Being Well With Dr. Rick Hanson

Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore how we can be surrounded by other people, and still feel alone. They cover the genetic and developmental roots of loneliness, and how loneliness can creep into even our most connected, important relationships. During our ongoing series on “Who Am I,” we’ve explored psychological conditions of various kinds – many of which are stigmatized and pathologized. You can find them in the DSM - the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is the primary diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association. It’s worth noting that there are a lot of very unpleasant parts of life that no reasonable person would categorize as “disorders.” For instance, there’s no DSM entry for sadness or loneliness. Or frustration, rage, general lack of fulfillment, and so on. There’s a real risk sometimes of over-medicalizing perfectly normal parts of the human experience. Today we're focusing on one of those parts: feelings of loneliness.  If you'd like to start making real

Sometimes it's nice to have just one thing to focus on: a simple theme each week to reflect on and be inspired by. On this short episode, Dr. Jennie Rosier shares the most important thing she does, each day, for her own well-being. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price. Sign-up for Just One Thing from Dr. Rick Hanson here, and receive more simple practices for greater well-being. Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes

Attachment theory is one of the most influential frameworks in psychology for understanding how people behave in their relationships with others. In this episode, Forrest and Dr. Jennie Rosier explore what attachment theory is, how we can identify our attachment style, and what we can do to build a healthier relationship with our own style and that of others. Dr. Jennie Rosier is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at James Madison University, the director of The Relationships, Love, & Happiness Project, and the author of two books: Make Love, Not Scrapbooks, and Finding the Love Guru in You. She focuses much of her teaching and research on the communication skills needed to maintain healthy romantic and parent-child relationships. Dr. Rosier's Adult Attachment Series If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout f

We all have something we KNOW we should do...but that doesn't mean we actually do it. On this episode Dr. Hanson, Forrest, and Dr. Judy Ho explore the roots of self-sabotage, the four key elements that fuel self-sabotaging behavior, and how we can use tools from cognitive therapy to overcome those behaviors. Dr. Judy Ho is a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, and is Associate Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University's Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She’s appeared as an expert contributor on over 100 shows, including Dr. Drew, CNN Tonight, and Outside the Lines, and co-hosts the CBS daytime talk show Face The Truth. Her new book is Stop Self-Sabotage: Six Steps to Unlock Your True Motivation, Harness Your Willpower, and Get Out of Your Own Way, It's one of the best explorations of the practical application of CBT we've read - and it has our full recommendation. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, t

Today we're continuing our focus on bipolar disorder by exploring some tools and strategies that people can use to help manage their symptoms, or help loved ones do the same. As with all of the episodes in this series, please remember that bipolar disorder is best diagnosed by a licensed professional. Here's the Daylio app that was mentioned during this episode. Key Topics: 00:43: Is bipolar disorder considered curable? 05:16: How can someone begin managing their bipolar symptoms? 06:49: Is it possible to manage a manic episode? 09:18: The power of establishing routines. 10:50: Recognizing our vulnerabilities. 15:05: Managing stress and exercising self-control. 18:00: Shame, and recognizing our worth. 21:00: Self-harm. 28:00: Recap Overcome Anxiety:  Let go of anxiety and grow a greater sense of calm strength with Rick's Dealing with Anxiety program, which offers 5 powerful practices for managing stress and worries. Save 10% with coupon code BEINGWELL. Sponsors: Reset and rebalance with Recess, a sparkling wa

Sometimes it's nice to have just one thing to focus on: a simple theme each week to reflect on and be inspired by. On this short episode, Marie Forleo shares the most important things she does, each day, for her own well-being. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price. Sign-up for Just One Thing from Dr. Rick Hanson here, and receive more simple practices for greater well-being. If you’d like to purchase Marie's new book, Everything is Figureoutable, just follow this link. Find more from Marie at MarieTV and the Marie Forleo Podcast. Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Subscribe on iTunes

