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Psych Up Live

Health & Wellness Podcasts

Psych Up Live turns up your psychological perspective on life issues. With a wide variety of guests, Host Suzanne Phillips passes forward the latest in books, findings, and information relevant to your life and the world you live in. She explores...

Location:

United States

Description:

Psych Up Live turns up your psychological perspective on life issues. With a wide variety of guests, Host Suzanne Phillips passes forward the latest in books, findings, and information relevant to your life and the world you live in. She explores topics as varied as family relationships, binge eating and violence on campus. In a conversational style, Suzanne and her guests translate the latest in psychology to exemplify ways of coping with child rearing, divorce, medical diagnosis, campus violence and social anxiety. She engages her guests with questions, often voicing her own thoughts or sharing related stories. What is particularly exciting about Psych Up Live is the opportunity for you to call in with your own stories, questions and opinions. Psych Up Live captures your attention as it considers life issues that will intrigue and inform you each Thursday at 11 AM Pacific Time, 2PM Eastern Time on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Love and Narcissism – Can That Work?

4/16/2026
From films to novels to real life situations, we have heard the term narcissist and wondered – What are the characterizes a Narcissist? What does it mean to love a Narcissist? Rarely do we have the opportunity to learn the origins and the differences between Narcissism as a healthy sense of self-esteem and the pathology of someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this show, psychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Anthony Mazzella joins us to look closer at Narcissism, its origins, ways to understand and ways to cope whether you recognize your own narcissistic behavior or the behavior of the narcissist you love and care about.

Duration:00:49:03

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Encore - Could Grandpa Be Depressed : Recognizing Depression in Later Life

4/9/2026
In this episode Dr. Deborah Serani, psychologist and author discusses the reality of depression as a mood disorder in later life. Drawing upon her new and comprehensive book " Depression in Later Life: An Essential Guide," she underscores that depression is too often overlooked by those suffering, their families and even at times by their physicians. In the back and forth with host Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Serani provides crucial information and illuminating examples that will be as valuable for health-care professionals as for seniors who don't understand why they are suffering. She will answer questions like: What Is Geriatric Depression? Isn't Depression a normal part of aging? Why is it so often missed or dismissed? What are the steps for proper assessment? What are the treatment options? Are depressed seniors a suicide risk? Adding to this, Dr. Serani considers the power of "conscious aging" as an asset to physical and emotional well-being. This is an important show for all.

Duration:00:55:38

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The Most Important Story you Tell is Your own

4/2/2026
Our show today is going to bring you up close and personal to the stories of men who struggled for half a life-time daring to find themselves, own and tell their stories. The power of this theme will be illuminated by our guest Vinnie Kinsella, a professional storyteller and reader, performer and the editor of the powerful book, Fashionably Late, Gay, Bi & Trans Men Who Came Out Late in Life. Your story may be very different. If you have ever wondered if you should go public with your story – you will be informed, inspired and impressed by our guest Vinnie Kinsella.

Duration:00:45:23

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14 Simple Ways to Become "Sharp"- Therese Huston on Psych Up Live

3/26/2026
What if you could use 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science? You can. In this show, Dr. Therese Huston returns to Psych Up Live with her new book "Sharp" - a little book that can play a very big role is your everyday success. Across the age spectrum people want to focus better, remember more, handle stress, bias, cope with pain, stay healthy and unlock their full potential. Dr. Huston guides us. She has already done the research and captured what we need to know and do to be more focused and productive often with 10 minute (sometimes 5 minute) strategies. Whether you want to feel more effective at work, with family or in achieving your personal goals- Listen in. THERESE HUSTON, PH.D., is a cognitive neuroscientist and Faculty Development Consultant at Seattle University. She was the founding director of the university's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and is now a consultant for its Center for Faculty Development. Therese is the author of previous books: Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower; How Women Decide; and Teaching What You Don't Know. She has been interviewed on Harpers Bazaar and Goop for Let's Talk, and has written for TIME, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review and The Guardian. Therese has led workshops and presentations to Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and universities world-wide. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and their dog.

Duration:00:52:30

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ENCORE - Love and Narcissism – Can That Work?

