When East Meets West

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When East Meets West

Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D.

131 episodes

1 week ago

We are bringing back the episode where Howard Spector shares how his journey from psychology student to tech entrepreneur led him to create Simple Practice, a business management software now used by over 100,000 healthcare providers and earning recognition as one of Forbes' best startup employers. • Discovered his passion for psychology as a teenager through Carl Jung's works • Attended Pacifica Graduate Institute for psychology training which became transformative • Created "Track Your Hou...

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Religion & Spirituality,

Health & Fitness,

Social Sciences

All content for When East Meets West is the property of Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

We are bringing back the episode where Howard Spector shares how his journey from psychology student to tech entrepreneur led him to create Simple Practice, a business management software now used by over 100,000 healthcare providers and earning recognition as one of Forbes' best startup employers. • Discovered his passion for psychology as a teenager through Carl Jung's works • Attended Pacifica Graduate Institute for psychology training which became transformative • Created "Track Your Hou...

Show more...

Religion & Spirituality,

Health & Fitness,

Social Sciences

Episodes (20/131)

When East Meets West

REWIND Becoming Human-First: Howard Spector's Simple Practice Journey

We are bringing back the episode where Howard Spector shares how his journey from psychology student to tech entrepreneur led him to create Simple Practice, a business management software now used by over 100,000 healthcare providers and earning recognition as one of Forbes' best startup employers. • Discovered his passion for psychology as a teenager through Carl Jung's works • Attended Pacifica Graduate Institute for psychology training which became transformative • Created "Track Your Hou...

6 months ago

33 minutes

When East Meets West

REWIND Worry vs. Rumination: The Covert Behaviors We All Do

6 months ago

17 minutes

When East Meets West

REWIND Existentialism Meets Behaviorism: Finding Meaning in a Finite Life

From season 1, we being back the intersection of existentialism and behaviorism with our first guest, Dr. Robin Walser, discussing how these seemingly different approaches overlap in addressing life's fundamental questions about meaning and conscious living. • Both existentialism and ACT focus on being conscious and alive, asking what meaning we will create given our finite time • Rather than waiting for the perfect moment to live, ACT helps bring us into the present to create meaning now • ...

6 months ago

33 minutes

When East Meets West

REWIND Sex, Connection, and the Human Experience

Dr. Pete and Dr. Nikki explore the complex relationship between sex and human connection, examining how sexual behavior can foster intimacy with others and oneself beyond simplistic cultural narratives. • Sex and intimacy are distinct concepts—intimacy can be as simple as holding hands or sharing a meaningful glance • America's puritanical roots have created unnecessary shame and rigid boundaries around sexual expression • Sexual fluidity exists on a spectrum, and passing thoughts don't nece...

7 months ago

22 minutes

When East Meets West

REWIND Into Where East Meets West: Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin

Psychologists Dr. Pete Economou and Dr. Nikki Rubin re-introduce their podcast bridging Eastern mindfulness practices with Western behavioral science. They share their professional backgrounds, personal journeys with mindfulness, and mission to make psychological science accessible to help people suffer less. • Pete is a PhD counseling psychologist, Zen practitioner, and associate professor at Rutgers University • Nikki is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral...

7 months ago

24 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E30 The Five-Year Evolution of a Friendship turned Podcast

Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin celebrate five years since their first podcast collaboration, reflecting on how their journey began during the pandemic and evolved into a successful partnership despite initial reluctance. • Pete convinced Nikki to start podcasting during the pandemic despite her private nature • Nikki went from "kicking and screaming" to embracing the podcast after experiencing how fun it was • Five years provides a meaningful timeframe for reflection on personal and professional gro...

7 months ago

14 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E29 Youth vs. Youthfulness

We explore the difference between youth as a chronological stage and youthfulness as a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life, examining how these concepts influence our approach to aging and personal growth. • Youth is a developmental stage where we test boundaries and build character through experiences • The natural risk-taking of youth serves an important purpose in development • Social media has complicated modern youth by making information about risks more accessible • As we a...

7 months ago

13 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E28 Branding Discomfort: When Authenticity Meets Visual Identity

We explore the uncomfortable yet necessary world of professional branding from our perspective as psychologists. Despite one of us actively disliking branding while simultaneously being considered a private practice celebrity, we unpack how visual representation communicates our values even when we resist traditional marketing approaches. • Tension between authentic representation and curated professional images • The discomfort many practitioners feel about social media management and self-...

8 months ago

11 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E27 Exploring Koans and Spiritual Wisdom Across Cultures

Can koans untangle the complexities of our minds and offer a path to mental clarity? Explore this fascinating possibility with our special guest, Nikki, who passionately shares her experiences with these intricate Zen riddles. By challenging the intellectual mind, koans invite us into a space of simplicity and stillness, a concept that resonates deeply with the practice of meditation. We also reflect on how younger generations are more receptive to integrating mindfulness into their daily liv...

