What does it mean to reconnect with yourself when life, relationships, or expectations have caused you to lose touch with who you are? In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, recorded on-location in Washington, DC, host Dr. Debra Kawahara visits with psychologist, ordained minister, professor, and author Dr. Thema Bryant to explore the importance of reclaiming joy, authenticity, and self-worth.

Drawing on her book Matters of the Heart, Dr. Bryant discusses why we must allow ourselves to experience the full range of emotions rather than rushing toward positivity, and how vulnerability and self-acceptance create the foundation for genuine connection. She also discusses integrating spirituality with evidence-based psychology, honoring cultural and Indigenous wisdom, and bringing psychological knowledge beyond traditional academic and clinical settings. The conversation ultimately offers a powerful reminder to choose yourself, nurture your relationships, and “go back and get yourself” when you’ve left parts of yourself behind.

What if healing from adversity isn’t about returning to who we were before something difficult happened, but learning how to live meaningfully with what has changed? In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, host Dr. Debra Kawahara sits down with psychiatrist, humanitarian mental health expert, and author of Why We Suffer and How We Heal, Dr. Suzan Song. Recorded on location in Washington, DC, the episode explores why suffering is an inevitable part of life and how we can find meaning, connection, and purpose amid instability. Drawing on her personal experiences and humanitarian work, Dr. Song introduces her “three friends of winter”—narrative, ritual, and purpose—and explains how they can help us make meaning from adversity, restore a sense of safety, and live according to our values. The conversation also challenges the emphasis on individual healing by highlighting the importance of community, co-regulation, and collective connection. 

Why do so many people feel that they’re never doing enough? In this thought-provoking episode of Wellness in Today’s World, psychiatrist and Guilt Free author Dr. Jennifer Reid explores with host Dr. Debra Kawahara why guilt can become such a persistent burden, particularly for women. She distinguishes between healthy, adaptive guilt and the excessive guilt driven by unrealistic expectations, perfectionism, caregiving roles, and social conditioning. Introducing her “Guilt Equation,” Dr. Reid explains how the gap between expectations and perceived reality fuels chronic self-criticism while offering practical strategies for cultivating self-compassion, setting healthy boundaries, and aligning decisions with personal values. The conversation ultimately reframes guilt not as an individual failing, but as a shared experience shaped by culture—one that can be transformed through awareness, community, and intentional change.

Thirty-six years ago this month, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. In this enlightening episode of Wellness in Today's World, Alliant University Distinguished Professor Dr. Rhoda Olkin shares her personal journey as a clinical psychologist and disability rights advocate. She discusses the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in psychology, the importance of mentorship, and the need for greater inclusion and understanding within therapeutic practices. Dr. Olkin emphasizes the significance of viewing disability as a part of human diversity rather than a deficit, and she calls for systemic changes in organizations and society to better accommodate and support individuals with disabilities. Her insights provide a roadmap for creating a more inclusive future in mental health and beyond. 

What makes for a truly rich existence? In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, host Dr. Debra Kawahara sits down with renowned psychologist Dr. Shige Oishi to discuss his groundbreaking concept of psychological richness, the third dimension of a well-lived life alongside happiness and meaning. Drawing from decades of research in positive psychology, Dr. Oishi explains why a fulfilling life cannot always be measured by comfort, satisfaction, or purpose alone. Instead, some of life’s most transformative moments emerge from curiosity, exploration, unexpected experiences, and shifts in perspective that challenge how we see ourselves and the world. Through personal stories, research findings, and practical advice, Dr. Oishi explores how people can experience greater psychological richness by cultivating openness, lifelong learning, and embracing experiences that expand their horizons. The conversation offers listeners a compelling framework for understanding personal growth, wisdom, and wellness across every stage of life.

Just in time for this summer’s major championship sporting events, this episode of Wellness in Today’s World features host Dr. Debra Kawahara in conversation with sports psychologist Dr. Sara Hickmann about the growing mental health pressures facing athletes at every level of competition. Drawing from her experience working with professional teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Jets, and Brooklyn Nets, Dr. Hickmann explores topics such as perfectionism, burnout, performance anxiety, “the yips,” and the mental difference between clutch performances and choking under pressure. The conversation also examines the impact of NIL culture, social media, and constant performance expectations on young athletes, while highlighting practical tools such as visualization, self-talk, reset routines, and cognitive flexibility that can help athletes and non-athletes alike navigate stress, adversity, and high-pressure situations.

