What's Next?!

Dr. Pirkey is a Academic Research Fellow with The University of Memphis' Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change. In this recording, she reads two articles she recently wrote titled: "Intertwining Destinies: Heroes' Hearts Beating as One" and "Transitioning from Fate to Destiny". The link to the articles in written form will be posted here once they are available. **For former podcast listeners, as you all know, I have decided to end my podcast show; nonetheless, please feel free to listen to these recorded articles. Take care!

Get carried away to the beat of this rhythmic, jazz-like interaction between Drs. Washington and Pirkey as they discuss the benefits and sociocultural history of drumming. Stay tuned! Time Stamps will be released soon!

Please enjoy this episode as Dr. Pirkey faces her own discomfort and humbling learning lessons regarding problem solving in the context of preparing for this episode. She, then, introduces her problem solving process through story telling to convey how she problem "solved" the ultimate problem of them all: how our experiences influence our understanding of our challenges --both individually and collectively. **Due to unforseen circumstances, Dr. Pirkey must postpone her upcoming episodes until mid-January. She appreciates your empathy and patience! :) Big changes are at play! WOOHOO! Time Stamps: 00:01:25: Using Context in Problem Solving 00:08:25: Finding Balance Between Work/Play/Self-Care 00:14:57: Allowing Yourself Opportunities to Heal & be Your Authentic Self 00:20:17: Committing to Co-Creating a Culture of Change

Welcome to Series 2 of What's Next! I hope you enjoy this fun, game-oriented, introductory episode on problem solving. :) 00.00.11: Series Introduction 00.00.45: The Blueprint for Problem Solving 00.03.45: Context: Structure and Foundation 00.05.04: The Pinball Game of Problem Solving 00.06.30: How to Prepare for this Series

“Music with all its subtlety has immense power to unite people, spread love, and bring peace [to] the world!” – Sanchita Pandey “Music is one of the longest standing, self-prescribed therapy in history.” – Erin Seibert, Music therapist Be sure to tune in to learn all about how the program "Recovery Unplugged", founded by Aerosmith's Richie Supa (song writer & guitarist), supports and empowers people to rise above their addiction and mental health challenges. Special thanks to Karen Morgan, Addiction Counselor and Recovery Unplugged Outreach Manager, as she guides us through this insightful episode. 00.01.11: Recovery Unplugged: Music as a Catalyst for Change 00.02.44: Connecting Music to Emotions 00.04.05 : History of Recovery Unplugged 00.06.03: Recognizing the Signs of Addiction & What To Do 00.10.40: Finding the Value & Benefit in Bringing Addictive Patterns into Another's Awareness 00.17.21: How Music Affects Addiction: A Theory 00.24.29: A Plan for Recovery 00.26.34: My Experience with Music Therapy 00.30.26: Why do people start using drugs? 00.34.41: Shame, Addiction, & Acceptance 00.38.20: Stigma of Addiction & Mental Health 00.40.59: Unabashed Plug: Dr. Pirkey's Call for Aid 00.43.15: Using Russian Doll Metaphor to explain Trauma, Bias, & Healing 00.43.31: Announcing Series 2 00.44.57: Three more episodes left for Series 1 (Overlapping with Series 2) https://www.recoveryunplugged.com/ Email: whatsnextofficial2020@gmail.com IG: @the_PhD_Yogini FB: Facebook.com/WNPodcast *Correction: Recovery Unplugged has centers across the nation --not globe. :) Whoops!

