Shrinks Rap

James Bramson, Psy, D & Rafael Cortina, MFT
  • 5.0 (19)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Shrinks Rap welcomes psychologists and healers to share their journeys - both personal and professional. James H. Bramson, licensed Psychologist and Social Worker, and Rafael J. Cortina, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist "rap" with a variety of guests, including new and seasoned therapists, thought leaders, creative artists, and lifestyle experts about how their paths brought them to the field of healing and what they've learned along the way. 

  1. The Architect of Connection: Jeff Cohen on Couples Therapy

    OCT 21

    The Architect of Connection: Jeff Cohen on Couples Therapy

    Dr. Jim Bramson interviews his esteemed colleague and good mate - Jeff Cohen.  Jeff Cohen is an articulate, deeply knowledgeable couples therapist with a background as unique as his approach. Before becoming a therapist, Jeff trained as an architect—and that foundation in design informs both his artistry as a visual artist and his craftsmanship as a clinician. In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from blueprints to breakthroughs and offers an inside look at his work with couples through the PACT model and the Hakomi Method.  He reflects on what couples should look for in therapy, what actually works best in the process, and what aspiring couples therapists ought to keep in mind. Jeff is brilliant, candid, and full of wisdom—you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the art and architecture of couples therapy. And then there’s the Minnesota trivia segment. Let’s just say Jeff nailed the politicians and Bob Dylan but forgot Prince, Judy Garland, the Coen Brothers, and Al Franken. Even so, his Minneapolis roots and mastery of the field are beyond question. Enjoy this rich, insightful, and slightly playful conversation! WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    1h 3m
  2. Psychiatry and Mindful Parenting in the Land of Oz

    OCT 13

    Psychiatry and Mindful Parenting in the Land of Oz

    Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Lisa Hardy, M.D. In this insightful episode, Dr. Jim sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Lisa Hardy to explore the intersections of medication, therapy, and mindful parenting. Dr. Hardy shares her wisdom on when medication can be helpful versus when therapy may be most effective, the unique challenges of treating ADHD and twice-exceptional (2E) children, and how hormonal shifts during menopause influence mental health. The conversation also delves into the effects of social media on attention span, the often-overlooked importance of hydration, and the deeper themes of humility, curiosity, and authenticity in clinical work. Together, they “pull back the curtain” to reveal what it truly means to show up more fully human—for both clients and themselves as healers. Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    51 min
  3. Love Is in the Cards: How Michael & Vivienne Aronowitz Created Marriage Aces

    OCT 8

    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-aces Credits: River is High, Ticketless Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    56 min
  4. Reclaiming Joy and Meaning: For Moms in Midlife

    OCT 6

    Reclaiming Joy and Meaning: For Moms in Midlife

    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 Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    56 min
  5. Mindful Parenting Without Losing Your Self Compassion or Cool

    OCT 6

    Mindful Parenting Without Losing Your Self Compassion or Cool

    Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Josh Wilson Parenting 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 Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    59 min
  6. Brains, Biochemistry, Nutritional Psychiatry, and the Granby Roll: A Conversation with Dr. Sheldon Zablow

    AUG 8

    Brains, Biochemistry, Nutritional Psychiatry, and the Granby Roll: A Conversation with Dr. Sheldon Zablow

    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 Traveler Carl Reisman, guitar, singer, and songwriter Jenny Goodwine, vocals James Singleton, bass Johnny Vidocovich, drums Dave Easley, steel guitar Produced by Morgan Orion Reisman for more information, carlreisman@gmail.com Copyright 2025 WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    1h 3m
  7. Being Fully Human: Lawyer, Poet, Musician, Chef

    JUL 4

    Being Fully Human: Lawyer, Poet, Musician, Chef

    An Interview with Carl Reisman In 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

    54 min
  8. The Comeback: Rafael Cortina Talks IAAGT, Gestalt Therapy, and Brock Purdy’s Rise

    MAY 30

    The Comeback: Rafael Cortina Talks IAAGT, Gestalt Therapy, and Brock Purdy’s Rise

    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

    47 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Shrinks Rap welcomes psychologists and healers to share their journeys - both personal and professional. James H. Bramson, licensed Psychologist and Social Worker, and Rafael J. Cortina, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist "rap" with a variety of guests, including new and seasoned therapists, thought leaders, creative artists, and lifestyle experts about how their paths brought them to the field of healing and what they've learned along the way. 

Information

  • Creator
    James Bramson, Psy, D & Rafael Cortina, MFT
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Shrinks Rap
  • Show Website
    Shrinks Rap

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