In this episode of MindTricks Radio, Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Nya Smith dive into a lively and at times heated conversation about the future of artificial intelligence in psychotherapy. With Dr. Smith’s full consent, the discussion itself was generated through AI using cloned versions of both hosts’ voices. The episode takes a bold look at the rapidly changing landscape of mental health technology and challenges listeners to consider where AI fits in the world of human connection and healing. Together, Dr. Kaplan and Dr. Smith explore some of the most provocative questions facing the field. Can AI simulate empathy well enough to support real therapeutic change? Where does simulated presence break down when compared to the felt, intuitive experience between two people? How should clinicians think about ethics, emotional nuance, and the potential for AI to reshape access to care? Their debate moves from the promise of AI supported CBT to the limits of deep relational work and the risks that emerge when technology begins to feel almost human. This is a nuanced and evolving topic, one that is sure to stir strong feelings among therapists, technologists, and anyone curious about the future of mental health care. The conversation is candid, cordial, and intellectually charged. Whether you are excited about AI or deeply skeptical, this episode will leave you thinking about where we are headed and what role human connection should play in a world where our digital tools are becoming more emotionally convincing every day. Be sure to check out my blog post and a full transcript of the episode on my website: https://waikikihealth.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=1228&action=edit

In today’s episode of MindTricks Radio, I sit down with veteran grief counselor and author Cynthia White to explore how children experience and heal from loss. Drawing from over four decades of work with grieving children and families, Cynthia shares her “quantum model” of grief—an approach that views grief as living energy in the body, best understood through movement, play, and connection. Together, we unpack the differences between how children and adults grieve, the importance of honesty and safety in supporting young mourners, and the transformative power of allowing children to express emotion in their own way. Cynthia also reflects on the founding of Kids Hurt Too Hawaii, her years leading grief programs across the U.S. and Japan, and the universal human need to be seen, comforted, and believed in after loss. This heartfelt conversation offers parents, teachers, and clinicians fresh insight into the world of childhood grief—and reminds us that sharing grief is, in itself, an act of love and strength.

In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I meet up with guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston for a fast-moving deep dive into one of the most recognize, and often misunderstood, diagnoses in mental health: PTSD. Together they trace its fascinating evolution from “shell shock” and “combat fatigue” to today’s broader understanding that trauma comes in many forms. Then they get practical, unpacking what really counts as trauma, what the four PTSD symptom clusters look like in real life, and how to tell PTSD apart from its close cousins: acute stress disorder, adjustment disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, depression, even OCD. Whether you’re a clinician, a student, or just curious about why the word trauma seems to be everywhere, this episode will leave you smarter about how clinicians actually diagnose, and sometimes misdiagnose, post-traumatic stress. Please find a Blog post and the full transcript of this episode at my website: https://waikikihealth.com/blog/

What happens in the brain when we step outside our cultural bubble? In this week’s episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with neuroscientist and science writer Dr. Aditi Subramaniam to explore how cross-cultural experiences literally reshape the mind. From creativity and cognitive flexibility to empathy and resilience, we dig into the neuroscience behind what happens when we immerse ourselves in unfamiliar languages, customs, and perspectives. Dr. Subramaniam, who trained at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in India and now works with the Neuroscience Education Institute, shares fascinating insights about how bilingualism sharpens cognition, how rituals act as “neural training,” and why diverse cultural exposure can reduce prejudice and expand empathy. It’s an engaging, hopeful conversation about what it means to stay mentally agile in an increasingly interconnected world. Tune in for a lively blend of psychology, culture, and neuroscience, and discover why broadening your cultural horizons might be the best brain workout you’ll ever have. Please see my Blog post and full transcript of the episode here, at my website: https://waikikihealth.com/how-exposure-to-different-cultures-expands-the-mind-a-conversation-with-neuroscientist-dr-aditi-subramaniam/  

Ever catch yourself thinking, “I feel anxious, so something must be wrong” or “I feel guilty, so I must’ve screwed up”? In this episode, Dr. Aaron and Dr. Tyler Ralston unpack the sneaky distortion known as emotional reasoning—the habit of mistaking feelings for facts. They dive into how anxiety, guilt, and anger can trick us into believing our emotions are evidence of truth, explore why our brains fall for it, and share practical tools to break the cycle. From everyday examples to mindfulness and cognitive reframing, this episode will help you learn to see emotions as data, not directives.

