Ruthless Compassion with Dr. Marcia Sirota

Erica Gerard Di Bona generates one thousand letters a year with an impressive speed of 110 words per minute (on a typewriter). She may very well be the United States Postal Service's consumer of the year. A former producer in network news, The Playboy Channel, documentaries, and kids' game shows, she has never let a single opportunity for a professional Thank You slide and has often received letters and messages back from such notables as Connie Chung, Norman Lear, and Henry Winkler. Currently a fundraising consultant for UC Santa Cruz and serving on the Board of Trustees for the Smithsonian Regional Council and formerly the Rhode Island School of Design, her unique letters open doors and attract donors. People frame Erica's snail mail, and she has left her influence on the power of the Thank You with high school and college students, development executives, realtors, dentists, and grateful grandparents. Erica is a proud University of California, Santa Cruz "Banana Slug" and a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles. She lives in Los Angeles with her television producer husband, artistic daughter, and seven typewriters. Website: https://www.ArtofThankYou.com/  Instagram: @Powerof_ThankYou  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.gerarddibona  LinkedIn: Erica Gerard Di Bona  YouTube: ArtofThankYou7557 Her book: A Letter is Better: The Art of Thank You (SPARK Publications, Sept. 22, 2025)

Dr. Julie Merriman is a licensed mental health clinician, counselor educator, burnout researcher, author and speaker. As the founder of the Soul Joy™ brand, she serves as a premier authority for women over 50 navigating the intersection of professional burnout and personal intimacy. With over 30 years of clinical experience and academic leadership—including tenures as a professor, department head, and associate dean—Dr. Merriman has dedicated her career to the science of human helping. Her work is deeply rooted in polyvagal theory and somatic neurobiology, providing a bridge between academic rigor and soul-led transformation. Her personal journey through profound burnout and a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis informs her "scorched earth" approach to healing—proving that rebirth is possible at any age. She is the author of the 12-week guide, In Pursuit of Soul Joy, and the forthcoming book, Are We Gonna Have Sex or What? (Available Now) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.juliemerriman/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-Julie-Merriman-Wellness-LLC/61564870628821/  Website: https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/ Her new book: Are We Gonna Have Sex or What: The Midlife Guide to Reigniting Desire, Reclaiming Your Body, and Feeling Fully Alive ( https://a.co/d/0hDtYJ5w )

DR. JEREMY THOMPSON is a medical practitioner working on the northern beaches of Sydney, Australia. He has a counseling background in Cognitive, Narrative, and Solution-Based Therapies and for two years was the president of the Australian Society for Psychological Medicine. He spent 10 years practicing hypnosis, during which time he developed the positive-centered model. This resulted from the needs of his patients to distinguish their positive features from the bad habits and unwelcome behaviors they had acquired. Their encouragement motivated him to write Understand Your True Identity, a book that he hopes will help people find their true self and fix their anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. Dr. Thompson is married with five grown-up children and a growing number of grandchildren. He enjoys surfing, snowboarding, and playing guitar. https://understandyourtrueidentity.com/ https://www.youtube.com/DrJeremyThompson  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-thompson-41a47969/

I. Michael Kaufmann MD Medical Director Emeritus, Physician Health Program, Ontario Medical Association Physician Health Consultant Author Dr. Kaufmann, a Fellow and life member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, practised family and addiction medicine in rural Ontario for 14 years before becoming the founding Director of the Physician Health Program of the Ontario Medical Association in 1995. The PHP is a service to assist doctors and other health professionals with substance use problems, psychiatric disorders and other personal health challenges. He received certification in Addiction Medicine from the American and Canadian Societies of Addiction Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American and International Societies of Addiction Medicine. Dr. Kaufmann is the recipient of several awards for his work in physician health including a Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, the Misericordia Award from the CMA and the Courage To Come Back award from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Dr. Kaufmann is also a life member of the Canadian and Ontario Medical Associations. Dr. Kaufmann retired as PHP Medical Director in 2017 and is now PHP Emeritus Medical Director and a physician health consultant, speaker, author and mentor. At home, he has turned his creative energies towards playing music and song-writing. In 2024 he published a book entitled Drugs, Lies & Docs: A doctor's memoir of addiction, recovery and more. He is also a contributing author to an anthology entitled When We Forgive, published in 2026. Dr. Kaufmann and his wife, Judy, live in rural Ontario and together enjoy community volunteering, walks with their four-legged family members on their farm property and bringing people together for music and discussion in the barn that once housed their chickens and sheep. Website: https://imichaelkaufmann.ca/  LinkedIn @i. michael kaufmann Book: Drugs, Lies & Docs - a doctor's memoir of addiction, recovery and more

Tony Beadle grew up in a household full of music and pursued a career as a professional musician for sixteen years after which he enjoyed a career in performing arts administration for 30 years. He served in several positions at major US orchestras, including the Boston Pops, where he had previously performed. His upbringing was one that included a loving family life, but also was one of duplicity and hiding secrets to protect the reputation of the Catholic Church. myfatherthefather.com His memoir: My Father, the Father

Jowita Bydlowska is the author of Unshaming (March 2026). She is also the author of Monster (September 2024), Possessed, the best-selling memoir Drunk Mom, and the best-selling novel GUY. She's also a prolific short-story writer, journalist and a mentor. Her favourite review on Goodreads is a review of Possessed, which reads, "Jesus Christ." Her other favourite review is a one-star review of Monster, "If someone is interested in the sexual adventures of a mentally ill woman, this book is for them." Instagram: @jowitabot  www.jowitabydlowska.com The author of Drunk Mom continues her "bravely and beautifully told" story of alcohol addiction in this raw, unsparing memoir about shame and relapse (Lena Dunham) Honest and grimly funny—with actionable advice for readers of addiction memoirs like Brené Brown's Daring Greatly and Sarah Hepola's Blackout It's been over a decade since Jowita Bydlowska published her lightning rod of a memoir on overcoming alcohol addiction as a young mother. Both hailed and criticized for its no-holds-barred transparency, Drunk Mom was—and continues to be—refreshing and revelatory in its gritty exploration of addiction recovery and relapse in the context of new motherhood. But what happens after the last page is turned, after the "happy ending" of an addiction the world assumes is safely in the rearview? When Bydlowska relapses after the success of her book, her overwhelming sense is one of shame. She struggles to reconcile the knowledge that she's helped bring comfort and hope to countless readers with her own frustration and mounting fear that the truth will only let others down. In prose that's by turns harsh and beautiful, tender and devastating, she writes about her ensuing spiral into alcoholism—and the climb back up and out. With the same generosity and grim humor that made Drunk Mom a standout, Bydlowska uses her own story as a vehicle to interrogate and challenge the narrative surrounding addiction, exploring the ways in which the conversation has both evolved and stayed the same over the last decade.

