Best Mitchell Smolkin Podcasts (2024)

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033: Beginnings, Middles, and Ends: The End Is Often the Hardest Part, So Let’s Make It Beautiful 26:00

3y ago26:00

26:00

I once had the opportunity to meet the mayor of Alsace, a region in eastern France where the Alsatian language is pretty well dead. The mayor spoke to me about a book that he had written which talked about endings. He wanted to explore the idea of a beautiful end. This idea of a beautiful end never left me. It has guided me in many parts of my life…

1
032: It Takes Two to Tango: How to Find Compassion and Empathy with your Partner this Holiday with Couples Therapist Louise Wästlund 33:47

3y ago33:47

33:47

Welcome to episode 32. In today's episode, I have a meaningful chat with psychotherapist, couples therapist, and certified emotionally focused therapist Louise Wästlund. One of the reasons that I love this interview is that, if you're not familiar with the research that looks into the neurobiology of attachment, Louise's way of talking about relati…

1
031: Relationships and the Holidays: Making Sense Out of Couples Under Pressure 24:48

3y ago24:48

24:48

Welcome to episode 31. I feel quite inspired as we all realize that the holidays are soon upon us. For those of us that live in parts of the world that get colder at this time of year, things really start to change. As we get into late November, things are getting ready for this time of the year that is quite special. No matter how you celebrate, y…

1
030: Shame Part 3: The Tight Rope Act of Healing, How to Walk With the Dragons 20:51

3y ago20:51

20:51

This episode is the third in a series of podcasts that I have been recording on the subject of shame. I think it's a really important area of investigation because, as the neurologist Stephen Porges pointed out, the strong emotions that human beings contain drive our actions, our thoughts, our behaviors, and our decision-making. There was a huge sh…

1
029: Shame Part 2: Learning to Play the Notes of Our Emotions, the Importance of Filling the Silence 35:19

3y ago35:19

35:19

More and more people who walk into my office are sharing with me that they get to know me here in this space and feel in some ways that they already know a bit about me before they walk through my door. It's an interesting feeling. In some ways, it's kind of nice to have this forum to go into aspects of what I love and what I do. It's also a space …

1
028: Shame: The Quiet, Absent, Destroyer 27:20

3y ago27:20

27:20

Welcome to episode 28. As many of you who listen to the podcast know, I just came off of a really intense, creative journey with some colleagues and friends from a number of different countries. We all met in Sweden to work on a project which is tentatively called the Boris Project or Boris's map. We explored material that goes back to the 1940s du…

1
027: The Art of Separation: The Power of Ritual to Contain the Spaces In Between, A Special Musical Podcast Part 2 40:34

3y ago40:34

40:34

Today is another special episode that links back to last week. If you listened to last week's episode where I met and interviewed and talked with my fellow artists and collaborators, then you'll recognize some of the melodies in today's episode which we recorded in the great synagogue in Stockholm, this beautiful art deco sanctuary that is very spe…

1
026: Adieu Adieu: Leaving and Returning: the Endurance and Transformation of Memory and Loss - A Special Musical Podcast Edition 30:05

3y ago30:05

30:05

This episode is inspired by a letter that was written by my great grandmother to her son, my grandfather, in 1941. These would be the last letters that she would ever write or he would ever receive from her. I am exploring this material in Stockholm, trying to take something from these artifacts of a lost time to understand memory, pain, loss, fail…

1
025: Confessions of a Couple’s Therapist: The Dangers of Literal and Binary Thinking 33:29

3y ago33:29

33:29

When I was thinking of creating a podcast or some of the books that I'd like to write, one of them is to go in this direction of “Confessions of a Couple’s Therapist.” If you're new to the podcast, you can go back and listen to me do a session with a couple live, which I'd like to do again. But one of my great joys in my life, in my professional li…

1
024: Helping Men Talk About Emotions: An Interview with Life Coach and EZ Podcast Host Furkhan Dandia 40:12

3y ago40:12

40:12

This conversation today is quite a close topic to my heart. I interview podcaster and life coach Furkhan Dandia who left the corporate world as an engineer and had this realization in his life that it would be important for him to devote his energies and his time to helping facilitate conversations between men. As you'll hear in the podcast, I feel…

1
023: The Tension Between Poetic and Scientific Explanations of Human Experience 47:33

3y ago47:33

47:33

Welcome to episode 23. I just came back from quite a long adventure, criss-crossing Ontario, Canada, visiting family and friends, singing, and also working with a lot of my clients that I still see virtually overseas. I'm back here in Stockholm, landing, getting my bearings again, and here with you. I was reflecting on what I wanted to talk about t…

1
022: Neurodiversity, Medication, and Psychedelics: An Interview with Joe Satin Levin 1:00:31