Today I had a blast interviewing Dr. Noam Shpancer on this episode of Mind Tricks Radio. We talked about his upcoming book, Mental Fitness 101: Principles for Psychological Well-Being, and the timeless psychological lessons he’s distilled from decades of research, teaching, and clinical work. Dr. Shpancer explained how good mental health rests on two fundamental human needs: the need to belong and the need to be. From there, he shared practical principles that can help anyone strengthen their psychological resilience—embracing knowledge and competence, honoring but not overvaluing experience, developing flexibility instead of rigidity, and learning to face fear directly rather than avoiding it. What I loved most about this interview is how Dr. Shpancer makes these big ideas both accessible and immediately useful. He broke down how to manage emotions without being ruled by them, why we should treat our thoughts like “shoes in a store,” and how love, attachment, and even awareness of mortality can guide us toward a healthier and more meaningful life. Our conversation was both insightful and fun, with plenty of memorable examples and a few laughs along the way. If you’re looking for wisdom you can put into practice right now, this episode is a great place to start.   Please see my related Blog post and the Full Transcript of the episode here: https://waikikihealth.com/ten-core-principles-for-psychological-well-being/  

In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with Dr. Catherine Pittman, a psychologist, professor, and author of Taming Your Amygdala. We explore one of the brain’s most fascinating players: the amygdala. Sometimes called the brain’s “alarm system,” the amygdala is central to how we experience fear, anxiety, and even panic. Dr. Pittman brings warmth and clarity as she explains how this tiny almond-shaped structure drives the fight, flight, and freeze responses—and how understanding it can help us take back control when our emotions feel overwhelming. Through engaging stories, science, and practical insights, Dr. Pittman breaks down why some people have more reactive amygdalas than others, how fear conditioning works, and what it means to truly “tame” this ancient part of the brain. She emphasizes that while our amygdala may be instinctual and automatic, it can also learn and adapt, giving us powerful tools for overcoming anxiety and reshaping old fear patterns. Whether you’re a clinician, a student of psychology, or just someone who’s ever felt hijacked by worry, this conversation offers an accessible and encouraging guide to building a healthier relationship with your own amygdala. Please check out my Blog post on this episode which contains an abridged transcript: https://waikikihealth.com/taming-the-amygd…atherine-pittman/ ‎  

In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona to explore the concept of Playing It Safe Moves. Growing up in Bolivia during political unrest shaped her early understanding of fear, and her path from philosophy to psychology brings a rich, thoughtful lens to her work. We talk about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral tools, and her unique “Advisory Board” metaphor for understanding the chatter of our anxious minds. Dr. Zurita explains how values-based living and mindfulness can transform the way we approach anxiety—from public speaking jitters to everyday worry. Instead of “playing it safe,” she shows how to take meaningful action even when discomfort shows up, and why aligning our choices with what matters most is the real path to growth. Engaging, insightful, and practical, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to live more fully and how to challenge ourselves when we "play it safe." A Blog Post and Full Transcript on this subject and the about my interview with Dr. Zurita Ona can be found on my website at: https://waikikihealth.com/how-we-use-playi…ope-with-anxiety/

In this episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I sit down with clinical psychologist Dr. Isabelle Morley to talk about her eye-opening new book, They’re Not Gaslighting You. We dive into the world of “therapy speak” gone wild—how words like narcissist, toxic, gaslighting, and OCD are being thrown around on social media and in relationships, often in ways that do more harm than good. Dr. Morley unpacks the real meanings behind these terms, why accuracy matters, and how over-pathologizing can wreck our connections with others. We also chat about setting boundaries, the impact of armchair diagnosing, and what rom-coms get hilariously wrong about relationships. Smart, insightful, and seriously refreshing—this is one you don’t want to miss.

