Relationships 2.0 With Dr. Michelle Skeen

About the book: Combining humor, honesty, and plainspoken advice, Momma Zen distills the doubts and frustrations of parenting into vignettes of Zen wisdom. Drawing on her experience as a first-time mother, and on her years of Zen meditation and study, Miller explores how the daily challenges of parenthood can become the most profound spiritual journey of our lives. This compelling and wise memoir follows the timeline of early motherhood from pregnancy through toddlerhood. Momma Zen takes readers on a transformative journey, charting a mother’s growth beyond naive expectations and disorientation to finding fulfillment in ordinary tasks, developing greater self-awareness and acceptance—to the gradual discovery of “maternal bliss,” a state of abiding happiness and ease that is available to us all. In her gentle and reassuring voice, Karen Miller convinces us that ancient and authentic spiritual lessons can be as familiar as a lullaby, as ordinary as pureed peas, and as frequent as a sleepless night. She of

About the book: Full is the true, poignant story of one woman’s spiritual journey as she recovers from anorexia, eases the emotional pain of her hunger through yoga and Buddhism, and finally becomes full. In this inspiring and captivating memoir, Kimber Simpkins captures vividly—with piercing insight, raw emotion, and often humor—the all-consuming hunger she felt on a daily basis as a result of an eating disorder. Sick of dieting and hating her body, Simpkins decides to get to the bottom of her unhappy relationship with her body. That’s when she discovers the healing power of yoga and Buddhism. Along the way, Simpkins realizes her hunger isn’t simply physical, but that it comes from a place deep inside her. Through the wise teachings of yoga and meditation, Simpkins discovers she doesn’t have to live in a prison of self-dissatisfaction. In fact, by understanding the root of her pain and learning to love herself in body, mind, and spirit, Simpkins is able to truly set herself free. As she wrestles with h

About the show: From Molli: Have you ever wondered why you’re here, what your purpose is, and where you’re going next? Ya know, the big, existential, down-the-rabbit-hole kinda questions that can be scary as hell? My mom says I’ve been asking those question since I was 5 years old (yes, I know, an existential crisis at 5 — don’t worry, I’ve had about 3 more since then, we’ll get to those later). Whether you were a spiritually inquisitive 5 year old, or are 30 and have yet to ask, living our most awesome lives begins when we start getting curious. What is our purpose? What brings us joy? How can we access it and share more of it? We all have unique gifts and talents, and I believe they’re designed for two things: 1. To bring us joy and fulfillment 2. To positively impact the world around us Whether you’re a nurse or a teacher; a florist or baker; an animal shelter owner or an artist, each of us have qualities and talents, and the way in which we access and share them is unique to our personality. F

About the book: Ever wondered why you’re feeling out of balance, stressed-out, sick, and exhausted but still can’t sleep? Western medicine often ignores the underlying issues that can lead to fatigue, illness, and disease, but there is a way to revitalize your body and mind without drugs or dangerous side effects. Ayurveda, the “science of life,” is a complete wellness system that includes all that we associate with medical care — prevention of disease, observation, diagnosis, and treatment — as well as self-care practices that are generally absent from Western medicine. This truly holistic approach considers not just diet, exercise, and genetics but also relationships, life purpose, finances, environment, and past experiences. In this thorough and practical book, Michelle Fondin guides you gently through self-assessment questions designed to zero in on your needs and the best practices for addressing them, such as eating plans, addiction treatment, detoxification, and techniques for improving relationships.

