Best James Bramson Podcasts (2025)

1
Persuasive Design, the Digital Child, and the Screen Time Industrial Complex: What Parents and Society Can Do to Restore Childhood 53:29

13d ago53:29

53:29

Dr. Jim Interviews Dr. Richard Freed In this powerful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Richard Freed, whose new book Better Than Real Life examines how persuasive design is reshaping childhood—and not for the better. Dr. Freed’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other major media outle…

1
My Tea with Andre: Couples Work and the Nexus Between Reactivity and Victimization 43:40

2M ago43:40

43:40

Andre DeCary returns for his third episode—just two more, and he earns the coveted ShrinkRap jacket, SNL-style! In this conversation, Andre shares his distinctive approach to couples therapy, highlighting the key differences between working with individuals and couples. He also reflects on personal insights from his own life in this domain. Togethe…

1
An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diane Ehrensaft: The John Lennon of Pediatric Gender Care 52:06

3M ago52:06

52:06

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a.k.a., the John Lennon of Pediatric Gender Care Dr. Jim sits down with the prolific and brilliant Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a leading expert in pediatric gender care who envisions a more inclusive world for gender expression. A scholar, psychologist in private practice, author, child advocate, parent coa…

1
Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents: A Positive Ripple Effect 47:51

5M ago47:51

47:51

In this powerful episode, Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Together, they delve into the lasting impact of emotionally immature parents on their children’s lives—from feelings of neglect and rejection to lifelong challenges with self-wor…

1
Sexual Intelligence: What We Really Want From Sex, And How To Get It 51:39

5M ago51:39

51:39

Live from Berkeley California - Dr. Marty Klein keynotes at the Human Potential Conference. Dr. Marty Klein – certified sex therapist, award-winning author of 7 books, and New York Times-lauded educator - shares his ideas about Sexual Intelligence, explaining how we create our own sexual obstacles--and how to overcome them, "without losing 10 pound…

1
The End of Arguing and the Beginning of Great Sex 52:16

5M ago52:16

52:16

Live from Berkeley California - Linda and Charlie Bloom present on The End of Arguing and the Beginning of Great Sex at the Human Potential Conference. Linda and Charlie are celebrated marriage and relationship experts, workshop leaders, trainers, authors, co-therapists, and curators of knowledge on successful relationships. They discuss adjusting …

1
Exploring the Depths of Psychotherapy with Barbara Holifield 1:06:28

6M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this compelling episode of ShrinksRap.com, my beloved co-host and trauma expert, Rafael Cortina, sits down with psychotherapist and author Barbara Holifield to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Being With The Body In Depth Psychology. Together, they delve into the profound integration of bodily experience within depth psychology. Drawing on p…

1
Love, Sex, and Partnering in the Second Half of Life 58:22

6M ago58:22

58:22

Join us for a 50-minute deep dive into everything you wanted to know about love, sex, and relationships in the second half of life. Featuring an expert panel: • Dr. John “The Caveman” Schinnerer - coach, educator, couples’ trainer, workshop leader, men’s group facilitator, and host of the “Evolved Caveman” podcast • Robby Kendall - psychologist, fo…

1
Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection: A conversation with Dr. Michael Changaris 55:24

8M ago55:24

55:24

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Changaris, an expert on neurobiology, the mind-body connection, and trauma. Dr. Changaris is a Psychologist, Zen practitioner, a professor in psychology at the Wright Institute, a writer, clinical trainer, and thought leader. Together we delve into his concept of synchromy - the synchronization between …

1
Creating Stories and Metaphors for Lasting Change: Unlocking Your Inner Wisdom Through Hypnosis, Narrative Therapy, and Story Telling 46:01

8M ago46:01

46:01

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Dr. Doris Brett (Following the ASH Conference) You should know who Dr. Doris Brett is. If you are living in Australia, New Zealand, or even Europe you may already know her work. She is a celebrated writer who has won numerous awards for her poems, novels, and children’s books. Dr. Doris Brett is also a captivating sp…

1
Making your Worrier a Warrior: Becoming a Warrior with a Heart 44:41

9M ago44:41

44:41

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Dan Peters Dr. Dan Peters is known to his clients and followers as Dr. Dan. He is a podcaster, author, therapist, and Executive Director at the Summit Center. In this episode he opines about how to “Make Your Worrier a Warrior” based on his seminal book by that same title. This shift from worrier to warrior benefits c…

