Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Life crises can spark powerful personal growth. The hosts delve into existential philosophy, exploring how anxieties around death and choice shape our experiences. They discuss the distinction between healthy and unhealthy discontent, stressing the importance of aligning daily actions with personal values. Practical guidelines for navigating transitions and cultivating authenticity are shared, encouraging listeners to live true to themselves. The conversation inspires taking immediate action toward meaningful change, emphasizing the transformative potential of life's challenges.

Meg Josephson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and author of 'Are You Mad at Me?', dives into the fawn response—a survival strategy rooted in people-pleasing. She shares how this behavior can transform from childhood self-protection into adult challenges like hypervigilance and self-abandonment. The discussion spans recognizing unconscious habits, the emotional fallout from silencing one's needs, and the journey to authenticity. Meg emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries and cultivating self-compassion for better relationships.

Explore the complexities of rekindling relationships with an ex and the impact of anxious-avoidant attachment styles. Discover the challenges of loving someone with addiction. Learn the difference between narcissistic traits and Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The hosts discuss the importance of communication and self-reflection in therapy, while addressing fears of being misunderstood. Plus, tips on safe meditation practices for those with mental health vulnerabilities. It's a thoughtful dive into love, growth, and emotional health.

Brandy Wyant, a licensed clinical social worker and expert in limerence, joins the discussion on the intense, often one-sided obsession that accompanies this state. She shares insights on how limerence differs from love and casual crushes, and the role of uncertainty in fueling such feelings. The conversation delves into cognitive behavioral strategies for managing obsessive thoughts and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. They also address the impact of limerence on relationships and the challenges in research and treatment.

Join renowned Tibetan Buddhist teacher Mingyur Rinpoche as he dives into transforming anxiety through awareness. Hear about his near-death experience that reshaped his approach to fear and life. Rinpoche shares insights on seeing anxiety as passing clouds and fostering inner goodness amidst self-doubt. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our innate qualities of love and compassion, plus practical tips for 'anytime, anywhere' meditation to cultivate peace. It's all about embracing change, understanding emptiness, and the journey of personal transformation.

Dive into the evolution of psychoanalysis and discover insights from figures like Adler, Klein, and Winnicott. Explore how feelings of inferiority shape identities and the importance of healthy relationships in emotional development. Learn about the significance of a 'true self' and the nuances of ego defenses. Delve into existential themes, confronting concepts like death and meaning to find personal growth. The discussion offers practical lessons that resonate with our everyday lives, making complex ideas accessible and relatable.

Elizabeth Ferreira, an associate therapist with personal experience in CPTSD, uncovers the often misunderstood nature of anger. She discusses how trauma shapes our connection to this powerful emotion and the dangers of repressing it. Elizabeth offers insights on healthy expressions of anger as a means of protest and self-advocacy. The conversation also touches on the importance of boundaries in relationships and how understanding our desires can lead to emotional healing through playful exploration.

Dive into the intriguing world of psychoanalysis as its historical roots and key concepts are explored. Delve into Freud’s major insights on the unconscious mind, repression, and transference, while also confronting the murky ethics and colonial ties entwined in its legacy. The podcast navigates the evolution of these theories, highlighting their impact and relevance in modern therapy. Ultimately, it offers both appreciation and critique of psychoanalysis, presenting it as a rich yet flawed foundation for understanding mental health.

The hosts dive into the pitfalls of the self-help industry, highlighting the dangers of excessive striving and performative growth. They explore how social media and capitalism fuel narcissism and the never-ending pursuit of self-improvement. Acknowledging personal anecdotes, they stress finding balance between agency and acceptance. The conversation addresses the commodification of self-worth and the shift from hustle culture to a more laid-back approach to well-being. Ultimately, they champion authenticity and community over the pressure of individual success.

Explore how early labels of being 'gifted' can lead to fear of failure and hinder personal growth. Discover ways to shift focus from perfectionism to enjoying the journey. Learn about the freeze response and the importance of rebuilding agency and resilience. Delve into the distinctions between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder, and how they affect relationships. Finally, rethink modern friendship dynamics and the role of mutual support in nurturing fulfilling connections.