3y ago1:00:31

1:00:31

Welcome to episode 22. Today's kind of an exciting conversation on many levels. If you've been following my work and my podcast, you'll have gleaned some of the important ideas around how difficult it is to get through some of the more defensive ways that human beings deal with the world. We are so exquisitely intelligent and wired for survival tha…

1
021: The Power of the Breath with Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher, and Artist Esther Kalaba 54:29

3y ago54:29

54:29

Welcome to episode 21, The Power of the Breath. Today I interview a colleague who became a friend who I met at an interesting conference in Boston on trauma a number of years ago. We clicked and spoke about many aspects of the field and our lives that are important to us. Esther's real gift is a commitment to the body, to yoga, and to creating spac…

1
020: Doing All The Work In Relationships: The Plight of the Burnt-Out Pursuer and the Psychodynamics of Anxious Attachment 40:18

3y ago40:18

40:18

Today, I would like to focus on some of the feedback that I've been getting on the podcast. In particular, people are writing and asking about a phenomenon that I see a lot in my practice. I've certainly gone through it in my own life. It is a situation in relationships where loneliness can creep in or, worse, one of the partners feels like they ar…

1
019: Sexology and the Art of Physical Intimacy with Sex Therapist Isiah McKimmie 40:17

3y ago40:17

40:17

Today we go all the way to Australia to find and speak to this incredibly dynamic therapist, Isiah McKimmie, who is a sexologist, couples therapist, sex therapist, and coach. If you want to find out what a sexologist is, you're going to have to listen to the interview. It is a huge pleasure to have Isiah here all the way from Australia. I recently …

1
018: The Melancholy of the Human Position: Scholar Dr. Dustin Atlas in Conversation About the Work of Martin Buber and The Ephemeralness of Relationship 1:00:19

3y ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Welcome to Episode 18. I was once attending a conference in downtown Toronto and the theme of the conference was the entry problem: how do we enter into psychological material? There's a whole philosophical tradition, most notably at present taken up by a German psychologist and philosopher named Wolfgang Geegref who relies on a way of looking at p…

1
017: Is It Just a Placebo? No, It’s the Real Deal. Two Mitchell Smolkins Find Each Other and Discuss the Family Business: Pain 57:57

3y ago57:57

57:57

When I was doing my research for this podcast, I came across a book online that had been written by Mitchell Smolkin. But this book was not a book that I had written. The name of this book was called Understanding Pain: Interpretation and Philosophy and had been written over 30 years ago when I was about 12 years old. I was surprised and I did a bi…

1
016: Why Psychological Theory Changes and the Dangers of Oversimplification: Towards a Flexible and Humanistic Understanding of Ourselves 49:39

3y ago49:39

49:39

I spent the last little while focusing on parenting but at the same time, considering the theories in psychology that support our understanding of human development and how that can inform us as parents to either make decisions that shift our behavior or to reflect on them with our children. In that light, It was really a great pleasure to have my …

1
015: From the Mouth of a 10 Year Old: How to Help Your Children Feel Safe and Other Surprises, A Father and Son Chat with Gabriel Smolkin 45:48

3y ago45:48

45:48

Today, I decided to do an interview with my son Gabriel, who is 10 years old. I speak a lot in the podcast about him. It is never intended to suggest that somehow I know better but it feels more honest to open up about my experiences than always speak about clinical or hypothetical situations. The discussion with him was very moving for me. He open…

1
014: The Heart of Conflict: How to Create Safety, Flexibility and Love with Our Children with Clinical Mental Health Counselor Pripo Teplitsky 59:58

3y ago59:58

59:58

I am delighted to bring Pripo Teplitsky on today’s episode as we talk about parenting and what it takes for us to make room for the spirit of the child to emerge. From the minute I heard Pripo's voice, I felt this kinship with his raw and relatable style of connecting. Pripo is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in private practice in Ashe…

1
013: Parenting Acoustics: Cultivating Safety, Curiosity and Flexibility in the Brain of the Child 33:09

3y ago33:09

33:09

One of the dangers in families is that we tend to approach things with the glass half-empty. We often want our children to be MORE motivated or MORE focused, or for them to try HARDER. What could be more disheartening than somebody approaching you and constantly undervaluing what you are doing. Imagine if a friend was always seeing you in that ligh…

1
012: The Impact of Infertility Treatment on Couples and Relationships: How to Bear the Unbearable with Dr. Erica Berman 57:52

3y ago57:52

57:52

I have the good fortune of speaking with my colleague and friend today, Dr. Erica Berman, who developed a specialty of working with couples who are going through infertility treatment. Even if this isn't your reality, the subject applies to almost any relationship, as it really highlights the challenges couples can face. When dealing with something…

