Mentally Flexible

Matthias J Barker, a psychotherapist, discusses his rising popularity through his social media content, the process of deconstructing spiritual beliefs, and his experience preparing for fatherhood. He also talks about letting go of outcomes and trusting values-based living, and shares his thoughts on the meaning of love.

Welcome back to Mentally Flexible! My guest today is Diana Hill, Ph.D. Diana is a clinical psychologist and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get unstuck and live fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She is also a co-host of the popular podcast, Psychologists Off the Clock where she has interviewed leaders in the field of psychology, mindfulness, and wellness. Through her online teachings, executive coaching, clinical supervision, and private therapy practice Diana encourages clients to build psychological flexibility so that they can live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Diana has a knack for unpacking complex, science-based concepts and making them applicable to daily life in work, parenting, relationships and health. She completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at CU Boulder where she researched mindfulness and acceptance based approaches for eating disorders. In this episode we explore a range of topics including:- How certain self stories shaped Diana’s spiritual life - The universality of pain and suffering- The origins of Psychologists Off The Clock and her new book ACT Daily Journal - The value of connecting to a more collective identity- And allowing space to “tune up” your values in life—————————————————————————Diana’s website: https://drdianahill.com/ACT Daily Journal: https://drdianahill.com/book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdianahill/Psychologists Off The Clock: https://offtheclockpsych.com/—————————————————————————If you find value in the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It plays an important role in being able to get new guests. I also love reading them! Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website: https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Welcome back to Mentally Flexible! My guest today is Dr. Mariel Buquè. Dr. Buquè is a Columbia University-trained licensed psychologist, holistic mental health expert, and sound bath meditation healer. Her work centers on helping people heal their whole selves through holistic mental wellness practices and on healing wounds of intergenerational trauma.In this episode we explore a range of topics including: - Books that have influenced Dr. Buquè throughout her life - What first sparked Dr. Buquè interest in intergenerational trauma - We dive deeper into both the nature and nature parts of ancestral wounds- Dr. Buquè shares how these areas have touched her life personally- We unpack the approaches to healing intergenerational trauma- We end by discussing the healing power of sound and perform an impromptu sound meditation together —————————————————————————Dr. Buquè’s website: https://www.drmarielbuque.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.marielbuque/—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Cory Allen. Cory is an author, podcast host, meditation teacher and audio engineer from Austin, Texas.His podcast, The Astral Hustle, where he discusses mindfulness, neuroscience, and philosophy has been featured by the New York Times. He has written a book called Now is the Way which explores an unconventional approach to modern mindfulness.  Cory has also created an amazing meditation course called Release Into Now - I was first introduced to Cory when  I took his course several years ago.We explore a range of topics in this episode including: - Following your own curiosity in podcasting- Cory’s process of figuring out what success means for him personally- Cory picks Tom’s brain on holding space for others - Setting boundaries with love- Validating emotional wounds from childhood- And how to find peace by embracing the impermanence of life —————————————————————————Cory’s website:  http://www.cory-allen.com/The Astral Hustle: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-astral-hustle-with-cory-allen/id1033011814Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heycoryallen/?hl=enCory’s book, Now Is The Way: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525538046—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website: https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode: https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Welcome back to Mentally Flexible! My guest today is Dr. David Puder. Dr. Puder is a board certified psychiatrist and host of the amazing Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast. If you are a mental health professional, I highly suggest this podcast. Each episode is so well researched and presented that it is like going to a training each time you listen. Dr. Puder was most recently on faculty at Loma Linda University where he was the medical director of a partial program and intensive outpatient program. Towards the end of the episode, we talk about his recent relocation across country and how he’s using this time as an opportunity to connect with values. Dr. Puder is an incredibly fascinating and thoughtful person whom I’ve learned so much from both in this conversation and through his podcast. In this episode we explore a range of topics including: - What sparked David's interest in philosophy and understanding suffering at a young age- The importance of doing our own inner work as mental health professionals- The historical roots of helpers doing their own inner work- The difference between therapy modalities- The importance of feedback in life; David’s personal mentors- The framework of the hero’s journey- The trauma of confronting malevolence within others or ourselves- Understanding and integrating our own shadow - How we can use ourselves a barometer for a client’s experience - David's current transition stage of life—————————————————————————Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Podcast:  https://www.psychiatrypodcast.com/Instagram: @Dr.DavidPuderTwitter: @DavidPuder Facebook: @DrDavidPuder —————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