Mark A. Michaels identifies as an uncontrolled experiment. He belongs to the first generation of test tube babies, as so-called sperm donor offspring were known in the 1950s. He has published in a variety of fields, from law to ornithology to self-help, and has written for theater and film. He came of age at CBGB and Max's Kansas City in the 1970s. He is coming of age again at 66. Recent work has appeared or will be appearing in The Brussels Review, The San Antonio Review, Bitter Melon Review, Closed Eye Open, Quarter(ly) Review, and TrashLight. https://instagram.com/markamichaels/

Doug Noll, JD, MA is a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators, the world's most prestigious mediation organization, and recipient of IAM's Syd Leezak Award of Excellence. Named California Lawyer Attorney of the Year (2012) and Best Lawyers in America Lawyer of the Year (2013), he was as a Purpose Prize Fellow for pioneering the Prison of Peace program, teaching emotional literacy to violent offenders in maximum security facilities over 10 years (2010-2020). As Adjunct Professor at Pepperdine University's Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution (ranked #1 in the nation), Doug teaches graduate courses on decision-making under stress and conflict resolution. Doug is the author of four books, including the bestselling De-Escalate (45,000+ copies, translated into five languages). Doug will be delivering a TEDx talk entitled "How to Listen Someone into Existence" at TEDxApex in Apex, North Carolina on April 18, 2026. Website: https://dougnoll.com/  YouTube: @DouglasNollPeacemaker ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAHXdBT1Y0Pl7SGrM_HcFw )  Facebook: @doug.noll.52 ( https://www.facebook.com/doug.noll.52 )  Instagram: @douglasenoll (https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/) Promoting: Doug is promoting his book "De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less" Link to Book: https://www.amazon.com/Escalate-Calm-Angry-Person-Seconds/dp/1582706557/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26I0P2YY0VUN8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KVkOHqUANXteSdM0uyY0ufzI4KVTqesyn86T82LqWa_UOEgcJz-hr7gOJp9_nICswaH9J3gDieAovc_Ju_JXUyFbbGGjAwxCTd6QaPK4CqWqxjIR9JgIpJqy4htL2b88NBRXmnPq4d9tTduIPOYRgMGW_fcdR-MbS-P1Ro13GfU.fiZO4TYsSTU80FsM2Dc1q9b0vKN3T2t_egkekaWoy4M&dib_tag=se&keywords=doug+noll&qid=1735287953&sprefix=doug+noll%2Caps%2C323&sr=8-1

MATT YOUNG: For the past 15+ years, I have earnestly studied the peak performers of both mind and body and been fortunate enough to have been coached by some of the worlds leading coaches. My background spans from having been a professional footballer for 8 years, playing with full England internationals, Premier League superstars and International managers to running 17 x Ultra Marathons (5 of which were 100+ miles) and 18 x marathons. I have studied, researched and ultimately succeeded in gaining numerous qualifications and certifications in the field of human psychology, human behaviour and anatomy. Throughout all of my experiences, my goal in life has been to add incomparable value to those I have come into contact with and leave positive lasting change with those I work with. To help people free themselves from what holds them back mentally and emotionally. My experiences in life have shaped me to where I am today. The mental, physical and emotional challenges I have overcome have lead me to become someone who lives with the mission in mind of being able to help transform people's lives. I help people revolutionise their life, from the one they live currently, to the one they crave. My life's ambition is to serve, to coach and inspire others to live life how its meant to be lived. There is a very clear mission in which I am looking to fulfil - To empower millions to UNLEASH THEIR TRUE POTENTIAL. @mattyounglc www.mattyounglc.com

Florence Ann Romano is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and author, known for her ability to cultivate meaningful connections. She is passionate about helping others create their own community to be seen, heard, and understood. As an acclaimed author, Florence Ann's insights are captured in her book, Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life (Beyond Words), which has been celebrated as a top 10 in its category. Her expertise and charismatic delivery have earned her features across over 500 national and local media outlets across the country, including SHERRI, ABC/CBS/ NBC and FOX TV affiliates, Home & Family, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She is also currently a regular expert on over 10 national TV affiliates across America! Website: https://florenceann.com/  Instagram: http://instagram.com/florenceann.romano  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceARomano/  Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/florenceannromano/

Gayle Kirschenbaum is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, photographer, writer, and coach. Her film LOOK AT US NOW, MOTHER! premiered on Netflix and has been credited with transforming lives. Her TED talk is "No More Drama with Mama." Gayle co-authored MILDRED'S MINDSET: WISDOM FROM A WOMAN CENTENARIAN with her mother, centenarian influencer Mildred Kirschenbaum. Gayle's memoir, BULLIED TO BESTIES: A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY TO FORGIVENESS, is now available. Publisher's Weekly calls it "a mesmeric memoir... more than a story of trauma–riveting and beautifully wrought." Learn more:  @glkirschenbaum https://www.gaylekirschenbaum.com/bullied-to-besties

ROBERT J. COPLAN, PhD, is a psychology, researcher, teacher, and author who has been studying solitude for more than thirty years. He is a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Psychology at Carleton University. Over the course of his career, he has extensively explored the costs and benefits of spending time alone among children, adolescents, and adults. He is the author of the recently published book "The Joy of Solitude: How to Reconnect with Yourself in an Overconnected World". Learn more: Website: https://robertcoplan.com/  Twitter/x: @rjcoplan, https://x.com/rjcoplan/  LinkedIn: Robert Coplan, www.linkedin.com/in/robert-coplan-6a9495270 New book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Joy-of-Solitude/Robert-J-Coplan/9781668053423

