Voices in the Family
-
Grit: Children succeeding with character
How do we measure a child’s success in school or socially? Plenty of attention is given to test scores and IQ. But there’s something else many educators and psychologists say is just as important, and it’s called grit. It’s a character trait we either have or develop that boils down to self-discipline [...]
-
Parenting with a mental illness
Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Daily demands add up and can be stressful and unnerving. For parents who’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, life’s ordinary challenges and daily activities can feel extraordinary—and this can affect the entire family. Psychologist Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss parenting [...]
-
Parenting with a mental illness
Parenting is not for the faint of heart. Daily demands add up and can be stressful and unnerving. For parents who’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness, life’s ordinary challenges and daily activities can feel extraordinary—and this can affect the entire family. Psychologist Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss parenting [...]
-
Divorce prevention 101
Here in the U.S., odds that a couple will celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary are about 50/50. That’s sobering news for young men and women ready to say ‘I do’ in this season of spring nuptials. Study after study, it’s been shown that factors such as educational disparities, compatibility, stress, and [...]
-
Women and leadership
There's been a lot of discussion about the new book Lean In by Facebook COO Sherly Sandberg. It's part memoir and part self-help book with posits about women and leadership. Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests advance the conversation about how women lead, what propels women or holds [...]
-
Love through a scientific lens: Our true capacity to...
Positive emotions expert, social psychologist Barbara Frederickson has some advice for all of us. It's time to upgrade our view of life’s most powerful emotion—love! In her new book Love 2.0, she defines love as micro-moments of connection between people, even strangers. Experienced fully, these mini-moments [...]
-
The Boston Bombings: Our Hearts, Our Homeland
Explosions, loss of life, lockdowns, and a manhunt–the story of the Boston Bombings has a nation on edge and transfixed by daily developments in the investigation of this unprecedented act of terrorism. At a time when authorities are creating timelines and sifting through evidence, citizens are asked to stay strong. But how can that be [...]
-
“True Refuge” with Tara Brach
When we’re afraid and overwhelmed, it’s easy to turn away from ourselves for comfort. In her new book "True Refuge: Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart," clinical psychologist Tara Brach explores pathways that carry us to an inner sanctuary that she says is always there for us [...]
-
Conspiracy theory mentality
We all love a good story, and some of the most fascinating ones are conspiracy theories – often full of intrigue and difficult to debunk. You know them: elaborate murder plots, clandestine government plans, and schemes behind big political, cultural, and historic events. Polls show 20 to 60 percent of [...]
-
Future Selves
Why do people make decisions they regret 10 years down the road, like getting a tattoo or rushing to marry that certain someone? New research on what’s called the "End of History Illusion" says many of us underestimate how much we’ll change in the future. We pretty much believe who we are now [...]
-
Caring about each other
On Thanksgiving, many families talk about what they’re grateful for. Taken a step further, what if we turned the conversation toward what we do with that gratitude and how the simple act of truly caring for others can change our lives and the world around us?
-
Promise to a friend
Columnist Mary Monica Mitchell writes popular etiquette columns. But her new book "Woofs to the Wise: Learning to Lick at Life and Chew on Civility" is personal. Through creative, unconventional correspondence between Mitchell’s French Bulldog and her “sister of choice” -- Philadelphia [...]
-
In the public sphere
What type of person wants to run for public office these days? Of course, it can feel flattering to be invited down the path of public service. And a devotion to beliefs could tip us toward heightened participation in the political process. While there are many rewards that come with serving others, [...]
-
Stay at home dads
Just like moms, some dads choose to stay home with the kids, while others are thrust into the role. Either way, it's a big job without the support of a human resources department. Nationwide, dads are staying home to care for kids in 1 percent of married households. […]
-
Daring to be vulnerable
Vulnerability is not a weakness, according to Bren Brown, author of “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead.” Taken a step further, Brown says vulnerability is the only way we can have truly intimate, honest relationships. Bren Brown [...]
-
Hypocrisy and the modular mind
You know the feeling: you want to get up in the morning to exercise, but you also want to stay in bed. You want to save for retirement, but you hate the idea of investing in Wall Street. These contradictions in our heads are fairly common -- it's as though we have two brains. [...]
-
Creatures of habit
Everything we do and feel can be considered a habit. Scientists suggest 40 to 45 of our daily activities are based on choices we make, then stop thinking about. They become automatic. While habits — especially negative ones — seem to drive us, by understanding how they’re established in our minds [...]
-
Domestic violence: safety and support
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In some ways since the first women’s shelters of the 1970s, we’ve gained ground in our efforts to assist victims of this crime of power and control. Still, there’s plenty of work to do. Research suggests that nearly 25 percent of women will [...]
-
Kids and meds
Several years ago, journalist Judith Warner set out to document something she’d heard so much about: a growing push by parents and doctors to frivolously medicate children in the name of conformity and achievement. Instead, she found “the myth” of the overmedicated child is just that — an allegory, not a reality.
-
Crying: The act and the emotion
Shedding tears is generally linked to intense emotional experiences like joy or pain. Some of us do it more often than others, and the results can be mixed -- we might feel better, worse, or maybe embarrassed. Experts say stress is removed in our tears when we cry. And the [...]
-
Opening our eyes to intellectual disabilities
A unique artistic voice will play out at the Kimmel this month by a theatrical ensemble perceived to have intellectual disabilities. The performance called "FOOD COURT" exposes audiences to blunt-force shaming and the expression of unfulfilled desires of individuals who are marginalize by their differences. On Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb leads a discussion about intellectual disabilities - how those viewed as different sometimes struggle...and sometimes prosper in a culture that has...
-
Successful, Resilient Teens
If you have a teenager in your life, you're probably wrangling everyday with issues that have to do with their desire for independence. Should he go on dates? Should she stay out late? How much help do they really need with matters at school? Some experts say the optimal parent is involved and responsive to their child. They set high expectations but respect their child's autonomy. Guest host Jennifer Lynn explores guiding teens — how parents and guardians can learn to let go in ways that...
-
What to do After the Affair?
Infidelity has become increasingly common in today's marriages. In the U.S., it's thought that roughly 1 in every 2.7 couples is touched by it. Motivations for straying range from the emotional to the sexual. And hooking up with a "hottie" or "soulmate" nowadays can be just a computer keystroke away. On Voices in the Family, guest host Jennifer Lynn discusses issues of trust, honesty, and forgiveness after an affair has taken place. Her guest is Janis Spring, Ph.D. Spring is the author...
-
Addiction - Understanding the Battle
The death of Garrett Reid after a long battle with drug use is a reminder that addiction is a complicated - and chronic - disease. Researchers are urging healthcare providers and policy makers to treat addiction more like they do diabetes or heart disease. On Voices in the Family with guest host Maiken Scott, we'll hear how prevention and ongoing treatment for addicts could fit into a primary care model and discuss what kinds of supports families struggling with addiction need. We'll be...
-
A Mind for Sports
It's been easy to get caught up in the swell of excitement surrounding the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. Human-interest stories profiling participants showcase their grit, amazing physical strength and skill, and hard knocks they've had to stomach and surmount. Surely it takes a special mindset to prepare and compete at this elite level. For that matter, it takes a special disposition to push hard whether you're in youth sports or in an adult recreational league. On Voices in the Family, guest...
-
Anxiety's Grip and Stepfamily Therapy
Sometimes anxiety can keep us frozen. We ruminate and lose sleep, even over little things. We all have anxious reactions from time to time, but sometimes the grip of anxiety is tight and gets the best of us. On Voices in the Family, we listen back to show host Dan Gottlieb's interview with clinical psychologist Tamar Chansky, founder and director of The Children's Center for OCD and Anxiety and creator of the educational website worrywisekids.org. Her book "Freeing Yourself from Anxiety: 4...
-
The Body Betrayal
It's never a good time to experience an injury or ailment, whether chronic or acute. We have things to do, places to go...how could we possibly take time away from our daily routines to heal? That's a common response to things that slow us down physically. Other reactions are depression, anger, or a tendency to ignore our compromised bodies. Certainly, physical injury and illness can have psychological implications born of life experience and personality. On Voices in the Family, with guest...
-
Migraines
Migraines. Freud had them, so did Thomas Jefferson, Chopin, and Darwin. Much of the distorted body imagery for Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland is thought to have been migraine inspired. If you've experienced severe headaches, you know how incapacitating they are - affecting your daily routine at home and at work and complicating relationships with loved ones. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb: a discussion about headaches - their crippling effects and the latest on...
-
Vulnerabilities, Shame, and Self-Acceptance
We never really know the impact it has when we openly talk about uncomfortable feelings we have or our physical or mental challenges. And while we may fear and deem these things as shameful, they may be conduits for something else -- like a path to healing or creativity...or a dialogue that validates, strengthens, and supports us. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb: our relationship with our vulnerabilities as we head toward self-acceptance. Dan's guests are Brene Brown...
-
Introversion
It's generally believed that one third of the people in the world are introverts - people with rich inner lives who tend to be energized when alone and drained of energy when around other people. Here in the U.S., there's a cultural preference for the opposite temperament: extroversion. Extroverts love to be around people. They're prone to talking, asserting, and dominating group situations and are rewarded for such in the workplace, the classroom, and in many other social situations. That...
-
Healing Power of Poetry
Poetry can give shape and voice to our darkest feelings of suffering. Research shows writing about difficult moments can be an extraordinarily freeing experience, leading to a sense of safety, renewed energy, and restored order. On Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb talks with author and teacher Ellen Bass about poetry as a tool for healing. Bass teaches in the low residency MFA program at Pacific University and has taught poetry and creative writing nationally and internationally for nearly...
