Best Virginia Ripples Podcasts (2026)

1
It Is Not Your Fault: What Parents, Clinicians, and Educators Should Know About Treating Eating Disorders 48:38

17d ago48:38

48:38

Featuring Dr. Lauren Hartman M.D. Dr. Jim sits down with Dr. Lauren Hartman, a double board-certified specialist in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics, contributor to Psychology Today, and author of the forthcoming book Freeing Children & Young Adults from Shame, Scales & Stigma. In this episode, Dr. Hartman breaks down what every parent, clinician…

1
Mindful Parenting During Times of Uncertainty: Human Potential Conference 1:24:11

24d ago1:24:11

1:24:11

Featuring Drs. Benton-Hardy, Freed, Peterson, and Ehrensaft • Hosted by Dr. Jim Bramson In this special episode, four brilliant clinicians explore what it means to parent mindfully in an age of rapid change, digital overload, and cultural uncertainty. Each expert brings a unique blend of curiosity, expertise, humor, and heart to the conversation. D…

1
A New Look at Misbehavior: Creating Upstream Solutions for Dysregulated Students with Dr. Doug Bolton 31:02

1M ago31:02

31:02

This episode will be the final one of 2025, as we take a break from the podcast over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Before we introduce today’s topic and guest, we want to address the “elephant in the room”: the shifts happening in the Department of Education under the Trump administration. Just a heads-up: following us on Instagram is th…

1
The Current State of DEI in the US: What is Worth Fighting For? 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

With so many school holidays fast approaching, there are many kids who need interventions right now, and their parents are panicking. Furthermore, the effects of the government shutdown are being felt as Head Start programs are having to close their doors. Families are scrambling, and we are witnessing significant shifts that are having a profound …

1
How to Raise a Citizen (And Why It’s Up to You to Do It) with Lindsey Cormack 21:47

2M ago21:47

21:47

Today’s topic is one that not many people are talking about, but it’s a big problem in our country. We are discussing the deficit in our children’s education about civics, government, and basic politics. As parents and educators, we have a huge responsibility to do better, and today’s guest is taking on the challenge. Join us to learn more! Lindsey…

1
The Architect of Connection: Jeff Cohen on Couples Therapy 1:02:41

2M ago1:02:41

1:02:41

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews his esteemed colleague and good mate - Jeff Cohen. Jeff Cohen is an articulate, deeply knowledgeable couples therapist with a background as unique as his approach. Before becoming a therapist, Jeff trained as an architect—and that foundation in design informs both his artistry as a visual artist and his craftsmanship as a…

1
A Look at CA Assembly Bill 461 and a New, Much-Needed Approach to Truancy 18:55

3M ago18:55

18:55

Typically, October is a busy month for us as we are already a couple of months into the new school year; reality has set in, and winter/holiday breaks are fast approaching. Today’s focus comes from a lively topic of discussion that was posted on our Instagram last week: an update on CA Assembly Bill 461, which repeals a 2011 Truancy Law. That law p…

1
Psychiatry and Mindful Parenting in the Land of Oz 51:14

2M ago51:14

51:14

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Lisa Hardy, M.D. In this insightful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Hardy to explore the intersections of medication, therapy, and mindful parenting. Dr. Hardy shares her wisdom on when medication can be helpful versus when therapy may be most effective, the unique challenges of treating ADHD and twice-e…

1
Love Is in the Cards: How Michael & Vivienne Aronowitz Created Marriage Aces 56:02

3M ago56:02

56:02

Married for over 48 years, Michael and Vivienne Aronowitz transformed their own journey into Marriage Aces—a playful, research-based game designed to help couples strengthen emotional safety, gratitude, kindness, and a solid foundation. Each trip around the board and every card drawn from the four decks creates new opportunities for closeness and b…