3/19/2026
From films to novels to real life situations, we have heard the term narcissist and wondered – What are the characterizes a Narcissist? What does it mean to love a Narcissist? Rarely do we have the opportunity to learn the origins and the differences between Narcissism as a healthy sense of self-esteem and the pathology of someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this show, psychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Anthony Mazzella joins us to look closer at Narcissism, its origins, ways to understand and ways to cope whether you recognize your own narcissistic behavior or the behavior of the narcissist you love and care about. Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate complex personality dynamics. He specializes in psychodynamic treatment, with a focus on narcissistic and borderline presentations, using a deeply attuned, insight-oriented approach. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Mazzella is a faculty member and supervisor, mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. He's also the creator and host of The Narcissism Decoder, a podcast and video channel that brings complex psychoanalytic ideas to life—making them relatable, practical, and especially relevant to understanding personality disorders and relationships.

Duration:00:49:03

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What Really Happens in a Therapy Group? Listen In and Don't Miss 'Group: The Schopenhauer Effect'.

3/12/2026
In this show, Host Dr. Suzanne Phillips welcomes Dr. Elliott Zeisel, Psychoanalyst and Group Therapist whose award-winning televised series of an ongoing therapy group inspired Alexis Lloyd's award-winning film, 'Group: The Schopenhauer Effect,' just being released and starting to be in theaters across the US. In this film, Dr. Zeisel plays the role he has lived for over 40 years as a Group Therapist of an ongoing group of diverse members who have been with him for many years. In the fascinating new film, leader and group face a crisis in the leader's life that illuminates their personal issues and their relationship as group members in painful, powerful and profound ways. The film draws upon the theme of Dr. Irwin Yalom's renowned novel, The Schopenhauer Cure, which captures the pain, possibility, power and intensity of group therapy when the health of the leader is threatened. It is a riveting insider experience of group. Dr. Elliot Zeisel is a psychoanalyst and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He has served as the Vice -Chair of the Foundation for Advancing Mental Health. He is a founder of the Center for Group Studies and serves on the faculty. Dr. Zeisel has maintained practices in New York City, Austin, Texas and Rochester, NY. He is an executive producer and actor in an earlier web series GROUP which ran for two seasons, released on YouTube and premiered at the Naples International Film Festival, where it won the Programmer's Choice Award. This feature film was shot three years later with the same cast and crew, with the addition of Thomas Sadoski in the role of the newcomer. It is already being released in theaters to much acclaim. We have the rare privileged to speak today to the man behind the film and group therapist who plays himself in "GROUP - The Schopenhauer Effect."

Duration:00:47:06

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Ever Wonder if You Should Join a Therapy Group? Listen In

3/5/2026
In this show, Host Dr. Suzanne Phillips welcomes Dr. Elliott Zeisel, Psychoanalyst and Group Therapist whose award-winning televised series of an ongoing therapy group inspired Alexis Lloyd's award-winning film, Group: The Schopenhauer Effect, just been released and about to be in theaters across the US. In this film, Dr. Zeisel plays the role he has lived for over 40 years as a Group Therapist of an ongoing group of diverse members who have been with him for many years. In the fascinating new film, leader and group face a crisis in the leader's life that illuminates their personal issues and their relationship as group members in painful, powerful and profound ways. The film draws upon the theme of Dr Irwin Yalom's renowned novel, The Schopenhauer Cure, which captures the pain, possibility, power and intensity of group therapy when the health of the leader is threatened. It is a riveting insider experience of group. Dr. Elliot Zeisel is a psychoanalyst and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He has served as the Vice -Chair of the Foundation for Advancing Mental Health. He is a founder of the Center for Group Studies and serves on the faculty. Dr. Zeisel has maintained practices in New York City, Austin, Texas and Rochester, NY. He is an executive producer and actor in an earlier web series GROUP which ran for two seasons, released on Youtube and premiered at the Naples International Film Festival, where it won the Programmer's Choice Award. . This feature film was shot three years later with the same cast and crew, with the addition of Thomas Sadoski in the role of the newcomer. It is already being released in theaters to much acclaim. We have the rare privileged to speak today to the man behind the film and group therapist who plays himself in "GROUP - The Schopenhauer Effect."

