In this episode, I talk with psychologist Dr. Calvin Fitch to explore the field of liberation psychology and what it can teach us about mental health, authenticity, agency, and human flourishing. Together, we discuss how cultural norms, institutions, and social systems can influence theway we think, feel, and move through the world.

We explore Calvin’s concept of disempowerment stress, thepsychological toll of living in environments that communicate, directly or indirectly, that we don't fully belong. We also discuss why some emotional reactions may not be signs that something is wrong with us, but signals that something important is happening.

Along the way, we connect liberation psychology to wisdomtraditions from around the world, including Stoicism, Buddhism, and religious teachings centered on compassion, dignity, and care for vulnerable people. Topics discussed include:

• What liberation psychology is and why it matters
• How systems and culture can affect mental health
• The concept of disempowerment stress
• Why authenticity can come with risk
• The connection between liberation and wisdom traditions
• How to recognize hidden sources of psychological distress
• The role of agency, community, and hope in personal transformation
• Practical tools for identifying the deeper roots of stress

Whether you've ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or pressured to adapt to systems that don't fully support who you are, this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for understanding your experience and moving toward greater freedom.

Resources & Links

📖 Featured Resource

➡️ Dr. Calvin Fitch's website: drcalvinfitch.com ➡️Courageously You Program: courageouslyyouprogram.com➡️ Substack: drcalvinfitch.substack.com

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Disclaimer

This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not psychotherapy, psychological treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a psychologist-patient, therapist-client, or other professional relationship.

The content is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individualized professional advice. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, contact emergency services or appropriate crisis resources immediately.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not reflect those of their employers or affiliated organizations.

In this episode of Finding Wisdom, I explore post-traumatic growth with physician and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Daryl "Daxx" McClendon.

Daxx shares an extraordinary journey that includes surviving a violent hate crime, facing cancer that led to the loss of an eye, enduring a traumatic brain injury and years of memory loss, and ultimately becoming a physician dedicated to listening deeply and serving others.

Together, we explore resilience, faith, healing, the wisdom shared across spiritual traditions, and what it means to grow through adversity without losing yourself in the process.

One of the most surprising moments comes when I ask Dax who he has become after all these experiences. His answer:

"Older."

Rather than seeing trauma as something that fundamentally changed him, Dax reflects on how it deepened values that were already there: perseverance, service, compassion, and a belief in the dignity of every human being.

In this episode:

• What post-traumatic growth really looks like
• Common wisdom across religious and philosophical traditions
• How adversity shaped Daxx's approach to medicine
• Why "the only choice that matters is the next one"
• His simple but powerful message: Don't stop

☕ Support the Podcast Ko-fi

❤️ Become a Patron Patreon

📘 Facebook

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube Finding Wisdom Podcast Channel

Disclaimer

This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not psychotherapy, psychological treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a psychologist-patient, therapist-client, or other professional relationship.

The content is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individualized professional advice. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, contact emergency services or appropriate crisis resources immediately.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not reflect those of their employers or affiliated organizations.

Alcoholics Anonymous is often seen as a recovery program, but it's also built on profound philosophical and spiritual ideas.

In this episode of Finding Wisdom, I sit down with "Dave," a longtime member of AA, to explore the philosophy, psychology, and spiritual principles behind the 12-Step Program. Together we discuss addiction recovery, sobriety, forgiveness, acceptance, personal responsibility, and the power of human connection.

The conversation examines the surprising influences behind Alcoholics Anonymous, including Carl Jung, Christianity, Stoicism, Buddhism, and other wisdom traditions. Dave shares his personal recovery story and explains how honesty, service, self-examination, and spiritual growth became the foundation of lasting sobriety.Whether you're considering AA, supporting a loved one with alcohol use disorder, or simply interested in the deeper wisdom behind personal transformation, this episode offers powerful insights into recovery and the human experience.

📖 Featured Resource

➡️ Alcoholics Anonymous https://www.aa.org/

☕ Support the Podcast Ko-fi

❤️ Become a Patron Patreon

📘 Facebook

📸 Instagram

🎥 YouTube Finding Wisdom Podcast Channel

Disclaimer

This podcast is provided for informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not psychotherapy, psychological treatment, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a psychologist-patient, therapist-client, or other professional relationship.

The content is general in nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individualized professional advice. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, contact emergency services or appropriate crisis resources immediately.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not reflect those of their employers or affiliated organizations.