The Dude Therapist

Rainbow Creative
  • 4.9 (65)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Dude Therapist, where we delve into the heart of relationships, mental health, and self-help with no-nonsense conversations and a whole lot of compassion. Join us as we sit down with experts and myself in these fields to uncover practical strategies, insightful advice, and real-life stories that empower you to navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity. Follow Eli on Instagram @thedudetherapist and @eliweinstein_lcsw This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer. For sponsorship and guest inquires email podcasts@rainbowcreative.co

  1. Teen Parenting Mistakes That Are Breaking Your Relationship (And How to Fix It)!

    2D AGO

    Teen Parenting Mistakes That Are Breaking Your Relationship (And How to Fix It)!

    In this episode, Eli Weinstein sits down with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, and author of the upcoming book Love the Teen You Have, for her second appearance on The Dude Therapist!  Together, they take a grounded, honest look at parenting through the teen years and why this stage is often misunderstood, under-resourced, and emotionally charged for both parents and kids. They explore why it’s never too late to repair and rebuild connection with your teen, how many “behavior problems” are actually bids for connection, and why parenting the child in front of you matters more than clinging to an idealized version of who you thought they’d be. Dr. Lockhart also breaks down which battles are actually worth having, how over-monitoring tools like Life 360 can increase anxiety and mistrust, and why rigid discipline structures often miss the point of adolescent development. The conversation also dives into screen time and digital boundaries, the role of chores and structure without control-based parenting, and how messaging around masculinity can impact boys’ emotional health. Finally, Dr. Lockhart introduces the concept of re-parenting, how increasing your own self-awareness and healing your inner child directly shapes the kind of parent you become, and how unconditional love, paired with healthy boundaries, can fundamentally shift the parent-teen relationship. Why parenting teens (ages 9–19) is often under-supported Repairing relationships with teens — even after years of disconnection “Bad behavior” as communication and bids for connection Choosing your battles: what matters vs. what doesn’t Chores, structure, and avoiding rigid, control-based parenting Toxic masculinity messaging and boys’ emotional development How unconditional love reshapes long-term parent-child dynamics And much more! Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart Links: https://linktr.ee/dr.annlouise.lockhart  Book From I Do To We Do: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/bookEli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/ This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer & Editor Matthew “MoJo” Jones. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to podcasts@rainbowcreative.co  00:00 Introduction & Welcome03:40 Why Teen Parenting Needs More Attention06:10 Reconnecting With Your Teen (It’s Never Too Late)09:45 Behavior as Communication12:30 Choosing Your Battles as a Parent15:20 Messy Rooms, Independence & Letting Go18:05 Individuation & Teen Identity Formation20:40 Screen Time, Social Media & Boundaries23:10 Life 360, Monitoring & Trust Issues27:35 Chores, Structure & Rigid Parenting Pitfalls31:10 Masculinity Messaging & Boys’ Mental Health34:40 Re-Parenting Yourself Explained39:15 How Inner Work Changes Parenting43:30 Final Takeaways & Closing Advice Topics Covered:Connect with Our Guest:Connect with Eli & The Dude Therapist:Chapter Timecodes: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  2. Infertility, IVF & Mental Health: Dr. Lucky on Myths, Testing Timelines, and Coping as a Couple

    APR 15

    Infertility, IVF & Mental Health: Dr. Lucky on Myths, Testing Timelines, and Coping as a Couple

    In this episode, Eli opens up about his and his wife’s personal infertility journey and sits down with Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a double board-certified OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at RMA of New York and author of The Lucky Egg (out January 13). Together, they explore why conversations around infertility have become more mainstream and the emotional weight so many couples quietly carry, including shame, comparison, grief, anxiety, and the very real risk of treatment dropout due to psychological stress. Dr. Lucky challenges common misconceptions, explaining that infertility is not solely a female issue, lifestyle alone cannot prevent it, and egg count does not equal overall fertility. She outlines when to seek testing, including irregular cycles, trying for 12 months if under 35, 6 months if 35+, and 3 months at 40 - and emphasizes the importance of a proactive care mindset. The conversation also highlights how clinicians can better integrate emotional support into treatment plans, how couples can show up for one another without blame, and how to protect identity and self-worth during the process. They discuss navigating social triggers, handling insensitive comments, and offering practical language to support loved ones who may be struggling. Dr. Lucky also shares the heart behind writing The Lucky Egg, addresses common internet fertility myths, and leaves listeners with a grounded, hopeful message: you are not alone, and support matters. Connect with our Guest Dr. Lucky’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucky.sekhon/ Website: https://theluckyegg.com/  Order “The Lucky Egg”: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/lucky-egg-9781250408716/  Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist! Book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book - Order Today!Eli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/ Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/ This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer & Editor Matthew “MoJo” Jones. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Infertility journey 01:02 Meet Dr. Lucky Sekhon 04:59 Why infertility talk exploded 07:54 Emotional toll and resilience 11:16 Common fertility myths 16:27 Egg numbers and expectations 17:36 Hope stats and the unknown 21:23 When to start testing 24:24 Proactive care mindset 25:50 Supporting each other 28:30 Protecting identity 30:20 Handling social triggers 34:17 Practical support scripts 35:57 Writing The Lucky Egg 39:29 Internet fertility myths 41:47 Hopeful closing message 43:08 Where to find the book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  3. How to Heal Anxious & Avoidant Attachment (Nervous System Explained) | Jessica Baum

    MAR 27

    How to Heal Anxious & Avoidant Attachment (Nervous System Explained) | Jessica Baum

    In this interview, psychotherapist Jessica Baum returns to discuss her second book, "Safe," which expands beyond her first book "Anxiously Attached" to cover all attachment styles through a "Wheel of Attachment," embedded attachment wounds, and the neuroscience of healing. She explains how attachment patterns shape nervous system responses during conflict. Anxious tendencies can include people-pleasing, fear of abandonment, and escalation, while avoidant tendencies can include withdrawal and shutdown. She also discusses how early caregiver attunement, rupture and repair, and emotional presence influence a child's felt sense of safety. Baum describes "earned security" as possible at any age through neuroplasticity and "anchoring relationships" that provide consistent, warm co-regulation and disconfirming experiences. She notes that people often gravitate toward familiar chaos. She also addresses navigating relationships when only one partner commits to the work and shares practical starting points like mapping core wounds and seeking safe, supportive connections. Connect with our guest Jessica Baum!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabaumlmhc/  Order “Safe” Today: https://jessicabaumlmhc.com/safe  Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist! Book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book - Order Today! Eli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/ Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/   This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co  CHAPTERS 00:00 Conflict and Attachment 00:47 Meet Jessica Baum 01:58 Why Safe Matters 04:20 Vulnerability and Healing 08:07 Attachment Goes Mainstream 12:21 Childhood Wiring Explained 15:07 What Safety Means 20:02 Earned Secure Attachment 22:35 Choosing Safe People 26:20 When Partners Diverge 31:03 Practical Takeaways 32:51 Where to Find Jessica 33:41 Closing Thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    36 min
  4. F the Fairytale: Chemistry vs Curiosity, Soulmates, and Intentional Dating | Dude Therapist w/ Damona Hoffman

    MAR 17

    F the Fairytale: Chemistry vs Curiosity, Soulmates, and Intentional Dating | Dude Therapist w/ Damona Hoffman

    On this episode of Dude Therapist, host Eli sits down with certified dating coach and relationship strategist Damona Hoffman, the official love expert for The Drew Barrymore Show and Access Hollywood, to break down the biggest shifts in dating over the past 20 years.  From the rise of texting replacing face-to-face connection to the myths of “instant chemistry,” Damona reveals why modern love often feels confusing, and how to navigate it successfully. Learn the relationship truths no one talks about: the fairytale myth of effortless love, the pressure of the relationship escalator, and the paradox of choice. Damona shares her proven framework for finding lasting love: three must-haves, one deal breaker, and four pillars of compatibility: shared values, shared goals, communication & conflict resolution, and trust & respect. Discover why partners can’t fill every need, the importance of community, and how curiosity beats instant sparks when building a mindful, fulfilling partnership. If you’re tired of dating drama and want practical strategies for love that lasts, this episode is for you. Watch or Listen now and transform the way you approach modern relationships! Connect with Damona! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonahoffman/  Damona’s Book: F the Fairy Tale Book by Damona Hoffman https://a.co/d/08SD7f6M  Damona’s Podcast: https://damonahoffman.com/dates-and-mates-podcast/  Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist! Book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book - Order Today! Eli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/ Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/   This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co Chapters 00:00 Dating With Intention 03:48 How Dating Changed 07:13 The Love Fairytale Myth 10:33 Maximizers Vs Satisficers 11:54 Three Must Haves 13:52 Intentional Dating Basics 15:37 Matchmaking List Story 18:23 Friends And Intuition 21:07 Chemistry Grows Over Time 23:43 Sameness Vs Support 26:58 Hobbies Are Not Values 28:12 Keep Your Community 29:31 Cup Filling Myth 32:05 Slow Love Escalator 33:24 Green Flags Mindset 34:24 Chemistry Versus Curiosity 37:54 First Date Strategy 41:14 Soulmate Fairytale Trap 48:15 Fame Dating Reality 53:46 Hope With Roadmap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    57 min
  5. You Are Not Your Thoughts | Mayim Bialik on Mental Health, Faith & Identity

    MAR 10

    You Are Not Your Thoughts | Mayim Bialik on Mental Health, Faith & Identity

    In this thoughtful and wide-ranging episode of The Dude Therapist Podcast, Mayim Bialik reflects on a life lived at the intersection of intellect, faith, fame, and mental health. You may know Mayim as the young star of Beaches or the beloved lead of Blossom, and later as neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on The Big Bang Theory. But this conversation goes far beyond the screen. Mayim opens up about stepping away from Hollywood to earn her neuroscience degree at UCLA, becoming a mother, returning to television with Call Me Kat, hosting Jeopardy!, and ultimately launching her own mental health platform and podcast. With candor and clarity, Mayim explores how her Jewish identity—rooted in ritual, routine, community, tikkun olam, and a “God of my understanding”—has evolved over time. She speaks vulnerably about navigating October 7th, rising antisemitism, social media hostility, and the pressure to speak (or stay silent) in a polarized industry. She shares what it means to hold boundaries as an observant Jew in Hollywood—from modesty to holiday accommodations in contracts—while still leading with compassion and repair. In this episode, we explore: Growing up in the spotlight and redefining success beyond fame Returning to science and the power of intellectual identity Jewish values, ritual, and faith in moments of global crisis Setting boundaries in Hollywood and advocating for respect Democratizing mental health language and reducing stigma Therapy modalities including EMDR and somatic approaches Skepticism around pharmaceutical advertising and access to care Parenting through attachment and RIE principles Apologizing to your children and modeling accountability Limiting social media and remembering: you are not your thoughts or feelings This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating identity, faith, parenthood, mental health, or life transitions under public scrutiny. Grounded, reflective, and deeply human—this is a conversation about integrating every version of yourself and choosing integrity over approval. Connect with Mayim Bialik! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missmayim/  Links: https://linktr.ee/Mayimbialik  Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist! Book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book - Order Today! Eli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/ Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/   This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co  00:00 Introduction  00:38 Mayim Life Arc 03:11 Jewish Identity Values 09:21 Faith Therapy Selfhood 10:44 Hollywood Boundaries 15:53 Post Oct 7 Antisemitism 20:32 Podcast Mental Health Shift 21:40 Science Meets Mysticism 24:24 Faith And Neuroscience 27:43 Stigma And Pharma Ads 31:26 Beyond the Pill Model 31:54 CBT and Access to Care 32:42 Insurance and Elitism 33:54 Parenting Feels Wrong 36:31 Attachment and RIE Tools 39:12 Discipline Without Violence 40:31 Repair and Apologizing 43:04 Balancing Roles and Rest 44:32 Social Media and Presence 48:47 Mind Blowing Podcast Guests 52:00 Stay Open Minded 53:31 You Are Not Your Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  6. The Power of Next feat. Alyson Stoner

    FEB 26

    The Power of Next feat. Alyson Stoner

    In this deeply vulnerable and transformative episode of The Dude Therapist Podcast, Alyson Stoner shares the truth behind child stardom, identity, trauma, and reclaiming your voice. You may know Alyson from the iconic Work It video with Missy Elliott, or films like Camp Rock, Cheaper by the Dozen, and Step Up, but this conversation reveals the person behind the performances. Alyson opens up about working 80-hour weeks as a child actor, the psychological cost of constantly performing, and the moment they realized their own story had never truly been told in their own voice. They share the arduous yet liberating process of writing their New York Times bestselling memoir and what it cost, and freed them to speak openly about identity, queerness, and industry pressures. In this episode, we explore: The hidden realities of child stardom and gaps in child labor protections The “Three Chairs” framework (authentic self vs. performing self vs. brand) A healthier way to process rejection (Next 2.0) Trauma tools like the “Sticky Meter” Mental health coordination on sets and protecting young performers How to build trust, create emotional boundaries, and reclaim your voice This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in mental health, trauma recovery, LGBTQ+ identity, the entertainment industry, and personal transformation. Raw, honest, and empowering - this is a conversation about choosing authenticity over approval. “I’d rather be rejected while I’m accepting myself than be accepted while I’m rejecting myself.” - Alyson Stoner Connect with Alyson! Instagram: @AlysonStoner: https://www.instagram.com/alysonstoner/  Book HERE: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/semi-well-adjusted-9781250353498/  Alyson’s Bio Alyson Stoner (they/them) is an entertainer, author, and founder/CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company focused on sustainable wellbeing. They host the award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast, advocating for stronger protections for children in entertainment and digital media. A former child star with over 200 credits, Alyson appeared in Camp Rock, Step Up, Cheaper by the Dozen, Phineas and Ferb, and music videos with Missy Elliott and Eminem. Their debut memoir, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything (Aug 12, 2025), explores identity, trauma, and redefining what it means to be truly well. Connect with Eli and The Dude Therapist! Book “From I Do To We Do”: https://www.eliweinsteinlcsw.com/book  Eli’s Instagram: @eliweinstein_lcsw: https://www.instagram.com/eliweinstein_lcsw/ Podcast Instagram: @TheDudeTherapist: https://www.instagram.com/thedudetherapist/   This show is Hosted and Produced by Eli Weinstein and Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and Associate Producer & Editor Xavier Adetula. For Sales and Sponsorship opportunities reach out to Shane Thornton at shane@rainbowcreative.co  Chapters: 0:00 Introduction & Welcome 1:26 Alyson's Journey: From Ohio to Hollywood 3:03 Reclaiming Your Own Story & Voice 6:07 Authenticity Through Different Life Seasons 11:50 The Grocery Store Moment: Performing On Command 16:30 The Three Chairs Exercise: Authentic Self vs Brand 19:40 Next 2.0: Better Tools for Handling Rejection 24:18 Why This Should Be the Last Memoir of Its Kind 30:15 Mental Health Coordinators on Sets 33:08 The Cost and Reward of Honesty 38:01 Breaking Your Silence: Small Steps Forward 42:36 Creating Containers: Managing Emotional Transitions 52:20 The Body Keeps the Score: Processing Performance Trauma 56:00 Building Trust After Betrayal 60:52 Redefining Strength & Power Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 6m
  7. The Dude Therapist is BACK & Now on Video!

