The Dr Suzette Glasner Podcast

Has Tiger Woods finally hit rock bottom — or is that the wrong question entirely?In this episode, I examine Tiger Woods’ latest DUI arrest and crash through the lens of addiction science. Despite access to world-class care, financial resources, and global support, Woods continues to struggle with a pattern of substance use and high-risk behavior — raising important questions about how addiction actually works.As a clinical psychologist and addiction scientist, Dr. Suzette Glasner breaks down why addiction persists even in the presence of success, and why insight — not access — is often the missing piece in recovery.You can watch the full episode here:This episode explores:* Why addiction is a brain disease that impairs judgment and decision-making* The role of prescription opioids like hydrocodone in driving impairment* How polysubstance use significantly increases risk* How chronic pain, trauma, and loss contribute to relapse* Why practical solutions (like hiring a driver) don’t address the core issue* What meaningful, sustained recovery actually requiresFor those who are struggling with addiction — or who love someone who is — this episode offers a clearer understanding of why change can be so difficult, and what actually helps move the needle toward recovery.Tiger Woods’ story is not just about a public figure — it’s a powerful example of addiction as a human issue that can take hold of a life. 📩 Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at: askdrglasner@gmail.comIf you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing and sharing it with others who might benefit. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

Sugary drinks are back in the spotlight, with renewed national attention on the health risks of added sugar. But while much of the conversation—highlighted recently by RFK Jr.—has focused on obesity, diabetes, and metabolic health, there may be an important piece we’re overlooking.In this episode, Dr. Glasner explores the growing evidence linking sugar-sweetened beverages to mental health outcomes, including mood, anxiety, sleep, and patterns of addictive behaviors. What happens in the brain when we consume high amounts of liquid sugar? Why can these drinks be so hard to cut back on? And how much is too much?From Starbucks lattes and Dunkin’ iced coffees to soda, boba tea, and energy drinks, these beverages are a daily habit for many. This episode takes a closer look at how they may be affecting not just our bodies—but our minds.You can watch the full episode here:You’ll learn:* What current research says about sugary drinks and mental health* How blood sugar swings and reward pathways influence mood and cravings* Why sugary drinks can promote addictive behaviors* Practical ways to reduce intake without feeling deprivedIf you’re thinking about your own habits—or your kids’—this episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based perspective on a very common part of modern life.📩 Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at: askdrglasner@gmail.comIf you found this episode helpful, consider subscribing and sharing it with others who might benefit. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

We tend to think of digital experiences as tools, entertainment, or care.But AI companions are starting to blur those boundaries.Some users aren’t just interacting with them—they’re forming attachments. In some cases, romantic relationships. Connections that feel responsive, personalized, and emotionally meaningful.What’s driving that shift?In this episode, addiction scientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Suzette Glasner examines how AI companions create a form of interaction that differs from traditional digital experiences. Through continuous responsiveness, adaptive feedback, and simulated emotional attunement, these systems can begin to function less like products and more like relational partners.That distinction matters.Because the same mechanisms that support a sense of connection may also reinforce repeated engagement—making these interactions feel increasingly difficult to step away from.Drawing on behavioral science, Dr. Glasner explores how these dynamics emerge, why they don’t map cleanly onto existing models of digital addiction, and what it means when a technology begins to occupy a role that looks—and feels—like a relationship.Watch the full episode here:The episode also examines how romantic and emotional engagement with AI companions challenges existing frameworks for understanding digital behavior, raising new questions about attachment, reinforcement, and the role of technology in meeting psychological needs.This is an early look at a shift that may become increasingly relevant as these systems continue to evolve.📩 Questions or topic suggestions? Email AskDrGlasner@gmail.com🔗 Subscribe for evidence-based discussions on addiction, recovery, and mental health: https://www.YouTube.com/@drglasner This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

