Wit and Reason with Alex and Dr. Alexis

Fear isn’t just about the chills—it’s about what our minds, bodies, and cultures do with it.In this episode of Wit and Reason, licensed clinical social worker Alex and community psychologist Dr. Alexis unpack the psychology of fear through strange encounters and cultural stories. From childhood trauma mistaken for ghost sightings to Tesla tech glitches misread as hauntings, they explore how fear shapes memory, perception, and resilience.Why do some people love horror for the thrill, while others can’t escape the weight of terrifying memories? Alex and Dr. Alexis break down the science, the folklore, and the impact on our mental health—while reminding us that the goal isn’t to prove or disprove the paranormal, but to process fear in ways that keep us safe, validated, and curious.Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of trauma, hallucinations, psychosis, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Performers do more than entertain. Whether comedians, musicians, theater artists, or athletes, they challenge the status quo, spark joy, and reflect the struggles we all face. In this episode of Wit and Reason with Alex & Dr. Alexis’ Therapy or Trash series, we dive into the psychology of touring, the resilience of live performers, and the ways audiences benefit from their courage to show up on stage.Through stand-up comedy, indie theater, music, and even BMX stunts, we reveal how performers help us laugh, think, and connect more deeply with ourselves and each other. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From viral TikToks calling every guy a narcissist to comment sections telling strangers to “leave him now,” the internet is full of armchair therapists handing out diagnoses without context. In this episode of Therapy or Trash, Dr. Alexis Moreno and therapist Alex Honigman dissect the rise of the “Diagnostic Divas” — people with no credentials making sweeping judgments about relationships based on a single clip. They break down the psychology of online overreactions, the dangers of DIY diagnosing, and why these trends can damage real relationships. Along the way, they react to some of the wildest posts and comments, explain how real clinicians assess behaviour, and share practical ways to protect your relationships from bad advice.Listen in for the expert insights, laugh-out-loud reactions, and myth-busting truths you won’t get from your feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Adult friendships can be lifelines—or emotional sinkholes. But when a friendship starts feeling more draining than supportive, do you walk away, set boundaries, or push for deeper connection?In this episode of Wit and Reason’s Therapy Or Trash series, Dr. Alexis Moreno and Alex Honigman react to viral videos on friendship, vulnerability, neurodivergence, and emotional intelligence. They dig into whether ghosting, redefining boundaries, or fighting for closeness is healthy and therapeutic… or toxic and trash.From ADHD distraction guilt to the grief of outgrowing one-sided relationships, they unpack the neuroscience, psychology, and emotional cost of changing how—and who—you connect with as an adult. Along the way, they validate the “strong friend,” challenge outdated social rules, and push for intentional friendships built on equity, reciprocity, and care.If you’ve ever wrestled with whether to hold on or let go, this conversation will help you see friendship through a sharper, more compassionate lens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A group called Return to the Land (RTTL) is creating a whites-only settlement in the Ozarks, requiring members to prove “European ancestry,” identify as straight, Christian, and exclude Jewish people, Black people, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals. This isn’t just racism—it’s an organized attempt to build a high-control community using legal loopholes, cult-like psychology, and social fear.In this episode of Wit and Reason, therapist couple Alex Honigman, LCSW and Dr. Alexis Moreno, Clinical Community Psychologist, break down viral videos responding to RTTL and use peer-reviewed psychological and sociological research to explain:What motivates people to join exclusionary groupsHow identity threats, fear, and authoritarianism shape extremist movementsWhy RTTL may meet many of the criteria for cults and high-control groupsThe dangers of pseudo-legal structures like PMAs (Private Membership Associations)How racism, patriarchy, and paranoia form social engineering projectsWhether you're curious, concerned, or confused—this episode explains why this movement is dangerous and what it reveals about the deeper mental health and cultural fractures in America today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tired of wellness fluff? We are too. In this episode, therapist Alex Honigman, LCSW, and community psychologist Dr. Alexis Moreno get real about what actually supports mental health and behavior change. From how alcohol quietly impacts your long-term health, to why conflict keeps cycling in your relationships, to what most people get wrong about “self-improvement”... this is your no-nonsense guide to real, sustainable change. We’re talking emotional wellness, science-backed tips, and the messy reality of making progress—and keeping it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step into the world of Comic-Con with Dr. Alexis and Alex as they explore the surprising connections between fandom and mental health. In this special episode, they unpack how communities built around Superman, Wonder Woman, Dungeons & Dragons, and Star Wars can shape identity, reduce stigma, and support healing. With thoughtful discussion on cosplay, storytelling, representation, and sexism in nerd culture, this episode blends celebration with critical insight. Featuring personal reflections, mental health expertise, and a dash of geeky passion, it’s a must-listen for fans and therapists alike. Tune in to explore how the things we