Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

In this engaging discussion, internationally recognized family therapist Terry Real shares insights on overcoming toxic individualism to foster genuine intimacy. He highlights the importance of balancing acceptance and agency in relationships and introduces the concepts of the Adaptive Child and Wise Adult. Real discusses effective communication strategies to express needs without a counselor’s help, advocating for collaboration over dominance. He emphasizes breaking generational trauma cycles to build healthier connections, urging listeners to shift from ‘me vs. you’ to a united ‘Us’.

Dr. Ronald Siegel, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and author, explores the pitfalls of social comparison and the myths surrounding extraordinary achievements. He shares insights on embracing our ordinary selves as a path to genuine self-acceptance. The discussion highlights how cultural pressures shape our self-worth, the healing power of social connection, and practical strategies to cultivate a balanced self-view. Siegel's wisdom invites listeners to find joy and fulfillment in their everyday experiences.

Anger is a complex emotion with both costs and benefits. The discussion highlights its biological roots and ethical implications, advocating for a deeper understanding of anger's role in our lives. Embracing anger can lead to personal growth when expressed in safe environments. The podcast also examines societal repression of anger and its historical context. By reframing anger as a source of energy and motivation, listeners are encouraged to manage it constructively, transforming it into a powerful force for positive change.

Self-awareness is a vital yet challenging skill to develop. The discussion delves into the different types of awareness and shares personal anecdotes about navigating internal and external self-discovery. There's emphasis on balancing self-acceptance with the fear of arrogance. The importance of reconnecting with positive aspects of ourselves and mindfulness as tools for growth are highlighted. Engaging strategies and reflective exercises guide listeners on their journey toward embracing their true selves.

Discover why our brains cling to unwanted habits and how to discern which thoughts deserve our attention. The discussion dives into improving sibling relationships through vulnerability and personal growth. Explore the intricacies of meditation and what to do with the positive emotions that arise. Learn about the psychological factors that aid meditation and why we often say "kind of." It's a treasure trove of insights on changing old patterns and fostering self-awareness.

Discover how to supercharge your motivation by understanding the dopamine system. The conversation distinguishes between motivation and discipline while exploring the nuances of 'liking' versus 'wanting.' Learn practical strategies for aligning your biological impulses with your goals, and how to navigate discomfort for long-term satisfaction. The speakers emphasize reclaiming self-agency in personal development, and share insights on enhancing motivation through mindful practices. Tune in for tips on staying engaged and fulfilled in your daily life!

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, founder of The Trauma Stewardship Institute and a trailblazer in trauma exposure, shares her insights on managing secondary traumatic stress. She discusses the challenges of remaining compassionate without burning out and highlights the importance of self-care for those in supportive roles. Laura emphasizes the balance between empathy and personal well-being, offering practical strategies for resilience amidst societal challenges. Her engaging anecdotes reveal the necessity of fostering hope and emotional health in an overwhelming world.

Learn how to disrupt obsessive thoughts and navigate rumination with Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson. They explore the origins of rumination, strategies to disengage from negative thought loops, and the power of thought acceptance. Discover ways to break free from rumination and promote self-compassion for a healthier mental state.

We’ve spent a lot of time on the podcast exploring how we can improve our skills in romantic relationships, but for many people one of the most difficult parts of a relationship is getting into one in the first place. On this episode, Forrest talks with Logan Ury, Director of Relationship Science at the dating app Hinge, about the psychology of dating. They explore chemistry, romance, apps, and how to reframe our self-limiting tendencies so we can find love that is fulfilling and brings out the best in us.About our Guest: Logan Ury is a behavioral scientist turned dating coach, and the author of  How to Not Die Alone: The Surprising Science That Will Help You Find Love. She is the Director of Relationship Science at the dating app Hinge, and former head of Google’s behavioral science team the Irrational Lab.Watch the Episode: Prefer watching video? You can watch this episode on YouTube.Key Topics:0:00: Introduction  1:40: Why is modern dating so hard?4:15: Romanticism6:20: Being in a relationship for self-actualization8:25: Romanticizers, Maximizers, and Hesitators11:15: Reframes for the Romanticizer14:20: What kind of shared qualities actually matter?19:25: Reframes for the Maximizer26:35: The tendency to externalize problems and avoid vulnerability32:25: Reframes for the Hesitator36:50: Information vs. emotion - appreciation for romance41:05: Bids, and turning towards43:05: What other things do people tend to underestimate in relationships?47:20: The aspect of you that is brought out by your partner48:45: How to use apps in more effective ways51:00: RecapSupport the Podcast: We're now on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link.Have a question for us? Email: contact@beingwellpodcast.com to submit questions or potential topics you'd like us to explore in future episodes.Sponsors:Visit Pendulumlife.com and use code BEINGWELL for 20% off your first month of membership.Join over a million people using BetterHelp, the world’s largest online counseling platform. Visit betterhelp.com/beingwell for 10% off your first month!Want to sleep better? Try the Calm app! Visit calm.com/beingwell for 40% off a premium subscription.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

Forrest Hanson, who focuses on stress and resilience, joins Dr. Rick, an expert on the biological effects of stress. They dissect the true nature of stress, explaining how it differs from healthy effort. The conversation dives into personal control over stress and its evolutionary roots. They emphasize the importance of resilience and mindfulness in managing stress, using relatable anecdotes. Listeners gain insights into lifestyle factors that enhance mental well-being and strategies to repair from stress's negative impacts.