1
011: Like a Rooted Tree: The Importance of Self Reflection in Parenting and How to Withstand the Child’s Difference with Psychotherapist Maria Kempinska 1:11:14

3y ago1:11:14

1:11:14

I wanted to focus today on a subject dear to my heart, which is perhaps not that well understood. To a large extent, it has to do with parenting but, more broadly speaking, affects and is involved in all of our relationships. The core of this idea is the capacity to symbolize. People often ask me what exactly this means. For many of you who work in…

1
010: Sometimes You Just Have to Die: The Art of Taking Risks with the Renowned Cirque de Soleil Founding Choreographer Debra Brown 1:05:55

3+ y ago1:05:55

1:05:55

What a special episode I have for you today. In it, I have a conversation with one of the most renowned choreographers in the world, Debra Brown, who was with Cirque du Soleil for three decades. Not only is she a creative force but she has become a good friend over the years as well. I jumped at the opportunity to bring her on the show and talk abo…

1
009: Society’s Emotional Awakening: The Shifting Grounds of Psychotherapy and Our Self Images 43:54

3+ y ago43:54

43:54

It’s quite a special week. There was a confluence of timing in my interview with Gabor Maté last week and the release of his film The Wisdom of Trauma. If you haven't seen the film, it is well worth watching. I sat on the couch with my wife last night and we held each other as we watched this incredibly touching and important movie that chronicles …

1
008: The Depths of Our Traumatic Experience: An Interview with Dr. Gabor Maté 59:41

3+ y ago59:41

59:41

Today’s guest is one of the most influential thinkers alive. Our conversation which I am sharing today comes from a live interview I held with him on June 3rd, 2021. Dr. Gabor Maté has tried for decades to tell the truth about the connection between traumatic experiences and the damaging effects they can have on our lives. He has done so with uniqu…

1
007: Starting From Scratch with the Body and Trauma: Neurologist Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, an interview with Psychotherapist Justin Senseri 1:04:11

3+ y ago1:04:11

1:04:11

I am so intrigued by the human being’s ability to survive. One of the strongest examples of this in my life is that of my grandfather. He emerged from the Holocaust with his entire family gone and still went on to pursue his dreams. He became a dentist and eventually moved to Canada in 1962. However, when he arrived in Canada, he had to recertify a…

1
006: The Science of Emotional Regulation: How to Name Your Fears in Order to Foster Closer Connection 43:08

3+ y ago43:08

43:08

Today, I wanted to take some time to focus and bring down the volume. After doing a number of in-depth interviews, I thought it would be nice to have a solo podcast focusing on an incredibly important concept. Today’s topic is not only one that distills so much of the work I do but also sets us up nicely for next week’s podcast where we will be dis…

1
005: Relationships and Illness: How To Increase Hope and Connection Through Vulnerability and Courage, An Interview With Just Such a Brave Couple 1:08:11

3+ y ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Today’s interview epitomizes the entire reason I started this podcast. In it, I have a conversation with an incredibly brave and courageous couple. As we talked and I heard their story, my ambivalence around whether it is possible to convey the magic of vulnerability through this medium faded away. What is central to this podcast is the power of le…

1
004: Lunch With A Therapist Live Podcast – Transitions, Crossroads, and The Power of Story 56:34

3+ y ago56:34

56:34

Today’s guest is one of my oldest friends, Nicholas Balaisis. I am sharing our conversation from my live Lunch With a Therapist event held on April 29th, 2021. The intent was to create a place where people could come in, ask questions, and be a fly on the wall of two old friends who have both had a passion for psychology for decades. Nick and I del…

1
003: The Art of Suffering: A Closer Look at Buddhism’s Contributions to Our Relationship with Strife, an Interview with Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. Sean Smith 1:14:19

3+ y ago1:14:19

1:14:19

I thought it was important to take a closer look at the notion of suffering, particularly from the point of view of Buddhist thought, as many of the tenets and practices of Buddhism have progressively entered the Western popular imagination. I found myself reflecting on what must be a misconception and oversimplification of Buddhist thought in the …

1
002: The Dignity of the Body: A Container for Grief and Transition – An Interview with Psychotherapist, Author, and Podcaster Charlene Jones 1:20:41

3+ y ago1:20:41

1:20:41

In the late 19th century, a pivotal evolution occurred. It is one that still echoes today and underscores the entire field of psychology and a lot of the work I do as a psychotherapist. During this time, it was discovered that major physiological diseases had a psychological basis. The French neurologist Jean Charcot was able to move physiological …

