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In this conversation, neuroscientist and author Dr. Nikolay Kukushkin joins us to explore some of the deepest questions about the human mind. Drawing from his book One Hand Clapping, Dr. Kukushkin offers a rare synthesis of biology, evolution, and philosophy—challenging us to reconsider not only how the mind works, but what it means to be a mind at all.

Topics & Questions Covered:

• What inspired One Hand Clapping and the central questions it seeks to answer
• The brain as a “singularity” of nature’s complexity and its implications for consciousness
• Consciousness through the neurobiology of psychedelics
• The value and meaning of memory vs. the present moment
• The dopamine “economy” and its links to addiction, burnout, and anxiety
• Why unpredictability—not reward—drives behavior
• “The cortex wants peace, the reward system wants chaos” – reconciling two competing systems
• How social life shaped intelligence and what loneliness does to the brain
• Can AI help us understand our own minds?
• The role of uncertainty in long-term happiness and mental wellness
• Why “life isn’t a problem to solve—it’s something to be experienced”

Nikolay Kukushkin, PhD, is a neuroscientist, writer, and science communicator whose work bridges hard science and human experience. Trained at institutions such as Oxford and Harvard, he has conducted pioneering research on memory formation, synaptic plasticity, and the neural basis of learning. Currently based at NYU’s Carew Laboratory, he investigates the molecular foundations of behavior.

Beyond his academic work, Dr. Kukushkin has written hundreds of popular science articles in both Russian and international media, earning recognition for his ability to combine clarity, scientific rigor, and philosophical insight. One Hand Clapping is his first book in English, following its acclaimed Russian release by Alpina Non-Fiction. He lives in New York with his wife, continuing to explore what makes the human brain not only a machine of thought but a vessel of meaning.

Learn More:
Website: nikolaykukushkin.com

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Clinicians will often hear their clients express deeply felt needs, only to admit they’ve never shared them with their partner—usually due to fear of vulnerability or a defensive, adversarial dynamic that makes intimacy feel unsafe.  In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. James Cordova—Professor of Psychology at Clark University and creator of The Relationship Checkup—to discuss his new book, The Mindful Path to Intimacy. Dr. Cordova’s book offers a powerful framework for understanding and transforming these relational patterns through the lens of mindfulness, compassion, and shared vulnerability.

In our conversation, we explore:

• Why intimacy is often more terrifying than people expect—and why it’s worth the risk
• How mindfulness can serve as both a spiritual and relational practice
• The idea that attention is the most basic form of love
• Why many couples shift from infatuation to frustration, and what can be done about it
• How interpersonal neurobiology helps us understand the push-pull of closeness and withdrawal
• Ways to navigate shame, trauma histories, and fear of being fully seen in love
• What distinguishes couples who flourish from those who simply coexist. 

Dr. James Cordova is a Professor of Psychology at Clark University and the creator of The Relationship Checkup, a pioneering, preventative intervention designed to assess and strengthen couples’ relationships before problems escalate. He has led major research initiatives—including a $1.3M Department of Defense-funded RCT with Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Cigrang and a $1M NIH grant—demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in both military and civilian populations. As founder and president of Arammu: The Relationship Checkup, Inc., Dr. Cordova is scaling this approach nationwide, training over 1,000 military counselors and integrating the model into primary care. He is the author of The Marriage Checkup, The Story of Mu, and The Mindful Path to Intimacy, the latter of which offers mindfulness-based tools for cultivating emotional and spiritual connection.

To learn more about Dr. Cordova and his work, visit:
https://relationshipcheckup.com
Or check out his latest book, The Mindful Path to Intimacy, from Guilford Press.

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Digital media is changing the way young people experience—and express—mental health struggles, particularly depression. Child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Meredith Gansner, joins us to discuss themes in her new book Teen Depression Gone Viral.  

