Best Forrest Hanson Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Modern Life Doesn't Make Us Happy, and How to Fix It with Dr. William von Hippel 1:31:03

13h ago1:31:03

1:31:03

Life today is safer and more comfortable than ever before, so why do so many people feel unhappy, lonely, and anxious? Forrest talks with evolutionary psychologist Dr. William von Hippel about this paradox in light of our two core needs: autonomy and connection. He argues that modern life has pushed us too far in the direction of autonomy, and that…

1
Rethinking Masculinity: Strength and Connection w/ Terry and Justin Real 1:07:49

8d ago1:07:49

1:07:49

Forrest is joined by renowned therapist Terry Real and his son Justin for a frank exploration of modern masculinity. They talk about why so many men feel like they’re struggling these days, and how the traditional model of masculinity perpetuates this problem. They discuss the appeal of red pill cultures, the cultural pushback against gender equali…

1
Self-Sabotage: Why You Do What You Shouldn’t, and How to Stop 1:15:12

15d ago1:15:12

1:15:12

We’ve all had moments where we watch ourselves make the exact wrong choice: procrastinating on an important task, picking a fight in a good relationship, or pulling back just when things are starting to go well. This is self-sabotage, and in this episode Dr. Rick and Forrest explore why we do it and how to stop. They talk about how self-sabotage of…

1
Terry Real: Relationships, Trauma, and Inner Child Work 1:19:54

22d ago1:19:54

1:19:54

What gets in the way of truly intimate, healthy relationships…and what can we do about it? In this moving episode, Forrest is joined by renowned couples therapist Terry Real to explore how we can build deeper, more meaningful connections. They unpack key concepts from Relational Life Therapy, including the shift from “me” to “us,” the difference be…

1
OCD and Anxiety Disorders with Kimberley Quinlan 1:05:36

29d ago1:05:36

1:05:36

Forrest is joined by therapist Kimberley Quinlan to explore one of the most misunderstood anxiety disorders: obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Drawing from her clinical and personal experience, Kimberley breaks down what OCD is, how it differs from general anxiety, and the ways it’s often mischaracterized. They discuss the core features of obses…

1
People Pleasing, AI Therapy, and Sexual Transference: May Mailbag 1:19:40

1M ago1:19:40

1:19:40

In this very fun episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest open the mailbag and answer questions from listeners about people pleasing, the potential (and pitfalls) of using AI as a therapist, and what to do when you develop strong feelings for your therapist. They discuss existential themes like aloneness and agency, whether Gandalf would have made a good ther…

1
Disorganized Attachment: Heal By Embracing Your Needs 1:14:28

1M ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Dr. Rick and Forrest explore disorganized, or “fearful,” attachment. This complex style occurs when emotional intimacy and distance both feel uncomfortable, and typically arises based on difficult life experiences. They unpack why this attachment pattern forms, what it feels like on the inside, and how it can change over time. Dr. Rick explains how…

1
Living with Depression with Dr. Scott Eilers 1:15:26

2M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Forrest is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Scott Eilers to explore how he both treats and lives with chronic depression. They discuss anhedonia, the catch-22 of treatment resistance, how to build new practices when it’s the last thing you want to do, acceptance, and how a values-based approach can help someone move forward even when they’re fee…

1
Live Show: Yung Pueblo on Relationships, Change, and Mindfulness 1:08:10

2M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Forrest is joined by poet and author Diego Perez - better known as Yung Pueblo - for a live conversation recorded at City Arts & Lectures in San Francisco. They reunite the sensitive boys club to talk about how inner work transforms our relationships, what it means to love with an open hand, and the difference between attachment and commitment. Die…

1
How to Change Your Personality with Olga Khazan 1:16:21

2M ago1:16:21

1:16:21

Can we really change our personalities? In this episode, Forrest is joined by someone who’s actually tried most of the things we talk about on the podcast: journalist and author Olga Khazan. Olga shares the personal experiments that led to her becoming more extroverted and agreeable, and less neurotic. They discuss the Big Five personality traits, …