1
Reclaiming Joy and Meaning: For Moms in Midlife 56:27

3M ago56:27

56:27

By James Bramson, Psy, D & Rafael Cortina, MFT

1
Mindful Parenting Without Losing Your Self Compassion or Cool 58:52

3M ago58:52

58:52

1
What Do Our Kids Really Need? Moving Forward with the “Next Great Iteration” of our Educational System with Dr. Annalies Corbin 23:38

3M ago23:38

23:38

We’ve become accustomed to the normal back-to-school craziness this time of year, but this year seems more chaotic than usual! Numerous lawsuits are being filed to challenge the funding cuts, which are having a significant impact on programs, services, staffing, and students. There are numerous unknowns that contribute to the turmoil. We are doing …

1
Virginia District Funding Cuts Jeopardize Education For All 20:02

3M ago20:02

20:02

Here we are, on the front lines of the fight for inclusive education. Now, a month or so into the new school year, we are already in the thick of the fight, and we are seeing numerous lawsuits being filed as things are changing daily. Many of our listeners are already feeling the impact of funding cuts to education. Today’s episode focuses on the a…

1
Racial and Cultural Responsiveness and Accountability in Education with Jebeh Edmunds 26:50

4M ago26:50

26:50

Our goal is always to keep people informed about what’s going on in today’s world that directly affects the education of our students. It is essential to consider the communities that are forming within the broader context of the current political climate. How are conversations being navigated around important topics like race and culture? Today’s …

1
The Ripple Effect of Losing $65 Million in Federal Education Support with Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez 29:40

4M ago29:40

29:40

We are in the middle of the start of another school year across the country, whether your students have already returned or have a later start date. One of the most important events from last school year was the Supreme Court decision to withhold $65M in federal funding for education, and we are seeing those impacts across the board. Dr. Jacqueline…

1
Brains, Biochemistry, Nutritional Psychiatry, and the Granby Roll: A Conversation with Dr. Sheldon Zablow 1:02:44

5M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

In this episode, you’ll be regaled by the brilliant stories and psychiatric hacks of Dr. Sheldon Zablow—known to his friends and patients as Dr. Z, and to me as Dr. Shelly. Dr. Z is a retired child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist who practiced in San Diego for over four decades. He taught child psychiatry at UCSD for 25 years, earning multip…

1
Finding Balance in the “Least Restrictive Environments” for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students with Jennifer Catalano 21:51

5M ago21:51

21:51

Welcome back to the podcast as we kick off a new school year! We are excited, as always, to jump into some very important topics in the coming weeks. First up is our amazing guest, Jennifer Catalano, to discuss her work in deaf education and share her perspective on the least restrictive environments for these students. Is it better to have 100% in…

1
Being Fully Human: Lawyer, Poet, Musician, Chef 54:02

6M ago54:02

54:02

An Interview with Carl Reisman In this special episode, I sit down with my cousin Carl Reisman—a published poet, musician, chef, and lawyer who ran his law practice out of a converted Phillips 76 Station in Urbana, Illinois. We explore what it means to be fully human across disciplines, reflecting on two AI-generated pieces that deeply resonated wi…

1
350: The Current State of Affairs in US Education: Our Appearance on Dr. Karen Wilson’s Podcast 41:33

6M ago41:33

41:33

This is our last episode before our much-needed summer break. Taking this break helps us to refocus and prepare for a new school year. We recently made another appearance on the Diverse Thinking Different Learning: A ChildNEXUS podcast with Dr. Karen Wilson, who has also joined us on our podcast before. Today, we are featuring that episode as an ov…

1
Clearing Up Confusion About 504 Plans with April Rehrig 23:33

7M ago23:33

23:33

The landscape of American education has undergone significant changes over the past few months, particularly in the realm of special education. Our diligence in staying informed about developments in our field is more important than ever as we approach the start of a new school year in just a few weeks. Our focus today centers on understanding 504s…

