It's Your Life Podcast

IN SESSION WITH DR. MICHAEL MANTELL

This conversation with Dr. Michael Mantell focused on the connection between mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Dr. Mantell shared insights on the importance of developing a positive mindset, managing stress effectively, and building healthy habits that support both emotional and physical health. He emphasized that personal growth begins with self-awareness and intentional choices, and that resilience can be strengthened through practice and perseverance. The discussion highlighted practical strategies for maintaining balance, overcoming challenges, and living a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Dr.Michael Mantell Biography Dr. Michael Mantell, a Renowned and Esteemed Mental Health Architect, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 and his MS in Clinical Psychology in 1972 from Hahnemann Medical College. He guides clients to disturb themselves less, by identifying, challenging, and restructuring irrational beliefs, helping them build a reliable foundation of rational, flexible thinking, and adopt healthier behaviors and attitudes. His expertise bridges the art and science of mental health, empowering clients to disturb themselves less and construct a mindset that enables them to respond to life’s challenges with resilience, acceptance, and self-compassion. Throughout his career, Dr. Mantell has held various prestigious positions, including Chief Psychologist for Children's Hospital of San Diego, Chief Psychologist of the San Diego Police Department, and Chief Behavior Science Consultant for the American Council on Exercise. He was a co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Plus Size Certified, Inc. and is a member of the Science Advisory Council of the International Council on Active Aging. In addition, he served as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD Medical School, where he taught the Doctor-Patient Relationship course. He brings a specialty focus on physician wellbeing, physician burnout and elevating the patient experience. He has lectured at Pt. Loma Nazarene University and has provided a yearly 3-day Physician Wellness Studio for the American Society of Hematology. He is an invited guest instructor at Harvard University. Dr. Mantell is a prolific author with four books to his name, including his recent work, "The Link is What You Think," "Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace," and his iconic 1988 original "Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff PS: It’s All Small Stuff" and its 25th Anniversary Edition. Dr Mantell has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1981, Chair of its Election Committee and Vice-Chair of the Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee. He was elected to the Board of SAG-AFTRA San Diego in September, 2025. He’s been bringing psychology to the broadcast media for decades including regular appearances on Good Morning, America, Oprah Winfrey and weekly spots on local and nationwide news. You can follow his free daily “MantellPoints2Ponder” on LinkedIn and Facebook. Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ [http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

360° Health The Power of Rational Thinking for Coping with Suffering And Creating Greater Joy and Fulfillment

Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis -licensed psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, presenter, writer and adjunct professor at Columbia University and Robin W. Thorburn - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.  Show Summary Today’s show discusses Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, which teaches that emotional suffering is often intensified not only by difficult events themselves but by the beliefs and interpretations we attach to those events. REBT helps lessen emotional pain by identifying irrational thoughts, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and replacing them with more realistic and flexible ways of thinking. Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis Biography Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. New York City has been her home base for the past two decades. She is a licensed psychologist (Australia), licensed mental health counselor (New York), presenter, writer and adjunct professor at Columbia University in New York City where she teaches Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Comparative Psychotherapies. For years she worked with her husband, the brilliant and renowned pioneer of modern cognitive therapies: Dr Albert Ellis, giving public presentations and professional trainings in his approach of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as well as collaborating with him on writing and research projects until his death in 2007. Before his passing he stated and wrote that he entrusted her to continue his work. She is recognized as a world-renowned expert on REBT, and regularly presents, throughout the USA and in countries around the world, to students, academics, practitioners in the helping professions, and to members of the general public. She wrote the second edition of the book Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (published 2019) that she co-wrote with her husband in its first edition. She is also featured in a DVD produced by the American Psychological Association (APA) demonstrating and discussing the REBT approach. She has written chapters for various text books, articles, and has reviewed publications for APA’s PsycCritiques Journal. In 2014 she was named “Legend in Counseling” at the American Counseling Association annual conference, and has received various other awards and acknowledgments for her work. She recently was nominated by former American Psychological Association President, Dr Frank Farley, and renowned psychologist and author, Dr Stanley Krippner, to receive the American Psychological Association's International Division's "Global Citizen Award". She joyfully and passionately continues her mission of informing as many people as possible - through her presentations, teaching, writing, and the ways she strives to ‘walk her talk’ - that each one of us has the power to create our emotional destinies despite and including challenging circumstances, and through teaching the ‘how-to’s’ of doing so! Website www.debbiejoffeellis.com [http://www.debbiejoffeellis.com/] Robin W. Thorburn ADHP (NC) MNRHP FNSHP UKCP (H) Biography Robin W. Thorburn, the founder of Exclusive Hypnotherapy Edinburgh, is one of the UK’s leading Hypno-Psychotherapists.  He has 33 years verifiable clinical experience and has successfully conducted over 20,000 Hypno-Psychotherapy sessions. Robin has literally helped thousands of clients who have experienced debilitating panic attacks, phobias [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/phobias-hypnotherapy/], anxiety [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/anxiety-hypnotherapy/], stress [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/stress-hypnotherapy/], insomnia, [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/insomnia-hypnotherapy/] low self-confidence/esteem/self-worth [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/self-esteem-hypnotherapy/], unexplained infertility [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/unexplained-infertility-hypnotherapy/], anger management,  [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/anger-management-hypnotherapy/]depression [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/depression-hypnotherapy/], imposter syndrome [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/imposter-syndrome-hypnotherapy/], public speaking and blushing [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/public-speaking-hypnotherapy/], guilt [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/guilt-hypnotherapy/], irritable bowel syndrome, [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/ibs-hypnotherapy/] unexplained infertility [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/unexplained-infertility-hypnotherapy/], pain control [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/pain-control-hypnotherapy/], sports psychology and enhancement of business performance,  [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/sports-psychology-hypnotherapy/]  He is also remarkably successful working with people who wish to stop smoking/vaping [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/stop-smoking-hypnotherapy/], improve weight loss or require [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/weight-loss-hypnotherapy-eating-disorders/], life coaching,  [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/life-coaching-hypnotherapy/] sexual and relationship problems [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/relationship-hypnotherapy-sexual-difficulties/] are also helped with, as is bereavement [https://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnotherapy-edinburgh/bereavement-hypnotherapy/].  Website www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk [http://www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk/]  Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ [http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ghanaian Royals Experience: Visit to the U.S.