About the book: Starting Monday is based on the simple premise that when our behaviors don’t align with our expressed intentions, we’ve got a conflict going on, often outside of our awareness. The book helps readers dig deeply into their psyches to figure out what mistaken beliefs and needless fears are holding them back from achieving their health and fitness goals. The polarized feelings for disregulated eaters to identify and resolve fall within these 7 key areas: 1) create lasting change, 2) making conscious choices, 3) feel deserving, 4) how to comfort themselves, 5) know what’s enough, 6) manage intimacy, and 7) developing a healthy identity. Starting Monday first helps readers unearth their mixed feelings in these seven areas, then teaches them how to change their beliefs and behaviors to resolve them. Using humor, plain talk, examples from her clinical experience, reflection exercises, case studies, and homework, Koenig lets troubled eaters know that their yo-yo patterns of eating and self care are

About the book: Learn the secrets instinctively known to charismatic, persuasive communicators and reap the rewards of stronger relationships and increased influence in every area of life. Communicating effectively is a learned behavior. Virtually anyone can become a more influential and persuasive communicator. This ground-breaking book reveals concrete methods proven over 35 years of research, teaching, and consulting to address a wide range of communication challenges that organizations and individuals face. Readers learn to raise delicate issues, convince without being overbearing, and to constructively resolve conflict and criticism. Based on international award-winning research, Be Quiet, Be Heard rejects canned formulas that leave little room for adaptability. When people attempt to speak using pre-packaged sound bytes, others see right through the one-size-fits-all technique. In lieu of staid formulas, this book offers models that provide flexible guidelines and progressive steps that can be easily ad

About the book: Learn the secrets instinctively known to charismatic, persuasive communicators and reap the rewards of stronger relationships and increased influence in every area of life. Communicating effectively is a learned behavior. Virtually anyone can become a more influential and persuasive communicator. This ground-breaking book reveals concrete methods proven over 35 years of research, teaching, and consulting to address a wide range of communication challenges that organizations and individuals face. Readers learn to raise delicate issues, convince without being overbearing, and to constructively resolve conflict and criticism. Based on international award-winning research, Be Quiet, Be Heard rejects canned formulas that leave little room for adaptability. When people attempt to speak using pre-packaged sound bytes, others see right through the one-size-fits-all technique. In lieu of staid formulas, this book offers models that provide flexible guidelines and progressive steps that can be easily ad

About the book: Reclaim Inner Strength, Courage, and Faith Joan of Arc, the fourteenth-century teenager who led the armies of France before facing the Inquisition, stands as the quintessential icon of feminine courage and faith. These are the attributes most needed by women facing a diagnosis of cancer or any life-threatening disease. Drawing directly from the words Joan spoke at her trial, author Janet Lynn Roseman presents thirty-one Flames of Courage and thirty-one Gateways to be used over the course of a month or a year to resurrect inner fortitude and create an environment for healing. Her approach encompasses body, mind, and spirit and will help you access and reclaim your personal power to find healing and peace in your journey. About the author: Janet Lynn Roseman Ph.D. is an author,teacher and intuitive healer. She was the David Larson Fellow in Spirituality and Medicine at the Kluge Center for Scholars at the Library of Congress and the author of several books. Dr. Roseman specializes in spiritu

About the book: Depression can feel like a downward spiral, pulling you into a vortex of sadness, fatigue, and apathy. In The Upward Spiral, neuroscientist Alex Korb demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, this book provides dozens of straightforward tips you can do every day to rewire your brain and create an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life. Whether you suffer from depression or just want a better understanding of the brain, this book offers an engaging and informative look at the neuroscience behind our emotions, thoughts, and actions. The truth is that there isn’t one big solution to depression, but there are numerous simple steps you can take to alter brain activity and chemistry. Some are as easy as relaxing certain muscles to reduce anxiety, or getting more sunlight to improve your mood. Small steps in the right direction can have profound effects—givin

About the book: Long-term happiness in love depends on a couple’s ability to repair the inevitable rifts and differences, large and small, that occur in any relationship. Neuroscience suggests that relationship upsets are best mended quickly, or they accumulate in long-term memory, increase reactive communication, and become harder to repair successfully. And good repair takes five minutes or less! This book offers practical tools and suggested scripts for resolving problems and having your needs met. Following its guidance, you can turn difficulties into opportunities to foster love, trust, and thriving intimacy. About the author: Susan Campbell has long worked as a relationship coach and teamwork consultant to Fortune 500 companies and has authored six books.

