When East Meets West
East coast psychologist Peter Economou, Ph.D. and West coast psychologist Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss the relationship between ancient Eastern spiritual practices and modern Western behavioral science with practical takeaways for everyone. Learn more at www.wheneastmeetswest.com
Episodes
129 episodes
REWIND Existentialism Meets Behaviorism: Finding Meaning in a Finite Life
From season 1, we being back the intersection of existentialism and behaviorism with our first guest, Dr. Robin Walser, discussing how these seemingly different approaches overlap in addressing life's fundamental questions about meaning and con...
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Season 5
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Episode 3
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33:30
REWIND Sex, Connection, and the Human Experience
Dr. Pete and Dr. Nikki explore the complex relationship between sex and human connection, examining how sexual behavior can foster intimacy with others and oneself beyond simplistic cultural narratives.• Sex and intimacy are distinct co...
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Season 5
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Episode 2
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22:00
REWIND Into Where East Meets West: Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin
Psychologists Dr. Pete Economou and Dr. Nikki Rubin re-introduce their podcast bridging Eastern mindfulness practices with Western behavioral science. They share their professional backgrounds, personal journeys with mindfulness, and mission to...
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Season 5
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Episode 1
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24:23
S4E30 The Five-Year Evolution of a Friendship turned Podcast
Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin celebrate five years since their first podcast collaboration, reflecting on how their journey began during the pandemic and evolved into a successful partnership despite initial reluctance.• Pete convinced Nikki t...
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Season 4
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Episode 30
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14:08
S4E29 Youth vs. Youthfulness
We explore the difference between youth as a chronological stage and youthfulness as a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life, examining how these concepts influence our approach to aging and personal growth.• Youth is a develop...
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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13:38
S4E28 Branding Discomfort: When Authenticity Meets Visual Identity
We explore the uncomfortable yet necessary world of professional branding from our perspective as psychologists. Despite one of us actively disliking branding while simultaneously being considered a private practice celebrity, we unpack how vis...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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11:57
S4E27 Exploring Koans and Spiritual Wisdom Across Cultures
Can koans untangle the complexities of our minds and offer a path to mental clarity? Explore this fascinating possibility with our special guest, Nikki, who passionately shares her experiences with these intricate Zen riddles. By challenging th...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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15:54
S4E26 OCD Awareness: Beyond the Stereotypes
Unlock the true complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with us as we shatter common stereotypes and misconceptions. Have you ever wondered if OCD is more than meticulous hand-washing or repetitive checking? Discover the hidden layers of ...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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19:07
S4E25 Understanding Memory: Strengths, Failures, and Resilience
We explore the fascinating complexities of memory, discussing how it functions, the different types, and the factors affecting recall. Listeners gain insights into the fragility of memory, including false memories, the nature of repressed memor...
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Season 4
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Episode 25
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16:40
S4E24 Resilience in the Aftermath: Healing Collective Trauma in Los Angeles
This episode delves into the concept of collective trauma through the lens of the recent fires in Los Angeles. We explore resilience, coping strategies, and the importance of community support in the aftermath of such devastating events.
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Season 4
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Episode 24
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17:00
S4E23 The Art of Friend Dating in Modern Times
Navigating friendships in adulthood can feel daunting, but understanding it as "friend dating" opens up new possibilities for connection. By focusing on personal interests and being open to vulnerability, listeners can cultivate meaningful rela...
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Season 4
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Episode 23
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20:08
S4E22 The First of Four Noble Truths: Suffering and Peace
This episode delves into the First Noble Truth of Buddhism, which asserts the inevitability of suffering as a universal human experience. We discuss the differences between pain and suffering, the implications of expectations on our emotional s...
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Season 4
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Episode 22
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17:38
S4E21 Midlife Crisis or Mindful Transformation: Understanding Change
In this episode, we delve into the concept of the midlife crisis, exploring its validity and how personal narratives shape our experiences. We discuss the intersection of cultural expectations and individual identity while highlighting the pote...
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Season 4
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Episode 21
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15:39
S4E20 Introspection and Growth in the New Year
Ever wondered why New Year’s resolutions often feel like they’re woven from the same fairy tale fabric as Cinderella’s midnight transformation? Join us on this whimsical exploration of fresh starts, where we poke fun at the cultural expectation...
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Season 4
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Episode 20
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19:37
S4E19 Stress-Free Tips for a Fulfilling Holiday Season
Feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos and the pressure to be perfect? Let’s explore a refreshing perspective on how embracing imperfections can actually lead to a more fulfilling holiday season. As we gather around festive tables and navigate fa...
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Season 4
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Episode 18
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17:30
S4E18 The Power of a Nuanced Mindset
Ever wondered why we tend to see the world in black-and-white terms? Discover the hidden complexities of our thought processes and learn how embracing nuance can transform how you understand reality and connect with others. In this thought-prov...
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Season 4
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Episode 17
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17:06
S4E17 Rethinking Thankfulness in Holiday Times
What if the secret to a more abundant life lies in something as simple as gratitude? Join us as we embark on a thoughtful exploration of gratitude's complex nature, especially as we approach the holiday season. We'll unravel the subtle distinct...
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Season 4
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Episode 16
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17:11
S4E16 Breaking Free from Tradition: A Path to Joy
What happens when a tradition starts to feel more like a burden than a joy? Join us as we navigate the nuanced world of holiday customs, from the heartwarming to the hilariously rigid. We kick off with personal stories, revealing how attending ...
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Season 4
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Episode 16
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15:49
S4E15 Embracing Discomfort: Coping with Post-Election Reflections
What if the way we handle election results could foster personal growth and empathy? After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of the recent US presidential election, we explore strategies for coping with outcomes, whether you're celebrati...
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Season 4
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Episode 15
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16:58
S4E14 Balancing Screen Time and Serenity
What if our constant need for digital engagement is robbing us of true mental rest? Discover strategies to reclaim your peace in our latest episode, where we unravel the paradox of digital detoxing in our tech-centric lives. We dive into the ne...
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Season 4
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Episode 14
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17:50
S4E13 Embracing Life's Roadblocks: Building Resilience Amidst Life’s Chaos
Imagine navigating the bustling streets of New York, only to find your path blocked by unexpected construction. That's how life often feels, doesn't it? Join us as we tackle these metaphorical roadblocks and share how they mirror life's surpris...
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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15:06
S4E12 The Evolving Nature of Wisdom and Insight
Unlock the secrets of wisdom as we journey through its rich and multifaceted landscape, drawing insights from both Eastern and Western viewpoints. Imagine wisdom not as a static treasure of the old but as a dynamic force that can emerge vibrant...
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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15:56
S4E11 East Versus the West: Baseball Edition
What if the passion for your favorite sports team could teach you about compassion, connection, and life's unpredictable twists? This episode is your all-access pass to the vibrant world of East Coast versus West Coast sports fandom. We swap st...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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21:17
S4E10 Unraveling ADHD: Beyond Distractions and Misconceptions
Think you may have ADHD simply because you get easily distracted? Discover why that's not always the case in our latest episode. We unravel the complexities of adult ADHD, breaking through common misconceptions that have proliferated in our tec...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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19:18
S4E9 Finding Peace Through Letting Go: Embracing Mindfulness and Emotional Freedom
What if you could find peace by simply letting go? Join us as we unravel the profound wisdom behind letting go through powerful stories and enlightening discussions. Kicking off with a poignant koan about two monks and an old lady, we explore t...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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18:48