New Books in Psychoanalysis

Delve into America’s educational battlegrounds as psychoanalysts explore the psychological forces behind the conflicts over race and history. Discover how denial functions as a defense mechanism, masking the painful truths of systemic racism. The discussion examines projective identification and splitting, highlighting their roles in shaping group identities. Educational censorship and cultural shifts reveal a struggle for knowledge, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives to foster critical thinking and intellectual freedom in classrooms.

Join Gohar Homayounpour, an acclaimed psychoanalyst and author, as she delves into the intersections of mourning and identity in her book, weaving personal loss with Persian cultural narratives. She provocatively characterizes psychoanalysis as a subversive art form for dreamers, embracing disturbance and absence. Topics include the complexities of maternal influence, the significance of the color blue, and the playful aspects of therapeutic relationships. Homayounpour also critiques modern practices, advocating for empathy over mimicry, highlighting the emotional intricacies of life's choices.

The discussion highlights the intersection of cancel culture and historical erasure, particularly regarding marginalized military histories. It emphasizes the psychological impacts of public shaming, including anxiety and shame in those 'canceled.' The podcast also explores complex defense mechanisms like erasure and projection, illustrating how societal frustrations surface through scapegoating. Ultimately, the dual nature of cancel culture is examined as it empowers some voices while silencing others, raising questions about collective memory and accountability.

Richard Reichbart, a distinguished psychoanalyst and author, shares his profound journey through psychosis in a deeply personal narrative. He reveals how significant life events, including the loss of his grandfather, precipitated his psychotic experience. The discussion explores the complex interplay of grief and childhood attachment, highlighting how these elements shaped his identity and creativity. Reichbart emphasizes the healing power of therapeutic relationships and recounts transformative moments from his time on a Navajo reservation, blending personal struggle with insights into the nature of psychosis.

Dr. Adrian Keith Perkel, a clinical psychologist from Cape Town, discusses his insights on human aggression, linking psychoanalysis with neuroscience. He argues that aggression often aims to restore psychological balance rather than seek conflict. Perkel highlights the subjective nature of threats shaped by experiences and memory. He also delves into concepts like trauma's impact on aggression, the dynamics of identity, and the complexities of maternal aggression. His work emphasizes the crucial role of understanding repressed aggression in psychotherapy.

Dive into a rich discussion about the challenges of listening, as experts unpack emotional experiences from recent conferences and cultural events. They explore how performances by artists like Sam Cooke and Kendrick Lamar transcend language, highlighting the power of music to convey deep societal messages. The conversation touches on psychological barriers to communication and the need for open dialogue in navigating cultural divides. Join them as they emphasize the importance of active listening in both therapy and everyday life.

Not so long ago, comedy and laughter were a shared experience of relief, as Freud famously argued. At their best, ribbing, roasting, piss-taking and insulting were the foundation of a kind of universal culture from which friendship, camaraderie and solidarity could emerge.Now, comedy is characterized by edgy humour and misplaced jokes that provoke personal and social anxiety, causing divisive cultural warfare in the media and among people. Our comedy is fraught with tension like never before, and so too is our social life. We often hear the claim that no one can take a joke anymore. But what if we really can’t take jokes anymore?Post-Comedy (Polity, 2025) argues that the spirit of comedy is the first step in the building of society, but that it has been lost in the era of divisive identity politics. Comedy flares up debates about censorship and cancellation, keeping us divided from one other. This goes against the true universalist spirit of comedy, which is becoming a thing of the past and must be recovered.Alfie Bown is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Media at Kings College London. His research focuses on psychoanalysis, digital media and popular culture.He has also worked as a journalist, writing for The Guardian, Paris Review, New Statesman, Tribune, and others. His books include The Playstation Dreamworld, Post-Memes, and Dream Lovers: The Gamification of Relationships.He is the founder of Everyday Analysis which publishes pamphlets and essay collections with contemporary social and political issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychoanalysis

Peter Shabad, Clinical Associate Professor at Northwestern University and author of "Passion, Shame, and the Freedom to Become," dives into the intricate dynamics of shame and passion. He discusses how early relationships shape emotional development, emphasizing self-acceptance as key to overcoming shame. Shabad also explores the transformative power of gratitude, the interplay between nostalgia and identity, and the complex role of transference in therapy. He advocates for reclaiming authentic passion and the importance of viewing personal choices through the lens of true agency.

Eugene W. Holland, Professor Emeritus of Comparative Studies at The Ohio State University, dives into the dark dynamics of capitalism in his latest work. He explores how capitalism cultivates sadistic and masochistic patterns as societal norms, transforming economic interactions. Holland discusses the paradox of pleasure and pain in consumerism and probes the psychological impacts of these relationships. He analyzes literature and film to highlight the damaging effects of capitalism, urging a shift to eliminate destructive social behaviors for a better future.

Jamieson Webster, a psychoanalyst in NYC and author of 'On Breathing: Care in a Time of Catastrophe,' dives into the significance of breath amidst societal turmoil. She intertwines personal experiences—from being asthmatic to her role as a palliative psychologist during COVID—with psychoanalytic insights. Webster tackles themes of anxiety, the illusion of freedom, and the importance of communal breathing. The conversation also critiques modern communication's noise and explores mindfulness as a remedy for modern existential crises.