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. SEP 25

    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
  2. SEP 23

    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
  3. SEP 18

    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
  4. SEP 16

    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
  5. AUG 21

    Bouncing Back: Mental Resilience and Health - Part 2

    Send us a text Ready to build unshakeable mental strength? The journey continues in this essential follow-up to our Mental Health Resilience series, where we dive deep into the practical tools that transform how you respond to life's challenges. At the heart of resilience lies emotional regulation – that crucial ability to recognize and manage your feelings before they manage you. We explore powerful techniques like cognitive reframing that help you see situations from fresh perspectives, breaking the cycle of knee-jerk reactions that often leave us feeling worse. You'll discover how changing your thinking quite literally changes your emotional landscape. Self-compassion emerges as a game-changer for mental wellbeing. Many of us beat ourselves up more harshly than we'd ever treat others, creating destructive cycles of guilt and negative behavior. Learn to interrupt this pattern by treating yourself with the understanding you'd naturally extend to a friend in crisis. Community connections prove vital for resilience. We share heartwarming stories of how simple acts of kindness – from jumpstarting a stranger's car to sharing homegrown vegetables with neighbors – create ripple effects of positivity that benefit both giver and receiver. These moments of human connection remind us we're not alone in our struggles. The episode provides actionable strategies for setting achievable goals and embracing change rather than resisting it. This adaptability forms the essence of resilience – anticipating changes, preparing for them, and moving forward with confidence when they arrive. Ready to strengthen your mental health toolkit? Text HYPNOSIS to 313-800-8510 for a free guide that complements these resilience strategies and discover how hypnosis can support your journey to greater emotional wellbeing. 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

    38 min
  6. AUG 19

    Bouncing Back: Mental Resilience and Health - Part 1

    Send us a text Resilience might be one of the most misunderstood aspects of mental health. Far more than just "bouncing back" or "toughing it out," true resilience is about developing mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility that allows you to adapt when life throws unexpected challenges your way. Have you ever noticed how some people seem to navigate life's difficulties with relative ease while others struggle significantly with similar challenges? The difference often comes down to resilience – and contrary to popular belief, it's not an innate trait but a skill that can be developed through intentional practice. In this deeply practical episode, we break down what mental resilience actually means and provide concrete strategies to help you build this crucial life skill. Drawing from psychological frameworks like Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, we explain why physical well-being forms the foundation of mental resilience. The "big three pillars" – sufficient sleep, mindful nutrition, and regular physical activity – create the physiological conditions necessary for emotional stability and cognitive flexibility. Perhaps most importantly, we emphasize that resilience must be cultivated during good times so it's available during challenging ones. Think of it as developing "mental muscle memory" through consistent practice. Simple techniques like mindfulness exercises (we share a powerful thumb-to-finger exercise that engages both brain hemispheres), deep breathing patterns, and engaging in personally meaningful activities all contribute to stronger resilience. Whether you're currently facing difficulties or simply want to prepare for future challenges, this episode offers valuable insights that can help you develop the mental flexibility needed to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs with greater ease and confidence. Subscribe now and join our community of listeners working toward better mental health through practical, evidence-based approaches. 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
  7. AUG 12

    The Healing Bond: How Pets Transform Mental Health (part 2)

    Send us a text The invisible threads that connect us to our animal companions run deeper than we often realize. This compelling exploration of the pet-human bond reveals how our furry, feathered, and finned friends transform our mental wellbeing through neurochemical pathways that science is only beginning to understand. When you stroke your cat's fur or feel your dog's head resting on your lap, something remarkable happens in your brain. Oxytocin—the bonding hormone—floods your system while stress hormones simultaneously decrease. What's fascinating is that the same chemical reaction occurs in your pet's brain too, creating a mutual healing exchange. This symbiotic relationship explains why 80% of people instinctively turn to their pets during moments of loneliness. Beyond the comfort they provide at home, pets create natural bridges to human connection. The simple act of walking a dog or discussing pet care with others fosters community engagement that might otherwise remain elusive, especially for those struggling with isolation or social anxiety. Veterans paired with service animals experience dramatic improvements in sleep quality, family relationships, and even employment prospects. Meanwhile, studies of Alzheimer's patients show remarkable benefits from simply eating meals in rooms with fish tanks—consuming more food and exhibiting fewer behavioral issues. The journey of pet ownership isn't without its heartaches. The inevitable loss of a beloved animal companion teaches us valuable lessons about grief and resilience. As one therapist beautifully explains, this experience parallels kintsugi—the Japanese art of mending broken items with gold. Through loss, we emerge changed but somehow more complete, having learned how to love unconditionally and navigate profound attachment. While taking on the responsibility of pet ownership requires careful consideration of financial and emotional commitments, the therapeutic benefits make it a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking improved mental health and emotional connection in an increasingly disconnected world. 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

    38 min
  8. AUG 7

    The Healing Power of Pets: How Animal Companions Boost Mental Health (part 1)

    Send us a text Ever wondered why petting your dog or cat feels so good after a stressful day? The science behind it is more powerful than you might think. The U.S. Surgeon General recently declared loneliness a major public health crisis, with shocking statistics showing it increases risk of heart disease by 29%, stroke by 32%, and dementia by a staggering 50%. But research now confirms what pet owners have intuitively known: our animal companions might be the antidote we desperately need. When we interact with pets, our brains release a cocktail of "happy hormones" including oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin – the same chemicals activated during positive human connections. This biological response explains why people who live with pets report lower rates of depression and anxiety, even when facing significant life challenges. Beyond the biochemical benefits, pets provide structure, purpose, and unconditional love. For people struggling with depression who might otherwise stay in bed all day, a dog needing a morning walk becomes powerful motivation to get moving. The responsibilities of pet ownership create healthy routines that anchor us to daily life, while their constant companionship battles the isolation that plagues modern existence. The story of Tommy, a service dog who detected his owner's life-threatening heart arrhythmia before medical instruments could, demonstrates the remarkable intuition many animals have about their humans' wellbeing. From reduced blood pressure to increased physical activity, the health benefits of pet ownership extend far beyond emotional support. Whether you're considering adopting a pet for mental health benefits or simply curious about strengthening your bond with an existing animal companion, this episode offers evidence-based insights and heartwarming stories that might just change how you view the animals in your life. Have you hugged your pet today? 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

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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