Diane Dreher, PhD, is the author of eight nonfiction books including the best-selling Tao of Inner Peace and her new book, Pathways to Inner Peace. She is an award-winning university professor and positive psychology researcher whose work on hope has been recognized internationally. Her books, workshops, and webinars blend the wisdom of the past with powerful strategies from contemporary psychology and neuroscience to help us meet the challenges of our time with greater courage, creativity, and hope. Diane's books have been translated into ten languages and her work has been featured in USA Today, Entrepreneur, Redbook, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Science of Mind, radio and TV talk shows, podcasts, webinars, and web sites on leadership and personal growth. She has a Ph.D. in Renaissance English literature from UCLA as well as a master's degree in counseling, and is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation. Her research on positive psychology and hope has been published online and in academic books and journals. Diane is currently professor emeritus and associate director of the Applied Spirituality Institute at Santa Clara University and a lecturer in the Positive Psychology Guild in the United Kingdom. https://www.dianedreher.com/

Stephen Marche is a novelist and essayist, and the author of, among other works, On Writing and Failure and The Next Civil War. He has written features and essays for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, Esquire, The Walrus and many others. He has collaborated with artificial intelligence on the first AI-generated novel reviewed in The New York Times, Death of an Author. His most recent novel, The Last Election, was co-written with Andrew Yang. @stephenmarche His website: https://www.stephenmarche.com/ His podcast: Gloves Off with Stephen Marche (https://shows.acast.com/gloves-off)

Todd Smith is the creator of one of the most popular podcasts for Highly Sensitive People. He's helped hundreds of HSPs break free from chronic stress and emotional overload using a powerful inquiry-based process that brings lasting peace—without needing the world around you to change. Website: https://trueinnerfreedom.com/  Instagram: hspcoachtodd (https://www.instagram.com/hspcoachtodd/)  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSPStressManagement/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theworkasmeditation Podcast: Stress Management for Highly Sensitive People HSP Stress Test at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/  HSP Inner Freedom Program at https://trueinnerfreedom.com/ PROMO: Listeners a 10% discount on the HSP Inner Freedom program if they mention the Ruthless Compassion podcast.

We've reached an amazing milestone: our 200th episode of the Ruthless Compassion podcast!  Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer is a luminary in the field of psychology, particularly in the areas of death, grief, and loss. As Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Memphis, Dr. Neimeyer's contributions to research and practice have been nothing short of transformative. With 37 books and over 600 articles to his name, he has been included in Stanford University/Elsevier's list of the Top 2% of Scientists in the world for advancing our understanding of grieving as a meaning-making process and its profound implications for human experience. Dr. Neimeyer's dedication to education is evident in his role as the Director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, where he continues to mentor and inspire future generations of grief therapists. His leadership in the field has also found expression in his service as President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and Chair of the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (AWG). His accolades, including multiple awards from ADEC, the International Network of Personal Meaning, the Viktor Frankl Association, and the American Psychological Association among others, attest to the sustained impact of his work on the field. Today, we are privileged to benefit from Dr. Neimeyer's wisdom as he shares his expertise with us. www.portlandinstitute.org New book: Living Beyond Loss: Questions and Answers about Grief and Bereavement (https://www.routledge.com/Living-Beyond-Loss-Questions-and-Answers-About-Grief-and-Bereavement/Neimeyer/p/book/9780367143480) Use discount code ADC25 for 30% off and free shipping on routledge.com

Ira Chaleff (Chay-leff) is an author, speaker and executive coach in the greater Washington, DC area. • His extensive experience with government includes directing the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, where he is now Chair Emeritus. • Ira co-authored the original handbook for new Members of Congress, now in its nineteenth edition, and facilitated over a hundred congressional office retreats on both sides of the political aisle • He has led and participated in Democracy strengthening programs in Asia, West Africa and Eastern Europe. • His classic book, The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders, and his award winning book Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You're Told To Do Is Wrong, were translated into multiple languages including Russian and Chinese. • He has spoken on these topics at the the US Naval Academy, the US State Department, the Royal Military Academy, the European Commission, and too many others to list. • Ira was named one of the top 100 "Best Minds on Leadership" by Leadership Excellence magazine and a pioneer in the emerging field of Followership Studies. • His newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers, has won several awards and received high praise from both sides of the political spectrum. Website: https://irachaleffauthor.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/feathermaid Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irachaleff/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irachaleffauthor

Dr. Eugene Lipov is a leading expert in treating posttraumatic stress and the pioneer of using Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to alleviate PTSD symptoms. Inspired by his own family’s struggles with trauma, he has dedicated his career to restoring hope for those affected. In 2006, he adapted SGB—an FDA-approved procedure since the 1970's for pain and circulation disorders—as a breakthrough PTSD treatment, later developing the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) protocol for even greater relief. Beyond his clinical innovations, Dr. Lipov is a relentless advocate for redefining PTSD as post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) to reduce stigma and shift public understanding. He has testified in 2010 before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, collaborated with global military and medical communities, and published extensively in leading medical journals. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox National News and NBC, underscoring his mission to make effective, science-backed trauma treatments accessible worldwide. Website: dreugenelipov.com Website: thegodshotbook.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenelipov/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dreugenelipov Instagram: dreugenelipov (https://www.instagram.com/dreugenelipov/) His book: thegodshotbook.com is being released February 17th, 2026.