My guest today is Jill Stoddard PhD. Jill is the founder and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management in San Diego, CA. She has a PhD in Clinical Psychology specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for anxiety and related issues. Jill cohosts a great podcast called Psychologists Off the Clock which I highly suggest for anyone interested in topics related to ACT. She also is an author and has written two books including The Big Book of ACT Metaphors and Be Mighty: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance. In this episode we explore:- The role that ACT has played in Jill’s personal life - The inspiration for writing her book “Be Mighty”- Anxiety and anxiety disorders- We discuss the story behind Jill’s recent Ted Talk- And explore the role of Imposter Syndrome in the writing process—————————————————————————Jill’s Wesbite: https://jillstoddard.com/Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efXDYu0LYe4Twitter: https://twitter.com/jill_stoddardFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillstoddardphd/?modal=admin_todo_tourInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillastoddard/?hl=en—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Welcome to a special episode of Mentally Flexible with one of my favorite songwriters, Jake Klar. Have you ever had a song or album become the soundtrack to an important period of your life? That’s exactly what happened to me with Jake Klar's music. It was 2015 and I had just graduated from college. With no idea of what was to come next in life, I loaded up my bike with some clothes and camping gear and started peddling north from Central CT. 300 miles and several baby wipe showers later, I made it to Burlington, VT. My first stop at then end of the day was usually a local bar with good beer and food which I could consume guiltlessly after burning more calories that day than I did in a typical week of normal life. The place I ended up that night was called Radio Bean, and to my pleasant surprise there was live music. This was different than your average bar performance (I would know because I would consider myself an average bar performer). This guy was something special. The songs instantly connected with me in a deeper place. That musician was Jake Klar, and he is is my guest today. For the remainder of my bike trip up through Canada, Jake’s music became the soundtrack of this transformative life experience. I have since continued to follow Jake’s inspiring development as an artist, and knew that I had to have him on as a guest for the podcast.In this episode we explore a range of topics include:- How music can bring you back into emotions and experiences from the past- Jake’s process of letting go of certain dreams- The role of self-criticism in the artistic process- How suffering can be used to fuel songwriting- The inevitable feeling of Imposter Syndrome that comes as an artist- And how spirituality is connected to trusting our intuition—————————————————————————Intro song: Crescent St. Blues by Jake KlarOutro song: Rosy by Jake KlarFind all of Jake’s music..Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0rcb7huZfHcu9UTeF1uHD6?si=gFwA-PCGQxqyJ-05v6QxZgBandcamp: https://www.jakeklar.com/musicMasquerade EP: https://jakeklar.bandcamp.com/album/masquerade - All proceeds of this EP will be donated to G.L.I.T.S. which is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing care and resources for the LGBTQ+ community on a global scale. The organization is currently using funds to provide housing for Black trans people. Visit their website for more info about what they’ve done and what else they are currently working on.—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/

Welcome back to Mentally Flexible! My guest today is Dr. Alysse Loomis. Alysse is an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah in the College of Social Work. She also has experience as a clinician specializing in early childhood trauma. Alysse’s current research explores the impact of early childhood trauma and other adversity. She is interested in identifying mechanisms through which childhood adversity contributes to educational and health disparities as well as understanding how natural systems of care, such as schools, can be leveraged to prevent future adversity exposure and support child well-being.In this episode we explore a range of topics including:- Alysse’s background in researching trauma - The overlap of trauma and attachment disruptions - Alysse’s research in childhood adversity and the education system- The need for greater support for teachers - The consequences of Pre-school expulsions and suspensions- Alysse’s experience having a child and understanding attachment more directly —————————————————————————Learn more about Alysse and her research: https://faculty.utah.edu/u6025588-ALYSSE_M._LOOMIS/research/index.hmlFollow Alysse on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlysseLoomis—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Welcome back to Mentally Flexible! My guest today is Dr. Menije Boduryan-Turner. Dr. Menije is a clinical psychologist with a private practice in California. While Dr. Menije has experience in a number of different clinical areas, she has made perfectionism a main area focus of her work. Dr. Menije as a beautiful way of using her own life experience to inform her work as a psychologist. In this episode we explore: - Dr. Menije’s immigration to America from Turkey as a teenager- How this led to self stories of inadequacy - Her process of integrating socially and navigating cultural differences- How this shifted family dynamics - We explore how the root of perfectionism and how it manifests in many different ways- How perfectionist thinking gets in the way of goals and New Year’s resolutions- How perfectionism connects to OCD and Imposter Syndrome- The impact of perfectionism on relationships Learn more about Dr. Menije and her course on perfectionism https://embracingyoutherapy.com/course-for-perfectionism/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.menije/—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth

Welcome back to Mentally Flexible! My guest today is Kyle Buller. Kyle is a clinical mental health counselor and co-host of the wonderful podcast, Psychedelics Today. Kyle’s interest in exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness began when he was 16-years-old when he had a near-death experience that changed his life - we talk about this more in the episode. Since then, Kyle has earned his B.A. in Transpersonal Psychology, where he studied areas like shamanism, plant medicine, Holotropic Breathwork, and psychedelic psychotherapy.  Kyle completed his M.S. in clinical mental health counseling with an emphasis in somatic psychology. Kyle’s clinical background in mental health consists of working with at-risk teenagers in crisis and with individuals experiencing an early-episode of psychosis.In this episode we explore a range of topics including:- Transpersonal Psychology- Uncertainty, Intuition, and Consciousness - Holotropic Breathwork- Kyle’s near-death experience- His struggles integrating back into the world- And how that experience has since shaped his passions and perspective—————————————————————————If you want to learn more about Kyle and the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness, I suggest checking out his podcast Psychedelics Today: https://psychedelicstoday.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychedelicstoday/—————————————————————————If you want to support the podcast…Please subscribe on iTunes and leave a review :)    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mentally-flexible/id1539933988Connect with me on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/mentallyflexible/Explore the website. https://mentallyflexible.com/Check out my song “Glimpse at Truth” that you hear in the intro/outro of every episode. https://tomparkes.bandcamp.com/track/glimpse-at-truth