SuperPsyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay

SuperPsyched ©
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Sep 30, 2025 • 50min

#284 A Cure for the Common Company | Richard Safeer, MD, Johns Hopkins Medicine

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Dr. Richard Safeer, the Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Wellbeing for Johns Hopkins Medicine, about his book 'A Cure for the Common Company.' They discuss the importance of creating a healthy work environment, the benefits of such investments from a business perspective, and practical strategies for fostering a wellbeing culture. Dr. Safeer shares insights on how to implement cultural changes in workplaces, the impact of leadership on employee wellness, and the significance of small practices that contribute to overall health and productivity. This episode is a comprehensive guide to enhancing workplace culture for better employee and organizational success.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 The Importance of Workplace Wellbeing00:49 Introducing Dr. Richard Safeer04:15 The Birth of 'A Cure for the Common Company'05:51 The Business Case for a Healthy Work Environment10:06 Changing Workplace Culture14:03 Practical Steps for Cultural Change18:01 The Impact of Overwork22:52 Smoking Culture in the Workplace24:59 Starting the Conversation on Smoking25:32 Influence and Wellbeing in the Workplace26:03 Addressing After-Work Culture26:39 Supporting Social Connectedness28:30 Case Study: REI's Positive Work Environment33:41 The Importance of Rituals in the Workplace38:11 Unintended Consequences of Workplace Benefits41:53 Destigmatizing Mental Health in the Workplace45:55 The Power of Self-Awareness47:57 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysHelpful Links:Dr. Richard SafeerDr. Richard Safeer LinkedinA Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce Book
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Sep 23, 2025 • 36min

#283 Your Future Self | Hal Hershfield, PhD

In this episode of the 'SuperPsyched' podcast, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Dr. Hal Hershfield, a UCLA professor and author of 'Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today.' They discuss the critical importance of building a relationship with your future self, the psychological mechanisms behind procrastination, and practical exercises for better future-oriented decision-making. Through thought experiments and personal anecdotes, the conversation reveals how perspective taking and understanding the future impact of our current decisions can lead to greater life satisfaction and wellbeing. The episode also touches upon the importance of balancing present enjoyment with future planning and includes insights on how these concepts can benefit not just individuals but collective units like families and organizations.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Meet Your Future Self01:13 Interview with Dr. Hal Hershfield02:47 Defining the Future Self03:40 Thought Experiments and Their Impact05:28 Daily Exercises for Future Self Connection08:43 Balancing Present and Future Investments10:35 Personal Reflections and Decisions13:44 Navigating Life's Tough Choices19:25 The Importance of Quality Questions20:50 Relating to Our Future Selves25:31 Understanding Procrastination29:13 Collective Future Selves33:00 The Power of Perspective Taking35:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsHelpful Links:Hal Hershfield, PhDHal Hershfield, PhD UCLA Anderson School of ManagementYour Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today Book
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Sep 16, 2025 • 29min

#282 Congressman Sam Liccardo | Life as a Public Servant

discusses the challenges and rewards of political life, the importance of humility and community, and his personal strategies for managing stress and staying grounded. Additionally, they delve into significant policy issues like mental health and housing, and the complexities of bipartisan collaboration in a polarized environment. Throughout the conversation, Liccardo's dedication to public service and thoughtful approach to leadership shine through.00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched00:42 Meet Congressman Sam Liccardo02:08 Sam's Personal Story and Values05:22 The Drive for Public Service10:59 Balancing Personal Life and Career15:57 Mental Health Awareness and Policies24:52 Navigating Political Challenges27:54 Conclusion and FarewellHelpful Links:Sam Liccardo
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Sep 9, 2025 • 43min