🔍 Topics We Explore:

• What inspired Teen Depression Gone Viral and the choice to focus on digital media’s role
• Current trends in teen depression—what’s driving the rise?
• Why are so many teens turning to social media for psychiatric education?
• How digital culture alters the presentation and self-understanding of depressive symptoms in adolescents
• Understanding the addictive properties of digital devices and their emotional withdrawal effects
• The risks of social media self-diagnosis—and how clinicians and parents can respond
• Social contagion and the viral spread of mental health content online
• Engaging teens who reject a depression diagnosis
• Screen time: symptom, cause, or both?
• When online communities are helpful—and when they’re harmful
• The critical role of sleep in teen mental health—and how screens disrupt it
• The corrosive impact of pornography
• Online identity-based diagnoses: ADHD, ASD, and the “diagnosis du jour” effect
• How social media shapes teens' attitudes toward psychiatric treatment
• Setting digital boundaries in ways that foster trust and connection

Meredith E. Gansner, MD is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Clinically, she works at Boston Children’s Hospital, where she specializes in the evaluation and treatment of youth with mood disorders, self-injurious behaviors, and emerging psychiatric risk profiles.

Dr. Gansner’s research centers on the intersection of digital media use and adolescent psychopathology, with a particular focus on how online environments shape the presentation and course of depressive symptoms. She is widely published in the areas of psychiatric misdiagnosis, social contagion, and screen-related mental health trends, and is recognized as a leading expert in how digital culture influences youth mental health. Her new book, Teen Depression Gone Viral, was recently published by Guilford Press.

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At first glance, perfectionism looks like an asset; however, the same internal drive that fuels greatness can also erode well-being, leaving success feeling empty and unsatisfying. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Heather Wheeler, psychologist and former elite athlete, to explore the psychology of perfectionism in high achievers. In this conversation we cover: 

• Defining perfectionism: What is it and is it ever adaptive?
• Early Conditioning: The role of coaches, parents, and social environments in shaping perfectionistic traits.
• When It Becomes Harmful: How to recognize when a drive towards excellence is tipping into burnout or mental health risk.
• Identity & Performance: How high performers conflate self-worth with performance—and what happens post-retirement.
• Working with High Performers: Navigating some of the specific challenges that can come with working with high performers 
• Perception by others: How perfectionistic high performers can be perceived by others in an untoward fashion and what can be done about it 
• Evolutionary Significance: The potential evolutionary origins of perfectionism
• Unmet Needs: How leveraging awareness of unmet needs, loneliness and a lack of connection within one's broader life can help high performers achieve a higher quality of life 
• Injury & Recovery: How a perfectionistic mindset can both help and hinder the recovery process.
• Mental Health Risks: Links between perfectionism and anxiety, depression, and eating disorders in high performers.
• Values: Facilitating effective discussions with high performers in therapeutic, parenting and coaching contexts 

Heather is one of Canada’s leading experts at the intersection of mental health and high-performance sport. Recognized for her deep knowledge and skill as a Clinical Psychologist with expertise in performance psychology, alongside her passion and enthusiasm for creating change, Heather’s impact is system-wide; including support for athletes, coaches, sport leaders and organizations across all levels of the Canadian sport system. She has been on the leading edge of the evolution of mental health prioritization in sport in recent years, helping build awareness of the unique challenges related to “mental injuries,” including eating disorders. She is adept at driving high-performance cultures through a series of steps and processes that develop the right conditions for people and organizations to grow to their full potential. As Mental Health Lead for Athletics Canada, Swimming Canada and Canadian Sport Institute Ontario, Heather leads the path for early intervention and treatment of athletes and coaches. She is also the psychologist for the HighPerformance Centre – Ontario (HPC-ON), working with the national swim team athletes and coaches and creating a psychologically-informed environment. She has been supporting high-performance and world-class athletes and coaches on their journey up to and including the Olympics and Paralympics since 2008 and is a provider for Game Plan’s Mental Health Network. Heather has over two decades of experience providing psychological assessment and evidence-based treatment to diverse populations, in both private practice and the public healthcare system.  Beyond clinical practice and leadership roles, Heather is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, known for creating engaging, transformative experiences and workshops related to mental health for high-performers. 

www.heatherwheeler.com 

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Dr. Chris Taplin,a psychiatrist and founder of Ottawa’s TMS Life clinic, joins us for a deep dive into one of the most promising frontiers in psychiatric care: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or TMS. As clinicians, many of us have encountered the heartbreak of treatment-resistant depression — watching clients struggle despite best-practice psychotherapy and pharmacology. TMS offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative that is reshaping how we approach these cases. In this conversation, we unpack the science, patient experience, clinical decision-making, and broader implications of this technology. Whether you’re a skeptic, a curious clinician, or already working with neuromodulation, I think you’ll find this a thoughtful, grounded look at where TMS fits in the future of mental health treatment.

