

Think Act Be Podcast
Seth J. Gillihan
The Think Act Be podcast features conversations about finding happiness, peace, and connection. Clinical psychologist Seth Gillihan talks with his guests about ways to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. thinkactbe.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 23, 2025 • 44min
254: Pros and Cons of Using AI as Therapy
Joel Minden, a clinician with a knack for discussing therapy and mental health, joins the conversation on the role of AI in therapy. They dive into AI's strengths, like its vast knowledge for psychoeducation, while also addressing its limitations, such as missing nonverbal cues. Concerns about safety and effectiveness arise, especially regarding AI's tendency to avoid challenging responses. They envision a collaboration between therapists and AI for optimal support, weighing the benefits against the risks of over-reliance on technology.

12 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 44min
253: Less Thinking, More Action for Greater Well-Being
In this engaging discussion, Joel Menden, a clinician specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, shares insights on balancing thought and action for improved well-being. They explore how overthinking can hinder action and dive into practical strategies to break out of the rumination cycle. Using sports mechanics as an analogy, Joel emphasizes action as a pathway to motivation and cognitive change. Additionally, they discuss the importance of restructuring environments to support behavior modification and tackle unwanted habits effectively.

Nov 26, 2025 • 45min
252: Practical Ways to Cope with Daily Hassles
How can you find more peace in each day, even when things aren't going exactly the way you want them to? Joel and I discuss many ways to cope with life's daily struggles, from changing our perspective to removing the source of predictable problems. You can't eliminate daily hassles, but you can experience a lot less stress and strain. Get full access to Think Act Be with Seth Gillihan at thinkactbe.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 12, 2025 • 42min
251: How to Get More Out of Every Therapy Session
Joel Minden, a licensed therapist and frequent podcast collaborator, discusses maximizing the effectiveness of therapy sessions. He shares tips on choosing the right therapist and preparing for sessions by prioritizing topics. The conversation highlights the importance of honesty with therapists and the benefits of practicing skills outside of therapy. Joel emphasizes summarizing key takeaways at the end of each session to enhance learning and application in daily life, making every therapy visit count.

Nov 5, 2025 • 47min
250: The Fear of Being Judged in Therapy
In this engaging conversation, cognitive-behavioral therapist Joel Minden tackles the fear of judgment in therapy. He explores why clients often hold back, addressing common anxieties about being perceived as 'crazy' and the shame tied to personal struggles. Joel emphasizes the need for therapy to be a safe space for full honesty and normalizes the experiences of clients. He also discusses the significance of initial sessions in building trust and the importance of therapists' nonjudgmental attitudes, even when sensitive topics arise.

Oct 29, 2025 • 41min
249: How to Meet New People
There's nothing more important for your well-being than having good relationships. But countless people find themselves feeling isolated and alone, with few real friends. Joel and I explore effective ways to meet new people, including how to address common obstacles like anxiety and depression. Discover small, practical steps you can take toward building more connection in your daily life. Get full access to Think Act Be with Seth Gillihan at thinkactbe.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 21, 2025 • 40min
248: Daily Practices for Managing Anxiety
In this discussion, clinical expert Joel Minden shares practical strategies for managing anxiety, drawing insights from his work. He highlights the importance of short daily practices to realign thinking and ease anxious feelings. Topics include embracing the uncertainty of change, the significance of mindfulness in movement, and taking gradual steps to confront fears. Seth and Joel also delve into how starting tasks early can minimize avoidance-driven anxiety and illustrate the interconnectedness of cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness techniques.

Oct 8, 2025 • 38min
247: Parenting Yourself Through Challenging Emotions
One of the hardest parts of being a parent is dealing with a child’s challenging emotions. Many of the same skills that help in your relationship with your child can also help in managing your own feelings. In this episode Joel and I explore how to diffuse difficult emotions rather than adding fuel to the fire, integrating firmness and warmth, and investing in a long-term relationship with yourself. Get full access to Think Act Be with Seth Gillihan at thinkactbe.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 1, 2025 • 45min
246: How to Change the Thoughts That Hurt Your Relationship
Your mental habits have a powerful effect on the health of your relationship. In this episode Joel and I explore some of the common cognitive distortions that can drive a wedge between partners, such as mind reading, personalizing, shoulding, and the blame bias. Discover how to recognize and see through these distortions. Get full access to Think Act Be with Seth Gillihan at thinkactbe.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 24, 2025 • 46min
245: Emotional Intelligence and the Power of Awareness
Joel Menden, a psychologist and author of 'Your Daily Reset', dives into the intriguing world of emotional intelligence. He discusses how emotional awareness can significantly improve decision-making and interpersonal relationships. The conversation explores core skills behind emotional intelligence, such as recognizing and managing emotions. They also debate if 'intelligence' fits emotions and highlight practical strategies like mindful check-ins and empathic listening to foster emotional skills. Tune in for insights that can transform how you understand and utilize your emotions!


