The Dude Therapist

In this thought-provoking episode of The Dude Therapist, Eli Weinstein sits down with Dr. Judy, a renowned clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, to dive deep into the power of self-talk and how our attachment styles shape our present-day behaviors. Dr. Judy sheds light on the long-lasting impact of past experiences, offering insights into why we act the way we do and how balanced thinking can lead to transformative healing—at any age. Together, they tackle the often misunderstood world of disorganized attachment, uncover practical coping strategies, and provide actionable tips to turn those nagging negative thoughts into empowering positive actions. Whether you're seeking healing or understanding, this episode has something for everyone!

BIO:

Dr. Judy Ho, Ph. D., ABPP, ABPdN, is a triple board certified and licensed Clinical and Forensic Neuropsychologist, a tenured Associate Professor at Pepperdine University, and a published author, penning “Stop Self-Sabotage,” published by HarperCollins in August 2019; a book detailing a scientifically driven six-step program which has been translated into 7 additional languages around the world. Her second book, which she co-authored with Max Dubrow, entitled "I’ll Give it to Your Straight-ish: What Your Teen Wants You to Know," is published by Flashpoint and contains Dr. Judy's evidence-based tips to help parents raise healthy and resilient teenagers. Dr. Judy’s third book, The New Rules of Attachment, which focuses on healing insecure attachment styles at any age to optimize well-being, career, goal attainment, and relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, was published by Hachette Book Group in March 2024. Dr. Judy maintains a private practice in Manhattan Beach, CA where she specializes in comprehensive neuropsychological assessments and expert witness work. She regularly appears as an expert psychologist on television, podcasts, and radio and contributes to other media, including print and electronic periodicals. She was a co-host on the syndicated daytime television talk show “The Doctors,” co-host of CBS’s Face the Truth, and host of The SuperCharged Life podcast, which focuses on scientific, tangible tips for physical and mental wellness and strategies for motivation and productivity, produced by Stage 29 Podcast Productions.

In this episode of The Dude Therapist, Eli Weinstein sits down with Todd Baratz—therapist, author, and expert on relationships and generational trauma. Todd dives into the power of therapy, the importance of open communication in families, and why 'good enough' relationships might be more fulfilling than we think. He also unpacks the nuances of modern dating and how understanding our triggers can lead to greater self-awareness.

Tune in as Todd shares personal reflections and practical advice for overcoming emotional hurdles and fostering healthier connections in your life.

Takeaways:

Bio:

Todd Baratz is a renowned psychotherapist and sex therapist whose innovative approach to mental health and relationships has established him as a leading figure in his field. In addition to his clinical practice, Baratz is a prolific writer and speaker. His insights are regularly featured in various media outlets, where he discusses topics ranging from romantic relationships to individual mental wellness. He lives in New York City and Los Angeles. Learn more on Instagram under his handle YourDiagnonsense. He is the author of How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind.

Ready to dive into a raw, real, and much-needed conversation on masculinity? This week, Eli Weinstein sits down with Brendan to unpack the emotional struggles boys and men face today. From feeling isolated to fighting societal pressure to “man up,” they dig deep into the loneliness men often keep hidden.

Brendan shares eye-opening research on teenage boys, shedding light on why building community and self-acceptance is the key to emotional growth. They get real about why vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s a game changer.

This episode is all about breaking down walls and embracing emotions as part of being human. Whether you’re a guy, raising one, or just curious about emotional well-being, this is for you!

Dr. Frank Anderson discusses trauma and healing in this episode. He shares his personal experience with trauma and how it has shaped his career in helping others heal. Dr. Anderson emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting our responses to trauma and the need for connection and support in the healing process. He also highlights the significance of trusting our own wisdom and seeking corrective experiences. Dr. Anderson believes that healing from trauma is possible and encourages individuals to appreciate their own resilience and capacity for healing.

Bio:

Frank Anderson, MD, is a world-renowned trauma treatment expert, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, and psychotherapist. He is the acclaimed author of Transcending Trauma, the memoir To Be Loved: A Story of Truth, Trauma, and Transformation, and the co-author of the Internal Family Systems Skills Training Manual. As a global speaker on treating trauma and dissociation, he’s passionate about teaching brain-based psychotherapy and integrating current neuroscience knowledge with Internal Family Systems (IFS). Dr. Anderson is the co-founder of The Trauma Institute and Trauma Informed Media, organizations that promote trauma awareness, education, integration, and healing. He is a lead trainer at the IFS Institute under Richard Schwartz and has a long affiliation with Bessel van der Kolk and the Trauma Research Foundation. Dr. Anderson maintains a private practice in Harvard, MA, where he lives with his husband and two sons. Follow him at FrankAndersonMD.com and on Instagram at @frank_andersonmd.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

