When East Meets West
106 episodes - English - Latest episode: 9 months ago -East coast psychologist Peter Economou, Ph.D. and West coast psychologist Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss ancient Eastern spiritual practices and their integration with modern Western behavioral science with practical takeaways for everyone. Learn more at www.wheneastmeetswest.us
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Episodes
S2_Bonus2_Entrepreneurship with Empathy with Howard Spector, CEO
March 22, 2021 19:00 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBHoward Spector co-founded SimplePractice—a business management software solution and an industry-leading SaaS company in the healthtech sector that has been recognized as the Best Overall Practice Management System in 2020 by Software Pundit. As CEO, Howard has actively worked to challenge and redefine what it means to be a successful leader. By emphasizing a human-first approach and leveraging his psychology background, Howard has built a work culture that speaks to the very core of its emp...
S2E8_Grief
March 17, 2021 06:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBGrief occurs when we have experienced the loss of someone we love, and it is one of the most intense baseline emotions we may encounter. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss the stages of grief as originally defined by Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, the differences between grief, sadness and depression, and how honoring our emotion of grief can serve to connect us to those we love and have lost. Tune in to learn more about how to mindfully experience this difficult aspect of human str...
S2E7_Screen Fatigue
March 10, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBDid you ever imagine that most of your human interactions would be two-dimensional? 2020 saw the transition to connecting with others through predominantly digital means to increase safety during the covid-19 pandemic. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the impact this significant increase in screen time has on our mental well-being, our ability to feel connected to others, and how to mitigate the effects of screen fatigue.
S2E6_Understanding Judgments
March 03, 2021 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBThe brain is hard wired to judge, so don’t judge the judging! In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss both the evolutionary and biological function of judgments, as well as how mindfulness can help us to cultivate the ability to practice nonjudgmental stance in order to experience the world more accurately. While we can’t turn off this part of our brain, we can learn to interact it with in a more adaptive way. Tune in to learn how.
S2E5_Motivation vs. Willingness
February 24, 2021 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBMotivation may be one of the most misunderstood emotions that we have, often leading to a belief that we need to feel motivated in order to make changes in our lives. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete define motivation and identify its limitations in helping us to change our behavior, and contrast it with willingness, which is a requisite for behavior change. While motivation may come and go, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss how willingness can be cultivated through mindful practices. Ch...
S2E5_Motivation vs. Willingness
February 24, 2021 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBMotivation may be one of the most misunderstood emotions that we have, often leading to a belief that we need to feel motivated in order to make changes in our lives. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete define motivation and identify its limitations in helping us to change our behavior, and contrast it with willingness, which is a requisite for behavior change. While motivation may come and go, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss how willingness can be cultivated through mindful practices. Ch...
S2_Bonus1_Disordered Eating with Danielle Keenan-Miller, Ph.D.
February 19, 2021 07:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBThe pandemic has increased the onset of unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to body image issues as well. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete welcome clinical psychologist and author Danielle Keenan-Miller, Ph.D. to discuss different types of disordered eating, ways to address it, and how to reconnect with eating as an important and often times joyful part of human experience. Dr. Keenan-Miller is a psychological scientist, teacher, therapist, and co-author of the book The Binge Eat...
S2E4_Sex and Human Connection
February 17, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBIn this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin start a conversation about the role of sex in human connection, while also distinguishing between the biological function of sex, sexual behavior, and intimacy. They model a mindful approach to exploring a discussion about sex by cultivating curiosity and nonjudgment, while also understanding behavioral functions of this aspect of human experience. By the end there was one clear finding- Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin will definitely need another episode to co...
S2E3_Cancel Culture
February 10, 2021 07:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBCancel culture is "the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensive. [It's] generally discussed as being performed on social media in the form of group shaming” (Dictionary.com y'all). Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss why cancel culture may have developed, the difference between holding others accountable and “canceling” someone, and the problem with pervasive “canceling” given ...
S2E2_Beginner’s Mind
February 03, 2021 07:00 - 17 minutes - 12 MBDr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the Zen Buddhist of concept of Shoshin, aka Beginner's Mind, in which individuals learn to approach each moment with curiosity and openness as if experiencing something for the first time. They identify ways to begin to behaviorally practice this and Dr. Pete discusses specific examples from his new book, Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners.
S2E1_Change
January 27, 2021 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBWelcome back to WEMW with your two favorite psychologists, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. Most people avoid change, and yet in 2021 there were millions of people ecstatic for it. In this first episode of season 2, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss the relationship between change and discomfort, and how growth and evolution can’t exist without it. Tune in to learn about change, acceptance, and concepts from Buddhism such as impermanence, insight and how nothing is inherently fixed.
