Latest Episodes
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38: Making Mindful Midlife Decisions – Billy Lahr
Listen nowIn this episode of “Why I Left,” host Brian Aquart sits down with guest Billy Lahr to discuss making mindful midlife decisions. Billy shares their personal journey, from experiencing social media harassment as a dean to losing interest in working with teenagers. They reflect on investing time and energy into things that don’t reciprocate and the challenges faced by teachers during remote learning. Billy also talks about the importance of building social connections for professional development and career transitions. Join their insightful conversation as they explore the power of mindfulness, the impact of the pandemic on education, and the pursuit of happiness, health, and love in midlife.
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37: Avoiding Labels To Change Your Narrative – Zoe Fragou
Listen nowIn this episode of Why I Left, our guest Zoe Fragou, an expert in organizational psychology, shares their journey and expertise in avoiding labels and changing personal narratives. Zoe discusses the importance of embracing a multidimensional identity and not being solely defined by one’s job. They highlight the need for effective communication, setting boundaries, and addressing conflicts early on. Zoe also dives into the topic of toxic work cultures, debunking myths and offering insights on how to navigate them. Tune in to gain valuable insights and learn how to create a healthier, happier narrative for yourself.
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36: Underestimating Your Capacity To Work Through Anxiety – Jaclene Jason, PhD
Listen nowIn this engaging episode of “Why I Left,” host Brian Aquart interviews Jaclene Jason, PhD, as they delve into the topic of underestimating our capacity to work through anxiety. Dr. Jason shares their insights on the impact of technology on human connection, the value of alignment between work and personal values, and their journey from art history to clinical psychology. They also offer practical strategies for managing intense emotions, emphasizing the importance of deep breathing, movement, and mindfulness. Dr. Jason challenges the notion that anxiety is inherently negative, highlighting its potential as a motivator for healthy behavior. They also discuss the role of medication and the importance of understanding and accepting pain as part of the human experience. This thought-provoking conversation sheds light on our capacity to navigate anxiety and find fulfillment in our lives.
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35: Treat Yourself, Don’t Cheat Yourself – Charles B. Walker, LCSW
Listen nowIn this episode of “Why I Left,” host Brian sits down with Charles B. Walker, LCSW, to discuss the importance of mental health support for therapists and the impact of unresolved childhood trauma on adults. Charles provides a unique perspective on the potential stress faced by male African American therapists who are in high demand but make up only a small percentage of the population. He emphasizes the importance of therapists prioritizing their own mental health, comparing it to taking medication for physical health issues. They also delve into the prevalence of childhood trauma, with more than two-thirds of children experiencing at least one traumatic event by age 16. Charles highlights the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma and the need for early intervention to prevent negative outcomes later in life. Additionally, he offers valuable advice for parents seeking to vet therapists for their children, emphasizing the importance of asking the right questions and assessing compatibility between the therapist and the child. The conversation also touches on cultural attitudes towards therapy in communities of color, acknowledging both the ongoing stigma and the increasing acceptance among younger generations.
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34: Breaking Down Mental Health Disparities – Chrissy Lee, PhD
Listen nowIn this episode of “Why I Left,” we dive into the important topic of BIPOC mental health awareness with our special guest, Dr. Chrissy Lee. Dr. Lee, a renowned neuropsychologist, shares their expertise on gender and racial mental health care disparities and neuropsychological assessment. Join us as Dr. Lee opens up about their experiences as one of the few psychologists of color in a large hospital system, discussing the pressure they faced to provide education on culturally relevant topics and equity-focused therapeutic work due to increasing diversity. We also explore the significance of mentorship in the field and how it can contribute to representation. The episode delves into the impact of the pandemic on mental health, addressing the positive aspects of remote learning for some neurodiverse individuals while acknowledging the triggering effects of social isolation. Tune in for valuable insights into navigating mental health challenges during the pandemic and creating safe, inclusive environments.
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33: Integrating Work With Life – Bev Attfield
Listen nowHave you been feeling lost or uncertain about your career path during the pandemic? On today’s episode of Why I Left, Brian chats with Bev Attfield, partner at Within People and former host of People at Work. Bev shares her journey of leaving her job in the tech industry and how she found purpose in helping organizations create supportive environments for humans. Tune in to this inspiring conversation to discover how Bev’s own experiences and travels led her to pursue a career in organizational development and psychology, and how the pandemic has transformed the traditional office work structure.