I had a blast interviewing psychiatrist and author Dr. Joseph Pierre, who joined me to explore why false beliefs are so compelling—and so hard to shake. We dive into his book False: How Mistrust, Disinformation, and Motivated Reasoning Make Us Believe Things That Aren’t True, and talk delusions, the slippery boundary between pathology and normal belief, and how the internet, identity, and algorithms shape what we think is true. From cognitive biases to the power of repetition, and from free speech dilemmas to AI’s role in misinformation, this episode is a fast-paced tour through the psychology of belief—and what it takes to think critically in a post-truth world.

In this lively episode, Dr. Aaron Kaplan teams up with psychologist and friend Dr. Tyler Ralston to unpack one of psychology’s most curious and relatable phenomena: learned helplessness—why we sometimes just give up even when the door’s wide open. From Seligman’s shocking (literally) dog experiments to how pessimism shows up in everyday life—relationships, work, personal setbacks—they explore how helplessness gets wired into us…and more importantly, how we can rewire it. Along the way, they riff on learned optimism, cognitive therapy, and the art of getting unstuck. Equal parts insight and banter, this episode might just nudge you toward a more hopeful outlook—no toxic positivity required.

In this thought-provoking episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we conduct a simulated conversation with legendary social psychologist Dr. Stanley Milgram, brought to life through AI. Best known for his groundbreaking—and deeply controversial—obedience experiments at Yale University in the early 1960s, Milgram explored the unsettling ease with which ordinary people comply with authority, even when it leads to harming others. Drawing from his real writings, lectures, and legacy, this imagined interview delves into the origins of his work, the ethical firestorm it ignited, and the disturbing psychological mechanisms that enable systemic cruelty. We also explore the modern-day implications of Milgram’s findings—how obedience plays out in today’s world of social media, algorithmic control, corporate hierarchies, and mass surveillance. With sharp insight and sobering relevance, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the conditions that give rise to blind compliance—and the courage it takes to say "no." Thanks for tuning in!

In this special episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we sit down with one of the most influential voices in existential psychology—Dr. Rollo May. Well… an AI-generated version of him! Using advanced AI tools, we bring to life a fictional conversation with Dr. May, whose work helped shape modern psychology’s understanding of anxiety, freedom, and the human struggle for authenticity. Known for powerful works like Love and Will, The Courage to Create, and Man’s Search for Himself, Rollo May offered a deeply philosophical and humanistic perspective on what it means to live—and to live meaningfully. In this speculative dialogue, we explore May’s core ideas, including existential anxiety, the fear of freedom, and the challenge of living authentically in a world that often pulls us away from ourselves. He reflects on his personal battle with illness, his philosophical influences from Kierkegaard to Nietzsche, and the importance of embracing responsibility in the face of uncertainty. Whether you’re a therapist, student, or simply someone reflecting on life’s big questions, this episode offers a grounded, wise, and deeply compassionate look at the human condition. This conversation is part of our ongoing series of AI-generated interviews with pioneering figures in psychology. As always, what you’ll hear is a fictional recreation based on Dr. May’s published work, lectures, and available biographical material. The voices you hear—including that of Dr. May and my own—are AI-generated voice clones created for educational and historical exploration. So sit back, reflect, and join us for an illuminating journey into the world of Rollo May—an enduring voice for those seeking depth, meaning, and the courage to be. Thanks for tuning in!

In this special episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we sit down with one of the most profound voices in the history of psychology—Dr. Viktor Frankl. Well… an AI-generated version of him! Using cutting-edge technology, we recreate a fictional conversation with the legendary psychiatrist, Holocaust survivor, and founder of Logotherapy, exploring his timeless insights on meaning, suffering, and the human will to endure. Dr. Frankl’s revolutionary ideas emerged from unimaginable darkness—his experience in Nazi concentration camps during World War II—and became a beacon of hope for millions through his seminal work Man’s Search for Meaning. In this speculative interview, we dive into his belief that the primary drive in human beings is not pleasure or power, but the search for purpose. Whether you're a psychologist, student, or someone navigating your own questions about life and meaning, this episode offers a powerful and deeply human exploration of resilience, responsibility, and what it truly means to live a meaningful life—even in the face of suffering. This is part of my continuing series of AI-generated conversations with influential figures in psychology. Of course, these interviews are fictional recreations based on historical writings, lectures, and public domain materials. The voices you hear—including that of Dr. Frankl and myself—are generated using AI voice-cloning models to bring history to life in a new way. So tune in and join us for a one-of-a-kind exploration into the mind of Viktor Frankl—an enduring voice of courage, clarity, and compassion. Thanks for tuning in!