8 months ago

15 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E26 OCD Awareness: Beyond the Stereotypes

Unlock the true complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with us as we shatter common stereotypes and misconceptions. Have you ever wondered if OCD is more than meticulous hand-washing or repetitive checking? Discover the hidden layers of this disorder, including the intriguing "pure O" subtypes where compulsions are mental rather than physical. We'll share our personal journeys through the evolving landscape of OCD treatment and training, emphasizing the critical need for specialized kn...

8 months ago

19 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E25 Understanding Memory: Strengths, Failures, and Resilience

We explore the fascinating complexities of memory, discussing how it functions, the different types, and the factors affecting recall. Listeners gain insights into the fragility of memory, including false memories, the nature of repressed memories, and the impact of memory disorders like dementia. • The distinctions between long-term and short-term memory • The influence of sensory input on memory recall • The phenomenon and implications of false memories • Understandi...

9 months ago

16 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E24 Resilience in the Aftermath: Healing Collective Trauma in Los Angeles

This episode delves into the concept of collective trauma through the lens of the recent fires in Los Angeles. We explore resilience, coping strategies, and the importance of community support in the aftermath of such devastating events. • Defining collective trauma and its impact on communities • Personal experiences with the recent L.A. fires • Importance of vulnerability and sharing in healing • Cognitive behavioral therapy versus acceptance and commitment therapy ...

9 months ago

17 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E23 The Art of Friend Dating in Modern Times

Navigating friendships in adulthood can feel daunting, but understanding it as "friend dating" opens up new possibilities for connection. By focusing on personal interests and being open to vulnerability, listeners can cultivate meaningful relationships in their lives.• The significance of "friend dating" as a metaphor • The impact of adult responsibilities on friendships • Regional differences in friendship dynamics • Practical activities for finding like-minded individuals&nb...

9 months ago

20 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E22 The First of Four Noble Truths: Suffering and Peace

This episode delves into the First Noble Truth of Buddhism, which asserts the inevitability of suffering as a universal human experience. We discuss the differences between pain and suffering, the implications of expectations on our emotional state, and how Buddhist practices can help us cope with life's challenges. • Explaining the First Noble Truth and its significance • Understanding suffering as a universal experience • Distinguishing between pain and suffering • The r...

9 months ago

17 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E21 Midlife Crisis or Mindful Transformation: Understanding Change

In this episode, we delve into the concept of the midlife crisis, exploring its validity and how personal narratives shape our experiences. We discuss the intersection of cultural expectations and individual identity while highlighting the potential for growth during significant life transitions. • Defining and discussing the midlife crisis and its prevalence • Personal stories reflecting various life stages' struggles • The importance of distinguishing between crisis and trans...

9 months ago

15 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E20 Introspection and Growth in the New Year

Ever wondered why New Year’s resolutions often feel like they’re woven from the same fairy tale fabric as Cinderella’s midnight transformation? Join us on this whimsical exploration of fresh starts, where we poke fun at the cultural expectation of overnight success while offering insights from our therapeutic experiences. This episode encourages listeners to consider a more fluid approach to New Year’s resolutions, emphasizing intentions over rigid goals. We explore how to structure pers...

10 months ago

19 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E19 Stress-Free Tips for a Fulfilling Holiday Season

Feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos and the pressure to be perfect? Let’s explore a refreshing perspective on how embracing imperfections can actually lead to a more fulfilling holiday season. As we gather around festive tables and navigate family dynamics, we discuss the importance of lowering expectations to reduce stress and invite authenticity. Whether you're working through the holidays or just trying to make it through without losing your cool, we’re here to share our personal insights...

11 months ago

17 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E18 The Power of a Nuanced Mindset

Ever wondered why we tend to see the world in black-and-white terms? Discover the hidden complexities of our thought processes and learn how embracing nuance can transform how you understand reality and connect with others. In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the limits of binary thinking and introduce you to the concept of dialectical thinking—holding two opposing ideas at once. We draw inspiration from cognitive and behavioral therapies, meditation, and Eastern spiritual tradition...

11 months ago

17 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E17 Rethinking Thankfulness in Holiday Times

What if the secret to a more abundant life lies in something as simple as gratitude? Join us as we embark on a thoughtful exploration of gratitude's complex nature, especially as we approach the holiday season. We'll unravel the subtle distinctions between gratitude, thankfulness, and appreciation, and discuss how cultural practices and lifestyle choices, such as abstaining from alcohol and caffeine, can foster mental clarity and a deeper sense of gratitude. With insights drawn from both psyc...

11 months ago

17 minutes

When East Meets West

S4E16 Breaking Free from Tradition: A Path to Joy

What happens when a tradition starts to feel more like a burden than a joy? Join us as we navigate the nuanced world of holiday customs, from the heartwarming to the hilariously rigid. We kick off with personal stories, revealing how attending Alvin Ailey performances in New York has evolved from a cherished ritual to a topic of reflection. Traditions can be a comforting presence, weaving joy and connection into our lives, but they can also become stifling obligations. We share light-hearted ...

11 months ago

15 minutes