Podcast
Noggin Notes Podcast
Hosted by Jake Wiskerchen · EN
Noggin Notes aims to educate and enrich your noggin about mental illness and wellness. Conversations range from factual and data-based to theoretical and idea-based. We welcome your input at info@nogginnotes.com or info@zephyrwellness.org. Noggin Notes is not intended as a substitute for professional counseling but we really do hope you can adopt and use some of what we share in order to improve your own life and to seek peace and wellness every day.
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ryan Malphrus on Men’s Mental Health, Behavioral Issues in Boys, and What Therapy Should Feel Like
3w ago01:20:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Ryan Malphrus, a Licensed Certified Social Worker (Clinical) with over a decade of experience helping adolescents and adults navigate meaningful personal growth—especially men who often feel underserved by traditional mental health care. We begin with a critical and timely topic: why so many boys are labeled with behavioral issues in school—and what might be misunderstood beneath the surface. From there, the conversation expands into the broader mental health challenges facing men and boys, and why many struggle to find support that truly resonates. Ryan shares his psychodynamic approach to therapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s full life story and building a real, honest therapeutic relationship where nothing is off-limits. In this episode, we explore: Why boys’ behavior is often misunderstood or misinterpreted in school systems The ongoing mental health crisis among men and boys What makes therapy effective—and what clients should actually expect in a session The importance of fit, trust, and openness between therapist and client How exploring your story can unlock meaningful and lasting change Ryan’s work is rooted in the belief that true growth happens not just through insight—but through experiencing a different kind of relationship, one built on honesty, curiosity, and acceptance. This episode is for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of men’s mental health, therapy, and personal growth—whether you're a client, parent, or practitioner. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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The Untold Story of Trucking, Immigration, and Hidden Human Costs
Apr 2101:44:50Tap to summarizeIn this important and nuanced episode, we welcome back Adam Coleman III to explore a complex and often overlooked issue within the U.S. supply chain: the realities surrounding undocumented labor in the trucking industry. This conversation goes beyond headlines. It examines the human, economic, and ethical layers behind how goods move across the country—and the people who make it possible. Together, we discuss: The role of undocumented labor in trucking and logistics The broader implications of cheap labor within supply chains Concerns around worker exploitation, trafficking, and unsafe conditions The impact on local communities and industry standards Why these conversations are often avoided—and why they matter At its core, this episode is not about division—it’s about awareness, responsibility, and empathy. It asks us to consider the unseen human stories behind everyday systems and to approach these realities with both clarity and compassion. This episode is for anyone interested in labor ethics, immigration, supply chains, and human dignity. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Leslie Elliott Boyce on Counseling Education, Graduate Schools, and Ideological Bias in Mental Health
Apr 101:20:50Tap to summarizeIn this insightful episode, we sit down with Leslie Elliott Boyce, an independent coach and consultant with a background in clinical mental health counseling, to explore how the counseling profession has evolved—and how graduate education has played a central role in shaping it. Leslie, co-founder of Solid Ground and host of The Radical Center, brings a thoughtful and balanced perspective to the conversation, examining how training programs, academic frameworks, and institutional cultures influence the way therapists are taught to think, practice, and engage with clients. In this episode, we explore: How graduate schools shape the counseling profession The role of ideological bias in education and psychology What emerging therapists are (and aren’t) being prepared for Why intellectual diversity and open dialogue matter in training clinicians How we can move toward a more balanced, grounded future in mental health care This episode is for clinicians, students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the systems behind therapy—and how they impact both practitioners and the people they serve. 🎧 Explore more of Leslie’s work: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theradicalcenter Website: https://theradicalcenterconsulting.com/ Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Conservative Counselors: Soad Tabrizi on Restoring Integrity, Truth, and Balance in Mental Health