In the mood for an uplifting, scientifically-infused perspective of mantras that includes opportunities to learn and practice for yourself? Please enjoy this week's episode on Mantras with Kundalini yogi, Ravi Singh. Also, be sure to tune in after the interview as an incredibly important announcement is made... ;) Enjoy! 01:14: Mantras: Background & History 05:11: Looking Within: Sweetness of Self 06:55: Most Common Mantras 08:31: Practicing Silent Mantras 11:01: Mantras vs. Religion 13:24: Practicing Spoken Mantras 17:01: Mantras for Enhancing Spiritual/Personal Development 19:28: Mantras & God: The (T)ruth vs. (t)ruth 21:59: Positive Benefits of Mantras Continued 23:28: Explaining & Practicing Sa Ta Na Ma 25:55: Theory of Karma: Cause & Effect 28:01: Mantras & Problem Solving 34:14: Memorable Story of Mantra Practice* 38:11: Mantras vs. Positive Affirmations** 41:35: Neutral Mind: How to Engage in the Q-Anon Discussion*** Ravi's website: raviana.com Email: whatsnextofficial2020@gmail.com IG: @the_PhD_Yogini FB: facebook.com/WNPodcast TO read after listening: * This cute story actually reminds me of a helpful tip for teachers that I learned from a KYT friend. Perhaps, using a white board (with the name of the mantra spelled out in Sanskrit as well as its meaning) would be helpful (when I first began my practice as a student, I found it incredibly beneficial); the former helps with pronunciation and both the former and the latter supports the student to more deeply engage in the present moment/practice rather than them wondering what they're saying and whether they're saying it "right". ** Another helpful tip for positive affirmations: Meet yourself where you're at. For instance, if you are not feeling as though you are "worthy" of God's love, perhaps breaking the affirmation into something more palatable (i.e., that you actually believe) and then slowly scaffolding yourself to deeper levels of love/worthiness may be a worthwhile approach, so as to experience less resistance in the learning/practicing process. Hope this helps! *** Another important point: For me, reviewing secondary sources for accurate/Truthful information feels to lack integrity. I realize it can feel time consuming and energy draining to locate reliable, primary sources on your own; I, myself, am still looking up the debunking reviews and am attempting to discern what is "Truth". All that is to say: NO judgment! Personally, until I can figure it out for myself, I do not feel comfortable taking a "side" as to what is "Truth" as I do not want my ego to drive my interpretation.

You won't want to miss this episode on Emotionally Focused Therapy with Debbie Pridemore, LPC, LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist; EFT Certified & Supervisor)! Given the current sociopolitical tensions, this episode could not be more appropriately timed. Please listen and employ these strategies for yourself so that we, together, may be part of the solution to healing and working through these complex emotions produced by a trauma-filled world. On a lighter note, I'm finally announcing the purpose of the upcoming Series. :) I also believe it is well-timed and hope you agree! Please enjoy! Time Stamps: 00:01:28: What is EFT? 00:03:43: Protection & Connection Needs: Real-world Examples 00:08:21: Tools to build emotional awareness of external world 00:14:27: Building connections 00:17:54: Bringing the unknown emotions to the known 00:22:41: Discerning upregulated feelings: Trauma vs. Joy 00:24:42: Learning about Self in Relation to Others (Attachment) 00:29:15: Building Self-Compassion in the Face of External Shame 00:30:11: Effective Strategies for Sharing Needs 00:33:14: Discerning Personal Emotions From Projections

As promised, this brief episode provides alternative approaches to acupuncture and other tools that may not be financially feasible [or undesirable due to a variety of reasons, such as fear of needles]; also, I make a call to healing/health practitioners who are willing to provide pro-bono/discounted services to those in need (both financially and of the service itself). I, then, wrap up the episode by explaining some of the specialized language used in the episode with Dr. Helen Ly on acupuncture. Please enjoy the lively, matcha-tea-caffeinated episode! :)

