Motor City Hypnotist

The Motor City Hypnotist Podcast discusses all things related to hypnosis, mental health, self-help and inspiration without the psychobabble. Come join us for fun, informative and entertaining content that you can use to improve yourself and make positive changes! David R. Wright is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Hypnotist/Hypnotherapist.  He has been in practice for 29 years and performs comedy hypnosis stage shows as The Motor City Hypnotist.

  1. 2D AGO

    Emotional Intelligence, Explained Clearly - Part 2

    Send a text What if one small shift could turn tense conversations into genuine understanding? We dive into emotional intelligence part two and move from the inside out—starting with self-awareness and landing on practical empathy you can use today at home, at work, and online. We break down the difference between empathy and agreement, why limitless empathy leads to burnout, and how “listening to understand” changes the tone of any room. You’ll hear simple, repeatable tools: reflect what you heard, label the emotion you sense, and ask a curious follow-up that invites connection instead of defensiveness. We also get real about conflict—how to state needs clearly, repair after missteps with a sincere apology, and find common ground without caving on your values. Workplace dynamics get a spotlight with strategies for reading the room, giving precise feedback, and managing stress so it doesn’t spread. Then we tackle the digital trap: doomscrolling, algorithm bait, and knowing when to disengage. If the news is vital, it will reach you—so set guardrails and protect your emotional bandwidth. To help you build durable habits, we share daily reps that compound: one emotional check-in, one mindful pause before responding, and one empathetic question in every conversation. For deeper study, we point to Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence and the GLAD practice—gratitude, learned, accomplishment, delight—to train attention toward balance. If you want fewer blowups, better mornings, and calmer meetings, this one gives you clear steps to start right away. Listen, try the daily reps, and tell us what changed first. If this helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools. FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    31 min
  2. 4D AGO

    Emotional Intelligence, Explained Clearly - Part 1

    Send a text Ever say the right thing in the worst way? We tackle emotional intelligence with practical tools you can use today to recognize what you feel, regulate your reactions, and connect without losing your cool. David R. Wright, the Motor City Hypnotist, breaks EI down to essentials—self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills—and shows how they play out at home, at work, and in your own mind. We start by making emotions visible. You’ll learn how body signals often arrive before thoughts and why naming precise feelings—embarrassed, dismissed, overwhelmed—can dial down intensity fast. From there, we move into strategies that turn conflict into clarity: a 90-second rule to ride the wave, simple breathing to reset your physiology, and a crucial pause before hitting send on that rage-text. For couples and teams, we share structured conversation rules—no interruptions, clear turn-taking, and I-statements—that lower defensiveness and surface the real issue, whether it’s respect, control, or fear of criticism. You’ll also hear why IQ isn’t enough when stakes are high and how emotionally intelligent leaders spot triggers, read body language, and respond with calm, specific language. We highlight a feel-good Winner of the Week about high school students repairing cars for single moms, and we close with a Detroit Dog Rescue spotlight for Cadju, a smirking charmer who needs a home. If you’re ready to swap reactivity for presence, build a richer emotional vocabulary, and make better decisions under pressure, this one’s for you. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a smarter way to handle hard moments. What’s one situation you want to navigate differently this week? FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    34 min
  3. JAN 20

    Celebrating Wins, Laughter, And Mental Health Progress In 2025

    Send us a text Ready for a dose of proof that hope is practical? We’re closing the book on 2025 by pulling together the moments that stayed with us: a golden retriever pulled from an icy pond by quick-thinking firefighters, a delivery driver who trusted his gut and saved a life, and community stars who stepped up in quiet, meaningful ways. These stories aren’t just feel-good; they’re a playbook for how small acts ripple into big change. We also revisit the mental health tools listeners kept using all year. Social media can be a stress amplifier, but with tighter boundaries and intentional feeds, it can deliver real connection. Laughter gets top billing because it’s a physiological reset that lowers cortisol and builds social glue, and music works just as fast—curated playlists became our go-to for focus, recovery, and comfort. Pets show up as everyday therapists, giving structure, joy, and sometimes literal lifesaving alerts. And for those curious about care beyond the usual, we share insights from our team: energy-based support like Reiki for clients who want it, plus grounded, shame-free sex therapy that treats desire, dysfunction, and trust as mental health issues with practical steps forward. Threaded through it all is our favorite tradition: Winners of the Week. From retired police dogs returning to track down hikers to a 66-year-old finally joining a marching band, these moments prove that courage is contagious. We’re setting a new goal to bring some of these folks onto the show so we can ask the unanswered questions and go deeper than a headline ever can. If you’re here for resilience, humor, and tools you can use today, you’re in the right place. If this roundup lifted your mood, tap follow, share it with a friend who needs good news, and leave a quick review so more people can find the show. Want freebies and updates? Text hypnosis to 313 800 8510. Change your thinking, change your life—let’s keep going together. FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    37 min
  4. JAN 16

