Email us: itsnotjustinyourhead@gmail.com. - Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/itsnotjustinyourhead -- Harriet’s other shows: WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431 Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH -- ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dysto…

"A Nation of Shopkeepers explores the unstoppable rise of the petite-bourgeoisie, one of the most powerful, but underexplored, classes in modern society." Our discussion with Dan covers: Stalled social mobility and bullshit jobs, who the petite-bourgeoisie are (traditional & new), the threat of losing social status and Dan pushes back against the i…

Ikoi and Harriet take a critical look at the false promise of 'Trauma Informed Care' and how the psyche field often fails to understand the material conditions and the context of peoples lives. - Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/itsnotjustinyourhead Email us with feedback, questions, suggestions at itsnotjustinyourhead@gmail.com. -- H…

Why is the public discourse around vaccination either 100% good or 100% evil? Ikoi along with our two guests, both of whom have suffered significant vaccine injuries but remain pro-vaccination, share their stories, experiences and nuanced opinions. -- Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/itsnotjustinyourhead Email us with feedback, questi…

"We Hear Only Ourselves is a study of utopia and its contradictions. If a future beyond capitalism cannot be imagined, what is the place of utopia today? The answer, Cashmore argues, lies beyond either idle speculation or merely hopeful optimism. We Hear Only Ourselves seeks a concept of utopia which is strengthened, not undermined, by its contradi…

Is identity based politics a weapon that has been used to 'divide and conquer' the left? We are joined by the author of the rather spicy book 'Here Be Monsters'. We discuss the suppression of class understanding, the consequences of organizing around identity, and the revealing use of identity based language by Goldman Sachs, the CIA and the US mil…

Famed author of 'McMindfulness' returns to the podcast to discuss his latest article 'How the Life Coaching Industry Sells Pseudo-Solutions to Our Deepest Problems': "The cultural pressures to become a self-made individual have intensified at the same time that sources of social support have decreased. Enter the life coach." We discuss the many iss…

"It's time for the Left to consider the pessimist a helpful guide out of the somnolence of capitalist realism." We dissect ideas and misunderstandings around optimism & pessimism, and how pessimism is a fundamentally critical position, whilst optimism breeds hubris and complacency. We discuss the cruelty of optimism, how self destruction can often …

Ikoi and Liam talk with author of 'This Must Be the Place', Shain Shapiro. We discuss re-conceptualizing music through a systemic lens, how it effects quality of life, building codes, work opportunities, mental health and its near total absence in public policy. "This Must Be the Place introduces and examines music’s relationship to cities. Not the…

"By returning to the original tale of Narcissus, and the flower from which he takes his name, this book offers an alternative reading of narcissism..." Is their such a thing as healthy Narcissism? We chat with the author of 'Narcissus in Bloom - An Alternative History of the Selfie' about how the finger waving moralism surrounding 'selfies' require…

“There is more than one way to flourish as humans in this world” Harriet talks with anthropologist Francesca Mezzenzana about her work and parental experiences with the Runa of the Ecuadorian Amazon and the challenge of bringing up children to survive in a ruthless neoliberal hellscape. We discuss the export of middle class parenting ideology and h…

"Confidence culture constantly directs the problem & solution onto the self" We explore how confidence culture has spread into every sector of society, from self-help to the workplace and beyond. Shani Orgad and Rosalind Gill draw on Foucault’s notion of technologies of self to demonstrate how “confidence culture” demands of women near-constant int…

“Nostalgia is an unavoidable reaction to the traumas of the modern world” We speak to Grafton Tanner the author of The Hours Have Lost Their Clock: The Politics of Nostalgia. We discuss nostalgia as a historical disease, how time is NOT linear, imagined pasts, fake memories and the constant renegotiation of history. We also talk about the role of n…

Popular YouTuber Elliot Sang quizzes Harriet and Ikoi on various topics: a brief history of the podcast, authoritarian family structures and school, the compartmentalization of mental health, personality tests & the ever changing self, McMindfulness, diagnosis vs. curiosity and Harriet shares a fascinating story about a past client. We also discuss…

"Fun is a response to regimented lives" In response to two recent articles/papers, 'How to start having more fun' and 'A Liberating-engagement Theory of Consumer Fun' Liam presents various questions to Harriet & Ikoi regarding the role of fun in culture & therapy, We discuss the modern invention of 'fun', whether fun is a 'waste of time' and the di…

“...people participate in online shaming because they get an emotional payoff – that is, because it feels good to do it.” We discuss a recent published paper "Doing good or feeling good? Justice concerns predict online shaming via deservingness and schadenfreude". We talking about the value of moral outrage, the pleasure of seeing people fall, stig…

