REM Reward

REM Reward
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Our podcasts provide greater insight into the life-changing benefits of sleep psychology. The host, Ryan Shintani, chats with guest speakers ranging from psychologists to sleep professionals. Some notable guests include Sports Sleep Coach Nick Littlehales, Specialist Sleep Physician Dr. David Cunnington, and Associate Professor Dr. George Dragoi from the Yale School of Medicine. If you want to learn more about how sleep can help you improve academically, socially, mentally, and physically, these podcasts are for you! For more tips, check out our website at remreward.org.

  1. 12/16/2025

    The Mysteries of Sleep & Dreaming – EP 27 w/ Dr. Wanda Willard

    In this episode, Ryan sits down with Dr. Wanda Willard, Professor of Psychology at Monroe Community College, to explore the science and mystery of sleep and dreaming. Drawing from her years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Willard explains what happens during the stages of sleep, how sleep deprivation affects our emotions and cognition, and how life experiences can shape our dreams. The conversation also explores recurring dreams, cultural interpretations of dreaming, common myths about sleep, and whether dreams can influence creativity or problem-solving. This episode is a thoughtful and engaging look at why sleep and dreams matter more than we often realize. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    19 min

  2. 11/16/2025

    Inside ‘Where Children Sleep’: Childhood, Culture & Inequality – EP 26 w/ James Molliso

    In this episode, Ryan speaks with James Mollison, whose acclaimed project Where Children Sleep explores childhood through the lens of the bedroom, and what it reveals about culture, inequality and identity. We discuss what inspired him to start this work, how children’s sleep-environments vary dramatically around the world, and what lessons his images hold for understanding the connections between material conditions, sleep and emotional health. Whether you’re interested in children’s mental-health, global cultures or photography as a tool for change, this episode offers a unique vantage on how a simple space, the place a child sleeps, can reflect far more than meets the eye. James Mollison Links: Website Where Children Sleep Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    13 min

  3. 10/15/2025

    Gentle Sleep, Better Nights – EP 25 w/ Professor Sarah Blunden

    In this episode, Ryan speaks with Professor Sarah Blunden, a world-renowned pediatric sleep researcher from CQUniversity Australia and Monash University. Sarah has spent decades studying how children and adolescents sleep, why their rest is so often disrupted, and what parents and communities can do to better support them. We discuss the most common sleep problems in young kids, how early sleep habits shape emotional and cognitive development, and her Gentle Methods of Self-Settling (GeMSS) approach to helping children learn healthy sleep patterns. We also dive into cultural perspectives on co-sleeping, the pressures parents face to “fix” sleep quickly, and why understanding sleep in context is key for supporting both children and families LINKS: https://sensiblesleep.com/ https://snoozeforkids.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Sensible-Sleep-Solution-Guide-Babys/dp/1862549478 Connect with REM Reward:► Website: remreward.org► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow!•⁠ ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠ ⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠•⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    35 min

  4. 09/16/2025

    Do We All Need 8 Hours? Cross-Cultural Sleep Norms – EP 24 w/ Benjamin Y. Cheung

    In this episode, Ryan speaks with Benjamin Y. Cheung, a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia. While Benjamin’s research spans cultural psychology, identity, and how social environments shape human behavior, today’s conversation focuses on his study comparing sleep patterns and beliefs across Japanese, European Canadian, and Asian Canadian university students. Together, they explore how culture influences what people consider “enough sleep,” whether the eight-hour rule really applies everywhere, and what these findings mean for health, productivity, and student well-being. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Links to Dr. Cheung's Papers! Benjamin Cheung - UBC Department of Psychology Benjamin Cheung - Personal Website Benjamin Cheung - Twitter Benjamin Cheung - Google Scholar Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    38 min

  5. 08/15/2025

    Why Sleep Restores Mental Health: Insights from a Sleep Coach – EP 23 w/ Jeanine Klotzkin

    In this episode, Ryan speaks with Jeanine Klotzkin, LPC, LCAT, a therapist and sleep coach who has helped countless clients break free from years of emotional and sleep struggles. Together, they discuss why sleep is one of the most overlooked keys to emotional resilience, how anxiety, depression, and trauma can profoundly disrupt sleep, and why the reverse is also true. They also explore the differences between psychologically rooted insomnia and other sleep disorders, share a powerful case study of someone who found relief after years of frustration, and explain why deep sleep plays such a critical role in accelerating emotional healing. Jeanine also offers one important mindset shift to embrace when beginning therapy. Her approach blends evidence-based sleep coaching with more than three decades of therapeutic experience, bridging the gap where traditional methods often fall short. Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    25 min

  6. 07/15/2025

    Understanding Kids' Sleep Science: Fun, Facts & Bedtime Tips – EP 22 w/ Wendy Bjazevich

    In this episode of REM Reward, Ryan dives into the mysteries of slumber with Wendy Bjazevich. They explore what sparked her passion for explaining sleep to kids, how she artfully balanced real science with fun storytelling, and the four stages of sleep broken down in terms that kids – and parents – will easily understand. Wendy shares why sleep is especially vital for children’s mood, learning, growth, and behavior, and reveals some of the biggest unanswered questions scientists still face about sleep. Along the way, she’ll surprise listeners with a little‑known fact about what happens in our bodies during slumber, and help parents recognize sleep disorders in kids, offering insights on issues like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. Wendy also takes us on a global journey, sharing interesting bedtime traditions and unusual sleeping arrangements from around the world. She reflects on the most surprising or fun sleep-related discovery she uncovered while researching her book, and leaves us with straightforward bedtime tips and routines for better nights. Her hope? That listeners leave with one key takeaway that truly matters. BOOK LINKS FROM WENDY: Bushel and Peck Books Link - Sleep: A Kid's Guide to the Science of Slumber Amazon Link - Sleep: A Kid's Guide to the Science of Slumber Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    29 min

  7. 06/16/2025

    Designing for Restful Sleep: Optimizing Your Bedroom Environment - EP 21 w/ Sarah Elizabeth Design

    In this episode of the REM Reward Podcast, Ryan sits down with Sarah Elizabeth: a high-end interior design firm located in Montclair NJ, creating effortless elegance one home at a time with 16 years in the industry. They explore how intentional bedroom design can dramatically improve sleep quality, discuss science-backed strategies for creating a restful sanctuary, from optimal furniture layouts and color psychology to lighting solutions and material choices. Sarah shares her expert tips on avoiding common design mistakes that unknowingly disrupt sleep, selecting calming color palettes, and incorporating natural elements for relaxation. The conversation also covers practical budget-friendly upgrades, how to thoughtfully integrate technology, and which design trends truly support wellness. Whether you're looking for a full bedroom redesign or simple tweaks to enhance your sleep environment, this episode is packed with actionable advice to transform your space into a sleep-promoting retreat. Links: Website: sarah-elizabethdesign.com Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen to our podcasts on other platforms and make sure to subscribe/follow! • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ •⁠ Spotify Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Google Podcasts⁠ •⁠ YouTube⁠ For more tips, check our website at remreward.org.

    35 min

  8. 05/15/2025

    Collaboration Post: Neurodiversity & Sleep Health - EP 20 w/ Ashley Ring (NJAAP + Prevent Suicide NJ)

    In this special episode, Ryan talks with Ashley Ring, Youth Consultant at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (NJAAP) and Prevent Suicide New Jersey. As a psychology student and mental health advocate, Ashley brings expertise in youth suicide prevention and neurodivergent sleep challenges. Together, they examine the critical connection between sleep deprivation and mental health crises in young people, share tailored strategies for neurodivergent individuals (including those with ADHD and autism), and discuss NJAAP's statewide initiatives to promote accessible mental health resources. Funding Acknowledgement: This program is supported by the New Jersey Department of Health and SAMHSA's Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Connect with Our Guests: Prevent Suicide New Jersey: preventsuicidenj.org NJAAP: njaap.org Crisis Resources: 988lifeline.org preventsuicidenj.org Connect with REM Reward: ► Website: remreward.org ► Instagram: @rem_reward Listen & Subscribe: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Google Podcasts • YouTube

    31 min
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About

Our podcasts provide greater insight into the life-changing benefits of sleep psychology. The host, Ryan Shintani, chats with guest speakers ranging from psychologists to sleep professionals. Some notable guests include Sports Sleep Coach Nick Littlehales, Specialist Sleep Physician Dr. David Cunnington, and Associate Professor Dr. George Dragoi from the Yale School of Medicine. If you want to learn more about how sleep can help you improve academically, socially, mentally, and physically, these podcasts are for you! For more tips, check out our website at remreward.org.

Information

  • Creator
    REM Reward
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © REM Reward
  • Show Website
    REM Reward