#281 Lessons from the Emergency Department | Sara Krzyzaniak, MD

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Dr. Sara Krzyzaniak, clinical professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Krzyzaniak shares her journey into emergency medicine, influenced by her childhood fascination with first responders and simulation games. She discusses the critical role of human interaction in emergency care, emphasizing the limitations of AI in providing compassionate and empathetic care during crises. The conversation covers her experiences, the importance of vulnerability, and strategies for maintaining mental and physical well-being in high-stress environments. Dr. Krzyzaniak also highlights the significance of compassion, both for oneself and for others, as a key insight that could dramatically improve lives.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:28 Remembering 9/11 and Honoring Frontline Heroes01:00 Introducing Dr. Sara Krzyzaniak02:51 Sara's Journey to Emergency Medicine09:46 The Role of AI in Emergency Medicine15:28 Navigating End-of-Life Decisions19:41 Balancing Technical Skills and Human Connection23:11 Navigating Medical Decisions with Emotional Baggage24:41 The Complexity of Emergency Medicine Procedures26:52 Maintaining Physical and Mental Health in High-Stress Jobs30:22 The Importance of Vulnerability and Self-Care37:23 Appreciating Life's Fragility and Practicing Compassion39:43 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsHelpful Links:Dr. Sara KrzyzaniakDr. Sara Krzyzaniak TedX TalkDr. Sara Krzyzaniak LinkedIn
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Sep 2, 2025 • 39min

#280 Understanding Groups & Teams | Colin Fisher, PhD

In this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Dr. Colin Fisher, a professor at University College London's School of Management and author of 'The Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups.' They discuss the dynamics of effective teams, debunk common myths about group work, and explore both the benefits and pitfalls of group dynamics. Key topics include the myth of the lone genius, the optimal size of a group, conformity pressures, and the dangers of polarization. Examples from sports, music, and corporate management illustrate their points. The conversation delves into the psychology behind team building and offers practical advice for fostering more successful and mindful group interactions.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:47 Introducing Dr. Colin Fisher03:45 The Myth of the Lone Genius05:17 Optimal Group Sizes and Social Loafing08:21 Real-World Examples of Group Dynamics19:29 Lessons from the Dream Team and Scream Team28:08 The Dark Side of Group Dynamics34:37 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysHelpful Links:Dr. Colin FisherThe Collective Edge: Unlocking the Secret Power of Groups Book
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Aug 26, 2025 • 56min

#279 Dr. James Hollis | Finding Sources of Guidance in Times of Crisis and Change

In this episode of SuperPsyched, host Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Dr. James Hollis, a renowned Jungian analyst, about finding effective strategies to navigate change and crisis. The conversation delves into the coping mechanisms people often turn to during troubling times and why they are unsustainable in the long run. Dr. Hollis shares insights from his latest book, 'Living Between Worlds: Finding Personal Resilience in Changing Times,' highlighting the importance of looking inward for guidance. They discuss how societal changes impact personal well-being and the necessity of becoming more intimate with oneself. Active imagination, dream analysis, and other self-reflective practices are emphasized as essential tools for personal development and resilience. This episode offers a deep exploration into the unconscious mind and practical steps to harness inner wisdom for facing life's challenges.00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched00:28 Coping with Change and Crisis01:09 Introducing Dr. James Hollis03:02 The Death of Pan and Cultural Shifts07:34 The Role of Instinct and Adaptation14:35 The Importance of Solitude and Inner Work18:19 Understanding the Self and Ego22:20 Practical Tips for Resilience28:20 The Importance of Dreaming29:13 Understanding Symbolic Language31:56 The Role of Therapy and Self-Discipline34:50 Facing Midlife Challenges42:19 Embracing Curiosity and Overcoming Fear44:18 Active Imagination and Self-Discovery53:42 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsHelpful Links:Dr. James HollisLiving Between Worlds: Finding Personal Resilience in Changing Times Book
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Aug 19, 2025 • 32min

#278 Remembering Raffi: A Dog Who Helped Many People in Therapy

Dr. Adam Dorsay, host of the SuperPsyched podcast, reflects on the life and loss of his family and therapy dog, Raffi. He recounts Raffi's contributions to therapy, his impact on patients' well-being, and the profound grief experienced after his passing. This episode explores the benefits of therapy dogs, shares memories of Raffi, and discusses coping strategies for pet loss, emphasizing the importance of mourning and honoring the bond with pets.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched00:31 Remembering Raffi: A Therapy Dog's Legacy02:17 The Benefits of Therapy Dogs03:38 Raffi's Impact on Patients and Family06:01 Raffi's Life and Personality10:47 Challenges and Health Issues13:21 Grieving the Loss of a Pet18:44 Honoring and Remembering Pets27:03 Navigating Pet Euthanasia28:54 Coping with Pet Loss at Work31:02 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
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Aug 12, 2025 • 42min

