A Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist

Tune in for a conversation about the state of the world and opportunities through the lens of our newest college graduates. Some say it's the worst of times, but it may also be the best of times to chart a new course and redefine the American dream.Listen live and be part of the conversation Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX.

Tune is for a conversation with Dr Codie Place, Psychology professor, specializing in Criminology, along with degrees in Criminal Justice, Educational Psychology and Applied Management. Dr. Place also has a deep interest in relationships and intimacy and forming meaningful connections and extensive knowledge in the use of and effect of psychoactive drugs.These eclectic specialties make Dr. Place's classes a favorite at Cal Poly - we'll see where our conversation takes us.Listen and participate live Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX.

Tune in for a conversation with relationship scientist Dr. Gary Lewandowski about love, dating, flirting and knowing when to settle. Dr Lewandowski is a psychology Professor at Monmouth University, the author of the wildly popular Substack, Psychology of Relationships and the Chief Love Scientist at LoveStrategies.com.Listen Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a Conversation with Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas about their personal journey to developing the wildly popular, mind calming and gratitude building Zentangle method. There are no mistakes in this elegant art form, only opportunities to discover more.Live Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Nick Larson from Central Coast favorites, Proxima Parada, about their continued growth and success as a band, as friends and as individuals. And about their upcoming collaboration with the San Luis Symphony and concert at the PAC at Cal Poly on May 21st. Live music in studio, too!Hear the conversation Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a Conversation with Kitty Balay and Andrew Philpot, resident artists and instructors with PCPA (Pacific Conservatory Theater ), about the history of PCPA's professional acting and techincal theater programs, years of producing live theater for the Central Coast and their current season featuring the Tony winning musical Come From Away.Call in and be part of the conversation Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

A conversation about the modern marvels of medicine and the possibilities of extending life for decades, or indefinitely. Are there any moral or ethical concerns surrounding eternal life or is mankind meant to strive for immortality?Participate with your thoughts and calls live Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Starhawk - activist, author, permaculture designer, educator and prominent voice in the modern earth-based spirituality and ecofeminism movements. Starhawk founded Earth Activist Training in 2001, teaching workshops around the world sharing the practice of permaculture design grounded in spirituality and activism. Starhawk is the author and co-author of 13 books, including The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religions of the Great Goddess and her most recent - The Empowerment Manual: A Guide for Collaborative Groups. Her archives are maintained at the Graduate Theological Union library in Berkeley.Tuesday from 2-3pm live on KCBX

The DSM has been the primary source for mental illness diagnosis since 1952. Since then the book has grown from a small 32 page pamphlet listing 100 descriptions to 992 pages and over 297 potential disorders. Tune in for a conversation about the increasing reach of the mental health professions and stalled efforts in providing relief to those who are suffering.Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Kyle Berlin, documentary style playwright and co-founder of Rhyzome Theater Company about his latest project - Mawtini: Arab American Narratives of Home and Belonging presents Live Verbatim Theater. This local production explores the oral histories and experience of those in the Arab American community on the Central Coast.Listen and participate Tuesdays at 2 on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation about the Conundrum of Birthdays. Some years feel more significant than others with the changing of opportunities, abilities, transitions to new realities or simply a moment to be grateful for getting another year to travel around the sun.Listen live and call in Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a Conversation backstage at the 2025 Live Oak Music Festival with Liam Gallaher-Murphy and Ross Wylde of the folk duo Murphy Wylde, who were a crowd favorite at last year's event. The pair talk about their relationship as creative and romantic partners, and how music gives them purpose and hope.Listen Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

