Unpacking Possibility with Dr. Traci Stein

In this powerful episode, Traci sits down with author Rich Dunning to discuss his memoir, “Silence Was My First Language.” Rich shares how his childhood in the Bronx, marked by poverty and severe abuse, made silence a necessary survival strategy. For years, Rich’s academic and professional successes hid a nearly unsurvivable battle with addiction. Rich recounts the pivotal moment in 2017 when he chose to seek help—and how sobriety, faith, family and forgiveness helped him to break free from generational trauma.  

Traci also previews the next leg of the podcast journey: “The Extraordinary, with Dr. Traci Stein,” debuting October 2026. Tune in next week for more details.

Learn more about Rich Dunning + pre-order the book: https://www.richdunningbooks.com/

**Content Warning:** This episode includes discussion of child abuse, domestic violence, addiction, and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available—call or text **988** (US).

Follow "The Extraordinary with Dr. Traci Stein", now live!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/15Xt8qwNJhVyqJYb7uq7XV

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-extraordinary-with-dr-traci-stein/id6817035081

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

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Can’t sleep—again? If you’re lying awake, waking up in the middle of the night, or up too early, this episode gives you a practical, calming toolkit you can use in the moment. Psychologist Traci Stein shares mental strategies (imagery, focus shifts, counting) and body-based tools (stretching, calming touch, self-massage, acupressure) to help you settle your nervous system and return to sleep—or at least get truly restorative rest.

What you’ll learn

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So much support shows up during pregnancy and those first weeks with a newborn… and then it often fades. Meanwhile, the inner transition of becoming a mother is just getting started.

If motherhood has left you feeling everything from blissful to overwhelmed—or even secretly longing for the life you had before—this episode offers language, context, and reassurance. It’s also a powerful listen to share with a partner, friend, or family member who wants to better understand what new mothers are carrying.

Educators and Seed Mother founders Julia Sarewitz and Victoria Trinko explore “matrescence”—the developmental process of becoming a mother. Like adolescence, matrescence brings unavoidable changes in identity, relationships, social life, mind, body, and spirit. And because society often prioritizes the needs of the child while overlooking the needs of the mother, many new moms end up feeling exhausted, alone, resentful, and guilty for not living a fairy-tale version of parenthood.

Tune in to feel seen, understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and learn how to feel more empowered and supported through this transformative season.

Learn more about matrescence, Seed Mother’s workshops, and 1:1 wellness offerings:
www.seed-mother.com

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

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In this encore episode, Columbia University researcher and double-boarded psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Sultan joins Traci Stein to dispel common myths, explain the neurobiological basis of ADHD, and share evidence-based, effective treatments for managing ADHD in children and adults.

Key Topics Covered:

Resources & Links:

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Do you lose your keys, zone out mid-conversation, or feel like your brain won’t stay on one track?  

Psychologist Traci Stein breaks down adult ADHD—and shares the simple strategies she uses to manage it – without perfection.

Adult ADHD can look like distractibility, procrastination, time blindness, restlessness, or chronic disorganization—and it often shows up differently from childhood. In this episode of “Unpacking Possibility,’ Traci Stein explains the ADHD subtypes (inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, 

combined), what to rule out first (sleep issues, anxiety, depression), and why modern distractions can intensify symptoms.

Then she shares the 10 practical, realistic tools she uses to stay focused and functional—without beating herself up for being “imperfect.”

You’ll learn:  

- Key signs of adult ADHD and how it varies person to person  

- ADHD subtypes and how they show up in daily life  

- What else can mimic ADHD (and what can overlap)  

- How to work with your brain using simple routines and supports  

Traci’s go-to strategies include:  

- Track caffeine/substance use (and its impact on sleep/focus)  

- Self-compassion + learning instead of self-criticism  

- Plan for task-switching and build in movement breaks  

- Write accessible to-do lists (paper vs. phone)  

- Use small rewards to stay motivated  

- Set weekly goals and work backward realistically  

- Mindfulness + exercise to improve focus and regulation  

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Listen to the previous episode on ADHD Myths, Science & Solutions, with Ryan Sultan, MD: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-115-attention-please-adhd-myths-science-solutions/id1560681195?i=1000721644660

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In this encore episode, psychologist Traci Stein interviews Robert Waggoner, a lucid dreaming expert and author of acclaimed books on the subject. Robert explains how lucid dreaming can lead to greater creativity, enhanced performance, emotional and physical healing, and spiritual growth. Robert and Traci also discuss practical techniques for how you, too, can begin harnessing the power of lucid dreams. Tune in to learn how lucid dreaming can have profound effects on your waking life, personal development, and overall well being.

