Mindful Conversations with Matt & Rob

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Dr. Rob Cook and Matt Hayman, LPC discuss issues that are relevant to personal wellness. The casual tone of the conversation is both inviting and entertaining.

Dr. Rob Cook and Matt Hayman, LPC


    • May 19, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 59 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Mindful Conversations with Matt & Rob

    Episode 60: The Art of Helping

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 29:52


    In this podcast episode of Mindful Conversations, Matt and Rob share their thoughts on what kinds of help people generally seek after.  Listen in and see if this conversation creates some interesting thoughts on helping! 

    Episode 59: The Role of Nature on Wellbeing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 41:28


    In this episode, Dr. Rob and Matt share what research is saying about the role of nature on health and wellbeing. Tune into this mindful conversation and consider how a simple walk can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing. 

    Episode 58: The Wellness Wheel

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 43:44


    In this episode of Mindful Conversations with Matt and Rob, the topic of practicing wellness is the topic of conversation.  Practicing wellness should be a daily routine, and considering the Wellness Wheel can help better understand the balance of wellness.  Listen in and continue this conversation in your own circle.  

    Episode 57: Identity Clutter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 42:40


    Join Matt and Rob for their first podcast of the 2025 season!  The conversation in this episode will discuss how identity is both formed and cluttered with the way the tide of life flows.  Listen in and consider how this topic may relate to your life.  

    Episode 56: A Story Worth Telling

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 41:04


    It is important to spend time considering your story!  Learning how to pay attention to your narrative of the life you are living will, most likely, define how your life unfolds.  Your life is a story worth telling!  Listen in to today's episode as Matt and Rob share thoughts on their story from this past summer.  

    Episode 55: Authenticity - from the perspective of a play therapist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2024 52:16


    Authenticity is one of the core aspects of human identity and it is cultivated in intentional ways with love and respect for self and others.  In this episode of Mindful Conversations Matt is joined by Cliff and Amanda.  As a play therapist, Amanda's perspective is so key to the this topic of authenticity.  As she states in the episode, "The book of one's identity and the formation of authenticity, is written in the first couple of chapters."  Listen to this episode for more rich content on this subject. 

    Episode 54: Fun vs. Enjoyment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 43:44


    What's the difference between fun and enjoyment?  That's a question that Matt, Rob and Ashley consider in this episode of Mindful Conversations.  Come have fun with us as we unpack this topic! 

    Episode 53: Relationships with our Adult Children

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 46:42


    Matt and Rob are joined by Matt's oldest daughter, Kaylan Hayman.  In this conversation Matt, Rob and Kaylan discuss the parent and adult child relationship.  Lot's of good conversation points in this episode.  

    Episode 52: Triggers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 39:17


    Have you ever been "triggered" by what someone said or did? Or, maybe you have been triggered by being in a certain location.  In this episode, Rob and Matt have a conversation about triggers and how they manifest and how to better understand them.  

    Episode 51: New Year, New YOU - Seven Easy Steps to Becoming Your Ideal Self

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 41:12


    The new year is a great time to set your mindset toward reaching your goals.  In this podcast Rob and Matt are join by Travis to discuss how to become your ideal self in just "seven easy steps"... Right?  Listen in to this conversation to learn how true this is or isn't. 

    Episode 50: Faith and Wellness in the Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 39:28


    How does faith and wellness go together as it relates to the holidays? Matt and Rob share their thoughts about how they connect faith and wellness while navigating through this current season of Christmas.  Hope you find this conversation entertaining and useful! 

    Episode 49: Preparing for the Holidays

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 41:04


    The holidays can be met with great anticipation of joy and peace... and for others the holidays can be a journey of difficulty and challenge.  Listen in to this conversation with Matt, Rob and Cliff on their thoughts about how to approach the holidays with a realistic perspective. 

    Episode 48: Rhythms of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 38:56


    Summer is over and a new season is in play now.  Rhythms are common in each person's life and they can be both external and internal.  Listen to this conversation that Rob and Matt have about their own rhythms of life and how they have navigated this past season of life.  