1
Your Parents Are Emotionally Immature. Now What? w/ Dr. Lindsay Gibson 1:22:11

2M ago1:22:11

1:22:11

Dr. Lindsay Gibson joins Forrest to explore emotional immaturity, the consequences of growing up with emotionally immature caregivers, and what we can do to change those patterns in adulthood. They discuss the key signs of emotional immaturity, including egocentrism, low empathy, and affective realism. Dr. Gibson then shares how having an emotional…

1
Self-Concept: The Secret to Changing WHO You Are 1:09:24

3M ago1:09:24

1:09:24

Forrest and Dr. Rick explore how self-concept, the invisible architecture of who we are, shapes our lives. They discuss how identity can become a cage, the unconscious beliefs we have about who we are, and how loosening those beliefs might be the key to lasting change. Forrest and Rick talk about the science of psychological flexibility, how to cha…

1
Linking: The Secret to Rewiring Painful Memories 1:12:35

3M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

Forrest and Dr. Rick explore one of his most powerful psychological tools: linking. Over time, linking can help us rewire the brain, softening the impact of painful memories. They discuss the neuroscience behind this process, the role of memory reconsolidation, and the importance of matching positive experiences to our original pains. Rick shares p…

1
How to Get On the Same Team: Relationship Mailbag 1:10:12

3M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

Dr. Rick and Forrest answer questions focused on navigating common relationship conflicts, focusing on situations where people need to find a middle path between different needs. The discussion covers balancing sensitivity with directness, bridging differences in emotional processing speeds, setting healthy boundaries without anger, and understandi…

1
How to Find Your Path in Life with David Epstein 1:25:18

3M ago1:25:18

1:25:18

In one of my favorite conversations, bestselling author David Epstein joins the podcast to explore how to find your path in life, the problem with 10,000 hours, and why generalists triumph in a specialized world. David and I discuss why sampling different paths before specializing tends to lead to more fulfillment. David explains why feeling "behin…

1
How to Stop Overthinking: Rumination, OCD, and Breaking the Awareness Trap 1:13:23

4M ago1:13:23

1:13:23

Self-awareness is a good thing…right? In this episode, Forrest and Dr. Rick Hanson explore how we can stop overthinking and break the self-awareness trap: when knowing ourselves becomes an obstacle to change. They discuss the difference between reflection and rumination, the pitfalls of being "an expert on yourself," and why overthinking is often a…

1
How to Get Your Life Together: The 90/10 Rule 1:21:19

4M ago1:21:19

1:21:19

There’s never been more information out there about psychology, self-improvement, and mental health, making it easy to get lost in the details and lose sight of what matters. In this special episode, Forrest and Dr. Rick apply the 90/10 rule to psychology and self-help: what are the small handful of things that tend to make the biggest difference f…

1
Improving Focus and Fixing Your Attention Span 1:19:51

4M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

Dr. Rick and Forrest explore how we can improve focus and fix our attention spans in a world that is constantly trying to distract us. They discuss common reasons it’s hard to focus and three key interventions that can help most people. Rick teaches approaches from mindfulness practice, and Forrest explains how we can improve focus motivation and d…

1
Protecting Yourself from Narcissistic People with Dr. Ramani Durvasula 1:22:34

4M ago1:22:34

1:22:34

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, one of the world’s leading experts on narcissism and narcissistic abuse, joins Forrest to help us learn how to understand, identify, and recover from relationships with narcissistic people. They start by discussing the traits associated with narcissism, the spectrum of narcissistic behaviors, and Dr. Ramani’s critiques of the …

1
What to Do When Your Worst Fears Come True: Mailbag 1:01:16

4M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Dr. Rick and Forrest open up the mailbag and answer questions from listeners, many of which focused on anxiety experiences. They start by discussing “dreaded experiences,” and how we can respond when our worst fears come true. Rick then shares how we can respond effectively to feedback, before answering a short question about taking in the good. Fo…

