The Dude Therapist

What does it actually take to be happy? And why are so many of us chasing it the wrong way? In this episode, Eli Weinstein sits down with happiness researcher, professor, and author Dr. 

Gillian Mandich for a deeply honest conversation about what science says happiness really is, and what it isn't. 

From toxic positivity and emotional suppression to social connection, discipline, and daily habits, Dr. Gillian breaks down why happiness isn't a destination you arrive at, but a practice you build over time.

Dr. Gillian shares her unexpected path into studying happiness and why some of the most common beliefs we have about fulfillment are actually making us more miserable. Together, Eli and Dr. Gillian unpack the pressure to always appear positive, how negativity bias quietly shapes our lives, and why chasing constant happiness can leave people feeling even more disconnected.

They also explore the power of "micro-moments," why hard things aren't necessarily bad things, and how meaningful relationships impact both mental and physical health. Eli opens up about the pressure of being perceived as "the happy guy," the importance of family dinners without phones, and what it means to create intentional moments of connection in a world designed to distract us.

This is a conversation about happiness, pressure, emotional honesty, and learning how to build a life that actually feels good, not just one that looks good from the outside.

If you've ever wondered why happiness feels so hard to hold onto, this episode is for you!

Topics Covered:

Why happiness is something you practice, not something you find

The truth about “the pursuit of happiness”

Why trying to be happy all the time can backfire

The science behind negativity biasWhat “micro-moments” are and why they matter

Toxic positivity and emotional suppression

Why social connection predicts long-term happiness and health

Resources & Links:

Connect with Eli & The Dude Therapist:

This show is hosted by Eli Weinstein and produced by Rainbow Creative.Executive Producer & Editor: Matthew “MoJo” Jones

For sales and sponsorship opportunities, contact: [email protected]

CHAPTERS

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What does it really mean to be "enough" as a man, and why do so many men feel like they're falling short?

In this episode, Eli Weinstein sits down with therapist, podcaster, and founder of Rugged Counseling, Trey Tucker, for a direct and deeply honest conversation about the internal battles men face but rarely talk about. From anxiety and identity to life transitions and emotional suppression, Trey breaks down why so many men feel like they're constantly running on empty and don't know why.

Trey shares his unconventional path from the corporate world into therapy and how that journey shaped his mission to make mental health more accessible and less intimidating for men. Together, Eli and Trey explore why traditional therapy often misses the mark with male clients, how deeply ingrained beliefs like "I'm not enough" take hold, and what it actually looks like to rebuild a sense of self-worth.

They also dive into the idea that men are wired to be tested, the disappearance of meaningful rites of passage, and why discomfort, challenge, and even silence can be powerful tools for growth. Drawing on examples like Israel's mandatory military service, they unpack what resilience really looks like and how it can be cultivated in a modern world that often avoids struggle.

This is a conversation about pressure, purpose, and learning how to show up fully without numbing out or shutting down.

If you've ever felt like you should have it all together but don't, this episode will hit.

Topics Covered:

Resources & Links: Trey Tucker @RuggedCounseling: instagram.com/ruggedcounseling

Tough Enough by Trey Tucker: https://a.co/d/0gfnVfFn

Connect with Eli & The Dude Therapist:

This show is hosted by Eli Weinstein and produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/). Executive Producer & Editor: Matthew “MoJo” Jones For sales and sponsorship opportunities, contact: [email protected]

Chapters

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In this episode, Eli Weinstein sits down with therapist and bestselling author Nicole Sachs, LCSW, for a powerful conversation about the mind-body connection and how our emotional world directly shapes our physical health.

Nicole shares her deeply personal journey from being diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition at just 19 years old to becoming one of the leading voices in mind-body medicine, carrying forward the work of Dr. John Sarno. Together, Eli and Nicole explore why chronic pain and anxiety are often rooted in unresolved emotional experiences, how the brain works to keep us “safe in the most unsafe way,” and what it actually takes to begin healing.