-
Optimism, Pessimism and The Brain
The glass is half full or half empty...which is it? Our outlook on life reflects the need to experience pleasure and danger. When the two are balanced, everything's pretty good. When one's too strong, there can be trouble like addiction, anxiety, or depression. The good news is the way the brain works can be changed, according to cutting edge research within the field of neuroscience. On Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb, we'll discuss the nature and nurture of optimism and...
-
Deepening Men's Relationships
They're spending time together...they're in touch with each other's feelings...there's mutual admiration.... Take two men in a healthy, secure, non-sexual relationship, and what've you got? In pop culture, it's been referred to as a man crush or bromance, ala the movie "I Love You, Man"(2009). Men and intimacy: it's not an oxymoron. In this country (while masculinity has traditionally emphasized independence, competition, and stoic behavior) some men are moving away from this, and in the...
-
Social Capital: Connections Cultivated
It may not be a term you throw around very often or give much thought to, but social capital figures prominently in our lives. It's there when we attend a gallery opening... exercise with neighbors... call an old friend...or volunteer at the local library. Social capital refers to the social structures we build to seek the things we value. Family life, time spent with friends and co-workers, and volunteer activities are all sources of social capital. They're connections we make that are...
-
Genetic Look-Back
Genealogy is growing in popularity in the United States. There's been a mini love affair developing between PBS viewers and the program "Faces of America" -- about family roots with Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Recentyly WHYY-TV's news magazine "First" pulled together a two-parter that explores the genealogy of Newsworks.org Feed Blogger Shannon McDonald. Overall, these tellings can be surprising... and the reveals, at times, are emotional. In his new book DNA USA: A Genetic...
-
Parenting After the Loss of a Child
Picking up the pieces after the death of a child can feel like an impossible experience for parents. Forming a new sense of what it means to be family takes time, but that's hard to do while having to address the needs of surviving children. Dr. Dan Gottlieb explores what it means to parent after the loss of a child. Dan's guests include Kathleen O'Hara and Jennifer Scalise. Kathleen O'Hara is a psychotherapist who specializes in Traumatic Grief counseling and Victim's Rights advocacy. A...
-
Children's Mental Health
Happy, healthy lives begin early in childhood. At risk behaviors, poverty, and unmet emotional needs are things that can do a number on kids' mental health and derail them from succeeding in school, at work, or in their communities. This week marks National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb, we'll look at mental health as an essential part of a child's overall well-being and development. We'll discuss care and prevention, with an...
-
Bedside Manner
These days, medical professionals are increasingly technologically savvy, but how are they when it comes to good old-fashioned bedside manner? On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb, a conversation with Philadelphia psychologist Mohammadreza Hojat, the pioneer of the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy. He worries bedside manner is undervalued as a key to understanding a patient's inner experience -- and writes about ways to increase physician empathy in a recent edition of...
-
Snap to Irrational or Violent Behavior
The headlines capture our attention: a JetBlue Airways pilot goes berserk in midair...a U.S. soldier is sought in the killings of Afghan civilians in Kandahar. These acts muddle our understanding of human behavior, leaving us confused and searching for answers. What causes assumed good guys or regular people to appear to suddenly lose it? Is there a build up to their actions that their closest friends, colleagues, and neighbors miss or dismiss? On the next Voices in the Family with Dan...
-
Autism: When Support is at Stake
April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time for public discussion about common issues and needs within the autism community. Locally in Pennsylvania, there is growing concern that drastic service cuts by the state could force adults with autism and intellectual disabilities to be institutionalized or move back home -- in many cases, with their aging parents. Dr. Dan Gottlieb discusses how the potential cuts are impacting individuals' lives. We'll hear from some families and attorney...
-
Alzheimer's: The Emotional Toll on Families
Alzheimer's -- it's almost always a family affair that involves the shouldering of many new responsibilities and high emotions. New research holds promise, and information and support groups are helpful. Still, it can be overwhelming to care for a loved one who's spiraling downward -- experiencing memory-loss, disorientation, and rapid behavioral changes due to this degenerative brain disease. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb: a discussion about Alzheimer's and its...
-
It's Not Your Mother's Menopause
Menopause is a midlife change all women share. What was silently suffered-through by our mothers is now something women take time to learn about and find time to talk about. Women have questions about hot flashes, headaches, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, hormones, libido, and bones. There are now certified menopause practitioners, educators, and clinicians. Times, they are a changing.' On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: a conversation about research and symptom...
-
Van Gogh: Madness and the Creative Mind
The "Red-headed Madman" Vincent Van Gogh lived a tumultuous life, complicated by bouts of anxiety and mental illness. An exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art features a collection of his works created in the year just before his death, a time of "feverish artistic expression" and personal distress. Many extremely creative people -- Beethoven, Newton, Woolf -- suffered from psychiatric disorders. It's not a clear picture, though. Does creativity mask the madness? Does the madness...
-
Caring For - Saying Goodbye
Author Patricia A. Nugent never intended her journal about caregiving for her terminally ill parents to become a book. Her entries about "caring for" and "saying goodbye" as seen through the eyes of a daughter, are really about a journey so many of us must take. One day, we are daughter or son...the next, we are nurturer and advocate -- then ultimately griever. Looking back, many view the experience as a blessing and feel fortunate to have spent time being there for their loved ones.
-
Dating Again After 50
More than a third of Americans over the age of 50 are single. And that can mean entering the dating scene for the first time in 20 years, raising all sorts of confusing issues. Although dating experts say that being true to what you want is key to being open and ready for possibilities, that's easier said than done. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: the delight and difficulties of dating again after 50 with guests Sally Landau and Judith Sills, Ph.D. Sally Landau is a...
-
Getting Beyond Anxiety's Grip
Sometimes anxiety can keep us frozen. We can begin to ruminate and lose sleep, even over little things. Or we may become afraid to ask for what we really want -- that raise, affection, or assistance with daily tasks. Our minds can get cluttered with questions like what if I mess up or something goes wrong? What if I make a fool of myself or they reject me? Anxiety can feel like even the smallest decisions are of great consequences. We all have anxious reactions from time to time, but...
-
Stepfamily Therapy
While stepfamilies are the fastest growing family form in the United States, building positive relationships in a stepfamily takes time and can be complicated. There are roles and rules that need to be defined. Sometimes there's competition for attention, a history of rituals, or emotional residue that involves an ex. With time and proper guidance, there are ways of dealing effectively with these issues, and stepfamilies can forge intra-family relationships that are lasting. On the next...
-
Transitions, Controlling Your Narrative
What do you want for your life? Many of us choose one path, then want another. Perhaps something that's more creative, altruistic, or legacy making. Making this switch can be scary and complex; but by digging deeply, we can gain clarity and confidence -- and ultimately a new purpose. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: transitioning...seriously looking at what's next at any stage in life. Dan will be joined by Jonathan Adler, Ph.D., Nancy Schlossberg, Ph.D., and Vicki Solot....
-
Reflecting and Reconnecting
Originally aired 1/3/2011. Every year we make promises to ourselves about losing weight, organizing our closets, or organizing our lives. Sometimes we keep the promise for a couple of weeks but rarely that long. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb and his guests explore a different kind of New Year's ritual...taking time for quiet reflection in order to listen to our deepest truths about who we are and what we want our lives to be about. Dan will be joined by Rabbi Nancy Fuchs...
-
The Story of Beautiful Girl and Inhumane Institutions
Rachel Simon's new novel The Story of Beautiful Girl is not only a portrait of great love, it tracks the inhumane treatment of developmentally and intellectually disabled individuals who were institutionalized in the 20th century. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb, we discuss the book and the institutional treatment of some of our most vulnerable citizens with novelist Rachel Simon, researcher Jim Conroy, and self-advocate Jean Searle. Originally aired June 27, 2011
-
Greed
The holiday season reminds us that we Americans live in a material culture. Our economy depends on how much product we make, buy, and sell. So far, so good. But now, "Occupiers" around the nation point to our country's top 1 percent as greedy moneymakers who use their wealth to their own advantage, at times at the expense of others. In the U.S. $150 billion is spent every year to embed consumer messages, the essence of which is this: that the good life is available through the goods life....
-
Welcome, Troops
As American servicemen and women return from Iraq, they bring with them stories of combat and a life we cannot understand. Some now live with emotional and physical wounds. Many will need help finding work and adjusting to new routines established in their homes while they were gone. What do they need from you and me? Maybe it starts with 'thank you' --followed by understanding and compassion. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: welcoming home and supporting those who've...
-
Gambling Addiction: Risk, Harm, Healing
Gaming halls in and around Philadelphia are prevalent and easy to get to. Some are within walking distance or a short ride along Interstate 95. Close proximity keeps Pennsylvania gamblers in-state, entices others from other states, generates money for Harrisburg, and creates local jobs. That's all well and good, but what's it all mean for the compulsive gambler? Calls to gambling hotlines have been increasing, and the people who call could be old or young, male or female. But they all have...
-
Nerds: How Anti-intellectualism is Bad
The term nerd refers to a group of people who are intellectuals or outliers. They might be socially awkward - or not. You hear the word nerd, and the next thing you expect is some kind of joke or put down. But who are these so-called nerds, and why is it still okay to stereotype this group and make fun of them? On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: the nerd stereotype and how it harms us. We hear from David Anderegg, Ph.D. He argues that there really isn't anything called nerd;...
