Love Is in the Cards: How Michael & Vivienne Aronowitz Created Marriage Aces

Married for over 48 years, Michael and Vivienne Aronowitz transformed their own journey into Marriage Aces—a playful, research-based game designed to help couples strengthen emotional safety, gratitude, kindness, and a solid foundation. Each trip around the board and every card drawn from the four decks creates new opportunities for closeness and better communication. In this lively episode, they share their story, the influences that shaped the game (Gottman, Sue Johnson, Coach Tony Dungy), and why humor, lychees, and even peeled grapes belong in the recipe for a happy marriage.Link to Marriage Aces: https://www.drmichaelaronowitz.com/marriage-acesCredits:River is High, Ticketless TravelerCarl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriterJenny Goodwine, vocalsJames Singleton, bassJohnny Vidocovich, drumsDave Easley, steel guitarProduced by Morgan Orion Reismanfor more information, [email protected] 2025WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim Bramson interviews Lisa Rosenthal, J.D. and Johanna Murphy, Ph.D. In this episode, Dr. Jim sits down with Lisa Rosenthal (lawyer, coach, and all-around human potential wrangler) and Dr. Johanna Murphy (psychologist and midlife whisperer) to talk about their group for moms navigating the wonderfully confusing second act of life. They delve into subjects like menopause, changing roles, transitions, shifting responsibilities, and newfound freedom. Johanna and Lisa also dive into the rollercoaster of midlife transitions: the body shifts, relationships shift, identity shifts—basically everything shifts except the demands on your time (those, apparently, stay on repeat). Think of it as adolescence with better skin and more of an opportunity to be yourself because, after all, “everyone else is taken.” Together this dynamic duo explores how to ditch limiting narratives, embrace mindfulness tools, and find joy, meaning, and purpose in a stage of life that can feel like chaos and possibility rolled into one.Credits:River is High, Ticketless TravelerCarl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriterJenny Goodwine, vocalsJames Singleton, bassJohnny Vidocovich, drumsDave Easley, steel guitarProduced by Morgan Orion Reismanfor more information, [email protected] 2025WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Josh WilsonParenting is the only gig where you’re expected to be a Zen monk, a crisis negotiator, and a part-time mediator — all before breakfast. In this episode of Shrinksrap, Dr. Jim Bramson sits down with Dr. Josh Wilson to explore mindful parenting through the lenses of IFS, ACT, and Imago —and, yes, how social media is both helping and wrecking us in equal measure. We dig into what it means to stay grounded when your kid is melting down in aisle 5 of Target, or when your teenager rolls their eyes so hard you worry they might sprain something. You’ll hear about practical strategies, awkward confessions, and why “just breathe” sometimes translates to hiding in the bathroom with Oreos. From bedtime battles to Instagram pressures, this episode reminds us that mindful parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about surviving the chaos with a little humor, a little compassion, and lot of curiosity, emotional maturity, self-awareness, and playfulness. After all, we want to stay lighthearted and unencumbered with PTSD (Playful Termination Stress Disorder).Credits:River is High, Ticketless TravelerCarl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriterJenny Goodwine, vocalsJames Singleton, bassJohnny Vidocovich, drumsDave Easley, steel guitarProduced by Morgan Orion Reismanfor more information, [email protected] 2025WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

In this episode, you’ll be regaled by the brilliant stories and psychiatric hacks of Dr. Sheldon Zablow—known to his friends and patients as Dr. Z, and to me as Dr. Shelly.Dr. Z is a retired child, adolescent, and forensic psychiatrist who practiced in San Diego for over four decades. He taught child psychiatry at UCSD for 25 years, earning multiple teaching awards, and worked with everyone from military families aboard the USS Carl Vinson to underserved populations and elite medical institutions.What makes Dr. Z truly one of a kind is how effortlessly he bridges science and story—whether he’s explaining the neurobiology of mental health or describing wrestling maneuvers like The Granby Roll with poetic precision.He’s also the author of Your Vitamins Are Obsolete: The Vitamer Revolution, a provocative and practical book on nutritional psychiatry—and yes, we’ll dive into that too.Credits:River is High, Ticketless TravelerCarl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriterJenny Goodwine, vocalsJames Singleton, bassJohnny Vidocovich, drumsDave Easley, steel guitarProduced by Morgan Orion Reismanfor more information, [email protected] 2025WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

