When East Meets West
Episodes
REWIND Becoming Human-First: Howard Spector's Simple Practice Journey
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are bringing back the episode where Howard Spector shares how his journey from psychology student to tech entrepreneur led him to create Simple Pra...
REWIND Worry vs. Rumination: The Covert Behaviors We All Do
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
REWIND Existentialism Meets Behaviorism: Finding Meaning in a Finite Life
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From season 1, we being back the intersection of existentialism and behaviorism with our first guest, Dr. Robin Walser, discussing how these seemingly...
REWIND Sex, Connection, and the Human Experience
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete and Dr. Nikki explore the complex relationship between sex and human connection, examining how sexual behavior can foster intimacy with other...
REWIND Into Where East Meets West: Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Psychologists Dr. Pete Economou and Dr. Nikki Rubin re-introduce their podcast bridging Eastern mindfulness practices with Western behavioral science....
S4E30 The Five-Year Evolution of a Friendship turned Podcast
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin celebrate five years since their first podcast collaboration, reflecting on how their journey began during the pandemic and evo...
S4E29 Youth vs. Youthfulness
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the difference between youth as a chronological stage and youthfulness as a mindset that can be cultivated throughout life, examining how t...
S4E28 Branding Discomfort: When Authenticity Meets Visual Identity
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the uncomfortable yet necessary world of professional branding from our perspective as psychologists. Despite one of us actively disliking ...
S4E27 Exploring Koans and Spiritual Wisdom Across Cultures
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can koans untangle the complexities of our minds and offer a path to mental clarity? Explore this fascinating possibility with our special guest, Nikk...
S4E26 OCD Awareness: Beyond the Stereotypes
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the true complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with us as we shatter common stereotypes and misconceptions. Have you ever wondered if O...
S4E25 Understanding Memory: Strengths, Failures, and Resilience
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We explore the fascinating complexities of memory, discussing how it functions, the different types, and the factors affecting recall. Listeners gain ...
S4E24 Resilience in the Aftermath: Healing Collective Trauma in Los Angeles
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode delves into the concept of collective trauma through the lens of the recent fires in Los Angeles. We explore resilience, coping strategie...
S4E23 The Art of Friend Dating in Modern Times
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Navigating friendships in adulthood can feel daunting, but understanding it as "friend dating" opens up new possibilities for connection. By...
S4E22 The First of Four Noble Truths: Suffering and Peace
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode delves into the First Noble Truth of Buddhism, which asserts the inevitability of suffering as a universal human experience. We discuss t...
S4E21 Midlife Crisis or Mindful Transformation: Understanding Change
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we delve into the concept of the midlife crisis, exploring its validity and how personal narratives shape our experiences. We discuss...
S4E20 Introspection and Growth in the New Year
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered why New Year’s resolutions often feel like they’re woven from the same fairy tale fabric as Cinderella’s midnight transformation? ...
S4E19 Stress-Free Tips for a Fulfilling Holiday Season
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling overwhelmed by holiday chaos and the pressure to be perfect? Let’s explore a refreshing perspective on how embracing imperfections can actua...
S4E18 The Power of a Nuanced Mindset
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
S4E17 Rethinking Thankfulness in Holiday Times
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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&apo...
S4E16 Breaking Free from Tradition: A Path to Joy
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 hear...
S4E15 Embracing Discomfort: Coping with Post-Election Reflections
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the way we handle election results could foster personal growth and empathy? After experiencing the emotional rollercoaster of the recent US p...
S4E14 Balancing Screen Time and Serenity
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, w...
S4E13 Embracing Life's Roadblocks: Building Resilience Amidst Life’s Chaos
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine navigating the bustling streets of New York, only to find your path blocked by unexpected construction. That's how life often feels, does...
S4E12 The Evolving Nature of Wisdom and Insight
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Unlock the secrets of wisdom as we journey through its rich and multifaceted landscape, drawing insights from both Eastern and Western viewpoints. Ima...
S4E11 East Versus the West: Baseball Edition
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What if the passion for your favorite sports team could teach you about compassion, connection, and life's unpredictable twists? This episode is ...
S4E10 Unraveling ADHD: Beyond Distractions and Misconceptions
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
S4E9 Finding Peace Through Letting Go: Embracing Mindfulness and Emotional Freedom
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 enlighteni...
S4E8 Emotional Contagion: Navigating Collective Moods and Personal Autonomy
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do emotions spread like a ripple, influencing our behavior and even the mood of entire crowds? Join us as we unpack the fascinating phenomenon of ...
S4E7 Mastering the Maze: Overcoming Overwhelm in Decision-Making
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why does deciding what jeans to buy feel like climbing a mountain? Let's unpack the overwhelming world of decision-making in today's episode...
S4E6 Breaking Stigmas: Athletes and Mental Wellness
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how elite athletes like Simone Biles manage the tremendous pressure of competing on the world stage? Our guests, Dr. Pete Economou and D...