-
Family Gatherings: The Passage of Time
Holiday gatherings punctuate our year. They mark the change of seasons but also personal changes and rights of passage in our lives. Sometimes there's word of a new job, a new baby, an illness, a separation...a death -- all of which can shift family dynamics and friendships for better or for worse. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb, who's coming to dinner over the holidays? How families mark the passage of time with pronouncements, births, feuds, and feasts. We'll also look...
-
Cultural Denial and Child Sex Abuse
Alleged incidents of child sexual abuse brought to light at Penn State are disturbing. University stakeholders have been ousted. The campus remains a live wire of anger and confusion. As our hearts go out to children and families who have come forward with their stories, we find ourselves wondering, why did so many people fail to report what they saw or heard about? On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: why the cultural hesitation and denial in sexual abuse cases, in general,...
-
Suicide: "Finding the Light Within"
A Philadelphia mural in progress called Finding the Light Within sheds light on youth suicide. Images of those touched by this serious issue shape a community around the topic. Meanwhile, recent writing workshops by First Person Arts have given voice to suicide survivors, friends, and family. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb, we draw from the positive and creative spirit of these two powerful local projects while exploring the difficult and painful topic of suicide. We'll...
-
The Lure of Scary Things
This time of year, scary things abound: the latest blood-soaked horror films, shadowy corn mazes, haunted hayrides, houses, and prisons -- yikes! And while some of us hide under the covers or look the other way because it's just too much to handle (real life can be scary enough, right?), others are drawn to the intensity and rush of all things frightening. This week on Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: scary things - what draws some of us to them (or not) and how they've affected...
-
Concussions Jolt Families
Concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury. If not evaluated and treated right away, the results can be devastating for those injured and their families. Head trauma can lead to headaches, irritability and lack of focus. New findings on multiple concussions point toward permanent damage to the brain, affecting decision-making and coping skills and potentially leading to dementia. That said, athletes of all levels of experience and others are frequently waved-on to play or...
-
Whole Brain Child
As parents, it feels, at times, next to impossible to survive our child's difficult behaviors: tantrums, whining sessions, and adolescent rebellion. Now imagine using these moments to help your child thrive. Pioneering neuropsychiatrist Dan Siegel says you can -- by understanding some basics about the young brain. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb, Siegel talks about his new book The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind - a...
-
Jonathan's Return: A Family Confronts Mental Illness
The new documentary Jonathan's Return by local filmmaker Eran Preis tells the story of his own son's battle with mental illness that affects his moods and ability to control emotions and impulses. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb: learning disabilities and how we cope with them -- by way of sheer determination, family support, and professional guidance. Dan's guests are poet Philip Schultz and Dr. Richard Selznick. The film is also a portrait of a family - unglued, yet...
-
When Learning is Difficult
When learning is difficult for children, there is a tendency for them to shutdown and turn away from what's hard. While basic skills of reading, writing, and spelling come easily to many, about a third of the population experiences mild to severe problems. These kids feel different. Some experience shame or ostracism, yet they may be quite gifted. With support, they can find creative ways to cope, ultimately experiencing academic success and personal fulfillment. On the next Voices in the...
-
Alyaa's Asylum (with guest host Maiken Scott)
In unstable Iraq, thousands of Iraqis who worked with U.S. military during the war face the threat of kidnapping or violence in retaliation. One young Iraqi woman who worked as a translator has received asylum here, thanks to a dogged lawyer and an American veteran who refused to forget her. On this show with guest host Maiken Scott, we'll hear about Alyaa Abood who worked as a translator for Philadelphia lawyer Patrick Murphy when he served in Iraq. Murphy later became the first Iraq...
-
Peacebuilders - Peace Day
Globally, millions will observe the 30th annual International Day of Peace later this month (Wednesday, September 21). Locally, activities will inspire and challenge us to become more mindful of cultivating benevolence. Peace Day was established through a United Nations resolution in 1981. Three decades later, it is a shared date for the creation of practical acts of peace. It's also a day set aside for global cease-fire. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb, we ask: what...
-
Pets and Happiness
Pets make us happy and healthy, right? Plenty of studies claim that owning pets is beneficial to our physical and mental health. But is that true, or do we just love the idea? New research finds that pet owners are no better off. Still we study the bonds between us and our four legged friends in order to further our understanding of human emotions. On the next Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb, we'll discuss conflicting data around pet ownership. We'll also hear some heartwarming...
-
The New Face of Retirement
Each day in the U.S., 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 - that's legal retirement age, a time to collect benefits, to live on investments, to play golf all day...to write that book. Or maybe not! These days, the retirement landscape is changing. In fact, many older Americans say they may never really enter their golden years. Some keep working because they want to or because they have to. Many of a certain age are busier than ever, diving into new interests and activities. Certainly in light of...
-
Gay Marriage: Excitement/Ambivalence
Recently, gay couples were selected by lottery to be among the first to legally marry in the Empire State. This mass declaration of love and honor not only made history, but it opened the door a little further for others toying with the idea of marital bliss and protections. On Voices in the Family with Dr. Dan Gottlieb: conversations about same sex marriage within the gay community. There's excitement and ambivalence - together we'll learn why. Dan's guests include Angela Giampolo, Esq.,...
-
Fear of Intimacy
Intimacy. In close personal relationships, it's a bond: an opening up to one another. Maybe it's a romantic date or pillow talk or sex - a glue that keeps couples strong or a building block that leads to the next step in your relationship. All of us want this; at the same time most of us fear it. We get close, then get cold feet, shut down, and sabotage. But why? Do we suffer from old wounds? Do we let expectations get in the way? Maybe we're unwilling to open that door all the way and...
-
Collaborative Divorce
What started with "I do and I will love you forever" doesn't work out that way for over 40% of all marriages in this country. And then what? Both partners get lawyers and the battles begin. The process is expensive, drawn out, and usually destructive for divorcing couples, children, and a court system that doesn't really want to be there in the first place. There are alternatives. Advocates of Collaborative Divorce say their model saves time and money and lessens some of the hurt. Mental...
-
Impact of Childhood Stress
A recent investigation that builds on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study highlights what many mental health professionals have suspected all along: that sustained stress can have a more damaging effect on children than even a traumatic event. Stressors like neglect, substance abuse in the family, and parental divorce can likely produce children who have learning disabilities, behavioral problems - even obesity. Although difficult to control, childhood stress can be diminished with...
-
Revisiting The Feminine Mystique
Rebroadcast from February 7, 2011. In 1963, women and men read a book that transformed their lives. Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique told women it was not their fault they felt trapped and restlessly unhappy as stay at home housewives and mothers. On the next Voices in the Family producer Jennifer Lynn fills in for Dan Gottlieb to talk with author and historian Stephanie Coontz about the build up to The Feminine Mystique and how both genders have been affected over this last half...
-
ADHD Adults
Millions of adults experience ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), yet only 11% are in treatment. And why is that? Generally ADHD begins in childhood and can look like distractibility. In adolescents, it can look like extreme moodiness. Adults often don't get diagnosed because, while they're good at multitasking, they aren't good at regulating their emotions. It's when the career and family life suffer that a need for help is clear. Of course, there are many people who are...
-
The Dark Side of Happiness
Happiness is good for us, right? Thousands of self-help books tell us how to find it...phone apps allow us to track it. The psychology of being happy has been a hot topic in mental health for quite some time. But now, there are some dark clouds on the blissful horizon. New research in the field of positive psychology shows happiness in the wrong time or place can lead to social difficulties. Too much of it could be a sign of mental illness, and the relentless pursuit of it is self-centered...
-
Mental Health Care - Small Steps and Big Initiatives
During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we heard a lot of hopeful news regarding mental illness: mentions of groundbreaking treatments, less stigma, and better care. But are things really improving? Some experts say that despite millions of dollars spent on research, care is often inefficient and unavailable. We take a look at big initiatives and small steps. Are they making a difference for those seeking and finding support for their mental health care needs? Dan Gottlieb is joined by...
-
The Explosive Child: Frustration to Hope
Easily frustrated and chronically inflexible children are a handful - to say the least. Their explosive behavior can drain family morale, strain marriages, and pull loved ones down a path of isolation and anguish. Some parents and teachers resort to a reward and punishment system to control behavior, but soon find stickers and timeouts are pointless. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb will be joined by Ross Greene, Ph.D., to discuss how Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) helps...
-
Spirituality and Technology
Looking for a buddy to study Buddhism? There's an app for that. Have a need to confess your sins? There's an app for that too. So much that we care about in our lives is increasingly just a touch away - including spiritual inspiration and disciplines. There are electronic connections to rabbis, psalms, Islamic prayer times, and meditation. And while they may be useful to help us strengthen and develop our faith, traditionalists worry they may undermine commitment to spiritual communities and...
-
Ostracism
The silent treatment. It's the act of ignoring and excluding. Kids learn about it in the playground, and adults do it in the workplace. It was even a common political practice in ancient Greece. It's also known as ostracism, and the effect can range from temporary discomfort to lifelong pain. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: ostracism - how and when it's used and how it affects us, with leading researchers on the subject Kipling Williams and Steve Nida. They've published...
-
Noticing and Calming with Tara Brach
It seems everyone is complaining about how busy their lives are. And everything we do feels so important that it must be done now or else. We all know we should stop and smell the proverbial roses, but who has time? Can't we do that later? Not so fast says Tara Brach, author of the best-selling book Radical Acceptance. She says all our busyness means we're not in our lives, we're in our heads. And sitting and doing nothing, even for brief periods of time, can change our psychology and even...