1
Male Intimacy: The Benefits of Cultivating Authentic and Fulfilling Connections 56:52

12M ago56:52

56:52

Male Intimacy: The Benefits of Cultivating Authentic and Fulfilling Connections Hey guys— this one’s for you! In this episode, Rafael and Jim join forces again to help men discover the rewards of lasting male intimacy and friendships. These connections have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation - - and can even lead to…

1
Ageless Aging: How to maximize your lifespan, healthspan, brainspan and even your wealth span 52:40

1y ago52:40

52:40

Dr. Jim Bramson and Lisa Rosenthal interview Maddy Dychtwald If you are a woman (or man) and find yourself in the second half of life (or first), you will not want to miss this podcast. Maddy Dychtwald, co-founder of Age Wave and author of the new book “Ageless Aging,” expertly guides us through some key health hacks that can help us all live healt…

1
The Psychology of Self-Determination: The Right to Live, Die, and Make Amends 31:14

1y ago31:14

31:14

Bramson on Bramson. Drs. Bramson finally record a podcast together. Dr. Jim interviews his father Dr. Allan Bramson, on the occasion of his 88th birthday. Who is Dr. Allan Bramson? Besides being the senior Bramson who had to deal with Jim’s recalcitrance and shenanigans in high school, he was a storied professor and pioneer in the areas of death an…

1
Imago Therapy, Spiritual Development, and the Rise of Consciousness 54:00

1y ago54:00

54:00

Live From Boulder Colorado, an Interview with Dr. Paul Bretz Jim catches up with his long-time friend and colleague from his halcyon days at the University of Chicago. Dr. Paul Bretz (a.k.a. Reverend Paul). Paul is still prolific after all these years —and is still doing his part to make the world a better place. Paul is the CEO of Centus Counselin…

1
The End to Arguing: The Beginning of Great Sex and Intimacy 58:08

1y ago58:08

58:08

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Charlie & Linda Bloom The Blooms are back. They tuned in from a writing retreat to discuss their latest book “An End to Arguing.” They also introduce their forthcoming book project on exemplary relationships. (In sharp contrast to their slacker podcast host who has been toiling over one book for over five years, the Bloom…

1
Fishnets, Film, and Psychology (the Odyssey of Robby Kendall) 44:21

1y ago44:21

44:21

Robby Kendall not only spearheads the nonprofit film production company Fishnets & Film, Inc. He is also a psychologist. Indeed, Robby is an educator, entertainer, writer, director, connector, humorist, and consummate problem solver. In this podcast episode, Robby shares his drag origin story as well as his psychologist origin story. Apparently he …

1
The Impact of AI on Human Potential: Live Panel Discussion 28:53

1+ y ago28:53

28:53

Panel Discussion Interview with Louie Kangeter and Christine Benvenuto Louie Kangeter and Christine Benvenuto are both experts in their respective fields. They participated in a live panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on the field of psychology and the human psyche. This WCMI (West Coast Mindfulness Institute) sponsored even…

1
The Thinking Man’s Forest Gump: Live from Berkeley, California it's Dr. Ken Dychtwald 52:24

1+ y ago52:24

52:24

Dr. Ken Dychtwald is an entrepreneur, author, lecturer, gerontologist, and psychologist. He is the co-founder and CEO of Age Wave. In this live recording Ken presents his memoir “Radical Curiosity” at the Human Potential Conference in Berkeley, California, sponsored by WCMI (West Coast Mindfulness Institute). You will find yourself mesmerized and i…

1
Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), the Holiday Blues, and Your Sports Team Possibly Letting you Down. A Rafael and Jim Episode 51:28

1+ y ago51:28

51:28

Rafael and Jim join forces after catching a 49’ers victory over Seattle at Levi Stadium to tackle the topic of what makes this time of the year particularly challenging (and not just for Lions fans). Football is only discussed at the “kickoff” of this episode. Instead, Rafael and Jim focus mainly on managing the holidays, demanding relatives, short…

1
The Seeker of Untruth Returns: An exploration into whether suffering is inevitable 52:50

1+ y ago52:50

52:50

Rafael and Jim interview Andre Decary Andre Decary, “The Seeker of Untruth,,” returns for another stellar discussion, this time about his new writing project. In this episode, Andre makes an important distinction between pain and suffering. He references Jung and Einzelganger’s work to illustrate his point: “Pain is inevitable, but suffering is opt…

