Ruthless Compassion with Dr. Marcia Sirota

200 - Robert A. Neimeyer on a Mindful, Meaningful Approach to Grieving

We've reached an amazing milestone: our 200th episode of the Ruthless Compassion podcast!  Dr. Robert A. Neimeyer is a luminary in the field of psychology, particularly in the areas of death, grief, and loss. As Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Memphis, Dr. Neimeyer's contributions to research and practice have been nothing short of transformative. With 37 books and over 600 articles to his name, he has been included in Stanford University/Elsevier's list of the Top 2% of Scientists in the world for advancing our understanding of grieving as a meaning-making process and its profound implications for human experience. Dr. Neimeyer's dedication to education is evident in his role as the Director of the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, where he continues to mentor and inspire future generations of grief therapists. His leadership in the field has also found expression in his service as President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) and Chair of the International Work Group on Death, Dying and Bereavement (AWG). His accolades, including multiple awards from ADEC, the International Network of Personal Meaning, the Viktor Frankl Association, and the American Psychological Association among others, attest to the sustained impact of his work on the field. Today, we are privileged to benefit from Dr. Neimeyer's wisdom as he shares his expertise with us. www.portlandinstitute.org [www.portlandinstitute.org] New book: Living Beyond Loss: Questions and Answers about Grief and Bereavement [https://www.routledge.com/Living-Beyond-Loss-Questions-and-Answers-About-Grief-and-Bereavement/Neimeyer/p/book/9780367143480] (https://www.routledge.com/Living-Beyond-Loss-Questions-and-Answers-About-Grief-and-Bereavement/Neimeyer/p/book/9780367143480 [https://www.routledge.com/Living-Beyond-Loss-Questions-and-Answers-About-Grief-and-Bereavement/Neimeyer/p/book/9780367143480]) Use discount code ADC25 for 30% off and free shipping on routledge.com

199 - Ira Chaleff On how to be an Informed, Empowered Citizen

Ira Chaleff (Chay-leff) is an author, speaker and executive coach in the greater Washington, DC area. • His extensive experience with government includes directing the non-partisan Congressional Management Foundation, where he is now Chair Emeritus. • Ira co-authored the original handbook for new Members of Congress, now in its nineteenth edition, and facilitated over a hundred congressional office retreats on both sides of the political aisle • He has led and participated in Democracy strengthening programs in Asia, West Africa and Eastern Europe. • His classic book, The Courageous Follower: Standing Up To and For Our Leaders [https://a.co/d/6TH4b23], and his award winning book Intelligent Disobedience: Doing Right When What You're Told To Do Is Wrong [https://a.co/d/9a3kHJV], were translated into multiple languages including Russian and Chinese. • He has spoken on these topics at the the US Naval Academy, the US State Department, the Royal Military Academy, the European Commission, and too many others to list. • Ira was named one of the top 100 "Best Minds on Leadership" by Leadership Excellence magazine and a pioneer in the emerging field of Followership Studies. • His newest book, To Stop a Tyrant: The Power of Political Followers [https://a.co/d/3XfSbk7], has won several awards and received high praise from both sides of the political spectrum. Website: https://irachaleffauthor.com/ [https://irachaleffauthor.com/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/feathermaid [https://www.youtube.com/user/feathermaid] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irachaleff/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/irachaleff/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/irachaleffauthor [https://www.facebook.com/irachaleffauthor]

198 - A Novel Approach to Treating Trauma with Dr. Eugene Lipov

Dr. Eugene Lipov is a leading expert in treating posttraumatic stress and the pioneer of using Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) to alleviate PTSD symptoms. Inspired by his own family’s struggles with trauma, he has dedicated his career to restoring hope for those affected. In 2006, he adapted SGB—an FDA-approved procedure since the 1970's for pain and circulation disorders—as a breakthrough PTSD treatment, later developing the Dual Sympathetic Reset (DSR) protocol for even greater relief. Beyond his clinical innovations, Dr. Lipov is a relentless advocate for redefining PTSD as post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI) to reduce stigma and shift public understanding. He has testified in 2010 before the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, collaborated with global military and medical communities, and published extensively in leading medical journals. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Fox National News and NBC, underscoring his mission to make effective, science-backed trauma treatments accessible worldwide. Website: dreugenelipov.com [https://dreugenelipov.com/] Website: thegodshotbook.com [https://thegodshotbook.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenelipov/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugenelipov/] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dreugenelipov [https://www.youtube.com/@dreugenelipov] Instagram: dreugenelipov [https://www.instagram.com/dreugenelipov/](https://www.instagram.com/dreugenelipov/ [https://www.instagram.com/dreugenelipov/]) His book: thegodshotbook.com [https://thegodshotbook.com/] is being released February 17th, 2026.

197 - Supercharge Your Communication with Nick Brancato

NICK BRANCATO is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master's degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life's challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Nick's holistic process incorporates meditation, guided visualization, and hypnotherapy, emphasizing both emotional insight and actionable steps. By fostering deeper connections and mental clarity, Nick empowers couples to transform tension into trust and misalignment into mutual success, creating lasting, meaningful change in their relationships. Website: https://nickbrancato.com/ [https://nickbrancato.com/] Instagram: @personaldevcoach [https://www.instagram.com/personaldevcoach/] (https://www.instagram.com/personaldevcoach/ [https://www.instagram.com/personaldevcoach/]) His new book: "Prioritize Us: Unlock Lasting Love with One Simple, Proven Test [https://a.co/d/82Ul7KS]" (https://a.co/d/82Ul7KS)

196 - Jonathan Kemp's Healing Journey Through Mental Illness

JONATHAN KEMP is a mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and creator of SmartWisdom, a scientifically validated note-taking technique. Born into privilege as the future 3rd Viscount Rochdale, he built careers in law enforcement and entrepreneurship and undertook postgraduate study, unaware that bipolar disorder, depression, and dyslexia were shaping his life. His mental illnesses were diagnosed aged 39, when he finally sought professional help. Jonathan won the British Dyslexia Association's 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award in 2011. Website: https://www.viscountrochdale.com/  [https://www.viscountrochdale.com/%C2%A0] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonathankemplondon [https://www.facebook.com/jonathankemplondon]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jonathankemplondon [https://www.instagram.com/Jonathankemplondon]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankemplondon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankemplondon] Forthcoming book: "FINDING PEACE OF MIND: An Inspirational Journey Through Bipolar, Depression, Addiction and Dyslexia [https://www.viscountrochdale.com/finding-peace-of-mind]"