-
Autism: Cultural Imprints
In this country, autism is seen more and more as a public health crisis. And although services are far from ideal, this disorder is becoming more widely understood. Nevertheless, mothers can feel guilty...fathers might feel ashamed and overwhelmed. Many parents feel alone in trying to cope. But what's autism like in other cultures? How does treatment work in cultures with more socialized medical care? Are treatment techniques up to date? And what about shame factors in family-based society?...
-
Interfaith Families, Traditions
When you grew up was spring marked by a Passover Seder, a hunt for Easter eggs, or perhaps the cleansing of Buddha statues with scented water? If you're in an interfaith family, chances are you've come to embrace a number of religious traditions or you've made the decision to honor just one faith. High holidays tend to draw attention to the religious choices we make. Interfaith relationships can come under stress and strain at these times or stand strong, as adopted celebrations take on...
-
Family Size
According to the U-S Census Bureau, on average, families are having 3.14 children. Whether you want one, two, three or more kids, there's no denying that family size depends on things like whether you're single or not; how much money you earn; the state of your health, and what you're accustomed to based on your own upbringing. We hear of some couples clashing over how many children their relationship can hold. But with insight, information, and understanding...decisions can be made. On the...
-
Relationship with Our Bodies as We Age
Body image and eating disorders as we age, with Dr. Margo Maine, Jane Shure, Ph.D., and Dr. Kathryn Zerbe.
-
Prolonged Adolescence
For many families, raising teens is akin to juggling Jell-O...it's a challenge, to say the least! And the countdown to becoming empty nesters can't come soon enough. But what happens when your adult child doesn't fly the coop, or they come back after a short time away? For years now in our culture, a growing number of young adults have become reliant on mom and dad for the basics for longer periods of time - often well beyond the college years. This dependence is so evident that some social...
-
Self Compassion
For many of us it's easy to be kind and forgiving to our partners, our children, or acquaintances. But what about your relationship with yourself? Do you treat yourself with kindness, or are you quick to be self critical and judgmental? Can you forgive others more easily than yourself? New research is showing us that Self-Compassion - the ability to accept and love yourself for the good and the not-so good and to give yourself a break - has great implications for weight loss, health and...
-
Storytelling
Storytelling enriches our lives in many ways. The stories we tell one another help us make sense of the world around us and help us give shape to what stirs within us. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb and his guests Arthur Frank and Allen Weg look at storytelling as a form of sharing and connecting but also as a vehicle for creating perceptions and action. And Dan tells his own story about a recent fall from his wheel chair which left him with severe injuries: a brain...
-
Life in the Face of Death
The Big C is a new comedy-drama on Showtime that uses the story of a woman's battle with cancer to point out that in the face of death, we may find a greater appreciation of life, enjoying it to its fullest. Certainly, there's no time like the present when diagnosed with a terminal illness. And sorting out life with a limited future has its challenges. But isn't that the reality for all of us? Perhaps our values come into clear focus when our lives become more fragile. Join Dan Gottlieb on...
-
The Gifts of Love
On this Valentine's Day, sweethearts will focus on passion but what about compassion. True love that endures requires an unconditional love - a love without reason. Such an expression of acceptance is also helpful when we create caring relationships that last a lifetime with our children, our communties - and ourselves. On the next Voices in the Family, guest host Maiken Scott explores all manner of love with Stephen Post, Ph.D. and Renay Bradley, Ph.D. Post directs the Center for Medical...
-
The Power of the Placebo
In Latin, the word placebo means: I shall please. These days, researchers are very pleased with new findings that support the efficacy of placebos as pain and depression relievers. And with new ways to view the inner workings of the brain - when the body is subjected to things like minor pain or the power of suggestion - placebo researchers are beginning to map the mind/body connection in ways never thought possible. Join Dan Gottlieb on the next Voices in the Family for a fascinating...
-
The Language of Pain
It's estimated that one out of every five Americans suffers from chronic pain. That doesn't include those who experience psychological pain like grief or depression. Pain is invisible and subjective, and it's always an isolating experience. Regardless of how pain affects an individual, a common frustration is finding words to describe pain - so others can understand it, to validate our experience, and in order to receive the care we need. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb...
-
Families Living with Autism
A new theatrical performance in Delaware sheds light on the impact of autism on the family. It tells the story of a mother's journey from resistance to acceptance of her autistic daughter and of herself, a woman with her own complexities. Families are sometime hard-pressed to find energy and compassion to address the unique stressors of raising an autistic child. Some fall apart while others thrive, despite struggles and hardship. This week on Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb and his...
-
Listening
Day in and day out, we all listen to others. But do we really hear what they are saying? Modern technology has made it ever more easy to tune out, to check your emails, and really be somewhere else - all while somebody is talking to you. On this Voices in the Family, we'll talk about the art of listening, whether there is a way to communicate that makes it easier to be heard, and what it means to really listen - to both parties in a conversation. We'll be joined by Michael Nichols, professor...
-
Year in Review
In the past twelve months here at Voices in the Family, we've had some wonderful conversations with great thinkers and researchers as well as gifted supporters of the human spirit. Of course, many of those conversations were heightened by the participation of you - our cherished listeners. We've discussed apologies, listening, bullying, multi-tasking, the stigma of drug addiction - and so much more. On the next Voices in the Family Dan Gottlieb: our year in review. We'll recall some great...
-
Fight Less, Love More
All couples fight, but it's how they fight that can make or break a loving relationship. Poor communication habits can lead to feelings of frustration, anger, even depression - and turn harmless conversations into heated battles. On the next Voices in the Family with Dan Gottlieb: advice from two couples experts - Laurie Puhn and Dr. B. Janet Hibbs - who agree that through words that convey fairness, respect, and appreciation, it's possible to fight less and love more. Laurie Puhn is a...
-
Stress Crisis
The American Psychological Association just released their annual report on stress. And it's no surprise that the majority of those surveyed report experiencing unhealthy levels of stress. Mental health professionals are concerned and warn stress could become a public health crisis. Sadly, most of us cope with stress through eating and sedentary activities, which make the situation worse. So what do we do? While there are lots of great tools out there to cope, most people don't do anything,...
-
Healing Hurt People
In a city like Philadelphia, emergency room staff handle a never-ending onslaught of shooting and stabbing victims. For many victims, the violence that brought them to the hospital is a constant presence. Often, a violent incident leads to more violence. A Philadelphia program called "Healing Hurt People" tries to offer emotional support and resources after a violent attack. It is run by the Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice at Drexel University, and guest host Maiken Scott will talk...
-
Cultivating Gratitude Year-round
We are thankful for "the bounty" this week...turkey and trimmings, divinely presented...and the joy of sharing each bite with family and friends. During Thanksgiving and the ensuing holiday season, it's common to share our thoughts about what we're grateful for. But what about the rest of the year? What's to stop us from counting our blessing everyday? On Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb talks to Dr. Robert Emmons. He says being grateful more often can have a positive impact on our mental...
-
Hunger in Your Backyard
Recent articles portraying hunger in our region speak of anguish, suffering, and isolation. Hunger in American is on the rise...and a swath of Pennsylvania that includes struggling, impoverished families in Philadelphia is the second hungriest region in the nation - and no human experience wounds as deeply as persistent hunger.
-
Truth in Election Season
When you go to the polls on Election Day, do you vote with your head, your heart? Were you even able to find reliable information about the candidates to help you shape opinions about them? In this era of severe mudslinging and attack ads, we sometimes settle for near-truths, half-truths, or what some call "pants on fire" lies. Distortions and negativity can make us feel distressed and confused and lead some of us down a path of complacency. We're left having a lot of digging to do in order...
-
The Bully Remedy
Research shows that compared with their peers, kids who are bullied are five times more likely to be depressed...on average, bullied boys and girls are six times more likely to be suicidal. That said, half or more of all bullying can be prevented. A recent spate of teen suicides has led to public outcry for action. Celebrity pleas, public vigils, and hotlines open lines of communication, but more needs to be done. Dan Gottlieb and his guests look at what it takes to foster tolerance in...
-
Parenting Teens
Many parents hold the fantasy that if they're wholesome, ethical, and virtuous, they won't have defiant, risk-taking teens. Not so, says psychologist Dr. Laura Kastner. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb talks to Kastner about the science behind teen behavior and why parents must stay calm in order to cope. Kastner is the co-author of 'Getting to Calm: Cool-headed Strategies for Parenting Tweens and Teens.'
-
The Explosive Child: Frustration to Hope
Two new documentary films by independent producers tell extremely compelling personal accounts of mental illness. On the next Voices in the Family meet the creators of OC87 which will be shown this month during the Philadelphia Film Festival. It's the autobiographical story of Bud Clayman who suffers from a number of social illnesses, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Asperger's Syndrome. Bud has a background in radio, television and film and helped produce and direct the movie...
-
Addiction and Stigma
When a mom in an affluent Philadelphia suburbs started to speak up about her son's heroin addiction, her friends and neighbors were not pleased. They told her to stop making waves, and to keep things quiet. Even though millions of Americans are affected by addiction each year, the issue continues to be surrounded by secrecy and shame. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss addiction, stigma, and discrimination. We'll be joined by Beth Grant, whose son Ben is in recovery from a heroin...
-
The New Monogamy
We're a culture committed to monogamy, but our actions often say otherwise. More than half of married women and men report being unfaithful at some point during wedlock. Now therapists are noticing more game-changing rules that allow for outside liaisons while preserving marriage. Can we have our cake and eat it too? On the next Voices in the Family, guest host Maiken Scott talks with psychotherapist and author Dr. Tammy Nelson. Her article The New Monogamy explores the fundamentals of...