Sleeping is easily one of life's greatest pleasures --but being tired is definitely NOT! Tune in with myself and Dr. Judiann Jones (Clinical Psychologist) with Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare to learn how to improve your sleep habits, know when you need a sleep study, and so much more! Please enjoy. :) I used to be able to pull all-nighters but now I can barely pull all-dayers. —@wolfyneyda Until I started experiencing insomnia, I had no idea it was possible to be this furious with each of my pillows individually. —@morninggloria 01:07 - What is CBT-I? 02:29 - Triggers of Insomnia 04:30 - Strategies, tools, & resources for improving sleep habits/reducing insomnia 10:00 - The essential guidelines 14:05 - Is a consistent bedtime key? 15:40 - When is a sleep study/clinic needed? 21:52 - How good sleep supports our waking life 23:38 - Tired vs. Sleepy 25:38 - Tips to get out of the bed when we're sleepy whatsnextofficial2020@gmail.com

Feelin' kinky?! --Regarding your spine, of course! Tune in to today's episode as chiropractor, Dr. Brandon Shapiro, provides a conceptual adjustment to our perspective of chiropractic care. Enjoy! :) 00:24: Chiropractic Care: Science, Art, & Philosophy 11:54: Differing Views of Chiropractic Care 19:41: Benefits of Chiropractic Care 24:43: Health Care vs. Emergency Care 28:50: Chiropractic Neurology: Scientific & Spiritual Perspectives 39:41: Preparing for the Chiropractic Session 52:33: Memorable Stories Dr Shapiro's email: iawakepma@protonmail.com

Whaaaaaa--- Needles... for Health!?! Allow acupuncturist and neurologist (MD), Dr. Helen Ly, to calm your nerves as she explains how the ancient practice and painless process of acupuncture can support your mind-body health. 00:01:10: Acupuncture: Its History, Practice, & Purpose 00:03:46: Eastern & Western Perspectives 00:10:00: Mind-Body Health 00:14:39: Leaning into Resistance 00:24:59: The Art of Acupuncture 00:33:15: Acupuncture & Psychological Trauma? 00:35:41: Acupuncture & Stress 00:39:19: Preparing for the Session Dr. Ly Natural Health: --www.drly.net What's Next?!: --Email: whatsnextofficial2020@gmail.com --IG: @the_PhD_Yogini --FB: facebook.com/WNPodcast

Ever wanted to learn about Chinese Medicine and other eastern practices, such as Qigong? Be sure to tune in as Chinese Medicine doctor, Roger Jahnke, and I discuss the "baskets of Chinese Medicine", the history of Qigong, relevant ancient texts, how to prepare for and what to expect during a session, as well as other resources, too! 00:01:08: About the Interviewee/ Dr. Jahnke 00:02:27: The Ancient Text 00:03:18: Chinese Medicine 00:11:44: The Discovery, Neurophysiology, and "baskets" of Qigong 00:32:40: Preparing for/ Expectations of a Qigong session 00:40:58: Resources to learn more Dr. Jahnke link: iiqtc.org What's Next?!: whatsnextofficial2020@gmail.com ; @the_PhD_yogini ; facebook.com/WNPodcast

Have you ever heard of the word, Reiki, and thought, "What the heck is that?!" Well fortunately, we were able to secure an interview with two Reiki master practitioners, Tracy Shoman and Jennifer Hutchins, who were willing to share their wisdom to enlighten us with a balanced perspective (i.e., both scientific and spiritual) of just what exactly Reiki is. This episode provides a solid explanation of what "Reiki" is, how it works to produce research-based benefits, how to prepare for the session, and so much more! See below for more details. 00:00:45: Reiki Defined and its History 00:04:12: Analogy for How Reiki Works 00:05:27: The Role of the Reiki Master Practitioner 00:06:10 : How Reiki is akin to Meditation 00:07:35: Considerations when Choosing a Reiki Practitioner 00:15:52: Benefits of Reiki with a more in-depth description of how Reiki works 00:23:36: Personal testimonies (clients and their own) 00:35:40: Preparing for the Session 00:41:41 Memorable/Fun Reiki Stories with closing thoughts Tracy Shoman (scientific approach): tracyshoman.com Jennifer Hutchins (spiritual apporach): jaehutchins@gmail.com

