The Weekend University

Jerry Colonna, an executive coach and founder of Reboot.io, dives into the significance of ancestral reconnection. He touches on how understanding our heritage fosters empathy and challenges societal norms, particularly the myth of meritocracy. The conversation highlights the impact of disconnection from history on feelings of belonging and safety. Colonna also addresses the stigma surrounding homelessness and addiction, calling for collective empathy. Ultimately, he emphasizes that personal transformation and leadership start with understanding our roots.

Dr Alicia Lieberman is a clinical psychologist, author, and the senior developer of Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP). Her books include: The Emotional Life of the Toddler, Don’t Hit My Mommy, and Psychotherapy with Infants and Young Children. She has received numerous awards including: the Rene Spitz Award from the World Association for Infant Mental Health, the Hero Award from the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the Whole Child Award from the Simms/Mann Institute. In this conversation, we explore: — The pioneering work of Selma Fraiberg and how this influenced Dr Lieberman’s trajectory — The role that "ghosts" and "angels" in the nursery play in the intergenerational transmission of trauma — The importance of “speaking the unspeakable” and helping children who have experienced trauma to construct adaptive narratives from their experiences. And more. You can learn more about Dr Lieberman’s work at: https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/ --- Dr. Lieberman is the Irving B. Harris Endowed Chair in Infant Mental Health and Vice Chair for Academic Affairs at the UCSF Department of Psychiatry, and Director of the Child Trauma Research Program. She is a clinical consultant with the San Francisco Human Services Agency. She is active in major national organizations involved with mental health in infancy and early childhood. She is past-president of the board of directors of Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers and Families, and on the Professional Advisory Board of the Johnson & Johnson Pediatric Institute. She has served on peer review panels of the National Institute of Mental Health, is on the Board of Trustees of the Irving Harris Foundation, and consults with the Miriam and Peter Haas Foundation on early childhood education for Palestinian-Israeli children. Born and raised in Paraguay, she received her BA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. This background informs her work on behalf of children and families from diverse ethnic and cultural origins, with primary emphasis on the experiences of Latinos in the United States. Dr. Lieberman is currently the director of the Early Trauma Treatment Network (ETTN), a collaborative of four university sites that include the UCSF/SFGH Child Trauma Research Program, Boston Medical Center, Louisiana State University Medical Center, and Tulane University. ETTN is funded by the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as part of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, a 40-site national initiative that has the mission of increasing the access and quality of services for children exposed to trauma in the United States. Her major interests include infant mental health, disorders of attachment, early trauma treatment outcome research, and mental health service disparities for underserved and minority children and families. Her current research involves treatment outcome evaluation of the efficacy of child-parent psychotherapy with trauma-exposed children aged birth to six and with pregnant women involved in domestic violence. As a trilingual, tricultural Jewish Latina, she has a special interest in cultural issues involving child development, child rearing, and child mental health. She lectures extensively on these topics nationally and internationally. --- Interview Links: — Dr Liberman’s website - https://childparentpsychotherapy.com/ 3 books that Dr Lieberman recommended — The emotional life of the toddler - Alicia Lieberman - https://amzn.to/46pWmGn — Don’t hit my mommy - Alicia Lieberman - https://amzn.to/3LHCepK — Make Room for Baby - Alicia F. Lieberman, Manuela A. Diaz, Gloria Castro, Griselda Oliver Bucio - https://amzn.to/3ynmyow

Dr. Stephanie Brown, a licensed psychologist and addiction expert with over 40 years of experience, delves into the hidden threat of speed addiction in modern society. She describes addiction as a conflict within oneself and discusses our struggle to accept limitations as a key issue. The conversation explores the impact of technology on emotional connections and advocates for slowing down to foster genuine relationships. Dr. Brown shares strategies for overcoming this contemporary addiction, emphasizing introspection and the importance of human connection.

Dr. Steven Hayes, a prominent psychologist and co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, dives deep into the crucial relationship between attachment, psychological flexibility, and personal healing. He discusses the importance of social context in forming secure attachments and emphasizes the need for viewing individuals as unique rather than averages. Listeners will appreciate his insights on self-compassion and the transformative power of embracing personal struggles. He also introduces the PsychFlex app, a tool for enhancing emotional awareness and personal growth.

Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, a bereaved mother and founder of the MISS Foundation, dives deep into the holistic approach to grief. She discusses how grief and love are interconnected and critiques society's obsession with constant happiness. Cacciatore shares insights on helping those in mourning and the significance of rituals in the grieving process. She emphasizes the unique healing power of animals and the importance of confronting grief to foster resilience and transformation. Listeners learn about the value of compassion and personalizing the journey of grief.

Join Dr. James Glattfelder, a physicist and complexity scientist, as he unpacks the intriguing idea that consciousness might underpin reality itself. He discusses the rational case for idealism, suggesting a purposeful universe. Explore how psychedelics have influenced human cultures throughout history and challenge traditional views on intelligence by considering cognition in other life forms. Delve into the philosophical differences between panpsychism and idealism while reflecting on the personal and collective implications of consciousness.

Dr. David Spiegel, a psychiatrist and professor at Stanford University, shares his expertise in clinical hypnosis. He discusses its groundbreaking applications for treating addiction and trauma while introducing his REVERI app, designed to empower users through self-hypnosis. The conversation delves into the neuroscience behind hypnosis, including dissociation and cognitive flexibility. Spiegel shares transformative case studies, emphasizing personal empowerment and the potential of hypnosis in reshaping narratives around addiction for a brighter future.

Dr. Peter Fenner, a writer and spiritual coach, shares insights on integrating nondual awareness into psychotherapy and personal growth. He emphasizes the transition from seeking to being, which dissolves suffering and fosters peace. The conversation highlights the natural state of pure awareness and its transformative potential. Fenner also discusses the role of acceptance in spiritual growth and the significance of contemplation in achieving tranquility, offering a fresh perspective on how awareness can reshape our daily lives.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, the creator of Internal Family Systems (IFS), revolutionizes our understanding of mental wellness by introducing the concept of internal 'parts' or sub-personalities. He explains how these parts, often seen as burdens, can actually be transformed into allies for healing. Schwartz shares insights on how IFS addresses trauma, addiction, and depression by fostering communication within these parts. With practical exercises, he guides listeners to connect with their wise, compassionate essence and embrace every aspect of their inner family.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and stroke survivor, shares her incredible journey of rediscovering identity after a life-altering stroke. She discusses her concept of 'Whole Brain Living,' highlighting the importance of the four characters within us for decision-making and emotional health. Jill explores the influence of the left and right brain on consciousness, emphasizing unity over individuality. She introduces techniques like the 'BRAIN huddle' for transforming inner conflict into clarity, and the significance of mindfulness and breath in grounding ourselves.