well with couples, what has, and why. It is their aim at all times to build genuine rapport with their clients, creating an emotionally safe environment with an emphasis on honesty, curiosity, respect, heart-centered awareness, mutuality, and transparency. Jim discusses the importance of differentiation versus convergence, while Rafael considers the binary described as abandonment versus engulfment. They both agree that laughter is the ultimate elixir. Humor is important for couples work as it breaks down tension, can be a sign of self-acceptance, self-reflection, egolessness, and meta cognition.

Cross cultural difference with couples, language barriers, and other barriers to entry are discussed. There is an emphasis on how to be fluent in the unique dialogue the couple shares. 

Rafael and Jim hope that practitioners listening to this Podcast may learn a thing or two of import that informs their work. Additionally, this episode covers topics relevant to individuals seeking couples therapy. Rafael and Jim want prospective clients to be better consumers of couples therapy and to know what to look for and what to expect. 

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Rafael and Jim take a deep dive into the subject of fatherhood—that is, after getting derailed on the subject of 49ers football. Why? Rafael was afraid of jinxing the team during the last episode. He refused to discuss the 49ers loss until this episode. Fortunately, your podcasters got on track again to discuss Fatherhood as promised. Not surprisingly, they even linked the subject to the 49ers somehow. They did so by imagining how they would console 49ers QB Brock Purdy after he got injured in his last playoff game (a loss). What would they say to console him if they could be his father for just one day?  You cannot help but being moved by their heartfelt approach to this subject that clearly transcends sports.

Rafael and Jim regal their own experiences as sons, fathers, and shrinks and what they learned from it all. Also, what they still hope to learn. They discuss what goes into being a loving, competent, caring, curious, compassionate, and committed role model. Many men are adrift. Rafael & Jim share their own challenges and pitfalls. They discuss what their male clients are typically seeking help for. Some men are pushed by their spouses to be better fathers. Some push themselves. And others put too much pressure on themselves to be perfect …. to try to make up for their own miserable childhood experiences. Some fathers are absentee parents and can easily justify it. They won’t welcome any input and don’t see the ripple effect. 

Rafael and Jim have seen it all as shrinks. The various attachment styles and approaches fathers take on is artfully deconstructed. Rafael and Jim believe that deep down inside most men really want to be good men, stellar parents, role models, and respected along the way. This issue of being respected as a father (and being respectful to children) is carefully weighed. How is it earned? Finally, the impact of narcissism being the nemesis to effective parenting is discussed. 

This episode is for fathers and anyone who has had one.

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Dr. Michael Mayer packed a lot into this interview. Buckle up. He touches on the six books he has written and their relevancy. He details how some healers can become shamans or shape shifters. In his case a shape shifter can also be a reluctant metaphysician. Dr. Mayer further theorizes that Tai Chi, astrology, hypnosis, energy psychology, Transpersonal psychology and competitive chess can all be at home with one another. The whole being greater than the sum of its parts.

Dr. Mayer opines about the psychology of chess (as a former competitive player himself). He adds that “a pawn can be a shape shifter by the time it gets to the end of the board.” He thinks it’s valuable to explore our own level of misery in order to cultivate joy and meaning. So, what chess moves do you need to make while you are still living or to be more fully alive?

If your head is not already spinning half-way through this episode, you are either sedated, listening to the wrong podcast, or in a chronic fugue state. I doubt you will be bored. Stay particularly tuned into Dr. Mayer’s demonstration of his classic “River of Life” method. A transformative method and process you will long want to replicate.

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Dr Jim & Rafael are back! 

The band is back. Dr. Jim & Rafael are back together agin exploring healing on a global level. Rafael shares his thoughtful impressions of Georgia (not the peach state, but the country) where he did a recent training on Compassion, Addiction, and Trauma. Rafael also has gone to where the action is - - doing (virtual) trainings for professionals in the Ukraine and Russia. As almost everyone knows the Ukraine and Russia are currently the epicenter of war and trauma. Rafael plans to sojourn to that part of the world soon to impart his wisdom, to teach professionals in this war torn region his compassionate approach to healing trauma. In applying his craft across geopolitical lines, Rafael has had to be the Magellan of intra-psychic and inter-psychic terrain. In so doing, he has noticed the oneness we all share, particularly when it comes to trauma and how to heal it. As healers we are a formulary of medicine and wisdom. The elixir combines compassion, wisdom, humility, love, kindness, resiliency, and the thoughtful application of Gestalt therapy. 

In this interview Dr. Jim also discusses his book project, which is still stalled out. He runs some of the themes by Rafael and feels inspired again to write. Dr. Jim also finds inspiration in the Detroit Lions who had their first winning season since 2017 under their extraordinary coach, Dan Campbell. Dr. Jim wants to channel his internal Coach Campbell to finish his book. 