Topics We Cover:
🧠 Understanding TMS
– What is TMS, and how does it work?
– FDA-approved indications vs. emerging off-label uses
– How TMS compares to ECT and other neuromodulation tools

🪑 The Patient Experience
– What a typical TMS session looks and feels like
– Common side effects and time course of therapeutic response
– What patients report during and after a course of treatment

🔬 Mechanisms and Research
– What brain mechanisms underlie TMS’s effectiveness?
– Neuroplasticity and circuit-level change
– Emerging biomarkers and predictors of treatment response

🌍 Broader Impacts
– How TMS is shifting the landscape for treatment-resistant depression
– What’s new and exciting in TMS research
– Future directions: Could TMS expand to anxiety, PTSD, or neurological conditions?

⚖️ Practical and Ethical Considerations
– Barriers to access and systemic challenges
– How to assess if a patient is a good candidate
– Ethical issues in offering brain-based treatments

👥 Personal Insights
– Dr. Taplin’s journey into TMS
– A powerful patient success story
– Guidance for clinicians exploring TMS integration

Dr. Chris Taplin, MD, FRCPC is a board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of TMS Life, a leading mental health clinic based in Ottawa, Ontario. He specializes in the treatment of complex and treatment-resistant mental health conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sports-related psychiatric concerns.

Dr. Taplin is a nationally recognized expert in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and completed specialized training in repetitive TMS at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). His clinical approach integrates TMS with evidence-based psychotherapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and interpersonal therapy, offering a comprehensive and individualized care model for his patients.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia, Dr. Taplin completed his psychiatry residency in Ontario and has been in independent practice since 2022. He is deeply committed to improving access to innovative treatments and has contributed to academic efforts aimed at enhancing psychiatric education and recruitment.

Outside of his clinical work, Dr. Taplin enjoys spending time with his family, rock climbing, and connecting with nature.

tmslife.com 

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Joe Pierre, psychiatrist and author of False, to explore why people believe things that aren’t true—and why challenging those beliefs is rarely as simple as presenting the facts. Drawing from research in psychiatry, cognitive science, and social psychology, Dr. Pierre unpacks the emotional, identity-based, and relational roots of misinformation and conspiratorial thinking.  Whether you’re a clinician, educator, or simply someone trying to make sense of our “post-truth” era, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at the psychology behind false beliefs. In this conversation we discuss: 

• Why smart people believe irrational things  
• The emotional and identity functions of conspiracy theories  
• How misinformation spreads—and why it's so sticky  
• The limits of fact-checking and logic-based persuasion  
• The "prognosis" for someone who believes in conspiracy theories  
• The role of mental illness in extreme beliefs (and where the line is)  
• Online echo chambers, tribalism, and distrust in institutions  
• The psychological appeal of certainty in uncertain times  
• Strategies for promoting critical thinking and intellectual humility  

Bio: Joe Pierre, MD, is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. With a background in both molecular biology and psychology from MIT and medical training at UCLA, Dr. Pierre’s career has focused on severe mental illness, particularly psychotic disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he’s a prolific writer and commentator on the psychology of belief, delusion, and misinformation. His Psych Unseen column for Psychology Today explores the intersection of psychiatry, media, and culture. False is his definitive exploration of why we believe things that aren’t true, and what that means for our mental health and collective future.

drjoepierre.com

psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psych-unseen

@psychunseen

@psychunseen.bsky.social

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In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce coauthors, along with Trent Codd, Ed.S of The Stoicism Workbook - to explore how ancient Stoic philosophy can offer powerful tools for managing today’s challenges. From emotional resilience and anxiety to self-compassion and values-driven living, we unpack how timeless Stoic principles can help you navigate stress, uncertainty, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, a fan of philosophy, or just someone looking for practical ways to feel more grounded, this conversation brings Stoicism down to earth—with insights that align closely with many therapeutic frameworks.