    Episode 47: Teens and Why we Love Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 45:20


    In this episode Matt and Rob are joined by Jennifer to discuss their thoughts on understanding teenage years.  

    Episode 46: Acceptance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 45:20


    Matt, Rob and Cliff discuss the concept of acceptance in this episode of Mindful Conversations.  We often experience challenges that make it difficult to come to a state of acceptance.  In this conversation the guys explore what acceptance is and how to consider moving in that direction for wellness.  

    Episode 45: Dealing with Chronic Conditions

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 51:12


    Matt and Dr. Rob are joined by Ashley Trieu to have a conversation regarding how to deal with chronic conditions.  Often times people deal with issues that represent chronic health. This can be challenging seeking how to understand and deal with all the challenges that are associated with the condition.  This conversation addresses this from a personal perspective. 

    Episode 44: Attachment Styles

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 46:56


    In this episode Matt and Dr. Rob have a conversation about the four attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant and disorganized.     

    Episode 43: The Missing Piece of Resiliency

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2023 41:36


    In this episode Matt and Rob are joined by Brenda Mitchell to discuss the missing link in resiliency in children.  Brenda shares her thoughts that children don't always bounce back from difficulty and trauma. They discuss how attachment is the key to helping kids (and adults) to stay connected and to grow through challenges.  

    Episode 42: The ABC's of Parenting

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 40:00


    In this episode of Mindful Conversations Matt and Rob talk about the ABC's of parenting - Accepting, Believing and Connecting with your children.  Tune in and join the conversation! 

    Episode 41: The Need for Resiliency

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2023 28:16


    In episode 41 Matt and Rob discuss the very real need for resiliency in life and work.  There's no question that we, as a community, have been through much adversity in the past three years and it doesn't seem to be letting up much.  However, we can learn to be resilient and "bounce" back from the tough things we a people experience.   Matt and Rob share the vision for the Resilient Conference being hosted by the Response Care Center April 28 and 29.  Check out the conference website below for more information and to register and get your ticket.     Resilient Conference website    

    Episode 40: Toxic Positivity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2023 35:12


    In this episode Dr. Rob and Matt chat about what Toxic Positivity is versus authentic positivity.  The definition for this concept is... "Toxic positivity is the act of avoiding, suppressing, or rejecting negative emotions or experiences. This may take the form of denying your own emotions or someone else denying your emotions, insisting on positive thinking instead." - Sasha Heinz Ph.D., MAPP

    Episode 39: The Merry (and not so Merry) Parts of Christmas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2022 35:12


    In this Christmas season we each have our own reality of how we navigate through the "merry" or "not so merry" parts of this holiday time.  Matt and Rob share their own thoughts about how they balance both sides of this coin regarding their journey of this Christmas season.  

    Episode 38: Understanding Boundaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 45:52


    When you think about the word boundary, you might have an image of a fence or of a border come to your mind. The fence might be used to keep two things separate from each other or to provide protection from another entity.  Dr. Rob and Matt discuss the concept of setting and maintaining boundaries in life and relationship.  We hope you enjoy this conversation! 

    Episode 37: Understanding Triggers

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 40:32


    Have you ever been in a situation and something a person says or does causes a "reaction" in you?  That might have been a trigger.  In this episode Matt and Rob chat about what triggers are, where they are rooted in, and how to manage them.  We hope you find this conversation useful as you consider triggers in your own life.  

    Episode 36: Being Trauma Informed, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 12, 2022 47:28


    In this part 2 episode of Mindful Conversations on being trauma informed, Dr. Rob and Matt continue the conversation with Anne Smith and explore the principles of connection when seeking to understand a person and their trauma history.  

    Episode 35: Child Development and Being Trauma Informed

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 41:36


    In this episode of Mindful Conversations Matt and Rob are joined by Ann Smith from Trauma Free World.  Ann has been working around the globe helping to train and inform people on how to be trauma informed.  She brings a wealth of information to this conversation about being trauma informed and how to understand the different perspectives that relate to this topic.   