S4E5 Paths to Personal Growth: The Differences Between Coaching and Therapy
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ever wondered how coaching and therapy intersect and why it's important to understand the differences? Discover the crucial distinctions and fasc...
S4E6 Letting Go of Knowing the Outcome: Identifying Imaginary Information
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can you truly control the outcomes in your life, or is it merely an illusion? Join us in this episode of "When East Meets West" as Dr. Pete ...
S4E3 Exploring the Thin Line Between Secrecy and Privacy
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can you really distinguish between secrecy and privacy? Discover the subtle yet profound differences as we dive into a thought-provoking conversation ...
S4E2 The Multifaceted Nature of Intimacy: Beyond Romantic Relationships
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How often do you consider the true depth of intimacy in your life? Join us as we explore the diverse dimensions of intimacy that go far beyond its typ...
S4E1 Balancing Life and Work in a Hectic World: How to Interact with Busyness
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Can high energy levels be both a blessing and a curse? Join us as we reconnect after a whirlwind hiatus to discuss everything from our personal journe...
S3E20 Ted Lasso
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over the recent years there has been a growing number of portrayals of mental health providers in media, further helping the de-stigmatization of ment...
S3E19 Private Practice and Finding a Therapist
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rubin presented the issue in the U.S. with access to care across many different medical arenas, of course emphasizing mental healthcare. Finding t...
S3E18 Liberation
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete brought the topic of liberation, which of course Dr. Rubin was so easily able to define as a part of freedom. There is so much power in words...
S3E17 Distress Tolerance
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rubin brings her knowledge on this western behavioral practice of distress tolerance. The APA definition of Distress tolerance: the level of eithe...
S3E16 Delusions and Illusions
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete brings topics from his recent dharma talk on delusions and illusions, the Zen teaching of how nothing exists outside the mind. The world as w...
S3E15 Distraction
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Distraction is the behavior where there is an interruption of attention. It takes the person away from the primary interest, and the world within whic...
S3E14_Performance Psychology
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As you have seen on When East Meets West, there are many things that can be tied to western behavioral science and all things about our performance ar...
S3E13_Renewal
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rubin introduces the subtle shifts of seasons on the west coast compared to the east coast seasonal changes. This episode highlights that the act ...
S3E12_Resilience
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete introduces the nature of resilience in psychology and living while Dr. Rubin reminds that resilience is connected to grit. She named the ingr...
S3E11_Panic
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rubin introduces the education regarding panic symptoms and panic attacks, and how they are precipitated by a perceived threat. Drs. Rubin and Pet...
S3E10_Self Growth
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Self growthThere are many ways for people to try and evolve, and today’s culture heavily emphasizes the importance of wellness and wellbeing. In fac...
S3E9_Connection
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ConnectionDr. Rubin introduced the idea of connection as something that is not measurable, and humans are in need of it. Of course many of us are stil...
S3E8_Anger
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
AngerDr. Rubin highlights the evolution of anger and how this emotion can be helpful. Like most things in the practice of mindfulness, as long as we d...
S3E7_Retreats
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Dr. Pete brings the trend of retreats to this episode as it comes into modern wellness, as well as the traditional practices of retrea...
S3E6_The Return
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Return: We are back!After almost one year, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin return to When East Meets West and, in true form of their commitment to mindfuln...
S3E5 Self Care Hiatus
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you missed the doctors? Well, they missed you more! Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin have been grinding, which means that they needed to take a break. Tu...
S3E3_The Rules Dilemma
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
You see that there? What is the dilemma with rules? Tune in to hear Dr. Rubin talk about how there are some issues with rules, but that we also need t...
S3E2_Thich Naht Hanh
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
January 2022, one of the most influential Buddhist monks, transitioned to the next life. He was 95-years-old and after being ordained a monk at age 16...
S3E1
08 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever heard someone describe an event (e.g., dinner, fight, work presentation), but it sounds so different than you experienced it? that is pe...
S2E37 Resolutions Season 2 Finale
29 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Oops, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete forgot to say good-bye and all of a sudden, they found themselves in a short hiatus. In this season 2 closer, the co-host...
S2E36_The Heart Sutra
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Rubin asks and she receives, so Dr. Pete breaks down the Heart Sutra in a very basic, secular way. Listeners will learn about the role of chanting...
S2E35_Perspective Taking
24 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever been to a dinner and then you ask all the guests what happened at dinner? If there were 6 guests, you will get 6 different stories. That...
S2E34_Honoring the Father of Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Aaron T. Beck
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On November 1, 2021 the world lost the father of cognitive therapy, Aaron T. Beck, MD, known as Tim by his loved ones. He noticed issues with interpre...
S2E33_Risk Taking
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us think of risk taking behaviors as limited to putting ourselves in physical danger for a thrill (e.g., surfing a 50ft wave) or acting impuls...
S2E32_Authenticity
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us tend to know when something feels fake or feels genuine or authentic—but how?? In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin introduce discuss t...
S2E31_Avoidance
27 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Brains don’t like being uncomfortable, so they’ve come up with a simple behavioral solution: avoid it! In this episode, the docs discuss the funct...
