When East Meets West

Dr. Pete and Rubin did it again. They disappeared and took care of themselves, leaving you all in the dust. They do not mean to hurt any listeners, but they just take their self care very serious. On this episode they talk about their hiatus and goals for the upcoming episodes. Tune in to see what you can learn this season (season 4)!!!

Over the recent years there has been a growing number of portrayals of mental health providers in media, further helping the de-stigmatization of mental health. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the recent Apple TV series, Ted Lasso. Tune in to learn how this series has wonderfully portrayed the role of psychology, the impact of a team approach, and so much more behavioral interpretation of his television series. On Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzyVisit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Rubin presented the issue in the U.S. with access to care across many different medical arenas, of course emphasizing mental healthcare. Finding the right mental health provider can be a challenge for so many people due to financial limitations, availability, the right fit, and so much more. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete talk about private practice and the reasons why many mental health providers choose to go into private practice. Dr. Rubin also speaks about why she developed a course for therapists so they can learn how to treat more patients and run the private practice more efficiently. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Pete brought the topic of liberation, which of course Dr. Rubin was so easily able to define as a part of freedom. There is so much power in words and Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break down the role of relational frame theory and how the word liberation can be perceived. Dr. Pete introduces the audience to the 3 doors of liberation from Buddhism which includes emptiness, signlessness, and aimlessness. Tune in to learn about how these doors of liberation and how someone can live them in a form of action. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html When East Meets West is proud to be sponsored by The Complete Private Practice Tool Kit: https://www.privatepracticetoolkit.com/

Dr. Rubin brings her knowledge on this western behavioral practice of distress tolerance. The APA definition of Distress tolerance: the level of either (a) one's unwillingness to experience emotional distress as part of pursuing desired goals or (b) one's inability to engage in goal-directed behaviors when experiencing distress. Low distress tolerance is related to a range of disorders, including borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, and eating disorders; some treatments (e.g., dialectical behavior therapy) are designed in part to raise an individual's level of distress tolerance by habituating him or her to the experience of adapting to distress and other negative emotions. Box breathing, self soothe, senses, water and ice, and other techniques are offered. DBT Book reference: Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT® skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin.  © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

Dr. Pete brings topics from his recent dharma talk on delusions and illusions, the Zen teaching of how nothing exists outside the mind. The world as we see it can all be viewed as one big illusion, which is a western practice of cognitive defusion. Dr. Rubin gently challenges around the concept and reminds us that humans have difficult experiences and it is important to acknowledge those feelings. The doctors get into the conversation of letting go and how the Eastern teaching is hard for the Westerner. Tune in to see how to manage life as delusions and illusions. Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

Distraction is the behavior where there is an interruption of attention. It takes the person away from the primary interest, and the world within which we live makes distraction much easier. Think about it- streaming, mobile devices, technology with lights and video, and much more. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin bring the east and west teachings of attention, how the brain works, and even some western diagnoses such as ADHD. Dr. Rubin reminds us that distractions remove us from feelings of discomfort and gives her many pearls of wisdom including that listeners should turn off the push notifications on your mobile devices.Visit http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/ to learn more about Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. © 2023 CopyrightPeter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss modern psychological science and its integration with ancient Eastern practices with takeaway tools for everyone.THE SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICEIF YOU BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A LIFE-THREATENING EMERGENCY, PLEASE CONTACT 911 IMMEDIATELY OR GO TO YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM: http://www.wheneastmeetswest.us/terms.html 

As you have seen on When East Meets West, there are many things that can be tied to western behavioral science and all things about our performance are no different. Dr. Pete works primarily with high performers, but Dr. Rubin reminds us that everything is performance. Even waking up, getting to work, or going to the gym. The hosts focus on how performance psychology helps people reach optimal levels of performance with skills and techniques. Tune in to learn about some of those tools that psychologists use to help others perform their best.

