Craig and Dr. Howard Gluss discuss the psychological impact of audio, from addiction and therapy to the intimate power of sound in storytelling.

My podcasting work is about my psychology work. It’s just an extension of who I am. It’s just a different arena I’m playing in […] A lot of times I don’t really care what the subject is, because [my goals is] to try to find the psychodynamics that are present in that subject. I try to go on a journey with my guests and look for those ‘aha’ moments where we’re both going, ‘Wow, that’s really interesting.’

~ Howard Gluss (9:30)

Craig and Dr. Howard Gluss explore the intersection of podcasting and psychology, focusing on how Dr. Gluss balances his work as a clinical psychologist with his creative expression as a podcaster. Dr. Gluss explains that while his sessions with patients are about being fully present for them, podcasting offers him an opportunity for self-expression. He sees both practices as interconnected, as the creativity and fulfillment he gets from podcasting positively impact his work with clients. Dr. Gluss also reflects on his approach to treating addiction, emphasizing the need to separate the person from their addiction to help them rebuild a life they enjoy, which may reduce the desire to self-destruct.

I do feel from a psychological and spiritual point of view that sound is very powerful. If you look at some of the Eastern religions, sound of ‘Om’—both in Buddhism, Hinduism—is so prevalent as a meditation […] To me, sound is very ancient. It’s very powerful. It’s very visceral, spiritual. It gets me very connected.

~ Howard Gluss (12:12)

They also discuss the psychological and spiritual power of sound, with Dr. Gluss drawing connections between ancient practices like meditation and the unique experience of audio in podcasting. He suggests that the medium of sound can be particularly intimate and impactful, engaging different aspects of the mind. The conversation touches on the challenges podcasters face when they lack feedback from their audience, which can lead to assumptions that may not be grounded in reality. Dr. Gluss notes that these assumptions can be influenced by the podcaster’s own insecurities, a topic that resonates with his work in psychology.

Takeaways

Balancing creative and clinical work — exploring how creative expression through podcasting complements clinical work and enhances personal well-being.

The psychology of addiction — treating addiction involves separating the person from their disease, allowing individuals to rediscover passions and build a life worth preserving.

The power of sound — audio, as a medium, taps into ancient spiritual and psychological connections, providing a unique form of engagement.

The intimacy of podcasting — podcasting allows for a personal, one-on-one connection with listeners, fostering a sense of closeness and authenticity.

Assumptions in communication — a lack of audience feedback in podcasting can lead to self-doubt and assumptions, often reflecting the podcaster’s own insecurities.

Therapy through telehealth — telehealth offers a different dynamic than in-person sessions, with both pros and cons in terms of connection and observation.

Audio’s impact on imagination — the absence of visuals in audio content allows listeners to fill in details themselves, leading to a deeply personal experience.

The challenge of perfectionism — podcasting can trigger perfectionist tendencies, with creators obsessing over details that may not significantly affect the outcome.

Cultural significance of sound — sound plays an important role in different cultures and religions, particularly in meditative and spiritual practices.

Resources

Daraknot Health — A concierge-style in-home treatment service specializing in addiction, depression, and anxiety, providing customized care in the client’s home.

Engaging Minds podcast — A psychology-focused podcast that explores various topics, hosted by a clinical psychologist.

Intimate Fame podcast — A series of audio dramas focusing on the lives of famous individuals, including Wallace Simpson, Marilyn Monroe, and James Dean.

Om meditation — A meditation practice rooted in Eastern religions, specifically Buddhism and Hinduism, that uses the sound “Om” as a spiritual tool.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

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