love can also help us heal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dr. Alexis and Alex as they delve into the complex legal, psychological, and community ramifications of ICE raids in Los Angeles and across the country. In this emotionally charged episode, they discuss the public's reactions, the mental health impacts, and the historical context of resistance in LA. Featuring heartfelt discussions, expert insights, and reactions to social media posts, this episode offers a multifaceted look at an urgent issue. Listener discretion is advised due to sensitive content. Tune in to understand the human element behind these disturbing events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging podcast episode, join host Dr. Alexis as she explores the transition of psychologist, Dr. Jake Knapik from traditional therapy settings to film and TV production environments, focusing on mental health and resilience training. Dr. Jake shares his journey consulting in the entertainment industry and becoming Netflix's first Global Wellbeing Manager. Listen in as Dr. Alexis and Dr. Jake address workplace stress, bullying, and harassment, advocating for mental health resources at work, and the importance of systemic changes for long-term employee well-being. Get practical tips to enhance your mental health and resilience in the workplace and recommendations for further resources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging podcast episode, join host psychologist Dr. Alexis and therapist Alex Honigman, LICSW, as they delve into the intricate connections between mental health, activism, and emotional recovery following the 2024 U.S. elections. Drawing from their expertise as mental health professionals and their shared journey as activists, they provide practical strategies for managing anxiety, processing grief, and fostering resilience in challenging times.Tune in as Dr. Alexis and Alex share their personal experiences, thought-provoking insights, and actionable advice on how to engage in activism sustainably while maintaining emotional well-being. Through candid discussions, they explore the importance of community, intentionality, and the creative ways people are redefining activism beyond protests and rallies. Alex offers a unique perspective on how social and psychological factors shape our responses to change and stress, encouraging listeners to find empowerment through small, value-driven actions.Don’t miss this episode if you’re eager to learn how to navigate personal and societal transitions while aligning your mental health and activism with your core values. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging podcast episode, join host Dr. Alexis as she engages in a heartfelt conversation with her business and life partner, Alex Honigman, LICSW. Together, they delve into the essential role of mental health support in navigating the intense pressures of the entertainment industry.Tune in as Dr. Alexis shares their unique journey and offers compelling stories about working closely with actors, musicians, and other entertainment professionals. Discover how their deep commitment to mental wellness has driven them to create personalized support systems that empower creatives to flourish both on and off the stage. Through moving anecdotes, Alex Honigman highlights how integrating mental health practices has profoundly transformed lives and careers, revealing the often hidden challenges faced by those in the spotlight.Don't miss this episode if you’re eager to learn how mental health coordination is forging a path toward a more balanced and sustainable entertainment industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating podcast episode, join Dr. Alexis Moreno as she sits down for an enlightening radio interview with the renowned psychologist, Dr. Ali Mattu. Together, they delve into the fascinating world of media psychology and its influence on our lives. Listen as Dr. Ali opens up about his childhood and shares heartwarming anecdotes of how media and his work with his clients has impacted his life as a psychologist. Discover how a chance encounter inspired him to create informative and engaging content, bridging the gap between professional knowledge and accessibility. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The media doesn’t have a great track record for accurately or even compassionately representing mental illness. But today, we have the pleasure to talk with close friends, writers, and producers, Dara Sanandaji and Freddie Bell. Dara shares what it’s like to live and function in today’s world with mental illness and has partnered up with Freddie to create "Breaking the Silence" a refreshingly open and honest documentary about Dara's process with Bipolar Disorder with psychotic features, now streaming on Amazon video.Visit our Wit and Reason Show Page to Access the Resources Shared in the Show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Alexis talks with Hayden, a Wellness Coach with Wit & Reason focusing on (among a few areas) youth’s academic wellness. Hayden shares the many challenges teens experience in testing, applying, and remaining in college. Learn tips & recommendations to support youth through college readiness challenges! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Alexis talks with Emma G, a musician and songwriter who has been sharing her creative gifts to help empower teens and adults. Emma G shares the many challenges teens and adults face in their life and how getting creative and writing our own song can help. Listen in to learn tips & recommendations to boost your wellness via music! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WIT & REASON WITH DR. ALEXIS MORENOOur Wit & Reason therapist, Rueben Steele and Dr. Alexis dive into drive and answer, What is a Healthy Sex Drive? We're not here to characterize levels or brands of sexuality as pathological or "bad" instead we would like for you to use this show as a guide to help you increase your ability to figure out what's healthy, sexy, and compatible for you.Resources from the ShowSERVICESBook a Therapy Session with Reuben SteeleGet More Healthy Dating Tips from Dr. Alexis on Aura Health AppWhitman Walker ClinicTrevor Project Sex Addicts Anonymous ProgramVIDEOSMia Khalifa: "Porn is not reality" BBC HARDtalk (24 mins) BOOKSOut of the ShadowIn the Shadows of the Net: Breaking Free of Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior by Patrick J. Carnes, David Delmonico & Elizabeth GriffenBreaking Free of Compulsive Online Sexual Behavior by Patrick Carnes, David Delmonico & Elizabeth GriffenYour Brain on Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction by Gary WilsonARTICLESCompulsive Sexual Behavior Inventory – 13 (CSBI-13) Dr. Eli Coleman and Dr. Michael Miner Institute for Sexual and Gender Health at the University of MinnesotaIs Your Sex Drive Normal? Probably.The CERTS Model of Healthy Sex: Consent, Equality, Respect, Trust, and SafetySexual Health Research LabCLINICAL CONSIDERATIONSA comparison of DSM and ICD classifications of mental disorderICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics: 6C72 Compulsive sexual behaviour disorderCompulsive sexual behaviour disorder in the ICD-11MayoClinic: Compulsive sexual behavior Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mindfulness & Therapy with Den, George, & Zhassulan (Jazz)In this interview, Dr. Alexis meets with three Mindfulness Teachers from Ukraine on the evening of March 4, 2022. Den, George, & Zhassulan describe what it has been like for them as mental health professionals living in Ukraine during Putin's and Russia's invasion, their experience leaving Ukraine, and their ongoing work in spreading kindness and compassion.Topics DiscussedRussia Invasion of UkraineUkraine Live UpdatesExperiences Surviving War in Ukraine 2022Mindfulness, Compassion, Mental Health, Sleep, and AnxietyFacing Russian “Brainwashing” and DisinformationHow to Support UkraineResources from the ShowCome Back Alive, the biggest fund for helping Ukrainian soldiers (not for weapons) Additional places to donate: https://uahelp.monobank.ua/ & https://helpukrainewin.org/Ukrainian Volunteer Service https://secure.wayforpay.com/payment/uvs_supportEast Ukraine, Vostok SOS (East SOS) https://vostok-sos.org/en/Help for elders in Ukraine https://starenki.com.ua/en/home-2/Media ReferencesUkrainian Pravda (Ukrainian truth) https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/Zaborona https://zaborona.com/en/NV https://english.nv.ua/Kyivpost https://www.kyivpost.com/As always, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more Community Health tips and Ukrainian interview updates. Subscribe to the podcast version of our DC Radio talk show on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Alexa, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Wit and Reason with Dr. Alexis Moreno. This is the 2nd interview in our new series, Ukrainian Experiences, broadcasted to help raise awareness about realities and hardships associated with the Putin Russian invasion and war occurring in Ukraine. In this episode, Dr. Alexis interviews Oleksandra Osipova on the evening of March 1, 2022 in Ukraine. Oleksandra shares her experiences living in Ukraine during Putin's and Russia's continued invasions, the bomb shelters she and her family have utilized, and now in a safer location - her work in coordinating information spreading about the war. Oleksandra also encourages our listeners to contribute donations to https://uahelp.monobank.ua/ in order to support Ukrainian survivors.Topics Discussed:Russia Invasion of UkraineUkraine Live UpdatesExperiences Surviving War in Ukraine 2022Mental Health, Sleep Impairment, and AnxietyCombatting Russian PropagandaHow to Support UkraineResources from the ShowVisit UA Help to financially support Ukrainian survivors.As always, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more Community Health tips and Ukrainian interview updates. Subscribe to the podcast version of our DC Radio talk show on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Alexa, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Wit and Reason with Dr. Alexis Moreno. We are broadcasting a new series, Ukrainian Experiences, in order to help raise awareness about realities and hardships associated with the Putin Russian invasion and war occurring in Ukraine. In this first series episode, Dr. Alexis interviews Julia Petryk on March 1, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. Julia openly describes her experiences living in Kyiv leading up to and during Putin's and Russia's continued invasions. She also shares various ways you can support her communication efforts and Ukrainian aid.Topics Discussed:Russia Invasion of UkraineUkraine Live UpdatesExperiences Surviving War in Ukraine 2022How to Support UkraineResources from the ShowFollow Julia on Twitter and help by reposting her content.Read Here’s How You Can Help The People Of Ukraine and choose from their list of donation sites and people to follow.As always, follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more Community Health tips and Ukrainian interview updates. Subscribe to the podcast version of our DC Radio talk show on Amazon Music, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts, Alexa, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or YouTube. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WIT & REASON WITH DR. ALEXIS MORENODr. Alexis interviews Phillip Bazemore, Judge Carlos Moore, and Charles Tucker, authors of The Five Brothers, all about the benefits of creating and maintaining meaningful adult friendships. More so, they dive into how to break through toxic masculinity and the stereotypes that hold back men’s ability to express and receive love.Resources from the ShowStories from first-generation doctors, attorneys, and judges persevering through adversity including single parenthood, poverty, police brutality, and more (The Five Brothers) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.