08:01 The Concept of 'Normal' and Self-Acceptance

12:48 Traumatic Experiences and Processing

16:39 Becoming a Chameleon and Opening Up

19:03 Healing Trauma and the Role of Protectors

26:13 The Journey of Healing and Patience

31:55 The Resurgence of Trauma Healing and Integrated Approaches

39:26 Key Points on Trauma and Healing

43:00 Reaching Out and Finding Healing

Sarah Ann Macklin, a registered nutritionist and founder of the top health podcast Live Well, Be Well, shares her journey from the modeling industry to becoming a nutritionist and mental health advocate. She emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and self-care in achieving overall wellness. Sarah discusses the impact of societal pressure and comparison on our mental health and offers strategies for cultivating a positive mindset. She suggests naming the inner critic, practicing mindfulness, and writing self-compassionate letters to develop a healthier relationship with ourselves and our bodies.

Sarah Ann Macklin is a multifaceted force in the realm of health, nutrition and advocacy. As the founder of the acclaimed podcast Live Well Be Well and the visionary behind the Be Well Collective, she has galvanised change in the wellness landscape. A registered nutritionist, TEDx speaker, international model and esteemed health journalist, Sarah's impact exceeds boundaries. Named by Marie Claire as the Jamie Oliver of the Modelling industry.

Her dedication to preventative mental health initiatives led to the establishment of the Be Well Collective, a not-for-profit organization committed to preventable mental health support on a mission for all minds to BE Well. Through her top health and nutrition podcast, Live Well, Be Well, one of the biggest UK health podcasts with exclusive of-the-moment health conversations involving the world’s renowned scientists and health experts, Sarah has publicized invaluable insights and garnered widespread acclaim.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah Ann Macklin

01:00 Sarah's Journey into Nutrition and Wellness

03:20 The Impact of the Modeling Industry on Mental Health

08:43 The Dangers of Comparison in the Digital Age

14:45 The Importance of Self-Compassion in Achieving Health

19:49 Balancing Self-Compassion with Societal Pressure

25:31 Cultivating a Positive Mindset and Overcoming Self-Doubt

28:49 Improving Body Image through Self-Compassion

35:23 Strategies for Developing a Healthier Mindset

Dr. Kat Truitt, a clinical psychologist and applied neuroscientist, discusses the importance of understanding and working with our brains to improve mental health. She shares her personal journey of struggling with mental health and how it led her to pursue a career in psychology. Dr. Truitt emphasizes the need to break down barriers and make mental health services accessible to everyone. She explains how our brains can sometimes feel like they are trying to hurt us, but it's actually a survival mechanism gone awry. She also discusses the concept of the brain holding the key to our health and wellness and how we can learn to utilize it. Dr. Truitt highlights the power of psychosensory tools, such as EMDR and mindful touch, in healing trauma and promoting resilience. She encourages individuals to prioritize their brain health and engage in practices that strengthen their mental well-being.

Dr. Kate Truitt, an award-winning clinical psychologist and applied neuroscientist, is internationally recognized for her trauma, stress, and resilience expertise. As the founder of the Truitt Institute, she integrates cutting-edge neuroscience into mental health training and seminars. She also leads her clinical team of expert mental health practitioners at Dr. Kate Truitt & Associates. She serves as CEO of both the Amy Research  Foundation and the Trauma Counseling Center of Los Angeles. 

As a member of the Goldie Hawn Foundation’s MindUP Scientific Advisory Committee as well as an expert contributor to the Kevin Love Fund and the Girl Scouts of America, Dr.  Truitt passionately advocates for mental health literacy and empowerment globally.  With an impressive social media following of over 140,000 and a combined viewer and readership of over 10 million, she regularly shares valuable mental health insights. 

Her voice in the mental health arena extends to her role as a sought-after speaker and expert in media, including features on BBC and Today. Dr. Truitt has delivered keynotes and training at prestigious platforms like the United Nations and the United States  Department of Defense. As the author of Healing in Your Hands: Self-Havening Exercises  to Harness Neuroplasticity, Heal Traumatic Stress, and Build Resilience and Keep  Breathing, she is dedicated to advancing the treatment of trauma and stress disorders,  making significant strides in destigmatizing mental health and fostering resilience worldwide.

Julie Manano, a licensed marriage and family therapist, specializes in working with couples using emotionally focused therapy for couples. She focuses on attachment styles, particularly the anxious-avoidant dynamic. A healthy relationship is defined by compatibility, shared values, and effective conflict management. Conflict is an opportunity for growth and bonding but must be managed with emotional safety. Change in attachment style can happen within a relationship, but it requires awareness, understanding, and time. The deeper questions to ask in a relationship involve exploring fears, views of self, and shame. Love languages are not enough to replace emotional bonding. In this conversation, Eli Weinstein discusses his book and the importance of understanding relationships' underlying emotions and behaviors. He emphasizes the need for self-reflection and self-awareness to create positive behavior change. Weinstein also highlights the negative cycles that couples often get caught in and provides examples of how to break free from them. He discusses the importance of recognizing that partners are on the same team and need to support each other emotionally. Additionally, he addresses the challenges of adjusting to changes in a relationship and the importance of patience and growth.

