

Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast
David Puder, M.D.
Join David Puder as he covers different topics on psychiatry and psychotherapy. He will draw from the wisdom of his mentors, research, in-session therapy and psychiatry experience, and his own journey through mental health to discuss topics that affect mental health professionals and popsychology enthusiasts alike. Through interviews, he will dialogue with both medical students, residents and expert psychiatrists and psychotherapists, and even with people who have been through their own mental health journey. This podcast was created to help others in their journey to becoming wise, empathic, genuine and connected in their personal and professional lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 7min
Understanding Real Event OCD: When the Past Fuels Obsession
In this discussion, OCD specialist Kevin Foss dives into Real Event OCD, where past experiences spiral into obsessive thoughts. He clarifies how it differs from PTSD and highlights symptoms like intrusive doubt and guilt. Exploring effective treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Kevin emphasizes healthy support strategies for loved ones. The conversation also covers common triggers, ethical considerations in therapy, and the importance of shifting from shame to guilt for recovery.

10 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 38min
Identity Diffusion
Dive into the intriguing world of identity diffusion and its effects on mental health. Discover how this phenomenon manifests through feelings of emptiness and fractured self-image. Explore its connections to borderline personality disorder and the role of empathy in therapy. Uncover coping strategies such as journaling, and address societal pressures that impact authenticity. The discussion also highlights the challenges faced by clinicians and the intricate dynamics of relationships affected by narcissism and identity struggles.

9 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
Cannabis and Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Sleep, and Cognitive Function Update and Review
Liam Browning, a returning guest known for his insights on patient perspectives regarding cannabis, and Danielle Lu, a medical student engrossed in mental health, dive deep into the latest research on cannabis and its effects. They discuss its complex relationships with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the risk factors of high potency cannabis. Their conversation navigates the challenges of PTSD recovery, balancing relief with potential addiction risks, and the importance of recognizing emotions rather than numbing them. A thought-provoking discussion on cannabis' role in mental health!

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 15min
Regulating Our Emotions as Parents with Alissa Jerud, PhD
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Alissa Jerud, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of Emotion Savvy Parenting, shares valuable insights on navigating parenting's emotional challenges. She introduces the ART framework to help parents accept, regulate, and tolerate their feelings. Dr. Jerud emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, compassionate responses to children's behaviors, and practical strategies for managing bedtime struggles and youth sports pressures. Her evidence-based tools aim to foster resilience and deepen connections between parents and children.

67 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
Psychodynamic Psychopharmacology: Insights from Dr. David Mintz
Dr. David Mintz, a seasoned psychiatrist with over 30 years at the Austen Riggs Center, delves into psychodynamic psychopharmacology. He discusses how medication isn't just biomedical but intricately tied to meaning and patient dynamics. Mintz emphasizes the role of patient expectations and identity in treatment responses. He highlights the critical nature of the therapeutic alliance in recovery, advocating for a personalized, holistic approach to psychiatric care that considers both psychological and physical health.

9 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 54min
Catatonia in Children and Teens
Dr. Joshua Ryan Smith, a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in catatonia and autism at Vanderbilt University, sheds light on the often-overlooked condition of catatonia in youth. He discusses its misdiagnosis and the critical need for accurate identification, especially in neurodivergent children. The conversation delves into effective assessment tools, including the Bush-Francis scale, and highlights the importance of distinguishing catatonia from typical behaviors associated with autism. Practical treatment strategies, including medication and ECT, are also explored.

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Bear: Trauma, Personality, and Attachment with Dr. Eric Bender and Dr. David Puder
Dr. Eric Bender, a child and adolescent psychiatrist known for his insightful YouTube breakdowns, joins Dr. David Puder to dive into the psychological depths of 'The Bear.' They explore Carmy's traumas and complex PTSD, examining family dynamics and attachment styles. The conversation touches on emotional neglect, personality traits, and the role of kindness in overcoming chaos. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how trauma and early relationships shape behaviors, making connections between fiction and real-life therapeutic practices.

54 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 54min
Depressive Personality Style with Jonathan Shedler
Dr. Jonathan Shedler, a psychologist known for his work on depressive personality styles, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about how these styles differ from clinical depression. He emphasizes the role of childhood experiences in shaping self-criticism and emotional struggles. Through role play, they illustrate how dynamics like self-blame and guilt manifest in therapy. Shedler also shares insights on addressing suppressed emotions and creating an inclusive environment for healing, highlighting the subtle yet powerful role of micro-expressions in therapeutic settings.

40 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 18min
Cannabis and Psychosis: The Link Between THC Use and Mental Health Risks
Liam Browning, a clinician from Detroit with a focus on cannabis use, and Daniel Suevas, a Loma Linda MS4 exploring cannabis-induced psychosis, join Christopher Campbell, who discusses cannabis accessibility. They tackle the alarming rise of psychotic episodes linked to high-THC strains and the neurodevelopmental risks for adolescents. The trio emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and exploring genetic factors that heighten risks, making it a vital conversation for anyone interested in mental health.

90 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 28min
Transference Focused Psychotherapy & Personality Disorders with Dr. Otto Kernberg
In this episode, Dr. Otto Kernberg, a pioneer of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), discusses personality disorders through a psychoanalytic lens. Explore key insights into Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), identity diffusion, primitive defense mechanisms such as splitting and projective identification, and the complexities of narcissistic, paranoid, schizoid, and histrionic personalities. Dr. Kernberg also shares reflections on sexuality, aggression, reflective functioning, and why therapists choose to help others. By listening to this episode, you can earn 1.5 Psychiatry CME Credits. Link to blog. Link to YouTube video.