In this solo episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I take you on a fascinating journey into the world of dream analysis—exploring why our dreams can be gateways to understanding deeper parts of ourselves. Drawing from classic theories by Freud and Jung, as well as my own experience as a therapist, I share my personalized approach to interpreting dreams inspired by Gestalt therapy pioneer Fritz Perls. You'll discover how each element of your dream—from people and animals to bizarre symbols—represents different aspects of your inner life. Through an imaginary dream scenario, we'll see how giving these dream elements their own voices can unlock surprising insights and emotional clarity. If you’ve ever wondered what your dreams are trying to tell you, tune in—and find out how to start your own conversation with your unconscious mind. Thanks for tuning in!

In today's Distortion of the Day, I explore the concept of Gaslighting,  a psychological tactic used to manipulate someone into questioning their reality, perceptions, and memories. Learn how to identify genuine gaslighting, recognize its harmful psychological impacts, and understand why accurately using the term matters in both relationships and broader conversations. Distortions of the Day! are brief episodes running under 10 minutes where I introduce psychological concepts in a fun, practical, useful way. Thanks for tuning in!

In this unique episode of Mind Tricks Radio, I conduct a thought-provoking AI-generated interview with the legendary Dr. Albert Ellis, the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Using artificial intelligence to recreate Dr. Ellis’s voice and insights, this conversation delves into the principles of REBT, the power of rational thinking, and the importance of challenging irrational beliefs. Dr. Ellis shares stories of his groundbreaking park therapy sessions, the evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy, and his perspective on psychology’s biggest debates—all with his signature wit and directness. It's an engaging exploration of REBT’s lasting impact and a glimpse into the mind of one of psychology’s most influential figures. Thanks for tuning in!

In this special episode of Mind Tricks Radio, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the legendary Carl Rogers—well, an AI-generated version of him! Using cutting-edge technology, we recreate a fictional interview with one of psychology’s most influential figures, exploring his revolutionary ideas on person-centered therapy, empathy, and self-actualization. Dr. Rogers' legacy reshaped not only psychotherapy but also education, leadership, and conflict resolution, emphasizing deep listening, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. Whether you're a psychologist, student, or simply fascinated by the human mind, this episode offers a compelling look at how Rogers' insights continue to shape our understanding of personal growth and meaningful change. Tune in and experience a one-of-a-kind exploration into the mind of a true pioneer. Thanks for tuning in!

Today, I had a lively conversation with my friend, colleague, and guest co-host Dr. Tyler Ralston the cognitive distortion known as Hindsight Bias. We explored why things seem so obvious in retrospect and how our brains trick us into believing we ‘knew it all along.’ From history to everyday decisions, we unpack how hindsight bias shapes our thinking—and how to spot it before it leads us astray! Thanks for tuning in!

Today I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the great psychologists and thinkers of the 20th century -- Dr. B. F. Skinner, the father of radical behaviorism. Dr. Skinner discusses his groundbreaking work on operant conditioning, reinforcement, and how behavioral principles shape everything from education to therapy to society itself. We explore his controversial views on free will, his utopian vision in Walden Two, and the lasting impact of his theories. Is our behavior truly our own, or is it just the product of environmental forces?  Wait... What's that? Yes Skinner passed away in 1990! This interview with Dr. Skinner marks the second episode in my new project -- interviews with influential thinkers and clinicians who have passed away but remain prominent figures in the development of the field. I utilize artificial intelligence to clone and recreate the voices of these figures, and to create meaningful dialogue in an interview format consistent with the Mind Tricks Radio format. With the use of AI, we have an opportunity to continue benefiting in new and unique ways from the important work conducted by Dr. Skinner and his contribution to the field. Please take a listen and let me know what you think. The technology is not perfect, but I will be working to refine the process over time. Please let me know if you have any requests or suggestions for future interviews. Thanks for tuning in!