William Irvine goes in-depth on Stoicism, and why the fundamental tenets of this ancient philosophy can provide answers to some of the toughest problems in today’s society. On this episode Irvine offers a definition and some useful background on Stoicism and its origins, the original Stoics, their thoughts on failure, their advice on decision making, and how we can train ourselves to be more stoic.

Dr. Rick and Forrest Hanson explore the stress responses with the fawn response. The fawn response is an appeasement strategy, where we try to manage stressful situations by giving others what they want. Rick and I start by discussing common symptoms, including people pleasing, self-abandonment, difficulty saying no, weak boundaries, and chronic self-sacrifice. We talk about the roots of the fawn response and its connection to complex PTSD before exploring people pleasing in detail. In the second half of the episode we focus on practical tools for developing healthy boundaries, self-acceptance, and a stronger sense of self.

And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook -- What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing

The Journey Beyond Yourself

Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

Brain, mind and body in the healing of trauma. 50-70% of people will experience a trauma in their life, but how do you heal from these devastating experiences? If the Body Keeps the Score, according to Bessel van der Kolk this is how you get even with trauma. Bessel van der Kolk is Professor of Psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and President of the Trauma Research Foundation. He is the author of the global bestselling book ‘The Body Keeps The Score’. In this conversation, Bessel and Steven discuss topics such as, how to heal from childhood trauma, the benefits of EMDR therapy, the link between screens and loneliness, and how trauma physically changes your brain.