1
Twice Exceptional and Neurodiverse Children Circumnavigating a Stochastic World 44:42

1+ y ago44:42

44:42

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Josh Wilson Dr. Josh Wilson is the Co-Founder of EBMC, Psych Inc, WCMI, and Organizational Solutions. Prior to becoming a licensed psychologist and President of the aforementioned businesses (and all around cool guy) Dr. Josh worked with kids on the spectrum and their parents. Dr. Josh worked at Quest Therapeutic Camp. While …

1
The Royal Road to Resiliency Jim & Rafael Interview Each Other 57:25

1+ y ago57:25

57:25

Rafael highlights his journey from Poland to Croatia. While there he shared his Gestalt framework on trauma and hope. He also took a deep dive into the history, culture, beauty, and atrocities of the region. Rafael was particularly moved after visiting Auschwitz. He immediately thought about the resiliency of its survivors, including the original t…

1
Mindful Parenting: A Child's Point of View 1:02:52

2y ago1:02:52

1:02:52

Dr. Jim interviews Bryn Khan, Psy.D., Jessica Lim, AMFT, and Eti Valdez-Kaminsky, MFT In this episode, three highly talented and impassioned clinicians from EBMC and the Samsara Intensive Therapy program discuss mindful parenting. Bryn who manages EBMC together with her associate Jessica, run a mindful parenting class, do intensive therapy sessions…

1
Psychedelics, Hope, Integration, and the Medical Industrial Pharmaceutical Complex 1:04:41

2y ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. David Pepper & Christine Benvenuto David and Christine are not only a dynamic couple, but they are also incredible healers, impassioned speakers, skilled trainers, and mindful practitioners of psychedelic medicine and psychotherapy. They have worked in tandem (and separately) to help individuals who are traumatized or demoral…

1
My Dinner with the Caveman: Men in Search of Self-Awareness, Humility, & Laughter 52:49

2y ago52:49

52:49

Drs. John Schinnerer and Jim Bramson reunite to tackle the subjects of self-awareness and humility. They share their own missteps on this subject and can now laugh about it (tragedy + time = humor). In this interview, Dr. John (whom we lovingly like to call, the Caveman) takes us deep into his own cavernous mind and discusses the “death of ego” as …

1
Couples Work: What works, what doesn’t, and why 53:44

2y ago53:44

53:44

Rafael Cortina and his fellow Podcaster, Dr. Jim Bramson, discuss their unique approach to couples therapy. Rafael and Jim utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach that pulls from the following: Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Work, Imago Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Terrance Real, and the PACT model (Tatkin’s work), to name…

1
The Tao of Fatherhood 1:00:03

2y ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Rafael and Jim take a deep dive into the subject of fatherhood—that is, after getting derailed on the subject of 49ers football. Why? Rafael was afraid of jinxing the team during the last episode. He refused to discuss the 49ers loss until this episode. Fortunately, your podcasters got on track again to discuss Fatherhood as promised. Not surprisin…

1
Being Michael Mayer: Shape Shifter, Tai Chi Instructor, Psychologist, Reluctant Metaphysician 43:32

2y ago43:32

43:32

Dr. Michael Mayer packed a lot into this interview. Buckle up. He touches on the six books he has written and their relevancy. He details how some healers can become shamans or shape shifters. In his case a shape shifter can also be a reluctant metaphysician. Dr. Mayer further theorizes that Tai Chi, astrology, hypnosis, energy psychology, Transper…

1
One World, One Love, One Healing 1:02:27

2+ y ago1:02:27

1:02:27

Dr Jim & Rafael are back! The band is back. Dr. Jim & Rafael are back together agin exploring healing on a global level. Rafael shares his thoughtful impressions of Georgia (not the peach state, but the country) where he did a recent training on Compassion, Addiction, and Trauma. Rafael also has gone to where the action is - - doing (virtual) train…

1
Chris Huitfeldt: Interventionist to Celebrities, Stars, and Regular Folks 47:54

2+ y ago47:54

47:54

Chris Huitfeldt (pronounced Wheatfelt) owns a company called, Terra Firma, which means solid ground. It provides intervention services for celebrities, professional athletes, and common folks. He even does pro bono work to help the economically disadvantaged. His philosophy is that “every good foundation starts on solid ground.” Terra Firma usually…