When someone we love disappears, grief becomes trapped between hope and despair. But ambiguous loss also occurs when addiction or illness changes someone we love.Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted more than a month ago — a tragedy that has captured national attention and stirred a powerful emotional response from people who have never met the family.Why do stories like this affect us so deeply?In this episode, addiction scientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Suzette Glasner explores the psychology of ambiguous loss, a term coined by family therapist Pauline Boss to describe a uniquely painful form of grief that occurs when a loved one is physically absent but psychologically present — such as in cases of missing persons, disappearances, or unresolved tragedies.But ambiguous loss doesn’t only occur when someone goes missing. It can also happen when someone we love is physically present but psychologically changed by illness. Conditions such as dementia, severe mental illness, and addiction can create a similar experience of grief, as families struggle with the painful feeling that the person they once knew is “here, but not here.”Drawing on decades of psychological research, Dr. Glasner explains the emotional experience reported by families navigating ambiguous loss — including the constant tension between hope and despair, guilt over moments of happiness, and the profound psychological toll of grief without closure.Watch the full episode here:The episode also explores why highly publicized tragedies can create a shared emotional experience across society — a phenomenon known as collective ambiguous loss — and how public grief unfolds in the age of social media.Finally, Dr. Glasner discusses psychological traits and therapeutic approaches that can help people cope with uncertainty and loss when answers may never come.Ambiguous loss is not limited to missing persons cases. Families coping with addiction, dementia, and severe mental illness often describe a similar experience of grief for someone who is still physically present but psychologically altered. One therapeutic approach that has shown promise in helping people cope with this kind of uncertainty is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on developing psychological flexibility and learning to live meaningfully even when answers or closure may never come.Learn More About Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)• Association for Contextual Behavioral Science – https://contextualscience.org• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life – Steven C. Hayes• The Happiness Trap – Russ Harris📩 Questions or topic suggestions? Email AskDrGlasner@gmail.com🔗 Subscribe for evidence-based discussions on addiction, recovery, and mental health:: https://www.YouTube.com/@drglasner This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

Bipolar disorder can bring periods of severe depression, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. In this episode, Dr. Glasner reflects on a powerful conversation with Emmy Award–winning actor Maurice Benard about living with bipolar disorder and how people can find hope during their darkest moments.What does it feel like to live through the darkest moments of bipolar disorder — and choose to keep going? In this episode, Dr. Glasner reflects on her recent conversation with Maurice Benard about suicidal thoughts, treatment, and the fight to hold onto hope.Watch the full episode here:In This Episode* Maurice Benard’s experience living with bipolar disorder* What suicidal thoughts can feel like during bipolar depression* Why hopelessness is one of the most dangerous symptoms* The importance of staying connected to treatment and support* How people can get through the darkest moments of mental illnessBipolar Disorder, Suicidal Thoughts, and Choosing HopeIn this episode, Dr. Glasner reflects on a powerful conversation with Emmy Award–winning actor Maurice Benard about bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts, and suicide prevention.Maurice Benard has lived with bipolar disorder since his early twenties and has openly shared his mental health journey with millions of people. Dr. Glasner recently joined Maurice on his podcast, State of Mind, where they spoke candidly about surviving the darkest moments of bipolar disorder and finding reasons to keep going.Maurice Benard is a suicide survivor. At different times in his life, he experienced intense suicidal thoughts and impulses, but he did not act on them. Instead, he chose to stick with treatment, and continue fighting through the most difficult periods of the illness.Dr. Glasner reflects on the insights from their conversation, including how moments of deep hopelessness can arise during mood disorders and how treatment, support, and persistence can help people move through these periods.Maurice’s story offers hope to anyone living with bipolar disorder, depression, or suicidal thoughts, and to those who care about someone who may be struggling. Dr. Glasner also shares clinical insights about how individuals and families can better anticipate and navigate periods of severe emotional distress.About Maurice BenardMaurice Benard is an Emmy Award–winning actor, best known for his role as Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. He has lived with bipolar disorder since his early twenties and has become one of the most visible advocates for mental health awareness.Maurice hosts the podcast State of Mind, where he speaks openly with guests about mental health, trauma, resilience, and recovery in order to reduce stigma and encourage honest conversations about mental illness.Learn more about Maurice Benard’s podcast State of Mind:https://www.mbstateofmind.comMental Health Support ResourcesIf you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, confidential support from a trained counselor is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Call or text 988Visit: https://988lifeline.orgYou can also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline, available 24/7 for treatment referrals and information about mental health and substance use disorders.Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)TTY: 1-800-487-4889Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does bipolar depression feel like?Bipolar depression can involve intense sadness, hopelessness, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Therapy, medication, and support can significantly improve outcomes.Where can someone get help for suicidal thoughts?In the United States, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting 988.If this episode helped you, consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from hearing this conversation about bipolar disorder, hope, and suicide prevention. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In a widely viewed conversation several years ago, Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson discussed Peterson’s experience with benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal. The exchange brought significant public attention to the challenges some individuals face when discontinuing medications like Xanax.But how closely did that conversation align with clinical evidence?In this episode, clinical psychologist and addiction scientist Dr. Suzette Glasner examines what Rogan and Peterson accurately captured about benzodiazepine withdrawal — and where important nuance may have been missing. Drawing on research, clinical guidelines, and what is known about protracted withdrawal, suicide risk, and physical dependence, this episode informs cultural narrative with clinical science.Watch the full episode here:Episode Breakdown00:00 How Long Does Xanax Withdrawal Really Last?00:34 Why Xanax & Ativan Became So Popular02:00 The Hidden Cost of “Quick Relief”02:43 Jordan Peterson’s 2-Year Withdrawal Battle03:50 The Truth About Short-Term vs. Long-Term Use05:00 Why Stopping Benzos Cold Turkey Can Be Dangerous05:24 Protracted Withdrawal: Why Symptoms Can Last Years06:17 Anxiety, Depression & Rebound Symptoms Explained07:10 Akathisia, Psychosis & Misdiagnosis Risks09:00 Can You Die From Benzodiazepine Withdrawal?10:09 Tapering Off Benzodiazepines11:00 Who’s Most at Risk for Severe Withdrawal?12:37 How Long Does a Safe Taper Actually Take?14:34 Xanax + Alcohol & A Final Message of HopeListen to Episode 43 now to learn how evolving science, media influence, and public perception intersect in the ongoing conversation about anxiety and its treatment.📩 Questions or topic suggestions? Email AskDrGlasner@gmail.com🔗 Subscribe for evidence-based discussions on addiction, recovery, and mental health:: https://www.YouTube.com/@drglasner This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this in-depth conversation, Aaron Prager — son of Dennis Prager and host of American Recovery on PragerU — joins addiction scientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Suzette Glasner to share his most detailed account yet of his struggle with severe addiction and the transformation that followed.Aaron reflects on how addiction to alcohol and methamphetamine progressively took hold of his life, eroding his sense of purpose, isolating him from his family, and leading to psychosis, deepening depression, and despair. What began as experimentation evolved into a life-threatening physiological dependence — the kind that carries a significant risk of mortality.Though he wrestled with and at times rejected religion throughout his upbringing, Aaron describes how his eventual return to faith and spirituality became central to his recovery. Beyond survival, he speaks candidly about the internal shift that occurred during recovery: confronting his own flaws, developing humility, and building an honest relationship with himself and a God of his understanding.This conversation explores not only addiction and near-death experience, but personal transformation — the process of awakening, self-reflection, and rebuilding a life rooted in responsibility, faith, and family.You can find Aaron here:X: https://x.com/theaaronpragerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaaronpragerYou can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.I hope that this episode helps you understand how addiction can unfold, the deeply personal nature of Aaron’s recovery journey and how this can be different for every person who is confronting addiction, and importantly, the fact that people do see the other side of even the most severe addictions like Aaron’s.Thank you for listening and. for being part of this community. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner addresses the core question that will be evaluated by the jury in the Los Angeles-based case initiating trial proceedings against defendants Meta and Google : are the features of social media apps designed to get kids and teens hooked? The case involves an individual identified by the initials "K.G.M." who is now a young adult, alleging that she became addicted to social media as a child and this had detrimental effects on her mental health, worsening depression and leading to suicidality. You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.K.G.M.'s is the first of over 1,000 cases that have been filed against a variety of social media companies to go to trial.TikTok and Snap, Inc., the parent company for Snapchat, settled for undisclosed amounts in advance of the trial initiation. Dr. Glasner explains the neuroscience underlying obsessive and repetitive behaviors around social media, and how the design features of the most commonly used apps can shape these behaviors among children and teens, given their psychology and the stage of brain development they are in. . Rooted in scientific facts about child and teen psychology and behavior, Dr. Glasner provides a factual picture of the impact of "sticky" design features that make it hard to disengage from social media on child and teen screen behavior, the effects of excessive social media use on well-being, and the state of the science on addiction to social media.on, and why some people take longer than others to achieve long-term stability. If you or someone you love is using social media excessively this episode offers clear, evidence-based information about problematic use of social media and how today’s apps can make it difficult for kids and teens to put them down. Thank you for being here and being part of this community.⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner responds to actress and filmmaker Natasha Lyonne’s recent public statement about having relapsed after more than 10 years in addiction recovery. Lyonne, who has a history of addiction to opioids, stimulants, and alcohol, took to social media to share reflections about the slip with her fans, which was met with an outpouring of support. You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Lyonne’s reflection — “Recovery is a lifelong process. Anyone out there struggling, remember you’re not alone.” — speaks to how vulnerability to addictive behaviors can hide in the background after a long period of stable recovery, and the importance of remaining vigilant to avoid a relapse hitting when a person least expects it. Her insights also remind us of the importance of social support in recovery, and the fact that addiction recovery is a more common struggle than most people realize.Dr. Glasner addresses the questions that many are left contemplating: is relapse inevitable for those with addiction? Is recovery a lifelong battle? The information shared in this episode clears the air, explaining the science of addiction treatment, what is known about rates of long-term recovery, and how to move forward from a relapse. Dr. Glasner discusses the evidence surrounding addiction treatment, recovery and relapse risk, when one can be confident that they’re “out of the woods,” the number of treatment episodes most people need to recover from addiction, and why some people take longer than others to achieve long-term stability. If you or someone you love is in addiction recovery, this episode offers clear, evidence-based information about relapse prevention, risk factors for a return to substance use, and how to get to the other side of a relapse. Thank you for being here and being part of this community.⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

Addiction scientist and clinical psychologist Dr. Suzette Glasner sits down with Bill Smith, Founder and CEO of Inseparable, to examine the most urgent gaps in today’s mental health care system.Bill Smith leads Inseparable, a national nonprofit advancing bipartisan mental health policy reforms at both the state and federal levels to make high-quality mental health care accessible to all. Since founding Inseparable in 2020, Bill has helped drive significant policy wins aimed at expanding access, improving outcomes, and reducing preventable loss of life.You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Dr. Glasner and Bill discuss the most concerning mental health trends today—including the youth mental health crisis, rising suicide rates, addiction, and the challenges families face when navigating behavioral health care. In a candid and deeply personal conversation, Bill also shares how the loss of his brother, Jack, after a long battle with mental illness, shaped his mission to create meaningful, nationwide change.I hope that this episode helps you understand the core barriers to mental health and addiction care access and how public policy reform can drive solutions that will improve and save lives.Thank you for listening and. for being part of this community. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner brings discusses Alan Jackson’s withdrawal from the Nick Reiner case and the future of his defense strategy with private attorney and former public defender Nathan Lockwood, whose work focuses on serious violent offenses including homicides. Upon his withdrawal from the case, Alan Jackson made a public statement indicating that “pursuant to the law in California, Nick Reiner is not guilty of murder.” Dr. Glasner’s discussion with Mr. Lockwood examines the possibility of an insanity defense strategy for Reiner, the legal basis and potential case for this defense, and what it would mean for Nick Reiner to be acquitted or found “not guilty by reason of insanity.”You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Dr. Glasner and Mr. Lockwood discuss myths and common misconceptions about gaining freedom after an insanity-based acquittal, the nature and limitations of the mental health care system within the Department of Corrections, and the pressures faced by public defenders when representing high profile cases such as that of Nick Reiner.I hope that this episode helps you understand the complexities surrounding the insanity defense and the psychological mindset of individuals who perform violent acts in the context of severe mental illness and addiction.Thank you for listening and. for being part of this community. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner brings forensic psychological research on characteristics of homicide offenders who are found not guilty by reason of insanity - side-by-side with the psychological profile of Nick Reiner, who has been charged with first degree murder in the tragic double homicide case of his parents, Rob and Michele Singer Reiner. News headlines have been speculative around Nick's potential defense strategy and the possibility of an insanity based defense. Dr. Glasner explains how the profiles of those found not guilty by reason of insanity differ from those who are criminally responsible and deemed competent to stand trial, and how addiction and psychosis are considered in a not guilty by reason of insanity defense. You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Dr. Glasner examines the profiles of offenders who commit parricide (or the killing of one or both of one’s parents) and are found not guilty by reason of insanity, according to recent forensic psychological studies. I hope that this episode helps you understand the complexities surrounding the insanity defense and the psychological mindset of individuals who perform violent acts in the context of severe mental illness and addiction.Thank you for listening and. for being part of this community. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner addresses the question that Matthew Perry’s death by ketamine overdose left many contemplating: is ketamine a therapeutic medicine for mental health, or a lethal drug? Dr. Glasner explains the therapeutic uses of ketamine, as well as the risk factors for adverse effects of ketamine use, including addiction.You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Dr. Glasner breaks down the scientific evidence for ketamine use in mental health, the risks of ketamine use among individuals like Matthew Perry with addiction history, and important safety guidelines and considerations when exploring ketamine as a treatment option for psychiatric conditions.If you or someone you love is using or thinking about using ketamine either for therapeutic or recreational purposes, this episode offers clear, evidence-based information about ketamine therapy and ketamine addiction. Thank you for being here and being part of this community.⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner responds to Matthew Perry's candid and moving interview with Diane Sawyer a year prior to his untimely death by ketamine overdose, along with recent news concerning the sentencing of Salvador Plasencia, one of two physicians charged in Perry's overdose death case with illegal distribution of ketamine.You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Matthew’s reflection — “Secrets kill you. Secrets kill people like me.” — speaks to how addiction thrives in secrecy and shame. It shows how hiding substance use, and the stigma surrounding it, can deeply isolate people, even those who appear confident, successful, and deeply loved in the public eye.Dr. Glasner breaks down why quality addiction care can be challenging to access, how evidence-based addiction care heals and retrains the brain, the risks of ketamine use among individuals like Matthew Perry with addiction history, and how genetics, family and social support impact addiction vulnerability and recovery.If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights inspired by Matthew Perry's insightful self-reflection, analysis by Dr. Glasner of how a person who appears stable in recovery can experience setbacks as he did, and practical strategies to help. Thank you for being here and being part of this community.⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this second episode on the Nick Reiner case, Dr. Suzette Glasner considers questions raised by viewers about addiction, psychosis, and the role of personality characteristics in homicidal behavior. You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.As news reports have revealed that Nick Reiner had a diagnosis of schizophrenia in addition to his known history of addiction, Dr. Glasner explains how antisocial and psychopathic personality traits are related to both mental illness and addiction, different forms of violence that are linked to both personality types, and forensic psychological research into the link between schizophrenia and violence. Considering what is currently known about Nick's addiction and mental health history, Dr. Glasner explains how addiction can complicate a personality disorder diagnosis, the likelihood of a personality disorder overlapping with addiction and schizophrenia, and the implications of clinical research on these conditions in combination for understanding the tragic double homicide case of Rob and Michele Reiner. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner brings the science of child-to-parent violence and parricide - or killing one or both of one’s parents - side-by-side with Nick Reiner’s psychological profile. Nick, the youngest son of the late Rob and Michele Reiner, has been charged with the brutal murder of his parents in a double homicide.You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Dr. Glasner explains the profile of adult children who commit acts of violence towards their parents, why parents often suffer in silence in the face of child-to-parent violence, and how addiction and mental health are related to parricide (or the killing of one or both of one’s parents). Leveraging what is currently known about Nick’s addiction history and profile, Dr. Glasner not only explains the genesis of unthinkable violent behavior towards one’s parents, but simultaneously she addresses the fears that the Reiners’ tragic story may stir in families in which an adult child suffers from mental health or addiction issues. Rooted in scientific facts about the frequency of extreme violence and homicidal behavior among adult children towards their parents, Dr. Glasner provides a factual picture of the true risk of such events - and how to recognize and respond to warning signs.If you have a child or family member who is living with addiction and/or mental illness, I hope that this episode helps you feel equipped to manage concerns about your safety and/or the safety of your loved one.Thank you for listening and. for being part of this community. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode?Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner helps you get prepared to ring in the New Year with proven strategies to make impactful and lasting behavior changes. You can watch or listen to the full episode on The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast here.Dr. Suzette Glasner breaks down a brief and highly effective therapy exercise to nail down and initiate the most important change you need to make to see a difference in your life in the year ahead. She walks through the exercise in real time for listeners to join and use as a springboard to find motivation and step into action to realize their goals, in just 10 minutes. Using science-backed, practical behavior change techniques, Dr. Glasner will help you frame, define, and initiate steps towards improving your physical and mental health and well-being.If you’ve struggled to initiate or make lasting changes to your lifestyle, health, or psychological approach to living, I hope that this episode gives you hope, motivation, and some doable, actionable steps to take today. Thank you for listening and. for being part of this community. ⸻ Have a question about today’s episode? Or a question you’d like me to cover in a future episode? Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com ) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