This week its a best of presentation-History provides examples of artists, writers, and visionaries (such as Dr. Martin Luther King) who have pursued their full potential despite addiction, depression, eating disorders and other serious conditions. In this week's Conversation with the Reluctant Therapist, host Elizabeth Barrett is joined by psychiatrist Meg Chisolm. The two about Chisolm's work helping patients to manage their illnesses and flourish in their lives. After decades of clinical work and teaching at Johns Hopkins University's School of Medicine, Dr. Chisolm has written a guidebook for patients and their family members called From Survive to Thrive: Living Your Best Life with Mental Illness.Listen Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a Conversation with Psychotherapist and trauma specialist, Leslie Bullock about how trauma shows up in life, the mind and the body and the variety of practices available to address the somatic experiences. With over 20 years of experience, Leslie brings together talk therapy, yoga, EMDR, mindfulness and other trauma informed practices to her work with those struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and other challenging life transitions.Listen and participate with your calls live Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Women's History Month is an opportunity to focus on the often un-recognized strengths and importance of the feminine in society. Tune in for a conversation about the quiet, yet mighty, influence of women.Listen live and participate Tuesday at 2pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Allison Lorne, Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Midwife about the challenges for women in finding helpful and appropriate care throughout life's transitions. Exploring Holistic health care for the mind, body and spirit.

Tune in for a conversation sharing the origin story of The Reluctant Therapist, Elizabeth W. Barrett. It's been 18 years - over 800 shows - discussing our collective mental health and well-being and, whether or not the helping professions are really helping, or getting in the way of growth, resilience and thriving.

Tune in for a conversation about the courageous acts of love and devotion in all meaningful relationships, intimate, platonic and symbolic. The art of loving fills the heart and fuels the soul - something we all need more practice in now more than ever. The only thing more powerful than hate is love.Listen live and participate Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Gayle Kirschenbaum, Emmy award winning filmmaker, TV producer, writer, speaker and forgiveness coach. Gayle is the creator of several reality shows and has gained acclaim for her film - "Look at us now Mother!" which chronicles her journey to forgive her mother and transform their relationship. In her recently released book - Bullied to Besties: A Daughter's Journey to Forgiveness - Gayle shares a rich account of their decades long journey to healing.gaylekirschenbaum.comJoin the conversation live Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a Conversation about identifying, feeling and giving voice to our life experiences. What happens when we sweep things under the rug, stuff down feelings or shut down when life overwhelms?Listen live and be part of the conversation Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

This week its two conversations from backstage at Live Oak Music Festival 2025 with Miko Marks and Chuck Prophet - as we look forward to the next big weekend June 19-21st. Miko Marks brings her heart, soul and life experience to her country music inspired Americana/Gospel/Soul sound - and shared deeply about her return to performing after a 20 year hiatus. Chuck Prophet started in the 1980's punk scene and has covered many different musical styles throughout his decades writing, performing and producing. His current Cumbia fusion project is highlighted on his latest album; Wake the Dead.

Tune in for a "best of" conversation with Michele Weiner-Davis, LCSW, author and relationship expert with over 30 years of experience bringing couples back from the brink of divorce through her powerful Divorce Busting program. Along with a successful private practice, training other clinicians and speaking worldwide; Michele has written numerous book including her seminal work Divorce Busting and her most recent - Healing from Infidelity.Listen Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Portland-Based Psychologist Thomas Doherty about his 20-plus years of clinical experience applying an environmental perspective to mental health and well-being. Some hopeful and helpful insights on addressing our own climate fears and anxiety.2-3pm Tuesday on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Jane Chen, social entrepreneur, leadership development coach, co-founder, former CEO of Embrace, and Best-Selling Author of - Like a Wave We Break : A Memoir of Falling Apart and Finding Myself about her professional and personal journey's to success and peace.Live Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with elder care advocate Linda Beck about navigating the complexities of ever-changing Medicare benefits and how to address changes in behavior and wellness of our elders during the holidays. When is it time to step in, make suggestions or ask for help?Be part of the discussion live Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation about preparing to thrive during the holiday season, the power of traditions and arriving with a plan of action. It may not be a perfect day, but it can be memorable in very important ways.Listen live and participate Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with Kannyn January - wife, mother, entrepreneur, and CEO of Ambiance, local women's boutique found on-line and in brick and mortar locations, about building her home, family and businesses - the joys, challenges and lessons learned. What does it look like to "have it all" in the 21st century?Be Part of the conversations Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation with singer, songwriter, and soulful human, Chris Beland as he prepares to journey off to the Pacific Northwest seeking the next chapter of his already incredible life. Chris will share a few new songs, and thoughts about trusting his instincts and opportunities.