    FEB 8

    The Dude Therapist is BACK & Now on Video!

    After five years of transformative conversations, host Eli Weinstein returns with the show that's been changing lives through honest, raw discussions about mental health, relationships, and personal growth. This isn't your typical therapy podcast. The Dude Therapist brings you unfiltered conversations with the biggest names in health and wellness. We have had Dr. John Delony, Dr. Nicole LePera to Mayim Bialik, Mark Groves, Alyson Stoner, Sabrina Zohar and many more. You can find these videos re-released on video and new episodes from a powerful line up of guests! In this New Season this show will cover Deep dives into relationships and parenting Real talk about mental health challenges Practical tools for personal transformation Guest experts sharing breakthrough insights on habit change, subconscious patterns, and relationship mastery It’s a New Season. New Format. Same Authentic Conversations. 🎥 NOW ON VIDEO - Subscribe and follow: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube: @TheDudeTherapist Launching February 2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 min
  8. Strong Hearts, Strong Minds: Parenting Through OCD and Congenital Heart Defects with Sarah Michelle Boes

    08/27/2025

    Strong Hearts, Strong Minds: Parenting Through OCD and Congenital Heart Defects with Sarah Michelle Boes

    In this episode of The Dude Therapist, I sit down with Sarah Michelle Boes, a family nurse practitioner, mother, and advocate, who opens up about her powerful journey of navigating OCD and parenting a child with congenital heart defects. Sarah shares how her professional background as a healthcare provider shifted when she became the parent of a child with complex health needs, and how her own mental health journey reshaped her perspective. From the importance of accurate diagnosis and externalizing OCD, to the emotional duality of joy and grief in parenting, Sarah’s story is one of resilience, honesty, and advocacy. We dive into: The challenges of parenting through uncertainty and the vital role of teamwork in relationships Why parents are the true experts in their child’s health journey The importance of raising awareness and funding for heart defects Strategies for managing OCD while showing up as a parent How effective communication can strengthen relationships during the hardest times If you’ve ever struggled to balance your own mental health while parenting—or felt the tension between love, fear, and advocacy—this episode will leave you feeling seen and supported. 👉 Don’t miss this candid, heartfelt conversation that reminds us of the power of love, teamwork, and speaking up. 🌐 Connect with Sarah Michelle Boes 🔗 Website: sarahmichelleboes.com📸 Instagram: @sarahmichellenp🎙️ Podcast: Real Deal Nurse Practitioner Club💼 LinkedIn: Sarah Michelle Boes🌌 Community: Cosmic Group Chat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    34 min
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4.9
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Dude Therapist, where we delve into the heart of relationships, mental health, and self-help with no-nonsense conversations and a whole lot of compassion. Join us as we sit down with experts and myself in these fields to uncover practical strategies, insightful advice, and real-life stories that empower you to navigate life's challenges with confidence and clarity. Follow Eli on Instagram @thedudetherapist and @eliweinstein_lcsw This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer. For sponsorship and guest inquires email podcasts@rainbowcreative.co

Information

  • Creator
    Rainbow Creative
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    289
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Eli Weinstein, LCSW
  • Show Website
    The Dude Therapist

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