Noggin Notes Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode, we talk with Dr. Hannah Spier, Norwegian psychiatrist and creator of Psychobabble—a hybrid podcast and publication that challenges flawed psychology and exposes the therapists and cultural trends harming mental health.   Dr. Spier, who trained in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the University of Zurich, takes a critical look at how psychiatry has become dominated by ideological influences, often leaving behind the real needs of patients—both men and women.   We explore: How psychiatry has been shaped by feminist and postmodern ideas Why these cultural shifts affect the way men and women experience therapy The overlooked challenges of women in modern psychiatry The current crisis in boys and masculinity, and why balance in mental health care matters How Psychobabble is reframing the conversation about integrity, tradition, and truth in psychiatry With features in The Federalist, Commentary Magazine, The American Spectator, and Mad in America, Dr. Spier is becoming a leading voice in pushing back against the cultural and ideological capture of psychiatry—offering a grounded, values-driven approach to care.   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Rachel Haack, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, mother of five daughters, and passionate advocate for women navigating the second half of life. Together, we take a deep dive into the unique struggles women face during this stage—challenges that are often overlooked or minimized in mainstream discussions. Rachel shares her insights on: The emotional and relational challenges of women in their second half of life How women balance supporting families, communities, and themselves Strategies for navigating conflict between parents and adult children with compassion and skill Why strengthening relationships is the key to resilience and fulfillment With honesty, optimism, and warmth, Rachel highlights both the struggles and the strengths of women in midlife and beyond. Whether you’re a woman living this reality, a family member, or a professional supporting others, this episode shines a much-needed light on a vital stage of life that deserves more attention and care.   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

Mark L. Ruffalo, M.S.W., D.Psa., a seasoned psychoanalytic psychotherapist and professor, shares his extensive insights into the depths of human psychology. He discusses the limitations of quick-fix approaches for severe conditions like schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder, advocating for a return to comprehensive psychoanalysis. Mark also explores the historical shifts in psychiatric training, the implications of the DSM-III, and the role of medication versus therapy. His perspective challenges clinicians to prioritize understanding over mere symptom management.

On today’s show, we sit down with Jonathan Cogburn, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Abilene, Texas, whose work bridges deep compassion with practical solutions. Jonathan currently serves in an education support agency, coaching school counselors in small and remote districts to navigate complex student needs—especially when community resources are scarce. He also trains school staff to identify and support students experiencing homelessness, bringing awareness and actionable strategies to a critical yet often overlooked issue. With a diverse background spanning private clinical practice, suicide crisis intervention, community mental health case management, and hospice chaplaincy, Jonathan brings a rich, systems-based perspective to understanding human relationships. In this episode, we explore how Systems Theory applies to families and family structures, unpack the challenges facing homeless youth, and discuss the interconnected nature of mental health, education, and community support. Follow Jonathan on X: @cognoggin   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this bold and thought-provoking episode of Noggin Notes, Jake speaks with Suzannah Alexander, a writer, reformer, and former counseling student who made waves by stepping away from graduate school after facing ideological coercion in her program. Suzannah opens up about the emotional and professional toll of navigating a counseling program that conflicted with her values—and how that experience inspired her to take action. Today, she collaborates with lawmakers, policy organizations, and advocacy groups to reform counseling education and licensure. Her mission: to restore integrity, transparency, and true academic freedom in a profession that is increasingly shaped by political ideology. They explore: Why Suzannah left her graduate counseling program How accreditation bodies and training institutions shape what future therapists are taught The risks of compelled speech and ideological conformity in mental health education What real reform could look like—and how we can get there Suzannah’s work has been featured in Minding the Campus, cited in policy reforms, and is gaining momentum among those concerned about the direction of mental health education. Whether you’re a student, therapist, educator, or simply curious about the future of mental health care, this episode is a must-listen. 👉 Find Suzannah’s writing and advocacy at diogenesinexile.com and follow her on X https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this compelling episode of Noggin Notes, Jake sits down with Giff Lasta, a marriage coach and advocate for healthy masculinity, to explore what it means to be a man in today’s world—and how we’ve drifted from that foundation. Giff opens up about the importance of restoring masculinity through grounded manhood, not dominance or suppression, but through guidance, integrity, and responsibility—especially within relationships, marriage, and fatherhood. Together, they discuss: 💬 Why modern society is confused about masculinity 💬 How men can reclaim their purpose without shame 💬 The role of men in building balanced families 💬 Parenting skills that promote emotional intelligence and structure 💬 How to model healthy masculine leadership in the home and beyond This episode is a powerful call for men, partners, and parents to return to a more intentional, supportive, and meaningful model of manhood. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this insightful episode of Noggin Notes, Jake is joined by John D. Haltigan, a researcher and expert in developmental psychology and attachment theory. With a rich academic background and years of published research, John Haltigan breaks down the science of attachment how we form bonds, why we connect the way we do, and what it means for our mental health and relationships. Together, they explore the different attachment styles, how early childhood experiences shape the way we relate to others, and the impact of attachment patterns on adult relationships, parenting, and even workplace dynamics. Whether you're curious about your own relationship patterns or want a deeper understanding of human connection, this episode is packed with research-based insights you can apply in everyday life.   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this episode of Noggin Notes, Jake welcomes Ryan Rogers, a writer, mental health professional, and graduate student pursuing his master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in the mental health and addiction fields, Ryan brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Together, they dive deep into the intersections of psychology, philosophy, politics, and culture, exploring how these forces shape our mental health and everyday lives. From addiction and recovery to navigating modern societal pressures, Ryan shares personal insights and thought-provoking reflections on what it means to be mentally well in today’s world. This is a wide-ranging and engaging conversation you won’t want to miss! Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this eye-opening episode of Noggin Notes Podcast, Jake sits down with Nathalie Martinek, PhD, a former systems biology and cancer researcher turned Narcissism Hacker and independent medical culture researcher. Nathalie specializes in helping individuals and teams navigate toxic workplace dynamics, burnout, bullying, and narcissistic leadership. Together, they dive into the complexities of narcissism in leadership, workplace dysfunction, and the keys to fostering psychological safety. Nathalie shares actionable strategies for developing healthy communication, conflict resolution, and effective leadership skills that create more resilient and thriving workplaces. If you've ever dealt with a toxic work environment, struggled with difficult relationships, or want to build a culture of trust and psychological safety, this episode is a must-listen!   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes. 

In this thought-provoking episode of Noggin Notes Podcast, host Jake welcomes a special guest, Dr. Robert C. Smith, a nationally recognized leader in evidence-based mental health care and doctor-patient communication. Dr. Smith, a University Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Psychiatry at Michigan State University, has dedicated his career to transforming the way medical professionals connect with their patients. Together, Jake and Dr. Smith discuss his groundbreaking book, Has Medicine Lost Its Mind? Why Our Mental Health System is Failing Us and What Should Be Done About It. They explore the systemic flaws in modern mental health care, the importance of patient-centered communication, and the urgent need for reform. If you're passionate about mental health advocacy, medical education, or simply curious about how we can improve our health care system, this episode is a must-listen!   Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link.  TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.