Dr. Rubin introduces the subtle shifts of seasons on the west coast compared to the east coast seasonal changes. This episode highlights that the act of returning is a behavior and the idea of renewal is an experience. Dr. Rubin breaks this down for listeners and Dr. Pete brings in the eastern spirituality focusing on the metaphor: Watering the seed is renewal. Tune in to learn about the experience of renewing in your life and that at this moment you can make a commitment to upgrading some part of your life (i.e., renewal).

Dr. Pete introduces the nature of resilience in psychology and living while Dr. Rubin reminds that resilience is connected to grit. She named the ingredients as: grit, connection, love and connection, and compassion. There was a moment of disagreement, which does not happen often between these two, when it came to grit. It was a true east versus west conversation since Dr. Pete uses that word at least twice a day for the past 15 years and Dr. Rubin recently found herself describing grit in session. You do not want to miss this episode to learn about cultivating resilience. 

Dr. Rubin introduces the education regarding panic symptoms and panic attacks, and how they are precipitated by a perceived threat. Drs. Rubin and Pete present the symptoms and present some mechanisms that people use to manage panic. Dr. Pete brings the Eastern teachings with the focus on anxiety and nonattachment. Tune into this episode to learn about the east and west perception of panic.

Self growthThere are many ways for people to try and evolve, and today's culture heavily emphasizes the importance of wellness and wellbeing. In fact, there could be some criticism about self-growth being viewed as a fad, but Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break this down for you and tell you how important self growth truly is. Don't believe us? Tune in to see how the eastern spiritual practices have focused so much on growth and change, and how western behaviorism can teach you effective ways to do so. 

ConnectionDr. Rubin introduced the idea of connection as something that is not measurable, and humans are in need of it. Of course many of us are still recovering from the pandemic and what it meant to connect during this time versus returning now to the present moment and re-learning how to connect. Dr. Pete is able to bring it to the East so that listeners can see how to weave the behavior of connection with the eastern spirituality practice. There is no moment other than this one; this one as you read and click to listen to this episode and learn about tools for stronger connection with other humans, values, and life. 

AngerDr. Rubin highlights the evolution of anger and how this emotion can be helpful. Like most things in the practice of mindfulness, as long as we do not let any of them control how we think, feel and behave, they can be useful. Dr. Pete discusses the role of anger in performance and how the East has interpreted and written on this emotion. Remember, it is just one emotion. Do not give emotions too much power. Tune in to learn about how to effectively feel anger!

In this episode Dr. Pete brings the trend of retreats to this episode as it comes into modern wellness, as well as the traditional practices of retreats which are ultimately meant to isolate and recharge our energy and spirits. Dr. Rubin reminds listeners to remain curious about these ideas and find what is helpful for each individual, because there is no one-size-fits all. Dr. Pete reminds us that wellness is a journey and to remain patient with the process of retreats, dabble with different kinds, and like Dr. Rubin said, stay curious. Tune in to learn more about the practice of retreats. 

The Return: We are back!After almost one year, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin return to When East Meets West and, in true form of their commitment to mindfulness, they frame this return episode within a mindful and values-based way. Like most of you they have been busy and had to make the decision to stay on hiatus, but they are back. They will bring new episodes to complete season 3 and keep throwing knowledge for the world to improve and to decrease suffering. Tune in to hear about their time off and what to expect for the upcoming episodes.

Have you missed the  doctors? Well, they missed you more! Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin have been grinding, which means that they needed to take a break. Tune in to learn the importance of boundaries and self-care professionally and personally. They explain the importance of self-compassion, mindfulness, spirituality, and explain the need to take a break. Do not worry. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin will be back soon with riveting episodes linking eastern spirituality with western spiritual practices.

You see that there? What is the dilemma with rules? Tune in to hear Dr. Rubin talk about how there are some issues with rules, but that we also need them. She schools Dr. Pete, as always, and sheds light onto the importance of rules in behaviorism. 