NICK BRANCATO is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master's degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life's challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Nick's holistic process incorporates meditation, guided visualization, and hypnotherapy, emphasizing both emotional insight and actionable steps. By fostering deeper connections and mental clarity, Nick empowers couples to transform tension into trust and misalignment into mutual success, creating lasting, meaningful change in their relationships. Website: https://nickbrancato.com/ Instagram: @personaldevcoach (https://www.instagram.com/personaldevcoach/) His new book: "Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test" (https://a.co/d/82Ul7KS)

JONATHAN KEMP is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and creator of SmartWisdom, a scientifically validated note-taking technique. Born into privilege as the future 3rd Viscount Rochdale, he built careers in law enforcement and entrepreneurship and undertook postgraduate study, unaware that bipolar disorder, depression, and dyslexia were shaping his life. His mental illnesses were diagnosed aged 39, when he finally sought professional help. Jonathan won the British Dyslexia Association's 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award in 2011. Website: https://www.viscountrochdale.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathankemplondon  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jonathankemplondon  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankemplondon Forthcoming book: "FINDING PEACE OF MIND: An Inspirational Journey Through Bipolar, Depression, Addiction and Dyslexia"

Chelene Knight is the author of five books including Safekeeping: A Writer's Guided Journal For Launching a Book With Love (Anansi 2025), and Let It Go: Free Yourself From Old Beliefs and Find a New Path To Joy (HarperCollins Canada 2024). She is founder of her own holistic creative studio, Breathing Space Creative through which she's launched the BSC Bespoke Writing Mentorships which are thoughtfully designed to help writers elevate their craft, deepen their connection to who they are, while learning how to build a writerly ecosystem that over time, gives back to them emotionally and financially. www.breathingspacecreative.com Instagram: @breathingspacecreativestudio  https://www.instagram.com/breathingspacecreativestudio/ Chelene's bespoke writing mentorships: "My 1:1 mentorship program is fully customized to each writer, diving deep into the craft of writing. We start by establishing your 'why,' your project's action, and your non-negotiables—giving you the clarity and confidence to move forward. While craft is a key focus, this mentorship goes beyond technique. It's about fostering a resilient, growth-oriented mindset so you can make aligned, intentional decisions about your creative life, while learning how to build a writerly ecosystem that over time, gives back to you emotionally and financially."  https://breathingspacecreativeliterarystudio.hbportal.co/public/6574b2217ad8ec0023b33ca1/1-What_is_Mentorship

Dr. Ashley Potvin was drawn to the Crown Institute by the mission, approach to research, and the dedicated and amazing faculty and staff. She was eager to work in a community that strives to live out its commitments to collaboration, inclusiveness, and equity. She was also excited to collaborate with educators to think deeply about compassion and wellness in schools. Ashley has a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction from CU Boulder with a focus on research on teaching and teacher education. She also has an MEd in Secondary Education from Providence College. Prior to starting her PhD, Ashley was a middle and high school social studies teacher. She has experience supporting teachers in various roles as a curriculum leader, a coach, and a university instructor. Social Media Handles:  Ashley's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aspotvin Renee Crown Social Media Website: https://www.colorado.edu/crowninstitute   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crowninstitutecu/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/crowninstitutecu  Facebook: www.facebook.com/CrownInstituteCU Co-author of the new book "Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities: Leading Together to Address Everyday Suffering in Schools", available now from Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and wherever books are sold. (https://a.co/d/5OGc4o9)

David W. Brown's career reflects resilience and service. He began in 1980 at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois, earning the Navy League award and later graduating as honor student from Radarman School. He completed BUD/S training with class 115 and earned Army Airborne wings before serving in UDT-21 and SEAL Team 4 across multiple continents. After 1985, he taught Naval Aviation Water Survival and earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Troy State University. In 1987, David joined NCIS as a Special Agent, later holding leadership roles with the EPA's Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Interior's OIG. Retiring as a Senior Executive after 35 years, he now lives in Sanford, Florida, and advocates for public safety. His education includes programs at the Center for Creative Leadership, the Federal Executive Institute, and Harvard's Kennedy School. New book titled, "And Goliath: The Littlest Navy SEAL's Inspirational Story About Living Your Biggest Life." Website: www.udtdave.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLittlestSEAL YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@udtdave  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/udtdave/ #udtdave

Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald is a researcher, author, and trauma expert who's been studying the mind's response to overwhelming experiences for 15 years. She holds a PhD, has written four books and over a dozen research articles, and specializes in reframing trauma through the lens of neurobiology, resilience, and empowerment. Her latest book, The Joy Reset, explores six barriers that block us from accessing joy - and how to get it back. Dr. McDonald blends science, storytelling, and deep compassion to help people reconnect with hope, healing, and their own inner strength. Learn more about Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald: TikTok: mc.phd (https://www.tiktok.com/@mc.phd ) Instagram: mc.phd (https://www.instagram.com/mc.phd/) Her latest book, The Joy Reset: Six Ways Trauma Steals Happiness and How to Win it Back.

**Thank you to this episode's guest, Benny of Muted Circus, for permission to use a clip of his song ("Wait for What") in this podcast episode. ** In the latest episode of the Ruthless Compassion podcast I speak with Benny, who makes music under the name Muted Circus.  Benny is a trained musician (violin, viola, electric bass, guitar, etc.) and a graduate of the Berklee College of Music. After briefly touring with a Sony artist and seeing things from the inside he got disillusioned with music and set it aside completely to do other things. But when his artist father was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, music rushed back in. What started as one song led to two, which led to three, and on and on, which ended up becoming a 10 EP x 50 song cycle. Each song explores death, mourning, loss, and aging in its own way. Half instrumental, half vocal. Benny is gearing up to release the 10th and final EP of the Muted Circus project and is ready to share his story. You can check out his music on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram. Listen to his song, "Wait for What" (discussed in this podcast). (https://open.spotify.com/track/07lyO9589z0elcgLg7alQr?si=7e9a6cb2d2194f4b) Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mutedcircus?igsh=MW52anUyczlwdHkzNg==  Listen to his music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3BGFACqqp9d8Go9aGL26RZ?si=hb_76ZdtRvW949yeEGV2UA  Check out The Starting Gun (Spotify Track) Instrumental Songs Collection (Spotify Playlist) *Permission granted by the artist to use a clip of his song ("Wait for What") in this podcast episode.*

A sociologist, psychotherapist and social worker, Ross Ellenhorn's work focuses on the importance of social worth and connections in psychiatric recovery. In 2002, he founded Ellenhorn, the robust program in the country serving individual experience extreme events of mind and mood outside of residential and hospital settings. In 2022, Ross co-founded CARDEA, a groundbreaking practice centered around psychedelics, assisting seeking to overcoming psychological anguish and individuals looking for greater awakening in their lives. He has published three books on Human behavior, the last, "Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life" by Harper Collins, explores the significance of play in modernity.