1
Learning to Trust Yourself: How to Stop Self-Abandonment 1:08:57

5M ago1:08:57

1:08:57

In this special episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore how we can become more self-reliant, and learn to trust ourselves. This helps us be resilient in the face of life’s challenges, and it’s a key resource for people who tend to abandon their wants and needs. They start by discussing why some people struggle with self-trust, the difference between …

1
Everything I've Learned (so far): A Guide to Personal Growth 57:46

5M ago57:46

57:46

In this special episode, Forrest focuses on the key lessons from 400 episodes of Being Well, giving you a crash course in personal growth and development. If you’re just getting into the show, or are looking for a good episode to share with people who are new to this kind of content, this is a great place to start. You can watch this episode on You…

1
Letting Go: Rumination, Breakups, and How to Stop Feeling Attached 1:00:52

5M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Forrest and Dr. Rick focus on one of life's most challenging but essential skills - letting go. Whether you're trying to break free from repetitive thoughts, move on from a relationship, or change an old pattern of behavior, this episode will help you learn how to release what no longer serves you. They start by exploring why letting go is so diffi…

1
Healing Attachment Wounds with Elizabeth Ferreira 1:19:15

5M ago1:19:15

1:19:15

Attachment wounds are emotional injuries that develop based on painful experiences with those we care about. These experiences create a kind of blueprint we carry around for how relationships work, and when that internal model is based on fear and pain, it's hard for our relationships to thrive. Somatic therapist Elizabeth Ferreira joins the show t…

1
Limerence, Love, and Life Transitions: January Mailbag 1:06:42

6M ago1:06:42

1:06:42

Dr. Rick and Forrest begin the mailbag by exploring limerence – an obsessive form of romantic attraction – and offer practical recommendations for working with one-sided infatuation. They then discuss what to do when romantic vulnerability feels unsafe, and how we can rebuild trust in others after traumatic experiences. The episode also tackles man…

1
Navigating Situationships: How to Get What You Really Want 1:07:30

6M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Forrest and Dr. Rick explore "situationships" – those poorly defined, boundary-free relationships that exist in a gray area between friendship and committed dating. They unpack why these arrangements have become so common, examine the emotional trade-offs that keep people stuck, and share how to reclaim a sense of agency and build more authentic co…

1
Beyond Resolutions: Discover What You Want in 2025 1:17:24

6M ago1:17:24

1:17:24

Why do New Year's resolutions usually fail by February? Forrest and Dr. Rick explore why traditional goal-setting falls short and offer a new approach to creating lasting change. They discuss how we can uncover our authentic wants and needs, move away from a punishment mindset, and use our new knowledge to find fulfillment. This episode will teach …

1
Attachment Masterclass: Sue Johnson, Rick Hanson, Julie Mennano, and Elizabeth Ferreira 2:01:45

6M ago2:01:45

2:01:45

Why do some people navigate the social world with such ease while others feel like they're swimming upstream? In this special episode of Being Well, Forrest is joined by four leading experts for a masterclass on the science of attachment. Featuring conversations with Dr. Sue Johnson, Dr. Rick Hanson, Julie Mennano, and Elizabeth Ferreira, this care…

1
Working with Your Parts: Complex PTSD, Dissociation, and Hypervigilance with Elizabeth Ferreira 1:21:55

7M ago1:21:55

1:21:55

Somatic therapist Elizabeth Ferreira joins the show to discuss complex trauma, dissociation, and working with challenging emotions. Forrest and Elizabeth start by exploring the relationship between Internal Family Systems and somatic therapy, including how we can apply a somatic lens to working with our parts. They then apply that framework to comp…

1
Anxious and Avoidant in Relationship: The Pursuer-Distancer Dynamic 1:23:12

7M ago1:23:12

1:23:12

We all have different needs for closeness and distance, for intimacy and independence. You might have heard terms like anxious or avoidant attachment to describe this, and these tendencies can create challenges - particularly when people with different needs try to relate to each other. In this episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore why we're drawn …