January 2022, one of the most influential Buddhist monks, transitioned to the next life. He was 95-years-old and after being ordained a monk at age 16, he went on to live a life dedicated to educating the world on peace and living compassionately. Dr. Pete discusses the role of death in eastern traditions, and what this means to his community. It made sense that Dr. Rubin would bring this episode to shed light on the tremendous impact he has had during this lifetime. 

Have you ever heard someone describe an event (e.g., dinner, fight, work presentation), but it sounds so different than you experienced it? that is perception. In the opening episode of season 3, Dr. Pete shares the dharma talk that was influenced by the role of perceptions, and how the mind interferes with behavior. While this concept of perception is common within the eastern spiritual teachings, it is also fundamentally behavioral. Tune in to learn about how the power of perception is related to releasing suffering.

Oops, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete forgot to say good-bye and all of a sudden, they found themselves in a short hiatus. In this season 2 closer, the co-hosts discuss the need for a break, setting boundaries, all within the context of a new year and the resolutions that people make as the world enters a new year. Learn about intention versus resolution, and both Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete share some of their committed intentions for the new year. You will not want to miss this episode, especially if you are seeking peace in the new year.

Dr. Rubin asks and she receives, so Dr. Pete breaks down the Heart Sutra in a very basic, secular way. Listeners will learn about the role of chanting and sutras in eastern practices, specifically the heart sutra in this episode. If you want to learn more about the role of chanting in Buddhism, tune in!Listeners can read the heart sutra here: https://zmm.org/teachings-and-training/liturgy/heart-sutra/

Have you ever been to a dinner and then you ask all the guests what happened at dinner? If there were 6 guests, you will get 6 different stories. That is the power of perspective taking. Dr. Pete shares knowledge about how perspective impacts mood and behaviors, while Dr. Rubin drops knowledge about its role in western behavioral science. The psychologists discuss developmental aspects of perspective, the idea of no self in easters philosophies, and its role in empathy. Tune in, you don't want to miss how your perspective reading this right now will affect whether you listen or not.

On November 1, 2021 the world lost the father of cognitive therapy, Aaron T. Beck, MD, known as Tim by his loved ones. He noticed issues with interpretations in traditional psychoanalysis and introduced the world of psychology to automatic thoughts, cognitive distortions, the idea that psychological concepts could be scientifically studied, and everything related to what we now know as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In this episode, Dr. Rubin shares stories and autobiographical detaisl while Dr. Pete tries to hold on and learns a ton. Tune in to learn more about Dr. Beck and the impact he had and the legacy that will live forever.Learn more about Dr. Beck's life and his work:Dr. Beck discussing the similarities between CBT and Buddhism with the Dalai LamaThe Beck Institute, co-founded by Aaron Beck, M.D. and his daughter Judith Beck, Ph.D.New York Times Obituary and the Washington Post Obituary 

Have you noticed if you are more or less risk averse today? Tune in to hear Dr. Rubin breaks down the difference between emotional and behavioral risk, and of course how the brain is involved. Hint- the brain likes feeling safe. Dr. Pete shares some eastern ideas related to surrendering to moments, and how even just sitting to meditate can be risky. 

Most of us tend to know when something feels fake or feels genuine or authentic—but how?? In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin introduce discuss the concept of authenticity, and how it may be a value, a personal experience, or something we assess in others. Tune in to learn how finding authenticity in your life is broken into four categories: self awareness, unbiased processing, behavior and relational orientation (Kermis & Goldman, 2000).

Brains don't like being uncomfortable, so they've come up with a simple behavioral solution: avoid it! In this episode, the docs discuss the function of avoidance, provide psychoeducation about experiential avoidance and its attempts to control what's happening inside of our bodies, and discuss the comparable Buddhist concept of aversion. Everyone avoids thoughts, feelings, other people, situations (and much more) at some point or another, so tune in to learn how to recognize avoidance and begin to turn back towards stepping into discomfort. We promise, it'll be worth it!

