

Seize the Moment Podcast
Alen D. Ulman, Leon Garber
Seize the Moment Podcast, hosted by Leon Garber and Alen Ulman, is a project centered around making the most important and useful ideas in psychology, philosophy, and personal development mainstream. We feature guests from all walks of life whether they be artists, musicians, comedians, entrepreneurs, philosophers, psychologists and many more. There is a saying, "the most essential knowledge is not yet made widely accessible." We want to make that information accessible and change as many lives for the better as possible.
Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy — and manages a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and personal viewpoints.
Alen Ulman is a content creator and life long auto-didact. Alen manages the page Ego Ends Now which is a growing community for expanding consciousness with vital information about science, medicine, self actualization, philosophy, psychology and methods to overcome identification with compulsive thought. The purpose of Ego Ends Now is to make sure to give everyone in it's community every tool available to add levity in their own lives, making it a very real possibility for them to create a life of their own design, and help impact the world and our global community positively.
Leon Garber is a philosophical writer, contemplating and elucidating the deep recesses of man's soul. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor/Psychotherapist — specializing in Existential Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Trauma Therapy — and manages a blog exploring issues of death, self-esteem, love, freedom, life-meaning, and mental health/mental illness, from both empirical and personal viewpoints.
Alen Ulman is a content creator and life long auto-didact. Alen manages the page Ego Ends Now which is a growing community for expanding consciousness with vital information about science, medicine, self actualization, philosophy, psychology and methods to overcome identification with compulsive thought. The purpose of Ego Ends Now is to make sure to give everyone in it's community every tool available to add levity in their own lives, making it a very real possibility for them to create a life of their own design, and help impact the world and our global community positively.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2023 • 59min
Roberto Olivardia - The Hidden Battle: The Adonis Complex and Male Body Image Challenges | STM Podcast #197
On episode 197, we welcome Roberto Olivardia to discuss the Adonis Complex and muscle dysmorphia, how men become obsessed with becoming more muscular, whether the obsession is about attracting a potential mate or something else, Leon's personal history of muscle dysmorphia and Alen's past preoccupations with his body image, the importance of focusing on underlying values and highlighting better strategies in treatment, the distorted thinking and perceptual errors involved in body dysmorphia, why the therapeutic relationship is just as significant as the actual CBT work, creating a more nuanced self-concept for self-esteem, and healthy ways of maintaining a positive body image. Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Instructor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School. He maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Lexington, Massachusetts, where he specializes in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), executive functioning issues, and issues that face students with learning differences. He also specializes in the treatment of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and in the treatment of eating disorders in boys and men. He is co-author of Adonis Complex: How to Identify, Treat and Prevent Body Obsession in Men and Boys. | Roberto Olivardia | ► Website | https://bit.ly/474j31N ► Adonis Complex Book | https://amzn.to/3v4Os6X Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast ► Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32208666

Dec 10, 2023 • 1h 6min
Richard Deming - Loners, Outcasts, & Creativity | This Exquisite Loneliness | STM Podcast #196
On episode 196, we welcome Richard Deming to discuss chronic loneliness, being lonely around people, Richard's past tendency to avoid it with excessive alcohol use, loneliness as an existential fact of life as opposed to an illness to be remedied, how it fosters creativity, how writing bridges the gap between people, the different layers of intimacy, writing as inspiration for others, Rod Serling and the expressions of his chronic loneliness on The Twilight Zone, and why all of us appreciate podcasting. Richard Deming is an award-winning poet and critic, whose work explores the intersections of literature, philosophy, and visual culture. He is the author of five books, including Day for Night and Art of the Ordinary. He teaches at Yale University, where he is the director of Creative Writing. His newest book, available now, is called This Exquisite Loneliness: What Loners, Outcasts, and the Misunderstood Can Teach Us About Creativity. | Richard Deming | ► Website | https://bit.ly/47VvjCT ► This Exquisite Loneliness Book | https://amzn.to/3uQDq54 Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast ► Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32208666