1
Running with Ray Horwitz: Evolutionary Psychiatry 43:51

2+ y ago43:51

43:51

Dr. James Bramson interviews Dr. Ray Horwitz Drs. Jim and Ray were undergraduate classmates and roommates. As college kids, they bonded over music, psychology, humor, and working out. And now, as seasoned professionals, they both subscribe to the philosophy that good self-care is good client-care. Dr. Ray is a an accomplished psychiatrist and a man…

1
The Evolved Caveman: Helping Men Change Themselves from the Inside Out 58:34

3y ago58:34

58:34

Dr. John Schinnerer brings heart, intellect, and compassion to his craft. He coaches men to greater success and happiness at work and at home. Dr. John graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a Ph.D. in psychology. He was an expert consultant for Pixar’s Inside Out. Dr. John recently received the award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership in 2022, and…

1
Vann Duke: Trainer for the Stars and Sojourners in the Second Half of Life 53:27

3y ago53:27

53:27

Vann Duke is a celebrated fitness trainer, life coach, and commercial actor (check out his latest Jeep commercial). He trains and coaches people in the "Second Half of Life." Once voted “top trainer in the Bay Area” by the Guardian, Vann’s committed to his clients looking and feeling their best —whether that’s Oscar-winning superstars, like Viola D…

1
Mindful Parenting: An Interview with Lyn Benson from the Land Down Under. 57:15

3y ago57:15

57:15

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Psychologist, Family Therapist, and Parenting Educator, Lyn Benson Lyn Benson has sold out seminars on the subject of Mindful Parenting in Australia. She has also trained internationally in the area of mindfulness. Lyn Benson and Dr. Bramson met back in 2006 and have taught workshops together around the world - inclu…

1
Psychedelics, Virginia Satir, and Fritz Pearls, from The Expansive Mind of Dr. Gerald Smith. 52:19

3y ago52:19

52:19

Dr. Gerald Smith has led workshops at the storied Esalen Institute for over 50 years. He is friends with one of its originals co-founders, Michael Murphy, whom he interviewed on an earlier podcast. Jerry attended the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University, earning an M.B.A and Doctoral degree in Educational Psychology. Jerry is still a …

1
Rooting for Children: A Gestalt Approach 1:07:12

3y ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Rafael Cortina & Felicia Carroll Break New Ground Felicia Carroll, is a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor in private practice in Solvang, California. She is a natural story teller, child advocate, celebrated Gestalt trainer, and consummate gardener. One could argue that Felicia is the Shel Silverstein of G…

1
America’s Suicide Epidemic: What Everyone Should Know and Is Afraid to Ask 54:33

3y ago54:33

54:33

Dr. James H. Bramson interviews Dr. Josh Wilson and Eti Valdez-Kaminsky What do Naomi Judd, Anthony Bourdain, Robin Williams, Cleopatra, Mark Rothko, and David Foster Wallace have in common? They have all suicided. Suicide is an epidemic during these times of tumult. Obviously, suicide and depression impacts more than celebrities. Depression and su…

1
The Architecture of Loss and Creativity: From the Mind of a Gestalt Expert & Leadership Consultant 1:09:22

3y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Rafael Cortina interviews another Gestalt icon - Morgan Goodlander Morgan Goodlander is a public speaker, president of the San Francisco Gestalt Institute, and leadership counselor. He has worked in 17 countries and has managed educational programs for the Esalen Institute. Rafael Cortina continues his mission to introduce us to extraordinary thoug…

1
Self as an Instrument for Transformational Change: The Synthesis of Coding, Organizational Development, and Relational Gestalt Work. 1:13:16

3y ago1:13:16

1:13:16

Rafael Cortina interviews John Hovell John Hovell is the Co-Founder of Stratactical and is a self-described Relational-Organizational-Gestalt expert. John opines that you “cannot take a group (or organization) where you have not gone yourself.” John learned through his organizational development (OD) practice that you don’t want to make the client …

1
Demystifying and Overcoming Fear and Shame: The Odyssey of (Gestalt Luminary) Richard Dennison 1:08:03

3y ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Demystifying and Overcoming Fear and Shame: The Odyssey of (Gestalt Luminary) Richard Dennison Rafael Cortina interviews Richard Dennison Rafael is going global again. He is making his virtual way through Europe, and has landed another humble luminary in the Gestalt World, Richard Dennison. Richard hails from the southwest corner of England. Richar…

