Psyche

I’m really excited about having my friend Dr. Allen Novian back on the podcast.  Allen is a brilliant psychotherapist and a beautiful human being. In this episode, we discuss toxic masculinity and how it contributes to depression and other physical and psychological struggles. After exploring the nature of toxic masculinity, we discuss how to cultivate a healthy masculinity centered around physical health, love and meaning. We dig into many topics including the importance of sleep, psychoneuroimmunology, nutrition, and the work of Viktor Frankl and Dan Siegel.  For more information about Allen check out his website: https://www.integrativecounselingandneurofeedbacksolutions.com. You can find our previous conversation about male shame and the journey to self-compassion here: https://www.quiqueautrey.com/podcast/episode/3e751aa7/men-in-couples-therapy-from-shame-to-self-compassion

In this episode, I have a conversation with Rayshawn Ledet, head therapist at Mental in Mind and Licensed Clinical social worker in the state of New Jersey. Ray and I talk about the reasons every man should try therapy. We have a discussion about what therapy is and what therapy is not.  If you want to connect with Ray, please visit his website: https://mentalinmind.com. To schedule a free 15 minute consultation call: 609-285-8717.

The Magician represents the man who has attained harmony and equilibrium between the spontaneity of the unconscious (in the sense given to it by C.G. Jung) and the deliberate action of the conscious (in the sense of the “I” or ego consciousness). His state of consciousness is the synthesis of the conscious and the unconscious -of creative spontaneity and deliberately executed activity. It is the state of consciousness that the psychological school of C.G. Jung calls “individuation”, or “synthesis of the conscious and unconscious elements in the personality, or synthesis of the self”. This synthesis renders possible concentration without effort, which are the practical and theoretical aspects of all fruitfulness in both practical and intellectual realms. -Valentin Tomberg  In this episode, I am joined again by Patrick McGrath-Muñiz. Patrick is a professional artist from Puerto Rico. His work has been featured in museums across the country. I speak to Patrick about the symbolism of the Magician card in the Tarot. This is the second installment of our series exploring the first twenty-two cards or the Major Arcana of the Tarot. https://www.patrickmcgrath-art.com/

During times of upheaval and uncertainty, I find that my psyche turns to religious symbolism in search for some transcendent referent to tether my tumultuous emotions. My soul is looking for what philosopher and mathematician Alfred North Whitehead called an immanence of infinitude in the finite. In this episode, I speak with Christian Washington. We have a conversation about our significance as human beings and our calling to engage in significant activities in the world. We explore a lot of territory in this episode, from race and contemplative spirituality to the crisis of mass shootings in our country.  Pastor Christian is the co-founder, visionary and executive leader of Upper Room Heights. His calling is to unite, inspire and equip culturally diverse people to make a significant impact on their family, community, and world. Prior to the Upper Room he spent over 14 years in strategic management consulting to governments, for-profit corporations, and faith-based organizations. Christian studied theology and ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary and communications at the University of California, San Diego.  If you're interested in learning more about Christian, you can check out his website at realcoaching.org.  You can listen to his conversation with Rob Bell here: https://robbell.podbean.com/e/she-always-whispered-white-people/

Nature-deficit disorder is the idea that human beings, especially children, are spending less time outdoors than they have in the past, and the belief that this change results in a wide range of behavioral problems. In this episode, I interview August Vandiver. August is the Outdoor Recreation Programmer for the City of Pearland. I love how August describes himself:  "I have a passion for nature that I share by engaging others through interactive and hands-on interpretation. By using informal education, I create a learning experience that connects students, families, and communities with their local environments in an outdoor setting. It is my ambition, through this type of learning, to help others form a relationship with nature that will garner a deeper curiosity and a greater understanding of stewardship and conservation for our natural environment." Previous and current experiences include positions at Armand Bayou Nature Center, the Houston Zoo, Inc., Sea Camp at Texas A&M Galveston, and The Woods Project. In this episode, we talk about the nature-deficit disorder and practical ways you can encourage your child to explore and participate in nature.  https://www.parks.pearlandtx.gov/Home/Components/StaffDirectory/StaffDirectory/141/1964

