Addiction – with Howard Gluss
Exploring Connections Between Psychology and Podcasting
Today I’m joined by Dr. Howard Gluss, a clinical psychologist and podcaster, to talk about the balance between those two pursuits. As a psychologist, he specializes in helping those struggling with addiction. He believes that the balance between his two worlds is interconnected and cannot be completely separated from one another. When working with patients, he believes it is important to be present for them and to be of service, rather than make it about himself.
However, podcasting provides him with an opportunity to express himself and make it about Howard. This balance helps him to be more present in his sessions with patients and enjoy the creative process of podcasting. He believes that success for those struggling with addiction is their normalizing their life. He encourages those with addiction to create a life that they actually like, which can help distance themselves from their addiction. This requires a support system of therapists, friends, and groups to help them stay on the right path.
Howard also suggests that one should stay away from obsessing over perfection. He recommends getting rid of too many notes and scripts, and just relaxing into the process. This allows podcasters to gain confidence and enjoy the creative process without getting too focused on perfection.
Howard reveals how he uses sound to create an intimate experience for his listeners, sharing that sound is a powerful tool that helps him to access deep emotions and spiritual connections. He explains that sound is deeply embedded in many contexts (for example, Eastern religions) and is a powerful tool for meditation. He has practiced meditation for 25 years and believes that it helps to keep him grounded before a client session.
Howard shares his thoughts on the power of audio and how it can transport listeners to a different world. He believes that the lack of visual stimulation can allow the listener to fill in the gaps and create a more personal experience. Lastly, he wonders if research could compare the reactions of listeners to the same material presented in both visual and auditory forms. This could provide interesting insights into how sound affects our brains and how it can be used to create a more intimate experience.
Craig highlighted the importance of music, noting that he’s heard the same spoken-voice track laid onto drastically different music beds to create a completely different overall experience. He argues that sometimes we don’t need anything more than audio to convey a message. Howard agrees, and notes there’s a difference between speaking with a patient in-person versus virtually. While there are pros and cons to both, he noted that in-person communication allows therapists to observe body language and make better interpretations about their patients.
Howard also mentions how podcasting can trigger emotions in listeners, even if the host is not doing anything to intentionally do so. He points out that we don’t always know what can trigger an emotional response, and suggested that podcast hosts should be mindful of this. Craig draws the conclusion that it is important to remain conscious of the power of audio-only communication, and to be aware that listeners can be triggered.
After an interesting conversation covering food, addiction treatment, and audio dramas they wrap up mentioning Dr. Gluss’s own in-home rehab company and psychology practice, Dara Knot Health: https://www.daraknothealth.com/ and his podcast, “Dr. G: Engaging Minds”.
— Hello, I’m Craig Constantine. 👋
This is Podtalk. Short conversations with indie podcasters that are not just about podcasting, because I like to take the scenic route.
In each episode, I talk with podcasters about their shows, experiences, what they’ve learned, what motivates them, and… well, pretty much everything related to podcasting from the indie creator’s point of view. I hope these episodes spark ideas and conversations for you, and lead to new ways of looking at this wonderful art of podcasting.
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