In this episode of Discover U, join host JD Kalmenson as he and Mari discuss the psychological impact of social media algorithms and how they are psychologically designed to keep us hooked with unpredictable content.

They explore signs of hope that society may be reaching what author Arthur Brooks calls a "Peak Addiction Point" with devices and is beginning to seek real, offline connection. Mari offers an introduction to the Human Design system, a tool she describes as a fusion of ancient wisdom—like astrology and the I-Ching—and modern science, such as quantum physics and genetics, to reveal one's unique genetic imprint. She outlines the four main energy types—Generators, Manifestors, Projectors, and Reflectors—that help people understand how they are designed to show up in the world.

The conversation also covers how to tune into your body's wisdom to make decisions that are correct for you, rather than letting your "monkey mind" take over. To learn more about Mari Smith, visit her website at marismith.com.

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From the casino-like "pull-to-refresh" feature to the rise of the TikTok diagnosis, our devices have a much deeper impact on our mental health than we realize. In this compelling episode of Discover U, media psychologist Dr. Don Grant explains the psychological tricks technology uses to keep us hooked and how it's affecting our relationships and well-being.

Join guest host Amy Charlesworth as she and Dr. Grant discuss:

The concepts of "technoference" and "absent presence" in our daily interactions.
How the creators of technology often limit its use for their own children.
The rise of untrained "influencers" giving dangerous mental health diagnoses online.
Practical, expert advice for parents and individuals on creating healthier device habits and setting boundaries.
This is a crucial conversation for anyone looking to reclaim their attention and foster more meaningful real-life connections.

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What if the labels we carry like "procrastinator" or "depressed" aren't who we truly are? In this insightful conversation, therapist, writer, and creator Shari Foos explores the power of changing our personal narratives to improve our mental well-being.

Join host JD Kalmenson on Discover U to learn about:

The core ideas behind Narrative Therapy and how it separates a person from their problem.
Shari's unique group experience, The Narrative Method, which uses creative writing to foster deep human connection.
Why "witnessing" someone's story without judgment can be profoundly healing.
How we can unlearn the negative messages from our culture and reconnect with our authentic selves.
This discussion is for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, connection, and mental health, no diagnosis required.

Learn more about Shari's free online salons at TheNarrativeMethod.org.

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Welcome to Discover U! On this episode, straight from the Emerging Themes Behavioral Health Conference, host JD Kalmenson (CEO of Montclair Behavioral Health) talks with the one-and-only Dr. Skip Rizzo. He's the brains behind Medical Virtual Reality at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies, and he’s got some mind-blowing stuff to share.

Dr. Rizzo breaks down how VR is becoming a total game-changer for mental well-being. You'll hear about:

(00:01:13) The awesome "Game Boy story" that first sparked his ideas for VR in brain injury rehab.
(00:03:05) What makes VR tick for therapy? Think super-controlled, immersive worlds designed for healing and growth.
(00:06:16) VR's rollercoaster history: From 90s sci-fi movies to today's powerful headsets (and how the gaming world accidentally helped fund it!).
(00:09:28) Using VR to help veterans face PTSD, new ways to support military sexual trauma survivors, and even inspiring global efforts in places like Ukraine and Israel.
(00:15:12) What therapists actually need to know to use VR – and how it can make the connection with their patients even stronger.
(00:18:00) Could VR help us build resilience and maybe even head off some mental health struggles before they start?
(00:20:07) Where can you actually find VR therapy today? (Hint: The VA is already a big believer!)
(00:26:02) The great news: VR is here to boost therapists and the crucial human connection in healing, not replace it.
If you're curious about how tech is making a real difference for people dealing with PTSD, autism, ADHD, Alzheimer's, pain, and so much more.

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This podcast features an interview with Dr. Markus Rogan, a former Olympic gold medalist who transitioned into the field of behavioral health and mental health counseling. The discussion covers Dr. Rogan's unorthodox personal journey, including his family's history and his own conversion to Judaism.

Key topics discussed include:

• Dr. Rogan's shift from elite athletics to mental health work, and how he found meaning and fulfillment in helping others rather than pursuing individual athletic glory.
• The challenges athletes face in transitioning to post-athletic careers and finding a sense of identity and purpose.
• The concept of "enough" and how many people struggle with a lack of intrinsic self-worth and an excessive focus on external validation.
• Dr. Rogan's unique therapeutic approach that blurs the lines between therapist and patient, with the goal of creating a more authentic, mutual exchange.
• Simple breathing techniques that Dr. Rogan recommends for regulating anxiety and stress.