This week my guest is Terry Matlen MSW, author of The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done. About the book: Do you rule the realm of disorganization, clutter, and chaos? Are you constantly battling to get things done? Are you ready to give up and toss your day planner into the dungeon (otherwise known as your closet)? If so, you might just be The Queen of Distraction. And whether or not you’ve been formally diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you probably already know that something’s got to give. The Queen of Distraction presents practical skills to help women with ADHD achieve focus and balance in all areas of life, whether it’s at home, at work, or in relationships. Psychotherapist Terry Matlen delves into the feminine side of ADHD—the elements of this condition that are particular to women, such as: relationships, skin sensitivities, meal-planning, parenting, and dealing with out-of-control hormones. In addition, the boo

This week on Relationships 2.0 my guest is renowned psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom author of Creatures of A Day: And Other Tales of Psychotherapy. About the book: “All of us are creatures of a day,” wrote Marcus Aurelius, “rememberer and remembered alike.” In his long-awaited new collection of stories, renowned psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom describes his patients’ struggles—as well as his own—to come to terms with the two great challenges of existence: how to have a meaningful life, and how to reckon with its inevitable end. In these pages, we meet a nurse, angry and adrift in a morass of misery where she has lost a son to a world of drugs and crime, and yet who must comfort the more privileged through their own pain; a successful businessman who, in the wake of a suicide, despairs about the gaps and secrets that infect every relationship; a newly minted psychologist whose study of the human condition damages her treasured memories of a lost friend; and a man whose rejection of philosophy forces even Yalom himse

This week my guest is Linda Carroll, author and therapist. We will be discussing how to deal with the whiners in our lives, and how to differentiate them from people who are struggling with depression. How can you be a supportive, compassionate friend? About Linda: Linda Carroll , MS, has worked as a couples therapist for over thirty years. She teaches workshops throughout the United States and also at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, several times a year. Linda lives in Corvallis, Oregon, with her veterinarian husband and their Jack Russell terrier. She has five children and ten grandchildren.

This week my guest is Anthony Biglan, PhD author of The Nurture Effect: How the Science of Human Behavior Can Improve Our Lives and Our World. About the book: A fascinating look at the evolution of behavioral science, the revolutionary way it’s changing the way we live, and how nurturing environments can increase people’s well-being in virtually every aspect of our society, from early childhood education to corporate practices. If you want to know how you can help create a better world, read this book. What if there were a way to prevent criminal behavior, mental illness, drug abuse, poverty, and violence? Written by behavioral scientist Tony Biglan, and based on his ongoing research at the Oregon Research Institute, The Nurture Effect offers evidence-based interventions that can prevent many of the psychological and behavioral problems that plague our society. For decades, behavioral scientists have investigated the role our environment plays in shaping who we are, and their research shows that we now

About the book: From a therapist and expert in emotional eating, the first book to explore the link between weight gain and women who do too much, complete with proven techniques for dropping pounds. Many women put too much on their plates, both literally and figuratively. In Nice Girls Finish Fat, psychotherapist Karen R. Koenig explains the link between the two and gives overweight women detailed advice on how to lose their extra baggage—both emotional and physical—by becoming more assertive in every aspect of life. For the millions of overweight women in America, diet and exercise just aren’t cutting it. That’s because many of these women have emotional issues buried deep beneath those stubborn pounds, issues that must be dealt with first if weight loss plans are to succeed. In this illuminating book, based on decades of professional experience, Karen Koenig offers on-the-page psychotherapy to help readers attack the roots of their food problems. With her engaging personal style, she teaches women about

From Lucy about her blog: I’m a 52 year old divorced woman dating online in Vancouver aka “the most beautiful city in the world”. As Lucy, I’m physically anonymous but my blog is completely revealing. Is it easy? No. Is it rewarding? So yes. I have Boo, the greatest kid known to mankind who is never ever EVER allowed to read this, and my friends who support me like human Spanx. Seriously. I am one lucky gal in many respects. In love however, I am still searching for the one who will stick around. I’ve met some nice guys and also some guys that I could have fallen in love with and I’ve gone from seeking a long term relationship to considering a new tattoo: “Date # 6. Anyone? Anyone?” I’ve cried so hard I felt like I was coughing up a lung. I’ve laughed so hard I almost peed my panties. I’ve loved. I’ve learned. I have actually lived my life this year instead of watching from the sidelines and I wouldn’t change any of it for anything. To follow my dating misadventures, read my blog “You’re Still Doable.”