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Chris Huitfeldt (pronounced Wheatfelt) owns a company called, Terra Firma, which means solid ground.  It provides intervention services for celebrities, professional athletes, and common folks. He even does pro bono work to help the economically disadvantaged. His philosophy is that “every good foundation starts on solid ground.”  Terra Firma usually provides interventions for individuals with addiction and dual diagnosis disorders. His group also offers recovery coaching, consultation, and case management work.

Chris believes that interventions are not designed to surprise, jolt, shame, or corner someone into getting help. Instead it is a thoughtful, caring, and loving process that can lead to miraculous changes. He believes that interventions —when done correctly — can have a very positive ripple effect. Successful interventions can provide healing to individuals, families, and communities. 

Chris’s philosophy is that interventions work best when they are predicated on love, kindness, and compassion. He is also realistic that the work often starts after someone lands in a facility. Yet, getting someone into a facility is a success story in and of itself. 

Chris bears a striking resemblance to the erudite punk rocker, Henry Rollins, from the band, Black Flag, in his younger days. (Chris took this comparison as a compliment during the interview. Phew.) Interestingly, Rollins and Chris share some of the same philosophy. Rollins once said that “someone, somewhere is thinking about you,” and “scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue.” Interventions work because someone is thinking about you (and loving you) enough to help you, especially when you least want help but most need it. And the recovery process can help become stronger in the broken places that adhere beneath the scar tissue.

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Dr. James Bramson interviews Dr. Ray Horwitz 

Drs. Jim and Ray were undergraduate classmates and roommates. As college kids, they bonded over music, psychology, humor, and working out. And now, as seasoned professionals, they both subscribe to the philosophy that good self-care is good client-care. 

Dr. Ray is a an accomplished psychiatrist and a man of many talents. He is a skilled musician, a triathlete, and a sought-after teacher. He’s taught classes in medicine at Emory University and in pharmacology for physicians across the country.  His clientele ranges from struggling moms to Olympic athletes. 

And he’s a mensch to boot.

Dr. Ray agreed to be interviewed, not for self promotion, but to support other medical professionals and therapists who might stumble or may make avoidable mistakes. Plus he wants to make sure patients are better consumers of psychiatry. He talks about how he will go above and beyond to serve his patients in ways other docs may not. Dr. Ray also kvetches about the challenges of prescribing controlled substances and how it hamstrings physicians. 

 His natural humor and wisdom shine through when he discusses the evolution of psychiatry, and how it must address a new epidemic:  loneliness. We learn that loneliness is as lethal as smoking 15-cigarettes a day. Dr. Ray is concerned that telemedicine may perpetuate a client’s sense of isolation and loneliness. Not sure if it leads to more or less smoking? You decide. 

To get on the same wave length as Dr. Ray. I suggest you listen to this Podcast while working out, running, biking, lifting weights, etc. (The only way I got him to this was to go on a run with him!) However, he would not recommend that you listen while swimming, doing handstands in yoga, helicopter skiing, or rock climbing…. but whatever works.

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Dr. John Schinnerer brings heart, intellect, and compassion to his craft. He coaches men to greater success and happiness at work and at home.  Dr. John graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Ph.D. in psychology.  He was an expert consultant for Pixar’s Inside Out.  Dr. John recently received the award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership in 2022, and Best Executive Coach in Danville for 2020. His areas of expertise include high performance, stress management, Man Box culture, positive psychology, anger management, and creating happy, thriving relationships.  Dr. John hosts The Evolved Caveman Podcast to coach men to find success and happiness. Over 16,000 people have taken his online anger management course. He recently recorded micro courses on anger management and forgiveness for Simple Habit; they have been listened to nearly 125,000 times in the first year.

Visit TheEvolvedCaveman.com to learn more about the podcast. For information on high performance coaching, visit GuideToSelf.com.

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Vann Duke is a celebrated fitness trainer, life coach, and commercial actor (check out his latest Jeep commercial).  He trains and coaches people in the "Second Half of Life." Once voted “top trainer in the Bay Area” by the Guardian, Vann’s committed to his clients looking and feeling their best —whether that’s Oscar-winning superstars, like Viola Davis, or the less famous but equally hardworking second half’ers.

Vann splits his time between France and Calistoga, California. This juxtaposition of cultures has informed his view on everything. Vann has led international workshops (even a few with Dr. Jim) that have been described as transformative and life changing. He is currently offering a special program called “Jump Start” that involves a fitness assessment, customized training, coaching, and tools for “ageless aging” (a salient termed coined by Maddy Dychtwald). 

Though at first blush Vann and Dr. Jim may appear at odds— with Vann focused on getting people off the couch and Dr. Jim inviting them back on — they both strive to maximize their clients’ true potential, and share some insider tips on how to make that happen.

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