1
Why We Don’t Change (and what you can do about it) with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn 1:18:40

7M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Why does change feel so difficult, even when we desperately want it? Dr. Ross Ellenhorn joins the show to explore our resistance to change, and the many good reasons we might have to stay just as we are. Forrest and Dr. Ellenhorn discuss the “fear of hope,” the allure of sameness, and what actually helps people develop the confidence to make meanin…

1
Now What? What to Do When Things Fall Apart 1:13:13

7M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs: a sudden job loss, a relationship ending, a health crisis, or losing faith in something. These moments can leave us feeling overwhelmed, lost, and unsure of how to move forward. In this episode, Forrest and Dr. Rick explore a practical framework for navigating life's most challenging transitions. Th…

1
How to Make Good Choices: A System for Decision Making 1:33:03

7M ago1:33:03

1:33:03

We all have to make big choices in life, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when facing major decisions about careers, relationships, or personal growth. In this episode, Forrest and Rick Hanson explore how to develop a reliable system for making choices that align with your values and goals. They break down balancing analysis with intuition, the fi…

1
Healthy Productivity with Cal Newport 1:32:56

8M ago1:32:56

1:32:56

We’re tired, burnt out, and searching for a reprieve from hustle culture. Something needs to change if we’re going to get to real productivity: doing that is meaningful and fulfilling rather than just checking boxes off an endless to-do list. On today’s episode, Cal Newport joins the podcast to explore slow productivity, deep work, and how we can a…

1
Attachment, Boundaries, and Finding Yourself: Relationship Mailbag 1:10:45

8M ago1:10:45

1:10:45

Dr. Rick and Forrest answer listener questions focused on navigating relationship challenges. They explore how to rediscover yourself after a codependent relationship, distinguish between healthy and unhealthy desires, maintain friendships after romantic feelings emerge, overcome self-consciousness in social interactions, and communicate effectivel…

1
Healing Your Inner Child 1:35:35

8M ago1:35:35

1:35:35

We all have an "inner child:” the part of ourselves that carries the emotions, beliefs and experiences from our early years. While this aspect of ourselves can be a source of creativity, playfulness and wonder, it might also harbor unresolved wounds that affect our adult relationships and behaviors. In this episode, Dr. Hanson and Forrest explore w…

1
The Anxiety Toolkit: How to Tolerate Uncertainty with Joshua Fletcher 1:13:07

8M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time, and because it’s so common it can be easy to take it lightly. But anxiety dominates the lives of many people, and in this episode psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher joins Forrest for an in-depth exploration of anxiety. They talk about the anxiety cycle, moving away from thinking in terms of a “…

1
Self-Compassion: How to Make it Work For You with Dr. Chris Germer 1:11:28

9M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Why do so many people seem to resist self-compassion? Dr. Chris Germer, co-creator of the Mindful Self-Compassion program, joins Forrest to explore how we can work with the deeply ingrained shame that gets in the way. Dr. Germer shares common misunderstandings about self-compassion, and they discuss the complex interplay between shame, self-critici…

1
Understanding and Overcoming Social Anxiety: Attachment, Exposure, and Confidence 1:27:36

9M ago1:27:36

1:27:36

In this episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore the all-too-common challenge of social anxiety. They break down what it really means to be socially anxious (hint: it's not just being shy), where those feelings come from, and why they stick around. Rick explains the roots of social anxiety, highlighting the role of attachment styles and individual tem…

1
The Dark Triad: Dealing with Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other Toxic People 1:16:38

9M ago1:16:38

1:16:38

Dr. Rick and Forrest unpack the "Dark Triad" of personality traits - narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sociopathy - and explore how these traits can manifest in everyday relationships. They talk about how individuals with these tendencies use charm and manipulation to control situations and people, and offer practical strategies for identifying the…