Duration:00:47:06

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Encore - The Heart of the Fight: The Basis of Great Relationships

2/26/2026
In this show relationship experts Dr. Judith Wright and Dr. Bob Wright discuss their new and interesting book, The Heart of the Fight: A Couple's Guide to 15 Common Fights, What They Really Mean & How They Can Bring You Closer. Dispelling many of the common myths of what you need to make a relationship work, these experts suggest that conflict is a couple's secret weapon for coming closer but you need to know how to fight and what to fight for. In a fascinating way they discuss the Art of the Argument: Six Skills for Battling to Bliss and the Fifteen Fights That Make or Break Your Relationship. From a closer look at fights like The Blame Game to You're Just Like Your Mother/Father, you will rethink the how and why of fighting in relationships. Ultimately this is a show that will expand the potential of your relationship.

Duration:00:52:43

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ENCORE - My Daughter is Anxious and Depressed- How Can I Help Her?

2/19/2026
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people age 15 to 24 in the U.S. Nearly 20% of high school students report serious thoughts of suicide and 9% have make an attempt to take their lives, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Why is this happening? What can parents do? How can parents learn more about preventive strategies? In this show you will hear some answers from a true expert, Dr. Cheryl Green, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and the author of Heal Your Daughter: How Lifestyle Psychiatry Can Save Her from Depression, Cutting and Suicidal Thoughts. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Green addresses reasons for the mental health crisis with teens and why it is disproportionally high for teen girls. In the back and forth with Host Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Green describes Lifestyle Psychiatry and how aspects of lifestyle like a teen's diet, lack of exercise and sleep problems compromise mental health and can be addressed from a family as well as a teen's perspective. She offers suggestions for parents and answers difficult questions like "Why would a teen cut herself? She underscores the warning signs of suicidal thinking and considers how a parent can respond. Overall, Dr. Green recognizes how complicated this culture has become for teens and parents. Central to her message is supporting and informing parents and accepting and helping teens. Don't miss this important show..

Duration:00:53:27

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A Family Faces and Deals With the Traumatic Toll of Rape

2/12/2026
The Rape, Abuse & Incest Network (RAINN) indicates that even with a vast majority of sexual assaults not reported to law enforcement, an estimated 423,020 people (age 12+) experience sexual violence annually. Sexual violence affects people everywhere. Its impact goes beyond survivors—hurting families, relationships, and entire communities. In this Show Jessi Bixler, draws upon her new and powerful book, The Story We Share to describe how the sexual assault she has suffered impacted her family and became a touchstone of both pain and ultimate healing. In many ways, there are no words for a victim to describe what has happened or how to respond. Jessi Bixler's painful and powerful book is a gift to anyone and any family that has suffered from sexual violence even to one member. Jessi Bixler is an author, speaker, marketing business owner and advocate for trauma awareness and survivor support. She brings honesty strength and faith to both her professional work and the story that she shares. Jessi lives in Missouri with her husband Chad and their two children.

Duration:00:46:48

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ENCORE - A First Responder Shares His Journey of Healing and Resiliency

2/5/2026
While we hear the news and read the headlines of Fires, Accidents and Disaster, rarely do we understand the day to day, often hour to hour impact on those who serve as our First Responders. Those who hope at times to get a few hours of sleep before the next call. In this show Jim Burneka Jr., draws upon his powerful and revealing new book, Overcoming Tuesday to bring us into his journey - his commitment, his trauma and its impact on his life. Importantly he shares not only the denial of physical and emotional suffering common to First Responders, he brings us up close and personal to his struggle to recover, heal and unlock his resilience. A seasoned host of his own webcast podcast "APS Radio," Jim Burneka is someone you will want to hear. Listen In.

Duration:00:54:03

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When Your Child Is Gay: Understanding, Reconsidering, Responding

1/29/2026
In this show important show, Wesley Davidson, co-author with Dr. Jonathan Tobkes of the book When Your Child is Gay: What You Need to Know, brings her personal parenting experience with her homosexual son as the jumping off point for a broad consideration of handling a child's coming out as homosexual. Drawing upon her examples and those of many parents and their children, she addresses the denial, the fears, the anger, the guilt, the differences of parental responding, the unexpected strengths, the paths and the resolutions. Adding to the important examples is a wealth of professional expertise offered after each chapter by Dr. Jonathan Tobkes, practicing psychiatrist at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell who frames, expands and makes meaning of the journey so many parents and their children take.