    Self-Care Isn’t Luxury: It’s The Work

    Send us a text Need a clean reset for the new year without the hype? We’re back from a short sabbatical with a focused year in review that trims the fluff and doubles down on what actually helps: clear therapy tools, real self-care, and stories that rewire belief. We kick off with a jaw-dropping Winner of the Week—Hari Budha Magar, a British veteran and double above-knee amputee, who completed the Seven Summits—then unpack how his achievement models adaptation, grit, and purpose for anyone facing hard goals. From there, we get practical. We talk about the mental health power of deep-focus hobbies—like model building and family puzzles—and how to use flow states without slipping into burnout. Structure beats willpower: time-box your focus, set hard stops, and keep your recovery just as intentional. We revisit our most-requested therapy Q&A insights: how to choose the right therapist, define a goal in one sentence, and measure progress you can feel. We also return to golf therapy, where breath, movement, and attention under gentle pressure become portable regulation skills for anxiety and focus. Autism and emotional regulation earned a big spotlight this year, and for good reason. The spectrum is diverse, strengths are real, and support works best when it’s tailored. We dig into practical tools for overstimulation, clearer communication, and routine-building that honors autonomy. The throughline across everything is simple: self-care isn’t luxury, it’s the work—small systems repeated consistently, with compassion. If you’re ready to build a steadier 2025, hit play, take what serves you, and leave the rest. Subscribe for new episodes, share this with someone who needs a hopeful nudge, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools. FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    27 min
  5. 09/25/2025

    Top 10 Songs That Save Us - Part 2

    Send us a text Ever wondered what songs get stuck in a hypnotist's head? In this musical journey, David and Matt pull back the curtain on their personal playlists, sharing the tracks that have shaped their lives and continue to move them emotionally. David takes us through his affection for what he playfully calls "faux rock bands" of the 80s—Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon—with particular fondness for "Separate Ways" and its distinctive guitar harmonics. His enthusiasm for The Doors reveals a deeper connection, having "consumed every book ever written" about the band, while his discovery of Muse years after their initial popularity demonstrates how great music finds us when we're ready for it. Matt brings a contrasting musical palette to the conversation, from Coldplay's "Clocks" (which he insists feels like a personal performance when experienced live) to electronic tracks by Spunk Shine and Shapeshifter that instantly transport him into relaxation mode after stressful workdays. His passion for Hamilton showcases how experiencing the same music from different physical perspectives—whether on Disney+ or from opposite sides of a theater—creates entirely new impressions of familiar material. What makes this episode particularly compelling is how each song selection reveals something profound about its chooser. When Matt describes Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries as having "the voice of an angel" or David explains how Earth, Wind & Fire's vocal harmonies in "Fantasy" speak to his musical training, we witness music's ability to connect with our unique experiences and emotional wiring. The conversation becomes a fascinating exploration of how we develop relationships with songs—some through technical appreciation, others through emotional association, and many through shared moments with loved ones. As streaming has changed our listening habits, their nostalgic reflections on experiencing albums from start to finish serve as a gentle reminder of what we might be missing in today's single-track world. Whether you're seeking new additions to your playlist or simply enjoy hearing passionate people discuss the music that moves them, this episode offers a window into how deeply personal our soundtracks can be. What songs would make your list? FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    39 min
  6. 09/23/2025

    Top 10 Songs That Save Us - Part 1

    Send us a text Have you ever noticed how certain songs can instantly transport you to specific moments in your life, triggering powerful emotions and memories? This phenomenon lies at the heart of music's profound impact on our mental health—a topic David and Matt explore by sharing their personal favorite songs that make them feel good. Selecting just a handful of favorites proves nearly impossible as both hosts struggle to narrow down their extensive musical preferences. David's selections include Depeche Mode's "Halo," Queen's "The Show Must Go On," and The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," each choice accompanied by personal connections and meaningful backstories. Matt counters with his love for The Chemical Brothers, Gene Vincent's "Be-Bop-A-Lula," and an hour-and-a-half Fatboy Slim concert that sustained him through COVID lockdowns. The episode features a heartwarming "Winner of the Week" story about Kent Broussard, who at age 66 fulfilled his childhood dream of joining LSU's marching band. After watching them perform as a nine-year-old in 1968, Kent carried this aspiration for decades. Upon approaching retirement, he enrolled in college, relearned the tuba, began intensive physical training, and successfully auditioned—becoming the band's oldest member by 41 years. His story perfectly encapsulates the theme that music can inspire and fulfill us at any stage of life. Throughout their conversation, David and Matt touch on music's ability to forge connections between people, create shared experiences, and provide comfort during difficult times. Whether it's a song that becomes special between partners or a playlist that keeps you going through global uncertainty, music's therapeutic benefits extend far beyond mere entertainment. What songs make you feel better when you hear them? Share your favorites on our Facebook page and join the conversation about music's power to heal, inspire, and connect us all. FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    33 min
  7. 09/18/2025