S2E29_Music
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you noticed that the music you listen to can directly affect how you feel? Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin share insights around the psychology of music, ...
S2E30_Worry and Rumination
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Why do we worry about the future and ruminate about the past? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss and distinguish between these two “cov...
S2E29_Koans in Buddhism
07 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
You’ve heard koans mentioned on WEMW before, but what exactly are they? In this episode, Dr. Pete explains what koans are and how they are used to...
S2E28_Multi-tasking
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We live in a busy go, go, go world, thus most of us like to believe that we are experts in multi-tasking. But believe it or not, the brain is actually...
S2E27_Sadness
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete return from a short summer hiatus, they open up the second half of Season 2 by discussing the importance of sadness, evoluti...
S2E26_Love
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Love is a basic emotion, and one that most humans desire. There are many aspects of love and it shows up at different points in our lives. In this las...
S2_Bonus3_Toxic Masculinity with Jean Semelfort, MA, LPC
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode, special guest Jean Semelfort, Jr. joins Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin to discuss toxic masculinity. Jean is a licensed professional co...
S2E25_Emotion Regulation
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Emotions evolved to give us information, but what happens when they become more intense than evolution intended them to be? In this episode, Dr. Rubin...
S2E24_Video Games
07 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
There are many positives and negatives involving the use of video games, and experts have been debating this topic for years. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin b...
S2E23_The Problem with Freud
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Without further ado, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete bring you the first episode regarding the differences between behaviorism and traditional psychoanalysis a...
S2E22_Health Anxiety
22 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
As the medical world advances, so too do the labels that help guide providers with treatment. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin chat about illne...
S2E21_Compromise
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If given the choice, do you prefer to compromise or do it your way? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss why compromise is so difficult for...
S2E20_Guilt
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
No one likes feeling guilty, but have you ever considered that maybe your guilt is trying to tell you something? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pe...
S2E19_East vs. West
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today isn't about when East meets West, it's about East versus West! In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin dive into an exploration (and f...
S2E18_Curiosity
26 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Humans are a curious species, although at times curiosity can cause anxiety or pain (i.e., think about the saying "curiosity killed the cat."...
S2E17_Enlightenment
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Enlightenment is often misunderstood in western culture as something to achieve. In this episode, Dr. Pete clarifies that there actually is no arrival...
S2E16_Intuition
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is a gut instinct? Can you tell the difference between your gut, your emotions, or a premonition? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss...
S2E15_Boundaries
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know the difference between boundaries and walls? How about the relationship between boundaries and connection? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and ...
S2E14_Values
28 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Finally! In this episode, the docs talk through one of their favorite topics on WEMW: values. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin define what values are and how th...
S2E13_Adjusting
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Whether to a global pandemic, marriage, the loss of a loved one, or a new job, humans are always adjusting. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete highlight the behav...
S2E12_Trigger Warnings
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been given a trigger warning before? In the service of increasing sensitivity and awareness to the struggles of others, trigger warnings have...
S2E11_Flexibility and Freedom
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How do we move towards creating more space and freedom in our lives? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss a favorite topic on WEMW: flexibi...
S2E10_The Middle Path
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin have mentioned the Middle Path time and again on When East Meets West. In this episode, they finally dissect and present the fo...
S2E9_The Brain vs. The Mind
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is the difference between the brain and the mind? Is there a difference? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss how these two parts ours...
S2_Bonus2_Entrepreneurship with Empathy with Howard Spector, CEO
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Howard Spector co-founded SimplePractice—a business management software solution and an industry-leading SaaS company in the healthtech sector that ...
S2E8_Grief
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Grief 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 episo...
S2E7_Screen Fatigue
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Did you ever imagine that most of your human interactions would be two-dimensional? 2020 saw the transition to connecting with others through predomin...
S2E6_Understanding Judgments
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The 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 ...
S2E5_Motivation vs. Willingness
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Motivation 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 chang...
S2_Bonus1_Disordered Eating with Danielle Keenan-Miller, Ph.D.
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The 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 ...
S2E4_Sex and Human Connection
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin start a conversation about the role of sex in human connection, while also distinguishing between the biologic...
S2E3_Cancel Culture
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Cancel culture is "the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said somethin...
S2E2_Beginner’s Mind
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the Zen Buddhist of concept of Shoshin, aka Beginner's Mind, in which individuals learn to approach each moment wi...
S2E1_Change
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome 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 pe...
S1E34_Season 1 2020 Finale
30 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Well, 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 rela...
S1E33_Radical Acceptance Part 2
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. 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 t...
S1E32_Behaviorism is Everywhere
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
There is nothing that we do that cannot be understood through behaviorism. Nothing. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin explain how learning theory is fundamenta...
S1E31_Dogs and Well-being
02 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
People and animals benefit from one another biologically, psychologically, and more. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the evolutionary history of the ...
S1E30_Humor
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Everyone loves a good laugh, right? Have you ever watched some of those videos online of a child belly-laughing? There are real psychological benefits...