The Positive Mind

Keyword: behavioral health

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BMI and the Psychology of Thinness July 5, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Acchi
Category: Psychology of Food

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria delve into the complexities of Body Mass Index (BMI) and its psychological implications. They discuss how societal perceptions of thinness can lead to a distorted self-image, particularly among women, and explore the relationship between body weight, mental health, and societal expectations. The hosts analyze the advantages and disadvantages of being thin, the impact of stress on body weight, and the hormonal changes associated with low body fat. This insightful conversation aims to shed light on the often overlooked struggles of those who are underweight and the psychological factors that contribute to their condition.

Breathing and Emotions June 14, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Neil Schachter, Roberta Maria Atti
Category: Mind-Body Wellness Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Atti explore the intricate relationship between breathing and emotions. They discuss how our breathing patterns can influence our emotional states, with a focus on the impact of oxygen on mental health. The conversation delves into how inhibiting breath can lead to emotional suppression and physical ailments. They emphasize the importance of understanding the body’s response to emotions and the need for a flexible approach to breathing techniques. Tune in to discover insights on how to navigate emotional experiences through awareness of breath.

Truth, Innocence, and the Human Experience April 27, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Anne O'Connell, Kent Robertshaw, Stephanie D'Ambra
Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, host Armand DiMele engages in a deep conversation with guests Kent Robertshaw and Anne O’Connell about the complexities of truth, innocence, and the human experience. They explore themes of gullibility, cynicism, and the importance of psychotherapy in treating mental health issues. The discussion touches on the challenges faced by mental health practitioners in building trust with clients, especially those with histories of substance abuse and trauma. The guests share insights from their experiences in outpatient mental health clinics, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in therapy.

Hormones and Their Impact on Health April 26, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Achi
Category: Human and Animal Behavior

In this episode, Armand DiMele and guest Roberta Maria Achi delve into the complex roles of hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, in the human body. They discuss how these hormones function not only as long-term regulators but also as neurotransmitters that facilitate immediate communication within the body. The conversation highlights the implications of hormonal imbalances on emotional well-being, cognitive function, and physical health, especially in women. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding these hormones’ multifaceted roles to avoid unintended consequences from hormonal treatments.

Understanding Depression: An Evolutionary Perspective April 5, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Acchi
Category: Mind and Mood Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Acchi delve into the complexities of depression, exploring its evolutionary roots and societal perceptions. They discuss how depression is often viewed as a weakness, particularly among men, and how societal norms can exacerbate the issue. The conversation touches on Darwinian medicine, the rank theory, and how depression may have served as a survival mechanism in early humans. They also examine the impact of modern societal structures on mental health, including the role of food and lifestyle choices in exacerbating depressive symptoms. The episode aims to provide a deeper understanding of depression as both a personal and collective experience.

Happiness and the Brain March 15, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Atti
Category: Mind and Mood Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Atti delve into the complexities of happiness, exploring its definitions, neuroscience, and various theories. They discuss how happiness can be measured in the brain, the role of neurotransmitters, and the impact of life experiences on our emotional states. The hosts examine different personality types and their unique relationships with happiness, emphasizing that what brings joy can vary significantly from person to person. They also highlight the importance of understanding expectations around happiness and how societal pressures can influence our perceptions of it.

Winter Fundraising Drive and Sleep Insights February 8, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Atti
Category: Sleep and Well-being

In this special edition of the program, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Atti discuss the importance of sleep and its relationship to mental health, particularly in the context of societal stressors. They explore various sleep disturbances, the impact of medications, and the alarming rise in sleep medication prescriptions. The hosts also emphasize the need for awareness about how political and social environments can affect our mental well-being. Listeners are encouraged to support WBAI during its winter fundraising drive while gaining insights into leading a more positively minded life.

Weather and Its Impact on Our Lives Undated

Host: Armand DiMele
Category: Mind and Mood Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the profound effects weather can have on our mood, health, and overall well-being. He discusses concepts like Seasonal Affective Disorder and how changes in weather can influence physical ailments such as arthritis and migraines. Through engaging conversations with listeners, Armand highlights the importance of recognizing our connection to nature and the weather, and how it can affect our emotions and behaviors. The episode encourages listeners to be aware of their responses to different weather conditions and offers insights into managing these effects.

A Parent’s Responsibility to Protect Their Child Undated

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Molly Carmel, Sherri Siegel
Category: Psychology of Food

In this episode, hosts Armand DiMele and Sherri Siegel discuss the complex issue of childhood obesity and parental responsibility. They explore recent legal cases where parents faced charges of neglect due to their children’s extreme weight. The conversation delves into the biological, psychological, and sociological factors contributing to obesity, emphasizing the importance of understanding rather than shaming parents. Guest Molly Carmel, an eating disorder specialist, shares insights on the challenges parents face in managing their children’s weight and the need for supportive, non-judgmental approaches. The episode highlights the delicate balance parents must strike in guiding their children’s health without resorting to punitive measures.

Paradoxes of Life Undated

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Atti
Category: Mind-Body Wellness Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Atti explore the paradoxes inherent in life, from the allure of wealth and fame to the unexpected consequences of medical advancements. They discuss how achieving one’s dreams can lead to unforeseen challenges, such as the loss of friendships or the burden of fame. The conversation delves into various medical paradoxes, including the surprising outcomes of weight loss surgery and the unintended effects of antidepressants. Through humor and insightful anecdotes, they highlight the complexities of human experience and the contradictions that often accompany our desires.