Today we had the pleasure of speaking with Marie Forleo, named by Oprah as a thought leader for the next generation. She’s the star of MarieTV and host of The Marie Forleo Podcast, and has spent time with a who’s who of thought-leaders and personal development experts, including Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, and Brene Brown. On this episode Forrest, Dr. Rick Hanson, and Marie explore how we can build a "figureoutable" mindset that allows us to meet our challenges from a place of determination, ingenuity, and openheartedness. If you’d like to purchase Marie's new book, Everything is Figureoutable, just follow this link. Find more from Marie at MarieTV and the Marie Forleo Podcast. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price. Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram F

Dr. Hanson and Forrest continue their ongoing series on “Who Am I” by focusing on a subset of the depressed mood states which we covered in our last episode in this series: bipolar disorder, formerly known as “manic depressive.” Depression and depressed mood are major problems for many people, and the material we’re going to get into today will be sensitive in nature. If things start to feel uncomfortable, feel free to skip around or turn it off altogether. As with all of the episodes in this series, please remember that bipolar disorder is best diagnosed by a trained mental health professional. Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Key Topics: 01:30: What distinguishes bipolar disorder from clinical depression? 05:07: Is there a reason why the name “Manic Depressive” was changed to “Bipolar Disorder”? 06:59: What are some of the diagnostic criteria for a manic episode? 14:46: The different kinds of bipolar disorder. 23:36: What bipolar disorder looks l

Sometimes it's nice to have just one thing to focus on: a simple theme each week to reflect on and be inspired by. On this short episode, Dr. Ramani shares the most important thing she does, each day, for her own well-being. Sign-up for Just One Thing from Dr. Rick Hanson here, and receive more simple practices for greater well-being. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price.

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with a true expert on many of the topics we’ve exploring during our series on “Who Am I?”, including borderline personality disorder, sociopathy, and narcissism: Dr. Ramani Durvasula. Dr. Ramani is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and expert on the impact of toxic narcissism. She is a Professor of Psychology at California State University, Los Angeles, and also a Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg. She is the author of Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship With a Narcissist, and her new book, DON’T YOU KNOW WHO I AM? How to Stay Sane in an Era of Narcissism, Entitlement and Incivility will be coming out October 1st. Today we explored a range of topics with Dr. Ramani including: What distinguishes true NPD from someone just “being a jerk.” Techniques for interacting with “10% narcissists” more effectively. The importance of drawing clear boundaries. The different places narcissism can come from, and the different ways we can

Dr. Hanson and Forrest continue their exploration of depression and depressed mood with an episode focused on some of the tactics and strategies people can use, both in their own mind and out in the world, to help manage, and even overcome, a depressed mood. Depression and depressed mood are major problems for many people, and the material we’re going to get into today will be sensitive in nature. If this is sensitive territory for you, please be kind to yourself. Feel free to skip around or turn off the episode altogether. Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Key Ideas: 02:50: The causes of depressed mood, and some places where we can intervene to create positive changes. 05:59: Why it’s so challenging for someone with depressed mood to make psychological changes. 16:22: Using mindfulness to work with a current episode, or prevent relapse. 21:52: Other psychological interventions. 26:30: Overcoming the lack of motivation that accompanies depressed moo

Today we’re continuing our ongoing series on “Who Am I” by focusing on a huge topic: depressed mood, including clinical depression. Today's episode is the first of two parts, and explores what depression is, where it comes from, and how it differs from sadness. Depression and depressed mood are major problems for many people, and the material we’re going to get into today will be sensitive in nature. If this is sensitive territory for you, please be kind to yourself. Feel free to skip around or turn off the episode altogether. Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Key Topics: 03:12: What is the difference between "feeling down" and clinical depression?07:03: How can someone tell if they’re depressed?20:29: What is the difference between depression and sadness?27:30: Where does depression come from?38:10: Recap If you would like to learn more about Dr. Hanson's new online program Neurodharma, follow this link! Use the code BEINGWELL for 10% off the purch

Sometimes it's nice to have just one thing to focus on: a simple theme each week to reflect on and be inspired by. On this short episode, Roshi Joan Halifax shares the most important thing she does, each day, for her own well-being. Purchase Roshi Joan's most recent book Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet here. We’d also like to let people know about the Upaya Institute’s general fund, which allows Upaya to provide a wide array of workshops, trainings, and retreats for thousands of people each year. If you would like to give to the fund, please follow this link. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price.