    Episode 34: The Hard Side of Love

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2022 37:52


    In this episode Matt and Rob discuss the concept of the Hard Side of Love.  Often we think of love as something that is soft, cozy and sweet.  However, love also has a side to it that is more difficult to understand and accept - sometimes love is "hard" to understand.  We hope that this conversation will help you better understand the full context of love.  

    Episode 33: ”Agree To Disagree” - A Process of Transformation, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 41:36


    Have you ever said in an argument, "we will just have to accept that agree to disagree"?  Most of us have at one time or another, right?! In this second part of this series matt, Rob and Cliff continue their conversation on the transformative effect of learning how to accept that disagreement is not an "end" but rather a "beginning." 

    Episode 32: ”Agree To Disagree” - A Process of Transformation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 43:12


    Have you ever said in an argument, "we will just have to accept that we just don't agree!"? Most of us have at one time or another, right?! In this episode Matt, Rob and Cliff have a conversation on the transformative effect of learning how to accept that disagreement is not an "end" but rather a "beginning." This perspective can have a significant and long lasting change in relationships. 

    Episode 31: Narcissism, Today's Second Hand Smoke

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2022 45:20


    Dr. Rob and Matt discuss how narcissism is today's second hand smoke.  People are referring to narcissistic tendencies in their relationships more so today than ever before.  The world we live in basically supports and rewards narcissistic people.  Listen in to this podcast listen in on Matt and Rob discuss their thoughts on this cultural "second hand smoke."

    Episode 30: Understanding Authenticity in Germany

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 48:55


    Mindful Conversations with Matt and Rob record this episode live in Freudenstadt, Germany!!  Two very special guests join Matt in this episode, Ilva from Latvia and Rafi from Austria. We enjoyed a mindful conversation seeking to better understand how europe is seeking renewed authenticity. We hope you enjoy this super fun conversation! 

    Episode 29: The Difference Between Happiness and Pleasure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 41:04


    Dr. Rob and Matt are joined by Ashley to discuss the difference between happiness and pleasure.  Happiness is a core human desire and we pursue the state of being happy in a variety of different ways.  Pleasure on the other hand has a little different DNA.  Listen in to this chat and consider your own thoughts on happiness and pleasure.  

    Episode 28: Digital dilemma - Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2022 37:20


    In this third episode Matt and Rob conclude their conversation on the use of digital technology and how it is impacting our mental health and other parts of our lives.  

    Episode 27: Digital Dilemma? - Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2022 40:32


    Matt, Rob and Sandy Wiederhold, MD continue the conversation on digital dilemma in our current culture.  In this part 2 episode the focus turns toward how the brain is influenced by the pattern of behavior a person chooses.  Is there such a thing as digital addiction? Listen to this episode and join the conversation.  

    Episode 26: Are we in a Digital Dilemma? - Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2022 42:40


    Do you remember your first cell phone?  How about when you launched into your first social media experience?  In this episode Matt and Rob discuss the trend of digital usage and how it may be literally shaping our minds, relationships, and culture at large.  Special guest Sandy Wiederhold, MD joins the conversation to provide insight from a paediatrician point of view of how digital consumption is influencing people and specifically children.    

    Episode 25: All in the Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 35:44


    Dr. Rob and Matt are joined with special guest Melanie to have a conversation about family.  All of us have family experiences and stories to tell.  We all have a unique family structure and dynamics that have, in a large part, shaped who we are today.  Tune into this episode and consider the thoughts shared.  

    Episode 24: The Long Haul

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2022 32:56


    Matt and Rob have a conversation about what it means to be on a life journey they term the "Long-Haul."  Whether the long-haul struggle is dealing with long-term issues such as prolonged health problems, a difficult relationship, or just the difficulty of lack of an unrealized hope or dream... these all represent challenges that often times are a part of our life.  Listen in and join the conversation about the long haul perspective.  

    Episode 23: Understanding Emotions and Feelings

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2022 40:32


    Emotions and feelings are something that all people have yet many people don't really understand them.  In this mindful conversation, Matt and Rob share their thoughts on what emotions and feelings are and how to better understand them.  

    Episode 22: Holidays and Family, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 44:48


    During this holiday season our time spent with family often times is good and pleasurable.  However, sometimes it is challenging and just downright difficult.  In this episode of Mindful Conversations Matt and Rob are joined by Ashley and Elizabeth to share thoughts on family dynamics during the holidays.  

    Episode 21: Holidays, Family and Food

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 34:13


    Matt and Cliff (Rob had the day off) have a conversation about the tradition of Thanksgiving, family, friends and food.  In their conversation they discuss the idea of presence in the moment of all the festivities.  Listen in and join the conversation! 

    Episode 20: The Abuse of Power, Part 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 47:28


    In this part three conversation about the abuse of power, Rob, Matt, Ryan and Miah finish the conversation of what the abuse of power means to them.  Next steps and healing is center to this conversation and how you can find your voice to begin telling your story.  

    Episode 19: The Abuse of Power, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2021 41:04


    In this part 2 of the Abuse of Power, Matt and Rob have a conversation with special guest Ryan regarding his own story of abuse.  Miah Cook (Rob's son) joins the conversation as well!  

    Episode 18: The Abuse of Power

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2021 46:56


    In this episode Matt and Rob welcome special guest Ryan Murphy to the conversation on the abuse of power.  Based on the conversation in episode 17 regarding trust and respect - Matt, Rob and Ryan dive into the thoughts about how authority and power are used, misused and abused in relationships, workplaces, and other parts of our communities.  

    Episode 17: Trust

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 31:28


    Matt and Rob in this episode of Mindful Conversations have a conversation on the issue of trust and respect. 

    Episode 16: Communication with guest Cliff Barry - Clean Language, Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 36:16


    Matt, Rob and Cliff finish their conversation regarding Clean Language and metaphors.  This concept is not easy to understand but is worth the time to consider as integrating clean language concepts may improve effectiveness in communication. Thanks for listening! 

    Episode 15: Communication with guest Cliff Barry - Clean Language, Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2021 33:36


    Matt and Rob continue a conversation with guest Cliff Barry on communication.  In this episode the concept of "clean language" is the topic of conversation.  How you frame your communication is key to fully allowing the person you are speaking with be heard and understood.  Take a listen and learn about how clean language can be part of your communication tool kit. 

    Episode 14: Communication with guest Cliff Barry

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2021 35:44


    Rob and Matt begin a conversation with Cliff Barry on communication.  In this episode the conversation focuses on the basics of communication.  Cliff brings a rich perspective from his personal and professional life.  

    Episode 13: Six-Month COVID Assessment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 28:16


    Matt and Rob share their thoughts on COVID personal assessment.  It is important to maintain a personal awareness of the effects of COVID as we continue the journey of adjustment.   

    Episode 12: Understanding Maturity and Intimacy, Part 7, Self-Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 34:08


    This is the last episode on the series of Understanding Maturity and Intimacy.  In this conversation Rob, Matt and Patti discuss the importance of self-control and how this is the best barometer of maturity. Enjoy!

    Episode 11: Understanding Maturity and Intimacy, Part 6 - Self Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2021 34:08


    Matt, Rob and Patti discuss the importance of self-worth in regard to maturity.  Rob shares that self-worth is the result of a person understanding that they are wanted, needed, important and special.  Listen in and join the conversation about how you see your own self-worth based on the messages that have been shared in your life. 

    Episode 10: Understanding Maturity and Intimacy, Part 5 - Behavior

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2021 32:32


    In this episode Matt, Rob and Patti have a conversation about how we behavior, or act.  In prior episodes in this series the conversations have addressed how we think and how we feel.  Yet, it's our behavior that leads the way in our identity.  Tune in and join the conversation on how behavior relates to our maturity. 

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