They break down the neuroscience behind chronic pain, challenge the belief that symptoms are purely physical, and offer a grounded, compassionate framework for understanding how the body communicates distress. Nicole also introduces her signature “Journal Speak” practice, a structured, daily writing method designed to help people safely process repressed emotions and begin releasing long-held pain.

The conversation also dives into how stress becomes chronic illness, what to do when a partner or loved one doesn’t understand this work, and why even skeptics should be open to trying these tools. Throughout the episode, Eli and Nicole emphasize that healing is possible—and that you are not broken.

Topics Covered:

How repressed emotions can manifest as physical pain and illness

Why the brain tries to protect you in ways that keep you stuck

The science and psychology behind chronic pain

Nicole’s personal healing journey and 25+ years pain-free

“Journal Speak” and how to start the practice yourself

Navigating skepticism and resistance from others

Tools for building awareness and starting your healing process

And much more

Resources & Links:

📖 Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs

🎙️ The Cure for Chronic Pain Podcast

🌐 https://www.nicolesachs.com

📱 Instagram: @nicolesachslcsw

🏕️ Omega Institute Retreat (June)

🌵 Miraval Austin Retreat (Fall)

📖 The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk

📖 Feeling Good – Dr. David Burns

📖 From I Do to We Do by Eli Weinstein

Connect with Eli & The Dude Therapist:

Book From I Do To We Do: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book

Eli’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/

This show is hosted and produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer & Editor Matthew “MoJo” Jones. For sales and sponsorship opportunities, reach out to [email protected]

Chapter Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction & Nicole’s Impact on Eli’s Healing Journey

00:52 Who Is Nicole Sachs? Mind-Body Medicine Explained

02:42 Nicole’s Story: Diagnosis at 19

03:26 The Legacy of Dr. John Sarno

05:33 Making the Mind-Body Connection Make Sense

07:42 When Stress Turns Into Chronic Pain

08:08 Nicole’s Healing: 25 Years Pain-Free

09:56 Medication, Fear & Misconceptions

13:51 “Safe in the Most Unsafe Way” Explained

17:29 Chronic Pain as Communication

20:05 Listening to Your Body Before Crisis

24:46 The Pressure Cooker World We Live In

31:07 When Your Partner Doesn’t Get It

34:35 Unlearning Myths About Pain & Emotion

42:50 Opening the Door to Repressed Feelings Safely

47:22 Journal Speak Practice Explained

49:45 Final Message: You Are Not Alone

50:33 Where to Find Nicole & Her Work

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In this episode, Eli Weinstein sits down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of the upcoming book Love the Teen You Have, for her second appearance on The Dude Therapist!

 Together, they take a grounded, honest look at parenting through the teen years and why this stage is often misunderstood, under-resourced, and emotionally charged for both parents and kids.

They explore why it’s never too late to repair and rebuild connection with your teen, how many “behavior problems” are actually bids for connection, and why parenting the child in front of you matters more than clinging to an idealized version of who you thought they’d be. Dr. Lockhart also breaks down which battles are actually worth having, how over-monitoring tools like Life 360 can increase anxiety and mistrust, and why rigid discipline structures often miss the point of adolescent development.

The conversation also dives into screen time and digital boundaries, the role of chores and structure without control-based parenting, and how messaging around masculinity can impact boys’ emotional health. Finally, Dr. Lockhart introduces the concept of re-parenting, how increasing your own self-awareness and healing your inner child directly shapes the kind of parent you become, and how unconditional love, paired with healthy boundaries, can fundamentally shift the parent-teen relationship.

Why parenting teens (ages 9–19) is often under-supported

Repairing relationships with teens — even after years of disconnection

“Bad behavior” as communication and bids for connection

Choosing your battles: what matters vs. what doesn’t

Chores, structure, and avoiding rigid, control-based parenting

Toxic masculinity messaging and boys’ emotional development

How unconditional love reshapes long-term parent-child dynamics

And much more!

Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart Links: https://linktr.ee/dr.annlouise.lockhart 

Book From I Do To We Do: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/bookEli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/

This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer & Editor Matthew “MoJo” Jones. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction & Welcome03:40 Why Teen Parenting Needs More Attention06:10 Reconnecting With Your Teen (It’s Never Too Late)09:45 Behavior as Communication12:30 Choosing Your Battles as a Parent15:20 Messy Rooms, Independence & Letting Go18:05 Individuation & Teen Identity Formation20:40 Screen Time, Social Media & Boundaries23:10 Life 360, Monitoring & Trust Issues27:35 Chores, Structure & Rigid Parenting Pitfalls31:10 Masculinity Messaging & Boys’ Mental Health34:40 Re-Parenting Yourself Explained39:15 How Inner Work Changes Parenting43:30 Final Takeaways & Closing Advice

Topics Covered:Connect with Our Guest:Connect with Eli & The Dude Therapist:
Chapter Timecodes:

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In this episode, Eli opens up about his and his wife’s personal infertility journey and sits down with Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a double board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at RMA of New York and author of The Lucky Egg (out January 13). Together, they explore why conversations around infertility have become more mainstream and the emotional weight so many couples quietly carry, including shame, comparison, grief, anxiety, and the very real risk of treatment dropout due to psychological stress.

Dr. Lucky challenges common misconceptions, explaining that infertility is not solely a female issue, lifestyle alone cannot prevent it, and egg count does not equal overall fertility. She outlines when to seek testing, including irregular cycles, trying for 12 months if under 35, 6 months if 35+, and 3 months at 40 - and emphasizes the importance of a proactive care mindset. The conversation also highlights how clinicians can better integrate emotional support into treatment plans, how couples can show up for one another without blame, and how to protect identity and self-worth during the process.

They discuss navigating social triggers, handling insensitive comments, and offering practical language to support loved ones who may be struggling. Dr. Lucky also shares the heart behind writing The Lucky Egg, addresses common internet fertility myths, and leaves listeners with a grounded, hopeful message: you are not alone, and support matters.

Connect with our Guest

Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist!

This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer & Editor Matthew “MoJo” Jones. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at [email protected]

Chapters

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In this interview, psychotherapist Jessica Baum returns to discuss her second book, "Safe," which expands beyond her first book "Anxiously Attached" to cover all attachment styles through a "Wheel of Attachment," embedded attachment wounds, and the neuroscience of healing. She explains how attachment patterns shape nervous system responses during conflict. Anxious tendencies can include people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, and escalation, while avoidant tendencies can include withdrawal and shutdown. She also discusses how early caregiver attunement, rupture and repair, and emotional presence influence a child's felt sense of safety. Baum describes "earned security" as possible at any age through neuroplasticity and "anchoring relationships" that provide consistent, warm co-regulation and disconfirming experiences. She notes that people often gravitate toward familiar chaos. She also addresses navigating relationships when only one partner commits to the work and shares practical starting points like mapping core wounds and seeking safe, supportive connections.

Connect with our guest Jessica Baum! 

Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist!

This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at [email protected] 

CHAPTERS

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On this episode of Dude Therapist, host Eli sits down with certified dating coach and relationship strategist Damona Hoffman, the official love expert for The Drew Barrymore Show and Access Hollywood, to break down the biggest shifts in dating over the past 20 years. 

From the rise of texting replacing face-to-face connection to the myths of “instant chemistry,” Damona reveals why modern love often feels confusing, and how to navigate it successfully.

Learn the relationship truths no one talks about: the fairytale myth of effortless love, the pressure of the relationship escalator, and the paradox of choice. Damona shares her proven framework for finding lasting love: three must-haves, one deal breaker, and four pillars of compatibility: shared values, shared goals, communication & conflict resolution, and trust & respect.

Discover why partners can’t fill every need, the importance of community, and how curiosity beats instant sparks when building a mindful, fulfilling partnership. If you’re tired of dating drama and want practical strategies for love that lasts, this episode is for you.