The Stoics believed that virtue (arete) was the pursuit of one's full potential. In this episode, I speak with Justin Copeland about the importance of pursuing "male excellence". Justin is the host of Navigating The Intentional Life podcast. He is also involved in an intentional male support group called "The Cigar Room." I hope you are encouraged and challenged by this conversation! Instagram: justincopeland_ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qc6c5ZW3DbfvYCTUiMTur?si=9476b0fcd46e4505

In this episode of the podcast, I interview Aaron Inkrott. Aaron is the brewmaster at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the oldest craft brewery in Texas. We talk about beer as the liquid of life. We have a discussion about camaraderie, the symbol of open tables and the importance of hanging with people who are different than us.  You can follow Aaron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaroninkrott/ https://www.saintarnold.com. 

In this episode, I speak with David Martin. David is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor. He loves working with people in the areas of counseling and mental health services. He works with other counselors, children, teens, couples, families, and adults struggling with behavioral, emotional, or relational issues. David is the owner of Martin Counseling in Katy, TX. He started this group practice in 2011. He is the founder of HoustonLPC.com, a free referral service for counseling and a social networking platform for mental health professionals in the Greater Houston area. David was born in Mallorca, Spain’s biggest island in the Mediterranean. He moved to the United States in 2005. We discuss various topics including: negative self-talk, father wounds, the transition from boyhood to manhood and many other realities.  https://www.martincounseling.com/david-2/

In this episode, I sit down and speak with Phuc Luu. Phuc Luu (福†刘) immigrated with his family to the United States from Vietnam when he was four. Luu is now a theologian, philosopher, and artist in Houston, Texas, creating work to narrow the divide between ideas and beauty. If theology is speaking about God, Luu seeks to give new language to what theology has not yet said. He served for seven years on the Nobel Peace Prize Committee for the American Friends Service Committee (Quakers). He holds degrees in theology (MDiv, PhD) and philosophy (MA), but has learned the most from the places where people ask difficult questions, where they live in the land between pain and hope, and where these stories are told. Phuc’s work has appeared in the AmerAsian Journal, The Journal of Pastoral Care, the Truett Journal of Church and Mission, the Houston Chronicle, and NPR’s This I Believe. He has published on a variety of topics such as Medieval philosophy, pastoral care, theology and culture, philosophy of religion, and art and culture. He has taught philosophy and theology at Sam Houston State University and Houston Baptist University. Phuc currently teaches Old Testament Prophets, New Testament: Gospels, and World Religions at Houston’s Episcopal High School. Phuc is working on his second book, a sequel to Jesus of the East, called Spirit of Connection. https://www.phucluu.com In this episode, we talk about his book Jesus of the East and how it might help us address the contemporary issue of toxic masculinity. 

In this episode, I interview Tomás Jonsson. Tomás Jonsson is a recent graduate of Rice University. He studied Piano Performance with Brian Connelly (Classical) and Paul English (Jazz). In addition to his Piano Performance Degree, he graduated with a minor in Politics, Law, and Social Thought. Described as "extraordinarily talented" by Houston Public Media, Tomás is a highly sought-after pianist and composer on the Houston music scene. He has played on many recording projects and is known for his ability to perform with any lineup, in any genre, for any audience. He currently serves as pianist at West University Baptist Church in both the Traditional and Contemporary Services. Previously, he spent 3 years playing at the Fountain of Praise, which has given him invaluable mentorship from exceptional musicians deeply rooted in the Black Gospel tradition. He also performs regularly at corporate events, weddings, and private parties (among other venues).  Tomás is available for booking as a solo pianist, and can also lead and coordinate the perfect ensemble for your needs, whether it be a trio, quartet with guitar, quartet with horn, or a custom ensemble. www.musicbytomas.com Tomás and I speak about the spirituality of jazz music.  If you're interested in reading the article mentioned: https://religiondispatches.org/sing-the-glory-of-the-smoke-the-spiritual-history-of-jazz/