-
The Explosive Child: Frustration to Hope
Easily frustrated and chronically inflexible children are a handful - to say the least. Their explosive behavior can drain family morale, strain marriages, and pull loved ones down a path of isolation and anguish. Some parents and teachers resort to a reward and punishment system to control behavior, but soon find stickers and timeouts are pointless. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb will be joined by Ross Greene, Ph.D., to discuss how Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) helps...
-
Aging Families: Moving Forward
As we age, family dynamics change. Families face issues of control, loss, and communication but perhaps gain a deeper understanding of one another. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb and Kathleen Piercy, Ph.D., talk about her new book Working with Aging Families. Piercy is an associate professor of family, consumer, and human development at Utah State University where she specializes in aging families. She has advice for families - and therapists! We'll also hear from Katie...
-
Residential Facilities
The recent death of a young man living in a Pennsylvania residential facility for people with disabilities has resulted in criminal charges, an investigation, and a lot of media coverage. But what are the bigger issues this tragedy raises? What are the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, and how can they best be supported? Dan Gottlieb's guests are Susan Epstein and Joshua Kershenbaum. Epstein works in autism research, and her 20 year old daughter lives in a residential treatment...
-
High Achievers: Pressure to Perform
High achievers seem to have it all: strength, wealth, fame, a legacy. But many face pressure-cooker situations that can result in doubts and fears that affect their performance, publicly and privately - on the sports field or in the boardroom. On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss the connection between staying on top of the game and social anxiety in highly competitive environments like sports and business. Dan will be joined by psychologists Joel Fish...
-
Managing Stress from Outside Ourselves
The BP Oil leak, the ongoing recession, a demanding boss, a parking ticket...we have little control over things that create stress in our lives. They loom large in our minds and take a toll over our physical and mental well-being. Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will take a look at external stressors - what they are and how we can manage their effects on us. His guests are Dr. David Posen and Dr. Larry Palinkas. Posen is a medical doctor and authority on stress management in Ontario,...
-
Parenting: Its Joys and Blues
Being a parent does not automatically lead to happiness - in fact, a lot of research suggests the opposite is true. Many parents find they are unprepared for the hard parts - temper tantrums, demands, expenses, and - sometimes - spousal conflicts. Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss the effect children have on the life satisfaction of parents and how parents can work through difficulties. We're joined by Jennifer Senior; she writes for New York Magazine and is the author of All...
-
Healing Hurt People
In a city like Philadelphia, emergency room staff handle a never-ending onslaught of shooting and stabbing victims. For many victims, the violence that brought them to the hospital is a constant presence. Often, a violent incident leads to more violence. A Philadelphia program called "Healing Hurt People" tries to offer emotional support and resources after a violent attack. It is run by the Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice at Drexel University, and guest host Maiken Scott will talk...
-
Sexual Perpetrators/Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abusers are less likely to fit the profile of the stranger lurking around the playground and more likely to be someone a child knows well. Research tells us 95% of victims know their perpetrators. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb as he explores the topic of child sexual abuse. What makes an abuser tick? What do victims go through? And what are professionals doing to treat and understand individuals from both populations? His guests are Ken Singer, MSW, and author of Evicting the...
-
Medical Marijuana
Using marijuana for medicinal purposes is now legal in 14 states and Washington D.C. Researchers are finding that marijuana has various potential uses such as treating pain. But concern continues to grow over whether using medical marijuana can be addictive and lead to developing further conditions including anxiety and depression. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb when he takes up the issue and explores the impact medical marijuana is having on our society, patients, and health professionals. His...
-
What's Happening to Long-Term Marriages?
"Until death do us part" is no longer the seal keeping longtime married couples together. With Americans living longer, some couples are calling it quits after many years of marriage in search of someone else or a new lifestyle. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb when he explores what makes long-term marriages last and what makes them break up. His guest is Dr. B. Janet Hibbs, a psychologist and family therapist in Philadelphia. Hibbs is the author of Try To See It My Way: Being Fair In Love And...
-
Patients and the Internet
More than 60 percent of Americans go online to look up health information. Known as "e-patients," many use the Internet to decide on a specific treatment, and to connect with other patients and health professionals about their medical condition. But having access to all of this information has its downsides, too. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb when he interviews Pauline Chen and Sharon Sznitman about how the Internet is affecting patients, doctors, and health care in our country. Chen, a liver...
-
Fatherhood with Bruce Feiler
Many men today are more involved in their children's lives than their own fathers were. But writer Bruce Feiler took the notion of fatherhood a step further. When Feiler developed cancer, he asked six close male friends to fill in as dads for his little girls in case he didn't survive. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for his interview with Feiler about the meaning of fatherhood and the expanded role our friends can play in our children's lives. Feiler has chronicled his experience in a new book...
-
Caregiving
Caring for a sick or aging loved one can be can be rewarding, but also challenging and isolating; if not totally life-changing. Many caregivers take on the role overnight and don't know where to start and how to proceed. There are 65 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States today. They include adult children looking after aging parents, as well as spouses tending to a sick husband or wife. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb as he takes up this issue, with bestselling author Gail Sheehy. Her...
-
Prejudice and Stereotyping
According to the SPLC, the number of hate groups have proliferated by 50% over the last decade, and the traffic on neo-nazi websites has risen dramatically in the last few years. People point to the poor economy, immigration, and also to the first African American president taking office during this economic nadir. But preference for who's "one of us" and prejudice against who's "one of them" has been around as long as humans roamed the earth. So is it built in, or do we learn these cues...
-
Having a Parent in Prison
Nearly 2.5 million children in the United States have a parent in jail or prison. Many of these children end up shuttling between various caregivers and often end up in foster care. They are at higher risk for developing anxiety, attention disorders, and even post-traumatic stress. And nearly half of all boys with an incarcerated parent land behind bars themselves later on in life. Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will talk about the experience of having a parent in prison and what it's doing...
-
Meditation and the Military
Deployment is a stressful time for soldiers. Many return from war not only with physical injuries, but psychological scars as well. But what if an ancient technique could help them navigate the stresses of war: help them sleep, function better, and stay focused? On the next "Voices in the Family" Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss a new study that investigated the impact of meditation on cognitive function and general well being of troops. Our guests will be Amishi Jha, Assistant...
-
The Wisdom of Sam
Maiken Scott interviews Dr. Dan Gottlieb about his new book "The Wisdom of Sam." A follow-up to the best-selling "Letters to Sam" this book talks about how Dan's relationship with Sam has grown over the years, and what he has learned from his grandson, who was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder as a toddler.
-
Writing about the Vietnam War
When Karl Marlantes returned from fighting in the Vietnam War, he was 24 years old. Deeply emotionally wounded by his experience, he returned to a world he didn't understand, and that didn't understand him. He started to write, and kept writing and re-writing for 30 years. Instead of an autobiography, he created a novel called "Matterhorn." A highly decorated veteran, Marlantes brings the horrors, heroism, humanity and inhumanity of war to life. He reveals the internal and external battles...
-
The Psychology Around Climate Change
National polls show that Americans don't feel immediately threatened by global warming. Compared to the economy or terrorism, Americans view climate change as the least of their concerns. Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss new research investigating what shapes people's thinking on climate change. We'll be joined by Robert Gifford and Anthony Leiserowitz. Gifford is a psychology professor at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada and a member of a special American...
-
How We Make Choices
We are constantly making choices from the time we get up in the morning to the moment we go to sleep. Some choices might seem simple like what to eat for breakfast; while other decisions, such as what to do with your life, can be paralyzing. To better understand what leads us to the choices we make, join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for an interview with Sheena Iyengar. She's one of the world's top experts on choice and currently a professor at Columbia University's business school in New York City. In...
-
Autism: New Research and Treatments
With millions of dollars dedicated annually to Autism research, possible causes and new treatments are emerging. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss the latest developments in the field of autism, and find out what these findings mean to families affected by this developmental disorder. We'll also talk to a mother of a child with autism who mentors other parents, and hear about an intervention called Applied Behavioral Analysis that has shown promise with many children.
-
The Human Animal Bond
People love their pets, and those that have them in their lives have long known their benefits to one's mental health and physical well being. Today on VITF, we'll discuss the human animal bond- and what pets mean to our hearts, health, and families. We'll speak with Froma Walsh, who is the co-director, of the Chicago Center for Family Health, and is the Mose and Sylvia Firestone Professor Emerita at the University of Chicago. She has written" Human-Animal Bonds: I. The relational...
-
The Tech Effect on Our Brains
Technology is increasingly shaping how we live, socialize, work and learn. We can now simultaneously surf the web from a cell phone, upload music to a mp3 player, and watch TV through a Wi-Fi connection. But is all this digital consumption changing how we think and feel, and is it addictive? And do our brains suffer or benefit from multitasking? Dan Gottlieb explores these issues with Clifford Nass and Gary Small. Nass is a Stanford University professor and director of the Communication...
-
New Science on Grief
As the baby boomers hit or pass middle age, they are facing the loss of their parents, spouses and friends. Their experiences have started a national conversation on death and grief - and there is some new research on the topic. George Bonnano, professor of clinical psychology at Columbia has interviewed hundreds of bereaved people, and his findings are both surprising and hopeful. His new book is "The Other Side of Sadness: What the New Science of Bereavement Tells Us About Life After...