Watch or Listen now and transform the way you approach modern relationships!

Connect with Damona!

Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist!

This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at [email protected]

Chapters

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In this thoughtful and wide-ranging episode of The Dude Therapist Podcast, Mayim Bialik reflects on a life lived at the intersection of intellect, faith, fame, and mental health.

You may know Mayim as the young star of Beaches or the beloved lead of Blossom, and later as neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory. But this conversation goes far beyond the screen. Mayim opens up about stepping away from Hollywood to earn her neuroscience degree at UCLA, becoming a mother, returning to television with Call Me Kat, hosting Jeopardy!, and ultimately launching her own mental health platform and podcast.

With candor and clarity, Mayim explores how her Jewish identity—rooted in ritual, routine, community, tikkun olam, and a “God of my understanding”—has evolved over time. She speaks vulnerably about navigating October 7th, rising antisemitism, social media hostility, and the pressure to speak (or stay silent) in a polarized industry. She shares what it means to hold boundaries as an observant Jew in Hollywood—from modesty to holiday accommodations in contracts—while still leading with compassion and repair.

In this episode, we explore:

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating identity, faith, parenthood, mental health, or life transitions under public scrutiny. Grounded, reflective, and deeply human—this is a conversation about integrating every version of yourself and choosing integrity over approval.

Connect with Mayim Bialik!

Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist!

This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at [email protected] 

00:00 Introduction 

00:38 Mayim Life Arc

03:11 Jewish Identity Values

09:21 Faith Therapy Selfhood

10:44 Hollywood Boundaries

15:53 Post Oct 7 Antisemitism

20:32 Podcast Mental Health Shift

21:40 Science Meets Mysticism

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In this deeply vulnerable and transformative episode of The Dude Therapist Podcast, Alyson Stoner shares the truth behind child stardom, identity, trauma, and reclaiming your voice.

You may know Alyson from the iconic Work It video with Missy Elliott, or films like Camp Rock, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Step Up, but this conversation reveals the person behind the performances.

Alyson opens up about working 80-hour weeks as a child actor, the psychological cost of constantly performing, and the moment they realized their own story had never truly been told in their own voice. They share the arduous yet liberating process of writing their New York Times bestselling memoir and what it cost, and freed them to speak openly about identity, queerness, and industry pressures.

In this episode, we explore:

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in mental health, trauma recovery, LGBTQ+ identity, the entertainment industry, and personal transformation.

Raw, honest, and empowering - this is a conversation about choosing authenticity over approval.

“I’d rather be rejected while I’m accepting myself than be accepted while I’m rejecting myself.” - Alyson Stoner

Connect with Alyson!

Alyson’s Bio

Alyson Stoner (they/them) is an entertainer, author, and founder/CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company focused on sustainable wellbeing. They host the award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast, advocating for stronger protections for children in entertainment and digital media.

A former child star with over 200 credits, Alyson appeared in Camp Rock, Step Up, Cheaper by the Dozen, Phineas and Ferb, and music videos with Missy Elliott and Eminem.

Their debut memoir, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything (Aug 12, 2025), explores identity, trauma, and redefining what it means to be truly well.

Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist!

This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at [email protected] 

Chapters:

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After five years of transformative conversations, host Eli Weinstein returns with the show that's been changing lives through honest, raw discussions about mental health, relationships, and personal growth.

This isn't your typical therapy podcast. The Dude Therapist brings you unfiltered conversations with the biggest names in health and wellness. We have had Dr. John Delony, Dr. Nicole LePera to Mayim Bialik, Mark Groves, Alyson Stoner, Sabrina Zohar and many more. You can find these videos re-released on video and new episodes from a powerful line up of guests!

In this New Season this show will cover

It’s a New Season. New Format. Same Authentic Conversations.

🎥 NOW ON VIDEO - Subscribe and follow:

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube: @TheDudeTherapist

Launching February 2026

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