Jan 3101:20:01Tap to summarizeIn this timely and necessary conversation, we speak with Soad Tabrizi, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of clinical experience and the founder of Conservative Counselors—a growing directory connecting clients with reality-based therapists who reject ideological capture in mental health. Together, we explore what the term “Conservative Counselors” actually means, why it has emerged, and why it matters in today’s therapeutic landscape. Soad explains how increasing ideological pressure within the counseling profession has left many clinicians and clients feeling unseen, unheard, or silenced—and why intellectual diversity and moral courage are essential for ethical, effective therapy. In this episode, we discuss: What defines a Conservative Counselor (and what it does not) How ideology has shaped modern therapy culture Why clients are actively seeking therapists grounded in realism, truth, and personal responsibility The risks of ideological conformity for both clinicians and mental health outcomes How restoring balance, integrity, and open inquiry can strengthen the profession Soad writes on Substack and for Human Events, where she unapologetically argues that conservative clinicians not only belong in mental health—but play a vital role in its future. Her work centers on truth, courage, and protecting the therapeutic space as one of genuine inquiry rather than indoctrination. This episode is for clinicians, clients, students, and anyone concerned with the future of mental health care and the importance of preserving therapeutic neutrality, honesty, and human dignity. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Nervous System Leadership: Ann de Passos on Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Practice, and Resilient Teams
Nov 2401:03:58Tap to summarizeIn this returning conversation, we welcome back Ann de Passos, leadership consultant, coach, and facilitator who specializes in nervous system–informed leadership. Drawing on 15+ years across charity, corporate, and social enterprise sectors, Ann guides leaders and teams to operate from clarity, relational intelligence, and embodied resilience. We take a deep dive into the nervous system and Polyvagal Theory to answer a simple but powerful question: How do we learn to be human? Ann explains why understanding the body’s wiring is the essential first step to changing how we lead, communicate, and respond under pressure. Topics include: The basics of Polyvagal Theory and why the nervous system shapes behavior at work Somatic practices leaders can use to reduce burnout and recover faster from stress Systems thinking + emotional intelligence: designing cultures that sustain people and performance Practical tools for strengthening team connection, psychological safety, and values-led decision making If you’re a leader, manager, coach, or anyone who wants to lead from steadiness instead of reactivity, this episode offers grounded science, practical exercises, and real-world strategies to build healthier, high-performing organisations. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Brant Elwood: Mythic Archetypes, Group Unconscious, and the Psychology of Organizations
Nov 301:08:05Tap to summarizeIn this deep, mythic conversation, we welcome Brant Elwood, author of Gods, Heroes and Groups: Relational Dynamics through Mythic Archetypes and an MA in social-organizational psychology. Brant blends mythopoetic lineage with practical organizational insight to reveal the unconscious dynamics that govern how groups behave — in communities, workplaces, and treatment settings. We explore: How mythic archetypes (gods, heroes, tricksters) show up in group roles and organizational life Rites of passage work with young men during the pandemic and what that revealed about leadership, belonging, and responsibility The group unconscious — patterns we enact without awareness and how they shape decision-making, conflict, and culture Practical ways leaders and community members can be mindful of their roles so they don’t unconsciously repeat damaging patterns Why integrating mythic thinking helps organizations surface the undiscussed and rediscover healthier relational dynamics This episode is for leaders, therapists, organizational consultants, and anyone curious about the hidden stories that run our groups. Brant’s approach offers a poetic but practical map for recognizing the forces that shape group life — and for acting with conscious intention instead of falling into unconscious roles. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Free Speech & Therapy: Dr. Chloe Carmichael
Oct 2700:48:58Tap to summarizeIn this timely episode, Dr. Chloe Carmichael — clinical psychologist, USA Today bestselling author of Nervous Energy, and longtime educator — returns to Noggin Notes to explore why free speech matters in therapeutic settings and how self-censorship can damage both therapists and clients. We dig into the practical and ethical stakes: how open dialogue supports accurate diagnosis, trust, and psychological growth; how fear of controversy or professional consequences leads clinicians to self-censor; and the downstream mental-health costs when people (therapists or clients) silence honest thought and feeling. Dr. Chloe draws on clinical experience, research, and her work teaching clinicians to explain why courageous, curious conversation is often central to healing — and how constricted speech can worsen anxiety, shame, and isolation. Whether you’re a clinician, student, or someone seeking therapy, this conversation is an urgent, compassionate case for protecting honest speech in the therapy room — and for noticing how self-silencing affects mental health in everyday life. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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The Anti-Feminist Psychiatrist: Dr. Hannah Spier on Flawed Psychology, Women, Men, and Mental Health