After a short hiatus, Dr. Pirkey is back and ready to share more mind-body-spirit tools with you! Please join her and her friend and masseuse, Corey with Massage Envy, LLC, as we discuss the benefits of massage, how to prepare yourself to reap the full spectrum of benefits, how to support your daily functioning through massage and consciousness functional fitness/work out routines, and SO much more. Time Stamps: 00:04:33: Researched-Based Benefits of Massages 00:06:15: The Importance of Breathing Through Your Massage 00:11:31: Choosing an Aroma for Your Massage 00:14:54: Getting the Most Benefits from Your Massage 00:19:17: The Role of Communication During/Before Massage 00:30:04: At-Home Self-Massage Recommendations

Ever been curious about essential oils --How they "work"? How to use them? How to discern the best quality? How to maximize the benefits? Join Stephanie, an essential oil educator, and myself as we discuss all things essential oils. :) Please enjoy! --Link for Essential Oils: hello-essentials.com/shom-2 --Email to be part of What's Next or receive outline: whatsnextofficial2020@gmail.com --IG: @the_PhD_Yogini --FB: Facebook.com/WNPodcast *This podcast is open to ALL essential oil brands; you must decide which its best suited to meet your needs. Time Stamps: 00:00:20 Introduction & Credentials of Stephanie Hom 00:01:41 What are Essentials Oils 00:04:19 Best Process for Extracting Oils 00:06:16 Researched Based Benefits of Essential Oils 00:17:42 Identifying the Right Oils for You 00:25:43 Using Essential Oils to Aid in Focusing 00:39:30 Discerning the Quality of the Product 00:44:30 How to Use Essential Oils

How do the age-old questions of "What is my life purpose?" and " Who am I?" support our mind-body-spirit health and problem solving abilities? How can we apply this knowledge into our daily lives to actually transform ourselves and our world --for the betterment of all? To discover for yourself, Drs. Botella and Pirkey invite you to tune into this episode of "What's Next?!". Please enjoy! Potential links of interest: portlandinstitute.org thevenusproject.com Time Stamps: 00:02:50 Meaning Making & Its Relationship to Spirituality 00:09:55 Finding Meaning Through Your Own Existence 00:12:48 Using Spiritual Meaning Making for Problem Solving 00:15:07 Difference Between Spirituality and Religion 00:24:46 Moving Forward and Cooperating with Others 00:30:07 Connecting with Others Through Compassion & Love 00:35:00 How Language Constructs Our World

Navigating through times of grief, loss, and uncertainty can be incredibly overwhelming. How can we support ourselves and others through this process? Why does loss feel so difficult, so painful to process? How can we re-access meaning in our lives after we experience a loss --whether it be a loved one, a career, or an aspect of ourselves? Please join myself and Dr. Robert Neimeyer, international grief researcher and psychologist, as we discuss this process of reconstructing meaning in our lives after experiencing a loss. Please enjoy! To learn more about our guest, his/his colleagues' services, and their clinical training opportunities and workshops, please visit : portlandinstitute.org Time Stamps: 00:01:57 The Meaning Making Process of Grief 00:07:50 Processing Loss During Covid-19 00:16:13 Valuing and Honoring Your Emotions 00:21:51 Having Self Regard and Regard for Others 00:31:41 Applying Meaning Making to the Loss of “Self” 00:42:12 Developing a Secure Relationship with Yourself

Are you ready to dive into the depths of your mind to re-discover the truth of who you are --your true potential? Please join Drs. Conforti and Pirkey as they engage in a fascinating dialog regarding the dream analysis process, how to remain objective during the dream analysis process to yield trustworthy results, and importantly, how the dream analysis process supports our ability to heal the hurts of our global community by first starting with our own individual, self-analysis process. Please enjoy! :) 00.02.06: Background information on Dr. Michael Conforti 00.03.33: Explanation of Dream Analysis 00.06.17: Discussion on Self-Analysis… Relationship between the Universe and Our Perception 00.13.22: Fields in the World and Their Influences 00.22.00: Truth is What You Make It… Natural Currents in Life 00.29.00: Ideologies Can Blind You… “Horse with Blinders” 00.42.07: Wind and Spirit Connections 00.48.00: Self Analysis and Getting out of Your Own Way 00.61.30: Story of Little Boxes