“In this world each man pisses in the other mans eye” Harriet and Ikoi discuss the recently released report by the U.S. Surgeon General 'Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community)'. We discuss the empty platitudes of the state, how kindness can (unfortunat…

We chat about the excellent book 'Everyday Utopia' with author Kristen R. Ghodsee. We discuss why people are resistant to hearing about alternative ways of life, the role regret & shame plays in 'status quo bias' and why the traditional family structure no longer works (if it ever did!). Kristen illustrates how ‘Blue Sky Thinking’ is encouraged in …

"Land is expensive for housing and free for parking, and you wonder why we have a problem" We discuss a surprising and an often overlooked issue around sprawling urban design: the high cost of 'free' parking. Tony highlights various important aspects to parking reform: how lower income households are subsidizing wealthier households, America's unex…

"They see something good and they want to destroy it" Joshua returns to share an in-depth story of his experiences being a minor in an adult prison. We discuss why prisoners often don't reach out for mental health support, how Joshua navigated an extremely hostile environment and the difficulty of trust & friendships. Joshua outlines 'prison politi…

Ikoi offers a more nuanced perspective surrounding the OceanGate tragedy. References: Heuristic for protection against disasters: https://towardsdatascience.com/the-skin-in-the-game-heuristic-for-protection-against-disasters-eaa7bda8b026 The parable of the turkey: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hillennevins/2021/11/24/the-parable-of-the-turkey/ -- Su…

"Because things are so systemically bad, you actually have to demand more of yourself… everything is systemic but you still gotta be better” We continue the conversation with educator C. Derek Varn, discussing mental health issues among young students. We explore how the right-wing offers an appealing form of empowerment & agency around the idea/my…

Public school teacher and host of the CDerickVarnVlog returns to discuss the Mental Health crisis amongst young students. We explore issues surrounding social media, the breakdown of community and subsequent rising rates of suicidal ideation in minority groups. We also explore falling literacy rates, choosing “not to compete” & the bitterness of no…

"Assuming you live to be eighty, you have just over four thousand weeks..." We chat with author and journalist Oliver Burkeman about his latest book 'Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals'. We discuss the idea of time as a resource, the trap of efficiency, the fear of death and our willingness to be distracted. We also touch on JOMO (Joy…

We chat with building contractor and author Dan Kolbert about the need for - not only housing - but quality housing and the importance of Building Science. We discuss how cost and quality often don't go hand-in-hand, the problems with housing as a source of wealth, the mental health benefits (or not) of building a house, McMansions and the differen…

"A manifesto for belonging" We chat with author and activist Graham Jones about the significance of religion & spirituality to any successful socialist movement... 'Socialism is necessary but not sufficient'. We discuss the idea of why humans tend towards religion, the popularity of the 'meaning of life' question, ontological security, rationalizin…

"My self awareness threatens your denial" We continue the conversation around the importance of self-narrative and play. Meghann details how shes uses theater performance to help people make sense of challenges they have faced in their lives, and how through play we can create new meaning and identities that we've been locked into by ourselves or o…

We are joined by Meghann Perry from 'REVOLUTION Recovery' to discuss the the fundamental issue with viewing a patient as a subject / object / recipient / commodity and the victim blaming mentality that is helping no one. We explore the repeated trauma of 'In-take', how substances don't always cause addiction and the obvious - but often unsaid truth…

We speak with psychoanalyst and veteran Mike Kim about his military experiences. We cover numerous veteran issues and topics including: veterans being used as mascots for capitalism, the veteran profiteer complex and the under appreciated social cohesion that the military provides (if some what temporarily). We discuss social issues inside the mili…

We are joined by the Director of the 'Social Change Lab' to discuss their fascinating report 'What makes a protest movement successful?'. We dig into all the different factors such as violence vs. nonviolence, size of the movement, diversity of protestors and ask some tough questions about 'elite stakeholders' and philanthropy-funded social change.…

We are joined by Daniel Maté, co-author of the phenomenal book 'The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture'. We discuss the process of collaborating with his father Gabor Maté, Daniels perspectives, his professional life and the power of walking, talking and music! References: The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing i…

"We’ve stopped dreaming" What can psychoanalysis reveal to us about ideology, society and politics? Duane Rousselle is a Canadian sociological theorist, Lacanian psychoanalyst and Professor of Sociology. We discuss various issues addressed in his latest book 'Post-anarchism and Psychoanalysis'. We explore revolutionary desires & impulses and how at…

"The pandemic within the pandemic" A pulmonologist (respiratory physician) joins Ikoi and Liam to discuss Long Covid. After catching Covid on the frontline Dr. Asad Khan has endured numerous health issues which has opened his eyes to a level of suffering amongst patients dealing with chronic health issues. From not being believed by fellow professi…

