Ep. 20: Redefining Disability in Psychology

Ep. 20: Redefining Disability in Psychology

Thirty-six years ago this month, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law. In this enlightening episode of Wellness in Today's World, Alliant University Distinguished Professor Dr. Rhoda Olkin shares her personal journey as a clinical psychologist and disability rights advocate. She discusses the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in psychology, the importance of mentorship, and the need for greater inclusion and understanding within therapeutic practices. Dr. Olkin emphasizes the significance of viewing disability as a part of human diversity rather than a deficit, and she calls for systemic changes in organizations and society to better accommodate and support individuals with disabilities. Her insights provide a roadmap for creating a more inclusive future in mental health and beyond.

Ep. 19: "Life in Three Dimensions": The Power of Psychological Richness

What makes for a truly rich existence? In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, host Dr. Debra Kawahara sits down with renowned psychologist Dr. Shige Oishi to discuss his groundbreaking concept of psychological richness, the third dimension of a well-lived life alongside happiness and meaning. Drawing from decades of research in positive psychology, Dr. Oishi explains why a fulfilling life cannot always be measured by comfort, satisfaction, or purpose alone. Instead, some of life’s most transformative moments emerge from curiosity, exploration, unexpected experiences, and shifts in perspective that challenge how we see ourselves and the world. Through personal stories, research findings, and practical advice, Dr. Oishi explores how people can experience greater psychological richness by cultivating openness, lifelong learning, and embracing experiences that expand their horizons. The conversation offers listeners a compelling framework for understanding personal growth, wisdom, and wellness across every stage of life.

Ep. 18: Mastering Pressure: How Athletes Thrive Under Stress

Just in time for this summer’s major championship sporting events, this episode of Wellness in Today’s World features host Dr. Debra Kawahara in conversation with sports psychologist Dr. Sara Hickmann about the growing mental health pressures facing athletes at every level of competition. Drawing from her experience working with professional teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Jets, and Brooklyn Nets, Dr. Hickmann explores topics such as perfectionism, burnout, performance anxiety, “the yips,” and the mental difference between clutch performances and choking under pressure. The conversation also examines the impact of NIL culture, social media, and constant performance expectations on young athletes, while highlighting practical tools such as visualization, self-talk, reset routines, and cognitive flexibility that can help athletes and non-athletes alike navigate stress, adversity, and high-pressure situations.

Ep. 17: “The Chair and the Valley”: Rewriting Your Story After Trauma

Author Banning Lyon engages in a profound conversation about his memoir, The Chair and the Valley, in this episode of Wellness in Today’s World. He and Dr. Debra Kawahara explore themes of trauma, healing, and the transformative power of nature. Banning shares his personal journey through hospitalization, the challenges of writing about his experiences, and the importance of agency in therapy. He emphasizes that trauma does not have to define one's identity and discusses how punk rock and nature played crucial roles in his healing process. The conversation concludes with reflections on parenthood and the ongoing journey of wellness.

Ep. 16: Transforming Inherited Pain into Care and Courage

In this compelling episode of Wellness in Today’s World, psychotherapist, activist, and author Satsuki Ina reflects on intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, and the power of collective healing, drawing from her lived experience as a child born in a World War II incarceration camp and her decades of clinical and community work. Grounded in her memoir, The Poet and the Silk Girl, Ina shares how uncovering her parents’ letters and diaries illuminated both the depth of their suffering and the silence that shaped her upbringing, emphasizing how trauma is passed down not only through stories but through unspoken behaviors, embodied anxiety, and relational patterns.   The conversation explores the limitations of individual therapy in addressing collective trauma and highlights the importance of community-based healing practices, including storytelling, healing circles, and “compassionate witnessing,” as pathways to reclaim voice, identity, and agency. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this episode invites listeners to view mental health as both a personal and collective journey, encouraging them to honor their histories, engage in community healing, and stand as witnesses to injustice.