Sep 1501:18:16Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode, we talk with Dr. Hannah Spier, Norwegian psychiatrist and creator of Psychobabble—a hybrid podcast and publication that challenges flawed psychology and exposes the therapists and cultural trends harming mental health. Dr. Spier, who trained in Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy at the University of Zurich, takes a critical look at how psychiatry has become dominated by ideological influences, often leaving behind the real needs of patients—both men and women. We explore: How psychiatry has been shaped by feminist and postmodern ideas Why these cultural shifts affect the way men and women experience therapy The overlooked challenges of women in modern psychiatry The current crisis in boys and masculinity, and why balance in mental health care matters How Psychobabble is reframing the conversation about integrity, tradition, and truth in psychiatry With features in The Federalist, Commentary Magazine, The American Spectator, and Mad in America, Dr. Spier is becoming a leading voice in pushing back against the cultural and ideological capture of psychiatry—offering a grounded, values-driven approach to care. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Rachel Haack on Women in the Second Half of Life: Challenges, Resilience, and Relationships
Sep 801:26:10Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Rachel Haack, Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, mother of five daughters, and passionate advocate for women navigating the second half of life. Together, we take a deep dive into the unique struggles women face during this stage—challenges that are often overlooked or minimized in mainstream discussions. Rachel shares her insights on: The emotional and relational challenges of women in their second half of life How women balance supporting families, communities, and themselves Strategies for navigating conflict between parents and adult children with compassion and skill Why strengthening relationships is the key to resilience and fulfillment With honesty, optimism, and warmth, Rachel highlights both the struggles and the strengths of women in midlife and beyond. Whether you’re a woman living this reality, a family member, or a professional supporting others, this episode shines a much-needed light on a vital stage of life that deserves more attention and care. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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Mark L. Ruffalo on the Future of Psychotherapy: Beyond Symptoms to the Human Psyche
Aug 2501:08:01Tap to summarizeIn this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Mark L. Ruffalo, M.S.W., D.Psa., a leading psychotherapist, psychoanalyst, and professor of psychiatry at the University of Central Florida and Tufts University School of Medicine. With years of clinical experience in the psychoanalytic treatment of schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and other severe mental health conditions, Mark brings a depth of understanding rarely seen in today’s therapy landscape. Together, we explore the pendulum swing of psychiatry and psychotherapy—from depth-oriented, long-term psychoanalysis to surface-level symptom management and back again. Mark shares his insights into: The forgotten depths of the human psyche that modern therapy often overlooks Why schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder require more than quick-fix interventions The history and future of psychotherapy in a medicalized mental health system How psychoanalysis still offers profound tools for healing and understanding human suffering If you’re a therapist, clinician, or simply curious about the intersection of psychiatry, psychoanalysis, and human depth, this episode will challenge the way you think about mental health. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible. To take your Free Mental Health screening visit https://walkthetalkamerica.org/ or click the following link. TAKE A MENTAL HEALTH TEST We hope you enjoy this episode. Today’s show is brought to you by Audible and Zephyr Wellness. Audible is offering our listeners a free audiobook with a 30-day trial membership. Just go to www.audibletrial.com/9WOGmy and browse the unmatched selection of audio programs – download a title free and start listening.. If you have any questions or request send us a message at info@nogginnotes.com / info@zephyrwellness.org Hope you enjoy the podcast and please go ahead subscribe and give us a review of our show. You can write a review on iTunes.
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