Julie Wignall received international acclaim for her trailblazing accomplishments in environmental practices, animal care, and leadership working with Mirage Resorts, a Fortune 500 company. Her unconventional career path has given her first-hand experience working with innovators in national politics, conservation, international business, television, and the arts. Along her unconventional journey, Julie encountered many remarkable people who, like her, had forged uncommon pathways to create meaningful change. Julie coined the term "Fireflies" to describe these visionaries: people you see beyond what is and take action to create a better reality. She shares her story and those of others in her multi award-winning book, The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World. Today, Julie is a sought-after consultant, workshop leader, coach, and speaker. She empowers changemakers with the tools to align with their purpose and amplify their impact as she shares what is possible when individuals harness their light to transform the world. Social Media:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExtraordinaryPowerofFireflies  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/extraordinarypoweroffireflies/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-wignall-38548668/ Multi award-winning book, "The Extraordinary Power of Fireflies: How to Shine Your Light Brighter and Transform the World" PROMO: Free download of "Flying Lessons for Fireflies" and Free discovery call, found at www.extraordinaryfireflies.com

Dr. Hillary Cauthen is a clinical sport psychologist based in Austin TX. Hillary was a division 1 college track athlete, before embarking on a career focusing on the mental health and mental performance dimensions of high performers. She studied and competed at the University of New Hampshire, and Miami, Ohio, before completing her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, in Los Angeles. Dr. Cauthen is the Founder of Texas Optimal Performance & Psychological Services. Formerly served as the Director of Organizational Wellness & Performance for Austin FC and the performance psychologist for the San Antonio Spurs, where she developed their mental performance and wellness programs. Dr. Cauthen has developed private businesses that bring mental wellness curriculum to school districts across the nation, as well as an analytics company that helps predict the behavioral risk factors in players for teams in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and Premier League. Her work with high performance is breaking down stigma across communities which is highlighted in her book, "Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate." and her podcast "The Highs & Lows of X's & O's" Website: https://www.txopps.com/ Instagram: drcmindset (https://www.instagram.com/drcmindset/) Book: Hello Trauma, Our Invisible Teammate (https://a.co/d/2oI2hsa)

Darlynn is a recovering "mad mom". After spending the first 5 years of parenting yelling at her kids and feeling like crap, she massively transformed herself and her approach to parenting by diving into a self-healing journey that led her to become a certified life coach and parenting expert. Now, she's on a mission to heal the next generation in advance by helping moms find true calm, gain skills to parent with compassion, and manage misbehavior without using shame or fear. Since 2012, Darlynn has worked with hundreds of families and helped them thrive. She's also been featured talking about Raising Emotionally Healthy Children on the Becoming You Again podcast with Karin Nelson and was named as one of the 11 Leading Parenting Coaches to Rely on in 2024 by the San Francisco Examiner. The Calm Mama Club is a parenting mentorship program with all the tools and support you need to get calm and raise emotionally healthy kids. Inside, you'll learn Darlynn's signature 4-step Calm Mama Process. You also get access to weekly group coaching calls, the Calm Mama Handbook and a library of courses with topics ranging from sibling fights to screentime. IG: @darlynnchildress  FB: @calmmamacoaching Free "Stop Yelling Cheat Sheet"  Join the Calm Mama Club Learn more about Darlynn and her work: https://www.calmmamacoaching.com/  Consult link: https://darlynnchildress.as.me/chat

Fredric Schiffer is an assistant professor of psychiatry, part-time, at Harvard Medical School and a research associate at McLean Hospital. He has developed a theory of psychology that is the subject of his recent book Goodbye Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, & PTSD: The Life-Changing Science of Dual Brain Psychology. The theory has been studied extensively at Harvard and its support and applications have been articulated in multiple peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Schiffer is also the Founder and CEO of MindLight, LLC which has received 2 SBIR grants from the US National Institute on Drug Abuse. He has a private practice of psychiatry in Newton, Massachusetts, USA Social Media Handles:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.fredschiffer/ Dr.fredschiffer mindDoc7S!   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Fredric-Schiffer-MD/61560456878989/  Twitter: Drfredschiffer  Youtube: @Dr.FredSchiffer  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredric-schiffer/

Toni Bergins, M.Ed., is an embodiment trailblazer who has taught at the premier holistic healing centers for the last 27 years. She is on the faculty at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and has worked there as a movement artist, dance educator, expressive arts workshop leader, and expert in creating transformational workshops. Her new book is, Embody: Feel, Heal, and Transform Your Life through Movement (Health Communications Inc., Oct. 29, 2024. Learn more at journeydance.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toni.bergins/  https://www.facebook.com/ToniBerginsJourneyDance/  https://www.facebook.com/JourneyDance/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonibergins/?hl=en  https://www.instagram.com/journeydanceofficial/