Author Banning Lyon engages in a profound conversation about his memoir, The Chair and the Valley, in this episode of Wellness in Today’s World. He and Dr. Debra Kawahara explore themes of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of nature. Banning shares his personal journey through hospitalization, the challenges of writing about his experiences, and the importance of agency in therapy. He emphasizes that trauma does not have to define one's identity and discusses how punk rock and nature played crucial roles in his healing process. The conversation concludes with reflections on parenthood and the ongoing journey of wellness. 

In this compelling episode of Wellness in Today’s World, psychotherapist, activist, and author Satsuki Ina reflects on intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and the power of collective healing, drawing from her lived experience as a child born in a World War II incarceration camp and her decades of clinical and community work. Grounded in her memoir, The Poet and the Silk Girl, Ina shares how uncovering her parents’ letters and diaries illuminated both the depth of their suffering and the silence that shaped her upbringing, emphasizing how trauma is passed down not only through stories but through unspoken behaviors, embodied anxiety, and relational patterns.  

The conversation explores the limitations of individual therapy in addressing collective trauma and highlights the importance of community-based healing practices, including storytelling, healing circles, and “compassionate witnessing,” as pathways to reclaim voice, identity, and agency. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this episode invites listeners to view mental health as both a personal and collective journey, encouraging them to honor their histories, engage in community healing, and stand as witnesses to injustice. 

Dr. Sherry Hamby, author of the new book Stronger Than You Think: Building Lifelong Resilience, joins Dr. Debra Kawahara for this episode of Wellness in Today’s World. Dr. Hamby shares her journey from victimization research to the development of the Resilience Portfolio Model, emphasizing a comprehensive, culturally responsive approach to resilience that goes beyond toughness to encompass meaning-making, interpersonal strengths, environmental factors, and regulation. Discover how this model is applied globally and how it can help individuals and communities build lifelong resilience.

Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of Supercommunicators, joins Dr. Debra Kawahara to explore the science behind meaningful communication. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral research, Duhigg explains how communication is not just about words but about connection. 

The conversation introduces three types of conversation: practical, emotional, and social, and how misalignment between them can lead to misunderstanding. Duhigg shares actionable strategies for improving communication, including the “matching principle,” asking deep questions, and practicing active listening through techniques like “looping for understanding.” 

They also discuss the role of vulnerability in building trust, the importance of curiosity in navigating difficult conversations, and how strong relationships are foundational to overall health and well-being. The episode offers listeners practical tools to become more effective communicators and build deeper, more meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings. 

As part of Brain Awareness Week, this episode of Wellness in Today's World features Dr. Debra Kawahara engaging with Dr. Duke Han, a clinical neuropsychologist and tenured professor at the University of Southern California, to explore the critical topic of brain health. They discuss the importance of understanding cognitive well-being as we age, the role of mentors in shaping careers, and the Global Council on Brain Health's work. Dr. Han shares insights into the six key pillars of brain health: social engagement, cognitive stimulation, stress management, physical exercise, restorative sleep, and nutrition. The conversation also highlights the significance of early habits, the impact of diet on cognition, and the latest research on Alzheimer's disease, emphasizing the need for community engagement and education. Finally, they discuss the promising advancements in Alzheimer's research, offering hope for future treatments.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this episode of Wellness in Today's World features Dr. Scott Woolley, a Distinguished Professor in Alliant's Marital and Family Therapy program, discussing his journey to becoming a couple and family therapist and the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). He explains the significance of attachment theory in relationships, the various attachment styles, and how they impact emotional connections. Dr. Woolley shares real-life examples of couples who have transformed their relationships through EFT, particularly in the context of infidelity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions, repairing misunderstandings, and the potential for healing in relationships. The conversation concludes with advice for couples facing challenges and key takeaways about the nature of relationships and emotional health.

