Emeritus Professor, Sonoma State University & Creator/Host of Shrink Rap Radio
About
What are you doing today in your career?
Currently I’m Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Sonoma State University and Creator/Host of Shrink Rap Radio, a psychology interview podcast for which I just received an American Psychological Association Presidential Award in recognition of my pioneering work as a psychologist podcaster. I was the first psychologist to have a podcast, back in 2005, the year that podcasting began. As a result I’ve interviewed more people around the broad world of psychology than anyone else in the 700+ episodes I’ve created with listeners in more than 215 countries.
What inspires you?
My podcast gives me access to an exciting array of leading lights in the broad field of psychology and psychotherapy. Most of my guests have written books and it gives me a front row seat on the cutting edge of our ever-evolving field. Feedback from both my guests and my listeners tends to be very positive which keeps my motivation and level of excitement alive. And it’s very gratifying and motivating to hear from listeners who tell me how much these interviews have impacted their professional and/or personal lives.
What impact has your Psychology degree at UM had on your career or life?
My PhD from the University of Michigan carries great prestige which has opened many doors for me, a including a 34 year career as a psychology professor, a psychotherapy practice, consulting opportunities, speaking opportunities, a parallel career as a marketing research consultant, both a professional and non-professional publication history, and credibility as a podcast interviewer. Also, warm personal relationships with colleagues over the years.
What do you remember most about your time at UM?
I loved Ann Arbor in the mid-60s and made lasting friendships with fellow graduate students. I was a founding member of Project Outreach and my experiences through that organization with T-groups, encounter groups, and experimental learning made a lasting imprint on my whole approach to teaching.
What advice would you give to aspiring Psychology students?
Keep your options and your mind open. The world and the profession are rapidly changing and you will need to be light on your feet. It’s hard to know where the opportunities will lie down the road but they will be there. Trust your intuition. I never had a plan but did follow my intuition and looking back it looks like a plan but it wasn’t one I was consciously aware of.