Michelle D. Sherman, PhD LP ABPP (she/her) is the co-author of Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma (written with her mother) and a licensed clinical psychologist who has dedicated her career to supporting families dealing with a mental illness or trauma/PTSD. She has worked in diverse settings, including the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, private practice, and academia as a Professor at the University of Oklahoma and University of Minnesota Medical Schools. Dr. Sherman is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), and is Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. She is the Editor in Chief of Couple and Family Psychology: Research and Practice, the journal of APA's Society of Couple and Family Psychology, and was named their Family Psychologist of the Year in 2022. She has published over 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and has given several hundred workshops nationally and internationally. She served on the Board of the Oklahoma National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for 14 years and now enjoys volunteering with the Minnesota NAMI affiliate. DeAnne M. Sherman (she/her) is the co-author of Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma (written with her daughter), a mental health advocate, French teacher, and choreographer. She graduated from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she received degrees in French, education, and speech and theater. She volunteers with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)-Minnesota, gives workshops with her daughter about mental illness in the family, and mentors people of all ages in the performing arts. DeAnne's mission is to affirm, educate, and empower others; she has strong passions for combating stigma, offering hope to people who are hurting, celebrating diversity, and promoting open discussion about mental health. The collaboration of psychologist and teacher, daughter and mother, brings true synergy to their work. The Shermans draw from their personal and professional life experiences which are the inspiration and foundation for their work. Twitter (X) @DrMichelleSherm  Facebook: Seeds of Hope Books Michelle Sherman Facebook (personal): DeAnne Sherm Instagram: Seeds_of_Hope_Books  LinkedIn: Michelle Sherman, PhD LP ABPP Book: Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey: (https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Someone-Mental-Illness-History/dp/142145050X/ref=sr_1_2?)

Dr. Supatra Tovar is one of the only clinical psychologists in the country who is also a registered dietitian and accredited fitness expert. Dr. Tovar's unique background and integrated specializations allow her to provide holistic mind-body treatment for trauma, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety for children and adults. Dr. Tovar has numerous scholarly and professional presentations at several national conferences on a variety of health topics, including the detection and treatment of disordered eating, dissociation, weightism, and mindfulness interventions for eating disorders. Dr. Tovar earned her doctorate in psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology and has two master's degrees, a Master of Science in Nutrition and a Master of Arts in Psychology. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Psychological Association. Since founding her first Pilates studio almost twenty years ago, she has been designing exercise and nutrition programs as well as helping clients emotionally and mentally heal. She created ANEW Insight to inspire and guide a client's journey to improving their relationships with their mind, body, and spirit. Connect with Dr. Supatra Tovar: Official site: drsupatratovar.com  Official site: anew-insight.com Instagram: @drsupatratovar Instagram: ANEW Facebook: @drsupatratovar Facebook: ANEW  LinkedIn: Dr. Supatra Tovar Threads: @drsupatratovar Threads: ANEW   TikTock: @drsupatratovar TIkTock: ANEW Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@my.anew.insight YouTube: @my.anew.insight Book: Deprogram Diet Culture: Rethink Your Relationship with Food, Heal Your Mind and Live a Diet-Free Life.

Sacha Mardou is a cartoonist and long-form graphic novelist who lives in St Louis, Missouri with her family. Working in both fiction and autobiography, her comics explore interior experiences such as mental illness, emotional dynamics within families, and healing from trauma. Her latest book is Past Tense: Facing Family Secrets and Finding Myself in Therapy (Avery, October 2024). @Mardou_Draws (IG)  @sachamardou (FB)  https://www.mardouville.com/  https://ifscomics.com/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714479/past-tense-by-sacha-mardou/

*Trigger Warning: This episode mentions suicide. If you or anyone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide please reach out to the Suicide Crisis Helpline at 9-8-8 (available anywhere in Canada).* Stacy Blemaster grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. She received a BA from Brown University in theater and then went on to be licensed in counseling and human services, earning a MA from John Carroll University. She has two autistic sons, and a daughter- all now adults. She resides in Placida, Florida, with her husband Robert and two Golden Retrievers, Libby and Lacey. Instagram: StacyBlemasterauthor Website: https://stacyblemaster.com/ Her new book: To Be or Not To Be: Shedding an As-If Personality Email: [email protected]

International Speaker and Violinist Diane Allen is a TEDx/TED Speaker, and Thought Leader who speaks on increasing the meaning, joy, and fulfillment in one's work and life by accessing the flow state. As the author of Flow: Unlock Your Genius, Love What You Do, Diane shares her insights on how to harness the power of flow. Years before neuroscientists discovered the positive impact of the flow state, Diane had already experienced its transformative power in her own career as a violinist. Diane was the concertmaster of the Central Oregon Symphony for 15 years, a beloved violin teacher for 28 years, and author of the Fingerboard Workbook series for violin, viola, cello, and bass. It was her unique approach to getting into flow, on demand, that earned her a spot on the TEDxNaperville stage and features on TED, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Associated Press, Boston Herald, Authority Magazine, and Thrive Global. Today, Diane is known for her experiential Keynotes, Training, and Coaching programs that go Beyond Engagement™, featuring her three-step Flow Strategy™ system, which empowers people to get into their flow state, be in their genius, and love what they do. Learn more about Diane Allen: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianeallenspeaker/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianeallenspeaker/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dianeallenspeaker/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZOk_r1n2X2FmbRcoiUhIHQ Diane Allen's Book: https://a.co/d/coTXBSN FREE GIFT for our listeners from Diane Allen - a Flow Strategy Worksheet and videos: https://talk.ac/dianeallen?code=PODCAST

Author Patti Clark has been described as a cross between Elizabeth Gilbert and Julia Cameron. Patti is an award-winning author, accomplished speaker and workshop leader. As the author of This Way Up: Seven Tools for Unleashing Your Creative Self and Transforming Your Life, Patti has been featured on TVNZ's Breakfast Show, and her work has been featured in numerous publications including The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Mindful Word, and Thrive Global. Her own experience as a middle-aged woman in recovery is deeply reflected in her new book, Recovery Road Trip: Finding Purpose and Connection on the Journey Home. Patti was born and raised in Northern California, lived in New Zealand for many years, and is now living in Portugal. Website: https://www.patticlark.org/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patticlarkauthor/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PattiClarkAuthor  Substack: https://patticlarkwriter.substack.com/ Her new book (Published 1 October 2024) - Recovery Road Trip: Finding Purpose and Connection on the Journey Home  https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Recovery-Road-Trip/Patti-Clark/9781647427740