1
The Comeback: Rafael Cortina Talks IAAGT, Gestalt Therapy, and Brock Purdy’s Rise 46:37

7M ago46:37

46:37

Dr. Jim welcomes back his podcast comrade, Rafael Cortina, who returns to the studio after stepping into his new role as President of the International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy (IAAGT). In this episode, Rafael shares insights from his leadership journey and offers a fresh take on the impact of Gestalt Therapy. He explores …

1
Digging into DEI Success for Students with Tracy Baynes, Part 2 29:44

7M ago29:44

29:44

Today’s episode brings back Tracy Baynes to share her best tips and advice for getting your student involved in their education earlier rather than later. She gives practical steps middle school students can take to prepare for college success, even if they are low-income students. Join us to learn more! Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and …

1
Hour of the Heart: Connecting in the Here and Now 53:13

7M ago53:13

53:13

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Jim interviews Ben Yalom about his moving collaboration with his father, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Irvin D. Yalom, on their co-authored book, Hour of the Heart: Connecting in the Here and Now. Ben reflects on what it was like growing up in the shadow of a famous father—and in Palo Alto, no less, where not inventing a …

1
Digging into DEI Success for Students with Tracy Baynes 23:50

8M ago23:50

23:50

We continue our journey to view the education of our children holistically as we strive to develop them into productive and inclusive members of society. Tracy Baynes joins us to share her interesting work in helping students achieve unimaginable success. Tracy Baynes is the founder, president, and CEO of STEP, the Student Expedition Program. As an…

1
Persuasive Design, the Digital Child, and the Screen Time Industrial Complex: What Parents and Society Can Do to Restore Childhood 53:29

8M ago53:29

53:29

Dr. Jim Interviews Dr. Richard Freed In this powerful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Richard Freed, whose new book Better Than Real Life examines how persuasive design is reshaping childhood—and not for the better. Dr. Freed’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other major media outle…

1
A One-Size-Fits-All Approach Does Not Work with Dr. OiYan Poon 21:09

8M ago21:09

21:09

Today’s conversation covers the impact of recent executive orders on DEI, the historical context of the civil rights movements, and the importance of local community efforts. Our guest is Dr. OiYan Poon, a community-engaged research scholar, educator, storyteller, and leader for intersectional racial equity. Her research is focused on the racial po…

1
Innovative Learning with the Modern Classrooms Project with Robert Barnett 19:37

9M ago19:37

19:37

Today’s episode features a fascinating conversation about strategies to support students and schools during unknowns and big transitions in education in the US. We welcome Robert Barnett to the podcast to discuss his innovations in teaching math and how his nonprofit, The Modern Classrooms Project, is training teachers to teach differently. Join us…

1
Fostering Independence and Community: A Look at Jonathan’s Landing Foundation 24:42

9M ago24:42

24:42

Many parents of kids with disabilities share the same fear of what will happen to their child in adulthood and when they are no longer here to care for and advocate for them. Today’s guest is Kimberly McCarten, CEO of Jonathan’s Landing Foundation, in Orlando, FL. This remarkable organization is bringing innovation into how we service people in the…

1
Inclusivity and Equity in the Classroom with Dr. Emily Affolter 16:10

10M ago16:10

16:10

We love to offer solutions along with our discussions of the current problems in education today. Today’s fresh perspective comes from Dr. Emily Affolter, the director of the Sustainability Education Ph.D. at Prescott College. The focus of this program is on the nexus of social and environmental justice as enacted in teaching, learning, and leading…

1
My Tea with Andre: Couples Work and the Nexus Between Reactivity and Victimization 43:40

10M ago43:40

43:40

Andre DeCary returns for his third episode—just two more, and he earns the coveted ShrinkRap jacket, SNL-style! In this conversation, Andre shares his distinctive approach to couples therapy, highlighting the key differences between working with individuals and couples. He also reflects on personal insights from his own life in this domain. Togethe…