For more on Robert Waggoner, his books and lucid dreaming workshops, visit: https://www.lucidadvice.com

To read Robert’s magazine: https://www.luciddreamingmagazine.com/issues

For more on Traci Stein, her audio programsand more, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com

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Estate planning sounds like something you do at the end of life—and yet, it can be one of the most loving, grounding, peace-building things you do for yourself and others while you’re still here – and with plenty of life to live.
In this episode, Traci Stein sits down with estate planning attorney Lillie N. Nkenchor, Esq., LL.M., to reframe estate planning as a vital act of self-care: a way to protect the people you love, reduce your stress and theirs, and create more ease and clarity for everyone involved.

In this episode, we unpack:
- Why people avoid estate planning (fear, superstition, complicated family dynamics)
- How grief and money can change family dynamics overnight
- The risks of outdated documents and “I’ll get to it later” plans
- The most common myths, including “I’m not wealthy, I don’t need to think about this” and “my family will figure it out”
- Why planning matters even if you’re single, renting, or don’t have children
- Why some DIY documents don’t hold up in court)
- How planning can open honest conversations, reduce misunderstandings, and strengthen relationships

For more information about Lillie N. Nkenchor, and to obtain her free ebook, visit: https://www.lillienkenchor.com/
Follow Lillie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lillie_Nkenchor_PC/
and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lillie.nkenchor
For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

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Feeling restless, edgy, or like your life doesn’t quite fit anymore? In this episode, psychologist Traci Stein explores why that uncomfortable “something has to shift” feeling isn’t a problem to fix—it’s often your own deepest wisdom telling you it’s time to grow.

Using the metaphor of giving birth to yourself, Traci breaks down what this transition can look like emotionally (grief, irritability, resentment, craving alone time), where it tends to show up (career, relationships, identity, family roles and spirituality), and how to move through it with clarity and compassion—whether or not you’re feeling the need for a dramatic overhaul or smaller, everyday shifts.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- Common signs it’s time for a shift 
- The 3 stages of rebirth: contractions (discomfort), labor (commitment and release), and birth (becoming)
- Why small daily choices can create profound change

You’ll also discover simple prompts and questions to ask yourself to get clearer on who you  ideally want to become on this next leg of your journey.
For more on Traci Stein, and to subscribe to her newsletter, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

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What are “vibes”… really—and can science measure them?

Psychologist Traci Stein sits down with Dr. Garret Yount, molecular neurobiologist at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) and author of “Why Vibes Matter: Understand Your Energy and Learn How to Use It Wisely,” for a grounded, mind-expanding conversation on energy, consciousness, and the edge of human potential.

Dr. Yount shares the surprising research (and personal moments) that led him to bridge traditional neurobiology and the world of intention, healing, and psychic phenomena. He discusses experiments involving energy healing of cancer cells, gut-brain telepathy, and more.

He also shares a practical way to test your own energy via—the “Hot Hand Test” (link below)—and why direct experience may be the missing link between skepticism and belief.

In this episode, we cover:

- What IONS is (founded by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell) and why “inner knowing” matters

- How intention may influence biological systems—even at a distance

- Scopesthesia (the feeling of being stared at) and the research behind it

- The surprising science of the heart’s electromagnetic field and why vibes “rub off”

- Why openness and practice can unlock abilities many people unknowingly suppress

Book: “Why Vibes Matter” by Garret Yount, PhD: https://a.co/d/06DZOWju

Institute of Noetic Sciences: https://noetic.org/

Hot Hand Test demonstration: https://noetic.org/blog/hot-hand-test/

For more on Traci Stein, visit: https://www.drtracistein.com/

Also mentioned in this episode: 

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What happens when two former TV producers trade deadlines and breaking stories for buzzing hives and life outdoors? In this episode, Traci Stein sits down with Eric and Mary Hanan to share their unexpected journey from investigative journalism to building Beehaven, a thriving beekeeping business in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.

What began as Eric’s search for a more meaningful, nature-based career has grown into a full-on family operation—complete with unforgettable (and hilarious) moments in the field. Along the way, you’ll learn fascinating bee facts, get a behind-the-scenes look at modern beekeeping, and discover simple ways all of us can support the planet’s most essential pollinators.

If you’re craving more purpose—and you care about a healthier planet—this conversation will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

For more on Eric and Mary Hanan, Beehaven, and beekeeping: https://www.beehavenbees.com/

Video of bees swarming near 54th Street: https://abcnews.com/video/99987271/

For more on Traci Stein and the podcast: https://www.drtracistein.com

Watch the episode video: https://www.youtube.com/@TraciSteinPhD

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