When East Meets West

We are bringing back the episode where Howard Spector shares how his journey from psychology student to tech entrepreneur led him to create Simple Practice, a business management software now used by over 100,000 healthcare providers and earning recognition as one of Forbes' best startup employers.• Discovered his passion for psychology as a teenager through Carl Jung's works• Attended Pacifica Graduate Institute for psychology training which became transformative• Created "Track Your Hours" software while in training to help therapists log clinical hours• Founded Simple Practice in 2012 to provide intuitive practice management software• Built a human-first company culture emphasizing individual strengths over job descriptions• Bootstrapped the company rather than seeking venture capital funding• Connects business success to deep mission of supporting professionals who help others• Implements mindfulness practices in leadership approach• Maintains vigilant attention to company culture and values• Challenges the notion that only "unicorn" startups represent entrepreneurial successReach out to share your thoughts or questions with us! We love hearing from our listeners.

From season 1, we being back the intersection of existentialism and behaviorism with our first guest, Dr. Robin Walser, discussing how these seemingly different approaches overlap in addressing life's fundamental questions about meaning and conscious living.• Both existentialism and ACT focus on being conscious and alive, asking what meaning we will create given our finite time• Rather than waiting for the perfect moment to live, ACT helps bring us into the present to create meaning now• Confronting mortality can be both terrifying and freeing, offering a chance to live more deliberately• Grief can last a lifetime without being pathological - it's possible to remain connected to those we've lost while continuing to live• Values and spirituality are deeply intertwined, challenging psychology's tendency to separate science from spirituality• Not making a choice is still making a choice - conscious living means acknowledging our freedom to choose within our circumstances• Creating something meaningful and vital means experiencing life fully rather than just "looking at the menu"

Dr. Pete and Dr. Nikki explore the complex relationship between sex and human connection, examining how sexual behavior can foster intimacy with others and oneself beyond simplistic cultural narratives.• Sex and intimacy are distinct concepts—intimacy can be as simple as holding hands or sharing a meaningful glance• America's puritanical roots have created unnecessary shame and rigid boundaries around sexual expression• Sexual fluidity exists on a spectrum, and passing thoughts don't necessarily define one's identity• Mental health professionals have historically pathologized normal aspects of human sexuality• Clinical statistics show 50% of sexual encounters in relationships are "unsuccessful" by traditional standards• Connection through sexual behavior goes beyond physical climax to emotional intimacy• Healthy sexuality involves clear communication, mutual respect, and individualized definitions of connectionStay tuned for part two of our discussion on sex and connection in season two of When East Meets West.

Psychologists Dr. Pete Economou and Dr. Nikki Rubin re-introduce their podcast bridging Eastern mindfulness practices with Western behavioral science. They share their professional backgrounds, personal journeys with mindfulness, and mission to make psychological science accessible to help people suffer less.• Pete is a PhD counseling psychologist, Zen practitioner, and associate professor at Rutgers University• Nikki is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive behavioral therapies and mindfulness• Both met 10 years ago during their clinical psychology internship in Newark, New Jersey• Pete's journey with mindfulness began before graduate school, leading to becoming a Zen practitioner• Nikki discovered mindfulness through her graduate training and maintains a regular yoga practice• Mindfulness functions as a behavior that aligns with behavioral science principles• Both Eastern traditions and Western science offer valuable insights for navigating life's challenges• The podcast aims to provide scientifically sound information about mindfulness without the "woo-woo"• Future episodes will explore topics including mindfulness, meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and racismBe present, be brave.

Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin celebrate five years since their first podcast collaboration, reflecting on how their journey began during the pandemic and evolved into a successful partnership despite initial reluctance.• Pete convinced Nikki to start podcasting during the pandemic despite her private nature• Nikki went from "kicking and screaming" to embracing the podcast after experiencing how fun it was• Five years provides a meaningful timeframe for reflection on personal and professional growth• Different approaches to reflection: Nikki uses "intentional remembering" while Pete incorporates gratitude practices• Our brains evolved to remember negative experiences better than positive ones for survival• The only healthy comparison is to your past self, not others or your imagined future self• Difficult professional experiences can yield unexpected gifts, like Pete and Nikki's enduring friendship• Mindful reflection differs from rumination by creating space for a complete picture of experiences"The past is already gone. The future is not yet here. There's only one moment for you to live."

We explore the difference between youth as a chronological stage and youthfulness as a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life, examining how these concepts influence our approach to aging and personal growth.• Youth is a developmental stage where we test boundaries and build character through experiences• The natural risk-taking of youth serves an important purpose in development• Social media has complicated modern youth by making information about risks more accessible• As we age, increased caution comes naturally from accumulated life experiences• Youthfulness is similar to "beginner's mind" but adds playfulness and spirited engagement• Maintaining youthfulness paradoxically requires accepting the aging process• Physical movement is essential for preserving a youthful spirit at any age• Finding balance between acceptance of limitations and continued engagement with life

We explore the uncomfortable yet necessary world of professional branding from our perspective as psychologists. Despite one of us actively disliking branding while simultaneously being considered a private practice celebrity, we unpack how visual representation communicates our values even when we resist traditional marketing approaches.• Tension between authentic representation and curated professional images• The discomfort many practitioners feel about social media management and self-promotion• Branding as a necessary business function versus an extension of personal identity• How office spaces and visual choices unconsciously communicate our professional approach• Reframing branding as value-based visual communication rather than just selling• The inevitable reality that everyone has a brand whether they cultivate it intentionally or not• Our own journey with the When East Meets West rebranding processVisit our newly redesigned website at WhenEastMeetsWest.com to see our updated branding!

Can koans untangle the complexities of our minds and offer a path to mental clarity? Explore this fascinating possibility with our special guest, Nikki, who passionately shares her experiences with these intricate Zen riddles. By challenging the intellectual mind, koans invite us into a space of simplicity and stillness, a concept that resonates deeply with the practice of meditation. We also reflect on how younger generations are more receptive to integrating mindfulness into their daily lives, potentially unlocking new avenues for mental clarity and balance. From "just sitting" in silence to appreciating the wisdom of being present, this discussion promises to both challenge and inspire.Join us as we traverse the rich tapestry of spiritual wisdom that transcends cultural divides. We find intriguing connections between Buddhist teachings and the principles of the 12-step programs of AA, highlighting the universal nature of spiritual insights. A puzzling koan, "In a place where there's nothing, what is it?" serves as a springboard for pondering the essence of existence and the human pursuit of meaning. Our conversation delves into the fusion of Eastern spirituality with Western psychology, celebrating the beauty of simply observing thoughts without judgment. Nikki candidly shares her personal journey towards embracing this mindset, underscoring the importance of patience and openness in our quest for understanding.

Unlock the true complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with us as we shatter common stereotypes and misconceptions. Have you ever wondered if OCD is more than meticulous hand-washing or repetitive checking? Discover the hidden layers of this disorder, including the intriguing "pure O" subtypes where compulsions are mental rather than physical. We'll share our personal journeys through the evolving landscape of OCD treatment and training, emphasizing the critical need for specialized knowledge to manage severe cases effectively.This episode offers valuable insights into the world of OCD treatment, spotlighting powerful methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Learn how these therapies are making a significant impact, especially for high-performing individuals like athletes. We also highlight essential resources like intrusivethoughts.org and Chad Lejeune's book "Pure O: OCD Letting Go of Obsessive Thoughts with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy," which are invaluable for anyone dealing with OCD. Join us in understanding why recognizing and accepting one's challenges is a vital step towards managing symptoms, with OCD affecting a notable portion of the global population.