Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Discover how to become a new person by letting go of limiting self-concepts, questioning behaviors, and embracing growth. Explore the power of reframing beliefs and envisioning a more positive self. The hosts emphasize the importance of flexibility, honesty, and taking action over thoughts.

Therapist Dr. Amy Morin shares insights on building mental strength and having a healthy relationship. They discuss self-compassion, root problems in relationships, conflict inevitability, and deconstructing reactive thoughts. They explore setting ground rules for therapeutic conversations, addressing partner disinterest in personal growth, and avoiding scorekeeping. Additionally, they touch on navigating common relationship issues, deeper relationship dynamics, and the importance of psychological flexibility.

Topics discussed include partners dominating relationship conversations, repairing relationships when the other party doesn't want to, intrusive thoughts at night, giving in relationships, working with competitiveness, and the concept of highly sensitive people and its relation to complex PTSD, ADHD, and autism.

Dr. Jacob Ham, a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma work, joins Forrest to explore what really helps people work with trauma. They discuss cultivating a felt sense of connection, empathy, the value of anger, the transformative power of presence and connection, and the importance of individuality and authenticity in trauma therapy.

The podcast discusses surviving the holidays with dysfunctional family systems, balancing the desire to flip the Thanksgiving table with just getting through another year. They explore returning home challenges, navigating relationships, setting boundaries, and the importance of appreciation. They also touch on mental health, meditation, and meal kits for the busy individual, and discuss the challenges and emotional complexity of the holiday season.

Dr. Stephen Porges, the creator of the polyvagal theory, simplifies the theory, discusses the three key states of our body, and explores using polyvagal practices to heal old wounds. They also discuss the importance of safety, regulation, and co-regulation for healing, distinguishing feeling safe vs. being safe, and how healing practices change our perception of the world.

Guest Brad Stulberg, writer and coach, explores the philosophical and psychological foundations of excellence. They discuss reshaping who we are, embracing change, creating a flexible identity, and the importance of not going all in all the time. They also touch on developing self-efficacy, nurturing curiosity, and the importance of values in navigating change.

The podcast discusses the choice to become a parent, the motivations behind it, qualities of a good parent, and the rewards of parenting. They also explore the dynamics of parent-child relationships, the high standards of parenting, and the importance of community and personal values when considering parenthood.

The podcast explores how to improve self-confidence, including separating confidence from capability and releasing insecurity. They discuss the difference between confidence and narcissism, dealing with criticism, and developing an authentic sense of self-worth. They also explore the importance of acknowledging small wins, shifting perspectives, and updating core beliefs. Overall, the podcast offers insights on building self-confidence and overcoming insecurity.

The podcast tackles the impact of perspectives on our emotions, choices, and quality of life. It explores the challenges and rewards of changing perspectives, emphasizing the need to be grounded in reality. The podcast also delves into the importance of psychological flexibility and being open to new viewpoints. It discusses the power of playfulness and offers practical tools for shifting perspectives, such as journaling and tracking.