EPISODE 1
Understanding Existential Crisis: From Disconnection to Discovery
Today, we are going to explore of a topic that has perplexed and fascinated thinkers for centuries: existential crisis and concerns. This phenomenon, often seen as a hallmark of the human condition, plunges us into the depths of profound questioning about life, purpose, and the very nature of existence itself. Questioning our existence, why we are here, and how to make sense of our lives- this I would say is the most fundamental aspect to being human.
In this episode, I’ll explain what it means to experience an existential crisis, and what to do about it. I will also go on to speak about the relevance of existential concerns, which can be broadly categorised into death, freedom/responsibility, isolation and meaninglessness. These concerns relate to all of us on an almost continual basis, and most of us are only dimly aware of this fact. Though I’ll argue if tackled head on, will not only reduce needless emotional suffering, but also provide the driving force behind greatness and success.
EPISODE 2
The Psychology of Depression: Navigating the Depths of Despair
In this episode, I provide a comprehensive overview of depression as it relates to the notable contributions of philosophy, psychology, and psychiatry. The major psychotherapeutic modalities all offer useful insights into the nature of this mood state. Carl Jung’s contribution within depth psychology and his insights into the interplay between unconscious and conscious processes. Aaron Beck’s insights into how cognitive processes affect emotional states. Behaviourism's insights into behavioural activation and reinforcement models. Or even height psychology and the insights it provides into the importance of aligning oneself with ones own individual values, meaning, and purpose.
Of course, all of which have been influenced by thinkers beforehand, and so the complementary philosophies of the Stoics, Existentialists, Taoists, etc., are also introduced. Also covered is the useful contribution the medical model has in its framing and approach to individuals with depression. In this brief but compact summary tying all of these fields together, I hope to provide you with a comprehensive explanation of this disorder.
EPISODE 3
OCD: The Essential Guide to Breaking Free
This episode provides a comprehensive overview of OCD. I delve into the diagnostic criteria, the neurological abnormalities thought to underlie the disorder, psychological perspectives, cognitive behavioural therapy including exposure response prevention, the nature of the conditioning response, established treatments, new and emerging treatments, supplementation, and nutrient deficiencies common in OCD. I also explore the phenomenon of voluntary descent before ascent, among many other topics.
I don’t believe that Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has been covered in this level of detail on a media platform before. I therefore hope this serves as a valuable resource for professionals, those diagnosed, or just those purely interested in broadening their understanding.
EPISODE 4
Mindfulness: The Universal Solvent to Psychological Suffering
In this episode, I start with a brief timeline – from the origins of mindfulness to where it is today, with its incorporation into Western society. Considering humans have an estimated average of 6,200 thoughts per day, I then go on to discuss the detrimental effects this has on our subjective experience and perceived levels of happiness. I proceed to a deep exploration of mindfulness practices and the inevitable realisation of the self's illusionary nature. I touch on what is meant by the illusion of self, and how this equates to the Buddhist concept of enlightenment, states of flow, and the concept of awe.