Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson Podcast By Rick Hanson Ph.D. Forrest Hanson cover art

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

By: Rick Hanson Ph.D. Forrest Hanson
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Forrest Hanson is joined by clinical psychologist (and his dad) Dr. Rick Hanson and a world-class group of experts to explore the practical science of lasting well-being. Conversations focus on the key insights from psychology, science, and contemplative practice that you need to build reliable inner strengths, overcome your challenges, and get the most out of life. New episodes every Monday.All rights reserved Hygiene & Healthy Living Personal Development Personal Success Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • 6 Lessons from Existential and Transpersonal Psychology

    6 Lessons from Existential and Transpersonal Psychology
    Apr 6 2026
    Dr. Rick and Forrest explore the lessons we can learn from two of Humanistic psychology’s more challenging branches: existential psychology and transpersonal psychology. Existential psychology asks what it means to build a meaningful life in the face of death, while Transpersonal psychology wonders if the individual self is what we should be so focused on. Forrest and Rick focus on the work of Rollo May, Irvin Yalom, Abraham Maslow, and Stanislav Grof, and major themes include freedom, agency, anxiety, the limits of the “self,” and how confronting these can lead to a fuller and more meaningful life. Rick’s Self-Worth Course: Starts this week! In this 6-week online course, Rick will guide you in practical, research-backed ways to release old patterns and grow a lasting sense of confidence, kindness toward yourself, and genuine self-worth. Learn more at RickHanson.com/worthy and use coupon code BeingWell25 to receive a 25% discount. Key Topics: 0:00: Intro and recap of humanistic psychology 6:12: History and context of existential psychology 12:04: Three important lessons from existentialism 26:03: Agency and meaning making within existential psychology 38:38: Overview of transpersonal psychology 1:00:43: Three important lessons from transpersonal psychology 1:11:14: Closing reflections, and a one word summary 1:14:07: Recap Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. SponsorsSleep Reset is offering a free 7-day trial, available only at thesleepreset.com/podcast. Start your first week of real, clinician-designed insomnia treatment tonight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • Self-Regulation: How a Little Becomes a Lot with Eric Zimmer

    Self-Regulation: How a Little Becomes a Lot with Eric Zimmer
    Mar 30 2026
    Why don’t we choose the things we know are good for us? It’s usually because we’re struggling with self-regulation, one of the most important (and most misunderstood) skills out there. In today’s episode, Forrest talks with Eric Zimmer about what healthy self-regulation actually looks like, the gap between insight and action, how shame can derail us, and why most change comes down to small steps taken consistently. They discuss how to figure out what actually matters to you vs. what you want right now, the tension between acceptance and change, and how to get back on track after a slip without making it worse. About our Guest: Eric Zimmer is the creator of The One You Feed, an award-winning podcast with over 50 million downloads. He’s also the author of the new book, How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life. Key Topics: 0:00: Intro: Why is self-regulation so important? 4:32: Moving from insight to action 8:14: Values versus desires 14:25: Eric’s sobriety journey 20:57: Changing our relationship to shame 32:05: When to accept things as they are, and when to move from acceptance to change 38:17: Choosing the more useful meaning 42:51: How to get over self-doubt 46:41: Having a backup plan for when things go sideways 53:54: Balancing striving with non-craving 1:06:16: Recap Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors Sleep Reset is offering a free 7-day trial, available only at thesleepreset.com/podcast. Start your first week of real, clinician-designed insomnia treatment tonight.Visit https://carawayhome.com/BEINGWELL to take an additional 10% off your next purchase of non-toxic cookware made modern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • The Self-Abandonment Loop: Shame, Self-Criticism, and How to Break Free

    The Self-Abandonment Loop: Shame, Self-Criticism, and How to Break Free
    Mar 23 2026
    Why is it so hard for us to do what we actually want to do? In this episode, Forrest explains the hidden structure of self-abandonment: how shame drives the loop, how the loop produces more shame, and how the inner critic uses a “can’t win” situation to keep us stuck. Then he and Dr. Rick explore what actually breaks the cycle, including the role of anger, the difference between shame and grief, self-compassion, and what it really means to get on your own side. Key Topics: 0:00: Intro and overview of self-abandonment 4:38: What are we abandoning? 8:30: The self-abandonment loop 21:55: How a parts model can help us understand the shame 26:20: The double-bind of self-criticism 32:56: How to get out of the double-bind 41:34: Anger and resentment 49:47: Moving from shame to grief 56:15: Breaking the self-abandonment loop 1:10:22: Recap Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors Go to Zocdoc.com/BEING to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Level up your bedding with Quince. Go to Quince.com/BEINGWELL for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 20 mins
All stars
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So grateful to have this realistic aligning of how personal joy seeking can also help in global healing and compassion building. Namaste.

PERFECT TIMING

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I like Rick and his overall tranquil voice-thoughtful revealing- real human being. I like listening to all topics

Real talking

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So relevant to everyday life and excellent ideas on how to navigate life in general.

Amazing Podcast!

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Great quality and top notch information from one of the best out there. Dr. Rick Hanson's books are all game changers for personal transformation / wellbeing and this podcast is a great way to stay connected with the teachings. Many thanks!

Fantastic Podcast!!!

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These podcasts provide specific explanations and steps about how to live better lives and how to help yourself. step by step procedures and processes are provided, not just words in sentences. Each podcast outlines actionable steps we can take to improve our selves and lives. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to be better informed, happier and have a clearer understanding just how our past affects us today, how our brain affects us today and tomorrow and how to become a better, happier and self resilient person. Thank you for your efforts. Keep up the good work.

Excellent

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