-
"Rewriting the Rules" - a look at the new DSM
The "book of books" for mental health professionals is getting a make-over. A new edition of the DSM - "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" - is due out in 2013. The manual determines diagnoses, services, and insurance reimbursement. It also plays a crucial role in policy and research. We will hear about the proposed changes from Dr. Darrel Regier, vice chair of the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-V task force. Later on the show, we'll discuss one specific...
-
Office Politics
There's more to climbing the career ladder than just being qualified. Professional success often has a lot to do with who you know in an organization, how you get along with your superiors, and what you will do to advance. In many workplaces, office politics shape how the organization functions and who succeeds. Joining Dan Gottlieb to talk about how to cope with office politics are Villanova University Business School senior associate dean and professor Ron Hill; and Marilyn Puder-York...
-
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is a fascinating buzzword in medical research. It challenges the age-old notion that our brains stop developing once we're grown up. The possibility of re-wiring our brains gives many of us hope - to regain functioning after a stroke, an accident, or perhaps just to improve memory, or our daily lives. On this "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb will talk with Dr. Norman Doidge, author of "The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph From the Frontiers of...
-
Compulsive Shopping
Do you often shop to make yourself feel happy? Perhaps you go on buying binges that you just can't afford and afterward feel even more anxious, guilty and depressed. Well you are not alone about 18 million Americans are problem shoppers. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss compulsive shopping and it's affects on you, your relationships and your life. Dr. Gottlieb's guest is April Lane Benson, Ph.D. She is the author of "To Buy or Not To Buy." She is...
-
Natural Disasters
Doctors and relief workers have rushed to Haiti to address the physical wounds and needs of people hurt in the earth quake - but what about the mental health needs? The psychological impact of natural disasters is profound - and affects not only those who experienced the disaster, but relief workers, media professionals, and family members. On the next "Voices in the Family," we'll discuss what's known about treating trauma, and what fosters resilience, and makes communities less...
-
Apologizing: Why we do it
Think of the last time you told someone "I'm sorry." Were those words heart-felt? Research shows apologies are better received when we show remorse, take responsibility and demonstrate that we won't make the same mistake again. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will explore why we apologize, and what it means when politicians and celebrities publicly say they're sorry. We'll also discuss what role apologies play in forgiveness. Our guests are Frederic Luskin and Maurice Schweitzer.
-
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder
Extreme, rapid mood swings, intense anger, emotional instability; these are all symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). It is a controversial diagnosis, and may be revised in the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. For the approximately one percent of Americans affected by this disorder, maintaining relationships, employment, and friendships are very difficult. They tend to self-injure, and are at high risk for suicide. Their families often become the...
-
The life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King
The legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King inspired the world. He led a tireless movement to combat inequality through compassion, justice, and non-violence. And to this day, his legacy lives on and remains at the core of American civil rights laws. But the conditions Dr. King strove to eradicate haven't fully gone away. Intolerance, racism, hatred and injustice are still around. While our society has become increasingly tolerant, people are still attacked because of their...
-
Interpersonal Neurobiology
We've all heard of the mind-body connection. But what we might not have heard is that there's another piece to the puzzle: the profound influence of those around us. An emerging field known as interpersonal neurobiology presents a new model of human potential: the mind-body-relationship connection. On the next "Voices in the Family," we'll talk with the founder of this field, Daniel Siegel, as well as with Lou Cozolino - and discuss how interpersonal experiences shape the developing mind...
-
Family Resilience
When we hear about a family experiencing loss, tragedy, suffering - our gut reaction is: I could never survive that. But the thing is, we can and do survive, and often thrive in the face of adversity. On the next Voices in the Family, we'll hear from families who are facing formidable odds - and have pulled together - with the help from their communities - to make it through. We'll speak with Liz Scott of Alex's Lemonade Stand, Robbie and Rob Winder, and family resilience expert Froma Walsh.
-
Cultivating Gratitude
During Thanksgiving, many families talk about what they are grateful for - and some experts say that's something we should do more often. Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks to gratitude expert Prof. Robert Emmons about how being grateful can have a positive impact on people's mental health, their happiness, and the communities they live in. Emmons is a professor of psychology at UC Davis, and author of "Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier."
-
Families and Aging
Aging isn't exactly a favorite topic for dinner conversations - but as families gather around the Thanksgiving Table, it might come up. Maybe the family's elders suddenly appear to be frail, and in need of assistance. Or the aging parents feel like their kids are overbearing and trying to run their lives. How can families navigate issues such as independence, assistance, or sharing the care responsibilities among relatives? How do older adults envision their lives as they age, how do they...
-
Superheroes
Everywhere you look there are superheroes... from the Caped Crusader to the Dark Knight. They're projected on the big screen and fly through comic book pages. Superheroes have been around for ages, and have evolved to fit the times. But what do they really say about us? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next "Voices in the Family," as we talk about the significance of superheroes in our lives. Dan will be joined by Danny Fingeroth, author of "Superman of the Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell...
-
Simplicity Parenting
Hundreds of toys, computer games, cell phones, play dates, hectic schedules - many parents complain that their kids' lives seem crowded - too much stuff, too many activities, no time to just be a kid. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next "Voices in the Family," when we are joined by school counselor and therapist Kim John Payne. In his book, "Simplicity Parenting," he discusses how families can do more with less, simplify their lives, and calm down their schedules. Payne is also the director...
-
Picking Cotton
When 22 year old Jennifer Thompson - Cannino identified the man who had attacked and raped her as Ronald Cotton, she felt justice had been served. That was in 1984. Eleven years later, a DNA test proved Cotton had been wrongfully convicted, and Thompson - Cannino had identified the wrong man. Jennifer lived with extraordinary guilt and remorse, but found the courage to meet Ronald - only to discover that he had forgiven her long ago. Over the years, the two have become close friends and have...
-
Unemployment
Nearly 10% of Americans are unemployed - and every day we hear of more companies making cuts. So what's happening to those who are unemployed and can't find work? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next Voices in the Family when we'll discuss unemployment and the impact of losing a job. Dan's guests are Paul Rusch and Ron Hill. Rusch is the director of marketing, contracts and business development at the Penn Behavioral Health Corporate Services. Hill is senior associate dean and professor at the...
-
Part II: Living with Mental Illness
On the second part of "Voices in the Family: Living with Mental Illness," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss mental health policy in the United States. Dan's guests are Dr. Mark Salzer and Carol Meholic. Salzer is sssociate professor in the psychiatry department at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the director of University of Pennsylvania's Collaborative on Community Integration of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities. Meholic is the mother of an adult son with Bipolar...
-
Part I: Living with Mental Illness
On the first part of "Voices in the Family: Living with Mental Illness," Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks with two people who share their personal stories of struggle and the ultimate hope for recovery. Dan's guests are J. Members and Pete Earley. Members is a 44-year-old Philadelphia man in recovery for a dual diagnosis of co-occurring mental illness and addiction. He is also a part of a Philadelphia-based internet radio station about mental illness recovery to help break the stigma. Earley is a...
-
Addiction in America
Substance abuse and addiction is a major public health problem in the U.S. - costing the country about five hundred billion dollars each year. Beyond the numbers, there are the heart-breaking stories of people and families affected by addiction. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next "Voices in the Family" when we'll talk with the author of "America Anonymous" - Benoit Denizet-Lewis. A recovering addict himself, he followed eight people struggling with anything from gambling, to overeating and...
-
Psychics
Humans have always tried to predict their futures, and searched for ways to communicate with the dead. Today, TV psychics like Sylvia Browne and John Edward get top ratings. But the question remains - is it possible? Are there people who see things others can't; auras, future events and people who have passed? Or is this just something we desperately want to believe? Join us for the next "Voices in the Family" when we'll discuss psychic powers. Guest host Maiken Scott speaks with Dr. Keith...
-
Picking Cotton
Homework causes conflict in many homes. It's a source of frustration for parents and kids, and many feel there just isn't enough time in one evening to get it all done. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next Voices in the Family when we'll discuss homework. Does it help learning? And, how much is too much? Dan's guest is Sara Bennett. She has written The Case Against Homework, and writes a blog called StopHomework.com. We'll also hear from Dr. Stephen Soffer who is a staff psychologist at the...
-
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence has been a part of the human consciousness for sometime. From Rosie on the "Jetsons" to the Terminator. And even as portrayed in the movie "A.I.," robots do the very thing that makes us human... love. So are these works of fiction, or is it becoming a reality? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests for the next "Voices in the Family," to discuss Artificial Intelligence. Dan's guests are Marvin Minsky and Kerstin Dautenhahn. Minsky is one of the pioneers of artificial...
-
The Stress of Success: A Conversation with Mary Pipher
When Mary Pipher published her book "Reviving Ophelia" in 1994, her life changed dramatically. The book became a best-seller, and Pipher became a household name and a much sought-after expert and speaker. Instead of enjoying her success, Pipher found herself struggling with depression, self-identity issues, and low self esteem. She describes her struggle and subsequent quest for quieter life in her new book: "Seeking Peace: Chronicles of the Worst Buddhist in the World." Dr. Dan Gottlieb...
-
A Conversation with Paul Ekman
Its not often that a research psychologist is turned into a Fox TV action hero, but nothing can surprise Paul Ekman. And we mean that in more ways than one: named by the American Psychological Association as one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century, Paul Ekman, through his reseach has laid the groundbreaking basis which has helped us to decipher human emotion. And he proved that these basic emotions manifest the same way, the world over. Used predominantly for detection...