Have you noticed that the music you listen to can directly affect how you feel? Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin share insights around the psychology of music, while reminding listeners that they are no musical experts. Dr. Pete introduces Marconi Union and the song “Weightless” that was found to be the most stress-reducing song studied. He also introduces Kirtan as a form of meditation, and Dr. Rubin provides insights on how to music may impact our mood states (for better or worse). Tune in to learn more about how music can impact your well-being.

Why do we worry about the future and ruminate about the past? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss and distinguish between these two “covert” behaviors (behaviors happening inside you that are invisible to everyone else), their evolutionary purposes, and why the brain thinks these behaviors help solve problems (spoiler alert: they don't!) Unsurprisingly, you'll see once again how all roads lead to mindfulness and how mindful practices can help you let go of worry and rumination behaviors. 

You've heard koans mentioned on WEMW before, but what exactly are they? In this episode,  Dr. Pete explains what koans are and how they are used to try and untangle the mind through verbal paradoxes and riddles in the Buddhist tradition. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin practice walking through one of the most well known koans together, and discuss how koans may help individuals connect with reality more effectively. This episode will help those wanting to learn more about the origin of mindfulness from Buddhism. Tune in!

We live in a busy go, go, go world, thus most of us like to believe that we are experts in multi-tasking. But believe it or not, the brain is actually incapable of focusing on more than one thing at a time! In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin bust the multi-tasking myth by discussing the DBT skill of “one mindfully,” research on attention “switching,” and their own challenges with multi-tasking.  Living in this high paced world, you wont want to miss this episode on how to slow down and pay attention. 

As Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete return from a short summer hiatus, they open up the second half of Season 2 by discussing the importance of sadness, evolutionary perspectives, and differentiate sadness from depression. Dr. Rubin highlights the behavioral role of sadness in the western world while Dr. Pete reminds us that sadness can be a gift from an eastern perspective. All of us have felt it, so tune in to learn about sadness.

Love is a basic emotion, and one that most humans desire. There are many aspects of love and it shows up at different points in our lives. In this last episode before summer break, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin share their thoughts on love and the role it plays in human behavior. 

On this bonus episode, special guest Jean Semelfort, Jr. joins Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin to discuss toxic masculinity. Jean is a licensed professional counselor and owner of the private practice CACTUS in Montclair, NJ. He is a consultant who has worked with many universities on healthy masculinity and sexual assault prevention, and he has shared his expertise in his excellent TED talk "Rolling with Rejection".The professionals break down the definition of masculinity, the social implications, and intersectionality. Tune in, you won't want to miss this episode.

Emotions evolved to give us information, but what happens when they become more intense than evolution intended them to be? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss emotion regulation, including reasons why emotions become dysregulated and ways to work on regulating or mitigating their intensity. And no surprise here—mindful practices are often the way to doing so. Tune in to learn more. 

There are many positives and negatives involving the use of video games, and experts have been debating this topic for years. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break down some of the most recent research around video games, the development of e-sports, and generational implications of the role of video games in society. 

Without further ado, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete bring you the first episode regarding the differences between behaviorism and traditional psychoanalysis as developed by Sigmund Freud. They highlight how the practices are similar and how behavioral health providers are often implementing more similar interventions than different, but how eastern traditions are nonjudgmental and likely more applicable across groups when compared to traditional Freudian theory. Tune in to learn more.

As the medical world advances, so too do the labels that help guide providers with treatment. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin chat about illness anxiety, OCD with a health focus, and other behavioral presentations related to health concerns. The east and west coast psychologists flush out the difference between the fear of having a disease versus contracting one, worry, obsessions, and much more that plays into how people respond to health anxiety. 

If given the choice, do you prefer to compromise or do it your way? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss why compromise is so difficult for human beings (hint: we've got those rigid and judgmental brains!) and how a willingness to practice compromise creates opportunities for more workable solutions. Letting go of attachment to being right, mindfully accepting and experiencing discomfort, and returning back to the middle path are also discussed. Tune in to learn more.