Dec 3, 2023 • 1h 2min
Eric G. Wilson - Deconstructing Trauma and Revenge in Point Blank | STM Podcast #195
On episode 195, we welcome Eric G. Wilson to discuss the cult classic 'Point Blank', toxic masculinity and its deleterious mental health effects, what made the protagonist so appealing, Lee Marvin's real-life war trauma, the obsession with revenge and if it ever resolves pain, the unpredictability of the universe and our never-ending quest for control, if one can ever offset trauma, the nature and purpose of flashbacks in PTSD, the comedy in the film and the inherent lunacy of payback, decision-making when healing and asking what would actually help, the parallels between 'Point Blank and Michael Mann's 'Thief', and leaving the wheel of Samsara when giving up one's aggressive impulses. Eric G. Wilson is the Thomas H. Pritchard Professor of English at Wake Forest University. He is the author of books Against Happiness: In Praise of Melancholy, an LA Times bestseller; Everyone Loves a Good Train Wreck: Why We Can't Look Away; and Keep it Fake: Inventing an Authentic Life, How to Be Weird: An Off-Kilter Guide to Living a One-of-a-Kind Life as well as many other books exploring connections among literature, film, and psychology. His writing has been featured in Psychology Today, L.A. Times, The New York Times and Huffington Post. His newest book, available now, is called Point Blank. | Eric G. Wilson | ► Website | http://www.ericgwilson.net ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/keepitfake ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ericgwilson777 ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/ericgwilson ► Youtube | https://bit.ly/3FBhGwr ► Point Blank Book | https://amzn.to/414l50g Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast ► Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/user?u=32208666

Nov 26, 2023 • 1h 9min
Tom Morris - The 7 Cs of Success and Early Days of Public Philosophy | STM Podcast #194
On episode 194, we welcome Tom Morris to discuss his 7 C's of Success, developing confidence in the face of difficulties, the importance of consistency and finding meaning outside of the hoped for results, Alen and Leon's podcast journey and the hyper-competitiveness of podcasting, the importance of mentorship amid struggles, Tom's initial foray into public philosophy and doing speaking engagements for free in the late 80s, passion and enjoyment as necessary contributors to success, why major companies sought out Tom's philosophical expertise, and the role of ethical philosophy in helping us create and strive for the right goals. Tom Morris has become one of the most active business speakers in America with clients that include General Motors, Merrill Lynch, IBM, the U.S. Air Force, MBNA Bank, and International Paper. He has published 12 books, including If Aristotle Ran General Motors, True Success, and Philosophy for Dummies. A former professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, he is now Chairman of the Morris Institute for Human Values in Wilmington, N.C. His newest work is the updated Silver Anniversary Edition of one of his most popular books, Art of Achievement: Mastering the 7 C's of Success in Business and Life. | Tom Morris | ► Website | https://www.tomvmorris.com ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/TomVMorris ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/tom.morris.562329 ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/tomvmorris ► LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-morris-0955474 ► Art of Achievement Book | https://amzn.to/49QHNgt Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Nov 20, 2023 • 1h 18min
Al Snow - Breaking Down the Ring: Wrestling's Realities and Myths | #193
On episode 193, we welcome Al Snow to discuss the Netflix documentary series 'Wrestlers', what makes Ohio Valley Wrestling special, the trajectory of Al Snow's wrestling career, why his earlier WWF characters weren't appealing, the creation of Al Snow and Head and how a severely mentally ill character became popular, the current trend of wrestlers focusing more on their in-ring skills rather than emotionally connecting with the crowd, his struggles with younger wrestlers on his roster, why the WWE and AEW aren't as idealistic as they appear to be, and the importance of long-term and emotionally-driven storytelling for success. Al Snow is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is best known as one of the co-owners of Ohio Valley Wrestling, and as a former wrestler for