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. It Is Not Your Fault: What Parents, Clinicians, and Educators Should Know About Treating Eating Disorders

    DEC 8

    It Is Not Your Fault: What Parents, Clinicians, and Educators Should Know About Treating Eating Disorders

    Featuring Dr. Lauren Hartman M.D. Dr. Jim sits down with Dr. Lauren Hartman, a double board-certified specialist in Adolescent Medicine and Pediatrics, contributor to Psychology Today, and author of the forthcoming book Freeing Children & Young Adults from Shame, Scales & Stigma. In this episode, Dr. Hartman breaks down what every parent, clinician, and educator needs to understand about eating disorders—and why it’s not your fault. She highlights the essential role families can play in the healing process and offers practical guidance for supporting adolescents with compassion and clarity. We explore the Barbie effect, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and how social media and comparison culture fuel distorted body image and perfectionism. Dr. Hartman underscores the absurdity of our societal ideals: the original 1959 Barbie, scaled to human size, would stand 5’9”, weigh 110 pounds, measure 39–18–33, and—ironically—would meet criteria for anorexia. And Barbie’s measurements haven’t improved much since. Zooming out, we look at the cultural forces that perpetuate body shaming and misunderstanding about what “healthy” truly means. Dr. Hartman shares how to talk with adolescents about their eating disorders, what treatments show the strongest evidence, and how to navigate parental shame without derailing recovery. Finally, we discuss the powerful role of Internal Family Systems (IFS) as an integrative therapeutic approach for adolescents and families—an essential model for clinicians working in this space. This episode is a must-listen for anyone supporting young people on the path toward healing, nourishment, and self-compassion. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    49 min
  2. Mindful Parenting During Times of Uncertainty: Human Potential Conference

    DEC 1

    Mindful Parenting During Times of Uncertainty: Human Potential Conference

    Featuring Drs. Benton-Hardy, Freed, Peterson, and Ehrensaft • Hosted by Dr. Jim Bramson In this special episode, four brilliant clinicians explore what it means to parent mindfully in an age of rapid change, digital overload, and cultural uncertainty. Each expert brings a unique blend of curiosity, expertise, humor, and heart to the conversation. Dr. Lisa R. Benton-Hardy reflects on the risks of “Dr. Google” and the gap between online advice and true clinical expertise—especially when parents are overwhelmed by information. Dr. Dan Peters challenges the term “failure to launch,” offering a compassionate reframing: young adults often need more time to find their place in today’s complex world, and that’s not a failure. He also dives into the experiences of twice-exceptional (2E) children in dialogue with Dr. Hardy. Dr. Diane Ehrensaft discusses current research on gender-affirming care, the stressful political climate facing transgender youth and the professionals who support them, and what all parents can learn from the resilience and wisdom of queer and gender-diverse clients. Dr. Richard Freed brings his signature wit and clarity to the topic of persuasive design, attention hacking, and the addictive architecture of modern video games. He unpacks how Silicon Valley profits from keeping kids online—and why mindful parenting requires understanding the commoditization of a child’s attention span. This episode offers grounded, practical, and deeply human guidance for navigating parenting in our increasingly uncertain times. WCMI networking group A networking group for mindfulness-focused clinicians dedicated to learning together & collaborating for more information click here

    1h 24m
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (80)

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
    80
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Shrinks Rap
  • Show Website
    Shrinks Rap