Overall, this podcast provides a thoughtful and personal exploration of finding meaning, authenticity, and mental/emotional wellness, drawing on Dr. Rogan's diverse life experiences.

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In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Gita Vaid, a board-certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst based in Manhattan, discusses the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Vaid shares her expertise on MDMA and ketamine, explaining their potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues.

The discussion covers:

• The unique benefits of MDMA and ketamine in psychotherapy
• How these medicines can help process trauma and increase self-awareness
• The potential for psychedelics in couples therapy
• Making psychedelic therapy more accessible and affordable
• Using psychedelics for personal growth and "peak performance"
• The importance of tailoring mental health treatments to individuals
• The nature of subjective experience in psychedelic journeys

Dr. Vaid offers profound insights into how psychedelic medicines can expand our understanding of consciousness, memory, and healing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of mental health treatment and personal transformation.

This conversation between JD Kalmenson and Dr. Gita Vaid took place at the Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health 2024. For more information: https://emergingthemesinbehavioralhealth.com/

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JD Kalmenson interviews Marc Brackett, PhD., to understand the territory of Emotional Intelligence. What exactly is it? What are the skills necessary to navigate difficult emotions, and how can emotions affect our thinking?

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 8 of the Discover U Podcast: How does our Emotional Intelligence affect our Mental Health?

Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/

Marc is the founding director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and a professor in the child Study Center at Yale University. His research focuses on the role of emotional intelligence in learning, decision making, creativity, relationships, health, and performance.

He has published over 150 scholarly articles, received numerous awards, and is featured regularly in popular media outlets such as The New York Times, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, and The Today Show.

Marc is the lead developer of RULER, a systemic, evidence-based approach to Social Emotional Learning that has been adopted by over 3,000 schools across the US and in 27 other countries. He also consults regularly with corporations on integrating emotional intelligence principles into employee training and product design. He speaks to hundreds of thousands of people each year as a keynote speaker at over 600 conferences around the world, including The White House, U.S. Departments of Education, Justice and Defense, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Facebook, to name a few.

Marc is the author of Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help our Kids, Ourselves, and our Society to Thrive, which has been translated into 22 languages.

Host Kalmenson is the CEO/Founder of Renewal Health Group, a family of addiction treatment centers, and Montare Behavioral Health, a comprehensive brand of mental health treatment facilities in Southern California. Kalmenson is a Yale Chabad Scholar, a skilled facilitator, teacher, counselor, and speaker, who has provided chaplain services to prisons, local groups and remote villages throughout the world. His diverse experience as a rabbi, chaplain, and CEO has inspired his passion and deep understanding of the necessity for effective mental health treatment and long-term sobriety.

Tags:

popular, mentalhealth, emotionalintelligence, YaleCenterforEmotionalIntelligence, Yale, emotionalregulation, anxiety, managinganxiety, bullying, marcbrackett

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Montare Media presents this week’s episode of the Discover U Podcast: How Our Relationships Affect Our Mental Health, with Katherine Woodward Thomas-- A fresh perspective on relationships, and their developmental role in our lives

JD Kalmenson, CEO of Montare Behavioral Health, a dynamic and comprehensive mental and behavioral health company in Southern California, interviews Katherine Woodward Thomas, a renowned author, teacher and therapist who has helped thousands of people around the world to navigate relationships in a healthier way.

Katherine Woodward Thomas is the New York Times bestselling author of Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After, and Calling in “The One”: 7 Weeks to Attracting the Love of Your Life, as well as an award-winning marriage and family psychotherapist. Over the past two decades, Katherine has had the honor of teaching hundreds of thousands of people from all corners of the globe to create conscious, loving relationships and to realize the higher potentials all their connections hold for health and happiness. Katherine also trains and certifies people to become Certified “Calling in The One” Coaches, and/or “Conscious Uncoupling” Coaches and provides ongoing supervision and development to a vibrant community of her coaches from around the world. She’s a Billboard charting, #1 iTunes jazz artist with her CD, Lucky in Love, which was co-written and co-produced with The Brothers Koren. Katherine will be presenting a Keynote at Montare Behavioral Health's Conference, Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health

Host Kalmenson is the CEO/Founder of Renewal Health Group, a family of addiction treatment centers, and Montare Behavioral Health, a comprehensive brand of mental health treatment facilities in Southern California. Kalmenson is a Yale Chabad Scholar, a skilled facilitator, teacher, counselor, and speaker, who has provided chaplain services to prisons, local groups and remote villages throughout the world. His diverse experience as a rabbi, chaplain, and CEO has inspired his passion and deep understanding of the necessity for effective mental health treatment and long-term sobriety.

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