No one likes feeling guilty, but have you ever considered that maybe your guilt is trying to tell you something? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete dive into what guilt actually is (hint: it's information!), including its evolutionary roots. They also distinguish between justified guilt and unjustified guilt, and effective ways to respond to each. And of course, the docs present how mindfulness practices and Zen wisdom can help us better understand and respond to this unpleasant emotion.

Today isn't about when East meets West, it's about East versus West! In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin dive into an exploration (and friendly rivalry) of East coast versus West coast cultures. This discussion creates a space to identify rules, attitudes, and judgments that arise amidst their differences, while also serving as an example of how different experiences help us to grow and become more curious, flexible, and open. You might even learn a little bit about some of the docs' favorite East coast and West coast cuisines and music! Tune in to hear more.

Humans are a curious species, although at times curiosity can cause anxiety or pain (i.e., think about the saying "curiosity killed the cat." Sorry to you cat lovers out there). In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete define curiosity as both a feeling AND a behavior, as well as discuss its relationship to willingness, openness, and acceptance. Curiosity is also highlighted as integral part of mindfulness practices. Curious as you read this? Listen to this episode to learn how to build deeper connections through curiosity. 

Enlightenment is often misunderstood in western culture as something to achieve. In this episode, Dr. Pete clarifies that there actually is no arrival or achievement of enlightenment (what?!) and both docs discuss what this means from a Buddhist lens and how it may connect with spirituality. Dr. Rubin also identifies how our human brains will continue to interfere with this process because we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Tune in to begin to explore this complex concept.

What is a gut instinct? Can you tell the difference between your gut, your emotions, or a premonition? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss intuition, how to access it, and how its existence is explained from both eastern spiritual traditions and western science. Fun fact: neurons (the cells that are in your brain) are also found in the human GI tract, so our gut instinct really is telling us something...Tune in to learn more about how to connect to and act from your intuition and inner wisdom.

Do you know the difference between boundaries and walls? How about the relationship between boundaries and connection? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss what boundaries are, how they are an essential part of healthy relationships, and why setting  and maintaining them is often so hard to do. Tune in to learn more about importance of boundaries. 

Finally! In this episode, the docs talk through one of their favorite topics on WEMW: values. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin define what values are and how they function like directions, discuss their relationship with flexibility, and identify how clarifying and acting in alignment with our values can bring us more meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in our lives. 

Whether to a global pandemic, marriage, the loss of a loved one, or a new job, humans are always adjusting. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete highlight the behavioral aspects of adjustment, the diagnosis of adjustment disorder, and how the world is collectively going through an adjustment. Tune in to learn about how best to adjust to new situations. 

Have you been given a trigger warning before? In the service of increasing sensitivity and awareness to the struggles of others, trigger warnings have gained popularity by letting someone know that what's about to be shared could be distressing. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss how this well-intentioned approach actually runs counter to the behavioral science behind exposure therapy, and how it's impossible to avoid all triggers and avoid all distress. The docs identify how practicing compassionate awareness of others' distress while also facing triggers can exist dialectically, and how this results in increasing psychological resilience. Tune in to learn more.

How do we move towards creating more space and freedom in our lives? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss a favorite topic on WEMW: flexibility. While you might know from other episodes that psychological flexibility is highly correlated with psychological well-being, you may not have considered how practicing flexibility is a gateway to connecting with more freedom in your life. Tune in to learn more about how these two concepts can help us move towards our values and building the lives that we want for ourselves.

Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin have mentioned the Middle Path time and again on When East Meets West. In this episode, they finally dissect and present the foundations of this practice, how it links to behavior, and how it may impact our emotional functioning. The doctors illustrate the three waves of CBT, the goals of finding the middle way in order to create flexibility, and the importance of functional contextualism. 

What is the difference between the brain and the mind? Is there a difference? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss how these two parts ourselves are often conflated (especially since they both exist inside our skulls!) They also define and distinguish the brain as an organ in the human body and the mind as something a lot less tangible. Time is also spent addressing how eastern perspectives tend to target the mind, while western approaches likely target helping both. Tune in to learn more.