In this episode of Wellness in Today's World, Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood in Mississippi to becoming a prominent psychologist and the 2019 president of the American Psychological Association. She discusses the profound impact of her early experiences, the importance of education and reading, and her passion for helping others. Dr. Davis emphasizes the significance of resilience, the power of imagination, and the need for kindness in overcoming life's challenges. Her recent book, Rosie's Superpower: The Power of Imagination, aims to inspire children to discover their own strengths and dreams. 

In this special college-football-bowl-season episode, Dr. Debra Kawahara sits down with two distinguished guests: Aaron Taylor, former Notre Dame All-American and College Football Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, CBS Sports analyst, and mental-wellness advocate, and Dr. Ron Stolberg, acclaimed sports psychologist and distinguished professor at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant. Together they explore the emotional, psychological, and performance-related challenges athletes face during one of the most pressure-packed times of the year. The discussion spans identity transitions after sports, the role of preparation and mindset, social media pressures, team culture and leadership, and the importance of joy, purpose, and connection. With vivid personal stories and actionable psychological tools, this conversation gives listeners a rare look at the human side of competition. 

Get your popcorn ready! In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Danny Wedding joins Dr. Debra Kawahara to discuss the intersection of psychology and cinema, focusing on his book “Movies and Mental Illness.” He shares insights on how films can educate about mental health, the evolution of his book over five editions, and the importance of accurate portrayals of mental illness in media. The discussion also covers the challenges of balancing cinematic quality with psychological accuracy, examples of good and bad portrayals in film, and the broader implications of mental illness in society. Dr. Wedding emphasizes the value of using films as educational tools in psychology and the ongoing relevance of his work in understanding mental health through cinema.

In this episode of Wellness in Today's World (recorded Sept. 5, 2025), Dr. Debra Kawahara interviews Dr. Tania Israel, an expert in navigating political divides and LGBTQ advocacy. They discuss the increasing political divisiveness in society, the role of media in shaping perceptions, and the emotional impact of polarization. Dr. Israel shares insights on effective dialogue strategies, the importance of perspective taking, and the hopeful movements working to bridge divides. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional regulation and curiosity in discussions, providing listeners with practical tools to engage across differences. 

In this deeply personal episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Debra Kawahara engages with Mara Altman and Kat Alexander, authors of the Audible Original, “Episodes: The True Story of Two Friends & One Diagnosis.” They discuss the profound impact of mental health on friendship, the emotional journey of writing their story, and the healing power of storytelling. The conversation delves into the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of support in recovery, and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. They share insights on grief, resilience, and the hope for a brighter future, emphasizing the significance of understanding and compassion in the face of mental health struggles.

In this enlightening episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Thema Bryant discusses her book “Matters of the Heart” and explores the intersections of psychology, spirituality, and social justice. She emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships, the cost of silence and loneliness, and the role of sacred boundaries in fostering healthy connections. Dr. Bryant advocates for integrating spirituality into mental health practices and highlights the healing power of creativity and cultural practices. The discussion also touches on the future of psychology, focusing on community-based interventions and the hope brought by young people and ancestors.

In this engrossing episode of Wellness in Today’s World, Dr. Debra Kawahara speaks with Ben Yalom about his journey as a psychotherapist, theater maker, and co-author of Hour of the Heart with his father, Irvin D. Yalom. They explore the process of writing the book, the intersection of theater and therapy, and the importance of personal experiences in shaping therapeutic practices. Ben reflects on his relationship with his father, his own path to becoming a therapist, and how he integrates artistic sensibilities into his therapeutic approach. The discussion culminates in Ben's aspirations for his legacy in the field of therapy, emphasizing authenticity and the importance of sharing personal experiences with clients. 

In this engaging Wellness in Today's World conversation, Dr. Travis Bradberry, an Alliant alum and leading expert in emotional intelligence, shares his journey from clinical psychology to becoming a bestselling author and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the evolution of his work in the field. Dr. Bradberry highlights key strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence and the significance of self-awareness, intuition, and continuous learning. The discussion culminates in insights from his latest book, The New Emotional Intelligence, which offers fresh perspectives and tools for readers to improve their emotional skills.