Tune in for a conversation about the future with Ara Castello, community organizer, leadership coach, artist and activist in creating her connection to the living world, about what it feels like to be a young person looking at the future they are growing in to. The issues that are most pressing may not be the same issues for each generation. Are we moving toward a spiritual evolution alongside the AI revolution?Tuesday at 2 live with your phone calls on KCBX.

Tune in for a conversation with Kara Woodruff about her many professional "hats" and experiences helping to preserve the environment and improve the lives of others - while enjoying her own personal adventures.Join the conversation Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

A conversation about the impact of the social, political and community environment on our mental health and well-being with housing advocate Jack Dupuy and PCPA artist Emily Trask.Be part of the discussion Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation about the passing of culture stories, beliefs and values from one generation to the next. And how we can change the course of our country by redirecting our parenting practices.Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

Tune in for a conversation about stress overload and tips for finding your personal comfort zone. It may be that the simplest of actions will bring about the greatest relief.Live Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX.

Tune in for a conversation about the overwhelm of information that floods our lives daily - and the complexity involved in choosing a path and sticking to it. How do we deal with the dissonance and disappointment of discovering we might be wrong?

Tune in for a Conversation about the connection between mental health, public education, parenting and cultural stories. We cannot legislate beliefs, values and love for one and other.Listen and participate live on Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX.

Tune in for a Favorite conversation with Four Arrows - author, radical activist, and traditional Indigenous worldview advocate - internationally recognized for his work supporting First Nation sovereignty, decolonizing systems, and sharing his many other fabulous life adventures.Air Date 9-09-25

Tune in for a Best of Conversation with Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms - author, educator, regenerative farmer - sharing common sense wisdom and a simple vision for a sustainable future.

Tune in for a series of conversations from Juneau, Alaska! A best of from a most memorable trip to one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Tune in for a conversation with Singer/Songwriter Azure Wilson about her complex journey from confused and lonely outsider to empowered voice of her ancestors.

A conversation with Dr. Riane Eisler, social scientist, founder of the Center for Partnership Systems, and author of many books, including the revered - The Chalice and the Blade; and Dr. Darcia Narvaez, author of The Evolved Nest; Nature's Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities and President of the venerable non-profit, Kindred World.

Personal and family relationships and when to speak and when to hold your tongue. Elizabeth Barrett talks with Dr. Dawn O. Braithwaite, professor at the University of Nebraska.

Artist, songwriter, educator Devin Wallace on the spiritual, uplifting, supportive and community building power of music. When we use our voices together - energy builds. What songs lift you?

With Lynn Lyons about her 30 plus years of private practice specializing in treating anxiety disorders in adults and children. Tuesday from 2-3pm on KCBX

Preparing our youth for the future that is feeling bleak and daunting. What skills will they need to meet the uncertainty of their future and create wonder and curiosity in the world. Guests Georgia Wojtowicz, Vivian Devaney-Frice share their experiences.

Tune in for a conversation with organizer, esteemed activist and High School Student Cesar Vasquez about his inspirations for making great change and addressing the inequities he's witnessed and experienced through out his life.

Dr. Lyn Slater about her memoir, How to Be Old: Lessons in Living Boldly from the Accidental Icon. She started the Accidental Icon in 2014 and grew to a loyal fan base of almost a million followers.

A conversation about the use of Doula's with Summer Silveira, who shares her training, insights and personal experiences with the modern state of labor and delivery.

A conversation about community and mental health. What does it mean to find wellness in the presence of others? Guest Cate Armstrong shares her experiences in creating music and new connections.

A conversation about the unintended implications of the yearly day to honor Mothers. Let's consider sharing the work and expanding the role of mothering to all human beings.Listen Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX

A conversation about how anxiety shows up in relationships and other interesting places.Be part of the conversation live Tuesdays from 2-3pm on KCBX.

On Earth Day's 55th Anniversary, advocating for the rights of our planet and all non-humans. Ara Castello on creating her connection to the living world.