#277 The Memoir of a Daughter of a Jewish Mom & a Christian Palestinian Dad | Sonia Daccarett

n this episode of SuperPsyched, Dr. Adam Dorsay talks to Sonia Daccarett, an accomplished writer with a multicultural background. Sonia, the daughter of a Jewish mother and a Christian Palestinian father, grew up in Cali, Colombia. She shares insights from her memoir, The Roots of the Guava Tree, discussing her experiences of feeling 'othered,' navigating her identity, and the healing power of writing. Sonia recounts her challenges and the influence of her diverse heritage on her worldview. The conversation delves into the subjective nature of memory, the importance of understanding one's story, and the broader implications these have on empathy and connection within society.00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched00:30 Challenges of Growing Up00:57 Meet Sonia Daccarett01:48 The Power of Writing a Memoir02:36 Sonia's Childhood Memories05:11 Cultural Identity and Belonging19:10 The Healing Process of Writing23:09 Reflections and Final Thoughts42:02 Conclusion and FarewellHelpful Links:Sonia DaccarettThe Roots of the Guava Tree Book
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Aug 5, 2025 • 40min

#276 Loving Bravely Every Day | Alexandra Solomon, PhD

In this episode of 'SuperPsyched,' Dr. Adam Dorsay, a psychologist in Silicon Valley, engages in an enriching conversation with Dr. Alexandra Solomon. As a psychologist, author, and professor, Dr. Solomon delves into the multi-faceted nuances of relationships, emphasizing the importance of quality connections in our lives. They discuss her influential books, 'Loving Bravely' and 'Love Every Day,' which provide practical relationship tips and insights. The conversation explores why love and relationships are crucial to our well-being, the stigma around couples therapy, and the importance of mutual understanding and vulnerability in partnerships. They also touch on the impact of societal expectations and the necessity for growth and adaptability within relationships. The episode offers valuable takeaways on how individuals can better relate to themselves and others, underscoring that there are no failures in relationships, only completions.00:00 Welcome to SuperPsyched01:03 Introducing Dr. Alexandra Solomon02:10 The Importance of Relationships05:39 The Role of Couples Therapy10:03 Commitment and Sacrifice in Relationships12:40 Personal Growth Through Relationships18:44 Mutuality and Synergy in Partnerships20:42 Understanding Emotional Expression in Relationships20:50 The Importance of Mutual Support23:19 Interdependence vs. Codependence23:58 Navigating Shame and Rejection25:06 Effective Communication Strategies26:49 The Power of Pausing and Walking27:17 Handling Grievances and Misunderstandings31:44 The Role of Timing and Attunement34:29 Reframing Relationship Endings38:44 The Gift of Taking Ourselves LightlyHelpful Links:Dr. Alexandra SolomonNorthwestern University BioReimagining Love Podcast
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Jul 29, 2025 • 51min

#275 The World of an Acclaimed Winemaker | Austin Hope

In this episode of SuperPsyched, host Dr. Adam Dorsay interviews Austin Hope, the president and winemaker at Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, California. They discuss the intricacies of winemaking, the history and unique terroir of Paso Robles, and the personal journey and passions that drive Austin's success. Austin shares insights into the wine community, the challenges he faced, and his commitment to quality and community. The conversation highlights the meaningful aspects of wine, from its production to its role in bringing people together, and underscores the importance of love and open-mindedness in both life and winemaking.00:00 Introduction to SuperPsyched00:28 The Mystique of Wine01:00 Interview with Austin Hope03:37 Austin's Journey into Winemaking05:36 Challenges and Triumphs07:03 Lessons from Mentors14:50 The Joys of Winemaking22:34 Family and Legacy26:41 Family Influence in Winemaking27:35 Promoting Paso Robles29:34 Terroir and Microclimates35:41 Community and Collaboration39:22 Innovative Wine Marketing43:08 The Importance of Overdelivering48:01 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsHelpful Links:Hope Family WinesAustin Hope WikiDr. Rachel Herz’s research cited from the excellent book Why You Eat What You Eat https://a.co/d/aXvmRB9

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