Ep. 31 — Genie Francis Gets Real About Social AnxietyAvoidance, Genetics, and How Exposure HelpsDr. Suzette Glasner responds to Genie Francis’ powerful conversation on Maurice Benard’s State of Mind, where the longtime General Hospital actress opens up about living with social anxiety. Her insight — “I have this anxiety when I have to be Genie” — offers a clear look at how anxiety can hide behind confidence and performance.You can watch or listen to the full interview on Maurice's podcast here: https://youtu.be/WgiIuV0T0nE?si=BBHXf9c4HJUTtzdnDr. Glasner explains why avoidance worsens anxiety, how exposure therapy works, and how genetics and family patterns contribute to vulnerability. She also shares simple, evidence-based steps to begin reducing anxiety and rebuilding confidence.Questions for Dr. Glasner? askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

Gratitude & Recovery: Lessons from Bev Vance Aikins’ JourneyAs we move into the Thanksgiving season, gratitude becomes a cultural talking point — but in mental health and addiction science, gratitude is far more than a holiday theme. It’s a measurable driver of resilience, emotional regulation, and long-term recovery.In this episode of The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast, I explore why gratitude matters so deeply in addiction recovery and mental health…and why lived experience helps us understand the research better than any textbook.To do that, I reflect on my recent interview with Bev Vance Aikins, mother of JD Vance. Bev spent 15 years in active opioid addiction before entering recovery. Her story is deeply human — filled with guilt, shame, repair, and ultimately, transformation. And throughout our conversation, one theme surfaced over and over again:Gratitude changed the trajectory of her life.But she didn’t always call it “gratitude.”Sometimes she called it being blessed.Sometimes it showed up in noticing the “little things.”Sometimes it emerged through spirituality and connection.Those moments map directly onto what research tells us:Gratitude is not passive. It’s an active psychological process that strengthens recovery.In this episode, I break down:What you’ll learn• Why gratitude is such a powerful driver of mental health• What Bev Vance Aikins’ journey teaches us about healing• How gratitude supports long-term addiction recovery• How spirituality and meaning-making strengthen resilience• Why spiritual connection improves treatment outcomes• How mindfulness helps us notice the “little things” after addiction• How guilt and shame transform through self-forgiveness• How gratitude + forgiveness rebuild damaged relationships• What self-compassion really means — and why it matters• The Dalai Lama’s insight on self-love as a prerequisite for compassion• Gratitude and compassion meditations that can support daily practice• A closing Thanksgiving reflection on staying grounded all yearBev’s willingness to confront her past — even when portrayed negatively in a memoir and film — shows how gratitude and self-forgiveness work together. They make sustained recovery possible.They make connection possible.They make healing possible.If you missed the full Bev interview, I strongly recommend watching it: https://youtu.be/2OP4BlGJZwAIt’s one of the clearest lived examples of applied recovery science I’ve seen in years.As always, thank you for being part of this community.Wishing you a grounded, compassionate, mindful Thanksgiving — wherever you are in your journey.💬 Have a question for a future episode? Email: askdrglasner@gmail.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com

In this episode, Dr. Suzette Glasner breaks down why holiday weight gain happens—and what behavior science teaches us about staying in control during the season of abundance. Drawing on her O, The Oprah Magazine article and her expertise as a UCLA addiction scientist, she introduces an updated version of her “assertive eating” method.These tools help you maintain boundaries, make intentional choices, and avoid turning one slip into a spiral.🍽️ Practical Tools You Can Use From the Episode:• Most holiday weight gain comes from “just one pound”… that sticks.• Social eating—not hunger—is the #1 trigger for overeating.• “Assertive eating” protects your goals.• Planning ahead reduces impulsive choices.• One slip is not a failure.📝 Referenced in the EpisodeNEJM Holiday Weight Gain Study: https://bit.ly/NEJMholidayweightstudyDr. Glasner’s Oprah Magazine Article (“Avoiding the Holiday Spread”): https://bit.ly/drglasneroprahholidayeating🎙️About Dr. Suzette GlasnerDr. Suzette Glasner is a UCLA addiction scientist, clinical psychologist, and author whose research focuses on behavior change, cravings, and evidence-based coping strategies. Her work has been featured in O, The Oprah Magazine, NPR, Psychology Today, and academic journals. She hosts The Dr. Suzette Glasner Podcast, where she brings scientific clarity to real-world behavioral challenges. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drglasner.substack.com