Smoky Mountain Wrestling, Extreme Championship Wrestling, and World Wrestling Entertainment. Al has also held various backstage positions for professional wrestling promotions. He worked as a road agent for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, later Impact Wrestling) from 2010 to 2017 and has owned and then co-owned Ohio Valley Wrestling since 2018. His experiences as an owner and the story of Ohio Valley Wrestling are featured in the hit netflix documentary series, Wrestlers. | Al Snow | ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/TheRealAlSnow ► Instagram | https://twitter.com/TheRealAlSnow ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/RealAlSnow ► OVW Live | https://ovwrestling.com ► OVW Academy | https://ovwacademy.com ► Wrestlers on Netflix | https://www.netflix.com/title/81592264 Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Nov 12, 2023 • 1h 3min
Eric Gosselin - The Reality of the Ring: 'Wrestlers' & the Heart of Professional Wrestling | STM Podcast #192
On episode 192, we welcome Eric Gosselin to discuss the Netflix show 'Wrestlers', the history of Ohio Valley Wrestling, the documentary series as a human interest story and microcosm of capitalism, succeeding in wrestling and why being great is often not enough, Al Snow's journey in the WWE and pivoting after being released, the documentary exhibiting the complexities of its characters, why the best wrestling shows and rivalries have some elements of truth, HollyHood Haley J and her rivalry with her mom, why the crowds boo her despite her being a sympathetic character, and what season 2 could potentially look like. Eric Gosselin is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his diverse roles as a producer, actor, writer, director, and cinematographer. He's also the co-host of the Kill Streak podcast. Notably, he has contributed significantly to the world of documentary filmmaking. Eric has been involved in the production of 'Last Chance U,' a Netflix documentary series acclaimed for its deep and empathetic portrayal of junior college football players and his most recent work includes production on the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary series 'Wrestlers.' This series, delving into the raw and intricate world of professional wrestling, highlights his ability to capture and present compelling narratives. | Eric Gosselin | ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/EricTheGosselin ► Kill Streak Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kill-streak/id1515038799 ► Wrestlers on Netflix | https://www.netflix.com/title/81592264 Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Nov 5, 2023 • 1h 17min
Dannagal G. Young - Info Wars: The Battle Against Misinformation | STM Podcast #191
On episode 191, we welcome Dannagal Young to discuss our susceptibility to misinformation, how she fell for and later abandoned conspiracy theories, the hidden incentives behind the media's extreme partisanship, Covid as an indicator that most people form their beliefs based on their tribes, the clout chasing behind the extreme stances in the Israel/Palestine conflict, the types of misinformation various political groups are susceptible to, why conspiracy theorists are "losers," the necessary harmony between rational and intuitive reasoning, how the US political parties became polarized, and utilizing local politics to begin cultivating a collaborative mindset. Dannagal Goldthwaite Young is a professor of communication and political science at the University of Delaware. She is an award-winning scholar and teacher, a TED speaker, an improvisational comedian, and the author of Irony and Outrage: The Polarized Landscape of Rage, Fear, and Laughter in the United States. Her newest book, available now, is called Wrong: How Media, Politics, and Identity Drive Our Appetite for Misinformation. | Dannagal G. Young | ► Website | https://sites.google.com/view/dgoldyoung/home ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/dannagal ► Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@dannagal ► Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/dannagal ► Wrong Book | https://amzn.to/47kfogQ Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Oct 1, 2023 • 1h 6min
Claire Jean Kim - Understanding Structural Racism and Anti-Blackness | STM Podcast #190