We discuss:

• What Stoicism is and why it’s still relevant
• The Stoic approach to emotional resilience and anxiety
• The difference between values and virtues
• How to apply Stoic practices in daily life
• Building tolerance for discomfort and uncertainty
• Transforming self-criticism into self-compassion
• Socratic questioning as a tool for insight and change
• Embracing acceptance without falling into complacency
• Cultivating wisdom and living in alignment with what matters most

Scott Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to underserved populations. He is president-elect of both the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies and  the International Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies. He is board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology from the American Board of Professional Psychology. Dr. Waltman, worked as a CBT trainer for one of Dr. Aaron Beck’s CBT implementation teams in the Philadelphia public mental health system. He is a practicing Stoic and the first author of The Stoicism Workbook: How the Wisdom of Socrates Can Help You Build Resilience and Overcome Anything Life Throws at You. 

Kasey Pierce is a writer and Stoicism columnist from the metro Detroit area. She has contributed as a freelance content editor for Donald Robertson's “Verissimus” (St. Martin’s Press) and serves as the editor of Tim LeBon's “365 Ways to Be More Stoic” (John Murray Press). Kasey recently coauthored “The Stoicism Workbook” with CBT practitioners Scott Waltman and R. Trent Codd. Additionally, she is the. communications director for Plato’s Academy Centre, a nonprofit in Athens, Greece, dedicated to promoting philosophy as a way of life. Kasey's passion lies in making the intersection of Stoic philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy accessible to everyday people, using relatable examples and humor to enhance understanding and application. 

https://www.instagram.com/socraticmethodcbt/

https://www.instagram.com/kcdwrites/

www.trentcodd.com

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Building emotional security and navigating conflict with intention often defines the success of our closest relationships.  Join us for an in-depth discussion with psychologist Dr. Betsy Chung to explore these and other topics explored in her new book The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship.  In this conversation we cover: 

• how a lack of emotional security in one’s childhood impact their romantic relationships as an adult
• how old defenses from childhood can still affect us in adult relationships as well as common signs that someone is still relying on these childhood defenses
• what emotional attunement looks like in a healthy relationship and how couples can improve their emotional attunement
• what effective acknowledgment looks like in everyday interactions between partners
• the importance of unconditional acceptance and how to accept each other’s flaws and differences without feeling resentment
• tools for repairing relationship ruptures. What are the first steps a couple should take when trying to reconcile after a heated argument?

Bio: Dr. Betsy Chung, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist and relationship expert with a passion for helping individuals cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships. She began her academic journey at the University of California, Irvine, where she earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Education. In 2010, Dr. Chung completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at Alliant University and became a licensed psychologist in California in 2013. 

Dr. Chung’s diverse career includes experience in various mental health settings, from in-patient and partial hospitalization to outpatient substance abuse rehabilitation and community mental health clinics for children. Since 2015, she has focused on private practice, where she discovered her true passion for guiding individuals and couples toward stronger relationships.

Her latest book, The Couple Skills Workbook: Manage Conflict, Increase Trust & Intimacy, and Build a Better Relationship, provides a hands-on approach to building trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. Through her work, Dr. Chung continues to empower people to develop greater self-awareness and relational intelligence.

https://www.drbetsychung.com

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In this episode, we sit down with Donna Jakson Nakazawa to explore a topic at the core of many people's therapeutic journeys: recovering from the impact of adverse childhood experiences. Her new book, The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal, offers a compassionate, science-backed approach to understanding how trauma shapes our lives—while providing actionable steps to rewire the brain for healing. Whether dealing with childhood trauma, chronic stress, or emotional adversity, Nakazawa’s work equips readers with practical tools to process their past, build resilience, and cultivate an internal sense of safety. Join us as we dive into this powerful conversation.