1
How to Build a Securely Attached Relationship with Julie Menanno 1:10:39

9M ago1:10:39

1:10:39

Forrest sits down with marriage and family therapist Julie Menanno to explore one of the most crucial aspects of healthy relationships: secure attachment. They discuss the impact of anxious, avoidant, and secure attachment patterns, and provide practical advice on identifying and communicating attachment needs, fostering emotional safety, and addre…

1
Social Anxiety, Self-Advocacy, and Too Much Self-Help: September Mailbag 1:15:06

10M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

Dr. Rick and Forrest dive into the mailbag, and answer questions from listeners focused on working with anxiety in ourselves and our relationships. They start with a question that’s essential to the podcast as a whole: is it possible to be too preoccupied with personal growth? Rick talks about how to manage the desire for approval, offering strateg…

1
Cognitive Bypassing, Traumatic Experiences, and Managing Triggers with Simone Saunders 1:08:10

10M ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Forrest dives into cognitive bypassing - a common strategy many of us use to avoid feeling difficult emotions - with trauma therapist Simone Saunders. Simone and Forrest discuss the connection between cognitive bypassing and trauma before exploring somatic tools that can help us avoid an endless cycle of overthinking, and fully process our experien…

1
Navigating Parenthood: What Every Dad Needs to Know 1:19:09

10M ago1:19:09

1:19:09

In this special conversation, Forrest explores what it means to be a good father with his dad, clinical psychologist Dr. Rick Hanson. They discuss the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons of parenthood, starting with the advice Rick would have given himself. Rick and Forrest tackle the mental health challenges new parents face, focusing particu…

1
How to Live in an Anxious World: Uncertainty, Agency, and Resilience 1:08:05

10M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

In this timely episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest tackle the anxiety and uncertainty so many are feeling about the state of today’s world. They discuss why everything feels so overwhelming right now, share practical ways to manage those emotions, and explore how we can stay grounded, take ownership of what we can control, and maintain a sense of connect…

1
Embracing Perfectionism with Katherine Morgan Schafler 1:21:21

11M ago1:21:21

1:21:21

Forrest explores how we can harness perfectionism’s strengths without getting captured by its vulnerabilities with therapist and author Katherine Morgan Schafler. They talk about perfectionism’s bad branding, and how our relationship with perfectionism can lead to it being either a superpower or a stumbling block. They discuss the different types o…

1
The Shadow: Individuation, Wholeness, and Becoming Your True Self 1:10:13

11M ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Dr. Rick and Forrest explore one of the most interesting concepts in psychology: Carl Jung’s concept of the shadow. The shadow includes the “the things a person has no wish to be,” the uncomfortable aspects of ourselves that we deny or ignore. Facing those parts can be difficult, but becoming aware of the shadow, accepting it, and integrating it al…

1
Dealing with Other People’s Defenses 1:15:58

11M ago1:15:58

1:15:58

Forrest and Dr. Rick tackle the tricky topic of dealing with other people’s psychological defenses. It’s often easier to see other people’s defenses than to see our own, which can make them particularly frustrating to deal with. In this episode, Rick and Forrest explore the psychological and communication skills that will allow you to have more suc…

1
If You’re “Too Self-Aware,” Listen to This 1:13:37

11M ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Have you ever felt like you knew yourself a little too well? While self-awareness is usually helpful, it can sometimes lead to overwhelm, anxiety, confusion, and self-consciousness. In this episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest explore what we can do if we feel like we’re “too self-aware.” They begin by identifying some of the issues that can arise with se…

1
How to Get Out of a Depressed Mood 1:08:16

11M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

About 30% of people will experience depression at some point in their lives, and most of us know what a depressed mood feels like. Because depressive episodes are common, there’s no lack of good advice out there. But depression is so challenging in part because it attacks our ability to do anything about it. Depression saps our energy, is demotivat…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Forrest Hanson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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