DAVID ROCHE is a popular motivational speaker and performer, and he has taken his one-man show, The Church of 80% Sincerity, on tour across the world, performing from Sydney to Moscow, London to Los Angeles, and even at the White House. He has also had several roles in films and documentaries. A recent recipient of the Order of Canada, Roche is also a volunteer for the Sunshine Coast Hospice in British Columbia. With his partner, Marlena, he leads storytelling and writing workshops, inspiring others to voice their own stories. His memoir Standing at the Back Door of Happiness (Harbour Publishing) published in 2024. Roche lives in Roberts Creek, BC. His website is www.davidroche.com. If you are someone with a facial difference and you want to connect with other people with facial differences David Roche can help you make connections. Email him at [email protected]  Website: www.davidroche.com Loveatsecondsight.org Email: [email protected]

Brian Joseph is the author of Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption In America. He has worked as a newspaper reporter and investigative journalist for about 20 years, writing for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the Orange County Register, and the Sacramento Bee, among other publications. In 2013-14, he was an investigative reporting fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, where he investigated privatized foster care for Mother Jones magazine. Brian is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Columbia and the recipient of several journalism honors, including a George Polk Award. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife and daughter and their talkative orange tabby Nemo. Link to book's website: vegasconciergebook.com  Twitter handles: @bjoseph1 (personal) @vconciergebook (for book)  IG handle: @vegasconciergebook  Facebook pages: facebook.com/brian.joseph14 (personal)  facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562121669323 (for book)  LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brjoseph/ Brian Joseph's book (Rowman & Littlefield, October 1, 2024) "Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America" https://www.amazon.com/Vegas-Concierge-Trafficking-Corruption-America/dp/1538171694

LYN SMITH GREGORY grew up in Utah as one of nine children in a devout Mormon family. Her great, great uncle was Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. At 19, she left the Church and moved to New York City, eventually obtaining an MBA at NYU. After a 20-year career in the tech industry, she left to pursue writing full-time and has attended the Iowa Summer Writing Program and the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference. She lives in Savannah with her husband. Website; https://lynsmithgregory.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lyn.s.gregory.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynsmithgregory/ Blog post mentioned in this podcast:  https://lynsmithgregory.com/your-organization-or-religion-is-cult/

Dr. Farzana is a Toronto-based author, activist and psychotherapist. Since 1993, Farzana has been a social worker at community based agencies and a mental health hospital. She is now in private practice where she provides psychotherapy to individuals and couples and clinical consultation to other therapists. She is a founding member of the End FGM Canada Network and WeSpeakOut, two organizations that focus on ending female genital cutting/mutilation. She has written four critically acclaimed novels and a poetry collection. Her self- and community care workbook for activists and helpers, 52 Weeks To A Sweeter Life, has just been released. Her new YA novel, The Beauty of Us, will be released in September.  www.Linktr.ee/farzanadoctor @farzanadoctor (on FB, insta, X, LinkedIn)  @farzanadoctorauthor (TikTok)

Misty Pratt is a science communicator and author of the book All In Her Head: How Gender Bias Harms Women's Mental Health. With over a decade of experience working in the field of biomedical research, Misty unpacks how personal and systemic biases have shaped our scientific understanding of disease and wellness. Misty has written for publications including Broadview, Mindful.org, and Today's Parent, and is an advocate for better mental health care. She lives in Ottawa with her family and her mischievous pug, Winnie. All In Her Head is her first book. www.mistypratt.com  IG/Threads: @mistyprattwriter  Facebook: @prattmistywriter

Patricia Roos was a professor of sociology at Rutgers University when in 2015 her 25-year-old son Alex died from a heroin overdose. Her training as a sociologist led her on a quest to better understand what happened to her family. Building on her professional and academic perspectives, she wrote a sociological memoir, Surviving Alex: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction, published in May 2024 by Rutgers University Press. Web page: patroos.com (https://www.patroos.com/) Instagram: roos.p (https://www.instagram.com/roos.p/) New book: Surviving Alex: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction Published May 17, 2024

Tracey Yokas creates stuff. When she isn't writing about mental health and wellness, she can be found playing with paint, glitter, and glue. She shares about her family's journey with mental illness so others will know they are not alone. She is dedicated to supporting women in the journey towards authenticity, and fulfills her mission by creating safe spaces where art, words, and vulnerability meet in dynamic community. Tracey earned her master's degree in counseling psychology from California Lutheran University and lives in Newbury Park, CA, with her family. You can find her on Facebook (@traceyyokascreates) and Instagram (@traceyyokas) or on her website, www.traceyyokascreates.com. Her memoir: Bloodlines: A Memoir of Harm and Healing. (Pub date: May 7, 2024) Summary In this interview on the Ruthless Compassion podcast, Dr. Marcia Sirota speaks with Tracey Yokas, a retired sociologist and author of “Surviving Alex: A Mother’s Story of Love, Loss, and Addiction,” a poignant memoir about her son Alex’s struggle with addiction and his tragic death from a heroin overdose. Tracey shares her journey of transforming personal grief into advocacy, emphasizing the importance of compassionate approaches to addiction rather than punitive measures. She discusses the stigma surrounding addiction, the need for public health strategies, and the significance of harm reduction methods in addressing the ongoing crisis of substance use in society. Key Points Tracey Yokas retired from academia after over 30 years at Rutgers University.Her son Alex died from a heroin overdose in 2015, prompting her to shift her research focus to addiction.“Surviving Alex” is a memoir that combines personal narrative with a call to action for families affected by addiction.Tracey emphasizes the therapeutic power of writing and speaking about grief and loss.She advocates for a public health approach to addiction rather than punitive criminal justice measures.She highlights the importance of harm reduction strategies and multiple treatment paths for addiction recovery.Tracey discusses the societal stigma surrounding addiction and the need for greater understanding and compassion.She is actively involved in advocacy work and aims to educate others about the realities of addiction and recovery. Key Quotes from Tracey Yokas: “Throughout our journey, I discovered countless families facing similar challenges. However, I found a lack of personal narratives that captured the mother’s perspective and the family’s experience.” “It took me a significant amount of time to understand that I couldn’t dictate the course of my daughter’s illness, no matter how much I wanted to help.” “To truly support my daughter in a healthy way, I needed to confront and heal my own unhealthy behaviors that were affecting our relationship.” “Engaging in creative activities has become a profound passion for me; it not only combats perfectionism but also nurtures self-acceptance and awareness within a supportive community.” “If we neglect our own well-being, we inadvertently teach our loved ones that they should do the same; prioritizing self-care is essential for everyone’s growth.”

