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.

Dr. Debra Kawahara and Dr. Jan Estrellado discuss the significance of raising awareness about minority health, particularly in the context of mental health disparities, in this episode of Wellness in Today;s World. They explore the emotional responses to current socio-political challenges, the importance of culturally responsive mental health care, and strategies for cultivating hope and resilience. The conversation highlights the importance of collective action and community engagement, while also emphasizing the value of self-care and acknowledging individual needs in the face of adversity.