Chapter:

Julie Menanno (MA, LMFT, LCPC) is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. She also provides insight and advice for couples at @TheSecureRelationship on Instagram, with over one million followers. She founded and runs the Bozeman Therapy & Counseling clinic, and The Secure Relationship Coaching. She lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband and six children.

Dr. Stan Tatkin, co-founder of the PACT Institute, discusses the importance of secure functioning in relationships and the principles of mutual care and the couple bubble. He emphasizes the need for couples to create a shared vision and set of social contracts to protect and support each other. Dr. Tatkin also highlights the challenges of modern dating and the importance of building secure functioning relationships from the start. He concludes by discussing the ongoing research being conducted by the PACT Institute to provide evidence-based support for their approach.

Bio:

Dr. Tatkin and his wife, Tracey Boldemann-Tatkin, PhD, created the PACT Institute in 2010 to train mental

Dr. Tatkin helps couples create healthy attachments and secure-functioning relationships based on fairness,

Dr. Tatkin is an assistant clinical professor at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of

Chapters:

In this episode, Eli Weinstein interviews Chiemi, a leading expert in infertility and IVF. They discuss the misconceptions and assumptions surrounding infertility, the ongoing emotional and physical toll of the journey, and the importance of compassion and support. They also explore the dynamics of support within couples, the need for active listening and validation, and the challenge of balancing grief and joy. Chiemi emphasizes the importance of honoring one's experience and creating spaces for vitality and self-care. They also discuss the lack of recognition and ritual around the grief of infertility.

Key Ideas:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Discussion of Misconceptions about Infertility

03:24 The Unrecognized Grief of Infertility

08:55 The Importance of Conversations about Loss and Fertility

15:01 Supporting Each Other in the Infertility Journey

19:12 Navigating Fear and Avoiding Turning Against Each Other

28:24 Creating a Warm and Loving Space in the World of Infertility

30:38 Letting Joy In and Balancing Grief and Happiness

34:02 Shifting the Mindset from Guilt to Acceptance

37:25 Recognizing and Honoring the Grief of Infertility

38:53 Conclusion and Appreciation for the Work of Supporting Infertility

Bio:

Chiemi aka Miss.Conception Coach is a published writer and Infertility Trauma + Grief Support Specialist. She lends her unique voice and expertise to help people better understand, validate, and process their infertility journey. She uses her platform to raise awareness about the emotions felt and the reality of the mental health issues people experience. Through her unique counseling style, she helps people understand, and heal from their experiences. She offers worldwide individual and couples teletherapy. Connect with Chiemi on Instagram and visit her website to learn more.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist specializing in adult friendships, discusses the importance of friendships and social connections in our lives. She shares her journey of researching adult friendships and the challenges of building and maintaining them. Dr. Kirmayer emphasizes the need for knowledge translation and making evidence-based information about friendships accessible and relatable. She also explores the dynamics of childhood friendships and how they differ from adult friendships. Dr. Kirmayer provides insights on overcoming social anxieties, being open and vulnerable in friendships, and the importance of self-talk and positive cues in building and maintaining connections.

Bio:

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist, leading friendship expert, and influential speaker on human connection and social support. 

With over a decade of research on the science of friendship, Dr. Miriam is revolutionizing the way we show up for, mentor, and connect with each other. 

Dr. Miriam is one of the first and only clinical psychologists to specialize in friendship and shares guidance on navigating relationship changes and challenges through her writing, courses, and online community.

As a speaker and consultant, Dr. Miriam helps people, teams, and organizations to bridge the connection divide and readily build resilient, supportive relationships. She currently sits on the Mental Health Advisory Board for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-founded by Selena Gomez and consults for The Foundation for Social Connection.

Dr. Miriam regularly contributes research-driven insights and relatable advice to top outlets including The Atlantic, BBC, Forbes, The New York Times, Time, and more. 

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer received her Ph.D. from McGill University and lives in Montreal, Canada with her husband and their two children.

Connect with Dr. Miriam @miriamkirmayer and learn more at MiriamKirmayer.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:44 The Power and Importance of Adult Friendships

08:48 Navigating the Challenges of Building and Maintaining Friendships

15:38 The Role of Self-Talk and Positive Cues in Building Connections

20:53 Embracing New Connections and Initiating Friendships

28:00 Recognizing and Embracing the Evolution of Friendships

32:46 Gender Differences in Friendships

39:19 Men's Need for Intimacy and Self-Disclosure in Friendships

42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts