Therapy for Guys

In this solo episode, I reflect on Lars von Trier's Melancholia—a film often described as dark or depressing, yet one I found strangely clarifying and alive.After briefly situating the film within von Trier's long career, I offer a grounded overview of its structure and themes before moving into deeper psychological and philosophical territory. Drawing on psychoanalysis and existential therapy, I explore how Melancholia portrays depression not simply as pathology, but as a slowing down—a descent into depth in a culture addicted to speed, optimism, and surface meaning.Using the work of James Hillman, Freud, Lacan, and existential thinkers like Kierkegaard and Heidegger, I reflect on melancholia as a confrontation with truth rather than something to be rushed past or fixed. The episode considers what the film can teach us about despair, authenticity, and what remains when familiar structures of meaning fall away.This is an episode about staying with difficult emotions long enough to listen—about refusing easy reassurance in favor of depth, honesty, and presence.

What comes after  toxic masculinity?In this solo episode, I take a deep dive into Ben Almassi's book Nontoxic: Masculinity, Allyship, and Feminist Philosophy—a work that has stayed with me both intellectually and personally. Rather than simply critiquing harmful forms of masculinity, Almassi asks a more difficult and necessary question: if masculinity can be toxic, what might a non-toxic masculinity actually look like?I explore this question by engaging three major tensions that many contemporary men—and clinicians who work with them—are facing right now.First, I offer a respectful but critical examination of the mythopoetic men's movement (think Robert Bly and Sam Keen). While acknowledging the movement's compassion for male suffering, I reflect on how its emphasis on an essential, ancient masculinity—often recovered in separation from women—ultimately reinscribes the very gender boundaries it seeks to heal.Second, I share my appreciation for Almassi's central contribution: reframing masculinity not as an inner essence or fixed identity, but as a set of practices shaped through relationship, accountability, power, and history. This shift—from masculinity as something we are to something we do—opens up new possibilities for change, responsibility, and growth.Finally, I speak personally about my own ongoing struggle to define masculinity in a way that avoids both unhealthy patriarchal norms and the abstract ideal of androgyny that, while philosophically compelling, often fails to resonate with men's lived experience. Almassi's concept of feminist allyship masculinity—grounded in what he calls “the unjust meantime”—offers a way to stay engaged with masculinity without mythologizing it or erasing it.This episode is a slow, thoughtful conversation with a book—and with a question I don't think has easy answers. If you're interested in masculinity beyond slogans, purity narratives, or culture-war binaries, this one is for you.If you'd like to read the book for yourself you can find it here for free.

In this episode, I explore one of the most haunting and philosophically rich interviews ever recorded: a conversation between Ernest Becker and Sam Keen, conducted in a hospital room in Vancouver just months before Becker's death in 1974.Becker, best known for The Denial of Death, understood this interview as a test of everything he had written about mortality, illusion, heroism, and the human condition. No longer speaking at a theoretical distance, Becker reflects on death while actively dying—placing his ideas under the pressure of lived finitude.Sam Keen, serving as more than an interviewer, presses Becker on the limits of tragic realism. Throughout their exchange, they grapple with fundamental questions:– Is culture an immortality project?– Why does the denial of death give rise to scapegoating and evil?– Can heroism exist without victims?– Is terror the final truth of existence—or is there also fascination, joy, and transcendence?In this episode, I walk carefully through the interview itself—following its arguments, tensions, and unresolved questions—while reflecting on what it means to think honestly at the edge of life.If you want to engage the original text directly, you can read the full interview here:

In this episode, I take a deep dive into I Don't Want to Talk About It by Terrence Real, a landmark work that changed how we understand depression in men.Male depression often doesn't look like sadness. It shows up as anger, withdrawal, numbness, overwork, or a quiet collapse of intimacy. Drawing from Real's insights and my own work as a psychotherapist, this episode explores how shame, emotional silence, and intergenerational legacies shape the inner lives of men—and why so many struggle without ever naming their pain as depression.I explore:Why male depression is so often hidden and misunderstoodHow shame becomes the core emotional wound for many menThe legacy of emotionally absent or unreachable fathersDepression as a relational injury rather than a personal failureWhat effective psychotherapy with men actually requiresWhy connection, dignity, and emotional safety matter more than “opening up”This episode is for therapists, clinicians, and anyone interested in men's mental health, masculinity, and the deeper emotional costs of silence. It's also for men who've felt disconnected, irritable, or unseen—but never quite “depressed” in the way the word is usually defined.If you've ever thought, “I don't want to talk about it,” this conversation is an invitation to understand why—and what healing can look like when men are met with respect, compassion, and real relational safety.

In this episode, I explore a concept that immediately stopped me in my tracks: the otrovert.I first encountered this idea when my wife shared an article with me and said, “This feels like you.” The article introduced the term otrovert—someone who isn't quite an introvert or an extrovert, but a person who can enjoy people deeply while still feeling fundamentally outside of groups.That moment sent me down a rabbit hole. I bought the Kindle edition of The Gift of Not Belonging by Rami Kaminsky, read it in a weekend, and then bought the hardcover because I knew this was a concept I wanted to stay with and think alongside my clinical work, my own life, and this podcast.In this episode, I slow things down and really unpack what Kaminsky means by the otrovert:– what it explains about personality and belonging– how it differs from introversion, social anxiety, or misanthropy– the quiet pain of being “other” in a joiner-oriented culture– and the unexpected gifts that can come from not being pulled toward group identityI also spend time carefully exploring how the idea of the otrovert might have a Venn diagram relationship with autism—without collapsing personality into diagnosis or difference into disorder.This is an episode for anyone who has felt socially capable but never quite drawn to belonging, who prefers depth over groups, or who has always lived slightly to the side of the herd and wondered why.Sometimes the right word doesn't box us in.Sometimes it gives us room to breathe.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I bring together philosopher Eugene Thacker's In the Dust of This Planet and Junji Ito's Uzumaki to explore a deeper, colder form of horror—one that isn't psychological, symbolic, or easily explained.Thacker writes about the “world-without-us”: a reality that exists beyond human meaning, care, or control. In Uzumaki, that idea takes shape as a spiral—an impersonal force that reshapes bodies, infects a town, and quietly dismantles the assumption that the world is organized around us.This is an episode about cosmic horror, dread, and the unsettling beauty of patterns that exceed human understanding. We explore why Uzumaki feels so disturbing, how horror can function as a form of philosophy, and what it means to encounter a world that doesn't offer reassurance or redemption.If you're interested in philosophical horror, cosmic pessimism, or stories that linger long after they end, this conversation is an invitation to sit with discomfort—and listen closely to what it reveals.

In this solo episode, I introduce the work of psychoanalyst Karen Horney, one of the most important—and often overlooked—figures in the history of psychoanalysis.Trained in Freudian theory yet deeply critical of its limits, Horney helped shift psychoanalysis away from instinct and biology and toward relationships, culture, and anxiety. I explore her life and intellectual world, including her interactions with other major analysts and her complicated personal and theoretical relationship with Erich Fromm.From there, I take a deeper dive into Horney's core ideas—basic anxiety, the three neurotic trends, the idealized self, and what she famously called the “tyranny of the shoulds.” These concepts remain strikingly relevant today, especially for understanding perfectionism, people-pleasing, withdrawal, shame, and the quiet suffering many people carry into therapy.Finally, I reflect on why Karen Horney still matters for contemporary psychotherapy and why her vision of healing—rooted in self-realization, relational safety, and compassion for our adaptive strategies—feels more timely than ever.This episode is an invitation to revisit a thinker who continues to help us understand what it means to lose—and recover—the real self.

In this episode, I sit down once again with my friend Barry Taylor, and what begins as a check-in about life after loss unfolds into one of the most honest, surprising, and wide-ranging conversations we've had yet.Barry opens up about the recent passing of his mother—what anticipatory grief prepared him for, and what it couldn't. We talk about dementia, family histories that leave their mark long after childhood, and the strange psychic shift that happens when both of your parents are gone. What does it mean to feel like an orphan as an adult? What does it awaken in us? These questions guide us into deeper territory about identity, childhood wounds, and the ways our parents' unlived lives ripple into our own.From there, the episode widens into a meditation on originality, artistic risk, and the forces that try to shape us into echoes rather than voices. Barry shares stories from his upbringing—poverty, neglect, and that unforgettable school report calling him “original, but not brilliant”—and reflects on how those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to curiosity, nonconformity, and following the edges of things.We explore parenting, ambition, risk, the cruelty of imposed optimism, and the ways culture pressures us toward safety rather than authenticity. Barry talks about why he's drawn to singers who don't “fit,” why dissonance matters, and how discovering one's voice is a lifelong unfolding rather than a singular moment.And, in true Barry fashion, the conversation moves fluidly into theology, mysticism, pessimism, and the philosophical terrain of thinkers like Eugene Thacker and Camus. We discuss the mystery of subjectivity, the limits of knowing, and how beginning from meaninglessness might paradoxically open us up to a more grounded joy.This episode is raw, intimate, wandering, and deeply human. It's two people thinking out loud about how we become who we are—through grief, through rupture, through risk, and through the beauty of not fitting neatly anywhere.If you've ever wrestled with your past, your voice, or your place in the world, there's something here for you.

In this episode, I explore how philosopher Eugene Thacker's ideas about pessimism, horror, and “the world-without-us” unexpectedly illuminate the heart of existential therapy. Thacker argues that moments of dread, uncertainty, and limit-experience reveal the limits of human control and understanding—and these moments show up in the therapy room all the time.I talk about how existential therapy helps us sit with the mystery instead of running from it, and how confronting the unthinkable can actually open the door to clarity, growth, and deeper self-understanding. From anxiety and identity shifts to grief, burnout, and meaning crises, we look at how therapy becomes a place to face life's vastness without collapsing into fear.If you're curious about the intersection of philosophy, horror, and the therapeutic journey—especially with teens, neurodivergent clients, and adults navigating major transitions—this episode offers a grounded, accessible reflection on how we can live meaningfully in an uncertain world.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and returning guest, Luke Grote, to explore one of the most intense, provocative, and fascinating chapters I've ever read. Luke recently sent me a chapter from his upcoming book — a piece he describes as the best work he's ever written — and after reading it, I have to agree. It's part theology, part philosophy, part psychoanalysis, and part prophetic critique, woven together with a raw emotional charge that grabbed me immediately.We talk about where inspiration really comes from, why the ego is fundamentally a distortion, and how most of us spend our lives sleepwalking inside an identity shaped by cultural conditioning, spiritual misunderstandings, and mimetic pressures. Luke explains why Kierkegaard is his model for doing theology, how despair is a universal condition, and why he believes the “self” we identify with is largely an illusion we need to transcend.We also explore the intensity — even the fury — in his writing. I ask him directly if this chapter was a kind of “manic rant,” and we dig into how his bipolar diagnosis shapes the way he sees the world, breaks from academic conformity, and refuses to internalize the “Name-of-the-Father” in the Lacanian sense. Luke talks openly about how this partial break from the symbolic order allows him to see through cultural structures most of us unconsciously obey.From there, we dive into the inseparable relationship between the personal and the political, the tension between detachment and engagement, and why Luke believes genuine social transformation requires a radical remaking of the self. We challenge evangelical moralism, progressive identity politics, and the idolatry of belief within Christianity — and ask what it means to wake up in a world where most people prefer to remain asleep.This conversation is dense, challenging, and deeply alive. If you're interested in ego-transcendence, the New Being, Kierkegaard, consciousness, spirituality, political critique, or what it means to become who you truly are, this episode will have a lot for you.

In this solo episode, I dive into Peter Wessel Zapffe's haunting “existential elk” theory of consciousness — the idea that our self-awareness is both magnificent and unbearably heavy, like oversized antlers we were never built to carry. The topic resurfaced after my friend Aaron Inkrott recently shared the metaphor with me, and it immediately brought me back to when I first encountered it years ago in Thomas Ligotti's The Conspiracy Against the Human Race.As a psychotherapist who spends my days sitting with people's despair, loneliness, and deep existential pain, I find myself drawn to these darker currents of thought. But I'm equally interested in how we can work creatively and hopefully within them. In this episode, I reflect on how Zapffe's theory shows up in therapy — especially with teens and neurodivergent young adults — and how the metaphor of “the elk with oversized antlers” can help us understand both the burden and the possibility of consciousness.I invite you to explore your own antlers, the weight you carry, and the ways therapy can help us hold our awareness with more courage, imagination, and maybe even meaning.

In this solo episode, I explore the ancient alchemical phrase solve et coagula—“dissolve and coagulate”—and how it offers a powerful metaphor for the work of psychotherapy. Drawing from my experiences as a psychotherapist, I look at why real transformation often requires a softening or breaking down of old stories, identities, and defenses before anything new can take shape.I discuss how therapy becomes a protected space where people can let go of rigid patterns, sit with uncertainty, and slowly re-form themselves in healthier, more authentic ways. If you're curious about personal growth, identity, or the deeper process of psychological change, this episode offers a thoughtful and accessible look at how dissolution and re-formation show up in the human psyche.Listen, reflect, and explore the alchemy of healing.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with philosopher and Lacanian theorist Todd McGowan for a deep exploration of Frantz Fanon's engagement with G.W.F. Hegel. Together, we unpack how Black Skin, White Masksreimagines Hegel's master–slave dialectic through the lens of colonialism, race, and psychic struggle.Todd explains how thinkers like Alexandre Kojève shaped the 20th-century obsession with recognition and how Fanon both inherits and critiques that legacy. We explore Fanon's bold claim that freedom must be won through struggle, not simply mutual understanding—and how his universalism sets him apart from later postcolonial and identity-based readings.Our conversation also moves into psychoanalysis, examining Fanon's dialogue with Freud and Lacan, his implicit engagement with the death drive, and his view of colonialism as a system driven by disavowed self-destruction. We also touch on Fanon's reflections on violence, alienation, and the tension between theory and political action.This is a wide-ranging discussion about freedom, universality, and the cost of liberation, and why Fanon's work still speaks urgently to our moment.

In this solo episode, I explore what Erich Fromm and Frantz Fanon can teach us about suffering, freedom, and what it means to be human. I'm not speaking as a scholar — I'm speaking as a psychotherapist who sits with real people in real pain every day. This is my humble, subjective take on how their ideas show up in the therapy room.I look at how both thinkers believed our struggles aren't just personal — they're shaped by the world we live in. Fromm leans toward love, boundaries, and humanistic change; Fanon toward rupture, fire, and reclaiming dignity through action. I also reflect on our tendency to idealize intellectual heroes instead of learning to think for ourselves.If you're curious about the intersection of mental health, meaning, and the social world we're all trying to survive, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, I talk with Tyrique Mack-Georges, a PhD student in philosophy at Penn State, about the deep connections between Frantz Fanon and Jean-Paul Sartre. We explore how both thinkers help us understand the systemic nature of racism, the power of language in maintaining or challenging colonial systems, and Fanon's vision of a new humanism.Tyrique shares how his Caribbean background shapes his philosophical journey and how Fanon reworked Sartre's existentialism to illuminate what it means to become fully human in a world structured by domination.

In this solo episode, I explore Frantz Fanon's ambivalence toward religion—how he wrestled with the sacred, the modern, and the so-called “primitive.” Drawing on Federico Settler's thought-provoking essay, I reflect on Fanon's complex relationship with Catholicism, Islam, and indigenous spirituality, and how those tensions shaped his vision of liberation and the “new man.”I'm also excited to share some of the conversations coming up on the podcast, including Tyrique Mack-Georges on Fanon and Sartre, Todd McGowan on Fanon and Hegel, Donovan Miyasaki on Fanon and Nietzsche, and Matthew Beaumont on Fanon and Reich. I'm hoping to keep expanding this exploration—into Fanon's engagement with Manichaeism, his possible connections to Alfred Adler, Simone de Beauvoir, and others who helped shape his revolutionary psychology.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Peter Hudis for a rich and energizing conversation on the life, thought, and legacy of Frantz Fanon. As I mention at the start of our discussion, Peter's book Frantz Fanon: Philosopher of the Barricades has been one of the most accessible and illuminating introductions to Fanon I've ever encountered. If you've wanted to understand Fanon beyond the buzzwords—this is the place to begin.Together, we explore the philosophical influences that shaped Fanon's thinking, from the Negritude movement and Sartre to Merleau-Ponty, Hegel, and beyond. Peter shares fascinating stories about Fanon's early exposure to philosophy in Martinique, his evolution as a revolutionary thinker, and the ways he transformed the ideas he inherited rather than simply repeating them. We also discuss Fanon's commitment to a new humanism—one rooted in mutual recognition, dignity, liberation, and social transformation.Whether you're new to Fanon or have been journeying with his ideas for years, this episode offers both depth and accessibility. I left the conversation energized, challenged, and more convinced than ever that Fanon's work remains essential for thinking about race, liberation, and humanity today.Tune in, reflect with us, and see what new connections emerge for you as we revisit Fanon's enduring legacy through the eyes of a leading scholar.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Daniel José Gaztambide to talk about his brilliant new book Decolonizing Psychoanalytic Technique: Putting Freud on Fanon's Couch. This was one of my favorite conversations to date — part intellectual exploration, part personal exchange, and entirely alive with the spirit of Fanon's revolutionary thought.Daniel and I trace the roots of his work back to his childhood in Puerto Rico, his experiences growing up in a psychologically attuned church, and his journey through psychoanalytic and liberation psychology training. We talk about what it means to read Freud through Fanon — how psychoanalysis itself must be decolonized to reckon with the realities of race, class, and power.From Freud's Civilization and Its Discontents to Fanon's psychiatric innovations in Blida, Daniel unpacks the political and clinical stakes of psychotherapy today — including the idea of intersectional suffering and how our personal struggles are shaped by larger systems of racial capitalism and patriarchy.This episode is full of warmth, humor, and deep insight. Daniel's passion for both clinical practice and social transformation really shines through, and I can't wait for listeners to hear how Fanon's legacy continues to challenge and inspire the next generation of therapists and thinkers.

In this solo episode, I dive into the electrifying intersection between Zeal & Ardor's genre-bending music and Frantz Fanon's revolutionary psychology of liberation.I trace the origins of Zeal & Ardor — from Manuel Gagneux's provocative “what-if” experiment blending slave spirituals and black metal — to their evolution into a powerful exploration of history, rage, and rebirth. Through Fanon's lens, this fusion becomes more than music: it's a sonic revolt, a reimagining of how trauma, faith, and resistance can transform into new cultural life.Along the way, I unpack Fanon's ideas about the “white mask,” violence as catharsis, and the creation of a new humanism, showing how Zeal & Ardor's sound captures the psychic energy of decolonization.This episode is part cultural analysis, part therapy session, and part love letter to the power of art to rework our deepest wounds.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sinan Richards to explore his brilliant article “The Logician of Madness: Fanon's Lacan.” Our conversation dives into the deep intellectual currents connecting Frantz Fanon and Jacques Lacan—two thinkers often treated as distant but who, as Sinan argues, share a surprisingly intimate lineage.We trace Fanon's early psychiatric influences at Saint-Alban under François Tosquelles, the Catalan psychiatrist whose fusion of psychoanalysis, surrealism, and social activism helped form the basis for institutional psychotherapy. From there, we follow how Tosquelles' reading of Lacan's fertile moments of delirium and psychogenesis evolved into Fanon's own radical idea of sociogenesis—the notion that the colonial order itself produces mental illness.Sinan also illuminates the feedback loop between these two towering figures: how Lacan's early emphasis on the social helped shape Fanon's thought, and how Fanon, in turn, may have anticipated the late Lacanian critique of the symbolic order as a kind of psychic prison. Together, we discuss language, desire, and disalienation—how the colonized subject's struggle to speak and dream in a colonizer's tongue exposes both the political and psychic dimensions of liberation.Along the way, Sinan shares vivid stories—like Tosquelles and his patients hand-binding copies of Lacan's thesis and selling them in the village market—and we reflect on Fanon's enduring insight that things cannot go on as they are.This conversation is for anyone drawn to psychoanalysis, decolonial thought, and the places where philosophy meets political action.

In this episode, I talk with Jungian analyst and musician Rodney Waters about his remarkable thesis, The Orphic Descent. Rodney explores how the myth of Orpheus reveals the deep psychological and spiritual power of music—its ability to connect opposites, suspend suffering, and awaken what's lifeless within us.We trace his journey from classical pianist to Jungian analyst and discuss how music serves as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious, spirit and matter. Rodney reflects on Orpheus as the archetypal musician whose song could soften even the gods of the Underworld, while I share how a Gojira concert unexpectedly became a moment of transcendence for me.This conversation invites you to listen differently—to hear music not just as sound, but as a living symbol of the psyche's movement toward wholeness.

In this solo episode, I take a deep dive into the life of Frantz Fanon, tracing his journey from his early years in Martinique to his groundbreaking work as a psychiatrist and revolutionary thinker.I explore how Fanon's experiences growing up under French colonial rule shaped his understanding of identity and freedom, his formative time studying medicine and psychiatry in France, and his clinical work at Saint-Alban and Blida-Joinville, where his ideas about decolonization and mental health began to take root.This episode serves as an introduction to the series of upcoming conversations I'll be having with scholars and clinicians about Fanon's work and legacy. My goal is to offer listeners—especially those who may not be familiar with Fanon—a sense of the man behind the ideas, the experiences that shaped him, and why his thought still matters so deeply today.

In this episode of The Psyche Podcast, I sit down with psychoanalyst, scholar, and author Derek Hook to explore the intersections between Frantz Fanon, Jacques Lacan, and the work of decolonial psychoanalysis. Drawing from Derek's new book, Fanon, Psychoanalysis, and Critical Decolonial Psychology: The Mind of Apartheid, we discuss how Fanon both used and transformed psychoanalysis to address the psychic realities of racism, colonization, and liberation.Derek shares how growing up under apartheid shaped his lifelong interest in the psychological mechanisms of racism and domination. We talk about Fanon's early encounter with Lacanian ideas through François Tosquelles, his critical response to Octave Mannoni, and how Black Skin, White Masks continues to challenge the limits of both psychoanalysis and politics.Together, we unpack Fanon's reworking of Jung's “collective unconscious” into what Derek calls a European collective unconscious—a psychic structure shaped by racial fantasy, colonial desire, and historical trauma. We also reflect on the place of the “third” or the big Other in the analytic encounter, and how Fanon's vision of a decolonial psychology continues to unsettle, inspire, and demand reflection.This was a deeply engaging conversation that bridges theory and experience—an exploration of how Fanon's work helps us think about freedom not only as a social project but as a psychic and existential one.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Erik Butler—the translator of Byung-Chul Han's Psychopolitics: Neoliberalism and the New Technologies of Power—to explore Han's piercing critique of our digital age. Together, we trace the book's philosophical roots in Foucault, Heidegger, Nietzsche, and Deleuze & Guattari, while unpacking Han's distinction between biopolitics and psychopolitics, his analysis of the “achievement society,” and the paradox of self-optimization in a world of constant surveillance.We dive into Han's provocative call to embrace “idiotism,” a radical form of individuality that resists neoliberal demands for self-display, and consider the religious and mystical threads that run through his thought. Erik also shares insights from his work as a translator, offering a behind-the-scenes look at Han's solitary life and difficult reputation, while we reflect on the book's surprising relevance nearly a decade after its release.Whether you're new to Han or already captivated by his writings, this conversation offers a lively and accessible entry point into one of the most urgent philosophical diagnoses of our time.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with Elisabeth Schilling to dive into Byung-Chul Han's The Crisis of Narration. Our conversation winds through the healing power of stories, the hero's journey, and how narrative shapes our sense of meaning and belonging. We reflect on Han's critique of our data-driven age and explore what's lost when narrative gives way to information overload.Elisabeth shares insights from her work teaching world mythology and connects Han's ideas to Joseph Campbell, Greek myths like Eros and Psyche, and even her own spiritual journey. Together, we wrestle with tensions between metanarratives and personal myths, the promise and pitfalls of therapy as a storytelling space, and whether Han's nostalgia for communal narratives has a place in today's fragmented world.From Hallmark movies to Amanda Knox, from Jung's notion of individuation to the dangers of thin stories, this episode asks what it really means to live in—and through—narrative.

In this episode, I dive into Carrie Jenkins' book Sad Love: Romance and the Search for Meaning. At first glance, the title might make you think it's all about heartbreak—but what Jenkins actually offers is a fresh way of thinking about love: eudaimonic love. I talk about Jenkins' background as a philosopher at the University of British Columbia, her creative approach to love, and why she moves beyond Aristotle's vision of the “good life”—a vision that, surprisingly, excluded people he considered “ugly.”Instead, Jenkins reimagines eudaimonia as “good spirits” and highlights how love is really about the environments and relationships that nurture meaning. I also unpack her critique of hedonism and the romantic ideal of being “madly in love,” showing how she reframes love as a collaborative project—about co-creating a meaningful life with another person. Along the way, I share Jenkins' engagement with Viktor Frankl, who reminds us that “love, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue.”If you've ever felt boxed in by traditional scripts around love, or you're looking for a deeper, more authentic way to think about relationships, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with theologian David W. Congdon to explore his bold new article, The Polyamorous Christ: On the Sexual Ethics of the Incarnation. We dig into why Christianity has historically treated erotic love with suspicion, how monogamy became the assumed norm, and why it's important to distinguish polyamory from polygamy .David challenges the common move of grounding polyamory in the Trinity and instead turns to Christology and the incarnation as a richer resource. We talk about the logic of noncompetitive abundance—how God's love in Christ shows that love isn't a scarce resource but something that grows the more it's shared .Together, we explore how this vision could reshape Christian sexual ethics, not by mandating polyamory, but by rejecting compulsory monogamy and opening up a “buffet of options” for human relationships rooted in consent and flourishing .This conversation is provocative, challenging, and deeply hopeful. Whether or not you identify as Christian, I think you'll find that David's idea of a polyamorous logic of love opens new ways of thinking about intimacy, community, and what it means to live abundantly.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the fascinating and controversial figure of Alejandro Jodorowsky—filmmaker, writer, and creator of psychomagic. Together, we unpack how Jodorowsky's surrealist films, theatrical experiments, and ritualistic interventions might inform psychotherapy today.Paul and I dive into the tension between theory and creativity in therapy, comparing Jodorowsky's work with the approaches of Milton Erickson, Bradford Keeney, and other innovators. We discuss the symbolic power of ritual, the role of improvisation in therapy, and why standardized treatment models often fall short in honoring the uniqueness of each client.Along the way, we reflect on performance, spontaneity, therapeutic alliance, and the risks of imposing ideology over human connection. Whether you're intrigued by Jodorowsky's art, curious about creative therapy, or simply interested in how therapists can remain open, playful, and adaptive, this conversation will spark your imagination.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with my friend Todd McGowan to talk about his newest book, The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Lacan. We dive into what it was like for Todd to take on the challenge of writing an introduction to such a complex and enigmatic thinker, especially after the unexpected passing of his co-author, Mari Ruti .Todd and I explore Lacan's relationship to philosophy, his engagement with Hegel and Kojève, and why Todd divides Lacan's career into early, middle, and late periods . We also get into stories from Lacan's life—like his infamous driving habits—and how they intersect with his radical ethical claims .Along the way, we discuss key concepts like the objet petit a, the mirror stage, and the four discourses, while reflecting on Lacan's enduring relevance for thinking about desire, subjectivity, and the collision of biology and culture . This was a lively and thought-provoking conversation that made me appreciate both the brilliance and the contradictions in Lacan's thought.If you're curious about Lacan but have felt intimidated by his work, this episode is a great place to start.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with filmmaker Fred Sprinkle to talk about his powerful short film The Rites of Man. From the first time I watched it, I was struck by its beauty, depth, and the way it speaks to the struggles of masculinity in our culture today. Fred shares how the project was born out of his own reflections on manhood, mental health, and the pressures to constantly “maximize” in a world governed by metrics and algorithms.We dive into the unique filmmaking process—shot on 16mm film—and explore themes of precarious masculinity, trauma, relationships, and the tension between connection and solitude. Our conversation also touches on philosophy, Byung-Chul Han, Zygmunt Bauman, religion, and the longing for community in a digital age.This is one of those episodes that opens up big questions about what it means to be human, how we deal with pain, and how art can help us reflect on our lives. Whether you're drawn to film, psychology, or questions of masculinity, I think you'll find this conversation both thought-provoking and deeply human.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Richard Beck—professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University, prison chaplain, and author of eight books including his latest, The Shape of Joy: The Transformative Power of Moving Beyond Yourself.We explore the limitations of self-esteem culture, the dangers of unhealthy introspection, and how modern mental health often traps us in cycles of self-focus. Dr. Beck introduces a liberating alternative: turning outward toward awe, moral beauty, humility, and transcendent experiences that pull us beyond the confines of our own egos.Our conversation moves from Freud and Socrates to Brene Brown, Ernest Becker, and even Brother Lawrence, weaving psychology, philosophy, and spirituality into a compelling vision of what it means to live a joyful, flourishing life. You'll hear about concepts like “ego volume,” the pitfalls of hero games, and the power of everyday mysticism to cultivate resonance with the world.If you've ever wrestled with self-esteem, overthinking, or the pressure to prove your worth, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: joy begins not in chasing yourself, but in moving beyond yourself.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Calum Neill, author of Jacques Lacan: The Basics, for a deep-yet-accessible dive into one of the most challenging and misunderstood figures in psychoanalysis. Calum shares how he first encountered Lacan, why he believes Lacan's ideas are essential for understanding what it means to be human, and how his book serves as a doorway into this vast and complex world.We talk about the unconscious as structured like a language, Lacan's distinctive view of desire and lack, and why the petit objet a matters in everyday life—from love and consumer culture to the ethics of living with incompleteness. Along the way, we touch on Shel Silverstein, the difference between need, demand, and desire, and how Lacan can illuminate our struggles with anxiety.Whether you're brand new to Lacan or looking for a fresh perspective, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and maybe even shift how you think about yourself and the world.

In this episode, I reconnect with my friend Barry Taylor for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. The heart of our conversation dives into the philosophical work of Emanuele Coccia, whose poetic reflections on plants, the home, and mixture have deeply impacted both of us. We explore how Coccia's idea of the “metaphysics of mixture” dissolves hard boundaries between self and world, body and environment, offering an alternative to more buffered, defended views of the self—like those found in classical psychoanalysis.We also talk about Jameson Webster's On Breathing, which resonates deeply with Coccia's philosophy. Together, these works prompt us to rethink embodiment, aesthetics, fear, and desire. One of Coccia's insights we return to is the idea that it's not courage but desire that helps us overcome fear—a notion that has therapeutic implications and got me thinking about how we might rekindle desire in those stuck in anxiety or avoidance.Throughout, we wrestle with big questions about subjectivity, animism, bathrooms as gendered spaces, and the need to dethrone reason in favor of a more holistic, enchanted vision of reality. We even get into Barry's reflections on flatulence, the philosophy of shit, and how our treatment of the “unclean” reveals deep cultural truths.Whether you're a fan of philosophy, psychoanalysis, or just curious about how to live more openly and connectedly in the world, this conversation is for you.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down once again with my good friend Phuc Luu to discuss his newest book, Jesus and Buddha Talk About Desire, Suffering, and Happiness. I've always admired Phuc's ability to weave together deep philosophical insight and spiritual imagination, and this book is no exception.We dive into the inspiration behind his fictional dialogue between Yeshua and Siddhartha—a creative, meditative work that explores how these two towering spiritual figures might reflect on three of life's biggest themes: desire, suffering, and happiness. We talk about the religious and cultural baggage many of us carry around desire, why imagination is essential to theology, and how identity can both ground us and limit us.We also reflect on what it means to live a life of freedom and happiness—not as a pursuit of something out there, but as a presence we awaken to. Whether you come from a Buddhist, Christian, or entirely different background, I think you'll find Phuc's vision of dialogue, connection, and interbeing to be a breath of fresh air in today's polarized world.If you're interested in picking up his book or joining a discussion group, head over to phucluu.com. And as always, thanks for tuning in.

In this episode of Psyche Podcast, I sit down with scholar and writer Jill Carroll to discuss her bold and provocative book The Savage Side: Reclaiming Violent Models of God. We dive deep into Jill's intellectual and spiritual journey—from her Pentecostal upbringing and seminary days at Oral Roberts University to her transformative encounter with Annie Dillard's writings and her eventual doctoral work at Rice University under the guidance of Edith Wyschogrod.Jill shares how her own doubts led her to question traditional theological frameworks and ultimately reimagine the divine—not as a domesticated or anthropomorphic projection, but as a force rooted in the raw, majestic, and sometimes brutal reality of the cosmos. We talk about nature, violence, feminist theology, atheism, and the possibility of a “savage spirituality” that doesn't flinch from the truth of suffering and death.This conversation pushed me to confront some of my own theological assumptions, and I think it might do the same for you. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode offers a powerful meditation on what it means to live meaningfully in a world where nature is both breathtaking and indifferent.

In this episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with Paul J. Leslie to explore the power of co-creating therapeutic themes—especially with male clients. Drawing from Paul's book Transforming Themes, we dive into how therapy with men often involves shifting both perception and performance in order to unlock change. We talk about the limitations of traditional cognitive approaches and highlight how action, ritual, and creative reframing can bring about meaningful transformation. We also discuss the importance of therapist creativity, the value of feedback-informed treatment, and why staying curious and well-rounded helps deepen our therapeutic connections. This conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiration for anyone working with men in therapy.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allen Novian for a powerful conversation on men's mental health. We explore the evolving landscape of masculinity and the deep courage it takes for men to open up and seek therapy. Allen and I talk about the stigma that still surrounds male vulnerability, and how embracing curiosity—rather than shame—can be a transformative part of the healing process. We also dig into the roles that grief, father-son dynamics, and cultural expectations play in shaping how men show up in the world. This episode is a reminder that strength isn't about pushing through at all costs—it's about learning to care, pay attention, and grow through life's challenges.

In this raw and wide-ranging episode of the Psyche Podcast, I sit down with theologian, author, and former emergent church leader Tony Jones to explore his latest book The God of Wild Places. We reflect on faith, failure, and the search for meaning after both public and personal upheaval. Tony opens up about his years in seminary, his complicated relationship with Christian fame, and the vulnerable process of writing through divorce, fatherhood, and spiritual transformation. We talk about everything from Nancey Murphy's non-reductive physicalism to predator-prey symbolism, spiritual disillusionment, and what it means to find a more humble, lowercase “g” god in life's wild places. This conversation is honest, philosophical, and deeply human—perfect for anyone wrestling with belief, identity, and living authentically.Check out his book!

In this episode, I explore how Lev Vygotsky's ideas of scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal Development offer a powerful framework for working with neurodivergent clients. Using the image of a garden trellis, I reflect on how therapy provides the structure and support needed for authentic, self-directed growth—guiding without constraining, and always honoring the client's natural direction.

Great conversation with Todd McGowan discussing his essay "Existentialism After Finitude: The Transcendence of the Unconscious" from the book Death and Love: Psychoanalytic and Philosophical Perspectives (co-edited with Julie Reshe).

A great conversation with Bob Langan about his new book Jung and Spinoza Passage Through The Blessed Self.

In this episode, I talk with therapist and podcaster Joel Blackstock about the life and legacy of Carl Jung. Our conversation explores Jung's vast intellectual curiosity—his willingness to engage with mythology, dreams, alchemy, and even the paranormal in his search for psychological truth. We reflect on how Jung's openness to mystery continues to inspire those on the path of self-discovery.

A fun conversation with Barry on his recent talk at Wake, the psychoanalysis of religion in Ana-Maria Rizutto, and other reflections on the sacred in the modern world.

I speak with Elliott about all things Jung and his article "Sacred Skies: UFOs and the Religious Function of the Psyche"

In The Ego and the Id, Sigmund Freud uses the analogy of a horse and rider to illustrate the relationship between the ego and the id, emphasizing that we may have less control over the unconscious than we'd like to believe. Yet, a decade later in New Introductory Lectures on Psychoanalysis, Freud introduces the psychoanalytic motto: “Where id was, there ego shall be,” hinting at the possibility of greater agency than he originally proposed. This tension—between the limits of our control and the hope for transformation—has always intrigued me. In this episode, I explore that dynamic by sharing a few key quotes from Freud, and one from Mari Ruti that I believe sheds meaningful light on this enduring paradox.

I speak to William B. Parsons about his book Freud and Religion: Advancing the Dialogue.

I speak with Richard Boothby about Freud's unsettling discovery of the death drive in "Beyond The Pleasure Principle."

I speak with Lacanian psychoanalyst Jason Childs about Sigmund Freud's “Some remarks on a Case of Obsessional Neurosis," aka the "Rat Man".

I speak to my friend Barry Taylor about Aaron Schuster's book The Trouble with Pleasure: Deleuze and Psychoanalysis .

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Phuc Luu to discuss his idea for a book titled In Their Image, which explores how conservative evangelicals and reactionary atheists are often two sides of the same coin. We also dive into recent books that argue against empathy, unpacking their critiques and implications.

Luke and I discuss Soren Kierkegaard's Fear and Trembling.