    Sonic Healing: How Music Shapes Your Emotional Wellbeing - Pt. 2

    Send us a text Have you ever noticed how the right song can instantly change your mood? There's real science behind that feeling. Music doesn't just entertain us—it fundamentally alters our brain chemistry and emotional state in ways that can significantly improve our mental health. When life feels overwhelming, music creates a sanctuary where we can safely process complex emotions. Research consistently shows that listening to music reduces stress hormones like cortisol while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine. This neurochemical shift explains why even sad songs can sometimes make us feel better—they provide a framework for experiencing difficult emotions from a safe distance. What makes music particularly powerful as a mental health tool is its versatility. Classical compositions might calm anxiety, while upbeat tracks can energize and elevate mood. Lyrics often give voice to feelings we struggle to articulate ourselves, creating those "that's exactly how I feel" moments that validate our experiences. For teenagers and young adults especially, music becomes a crucial part of identity formation and emotional development. The connection between music and memory creates another dimension of healing. Songs can transport us to specific moments in time—sometimes painful, but often precious. As we discuss in this episode, reframing our relationship with music tied to departed loved ones can transform these songs from triggers of grief into celebrations of cherished memories. Musicians themselves experience enhanced cognitive benefits, typically showing higher IQs due to the mental coordination required to play instruments. But you don't need talent to benefit from music's psychological effects—simply listening with intention is enough to alter your mental state in meaningful ways. Whether you're creating mood-specific playlists, exploring new genres, or revisiting old favorites, your soundtrack choices matter. The next time you're feeling anxious, sad, or disconnected, try reaching for your headphones—the right song might be the most effective therapy session you'll have all day. FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    31 min
  8. 09/16/2025

    Sonic Healing: How Music Shapes Your Emotional Wellbeing - Pt. 1

    Send us a text Music has a remarkable ability to transport us through time, evoke powerful emotions, and even heal our psychological wounds. This fascinating connection between melodies and mental wellbeing takes center stage as we explore how the songs that soundtrack our lives can profoundly impact our emotional health. The power of musical association reveals itself through Casey Clark's touching story. After losing her grandfather, she found solace in Michael Bublé's album—the last gift she gave him before his passing. Now, when grief or PTSD symptoms overwhelm her, those familiar melodies provide grounding when traditional coping techniques fall short. This personal connection exemplifies how music becomes intertwined with our most significant memories and relationships. Science strongly supports what many of us intuitively understand about music's therapeutic qualities. Research demonstrates that regular listening to classical music significantly reduces anxiety levels, while other studies show music helps people recover faster from stressful experiences. The physiological benefits are measurable—lower stress hormones, reduced blood pressure, and decreased heart rate. Music offers both an emotional escape and a way to process complex feelings, particularly when we're stuck in negative thought patterns. Our musical preferences typically form during adolescence and young adulthood, creating lifelong connections that become emotional resources during difficult times. Whether through the nostalgic mixtapes of yesterday or today's carefully curated streaming playlists, these sonic companions help us navigate life's challenges. Instrumental music—from classical compositions to electronic dance music—allows listeners to project their feelings into the soundscape, creating a personalized emotional outlet without the potential distraction of lyrics. Beyond passive listening, actively engaging with music through playing instruments provides additional benefits, fostering discipline, creativity, and emotional expression. These multifaceted musical experiences build resilience and offer healing during times of stress, grief, or anxiety. Ready to explore how music might enhance your own mental wellbeing? Subscribe now and join us for part two as we continue this fascinating discussion about the soundtrack of our emotional lives. FIND ME: My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcast My social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gA Twitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypno Instagram: motorcityhypno FREE HYPNOSIS GUIDE https://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guide Please also subscribe to the show and leave a review. (Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!) Change your thinking, change your life! Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHT The Motor City Hypnotist

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Motor City Hypnotist Podcast discusses all things related to hypnosis, mental health, self-help and inspiration without the psychobabble. Come join us for fun, informative and entertaining content that you can use to improve yourself and make positive changes! David R. Wright is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Hypnotist/Hypnotherapist.  He has been in practice for 29 years and performs comedy hypnosis stage shows as The Motor City Hypnotist.

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