1
Overcoming Collective Trauma: Creating a Positive Space Within Yourself 54:44

3y ago54:44

54:44

Live from San Diego, It’s Jim & Rafael (together again) People in every generation think they are the ones facing the greatest challenges of all time. Was the Holocaust, Civil War, Armenian Holocaust, Black Plague, Nagasaki and Hiroshima more traumatic than any of our current events? American sociologist Kai Erickson, author of “Everything in Its P…

1
Contact as Awareness: The Discovery of the Unfolding Self 59:21

3y ago59:21

59:21

Rafael Cortina interviews the Gestalt Legend Jean-Marie Robine Jean-Marie Robine is a legend in the world of Gestalt Therapy. He asks important philosophical questions. Does the now have a future? Is contact the source of all experience? What is the impact of conscious and non-conscious intentionality? What does Gestalt therapy teach us about the i…

1
Dr. Eric Raimo, M.D., the Bipolar Whisperer 50:16

3y ago50:16

50:16

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Eric Raimo Dr. Eric Raimo is an accomplished psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder. I refer to him as the “Bipolar Whisperer.” Dr. Raimo went to two Ivy’s (the University of Pennsylvania and Dartmouth College, Medical school) and went on to do his residency at the University of California -…

1
The Art of Collaboration: Conflict Resolution for the 21st Century 53:17

3y ago53:17

53:17

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews the self-described “Resolutionary” Stewart Levine, Esq. Stewart Levine is an attorney, poet, artist, concerned citizen, and thought leader in the field of conflict resolution. His earliest books, “Getting to Resolution” and “The Book of Agreement,” shaped the field of conflict resolution and collaborative law. Stewart’s m…

1
Sexual Intelligence & America’s War on Sex - Renowned Author, Speaker, & Therapist - Dr. Marty Klein 48:19

3+ y ago48:19

48:19

Dr. Jim Bramson Interviews Dr. Marty Klein Dr. Marty Klein has appeared on Oprah and Dr. Phil sharing his expertise on sex. He covers many topics in this podcast, including pornography (His Porn, Her Pain), the U.S’s war on sex, cultural differences in sexual expression and repression, how men and women are more alike than different, parenting non-…

1
Shrinks in Chairs with Coffee Discussing Onsite Services, Addiction, Eating Disorders, and Trauma Rafael Cortina, MFT, interviews the consummate over-achiever Kristine Jackson, LCSW, CEDS, CETII, CP, PAT ... 58:03

3+ y ago58:03

58:03

Rafael Cortina, MFT, interviews the consummate over-achiever Kristine Jackson, LCSW, CEDS, CETII, CP, PAT Kristine Jackson is our official record-setter for the most credentials following her name. Ready for it: Kristine Jackson, LCSW, CEDS, CETII, CP, PAT. In this podcast, Rafael and Kristine discuss her current role as an Associate Clinical Direc…

1
The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat: Zen & the Art of Being an Emotionally Regulated Football Fan 49:01

3+ y ago49:01

49:01

Jim & Rafael Rap about Football & Mastering the Inner Game. In this podcast, Rafael and Jim tackle football, male depression, fanaticism, fatherhood, and evolutionary consciousness. Rafael and Jim explore why football fans feel so downtrodden when their team loses. They ponder why we even watch football in the first place. After all, football is a …

1
Journey From Darkness: Becoming David Hartman, M.D. with Dr. James Bramson, PsyD. 51:34

3+ y ago51:34

51:34

This podcast chronicles psychiatrist Dr. David Hartman’s “Journey from Darkness.” Dr. Hartman teaches us that, when the mind clears, the eyes can see — and dreams can be fully realized. In this podcast, Dr. Hartman, with his sharp wit and folksy charm, shares his extraordinary story about becoming the first blind person to graduate from medical sch…

1
Citizen Josh (Kornbluth): Film Maker, Mono-linguist, Oboe Player, Red Diaper Baby, and Jungian Psychotherapy Client 1:04:30

3+ y ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Josh Kornbluth is a mono-linguist, film maker, humorist, theatre performer, and activist who was raised by Stalinist parents Bunny and Paul in NYC. Josh admits that his oboe- playing likely helped more than his athletic prowess in landing him a scholarship at Princeton. A self-described “Red Diaper Baby,” his indoctrination into communism by left-l…

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James Bramson Podcasts

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