On episode 190, we welcome Claire Jean Kim to discuss affirmative action and the arguments for and against it in recent Supreme Court cases, the history of Asian minorities in the US being weaponized against Black minority groups for political ends, if institutions should be considered as contributing to a racist society if some minority groups prosper within them, the economic ceiling of non-white groups in the US, the flaws of diversity programs and the superiority of reparations programs, the denial of systemic anti-Black racism, the conservative backlash against Critical Race Theory, the legal concept of strict scrutiny and the societal benefits of creating racial categories, and the myth of meritocracy. Claire Jean Kim is Professor of Political Science and Asian American Studies at University of California, Irvine. She is the author of two previous books, Bitter Fruit: The Politics of Black-Korean Conflict in New York City and Dangerous Crossings: Race, Species, and Nature in a Multicultural Age, both of which earned best book awards from the American Political Science Association. Her writing has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Nation, and Ms. Magazine, and she has been a guest commentator on MSNBC and NPR. Dr. Kim has been a fellow at the University of California Humanities Research Institute and The Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. Her new book, available now, is called Asian Americans in an Anti-Black World. | Claire Jean Kim | ► Website | https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=2453 ► Asian Americans in an Anti-Black World Book | https://amzn.to/3ry3twE Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Sep 24, 2023 • 1h 7min
Roy Richard Grinker - Nobody's Normal: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness | STM Podcast #189
On episode 189, we welcome Roy Richard Grinker to discuss the cultural differences of conceptions of mental illness, the WEIRD model of mental health and its limitations in helping us understand it, the false dichotomy of the social/cultural and biological models of psychological disorders, the limits and benefits of using the DSM, how the model of neurodivergence doesn't negate the existence of emotional struggles, Roy's grandfather undergoing treatment with Sigmund Freud and why he considered him to be a poor psychotherapist, how Nepali concepts of mental illnesses focus more on their physical elements and why this affects treatment, and the promise of epigenetics in helping to treat trauma-related, generational disorders. Roy Richard Grinker is professor of anthropology, international affairs, and human sciences at the George Washington University. He is a cultural anthropologist specializing in ethnicity, nationalism, and psychological anthropology, with topical expertise in autism, Korea, and sub-Saharan Africa. He is also the director of GW's Institute for Ethnographic Research and editor-in-chief of the journal Anthropological Quarterly. He is the author of several books, including Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism. His newest book is called Nobody's Normal: How Culture Created the Stigma of Mental Illness. | Roy Richard Grinker | ► Website | https://anthropology.columbian.gwu.edu/roy-richard-grinker ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/roygrinker ► Nobody's Normal Book | https://amzn.to/48u09mC Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Sep 17, 2023 • 1h 1min
Wendy Dio - Rock's Power Couple: My Life with Ronnie James Dio | STM #188
On episode 188, we welcome Wendy Dio to discuss her marriage to and career managing Ronnie James Dio, Dio's relationship with Ritchie Blackmore and time in Rainbow, moving on to Black Sabbath and whether he was intimidated by replacing Ozzy Osbourne, his refusal to write commercially focused music and how that caused him to form his own band, the meaning of Dio's music and the themes of magic and good and evil, creating music for the underdogs of the world and his songs about mistreated children (including trans kids), why 'Hungry for Heaven' is Leon's favorite song, Wendy's favorite songs of his, Dio inspiring Jorn and Johnny Gioeli, Sebastian Bach discovering Dio's version of Black Sabbath, working with Jack Black and Ronnie's voice overpowering Tenacious D's microphones, the contrasting parts of Ronnie's personality (including his perfectionism), and what Wendy wants Ronnie to be remembered for. Wendy Dio is the President and Owner of Niji Management. Over the past thirty years, she has been involved in many aspects of the music business, receiving awards from Performance and Pollstar for stage set design and concert video production, along with serving as executive producer on numerous gold and platinum albums. She was the wife and manager of the iconic Ronnie James Dio. In 2010, she co-founded the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, which has raised over $2 million for research, education, and early detection screenings. She helped contribute to the posthumous release of Ronnie James Dio's book, Rainbow in the Dark: The Autobiography. Wendy was also one of the producers of and prominently featured in the amazing documentary Dio: Dreamers Never Die. | Wendy Dio | ► Website | https://www.ronniejamesdio.com ► Website 2 | https://diocancerfund.org ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/officialrjdio ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/OfficialRonnieJamesDio Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast


