Psyched to Practice

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner discusses the opportunities that spring brings for enhancing mental wellness. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with nature, encouraging physical activity, fostering social connections, and the benefits of spring cleaning for mental clarity. The conversation highlights practical strategies for clinicians to support their clients in embracing the season for ...

Pop culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s a gateway to connection, empathy, and deep therapeutic work. In this episode, Paul and Ray sit down with clinical psychologist and media consultant Dr. Drea Letamendi to explore how fictional characters—from Batman to X-Men to Star Wars—can open doors in therapy that traditional methods often can’t. They talk real strategy: using pop culture in CBT, building media literacy, and why what we ...

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray Christner explores the metaphor of March Madness in relation to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He discusses how filling out a March Madness bracket can reflect our decision-making processes, particularly the balance between gut reactions and evidence-based analysis. Ray emphasizes the importance of resilience and acceptance of imperfection in both sports and life decision...

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Justin Rubenstein discusses his journey into school psychology and his specialization in executive functions. In this conversation, Paul and Ray engage with Justin to explore the intricate relationship between executive functioning, emotional regulation, and motivation in children and adolescents. They discuss the importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process, the rol...

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner reflects on the recent episode, The Problem with Men, and shares how it has helped in addressing emotional intelligence, particularly focusing on alexithymia. He shares practical insights and strategies for therapists to help clients articulate their emotions and cope with anxiety, emphasizing the need for safe environments to express feelings and the value of psy...

In this episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Dr. Ron Levant shares his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a leading figure in the psychology of men and masculinity. He discusses his personal experiences with trauma, the impact of the pandemic on mental health, and the themes explored in his memoir, 'The Problem with Men.' Dr. Levant also delves into the concept of normative male alexithymia, the challeng...

Most of us have a voice in our head that isn’t always kind. But what if you could hear that voice argue with your better self—set to music? In this episode, we break down Ren’s powerful song Hi Ren, a raw and intense depiction of the struggle between self-doubt and self-empowerment. From the way he personifies intrusive thoughts to the way he finds his way back to hope, this song is a masterclass in mental health awareness. Join us...

Artificial intelligence is moving at breakneck speed, and mental health professionals are scrambling to keep up. In this episode of Psyched to Practice, Paul and Ray welcome Dr. Dan Florell—professor, psychologist, and AI expert—to break down how AI is reshaping clinical work, research, and education. Is AI a game-changing tool or a legal and ethical minefield? We cover the risks, rewards, and practical ways you can start integrati...

This Super Bowl halftime show wasn’t just a performance—it was a conversation starter. Kendrick Lamar’s bold artistic choices, layered symbolism, and powerful message had everyone talking. But was the deeper meaning lost in the debate? In this special bonus episode of the Psyched to Practice Podcast, Ray Christner and Paul Wagner break down the visuals, themes, and cultural impact of one of the most talked-about halftime performanc...

If you're a mental health professional aiming to preserve your passion and vigor in your career while steering clear of burnout, this episode of "Psyched to Practice" offers valuable insights. Hosts Paul Wagner and Ray Christner discuss their experiences from PodFest, highlighting the significance of diversifying your professional and personal pursuits. This episode provides guidance on how to strategically incorpora...

In this episode of the Psych to Practice Podcast, host Paul Wagner shares exciting updates about the podcast and the recent experience at PodFest 2025. He discusses the importance of engagement, the need for a stronger social media presence, and plans for content expansion, including blog posts and newsletters. The episode emphasizes the lessons learned from the conference and how they will be applied to enhance the podcast an...

In the latest Psyched to Practice podcast episode, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner are joined by cybersecurity expert Keith Bell, founder of MTS I.T. Solutions, to discuss the critical role of cybersecurity in mental health practices. From the growing risks of phishing attacks and data breaches to practical solutions for protecting client information, Keith offers actionable insights tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, esp...

Join Paul Wagner and Ray Christner on the Psyched to Practice podcast as they reflect on the highlights and milestones of 2024. From impactful conversations with experts to invaluable insights they celebrate the podcast’s growth. Exciting developments are underway, including becoming a continuing education provider and expanding the website to offer flexible learning opportunities for professionals and beyond. As they look ahead to...

In the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast, Paul Wagner and Ray Christner explore the transformative impact of mentorship in personal and professional growth. From sharing career-changing moments with their own mentors to reflecting on the importance of reciprocal learning, they discuss how mentorship opens doors, builds confidence, and shapes careers. This episode dives into the characteristics of meaningful mentor-m...

In this episode, Paul and Ray discuss the challenges of time management and productivity, especially during busy periods like the holidays. They share practical tips for effective scheduling, the importance of using calendars, and strategies for planning ahead. The conversation emphasizes the need for self-care and managing stress while balancing various responsibilities. They also explore the concept of anchor points and thinking ...

In our latest Psyched to Practice podcast episode, Jess Stewart joins hosts Paul Wagner and Ray Christner for an essential conversation on managing media and device use for children and adolescents. As a seasoned adolescent psychologist, Jess explores the complexities of media’s impact on young minds, from social connection to emotional regulation and the effects of instant gratification. She and the hosts share insights on the SCO...

In our latest Psyched to Practice episode, we explore the often-overlooked topic of self-care for helping professionals. They delve into why self-care is more than just a feel-good concept—it’s an ethical responsibility that directly impacts our ability to serve others. Paul and Ray reflect on how the pandemic reshaped the conversation around self-care, highlighting the tension between the need to care for ourselves and the demand ...

In our latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast, we sit down with renowned psychologist and author Willem Kuyken for an insightful conversation about the power of mindfulness. Drawing from his new book Mindfulness for Life, Willem shares practical strategies to help us integrate mindfulness into everyday life and build mental resilience.

Throughout the episode, Willem talks about how mindfulness goes beyond meditation ...

Join us for the latest episode of the Psyched to Practice podcast! Hosts Ray and Paul dive into an insightful conversation about grief—a universal experience that we all face, but in deeply personal ways. From navigating grief tied to death, loss of opportunities, or even changes in relationships, they break down the difference between grief and depression and explore how both clinicians and individuals can understand these powerfu...