Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

In a candid discussion, renowned therapist Terry Real, founder of Relational Life Therapy, and his son, Justin Real, a startup founder, tackle the challenges modern men face. They explore how traditional masculinity can lead to emotional disconnection and the appeal of red pill cultures. Highlighting the importance of vulnerability and emotional intelligence, they advocate for redefining strength as relational power. Their insights delve into how men can build healthier relationships and navigate societal pressures while embracing a new model of masculinity.

Dive into the intriguing world of self-sabotage as the hosts dissect why we make choices that undermine our goals. Discover how these behaviors often act as psychological self-protection, driven by fears of success and identity threats. Their discussion unveils the conflict between our ambitions and ingrained limitations, offering practical strategies for overcoming self-destructive habits. Real-life examples illuminate the struggle, while insights into understanding our inner dynamics pave the way for embracing change with compassion.

Terry Real, a renowned family therapist and author known for his work on masculinity and relationships, dives into the factors that sabotage intimacy. He discusses the shift from 'me' to 'us' and emphasizes the importance of relational mindfulness in overcoming conflicts. Real introduces concepts like the Adaptive Child and Wise Adult, shedding light on how childhood experiences shape adult relationships. A standout moment includes an engaging inner child exercise that invites deeper emotional connection. Prepare to rethink your approach to nurturing relationships!

Join Kimberley Quinlan, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of CBTschool.com, as she unpacks the complexities of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She distinguishes between obsessions and compulsions, revealing how trauma can link to OCD. Kimberley shares insights on effective treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and the significance of self-compassion in recovery. She also addresses common stigmas that hinder treatment, and emphasizes the importance of personalized care and support for those battling OCD.

The hosts tackle the nuances of people-pleasing and how it affects personal relationships. They dive into the pros and cons of using AI as a therapist, including concerns about privacy and the need for human connection. They explore the emotional complexities of developing feelings for one’s therapist, discussing the phenomenon of sexual transference. Wrapping up, they reflect on the importance of communication in nurturing long-lasting relationships and ponder whether Gandalf would have made a good therapist.

Disorganized attachment can make emotional intimacy feel daunting. The hosts discuss how past experiences shape these complex styles and the internal struggles they create. Embracing and expressing needs is highlighted as essential for healing. They touch on topics like hypersensitivity, self-regulation, and the surprising benefits of 'boring' relationships. With a focus on self-awareness and emotional validation, they outline pathways to transform sensitivity into strength, ultimately fostering healthier connections.

Forrest chats with Dr. Scott Eilers, a licensed psychologist and author specializing in treatment-resistant mood disorders. They dive deep into Dr. Eilers’ personal journey with chronic depression and discuss anhedonia, the challenge of treatment resistance, and the importance of emotional budgeting. The conversation explores creating new practices even when motivation is low and the healing power of acceptance. They also touch on the intertwining of humor and mental health, along with strategies to foster resilience and self-discovery.

Yung Pueblo, poet and bestselling author, shares his insights on love and mindfulness in a heartfelt conversation. He discusses how meditation has transformed his relationships and emphasizes the importance of honesty with partners. Delving into the difference between attachment and commitment, he highlights the necessity of open communication and vulnerability. Yung Pueblo also explores the challenges of evolving alongside a partner and offers strategies for rebuilding after past hurt, advocating for a compassionate approach to connection.

In this conversation with Olga Khazan, a writer at The Atlantic and author of 'Me, But Better', she shares her journey of transforming her personality traits. Olga discusses how intentional behavior changes led her to become more extroverted and agreeable. They explore concepts like the Big Five personality traits, the influence of mindfulness and meditation, and how external factors like psychedelics can reshape self-perception. Additionally, they dive into the dynamics of parenthood and its impact on personality evolution.

Dr. Lindsay Gibson joins Forrest to explore emotional immaturity, the consequences of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers, and what we can do to change those patterns in adulthood. They discuss the key signs of emotional immaturity, including egocentrism, low empathy, and affective realism. Dr. Gibson then shares how having an emotionally immature parent affects children, often by leading to emotional disconnection and people-pleasing, and the consequences of these patterns in adult life. Topics include the problems with “just be more compassionate,” estrangement, balancing competing desires, and how to heal in adulthood by reconnecting with your feelings, letting go of old fantasies, and setting healthy boundaries.About our Guest: Dr. Lindsay Gibson is a clinical psychologist and the author of the Emotional Immaturity series of books, including her bestseller Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. You can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00: Introduction1:15: How Dr. Gibson defines emotional immaturity6:45: Markers of emotional immaturity in parents11:05: Emotional intelligence in children, loneliness, and regulating parents19:05: The arc of recovery, responding to feelings with thoughts, and healthy guidance31:00: Repeating patterns in relationships36:15: Letting go of the healing fantasy, and when to take space42:45: Estrangement, compassion, boundary setting, and becoming more authentic58:45: When healthy change creates social pressure1:01:55: Common misconceptions about emotional immaturity1:06:05: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.SponsorsHead to fastgrowingtrees.com/BEINGWELL to get 15% off the best deals for your yard. Use BEINGWELL at checkout, and take advantage of their Alive and Thrive Guarantee!Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/beingwell. Go to ZOE.com and find out what ZOE Membership could do for you. Use code WELL10 to get 10% off membership.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BEINGWELL at https://www.oneskin.co/ Connect with the show: Subscribe on iTunes Follow Forrest on YouTube Follow us on Instagram Follow Forrest on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Visit Forrest's website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices