Wellness in Today's World

Dr. Sherry Hamby, author of the new book Stronger Than You Think: Building Lifelong Resilience, joins Dr. Debra Kawahara for this episode of Wellness in Today’s World. Dr. Hamby shares her journey from victimization research to the development of the Resilience Portfolio Model, emphasizing a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach to resilience that goes beyond toughness to encompass meaning-making, interpersonal strengths, environmental factors, and regulation. Discover how this model is applied globally and how it can help individuals and communities build lifelong resilience.

Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Supercommunicators, joins Dr. Debra Kawahara to explore the science behind meaningful communication. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral research, Duhigg explains how communication is not just about words but about connection. 

The conversation introduces three types of conversation: practical, emotional, and social, and how misalignment between them can lead to misunderstanding. Duhigg shares actionable strategies for improving communication, including the “matching principle,” asking deep questions, and practicing active listening through techniques like “looping for understanding.” 

They also discuss the role of vulnerability in building trust, the importance of curiosity in navigating difficult conversations, and how strong relationships are foundational to overall health and well-being. The episode offers listeners practical tools to become more effective communicators and build deeper, more meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings. 

As part of Brain Awareness Week, this episode of Wellness in Today's World features Dr. Debra Kawahara engaging with Dr. Duke Han, a clinical neuropsychologist and tenured professor at the University of Southern California, to explore the critical topic of brain health. They discuss the importance of understanding cognitive well-being as we age, the role of mentors in shaping careers, and the Global Council on Brain Health's work. Dr. Han shares insights into the six key pillars of brain health: social engagement, cognitive stimulation, stress management, physical exercise, restorative sleep, and nutrition. The conversation also highlights the significance of early habits, the impact of diet on cognition, and the latest research on Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the need for community engagement and education. Finally, they discuss the promising advancements in Alzheimer's research, offering hope for future treatments.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this episode of Wellness in Today's World features Dr. Scott Woolley, a Distinguished Professor in Alliant's Marital and Family Therapy program, discussing his journey to becoming a couple and family therapist and the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). He explains the significance of attachment theory in relationships, the various attachment styles, and how they impact emotional connections. Dr. Woolley shares real-life examples of couples who have transformed their relationships through EFT, particularly in the context of infidelity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions, repairing misunderstandings, and the potential for healing in relationships. The conversation concludes with advice for couples facing challenges and key takeaways about the nature of relationships and emotional health.

In this episode of Wellness in Today's World, Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Mississippi to becoming a prominent psychologist and the 2019 president of the American Psychological Association. She discusses the profound impact of her early experiences, the importance of education and reading, and her passion for helping others. Dr. Davis emphasizes the significance of resilience, the power of imagination, and the need for kindness in overcoming life's challenges. Her recent book, Rosie's Superpower: The Power of Imagination, aims to inspire children to discover their own strengths and dreams. 

In this special college-football-bowl-season episode, Dr. Debra Kawahara sits down with two distinguished guests: Aaron Taylor, former Notre Dame All-American and College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, CBS Sports analyst, and mental-wellness advocate, and Dr. Ron Stolberg, acclaimed sports psychologist and distinguished professor at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant. Together they explore the emotional, psychological, and performance-related challenges athletes face during one of the most pressure-packed times of the year. The discussion spans identity transitions after sports, the role of preparation and mindset, social media pressures, team culture and leadership, and the importance of joy, purpose, and connection. With vivid personal stories and actionable psychological tools, this conversation gives listeners a rare look at the human side of competition. 

Get your popcorn ready! In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Danny Wedding joins Dr. Debra Kawahara to discuss the intersection of psychology and cinema, focusing on his book “Movies and Mental Illness.” He shares insights on how films can educate about mental health, the evolution of his book over five editions, and the importance of accurate portrayals of mental illness in media. The discussion also covers the challenges of balancing cinematic quality with psychological accuracy, examples of good and bad portrayals in film, and the broader implications of mental illness in society. Dr. Wedding emphasizes the value of using films as educational tools in psychology and the ongoing relevance of his work in understanding mental health through cinema.

In this episode of Wellness in Today's World (recorded Sept. 5, 2025), Dr. Debra Kawahara interviews Dr. Tania Israel, an expert in navigating political divides and LGBTQ advocacy. They discuss the increasing political divisiveness in society, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the emotional impact of polarization. Dr. Israel shares insights on effective dialogue strategies, the importance of perspective taking, and the hopeful movements working to bridge divides. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional regulation and curiosity in discussions, providing listeners with practical tools to engage across differences. 

In this deeply personal episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Debra Kawahara engages with Mara Altman and Kat Alexander, authors of the Audible Original, “Episodes: The True Story of Two Friends & One Diagnosis.” They discuss the profound impact of mental health on friendship, the emotional journey of writing their story, and the healing power of storytelling. The conversation delves into the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of support in recovery, and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. They share insights on grief, resilience, and the hope for a brighter future, emphasizing the significance of understanding and compassion in the face of mental health struggles.

In this enlightening episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Thema Bryant discusses her book “Matters of the Heart” and explores the intersections of psychology, spirituality, and social justice. She emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships, the cost of silence and loneliness, and the role of sacred boundaries in fostering healthy connections. Dr. Bryant advocates for integrating spirituality into mental health practices and highlights the healing power of creativity and cultural practices. The discussion also touches on the future of psychology, focusing on community-based interventions and the hope brought by young people and ancestors.