S1E34_Season 1 2020 Finale
December 30, 2020 08:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBWell, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin took this journey in 2020 starting When East Meets West. It feels like they have been doing this for ages, and their relationship is palpable. They discuss the time together this first season, and reflect on the past 34 episodes! If you have topics to share with us and you wish to contact the docs to discuss, send us a note: [email protected]. We can’t wait for you to hear more in 2021!
S1E33_Radical Acceptance Part 2
December 24, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBDr. Rubin presents how the past 6 months has felt like 60 years, as she discusses the role of acceptance in behaviorism with Dr. Pete. On the next to last episode in 2020, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete address ways to practice acceptance within western behaviorism and eastern philosophy. If you are like most humans in the year 2020, and beyond, you would benefit from learning about ways to practice acceptance.
S1E32_Behaviorism is Everywhere
December 14, 2020 18:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBThere is nothing that we do that cannot be understood through behaviorism. Nothing. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin explain how learning theory is fundamentally woven into all aspects of being human. Whether it is a holiday dinner, career, or romance, we can use behavioral science to learn to improve how we interact with one another and ourselves . Tune in to learn how.
S1E31_Dogs and Well-being
December 02, 2020 07:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBPeople and animals benefit from one another biologically, psychologically, and more. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the evolutionary history of the relationship between dogs and humans (you can learn more here: https://apple.news/AGtTvq4x_ROSLiBhO84Mo4w), as well as share their love for dogs (no offense cat people), and identify how behavioral science is related to dog ownership.
S1E30_Humor
November 25, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBEveryone loves a good laugh, right? Have you ever watched some of those videos online of a child belly-laughing? There are real psychological benefits of humor, including cultivating joy and connection, increasing psychological flexibility, and tolerating distress. In this episode, Dr. Rubin highlights how humor may behaviorally present in both helpful and unhelpful ways, and Dr. Pete shares how Buddhist teachings conceptualize humor, including pop culture examples (e.g. Bernie Glassman and...
S1E29_Isolation and Quarantine
November 18, 2020 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBAs we continue to experience this global pandemic, isolation from others remains a consistent consequence. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the impact of isolation on mental health and well-being, and identify how eastern and western psychological approaches conceptualize and address this experience. Coping skills listeners may try while managing isolation and/or quarantine are presented as well.
S1E28_Individualism and Politics
November 09, 2020 12:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBAs we end another cycle of a U.S. election, we are all feeling like we’ve had enough. The split between the country during this election cycle was palpable. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete define and compare the values of individualism (dominant in the U.S.) and collectivism (often dominant in eastern cultures and traditions). They discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each value, and their perspectives on how individualism might explain some current voter behavior.
S1E27_Election Stress Disorder
November 03, 2020 13:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBIn this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss what has been called “election stress disorder.” While technically not a real psychological disorder, you’re unlikely to find someone who hasn’t experienced distress and uncertainty related to the 2020 American election. Tune in to learn about how to navigate election stress from November 3rd on.
S1E26_Toxic Positivity
October 28, 2020 06:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBWe have all met someone who told us to “look on the bright side” while we were in the midst of a painful or difficult experience. While this suggestion may be well intentioned, this type of positive lens may also be invalidating, and make you feel like there is something wrong with you for having a hard time. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete define toxic positivity, discuss how it can actually negatively impact our mood, and identify ways to connect with and practice optimism instead....
S1E25_Entitlement
October 21, 2020 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBWe have all encountered someone who does not have the same respect for the rules as others, or who believes that the rules simply do not apply to them at all! In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss entitlement, and how entitled behavior suggests that someone has difficulty taking the perspective of others. The impact of entitlement, as well as how mindfulness can begin to improve perspective taking, are discussed.
S1E24_Stress
October 14, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBStress is something that everyone experiences, especially in 2020. Although it's common, stress can have a negative effect on our overall well-being and physical health without proper awareness and coping skills. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss the impact of stress, and offer ways to manage it using behavioral tools and mindfulness practices.
S1_Existentialism and Behaviorism with Robyn Walser, Ph.D.
October 09, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this special extra episode, our first guest Dr. Robyn Walser joined Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete for a conversation on existentialism within behaviorism. Dr. Walser is a scholar and practitioner in the field of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has authored many books and research articles. Her books are titled: The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible and Process-Based Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Learning ACT-2nd Edition, ACT for Moral Injury, The Mindful Couple,...
S1_Bonus_Existentialism and Behaviorism with Robyn Walser, Ph.D.
October 09, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this special extra episode, our first guest Dr. Robyn Walser joined Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete for a conversation on existentialism within behaviorism. Dr. Walser is a scholar and practitioner in the field of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has authored many books and research articles. Her books are titled: The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible and Process-Based Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Learning ACT-2nd Edition, ACT for Moral Injury, The Mindful Couple,...
S1Bonus_Existentialism and Behaviorism with Robyn Walser, Ph.D.
October 09, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBIn this special extra episode, our first guest Dr. Robyn Walser joined Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete for a conversation on existentialism within behaviorism. Dr. Walser is a scholar and practitioner in the field of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has authored many books and research articles. Her books are titled: The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible and Process-Based Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Learning ACT-2nd Edition, ACT for Moral Injury, The Mindful Couple,...
S1E23_Polarization and Dialectics
October 07, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBToday the docs discuss one of Dr. Rubin's favorite things in psychology: dialectics! In this episode Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete break down the effects of polarization on our social relationships, describe how polarization is a common consequence of our brain's wiring, and how dialectics can help (don't worry, they'll define it). Tune in to learn how to manage polarization and hopefully become more dialectical. To learn more about WEMW, check out the website.
S1E22_Social Inequities
October 01, 2020 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MB2020 has been identified as a year to remember; global pandemic, wild fires, racial tensions at an all time high, earthquakes, and political unrest. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin address the science of social inequities, as well as identify how the Buddhist concept of equanimity may help us understand how to begin to address these problems in small ways. In this episode Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete recommend researching: Mindfulness for the People and the Harvard Implicit Bias Test. C...
S1E21_Control and Behavior
September 23, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBHas anyone ever called you controlling? On this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss what it means to be controlling from a western psychological lens (emphasizing the role of rigidity), in addition to highlighting principles related to mindfulness and how these may have an impact on control. Listen to this episode to learn strategies to manage an urge to control outcomes.
Postpartum Challenges
September 16, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBDr. Rubin worked in women's reproductive behavioral health during her time on the east coast, and continues to treat these struggles on the west coast. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the many challenges women may face postpartum, specifically with regards to symptoms on the anxiety spectrum given that these have generally received less public attention than depressive symptoms. Tune in to learn more about postpartum challenges and how fantasy narratives about pregnancy and n...
S1E20_Postpartum Challenges
September 16, 2020 06:00 - 21 minutes - 15 MBDr. Rubin worked in women's reproductive behavioral health during her time on the east coast, and continues to treat these struggles on the west coast. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the many challenges women may face postpartum, specifically with regards to symptoms on the anxiety spectrum given that these have generally received less public attention than depressive symptoms. Tune in to learn more about postpartum challenges and how fantasy narratives about pregnancy and n...
S1E19_Social Media
September 03, 2020 06:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBHow is your screen time? Check it out before you listen to this episode, because in this episode Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete address the advantages and disadvantages of social media in our lives and our mental well-being. Dr. Rubin shares her views and beliefs for not using social media and, in contrast, Dr. Pete has an active Instagram account (find him @officialdrpete). Tune in to learn what kind of relationship with social media might work best for you.
S1E18_Spirituality
August 26, 2020 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBDr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the difference between religion and spirituality, and how spirituality is often misconstrued, misunderstood, or judged. This episode focuses on the eastern practice of mindfulness and how this may blend with the western aim to seek meaning in life. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin also discuss how they came to connect with their own experiences of spirituality, while encouraging listeners to become curious about what spirituality might mean to them.
S1E17_Uncertainty
August 19, 2020 06:00 - 20 minutes - 14 MBDoes it ever seem as though life feels too uncertain at times? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete address the science behind uncertainty, and why evolution selected for brains to assume that not knowing something is equivalent to danger. They explore how western behavioral science and eastern spirituality both help humans to accept what we don't know (even when we inaccurately believe that planning will help us know the future). Tune in to learn more about how to interact more effective...
S1E16_Sport Psychology and COVID
August 12, 2020 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many of our routines and experiences, including those in the world of sports. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the suspension of fall 2020 sports in the NCAA, and the tremendous impact this has on student-athletes, coaches, staff, administration, and fans. Given that American culture is often defined by sport-identity, sport psychology has become more important than ever. Tune in to learn how this context may serve as a broader metaphor in learning how to na...
S1E16_Sport Psychology and COVID
August 12, 2020 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many of our routines and experiences, including those in the world of sports. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the suspension of fall 2020 sports in the NCAA, and the tremendous impact this has on student-athletes, coaches, staff, administration, and fans. Given that American culture is often defined by sport-identity, sport psychology has become more important than ever. Tune in to learn how this context may serve as a broader metaphor in learning how to na...
S1E15_Gratitude
August 03, 2020 21:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBWhat is gratitude exactly? Being thankful or appreciative, or something more? Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss how gratitude can be a part of a Buddhist practice, the psychological benefits of gratitude, and the behaviors that help us to practice this value. Tune in to learn about the many ways we can connect with gratitude in our lives.
S1E14_Self-Criticism
July 31, 2020 21:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBAll of us have a self-critic inside, whether we like it or not. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete use sarcasm and humor as they talk about the role of the brain's "inner critic." They discuss how mindfulness and Buddhism address self-criticism, and identify the role the inner critic plays in psychological suffering. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete also discuss how behaviorism understands the self-critical voice, and present steps to begin to quiet it just a little bit.
S1E13_Calm
July 30, 2020 21:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBDo you want to feel calm? Buddhism and Western psychology both aim to cultivate a sense of calm, but often in different ways than we might expect. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss how a state of calm can impact performance and your daily life, as well as clarify how chasing a state of calm gets us into trouble. They even mentioned Yerkes Dodson performance curve. Check it out!
S1E12_Anxiety
July 28, 2020 21:00 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBAnxiety is a natural emotion that all humans and most, if not all, living beings experience. In this episode, Dr. Rubin leads the conversation on evolution and how anxiety is adaptive for the 40,000 year old part of our brains. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete talk about building a more effective relationship with anxiety when it inevitably shows up.
S1E11_Be Present, Be Brave
July 23, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBIf you are addicted to listening to WEMW, you have heard Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin say "be present, be brave" at the sign off of each episode. Tune into this episode to learn why the docs chose this tag line and what it represents in the world of Eastern spirituality and Western behavioral science.
S1E10_Righteousness and Rigidity
July 22, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBIn this episode, the docs take a deep dive into how righteousness and rigid thinking affect behavior and interpersonal relationships. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete reflect on personal examples where they struggle to let go of wanting to be right, and identify how they are able to choose being effective instead. Mindfulness-based concepts and behavioral tools to address the tempting desire to be right are discussed.
S1E9_Communication
July 18, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBHave you tried to talk to someone who does not share your world views, like wearing a mask or not? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss ways to communicate effectively with loved ones who you disagree with in some way. We often avoid these tough conversations because they’re uncomfortable—the WEMW docs talk about why it’s important to consider choosing to start them any way. Tune in to hear how to begin these difficult dialogues.
S1E8_Compassion
July 17, 2020 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBHave you tried to live with compassion? Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin talk about compassion as a clinical intervention and as a way of life; of course, they address how compassion fits into behavioral science within the third wave CBT world. Listen in to see how you can practice compassion in your life, and how it can help you!
S1E7_Vulnerability
July 16, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBBrene Brown became a household sensation after a famous TED talk about her research on vulnerability as a professor of social work in Texas. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete talk about their personal experiences with practicing vulnerability, how people can benefit from being vulnerable, and how vulnerability can help us learn to connect with and act aligned with our values.
S1E6_Perfectionism
July 15, 2020 18:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBDo you consider yourself to be a perfectionist? Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete reframe the idea of what being a perfectionist is, and discuss whether or not every human is actually a perfectionist in some way. Tune in to learn how they redefine perfectionism--get ready, they even offer a new definition (linear-ness).
S1E5_Meditation
July 13, 2020 21:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBMany of us have tried to meditate, especially with the increased presence of mindfulness in the West (thanks to more access and knowledge about it via the internet and popular apps). In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the science of meditation, their journeys with meditation, and offer some strategies for how to begin a meditation practice.
S1E4_Race and Power
July 09, 2020 13:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBFor years there have been social issues related to racial inequalities. While this has happened all over the world (e.g., apartheid), the United States has suffered from this polarity during the pandemic. In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the two pandemics in the world and start the conversation around the psychology of race, power and privilege.
S1E3_Coping
July 09, 2020 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBHave you ever felt proud that you handled a situation well, easily got over a frustration, or overcame the loss of someone or a pet? You were likely using coping skills. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin talk about the science behind coping skills and even share some of their favorite skills they use personally.
S1E_Race and Power
July 09, 2020 12:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBFor years there have been social issues related to racial inequalities. While this has happened all over the world (e.g., apartheid), the United States has suffered from this polarity during the pandemic. In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the two pandemics in the world and start the conversation around the psychology of race, power and privilege.
S1E_Coping
July 09, 2020 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBHave you ever felt proud that you handled a situation well, easily got over a frustration, or overcame the loss of someone or a pet? You were likely using coping skills. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin talk about the science behind coping skills and even share some of their favorite skills they use personally.