Our guest discusses the horror show that current drug policy is having on American lives, how access to vital medication has been removed from people who need it in order to work, or function, or have any semblance of quality of life. As such, huge numbers of people are turning to street supply or ultimately taking their own lives to escape their c…

The conversation continues covering why men's support groups work, reason vs. persuasion, the power of listening, why organized religion isn't going anywhere anytime soon, Credentialism vs. Egalitarianism and how the masculine ideal disconnects men from the best part of being human. We also cover support groups discussing debt as a source for revol…

Returning guest William Dawley (#113: Immortality and Cyborg Anthropology) joins us to discuss his work around issues of Masculinity/Machismo and the positive image of masculinity that's possible with male support groups. Focusing on his work in Costa Rica we explore the link between machismo and right-wing politics, the Neo-Patriarchal bargain and…

Our guests talk about their experiences outside of mainstream recovery programs. The discussion covers personal stories and topics such as the opioid crisis, pain management, the morality of pleasure, the need for community and the mental health benefits of political organizing, rock climbing, writing and poetry. References: Solitary: Unbroken by F…

Michael Stretton, a Social Security Disability Claimant Representative, provides a highly detailed description of the labyrinthine process of claiming disability benefits in the USA. A general audience might find this episode a little overwhelming - we did! - but this discussion contains A LOT of insightful information and we hope it is of use. Ref…

Our guests discuss their fascinating paper 'Right-Wing Psychedelia' and why psychedelic substances have been mistakenly considered a substance that fosters socially progressive politics. Instead Brian & Neşe show that these substances are 'non-specific amplifiers of consciousness' and make the case that psychedelics can just as equally be used to r…

Our guest Dr Dan Goyal outlines what the deliberate under funding of the NHS has done to working conditions, the relentless stress nurses face, the impact of covid and the false economics of private health care. We also discuss the recent news that the UK government are trying to make striking illegal for healthcare workers and the efforts to fight…

“Prison walls don’t separate the good people from the bad people” In this second part of the conversation we cover Covid and the other health issues prisoners face, how long a prisoner should prep for a successful transition, the feeling of not belonging and the fear of having the rug pulled from you once outside. We also discuss how prisoners beco…

We take a deep dive into the world of prison life and the challenging transition back into society, with Joshua Bryant and Jeremy Williams. We discuss popular misconceptions about crime and the role of punishment, what locking people up does to their mental and physical health, policies that need to change and many other topics. The second part of …

Joel Stern, a well-read acquaintance of Harriet's, brings some perspectives and critiques of the psych field - though by his own admission he has no professional background in Psychiatry, Psychotherapy etc - he nevertheless instigates a very lively discussion regarding the conception of mental health/illness and an extended debate around the anti-p…

Max makes a welcome return to discuss the fine details of running Catalyst Co-Operative Healing, with Marina Kantarovich Rodríguez. Whilst this episode is aimed more towards other therapists - rather than a general audience - there are plenty of valuable insights and information from both Marina and Max around the many quality of life benefits that…

As we approach the end of 2022 we decided to briefly discuss some of the notable episodes & guests we've been lucky enough to talk with, we also chat about the rise of remote mental health treatment and the latest AI 'ChatGPT', we discuss the chronic rise in loneliness and the cruel side effects of isolation, and we finish up by addressing a discor…

“We are socialized to believe that schooling is synonymous with education, and that if you don't conform the problem is you". Today we are joined by Dr Naomi Fisher, an independent clinical psychologist and EMDR consultant and author of ‘Changing our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of their Own Learning’. We discuss how the school system often…

"This polemic dismantles the presumption that social media could be an instrument of radical change and contends that the networks and platforms of transnational corporations are intrinsically incompatible with a habitable earth or with the human interdependence needed to build egalitarian post-capitalist forms of life." This week we are joined by …

Who benefits from a cashless society and who gets left behind? We talk with economic anthropologist and former financial broker Brett Scott about his excellent book 'Cloudmoney - Cash, Cards, Crypto and the War for our Wallets'. "Cloudmoney tells a revelatory story about the fusion of big finance and tech, which requires physical cash to be replace…

We may think of emotions as universal responses, felt inside, but acclaimed psychologist Batja Mesquita argues that emotions are not innate, but relational acts between people, both one-on-one and within larger social networks. Dr Harriet Fraad and Ikoi Hiroe discuss the MINE vs OURS models and how, if emotions are not essences but situated, that t…

Ikoi and Liam chat with author Mike Watson about the late great Mark Fisher, the addictive pace of the internet, slow meme movements and the need for reflection, spirituality, mortality, Qanon and Pizzagate, a fair society vs archetypal heroic stories, leftist well-being, selling dirty bath water, being a digital flaneur, the dialectical image, aci…