This episode provides a guided opportunity to experience a "3-part breath" meditation; this meditation includes both internal (e.g., body and breath) and external scans (sounds) and also utilizes principles from the scientifically-validated meditation style known as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Feel free to use this while seated on a chair, the ground, a cushion, folded blanket, or pillow. And please employ this breath as often as you like (with eyes open, you could use this breath while walking, driving, listening to others, etc.). Please enjoy! **By listening to this recording, you agree to always assume full responsibility for your own health and well-being. :)

Are you ready to open your creative capacity for healing grief and trauma? Join Sharon and myself as we not only share our personal testimonies regarding the benefits of art therapy but also our understandings of how art therapy supports the healing process, as well as instructions for how to engage in the process; we also provides a list of resources to be led through the process by a trained professional (see below). Time Stamps: 00:01:30- Sharon Strouse Personal Experience w/Art Therapy 00:06:02- The Process of Creating Through Trauma 00:11:01- Empowering Benefits of Art Therapy 00:12:28- The Concept of Being Grounded 00:20:20- Benefits of Art Therapy During Trying Times 00:25:26- Using Art Therapy to Articulate Your Trauma 00:33:37- How to Contact Sharon Strouse Sharon Strouse's email and other relevant links: devotion5@hotmail.com www.krsf.com www.artfulgrief.com www.portlandinstitute.org

Please enjoy this fun, creative episode wherein I use songs and TV shows to help me explain the process of meditation. I'll also include specific tips and learning lessons to support your meditative practice to help you reap the most benefits. I hope you love it!

A unique perspective is provided that aims to heal and unite the world. It was originally recorded before recent historical, sociopolitical events, yet does briefly comment on them and provides real opportunities for collaboration so that we can unite and effect positive change. Please, join the movement! Time Stamps: 00:00:36- Accepting Ourselves & Others in This Game Called Life 00:02:25- Acceptance of Our Internal and External Realities 00:05:50- Observing our World 00:09:46- Accepting the Light and Dark Aspects of Ourselves 00:12:45- Learning to Experience and Accept Others 00:15:08- Applying Acceptance to Real-World Challenges

With the help of Master Teacher, Brad Yates, this episode "taps" (ba dum chh) into this mind-body-spirit tool called "Tapping" or "Emotional Freedom Technique" (EFT). We share its benefits, how-to instructions, and additional resources, as well as some light-hearted humor for your enjoyment. We hope you love it! :) https://www.youtube.com/user/eftwizard Time Stamps: 00:01:10- Defining Emotional Freedom Techniques EFT 00:06:10- Tapping & Our Automatic Responses 00:12:56- Best Way to Engage EFT (Tapping) 00:20:17- Using Tapping to Facilitate Togetherness 00:28:03- Strategies to Start Tapping & Its Potential 00:36:34- Deciding Where to Tap and Identifying Your Stress

Join this interesting exchange between myself and Dr. Susan Elswick as we discuss Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is an incredibly effective tool for your toolbox for treating and healing both clinical and non-clinical conditions. Please enjoy! Time Stamps: 00:03:33- Credentials and Introduction of Dr. Susan Elswick 00:06:14- Defining EMDR and its Background 00:08:29- Bilateral Stimulation and the Brain 00:12:03- Researched-based Evidence of EMDR 00:17:24- How EMDR Supports Problem Solving Abilities 00:28:25- Container Exercise for Stress Management 00:36:38- Resources and Tools for EMDR