An Interview with Carl ReismanIn this special episode, I sit down with my cousin Carl Reisman—a published poet, musician, chef, and lawyer who ran his law practice out of a converted Phillips 76 Station in Urbana, Illinois.We explore what it means to be fully human across disciplines, reflecting on two AI-generated pieces that deeply resonated with Carl (about Carl) and what it means to be fully human. He shares insights on justice, creativity, and presence—pondering whether humans are becoming more machine-like as AI becomes more human.A rich, soulful conversation on living authentically, nourishing others with “kind-fulness,” and embracing the freedom to live many lives in one.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim welcomes back his podcast comrade, Rafael Cortina, who returns to the studio after stepping into his new role as President of the International Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy (IAAGT).In this episode, Rafael shares insights from his leadership journey and offers a fresh take on the impact of Gestalt Therapy. He explores key principles including existentialism, parts work, present-moment awareness, and the transformative power of self-acceptance in fostering healthier relationships. Rafael also highlights the influence of Gestalt on contemporary approaches like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), along with his own expertise in trauma and addiction.But it’s not all theory—Dr. Jim and Rafael dive into their beloved offseason ritual: talking 49ers football. From leadership in therapy to leadership on the field, the conversation flows into a spirited discussion about the team’s future and the importance of community, both on and off the gridiron.This episode might just inspire you to sign up for an international Gestalt training—or snag tickets to a 49ers game and cheer on Brock Purdy, now Mr. Very Relevant.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Jim interviews Ben Yalom about his moving collaboration with his father, renowned psychiatrist Dr. Irvin D. Yalom, on their co-authored book, Hour of the Heart: Connecting in the Here and Now. Ben reflects on what it was like growing up in the shadow of a famous father—and in Palo Alto, no less, where not inventing a technological breakthrough by age 14 made you seem like a slacker. He shares how he forged his own unique path in theater, coaching, and therapy, while still honoring his father’s influence.We also explore the origin of the book: Irv, facing memory loss and aging, invited Ben to help him capture and shape his reflections—many drawn from decades of work with patients. Having supported his father on previous writing projects, Ben stepped into this collaboration with both tenderness and clarity.Throughout the conversation, we dive into themes of aging, legacy, father-son connection, existentialism, and the power of being present. Whether you’re a therapy enthusiast, a clinician, or someone interested in meaningful relationships across generations, this episode offers rich insights and warm humanity.Hour of the Heart speaks to both everyday readers and therapy nerds (like yours truly). Don’t miss this intimate and inspiring dialogue.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Dr. Jim Interviews Dr. Richard FreedIn this powerful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Richard Freed, whose new book Better Than Real Life examines how persuasive design is reshaping childhood—and not for the better. Dr. Freed’s work has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other major media outlets. And he’s also the author of the influential book Wired Child.You’ll hear a personal story about Dr. Freed’s long-lost Harvard certificate. And you’ll learn about his roots in Silicon Valley—back when it was covered in orange groves (okay, maybe not that long ago) and chips meant Pringles. Dr. Freed pulls back the curtain on persuasive design and what Jim calls “attention fracking”—how screen-based platforms, powered by behavioral science, hijack kids’ attention and emotions for profit. He explores how Big Tech uses these tools to draw children into the multiverse of social media, video games, and streaming content—stealing them away from the real-world experiences they need to thrive.Determined to speak truth to power, Dr. Freed exposes the science behind screen addiction and how it renders young minds vulnerable to manipulation. He makes the case for reclaiming a childhood centered on family, education, nature, and real human connection—not devices engineered for dependency.This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and anyone concerned with the future of childhood in the digital age.WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

Andre DeCary returns for his third episode—just two more, and he earns the coveted ShrinkRap jacket, SNL-style!In this conversation, Andre shares his distinctive approach to couples therapy, highlighting the key differences between working with individuals and couples. He also reflects on personal insights from his own life in this domain.Together, we explore the profound impact of reactivity on victimization—how staying out of a victim mindset can empower both you and your partner. Andre offers thoughtful perspectives on breaking free from disempowering narratives to create healthier, more connected relationships.This episode is a treat, so grab your tea and soak it all in!WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a.k.a., the John Lennon of Pediatric Gender CareDr. Jim sits down with the prolific and brilliant Dr. Diane Ehrensaft, a leading expert in pediatric gender care who envisions a more inclusive world for gender expression. A scholar, psychologist in private practice, author, child advocate, parent coach, and UCSF researcher, she plays a pivotal role in advancing cutting-edge gender-affirming care for children and adolescents.In this episode, Dr. Ehrensaft discusses her latest book, Gender Explained, co-authored with Michelle Jerkiewicz, Psy.D. She tackles the persistent myths surrounding gender care and compares transphobia today to the outdated beliefs of flat earthers. Like John Lennon, she dares to imagine a future of greater acceptance and understanding, predicated on love, empathy, truth, and caring. With humor, she reflects on the challenges of her field, joking that, given the current political climate, life might have been easier had she pursued dance instead of psychology. She also speaks candidly about the archaic and transphobic policies emerging from Project 25 and the ongoing battle to ensure access to gender-affirming care.Dr. Ehrensaft's research explores the development and psychological experiences of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive youth. She is actively involved in studies on the developmental pathways of gender-diverse children before puberty and the mental health outcomes of those who choose puberty blockers or gender-affirming hormones.Stick around until the end of the episode. Dr. Ehrensaft takes on University of Michigan trivia with enthusiasm. Go Blue!WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here