1
The “Dear Colleague” Letter and Recent Executive Orders 22:45

10M ago22:45

22:45

One of the benefits of hosting a podcast in our field of civil rights and special education is that we can do quick follow-ups to incidents as they happen. If you follow us on social media, you know we cover many topics there, and we utilize the podcast for more in-depth conversations about relevant happenings in our field. One such recent event is…

1
An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diane Ehrensaft: The John Lennon of Pediatric Gender Care 52:06

10M ago52:06

52:06

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a.k.a., the John Lennon of Pediatric Gender Care Dr. Jim sits down with the prolific and brilliant Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a leading expert in pediatric gender care who envisions a more inclusive world for gender expression. A scholar, psychologist in private practice, author, child advocate, parent coa…

1
Connection, Vulnerability, Empathy, Advocacy, and “Healthy Mental Health” with Mike Robbins 22:47

11M ago22:47

22:47

We are still in the early months of 2025, and there is a LOT happening in the state of California and across the country. There are many important conversations we need to have, and our guest, Mike Robbins, joins us to discuss the current state of affairs. We have concerns about what’s happening with DEI and special education, but we want to keep t…

1
Understanding ICE and Immigration Issues in 2025 23:13

11M ago23:13

23:13

There is SO much going on in our country right now, and we are faced with many unknowns about what’s coming next. We don't want to be part of the “noise,” but we want to give you accurate information about relevant topics. Today’s focus is on ICE, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, particularly in schools. Our guest is Victoria Lucero, an immigra…

1
Workable Solutions to Combat Teacher Burnout with Karen Foley 23:32

12M ago23:32

23:32

Teachers are our “boots on the ground” partners for all we want to accomplish in education. There are real mental health challenges all around us, and teachers need our support more than ever. Nothing will impact a child’s learning like a great teacher–and the reverse is also true, unfortunately. Join us as we explore this important topic! Karen Fo…

1
Helping Students Learn Executive Functioning Skills with Dr. Tara Williams 22:41

12M ago22:41

22:41

Executive functioning is more than a catchy buzzword phrase in the world of education. What does it mean, how can we understand it better, and how can we do a better job of helping students? Join us as we explore this topic in today’s episode! Dr. Tara Williams is the owner and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, which assists students wi…

1
Healing from Emotionally Immature Parents: A Positive Ripple Effect 47:51

1y ago47:51

47:51

In this powerful episode, Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson, clinical psychologist and bestselling author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents. Together, they delve into the lasting impact of emotionally immature parents on their children’s lives—from feelings of neglect and rejection to lifelong challenges with self-wor…

1
Sexual Intelligence: What We Really Want From Sex, And How To Get It 51:39

1y ago51:39

51:39

Live from Berkeley California - Dr. Marty Klein keynotes at the Human Potential Conference. Dr. Marty Klein – certified sex therapist, award-winning author of 7 books, and New York Times-lauded educator - shares his ideas about Sexual Intelligence, explaining how we create our own sexual obstacles--and how to overcome them, "without losing 10 pound…

1
The End of Arguing and the Beginning of Great Sex 52:16

1y ago52:16

52:16

Live from Berkeley California - Linda and Charlie Bloom present on The End of Arguing and the Beginning of Great Sex at the Human Potential Conference. Linda and Charlie are celebrated marriage and relationship experts, workshop leaders, trainers, authors, co-therapists, and curators of knowledge on successful relationships. They discuss adjusting …

1
Exploring the Depths of Psychotherapy with Barbara Holifield 1:06:28

1y ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this compelling episode of ShrinksRap.com, my beloved co-host and trauma expert, Rafael Cortina, sits down with psychotherapist and author Barbara Holifield to discuss her groundbreaking new book, Being With The Body In Depth Psychology. Together, they delve into the profound integration of bodily experience within depth psychology. Drawing on p…