About the book: When Zen teacher Karen Maezen Miller and her family land in a house with a hundred-year-old Japanese garden, she uses the paradise in her backyard to glean the living wisdom of our natural world. Through her eyes, rocks convey faith, ponds preach stillness, flowers give love, and leaves express the effortless ease of letting go. The book welcomes readers into the garden for Zen lessons in fearlessness, forgiveness, presence, acceptance, and contentment. Miller gathers inspiration from the ground beneath her feet to remind us that paradise is always here and now. About the author: Karen Maezen Miller is a wife and mother as well as a Zen Buddhist priest at the Hazy Moon Zen Center in Los Angeles. She and her family live in Sierra Madre, California, with a century-old Japanese garden in their backyard. She writes about spirituality in everyday life. She is the author of Paradise in Plain Sight: Lessons from a Zen Garden, Hand Wash Cold: Care Instructions for an Ordinary Life, Momma Zen: Walkin

About the book: Chances are, you’ve already had run-ins with your Outer Child — the self-sabotaging, bungling, and impulsive part of your personality. This misguided, hidden nemesis blows your diet, overspends, and ruins your love life. Your Outer Child acts out and fulfills your legitimate childlike needs and wants in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and in counterproductive ways: It goes for immediate gratification and the quick fix in spite of your best-laid plans. Now, in a revolutionary rethinking of the link between emotion and behavior, veteran psychotherapist Susan Anderson offers a three-step program to tame your Outer Child’s destructive behavior. This dynamic, transformational set of strategies — action steps that act like physical therapy for the brain — calms your Inner Child, strengthens your Adult Self, releases you from the self-blame and shame at the root of Outer Child issues, and paves new neural pathways that can lead to more productive behavior. The result is happiness, fulfillment,

About the show: The Bachelor franchise is an empire that TV viewers either love, love to hate, or love to live-tweet. Or all three! Jamie Beckman has been a Bachelor live-tweeter (she is hilarious!) going on five years now, much to the chagrin of her more serious followers, and loves trading observations and quips with fellow fans. She has no words for what a disappointment Ben Flajnik was as a Bachelor and quite frankly still isn’t over that season. She still holds out hope for Chris Soules, bless his heart. About my guest: Jamie Beckman is a writer, editor, and the author of the book The Frisky 30-Day Breakup Guide. Jamie has written about health, nutrition, fitness, relationships, sex, travel, beauty, and style for print publications and web properties including Redbook, USA TODAY, the L.A. Times, Health, Men’s Journal, Men’s Health, Best Life, Better Homes and Gardens, First for Women, Publishers Weekly, Cheer Professional, The Frisky, SheKnows.com, BudgetTravel.com, CNN.com, MensFitness.com, Bethenny.

About the topic: If you have a chronic health issue that won’t go away no matter how much you do everything “right”, then this interview is a must for you. Margaret will share some of the clinical insights she’s been finding with her clients to get at the root of even the most stubborn chronic issues. It could be hidden in what you’re eating and, more importantly, how your body is (or isn’t) digesting it. About the guest: Margaret Floyd is a nutritional therapist, writer, and real food advocate. She’s has been on the pursuit of the ideal, nutritious, and delicious way of eating for the better part of her adult life. Margaret received her Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP) certification from the Nutritional Therapy Association and was certified as a Holistic Health Counselor by the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She is also a Certified GAPS Practitioner, a Certified Healing Foods Specialist, is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and has a thriving private practice in