Michael Tennant is the Founder, and CEO of Curiosity Lab, a purpose-driven venture studio and consultancy that builds products and experiences that teach empathy, creator of the empathy card game, Actually Curious, and author of The Power of Empathy, described by Inc. as "effectively balancing a self-help approach with a practical explanation of how we can use empathy as a tool". Michael and his work has been featured by the New York Times, Beyoncé, the Today show, Good Morning America, and many others. In his role as CEO, Michael creates and incubates businesses to help values-aligned individuals and organizations use empathy to live happier and healthier lives, and to nurture inclusive and innovative environments. In 2022, Curiosity Lab received an investment from Pharrell and the Black Ambition Prize. Relevant Social Media Handles:  Instagram: @michaeltennantnyc / @actuallyc_rious / @c_riositylab  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michael-tennant  Digital course: https://fivephasesofempathy.com  Conversation card game, Actually Curious: https://actuallycurious.com  15% off Actually Curious card games on actuallycurious.com with code RUTHLESSCOMPASSION Book: https://thepowerofempathy.chroniclebooks.com

Anita Nowak, PhD, is an empathy evangelist, author, TEDx speaker, podcaster, award-winning educator, certified coach, and founder of Purposeful Empathy by Design, an advisory firm that helps purpose-driven organizations create cultures of empathy and social impact. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of changemakers, she teaches Leadership, Ethics in Management, and Social Entrepreneurship & Innovation at McGill University in Montreal. And this fall, she's excited to teach a new course about purpose, happiness and well-being. She's also on faculty with the McGill Executive Institute. Her debut book, Purposeful Empathy: Tapping Our Hidden Superpower for Personal, Organizational, and Social Change was published in 2023. Her podcast/YouTube series (also called Purposeful Empathy) is dedicated to amplifying the voices of people from across the globe who understand the world needs more empathy - and are doing something about it. Website https://bit.ly/4dbD7Dm Book https://bit.ly/3A81W4g LinkedIn https://bit.ly/3YtLVzD Instagram https://bit.ly/3SvMZ2l Facebook https://bit.ly/4c8qmI8 Facebook Group https://bit.ly/3WNsBMs Podcast Audio https://bit.ly/4d3H3WF Purposeful Empathy: Tapping Our Hidden Superpower for Personal, Organizational, and Social Change link: https://bit.ly/3A81W4g Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale: https://bit.ly/3SwuQ4q

Jessi Kneeland (they/them) is a queer and non-binary body image coach, speaker, and author of the book BODY NEUTRAL: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Body Image Issues. Through a concept called body neutrality—the practice of consciously stripping our bodies of all false or inflated meaning, biases, and moral significance—Jessi is committed both to helping individuals feel more empowered, worthy, and confident in themselves, and to advancing collective liberation and healing from systems of oppression. Instagram, tiktok, facebook, and twitter: @jessikneeland  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JessiKneeland  Podcast- This Is (Not) About Your Body: https://rss.com/podcasts/jessikneeland/  Website: jessikneeland.com

Award-winning author, Alysson Foti Bourque, began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. After practicing law for six years, it was time to trade in writing trial briefs for writing children’s books. Alysson enjoys speaking with children and teachers at school and library visits with the life-size Alycat mascot and hopes to inspire people to believe in themselves, their work, and to keep writing stories.  Alysson is releasing her newest book in the award-winning series on March 18. - Alycat and the Sunday Scaries Website: www.alycatseries.com  Facebook: @thealycatseries  Instagram: @thealycatseries  X: @AlyssonFBourque

Dr. Leslie Dobson is a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in California. She has over 20 years of psychology experience. She has worked in maximum security settings with individuals who committed violent felonies and were found to have a severe mental illness. Over the past three years, Dr. Dobson has primarily focused on civil law. She is an expert in psychological evaluations to determine the truth. Through a variety of assessment measures, she determines the truthfulness of claims regarding emotional distress, especially sexual abuse allegations. In her clinical practice, she focuses on trauma, and also empowering clients to set interpersonal boundaries. Dr. Leslie spent years with psychopaths, and she is passionate about educating and empowering clients, especially women, to live their best life and set boundaries with toxic people, preserving their energy. Dr. Dobson's first book, The Friend Cleanse: How to Identify Energy Vampires, Set Boundaries & Balance Your Glass of Life, was published on January 1, 2024. Website: www.drlesliedobson.com  Instagram: www.instagram.com/drlesliedobson  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drlesliedobson

Disclaimer: We were having difficulties with our audio. We apologize for the poor sound quality. Loretta Breuning, PhD, is Founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and Professor Emerita of Management at California State University, East Bay. She is the author of many personal development books, including Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin and Endorphin Levels. As a teacher and a parent, she was not convinced by prevailing theories of human motivation. Then she learned about the brain chemistry we share with earlier mammals and everything made sense. She began creating resources that have helped thousands of people make peace with their inner mammal. Dr. Breuning's work has been translated into sixteen languages and is cited in major media. Before teaching, she worked for the United Nations in Africa. Loretta gives zoo tours on animals behavior, after serving as a Docent at the Oakland Zoo. She is a graduate of Cornell University and Tufts. The Inner Mammal Institute offers videos, podcasts, books, blogs, multimedia, a training program, and a free five-day happy-chemical jumpstart. Details are available at InnerMammalInstitute.org. Website: https://innermammalinstitute.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LorettaBreuningPhD X: https://twitter.com/InnerMammal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inner.mammal.inst/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/InnerMammalInstitute Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettabreuning/ New book: Why You're Unhappy: Biology vs Politics https://innermammalinstitute.org/why Promo Code: 20% off my course with the code HAPPY20 https://innermammalinstitute.org/course