-
Post Traumatic Growth
With soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, we hear a lot about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Psychologists are also interested in a different response to trauma; post-traumatic growth. Many survivors report personal growth and development in the aftermath of trauma - and say they have found happiness and fulfillment they wouldn't have known otherwise. Dan Gottlieb will discuss this newly emerging field, and explore what we can learn from it. Joining Dr. Gottlieb will be Dr. Richard...
-
Insomnia
Many of us lose a night's sleep to anxiety every now and then. But what happens when you're one of the 10-15% of adults who can't get a full nights' sleep for months and years on end? Everything from our relationships, our quality of life, and our ability to work is affected. This week on Voices in the Family, we talk to a woman who's had insomnia for over 50 years, Gayle Greene, Professor of English at Scripps College. She is a lifelong insomniac, and author of the book "Insomniac".
-
ADHD
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.5 million children between the ages of 3-17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD. It's one of the most common childhood disorders, but what do we know about it? How does it affect a child's life? And, how does ADHD impact the entire family? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next "Voices in the Family" when we'll discuss some of the latest research in the field of ADHD. Our guests are Dr. Tom Power...
-
Psychotherapy on TV
The issue of mental health is getting some prime time attention on TV from shows like "In Treatment" and "House" to others like "Monk" and "Mental." But, how realistic are these shows, and are they likely to encourage or deter those who need treatment? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next "Voices in the Family," when we'll hear from mental health professionals who consult for TV. Dan's guests are Dr. Deborah Serani and Dr. Justin Richardson. Serani is a psychologist and psychoanalyst who has...
-
Self-Judgment
Too heavy, too unorganized, too slow, too lazy. Many of us have an ongoing commentary in our heads evaluating our performance. But, at what point does self-scrutiny become self-destructive? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guest, Dr. Molly Layton, for the next "Voices in the Family" when we'll discuss self-judgment. Layton is a psychologist in private practice in Philadelphia.
-
Marriage
Over 2 million Americans get married every year, and promise their partner to stay with them for the rest of their lives. Yet roughly fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. Why do so many of them fail? Is it lack of communication or growing pains? And what can be done to build stronger, more loving relationships to keep a marriage alive? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb on the next "Voices in the Family" when he talks with family therapist, B. Janet Hibbs. She says that fairness can be the key to...
-
Twitter
What are you doing? It's a simple question that has transformed the internet. With Twitter, we can find out what people are up to and in to at any time. But what's different about this form of social networking, what makes it appealing, how will people use it in years to come? On the next "Voices in the Family," we'll discuss Twitter. Our guests are Clive Thompson and David Parry. Thompson is a science, technology and culture writer for Wired magazine, The New York Times and New York...
-
Immigration
Discussions about immigration usually revolve around policy and economics. But what about the experience of immigrants, their lives and families? Dan Gottlieb and his guests will take an in-depth look at the immigrant experience in America. We will be joined by Carola Suarez-Orozco and Celia Jaes Falicov. Suarez-Orozco is a co-founder of the Harvard Immigration Project, and the author of "Learning a New Land" and "Children of Immigration." Falicov is the author of "Latino Families in...
-
Sexual Intimacy
If you look through your spam e-mail, every other one is about sexual performance. Turn on your TV and you'll see lots of ads for products like Viagra. Relationship experts warn that the focus on sexual performance neglects a very important part of human sexuality; intimacy. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next Voices in the Family, when we'll discuss intimacy; what it is, how couples can find it and make it a permanent part of their relationship. Our guests are Dr. Debby Herbenick and Ian...
-
Adjusting to Parenthood
A new baby brings many joyful moments. But parents also face serious challenges - sleep deprivation, relationship changes and the anxiety that comes with caring for an infant. Join Maiken Scott on the next "Voices in the Family," when her and her guests will talk about adusting to parenthood - we'll hear what helps new parents cope, and also discuss post-partum depression.
-
Special Education
In 1975, landmark federal legislation now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) extended access to a free, quality education to children with disabilities. Today, schools across the country today serve more than 6 million children with a wide array of conditions. Many of them have learning disabilities or behavioral problems. Most of them spend their school days in a regular classroom - an approach known as inclusion. We will hear excerpts from a recent panel...
-
Online Psychotherapy
We live much of our lives "online" these days; we communicate with friends and relatives via live chats, and connect to people through social networking sites. Can the conveniences of virtual communication work for psychotherapy? On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will explore how therapists are using cyberspace to do their work. We'll hear from Dr. James Herbert, Dr. John Grohol and Dr. Fred Thomas. Herbert is the Director of the Anxiety Treatment and...
-
Teens Overcoming Adversity
Being a teenager in general can be stressful, but imagine being a teen in an inner city neighborhood who has to worry about homelessness, drug rings and gun violence. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb will talk with a couple of teens who have lived with these obstacles, and are working to overcome them. We'll find out what has helped them, and how other people's expectations affect how they feel about themselves. We'll also discuss what fosters resilience. Our guests are...
-
The Relationship between Adult Children and Parents
Small children need parents to manage their lives. Adolescents and teenagers need watchful guides. But when our children become adults, we get very little guidance about how to navigate these complicated relationships; especially a generation of adult children who were raised to be free spirits. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb on the next Voices in the Family when he'll speak with Dr. Jane Isay, author of "Walking on Eggshells" about how to navigate the relationship between adult children and parents.
-
The Mind/Body Connection
The connection between the body and the mind has become much more mainstream in medicine in recent years. Physicians and Researchers are studying whether stress makes us sick, or if a positive outlook can contribute to overcoming serious illness. On the next Voices in the Family, Dr. Dan Gottlieb speaks with one of the American pioneers in this field, Dr. Bernie Siegel. His new book is Faith, Hope and Healing: Inspiring Lessons from People Living with Cancer.
-
Autism
The National Institue of Health says that about 3 in every 1,000 children ages 3-10 have autism; a number much higher from what we knew 20 years ago. So with this increase in diagnosis, are we learning more about the disorder? What is available in terms of treatment and funding, especially as our country continues to suffer financially? And, as autistic children transition into adolescence and adulthood, what services are being offered to help them mainstream into society? Join Dr. Dan...
-
The Impact of Family Issues in the Workplace
There is much talk about taking your work home with you, but how much of our home life do we bring to work? How do our family issues and conflicts affect our professional performance? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb for the next "Voices in the Family" when he speaks with psychologist Sylvia Lafair. She's written a new book called "Don't Bring It to Work" which examines workplace behaviors, performance and family systems. Lafair is also the President of Creative Energy Options, which is a leadership...
-
Pressures Facing Boys
On this second part of the series on the pressures facing our kids, Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will look at why boys are not thriving as much as girls; from video game addictions to increasing use of drugs and violence to underachievement and learning disabilities. What are the causes and how can we help? We'll be joined by Dr. Mark Kiselica and Peg Tyre. Kiselica is a psychologist and professor of counseling at the College of NJ, and author of "Counseling Troubled Boys" and "When Boys...
-
Pressures Facing Girls
The next two programs on "Voices in the Family" will be dedicated to the topic of pressures facing our kids today. On this first part of the series, our guest is Dr. Stephen Hinshaw. He argues that girls struggle with what he calls the "triple bind;" they must be good at girl stuff, excel at boy stuff, and look great. He is the author of "The Triple Bind" and serves as the chair of the psychology department at U.C. Berkeley. We'll also hear from Dr. Roni Cohen-Sandler and Jan Figueira....
-
Eating Disorders
One in 20 women between the ages of 18 and 30 are affected by an eating disorder, all varying in severity and symptoms. Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss the latest in eating disorder research and treatment. We'll be joined by Dr. Jane Shure and Dr. Michael Lowe. Shure is the co-editor of "Effective Clinical Practice in the Treatment of Eating Disorders: The Heart of the Matter." Lowe is a Professor of Psychology at Drexel University who is researching eating disorders. We'll also...
-
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Returning Troops
As the 6th anniversary of the War in Iraq nears, more American soldiers are returning home. Researchers estimate that about 1 in 5 soldiers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan are suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, but less than half seek help. This week on "Voices in the Family," we'll explore the reluctance to seek treatment, and find out how PTSD is identified and treated. Dr. Dan's guests are Dr. Patricia Resick and Dr. Matthew J. Friedman. Friedman is the Executive Director of...
-
Runaway Teens
Each year, about 2.8 million teens run away and spend time living on the streets; many never return home again. Why do so many teens choose to leave their homes? Is it to find safety from abuse, freedom or perhaps a feeling of unwantedness by their parents? On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb will speak with Debra Gwartney to discuss her memoir "Live Through This." The book describes Gwartney's struggle with her two runaway daughters, her relationship with them before and...
-
How the Economy Affects Our Lives
The troubled economy has affected many people's lives; and job loss, loss of savings and retirement as well as tighter finances in general also impact people's mental health. How is the field of psychology responding to the increased need for services, especially in times when many people can't afford sessions? How does job loss and lack of money affect relationships? On the second part of our Economy Series here on "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will explore how the...
-
How Does Our Behavior Affect the Economy?
Every day, we make many decisions that affect our economy, from purchasing a snack and a cup of coffee to purchasing a car or a house. But with the economy in trouble and the constant flow of more bad news, people have become afraid of what's going to happen, and have cut back tremendously on spending. So as the economy affects our lives - how do we affect the economy? What happens in our brains that makes us save, spend, or shut down when faced with economic adversity? Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb...
-
Economic Anxiety
According to a recent Gallup poll, more than half of Americans say the condition of the economy is poor. And the majority are angry about the financial crisis the country is facing. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb discusses economic anxiety in the midst of this financial crisis and offers coping mechanisms to help get you through these hard times. Dan will be joined by Dr. Kathleen Gounaris who is a financial psychologist who works with companies and individuals to...
-
Best of Voices
On the next Voices in the Family, Dr. Dan Gottlieb reflects back on some of the most riveting conversations. We'll hear from Holocaust survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein, and Morris Dees, an Alabama Civil Rights activist, who have both dedicated their lives to teaching tolerance, and to ending hatred, bigotry and racism. We'll also hear an excerpt from Dr. Dan's interview with Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned teacher of Mindfulness, a technique designed to help people calm their minds, and focus on...
-
Reducing Violence through Art
In his inauguration speech, President Obama called on Americans to get involved in overcoming the challenges facing the nation. On the next "Voices in the Family" with Dr. Dan Gottlieb, we'll hear about a local organization, The Arts and Spirituality Center and its major initiative, HeartSpeak, that is working to reduce violence in our communities through the power of creativity and art. We'll find out how the program works and hear from teen poet, Jamillah Harris. Dan's guests are Susan...
-
Hate Crimes
This week, Americans will witness the inauguration of the first African American president and the man who will lead the prayer at the inauguration is a gay bishop. It seems like our country is getting more tolerant, but many communities and especially university campuses have seen an increase in hate crimes. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss what communities can do when faced with such hatred and how to heal. Dan's guests are Chad Dion Lassiter Mark Potok and Novella Keith. Lassiter...
-
Teens and Sex
By the time children are in the ninth grade, one-third of them have already had sex. But just as telling, most of these children feel all of their friends have had sex, which suggests great pressure to do so. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss what our children are learning about sex, where they are learning about it and what the implications are. Dr. Gottlieb will be joined by David Landry M.A., senior research associate at The Guttmacher Institute,...
-
Loneliness
As humans, we have a fundamental desire for social connection. So it's only natural that we all have felt lonely at some point in our lives. However, what happens to us when loneliness is ongoing? Researchers say prolonged loneliness can be as harmful to your health as obesity or smoking. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks with the author of "Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection," John T. Cacioppo about the effects of loneliness and how to...
-
Traffic Psychology
It's Monday morning on the Schuylkill expressway, and it is a very loud, frustrating parking lot. And you... well you are speaking in a language of expletives you never would say outside the comfort of your car. This behavior has become acceptable, but most of us wouldn't dare act this way otherwise. Or would we? On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks with the author of "Traffic," Tom Vanderbilt about why we drive the way we do and what it says about us. Dr. Dan will also...
-
Resilience
Far too many people have endured traumatic experiences in their lives; from being a Holocaust survivor to an Iraq war veteran or a parent who lost a child. Some can't go on with their lives and even develop PTSD. And others are able to rebound and even grow, taking only the positive from a horrific experience. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss resilience after a trauma. Joining Dr. Dan is the Director and Founder of the Children's Center for OCD and...
-
Community Involvement
Pundits say the reason for Obama's victory was because of his skills to mobilize the people. Even people who had never participated before were swept into action. But now that the election is over, can the people continue to be mobilized by the new president? On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks with marriage and family therapist William Doherty, Ph.D., who is with the Family Social Science Department in the College of Education and Human Development at the University...
-
Cyberbullying
Remember when you were a kid and the bully was the big kid who gave you wedgies and took your lunch money? Kids today fear a new kind of bullying... cyberbullying. Kids are using the internet to threaten, harass and humiliate other kids, and the measures are much more detrimental. 85% of middle school kids have reported being cyberbullied. On the next "Voices in the Family," we'll discuss cyberbullying - what it is, its affects, and how to deal with it. Dr. Dan Gottlieb will be joined by...
-
Life After The Election
Well it's official, Barack Obama has just won the White House. Now what? Well since almost half of the American people wanted the other guy, how do they deal with their disappointment and anger? And what about the new president, how does he transition from regular guy to commander in chief? On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss life after the election. Dan's guests are Sheila Heen who teaches negotiation at Harvard Law School and is the co-author of...
-
Voter Decision-Making
With this upcoming election, voters are faced with factors they've never dealt with before. We wonder how, with race and gender in the mix, voters' decisions will be affected, if at all. Join Dr. Dan Gottlieb on the next "Voices in the Family" as he discusses voter decision-making. He will be joined by the Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, Michael Delli Carpini, Ph.D. He will also talk with author of "Racial Paranoia: The Unintended Consequences...
-
Music and the Brain
Most of us have a favorite song that can carry us to a pleasant place. And some of us can even get lost in music, almost meditatively, and be brought joy, even in times of sadness. But in recent times, we've heard a lot about the healing effects of music on the human brain. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks with his guests about music's effects on our brains and on our lives. He is joined by author and researcher Oliver Sacks. His latest book is "Musicophilia." Dr....
-
A Conversation with Dr. Joan Borysenko
We've all heard of "the mind-body connection". But what is it, how does it work, and how can we learn to experience its benefits? We'll speak with a pioneer in this field - Dr. Joan Borysenko. She is an author, speaker, and co-founder of the Mind/Body Clinic at Harvard Medical School. We'll hear about Joan's work, and explore the basics of mindfulness and mindful meditation.
-
Mental Illness and the Presidential Candidates
More than 54 million Americans suffer from one or more mental illness and, for many, finding the right treatment and paying for it is a constant struggle. Not to mention, the difficulties of living with the stigma and discrimination. On the next "Voices in the Family," we are bringing the issue of mental health to the presidential ballot. We'll be joined by representatives from both parties to discuss where each candidate stands on the issue and what their plans are to increase awareness and...
-
Chronic Illness
Although the majority of the U.S. population looks rather healthy, statistics show a different story. According to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, nearly 1 in 2 people in the United States have a chronic condition. This could be an illness like cancer or rheumatoid arthritis, migranes or MS. But whether the disease is visible or invisible, one thing is sure: its effect on one's life is devastating, and its fall-out on personal relationships can be even more profound. Join Dr....
-
Teens and Sex
By the time children are in the ninth grade, one-third of them have already had sex. But just as telling, most of these children feel all of their friends have had sex, which suggests great pressure to do so. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dr. Dan Gottlieb and his guests discuss what our children are learning about sex, where they are learning about it and what the implications are. Dr. Gottlieb will be joined by David Landry M.A., senior research associate at the Guttmacher Institute, a...
-
Kids and Media
With the constant evolution of technology, teens have seemingly endless options for communicating with family and friends. There are traditional landline phones, cell phones, texting, social network sites, instant messaging, and email and more - and 28% of the entire U.S. teen population uses all of the above. The Pew Internet and American Life Project also reports that 64% of online teens use at least one type of content creation such as YouTube. So what are the effects of this new media on...
-
School Anxiety
It's back-to-school time once again and the stores are stocked with school supplies. For many kids this is a time of enthusiasm and excitement, but for many others, the thought of school causes excessive worrying about making the grade, the team and of course fitting in. On the next "Voices in the Family," Dan talks about school anxiety, who is likely to have it and why, and what you can do to help your child overcome it. Dan's guests are Dr. Gene Cash President of the National Association of...
-
Sport Psychology
At only 23, USA's star swimmer, Michael Phelps is on top of the world. After striking gold over ten times, he is on the path to becoming one of the greatest swimmers of all-time. But, how do athletes like Phelps deal with the overwhelming pressures to be the best? And, what about when his career is over? On the next Voices in the Family, Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss the anxiety athletes face during their career and life after the game. Dan's guests are Dr. David Baron, professor...
-
Forgetting the Past
While one person gets divorced and moves on, another seems stuck in a sense of victimhood for years. Or one child of divorce seems relatively unscathed and for another they are never able to establish intimate relationships. What is it about our history that sometimes stays with us and controls our lives? And why are some people able to let go of the past and others are not? Dr. Stephen Hayes, professor, author and originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy suggests that the whole issue...
-
Irvin Yalom
Few people like to think about death, but world-renowned psychiatrist Irvin Yalom says that in order to live happy, fulfilled lives, we have to face our mortality. On the next "Voices in the Family", Dr. Dan Gottlieb talks with Dr. Yalom about his new book, "Starring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death."
-
Kids and Video Games
The Video games kids are playing today are more realistic than ever, the virtual experience of murder, crime and sex is available with the click of a button. And even if the game is age-appropriate and harmless - how do the hours and hours spent in front of the computer affect children?
-
Sensory Integration
Imagine if a person's footsteps sounded like a banging drum, or the seam in your sock caused you unbearable pain. For people with sensory integration issues, simple tasks and routines can be big obstacles. On the next Voices in the Family we'll talk about sensory integration and the therapies and treatments available. Dan will be joined by Sara Schon, Director of Applied Research at SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) Foundation, Dr. Barry Stein, Professor and Chairman of the Dept. of...
-
Incest
Incest is one of the most taboo subjects in our society, but it is not as uncommon as we'd like to think. The exact number of people affected by incest every year is not specific, but we know that the estimates for the number of girls sexually abused by family members range from 10% to 25% and most abuse takes place in the child's home by a parent who was also likely abused themselves. Dan Gottlieb and his guests will discuss incest, how survivors cope with the trauma, if there is treatment...
Recommended Shows
PROGRAM INFORMATION
- Philadelphia, PA
- Self Development, Mental, Family
- WHYY
- English
-
Visit the station website
Update show info