A seated conversation with our royal guests from Ghana about their visit to the United States, receiving honorary doctorate degrees, and sharing their kingdom’s vision, philanthropic efforts, community impact, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to helping others. Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ [http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

KINGS AND QUEENS IN DALLAS

Show Summary: A Royal Week Of Festivities In Dallas Texas Hosted By Black Women Who Want MORE.  We don't plan events, we create experiences. Starting Wednesday May 20th, The Queens Of  Black Women Who Want More, will host the Kings Of Ghana at multiple celebrations, a graduation, a book signing and a global "mastermind" with international Thought Leaders.   Tune In To Find Out How You Can Be A Part Of This Memorable LIVE event which will be streamed online and open to the public.   Dr. Renee Toppin: Guest Dr. Renee Toppin the Founder/CEO of Black Women Who Want More Academy is a highly accomplished Whole Life Empowerment Coach with more than 25 years of experience transforming lives through her distinctive coaching and training approach. As a dynamic professional public speaker, she motivates audiences worldwide and maintains a global social media presence exceeding 700,000 followers, with strong engagement across the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. She has appeared on CNN as a surrogate for a former U.S. President and has been featured on numerous radio, television, and talk shows. Renowned for her powerful communication and impactful delivery, Ms. Toppin attracts women from around the globe to her online programs, classes, and courses. As a licensed Evangelist, Ms. Toppin integrates biblical principles and the Word of God into her Life Coaching Academy, empowering women to pursue holistic personal growth—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. Through multiple successful business ventures, she has expanded into global markets, ensuring sustainable growth and broad impact. She leads a team of elite coaches specializing in finance, health and wellness, accountability, spiritual awareness, book writing and publishing, and essential life coping skills.   Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ [http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

360° Health: How Tricky It Is To Talk About Weight These Days

Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Jason Gootman - a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist. Summary: This conversation explores the complex relationship between wellness, self-acceptance, and personal transformation — examining whether weight is a root cause of health challenges or a reflection of broader physical and emotional wellness. It also looks at how weight-loss medications are reshaping public attitudes toward obesity, treatment, and accountability, while highlighting the deeply empowering effect many people experience when losing weight and reclaiming control over their health and confidence. Jason Gootman Biography Jason Gootman is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist. Jason helps people reverse and prevent type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other ailments with evidence-based approaches to nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, holistic wellness, and, most importantly, lasting behavior improvement and positive habit formation. As part of this work, Jason often helps people lose weight and keep it off, in part by helping them overcome the common challenges of yo-yo dieting and emotional eating. Jason helps people go from knowing what to do and having good intentions to consistently taking great care of themselves in ways that help them add years to their lives and life to their years. Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongootman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongootman/] https://www.facebook.com/jasongootman [https://www.facebook.com/jasongootman] https://www.instagram.com/jasongootman/ [https://www.instagram.com/jasongootman/] https://x.com/jasongootman [https://x.com/jasongootman] Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ [http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.