1
001: Introduction to The Dignity of Suffering 25:58

3+ y ago25:58

25:58

Welcome to The Dignity of Suffering. My name is Mitchell Smolkin, I am a registered psychotherapist, certified couples therapist, Jungian psychoanalyst, author, and speaker. I have been interested in the field of psychotherapy for almost three decades and have had the opportunity to walk through some of the hardest circumstances in life with people…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Mitchell Smolkin Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
The Dignity of Suffering

Mitchell Smolkin

1
033: Beginnings, Middles, and Ends: The End Is Often the Hardest Part, So Let’s Make It Beautiful 26:00

1
032: It Takes Two to Tango: How to Find Compassion and Empathy with your Partner this Holiday with Couples Therapist Louise Wästlund 33:47

1
031: Relationships and the Holidays: Making Sense Out of Couples Under Pressure 24:48

1
030: Shame Part 3: The Tight Rope Act of Healing, How to Walk With the Dragons 20:51

1
029: Shame Part 2: Learning to Play the Notes of Our Emotions, the Importance of Filling the Silence 35:19

1
028: Shame: The Quiet, Absent, Destroyer 27:20

1
027: The Art of Separation: The Power of Ritual to Contain the Spaces In Between, A Special Musical Podcast Part 2 40:34

1
026: Adieu Adieu: Leaving and Returning: the Endurance and Transformation of Memory and Loss - A Special Musical Podcast Edition 30:05

1
025: Confessions of a Couple’s Therapist: The Dangers of Literal and Binary Thinking 33:29

1
024: Helping Men Talk About Emotions: An Interview with Life Coach and EZ Podcast Host Furkhan Dandia 40:12

1
023: The Tension Between Poetic and Scientific Explanations of Human Experience 47:33

1
022: Neurodiversity, Medication, and Psychedelics: An Interview with Joe Satin Levin 1:00:31

1
021: The Power of the Breath with Psychotherapist, Yoga Teacher, and Artist Esther Kalaba 54:29

1
020: Doing All The Work In Relationships: The Plight of the Burnt-Out Pursuer and the Psychodynamics of Anxious Attachment 40:18

1
019: Sexology and the Art of Physical Intimacy with Sex Therapist Isiah McKimmie 40:17

1
018: The Melancholy of the Human Position: Scholar Dr. Dustin Atlas in Conversation About the Work of Martin Buber and The Ephemeralness of Relationship 1:00:19

1
017: Is It Just a Placebo? No, It’s the Real Deal. Two Mitchell Smolkins Find Each Other and Discuss the Family Business: Pain 57:57

1
016: Why Psychological Theory Changes and the Dangers of Oversimplification: Towards a Flexible and Humanistic Understanding of Ourselves 49:39

1
015: From the Mouth of a 10 Year Old: How to Help Your Children Feel Safe and Other Surprises, A Father and Son Chat with Gabriel Smolkin 45:48

1
014: The Heart of Conflict: How to Create Safety, Flexibility and Love with Our Children with Clinical Mental Health Counselor Pripo Teplitsky 59:58

1
013: Parenting Acoustics: Cultivating Safety, Curiosity and Flexibility in the Brain of the Child 33:09

1
012: The Impact of Infertility Treatment on Couples and Relationships: How to Bear the Unbearable with Dr. Erica Berman 57:52

1
011: Like a Rooted Tree: The Importance of Self Reflection in Parenting and How to Withstand the Child’s Difference with Psychotherapist Maria Kempinska 1:11:14

1
010: Sometimes You Just Have to Die: The Art of Taking Risks with the Renowned Cirque de Soleil Founding Choreographer Debra Brown 1:05:55

1
009: Society’s Emotional Awakening: The Shifting Grounds of Psychotherapy and Our Self Images 43:54

1
008: The Depths of Our Traumatic Experience: An Interview with Dr. Gabor Maté 59:41

1
007: Starting From Scratch with the Body and Trauma: Neurologist Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory, an interview with Psychotherapist Justin Senseri 1:04:11

1
006: The Science of Emotional Regulation: How to Name Your Fears in Order to Foster Closer Connection 43:08

1
005: Relationships and Illness: How To Increase Hope and Connection Through Vulnerability and Courage, An Interview With Just Such a Brave Couple 1:08:11

1
004: Lunch With A Therapist Live Podcast – Transitions, Crossroads, and The Power of Story 56:34

1
003: The Art of Suffering: A Closer Look at Buddhism’s Contributions to Our Relationship with Strife, an Interview with Assistant Professor of Philosophy Dr. Sean Smith 1:14:19

1
002: The Dignity of the Body: A Container for Grief and Transition – An Interview with Psychotherapist, Author, and Podcaster Charlene Jones 1:20:41

1
001: Introduction to The Dignity of Suffering 25:58

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