1
Love, Sex, and Partnering in the Second Half of Life 58:22

1y ago58:22

58:22

Join us for a 50-minute deep dive into everything you wanted to know about love, sex, and relationships in the second half of life. Featuring an expert panel: • Dr. John “The Caveman” Schinnerer - coach, educator, couples’ trainer, workshop leader, men’s group facilitator, and host of the “Evolved Caveman” podcast • Robby Kendall - psychologist, fo…

1
Advocacy, Equity, Inclusion for Even the Most Marginalized with Patrick Jones 25:59

1y ago25:59

25:59

Grassroots efforts usually work to bring about change. Unfortunately, our political leaders don’t look closely at education, disability rights, and reform in the same way we discuss these topics here in this space. Our goal is always to spur more conversations about education, disability rights, civil rights, and support for marginalized communitie…

1
Building a Classroom Community of Confident Writers with Rob Sanders 16:43

1y ago16:43

16:43

Believe it or not, October is over. It was a busy month for IEP meetings, and the holiday rush is about to begin. In today’s episode, we want to give helpful insights about community building in a classroom through a simple, actionable technique; this conversation will benefit teachers, parents, and administrators–anyone who wants to foster confide…

1
Education is in Peril with the Implications of Project 2025 17:10

1y ago17:10

17:10

Today’s episode includes a look into the controversial Project 2025 plan, a 900-page roadmap created by far-right think tanks, like The Heritage Foundation. With the elections looming, we are giving our perspectives on some of the alarming implications of this proposal, particularly its potential to dismantle essential educational protections, eras…

1
The Changing Face of College Admissions and Equity with Emily Chase Coleman 23:26

1y ago23:26

23:26

In today’s episode, Vickie and Amanda discuss the evolving landscape of college admissions with Emily Chase Coleman, CEO of HAI Analytics. They explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on admissions, highlighting the shift away from standardized testing and the importance of considering diverse factors in admissions decisions. Emily shares insig…

1
Unlocking the Mind-Body Connection: A conversation with Dr. Michael Changaris 55:24

1y ago55:24

55:24

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Changaris, an expert on neurobiology, the mind-body connection, and trauma. Dr. Changaris is a Psychologist, Zen practitioner, a professor in psychology at the Wright Institute, a writer, clinical trainer, and thought leader. Together we delve into his concept of synchromy - the synchronization between …

1
The US Supreme Court, Affirmative Action, and the Future of Education 16:18

1+ y ago16:18

16:18

Today’s episode focuses on a Supreme Court case in favor of eliminating affirmative action, which has huge implications in the world of education. In reality, what the Supreme Court does and how they make decisions stems from who the justices are. With every decision, we should evaluate if it aligns with what we believe and what is best for our cou…

1
Leading with Empathy in an Inclusive Classroom Environment with Dr. Jessica Werner 26:04

1+ y ago26:04

26:04

Today’s focus is on accommodating children in the general education classroom to provide a truly inclusive environment. It’s vital for all of us involved in education to understand the WHY of these accommodations with an emphasis on empathy. Join us for a closer look. Dr. Jessica Werner is the founder of Northshore Learning, a team of consultants b…

1
Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle Freeland 24:11

1+ y ago24:11

24:11

Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle Freeland Character education can happen in many forms. Today’s episode highlights a unique program that is fun, effective, and quickly growing in popularity. What child doesn’t love taking care of a pet? Join us to hear more from …

1
Creating Stories and Metaphors for Lasting Change: Unlocking Your Inner Wisdom Through Hypnosis, Narrative Therapy, and Story Telling 46:01

1+ y ago46:01

46:01

Dr. James H. Bramson Interviews Dr. Doris Brett (Following the ASH Conference) You should know who Dr. Doris Brett is. If you are living in Australia, New Zealand, or even Europe you may already know her work. She is a celebrated writer who has won numerous awards for her poems, novels, and children’s books. Dr. Doris Brett is also a captivating sp…

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Virginia Ripples Podcasts

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