Duration:00:48:07

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Encore: "Don't Hate Your Ex More Than You Love Your Children"

1/22/2026
Divorce is heartbreaking and stressful for the whole family—including the kids. But, there are many ways that parents can support their children as they navigate this family transition. From telling the children they will separate, to nesting, and supporting two loving households, to the five stages of divorce grief for children to How to deal with an uncooperative Ex, Oona Metz, author of Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women will discuss some of the most vital ways for parents to help their children through transitioning from one home to two. Oona Metz, LICSW, CGP is a nationally recognized therapist, writer, and speaker who specializes in treating women navigating divorce. With over thirty years of clinical experience, Oona leads four weekly Divorce Support Groups, and is the founder of The Beacon Group Fellowship which trains mental health clinicians throughout the country to lead divorce support groups. Oona has published essays in Psychotherapy Networker, Cognoscenti, Social Work Voice, Social Work Advocates and other outlets. Her book Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women (Simon & Schuster) will be available in bookstores in January 2026. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts, with her partner and a handful of pets. Her young adult children have flown the coop but visit often.

Duration:00:50:04

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Encore: "Till Divorce Do Us Part - Coping with Divorce"

1/8/2026
"Till Divorce Do Us Part – Coping with Divorce" While there are a little less than 50% of couples divorcing, the United States is still hometo the most divorces. According to the CDC the current nationwide divorce rate is 42%. Well beyond the numbers are the people, the families, the children, the lawyers, the feelings, losses, trauma and possibilities that may come with divorce. Today we will be considering strategies, steps and the resilience that will help anyone dealing with divorce. Oona Metz, LICSW, CGP is a nationally recognized therapist, writer, and speaker who specializes in treating women navigating divorce. With over thirty years of clinical experience, Oona leads four weekly Divorce Support Groups, and is the founder of The Beacon Group Fellowship which trains mental health clinicians throughout the country to lead divorce support groups. Oona has published essays in Psychotherapy Networker, Cognoscenti, Social Work Voice, Social Work Advocates and other outlets. Her book Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women (Simon & Schuster) will be available in bookstores in January 2026. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts, with her partner and a handful of pets. Her young adult children have flown the coop but visit.

Duration:00:47:43

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Encore: Could Grandpa Be Depressed - Recognizing Depression in Later Life

12/18/2025
In this episode Dr. Deborah Serani, psychologist and author discusses the reality of depression as a mood disorder in later life. Drawing upon her new and comprehensive book " Depression in Later Life: An Essential Guide," she underscores that depression is too often overlooked by those suffering, their families and even at times by their physicians. In the back and forth with host Suzanne Phillips, Dr. Serani provides crucial information and illuminating examples that will be as valuable for health-care professionals as for seniors who don't understand why they are suffering. She will answer questions like: What Is Geriatric Depression? Isn't Depression a normal part of aging? Why is it so often missed or dismissed? What are the steps for proper assessment? What are the treatment options? Are depressed seniors a suicide risk? Adding to this, Dr. Serani considers the power of "conscious aging" as an asset to physical and emotional well-being. This is an important show for all.

Duration:00:55:38

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Encore: Love and Narcissism – Can That Work?

12/11/2025
From films to novels to real life situations, we have heard the term narcissist and wondered – What are the characterizes a Narcissist? What does it mean to love a Narcissist? Rarely do we have the opportunity to learn the origins and the differences between Narcissism as a healthy sense of self-esteem and the pathology of someone with a Narcissistic Personality Disorder. In this show, psychologist and psychoanalyst, Dr. Anthony Mazzella joins us to look closer at Narcissism, its origins, ways to understand and ways to cope whether you recognize your own narcissistic behavior or the behavior of the narcissist you love and care about. Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and couples navigate complex personality dynamics. He specializes in psychodynamic treatment, with a focus on narcissistic and borderline presentations, using a deeply attuned, insight-oriented approach. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Mazzella is a faculty member and supervisor, mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. He's also the creator and host of The Narcissism Decoder, a podcast and video channel that brings complex psychoanalytic ideas to life—making them relatable, practical, and especially relevant to understanding personality disorders and relationships.

Duration:00:49:03

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Encore: "I Regret to Inform You…Finding Ways to Cope With Lay-offs"

12/4/2025
Against a reality of cutoffs that impact thousands of employees including 12% of 2.4 million civilian federal workers, others from Wall Street firms and well-known companies etc., psychologist, Dr. Jeffrey Kleinberg draws upon his expertise to consider how to work through "Lay-offs." He validates and considers the interval of shock, numbness, panic, anger, and sometimes identity confusion of facing a lay-off. Dr. Kleinberg examines and invites listeners to recognize, understand and work through the complex trauma of a sudden lay-off. He invites them to believe in the ability of transitioning from victim to effective survivor. Listen in. Dr. Jeffrey Kleinberg is a Psychologist in Private Practice in Manhattan, as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor, Public Health Graduate Program, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, N.Y. He is licensed in New York, New Jersey and Florida. He is the Editor (2015), of the prestigious The Wiley-Blackwell Handbook of Group Psychotherapy. (Oxford, UK: Wiley).