Are you ready to upgrade your relationships to the next level? Well, what if I told you the real work in relationships begins with yourself? In this episode, I share stories and a line of questioning to support your efforts in reflecting and learning how to better navigate your relationships. Please enjoy! Time Stamps: 00:01:01- Intimacy versus Intensity 00:10:00- Self-Care Practices and Setting Boundaries 00:14:38- Allowing Yourself to Receive Support 00:18:30- Evolving Your Self-Care Strategies 00:27:24- Why it is Important to Practice Self-Care 00:32:10- Questions to Ask Yourself

Drs. Carter and Pirkey discuss Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a tool for your mind-body tool belt; specifically, they discuss its history, and then, dive deeply into exploring the various cognitive distortions that influence our interpretation of reality. The goal is to encourage listeners to examine and challenge their own cognitive distortions to begin the healing process. Time Stamps: 00:00:33- History and Background on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) 00:02:52- Types of Cognitive Distortions and Their Influences 00:21:44- Being Aware of Labeling & Strategies for Conscious Awareness 00:27:14- Navigating Through Your Cognitive Distortions 00:32:55- Traumatic Experiences & CBT Trauma-Informed Therapy 00:37:37- Researched Based Evidence of CBT 00:40:30- Living Wholeheartedly

Join Drs. Sean Holden and Paige Pirkey as they share their understandings of the varying styles of meditation, as well as their offerings of tips and strategies to help you engage in the practice of meditation and mindfulness to reap the most benefits. Please enjoy! Meditation: 00:00:30 Background on Meditation and Mindfulness 00:07:55 The Different Schools of Thought on Meditation 00:13:40 Researched-Based Benefits and Outcomes of Meditation 00:25:34 How to Get Started with Meditation 00:27:50 Transcendental Meditation v. Mindful Meditation 00:33:00 Using Mindful Meditation to Redirect Distracting Thoughts 00:46:07 If You are Feeling Resistance Towards Meditation 00:58:48 Tips and Techniques for Beginners

Join me in this laid-back episode as I share some personal learning lessons that I've experienced along my journey while engaging with these tools. My hope and intention is to support you in discovering how to go about self-experimenting with the variety of tools and discerning which tools are best for you. Please enjoy! :) Time Stamps: 00:01:44 What is Self-Experimentation 00:02:00 3 Types of Knowledge about You 00:14:42 Being Open to Self-Experimentation 00:19:19 The Best Method to Discover how Tools Affect You 00:24:27 Remember to Allow Yourself Grace 00:28:11 Are You Being Hypercritical of Yourself?

Join me as I partake in an engaging dialog with Jennifer Reis, E-RYT (500 hr.), YACEP, C-IAYT regarding the research-based, mind-body benefits of yoga nidra, as well as its ability to support our problem-solving skills to more effectively navigate through and adapt to these uncertain times in history. Disclaimer: This podcast does not subscribe to one specific ideology or school of thought. The purpose is to support your engagement with tools to support your health and skill development --not to tell you what to think, but instead, encourage you in developing your own way of thinking using evidence-based tools. Time Stamps: 00:00:34 Definition and History of Yoga Nidra 00:04:51 Differences in Styles of Yoga Nidra 00:09:01 How it Supports Decision Making and Problem Solving 00:12:25 Focusing and Relaxing a Hyper Mind 00:20:20 Having Emotional Acceptance 00:31:44 Knowing When it is the Best Time for You to Practice 00:36:36 Recommendations for Beginners 00:42:45 Jennifer Reis's Experience with Yoga Nidra

Join Dr. Pirkey as she shares not only her understanding of how yoga can be used as a tool for spiritual development, but also the lessons she learned while using the tool for spiritual development, which includes a few experiential opportunities to engage with the tool of yoga! Time Stamp 00:03:20 The Idea of Consciousness 00:06:24 mind-body-soul-Spirit-context (m-b-s-S-c) 00:07:25 The Swinging Pendulum of the Consciousness 00:16:16 Seasons for Using Different Tools 00:23:27 Integration of 2 Self-States 00:39:58 Developing Awareness 00:42:50 Strategies to Engage in Yoga