Though there is no more human experience than death, it’s one of the most challenging topics to explore. Today we have the pleasure and privilege of learning from a true pioneer in the field of end-of-life care: Roshi Joan Halifax. As you may know, “roshi” is a title for the honored teacher of a Zen Buddhist community. Roshi Joan is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, and doctor of medical anthropology. She is Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Institute and Zen Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She’s also the author of several classic books, including most recently publisehd Standing at the Edge: Finding Freedom Where Fear and Courage Meet. We’d also like to let people know about the Upaya Institute’s general fund, which allows Upaya to provide a wide array of workshops, trainings, and retreats for thousands of people each year. If you would like to give to the fund, please follow this link. Timestamps: 2:09: Roshi Joan's childhood experience, and how it shaped her. 4:42: How has your work with the dying in

Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore questions from listeners related to managing our relationship with ourselves, and particularly our tendency toward self-criticism. If you’d like to submit a question to be answered during a future mailbag, use the form on this page. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Hanson's new online program Neurodharma, follow this link! Use the code BEINGWELL for 10% off the purchase price. Timestamps: 01:05: What is the most productive way to deal with a life-changing diagnosis?11:16: What can I do to break through my fears of participating in social activities?20:17: How can I better assert and protect myself during everyday interactions with others?

Sometimes it's nice to have just one thing to focus on: a simple theme each week to reflect on and be inspired by. On this short episode, professor Gaylon Ferguson shares the most important thing he does, each day, for his own happiness. Sign-up for Just One Thing from Dr. Rick Hanson here, and receive more simple practices for greater well-being.

Today we explore the rich topics of fear and fearlessness with professor Gaylon Ferguson. Professor Ferguson is a member of the faculty at Naropa University in Bolder, Colorado. He is a graduate of Exeter and Yale, and holds a doctorate in cultural anthropology from Stanford. He’s also a senior teacher in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, and has been a teacher in residence at the San Francisco Zen Center and Spirit Rock Meditation Center in California. He is also the author of two books: Natural Bravery: Fear and Fearlessness as a Direct Path of Awakening, and Natural Wakefulness: Discovering the Wisdom We Were Born With. If you'd like to start making real, positive changes to your brain and your life, but you don't have a lot of extra time, then you may want to check out Rick Hanson's new program: Just One Minute. Use the code BEINGWELL at checkout for 10% off the purchase price. Connect with the show: Visit us on the web Follow us on Instagram Follow Rick on Facebook Follow Forrest on Facebook Subscribe

On today's mailbag episode we answer two questions related to our series on "Who Am I," with a general focus on helping people learn how to better manage their relationships with challenging family members. If you’d like to submit a question to be answered during a future mailbag, use the form on this page. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Hanson's new online program Neurodharma, follow this link! Use the code BEINGWELL for 10% off the purchase price. Timestamps: 00:59: How can we help manage our reactions to, and even support, family members that we find challenging to be around? 20:04: What are some key differences between Narcissism and Borderline Personality Disorder?

We are so busy these days that it’s great to have just one thing to focus on: a simple theme each week to reflect on and be inspired by. On this short episode, Adam Markel shares the most important thing he does, each day, for his own happiness. Sign-up for Just One Thing from Dr. Rick Hanson here, and receive more simple practices for greater well-being.

It's easy to "go with the flow" during our often busy lives. When things are going well this is great, but when our lives are less satisfying inertia can be a powerful enemy. To get out of a rut, we need to learn how to "pivot" in order to make the big changes that can point us in the right direction. If you feel that it might be time for a change, this is the episode for you. Our gust today is Adam Markel. Adam is the author of Pivot: The Art and Science of Reinventing Your Career and Life. He’s given a popular TED talk, has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and Forbes, and is the host of the Conscious Pivot podcast. Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Key Topics: 01:04:Two pivots from Adam's life. 06:20: What were some of the things that contributed to your pivot? 08:03: What helps people when a pivot is shocking or surprising? 14:07: What are the enduring and stable attributes of people that enable them to be resilient, or pivo