• Why it’s important to revisit childhood adversity to achieve a fully actualized adulthood
• How adverse childhood experiences impact brain development
• Safely managing the challenging emotions that can arise when processing past trauma
• Key reflective questions that can help uncover how childhood experiences shape adult patterns
• A helpful approach for those feeling stuck in anger or resistant to exploring this content
• The power of narrative in understanding and making sense of our personal story
• The protective role of positive childhood experiences
• How connection serves as the antidote to trauma
• Why naming emotions is essential for emotional regulation
• How to effectively create emotionally corrective experiences

Donna Jackson Nakazawa is an award-winning science journalist, author, and internationally recognized speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, immunology, and human resilience. With a passion for helping individuals heal from trauma, Nakazawa has written several groundbreaking books, including “Childhood Disrupted”, “The Angel and the Assassin”, “Girls on the Brink”, and her latest, “The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Guided Journal”. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in journalism and research, Nakazawa has developed science-based techniques for trauma recovery, such as her pioneering "Neural Re-Narrating" process. Her work is deeply rooted in neuroscience and the power of writing as a tool for healing. As the creator of “Your Healing Narrative”, she teaches writing-to-heal workshops that combine mindfulness, self-compassion, and neuroscience to help people transform their lives.  Nakazawa is also a regular speaker at major universities and conferences, where she shares her expertise on trauma, adversity, and emotional well-being. Her insights have been featured in numerous media outlets, including “The New York Times”, “The Washington Post”, “The Today Show”, and NPR. She is known for her compassionate, accessible approach to complex scientific topics and her dedication to empowering individuals to reclaim their health and well-being.

http://donnajacksonnakazawa.com

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Many of us accept freewill as an undeniable truth, assuming that we are the architects of our own decisions and destiny. Yet, a growing body of scientific research challenges this notion, suggesting that our sense of freewill may be more of an illusion than reality. This emerging perspective carries profound implications, urging us to reconsider the foundations of personal responsibility, ethics, and the way we govern our society.  Dr. Yona Bouskila joins us to explore this provocative subject, drawing on insights from his thriller, The Unthinkable Truth, which expertly blends scientific inquiry with imaginative fiction.  In this conversation we cover: 

• the motivation behind delving into free will in The Unthinkable Truth and  how the book challenges conventional views on decision-making and destiny
• the fusion of neuroscience, philosophy, and AI in the book, with a particular focus on the Theory of Apparent Mental Causation, and the evidence that underpins this perspective
• how main character George Bennet's journey reflects the broader questions about the extent of human free will
•  the role of AI, exemplified by the character Sherlock, in the exploration of free will and contrast its capabilities with human reasoning
• the scientific tools and methods employed in the book to tackle the age-old question of free will
• the interplay between personal responsibility and free will, and consider how these concepts might influence moral and legal frameworks in society.
• the ethical dimensions of using AI to understand and potentially influence human decisions, weighing its possible dangers and benefits.
• the key philosophical arguments against the existence of free will as presented in the book, and discuss how these are either supported or refuted by scientific evidence.
• the future of free will research and its potential impact on society, both in theory and in practice.

A scientist by training, a thinker by nature, and an author by passion, Yona Bouskila has a particular fascination with the human mind in all its aspects. This enduring passion, together with his penchant for thrillers, served as the driving force behind The Unthinkable Truth, which he describes as a unique blend of thought-provoking science and thriller that culminates in an eye-opening revelation on the mind and humanity. He studied biology (with philosophy) and received a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. He is involved in medical research and development. Before that, he conducted brain research at several institutions in the US and Europe. He writes short stories, often with a humorous slant, and his debut novel was published in May 2024. He lives in England with his wife and pets, where he enjoys the Surrey countryside and contemplating 

Buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Unthinkable-Truth-Yona-Bouskila-ebook/dp/B0CW1N2JTJ/

Visit the author's website: https://www.yonabouskila.com/