Join the conversation with Drs. Paige & Tegan as we explore and discuss how yoga supports mind-body health via scientific understandings, while also expressing its real-world application and utility. Special announcement: The format of this podcast will officially change as of today (4/28/20) wherein Tuesday episodes will explore these mind-body tools using a scientific framework whereas Thursday episodes will be added and will discuss how these mind-body-spirit tools may support spiritual development via an infusion of scientific, though theoretical understandings and personal reflections. Time Stamps: 00:00:10 Dr. Reeves Credentials and Background 00:02:47 “Don't Mind the Dog” 00:03:17 Defining Yoga 00:10:08 The Yoga Experience 00:12:44 Using Yoga to Solve “Real Life” Problems 00:18:04 How Yoga Works 00:25:02 Strategies to Reap More Benefits 00:35:51 Tips for Beginners 00:46:46 Learning to Trust Your Internal Compass

Join me as I interview CBD business owner, Katie Abart, and PhD Candidate and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Kalina Raboin, RN, as we share and discuss educational info regarding the background of CBD Oil, tips to be mindful of when searching for CBD Oil, its benefits (research based and personal testimonies), and so much more! Time Stamps 00:02:00 Defining CBD Oil 00:03:40 Distinction Between CBD Oil and Marijuana 00:05:09 Determining Quality of Product 00:13:50 CBD & Carrier Oils 00:15:33 Full Spectrum Hemp/CBD Oil 00:17:10 Researched Based Benefits of CBD Oil 00:26:18 Problem Solving Benefits of CBD Oil 00:32:25 Assessing Your “Why” 00:34:00 CBD Oil for Dogs

A *theoretical framework* is provided based upon Dr. Pirkey's own spiritual experiences, as well as scientific understandings of our reality, for how the tools discussed in this podcast may support spiritual development and thus, our "connection" to God (spiritual) or "higher self" (psychological). Please take note that the episode provides the host's conceptualization of God and is therefore a theoretical perspective, since we can prove neither the existence/her conceptualization of God, nor the connections of these tools to a higher entity, source, or God --though self-reports of enhanced spirituality have been found in the scientific literature. This episode is in no way meant to tell you WHAT to believe. Instead, the purpose is to encourage the listener to question their own understandings [or lack thereof] of God as well as how the various tools can support spiritual/ psychological development via the integration of scientific and spiritual perspectives.

In today's episode, we discuss Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), specifically how to engage with this tool for psychological/spiritual development. 00.00.40: The Influence of Philosophy 00.02.47: Different Tools of Philosophy 00.04.14: Defining Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) 00.05.00: Relational Frame Theory and ACT 00.08.03: Researched-Based Benefits and Value of Therapy 00.12.40: Six Core Processes of ACT 00.14.05: Explanation of Theory of Mind 00.22.30: Committed Action Process 00.23.30: Defining Your Own Values 00.29.55: Using ACT for Problem Solving 00.34.30: Resistance to ACT and how to Respond 00.42.50: Best Way to Engage in the Practice of ACT 00.44.10: Mindfulness Strategies to benefit ACT Process 00.51.27: Final thoughts and Reflection

We kick off Series 1 by discussing a highly undervalued tool, reflective journaling, wherein we discuss topics boundaries, values, beliefs, and much more!

In this episode, Dr. Pirkey briefly explains 3 main topics: (1) Why Embodied Self-Regulation is the chosen skill/benefit for WN rather than positivity, success, productivity, grit, resilience, etc.; (2) the difference between mind-, body-, and mind-body tools, and; (3) the birth of this podcast. *Given one sensitive topic discussed in this episode, viewer discretion is advised.*

What's Next?! serves to equip listeners with tools that support mind-body[-spirit] health & skill development to produce a collaborative team of problem solvers aimed at co-creating innovative solutions for the most critical challenges facing society. This episode serves as an introduction to the upcoming series.