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Pain and the Human Experience August 30, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Kent Robertshaw

Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Kent Robertshaw explore the complex ways individuals cope with pain and trauma, particularly in the context of societal disasters like Hurricane Katrina. They discuss the tendency to compartmentalize emotions, the impact of loss on families, and the importance of empathy and community in healing. The conversation highlights how people often suppress their feelings to function in daily life, yet ultimately, these repressed emotions can resurface in various forms. The hosts emphasize the need for open dialogue about grief and the significance of supporting one another through difficult times.

Resiliency and Mental Health May 2, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Kevin O'Donoghue

Category: Family and Relationship Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores the concept of resiliency and why some individuals bounce back from trauma while others struggle. He discusses various factors influencing resilience, including genetics, upbringing, and mental health. Through listener calls, he delves into personal experiences of sensitivity, emotional responses, and the impact of familial relationships on resilience. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s emotional responses and the role of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.

Dropout Phenomena April 18, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Kent Robertshaw, Stacy Nunez

Category: Personal Growth and Well-being

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the complex issue of dropout rates among adolescents with guests Stacy Nunez and Kent Robertshaw. They explore the reasons behind high school dropouts, particularly among minority groups, and the psychological factors that contribute to this trend. The conversation delves into the impact of societal pressures, family dynamics, and the allure of instant gratification through alternative lifestyles. The guests share insights on how boredom, lack of engagement, and feelings of inadequacy can lead young people to disengage from education and relationships. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these issues to foster a supportive environment for youth.

Understanding Depression and Its Complexities April 1, 2006

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Andrew Solomon

Category: Mind and Mood Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele engages in a profound conversation with Andrew Solomon, author of ‘The Noonday Demon’. They explore the multifaceted nature of depression, discussing its symptoms, causes, and the various treatments available. Solomon shares personal experiences with depression and highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing it early. The discussion also touches on cultural perceptions of depression, the impact of societal trauma, and the significance of human connection in overcoming mental health challenges. Through their dialogue, they emphasize that depression is not just a personal struggle but a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.

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.

Mind Control Techniques and Possession November 16, 2005

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Roberta Maria Atti

Category: Mental Health Challenges

In this episode, Armand DiMele and Roberta Maria Atti delve into the complexities of mind control, discussing various techniques used by groups, including cults, to manipulate individuals. They explore concepts such as ‘love bombing,’ the rejection of old values, and the use of confession as methods to gain control over a person’s mind. The conversation also touches on the physiological aspects of possession, including how viruses and hormonal changes can influence behavior. The hosts emphasize the thin line between beneficial and harmful forms of possession, particularly in the context of addiction recovery and community support.

Motherhood, Raising Children and Struggling with Depression Undated

Host: Armand DiMeleGuests: Tracy Thompson

Category: Family and Relationship Dynamics

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the often-overlooked issue of maternal depression with author Tracy Thompson. They explore the complexities of motherhood and the emotional toll it can take on women, highlighting the difference between postpartum depression and ongoing maternal depression. Tracy shares insights from her book, ‘The Ghost in the House,’ which delves into the struggles mothers face and the societal pressures that contribute to their mental health challenges. The conversation emphasizes the importance of support systems, open communication, and understanding within families to help mothers cope with their experiences.

Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health Undated

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Psychology and Cultural Insights

In this episode, Armand DiMele explores various psychiatric syndromes unique to different cultures, highlighting how cultural beliefs shape perceptions of mental health. He discusses the stigma surrounding mental illness in Asian communities, the concept of ‘running amok’ in Malaysia, and the impact of cultural practices on mental health. Through examples like Williams Syndrome in Japan and ghost sickness among Native American tribes, DeMille emphasizes the importance of understanding these cultural contexts to better address mental health issues. The conversation also touches on the need for empathy and awareness in a rapidly globalizing world.

Irritability and Emotional Reactions Undated

Host: Armand DiMele

Category: Emotional Intelligence and Communication

In this episode, Armand DiMele discusses the nature of irritability and its roots in past experiences rather than present circumstances. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these feelings in ourselves and others, particularly in relationships. Through listener calls, he explores various emotional responses to external events, such as storms and media coverage, while encouraging compassion and connection. The conversation highlights how irritability often masks deeper emotions and the need for love and support during challenging times.

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.