Shrinks Rap

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Lisa Rosenthal, J.D. and Johanna Murphy, Ph.D. 

In this episode, Dr. Jim sits down with Lisa Rosenthal (lawyer, coach, and all-around human potential wrangler) and Dr. Johanna Murphy (psychologist and midlife whisperer) to talk about their group for moms navigating the wonderfully confusing second act of life. They delve into subjects like menopause, changing roles, transitions, shifting responsibilities, ...

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Josh Wilson

Parenting is the only gig where you’re expected to be a Zen monk, a crisis negotiator, and a part-time mediator — all before breakfast. In this episode of Shrinksrap, Dr. Jim Bramson sits down with Dr. Josh Wilson to explore mindful parenting through the lenses of IFS, ACT, and Imago —and, yes, how social media is both helping and wrecking us in equal measure. We dig into what it means to stay grou...

In this episode, you’ll be regaled by the brilliant stories and psychiatric hacks of Dr. Sheldon Zablow—known to his friends and patients as Dr. Z, and to me as Dr. Shelly.

Dr. Z is a retired child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist who practiced in San Diego for over four decades. He taught child psychiatry at UCSD for 25 years, earning multiple teaching awards, and worked with everyone from military families aboard t...

An Interview with Carl Reisman

In this special episode, I sit down with my cousin Carl Reisman—a published poet, musician, chef, and lawyer who ran his law practice out of a converted Phillips 76 Station in Urbana, Illinois.

We explore what it means to be fully human across disciplines, reflecting on two AI-generated pieces that deeply resonated with Carl (about Carl) and what it means to be fully human. He shares insights on justice...

Dr. Jim welcomes back his podcast comrade, Rafael Cortina, who returns to the studio after stepping into his new role as President of the International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy (IAAGT).

In this episode, Rafael shares insights from his leadership journey and offers a fresh take on the impact of Gestalt Therapy. He explores key principles including existentialism, parts work, present-moment awarenes...

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Jim interviews Ben Yalom about his moving collaboration with his father, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Irvin D. Yalom, on their co-authored book, Hour of the Heart: Connecting in the Here and Now. 

Ben reflects on what it was like growing up in the shadow of a famous father—and in Palo Alto, no less, where not inventing a technological breakthrough by age 14 made you seem like a slacker. He share...

Dr. Jim Interviews Dr. Richard Freed

In this powerful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Richard Freed, whose new book Better Than Real Life examines how persuasive design is reshaping childhood—and not for the better. Dr. Freed’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other major media outlets. And he’s also the author of the influential book Wired Child.

Y...

Andre DeCary returns for his third episode—just two more, and he earns the coveted ShrinkRap jacket, SNL-style!

In this conversation, Andre shares his distinctive approach to couples therapy, highlighting the key differences between working with individuals and couples. He also reflects on personal insights from his own life in this domain.

Together, we explore the profound impact of reactivity on victimization—how staying out of a v...

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a.k.a., the John Lennon of Pediatric Gender Care

Dr. Jim sits down with the prolific and brilliant Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a leading expert in pediatric gender care who envisions a more inclusive world for gender expression. A scholar, psychologist in private practice, author, child advocate, parent coach, and UCSF researcher, she plays a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge ...

In this powerful episode, Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Together, they delve into the lasting impact of emotionally immature parents on their children’s lives—from feelings of neglect and rejection to lifelong challenges with self-worth, relationships, and parenting.

Dr. Gibson explains the four types of emot...

Live from Berkeley California - Dr. Marty Klein keynotes at the Human Potential Conference.

Dr. Marty Klein – certified sex therapist, award-winning author of 7 books, and New York Times-lauded educator - shares his ideas about Sexual Intelligence, explaining how we create our own sexual obstacles--and how to overcome them, "without losing 10 pounds, getting a new sex toy, or learning exotic new techniques."

Live from Berkeley California - Linda and Charlie Bloom present on The End of Arguing and the Beginning of Great Sex at the Human Potential Conference. 

Linda and Charlie are celebrated marriage and relationship experts, workshop leaders, trainers, authors, co-therapists, and curators of knowledge on successful relationships. They discuss adjusting to sex life in an aging body, while learning to keep love alive and passion...

In this compelling episode of ShrinksRap.com, my beloved co-host and trauma expert, Rafael Cortina, sits down with psychotherapist and author Barbara Holifield to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Being With The Body In Depth Psychology. Together, they delve into the profound integration of bodily experience within depth psychology. Drawing on philosophical insights, neuroscience, infant research, developmental theory, and traum...

Join us for a 50-minute deep dive into everything you wanted to know about love, sex, and relationships in the second half of life.

Featuring an expert panel:

• Dr. John “The Caveman” Schinnerer - coach, educator, couples’ trainer, workshop leader, men’s group facilitator, and host of the “Evolved Caveman” podcast

• Robby Kendall - psychologist, founder/president of Fishnets and Film, Inc, filmmaker, producer, educator, and drag queen

...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Changaris, an expert on neurobiology, the mind-body connection, and trauma. Dr. Changaris is a Psychologist, Zen practitioner, a professor in psychology at the Wright Institute, a writer, clinical trainer, and thought leader. 

Together we delve into his concept of synchromy - the synchronization between the mind, body, and nervous system - and how it plays a role in self-regula...

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Dr. Doris Brett (Following the ASH Conference)

You should know who Dr. Doris Brett is. If you are living in Australia, New Zealand, or even Europe you may already know her work. She is a celebrated writer who has won numerous awards for her poems, novels, and children’s books. Dr. Doris Brett is also a captivating speaker and renowned clinical psychologist and hypnotherapist. I reconnected with her at...

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Dan Peters

Dr. Dan Peters is known to his clients and followers as Dr. Dan. He is a podcaster, author, therapist, and Executive Director at the Summit Center.

In this episode he opines about how to “Make Your Worrier a Warrior” based on his seminal book by that same title. This shift from worrier to warrior benefits children inasmuch as parents.

Dr. Dan is an expert on twice exceptional or multi-exceptio...

Male Intimacy: The Benefits of Cultivating Authentic and Fulfilling Connections

Hey guys— this one’s for you!

In this episode, Rafael and Jim join forces again to help men discover the rewards of lasting male intimacy and friendships. These connections have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation - - and can even lead to a longer life.

Humor also helps. Comedian, Hunter Duncan, in one of his standup bits, s...

Dr. Jim Bramson and Lisa Rosenthal interview Maddy Dychtwald

If you are a woman (or man) and find yourself in the second half of life (or first), you will not want to miss this podcast. Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of the new book “Ageless Aging,” expertly guides us through some key health hacks that can help us all live healthier and longer.  We stand at the precipice of a longevity revolution. And M...