Psychology In Seattle Podcast

Dr. Kirk Honda and Isaiah from Therapy Today tackle some eye-opening mental health topics. They debunk misconceptions around kink stereotypes and discuss the importance of consent. The conversation shifts to the allure of therapy careers fueled by social media, while they dissect the concept of limerence and its nuances. Isaiah shares insights from his YouTube journey, and they explore how good friends can sometimes provide support beyond therapy. Lastly, they examine the idea of being an 'empath' and its relation to trauma versus compassion.

Explore the chilling psychology behind Ted Bundy’s gruesome crimes. Delve into his early life, revealing familial and biological influences on his violent tendencies. Discover how his intense relationship with Stephanie Brooks may have sparked his horrific fantasies. The hosts dissect society's morbid fascination with serial killers and examine the impact of misogyny on Bundy’s psyche. Gain insights into his psychopathic traits and how they compare to less extreme forms of deception. A deep dive into the darkness of human behavior awaits!

Kirk and Bob dive into the complexities of grief and the hurdles people face when dealing with difficult emotions. They tackle the effects of shame and avoidance on personal growth and desires. A thought-provoking discussion on the impact of religious culture reveals how it shapes family dynamics. They also address the challenges of grieving a therapist's sudden death, exploring the nuances of memorialization. Finally, they weigh the pros and cons of couples sharing a therapist after infidelity, highlighting the need for balance in therapy.

Dive into a captivating discussion about the forensic theories surrounding JonBenét Ramsey's case and how expert testimony shapes public perception of trials. Kirk shares his thoughts on the film Weapons, contrasting it with the acclaimed K-pop Demon Hunters for its animation and storytelling. Explore the evolution of J-pop vs. K-pop, the appeal of K-dramas to older viewers, and the cultural resonance of storytelling in films like Licorice Pizza. Plus, enjoy Kirk's heartfelt apology to Humberto, highlighting their friendship's role in processing grief.

Dive into the Enneagram personality test and its rising popularity! The hosts tackle its scientific validity and how it’s viewed by skeptics. They explore whether it holds real value in therapy, despite some skepticism. Personal stories highlight how the Enneagram brings people together, especially in religious communities. Discover the curious balance between subjective usefulness and scientific backing, all while enjoying lively debates about personality testing.

In this conversation, Humberto Castaneda, a cultural commentator with a Colombian background, joins to explore the nuances of cultural appropriation versus appreciation. They discuss defining appropriation and the importance of intent and context, addressing misconceptions like the display of prayer flags. Humberto emphasizes that celebration can be positive, while Kirk presents a six-question test to evaluate cultural sensitivity. They also tackle real-life examples, including the Great British Bake-Off's Japan Week, highlighting the need for respectful representation.

Kirsten Palmer, an undergraduate psychology student and former funeral director, joins to delve into the psychology of Jeffrey Dahmer. They explore Dahmer's traumatic childhood, linking early experiences to his later violent tendencies. The discussion expands into the Dark Tetrad, revealing traits like low empathy and sadism. Kirk and Kirsten also examine societal fascination with serial killers, police oversights, and how masculinity influences violence. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of personality disorders and the complexities behind Dahmer's actions.

Discover surprising insights as attachment myths are debunked. Fathers can be primary caregivers, challenging traditional roles. The triune brain model falls short of capturing the complexities of attachment. Oxytocin isn't just the love hormone; its effects are more nuanced. Parenting hacks aren't universal, and attachment isn't solely linked to fear. Learn about good enough parenting and the intricacies of passing on attachment styles. Plus, explore the intersection of Buddhism and attachment theory.

Explore the nuances of attachment theory as myths are debunked. Delve into the concept of disorganized attachment in children and its complexities. Discover how it contrasts with other attachment styles and whether it truly is a fourth style. Learn why terminology varies among researchers and the challenges of measuring adult attachment compared to childhood. Gain insights into how disorganized attachment in childhood manifests in adulthood, and understand the idea that attachment patterns are neither good nor bad, but rather adaptive responses.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Yuval Laor, a cultural studies expert with a focus on sexual evolution, dives deep into the origins of sexual fetishes. He explains sexual imprinting using animal examples, highlighting how early experiences shape adult desires. Laor argues that cultural shifts influence sexual variability, while critiquing traditional definitions of paraphilias. The conversation also addresses the impact of childhood exposure on adult preferences and the complexity of imprinting, promoting a nonjudgmental perspective on sexual fantasies.