Duration:00:47:23

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Encore: 14 Simple Ways to Become "Sharp"

11/27/2025
What if you could use 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science? You can. In this show, Dr. Therese Huston returns to Psych Up Live with her new book "Sharp" - a little book that can play a very big role is your everyday success. Across the age spectrum people want to focus better, remember more, handle stress, bias, cope with pain, stay healthy and unlock their full potential. Dr. Huston guides us. She has already done the research and captured what we need to know and do to be more focused and productive often with 10 minute (sometimes 5 minute) strategies. Whether you want to feel more effective at work, with family or in achieving your personal goals- Listen in. THERESE HUSTON, PH.D., is a cognitive neuroscientist and Faculty Development Consultant at Seattle University. She was the founding director of the university's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and is now a consultant for its Center for Faculty Development. Therese is the author of previous books: Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower; How Women Decide; and Teaching What You Don't Know. She has been interviewed on Harpers Bazaar and Goop for Let's Talk, and has written for TIME, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review and The Guardian. Therese has led workshops and presentations to Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and universities world-wide. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and their dog.

Duration:00:52:30

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The Most Important Story You Tell – Is Your Own

11/20/2025
Maya Angelou tells us that " There is no greater agony than bearing an untold storyVinnie Kinsella's life revolves around stories. Over the years, he has been a featured storyteller and reader at live shows including The Mystery Box, 7 Deadly Sins, and Valid. As the owner of Paper Chain Book Publishing Services—which provides editing, book design, and publication management services for independent authors and publishers—he is passionate about helping writers share their stories with the world. Vinnie is a popular presenter at writing and publishing workshops both big and small throughout the Pacific Northwest. He lives in the famously weird city of Portland, Oregon, with his husband and their pampered dog. inside you." Our show today is going to bring you up close and personal to the stories of men who struggled for half a life-time daring to find themselves and own and tell their stories. The power of this theme will be illuminated by our guest Vinnie Kinsella, a professional storyteller and reader, performer and the editor of the powerful book, Fashionably Late, Gay, Bi & Trans Men Who Came Out Late in Life. Your story may be very different. If you have ever wondered if you should go public with your story – you will want to hear our guest Vinnie Kinsella. Vinnie Kinsella's life revolves around stories. Over the years, he has been a featured storyteller and reader at live shows including The Mystery Box, 7 Deadly Sins, and Valid. As the owner of Paper Chain Book Publishing Services—which provides editing, book design, and publication management services for independent authors and publishers—he is passionate about helping writers share their stories with the world. Vinnie is a popular presenter at writing and publishing workshops both big and small throughout the Pacific Northwest. He lives in the famously weird city of Portland, Oregon, with his husband and their pampered dog.

Duration:00:45:23

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Encore: 14 Simple Ways to Become "Sharp"

11/13/2025
What if you could use 14 Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science? You can. In this show, Dr. Therese Huston returns to Psych Up Live with her new book "Sharp" - a little book that can play a very big role is your everyday success. Across the age spectrum people want to focus better, remember more, handle stress, bias, cope with pain, stay healthy and unlock their full potential. Dr. Huston guides us. She has already done the research and captured what we need to know and do to be more focused and productive often with 10 minute (sometimes 5 minute) strategies. Whether you want to feel more effective at work, with family or in achieving your personal goals- Listen in. THERESE HUSTON, PH.D., is a cognitive neuroscientist and Faculty Development Consultant at Seattle University. She was the founding director of the university's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and is now a consultant for its Center for Faculty Development. Therese is the author of previous books: Let's Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower; How Women Decide; and Teaching What You Don't Know. She has been interviewed on Harpers Bazaar and Goop for Let's Talk, and has written for TIME, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, Harvard Business Review and The Guardian. Therese has led workshops and presentations to Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and universities world-wide. She now lives in Seattle with her husband and their dog.

Duration:00:52:30