In this episode of Discover U, join host JD Kalmenson as he and Mari discuss the psychological impact of social media algorithms and how they are psychologically designed to keep us hooked with unpredictable content. They explore signs of hope that society may be reaching what author Arthur Brooks calls a "Peak Addiction Point" with devices and is beginning to seek real, offline connection. Mari offers an introduction to the Human Design system, a tool she describes as a fusion of anci...

From the casino-like "pull-to-refresh" feature to the rise of the TikTok diagnosis, our devices have a much deeper impact on our mental health than we realize. In this compelling episode of Discover U, media psychologist Dr. Don Grant explains the psychological tricks technology uses to keep us hooked and how it's affecting our relationships and well-being. Join guest host Amy Charlesworth as she and Dr. Grant discuss: The concepts of "technoference" and "absent presence" in our daily inter...

What if the labels we carry like "procrastinator" or "depressed" aren't who we truly are? In this insightful conversation, therapist, writer, and creator Shari Foos explores the power of changing our personal narratives to improve our mental well-being. Join host JD Kalmenson on Discover U to learn about: The core ideas behind Narrative Therapy and how it separates a person from their problem. Shari's unique group experience, The Narrative Method, which uses creative writing to foster deep ...

Welcome to Discover U! On this episode, straight from the Emerging Themes Behavioral Health Conference, host JD Kalmenson (CEO of Montclair Behavioral Health) talks with the one-and-only Dr. Skip Rizzo. He's the brains behind Medical Virtual Reality at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies, and he’s got some mind-blowing stuff to share. Dr. Rizzo breaks down how VR is becoming a total game-changer for mental well-being. You'll hear about: (00:01:13) The awesome "Game Boy story" that fir...

This podcast features an interview with Dr. Markus Rogan, a former Olympic gold medalist who transitioned into the field of behavioral health and mental health counseling. The discussion covers Dr. Rogan's unorthodox personal journey, including his family's history and his own conversion to Judaism. Key topics discussed include: Dr. Rogan's shift from elite athletics to mental health work, and how he found meaning and fulfillment in helping others rather than pursuing individual athletic glor...

In this fascinating conversation, Dr. Gita Vaid, a board-certified psychiatrist and psychoanalyst based in Manhattan, discusses the emerging field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Dr. Vaid shares her expertise on MDMA and ketamine, explaining their potential for treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship issues. The discussion covers: The unique benefits of MDMA and ketamine in psychotherapyHow these medicines can help process trauma and increase self-awarenessThe potential for psyc...

JD Kalmenson interviews Marc Brackett, PhD., to understand the territory of Emotional Intelligence. What exactly is it? What are the skills necessary to navigate difficult emotions, and how can emotions affect our thinking? Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 8 of the Discover U Podcast: How does our Emotional Intelligence affect our Mental Health? Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ Marc is the founding director of the ...

Montare Media presents this week’s episode of the Discover U Podcast: How Our Relationships Affect Our Mental Health, with Katherine Woodward Thomas-- A fresh perspective on relationships, and their developmental role in our lives JD Kalmenson, CEO of Montare Behavioral Health, a dynamic and comprehensive mental and behavioral health company in Southern California, interviews Katherine Woodward Thomas, a renowned author, teacher and therapist who has helped thousands of people around the worl...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 23 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Is Addiction a Brain Disease? With Dr. Mark Gold, MD Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson’s interviews Dr. Mark Gold, MD to understand the history of chemical dependency, and process addictions, seen through the lens of a prominent researcher and medical doctor. Dr. Gold gives the audience an idea of how difficult it wa...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 22 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Understanding the Needs of Multicultural Populations in Behavioral Healthcare, with Dr. Norman Kim, PhD. Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson’s interviews Dr. Norman Kim, the co-founder of the Institute for Antiracism and Equity, as well as the Diversity chair of the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry,...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 21 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Facing Addiction with Anna Lembke, MD Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson’s interviews Dr. Anna Lembke about her latest book, Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence, which explores why our relentless pursuit of pleasure ultimately leads to pain. Living in a time of unprecedented access to high-reward...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 20 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: How to Raise Children Who Thrive with Michele Borba, Ed.D Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson’s interviews Dr. Michele Borba about her latest book, Thrivers, which outlines the character traits most correlated with resilience, and suggests simple every-day things parents can do to develop these in their children. Dr. Borba s...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 19 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Healing from Eating Disorders with Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LSCSW-C. Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson’s interview with Jennifer Rollin, MSW, LCSW-C, brings a nuanced perspective to the wide-ranging world of eating disorders. Jennifer discusses the connection between various symptoms and their underlying causes– from genetic ...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 18 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Understanding Postpartum Depression with Cathy Dore, LMFT. Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson interviews Cathy Dore, LMFT, to shed light on the unique challenges to women’s mental health during the pregnancy and postpartum period. Understanding the difference between “baby blues” and a more serious depressive event, is just...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 17 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: How EMDR Works for Trauma and Grief, with Roger Solomon, PhD. Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson interviews Roger Solomon, PhD, an expert in EMDR therapy, to learn about how this evidence-based modality effectively rewires a traumatized nervous system. Note that Dr. Solomon was traveling to the Ukraine to deliver care to wa...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 16 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Trauma as Opportunity for Healing with Gina Tabrizy Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson interviews Gina Tabrizy, who shares her story of hope and healing as a therapist, and as a trauma survivor and thriver. Gina believes anyone is capable of overcoming and healing their past. Her positive message is life-affirming and inspi...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 15 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Essential Elements for Effective Group Therapy with Nick Jaworski JD Kalmenson interviews Nick Jaworski, an expert in behavioral health strategy, to learn about where most group therapy goes awry, and what both providers and patients can do to improve their experiences. Nick draws on his years as an educator to discuss techniques to promote greater engagement, motivation, and skill building during therapy...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 14 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Understanding Sex Addiction with David Fawcett, PhD, LCSW. Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson interviews David Fawcett, PhD, LCSW, to learn about the somewhat still taboo topic of sex addiction. Questions explored include; what makes it different from other addictive disorders? What are some of the underlying causes? ...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 13 of the Discover U Podcast with JD Kalmenson: Art Therapy- How Creativity Can Heal, with Sarah Gallop, LMFT, ATR JD Kalmenson interviews Sarah Gallop, LMFT, ATR, a psychotherapist and registered art therapist, and owner of Creative Space Art Therapy, with practices in Los Angeles and Denver. Learn about how the act of creating art with color, line and shape can reveal hidden, unhealed aspects of unconscious material. Once brought to consciousness, t...

Montare Media presents Season 2, episode 12 of the Discover U Podcast: MDMA, A New Frontier in Treating PTSD, with Willa Hall, PhD Learn More about Montare Behavioral Health: https://montarebehavioralhealth.com/about/digital-library/ JD Kalmenson interviews Willa Hall, PhD, who is a facilitator and trainer in the MAPS phase 3 clinical trials being done with MDMA to treat severe PTSD. Learn about the exciting new breakthroughs possible with the assistance of MDMA, and how each session is condu...