In this engaging conversation, Dr. Joel Whitebook, a philosopher and psychoanalyst at Columbia University, discusses his book on Freud's complex life and work. He argues that Freud's insights remain relevant, revealing the interplay between his personal struggles and theoretical contributions. The dialogue highlights Freud's relationship with maternal absence, the evolution of psychoanalytic thought, and the shift from Oedipal to pre-Oedipal frameworks. Whitebook also examines Freud's hidden traumas and their impact on his theories, providing a nuanced portrait of the father of psychoanalysis.

In a compelling discussion, Rachel Louise Moran, an associate professor at the University of North Texas, delves into her book on postpartum depression's complex history in America. She reveals how early stigmas shaped women's mental health narratives and how maverick advocates fought to legitimize their experiences. Moran highlights the evolution from trivializing 'baby blues' to recognizing severe mental health challenges, emphasizing the role of women’s activism and the intersection of health, culture, and politics in reshaping perceptions of motherhood.

Camille Robcis, a historian at Columbia University and author of "Disalienation," delves into the fascinating world of radical psychiatry in postwar France. She explores the dual nature of psychiatric institutions, revealing their potential for both oppression and liberation. The discussion highlights the interplay between political regimes and psychiatric practices, emphasizing the importance of collective care. Robcis also connects historical movements to current global political struggles, showcasing how these ideas can transform contemporary mental health discourse.

Frederick Crews, an Emeritus professor of English at UC Berkeley and a noted critic of Freudian theories, dives deep into Sigmund Freud's controversial legacy. He argues that Freud was not just brilliant but also a flawed individual driven by greed and ambition. Crews examines Freud’s early life through personal letters, critiques the dichotomy of myth and reality surrounding psychoanalysis, and questions its scientific validity today. The conversation contrasts empirical research with therapeutic practice, challenging long-held beliefs in the psychotherapy community.

Dive into the psychological depths of James Baldwin's 'Going to Meet the Man.' The discussion unpacks the turmoil of Jesse, a white police officer, as he navigates trauma, racial violence, and impotence. Learn how projective identification influences his relationships and reveals the burden of systemic racism. The interplay of racism and sexuality sheds light on the emotional toll of intergenerational trauma. Discover how Baldwin's critique of societal brutality illuminates power dynamics and their psychological repercussions.

Harry Max, a fractional executive in product design and development and an executive coach, discusses his insights from his book on prioritization. He emphasizes that effective prioritization brings freedom and reduces stress. Max shares practical strategies like the DEGAP® method and the 'daily boot' ritual to clarify goals. He also educates listeners on popular prioritization frameworks, such as the Eisenhower Matrix. By connecting personal experiences with corporate decision-making, he illustrates the psychological complexities involved in both solo and team priorities.

Marc Schuilenburg, a criminology professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, explores the pervasive nature of hysteria in modern society. He discusses how media shapes our fears surrounding crime and safety, framing public reactions historically linked to women's issues. By examining consumer behavior, he highlights the exaggerated responses to crises like pandemics and immigration. Schuilenburg argues that this cultural hysteria may hinder community engagement but can also serve as a catalyst for social change.

Charles Foster, a legal scholar, veterinary surgeon, and naturalist, delves into human evolution in his latest work. He shares experiences living as a Cro-Magnon hunter-gatherer, engaging in shamanic journeys, and exploring the significance of our senses. The conversation delves into the transition from nomadic lifestyles to agriculture, examining freedom versus security. Foster reflects on humanity's complex relationship with nature and our consciousness, urging a return to meaningful narratives that foster empathy and responsibility for the environment.

Sheva Rajaee, a licensed marriage and family therapist and director of the Center for Anxiety and OCD, offers a deep dive into Relationship Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (ROCD). She shares her insights on how cultural backgrounds influence OCD experiences and emphasizes love as a growth journey rather than an ideal. Topics include the blurred lines between caution and obsession in relationships and the unique cognitive habits that hinder intimacy. Rajaee also introduces practical strategies for supporting both individuals with ROCD and their loved ones.

In 1929, the United States government approved two ground-breaking and controversial drug addiction treatment programs. At a time when fears about a supposed rise in drug use reached a fevered pitch, the emergence of the nation’s first “narcotic farms” in Fort Worth, Texas, and Lexington, Kentucky, marked a watershed moment in the treatment of addiction. Rehab on the Range is the first in-depth history of the Fort Worth Narcotic Farm and its impacts on the American West. Throughout its operation from the 1930s to the 1970s, the institution was the only federally funded drug treatment center west of the Mississippi River. Designed to blend psychiatric treatment, physical rehabilitation, and vocational training, the Narcotic Farm, its proponents argued, would transform American treatment policies for the better. The reality was decidedly more complicated.In Rehab on the Range: A History of Addiction and Incarceration in the American West (University of Texas Press, 2024) Dr. Holly M. Karibo tells the story of how this institution—once framed as revolutionary for addiction care—ultimately contributed to the turn towards incarceration as the solution to the nation’s drug problem. Blending an intellectual history of addiction and imprisonment with a social history of addicts’ experiences, Rehab on the Range provides a nuanced picture of the Narcotic Farm and its cultural impacts. In doing so, it offers crucial historical context that can help us better understand our current debates over addiction, drug policy, and the rise of mass incarceration.This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology