Resource & Recommendation Hub

Why I Recommend It:
Terry Real’s The New Rules of Marriage teaches the essential relational skills needed for modern relationships. It helps readers identify ineffective “losing strategies” and replace them with winning strategies that promote closeness and mutual respect.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing and abandoning ineffective relationship habits.

• Understanding Core Negative Images (CNI) that shape how we perceive our partners.

• How past adaptations that once served us can become barriers to deep connection.

• Practical steps for fostering romantic closeness and long-term relationship success.

How It Has Impacted Me:
This book has been invaluable in my own marriage and my work with couples. It provides a clear roadmap for developing the relational skills necessary for a fulfilling and enduring partnership.

Why I Recommend It:
Dr. David Burns is a pioneer in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and When Panic Attacks is one of his most accessible and powerful books. Unlike traditional self-help books on anxiety, this book provides a step-by-step approach to identifying and overcoming distorted thinking patterns that fuel anxiety and panic attacks.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of cognitive distortions in shaping negative emotions like fear, shame, and low self-esteem.

• Practical exercises and immediate techniques for reducing anxiety without medication.

• A focus on removing the hidden resistance to change, which is often the biggest barrier to healing.

How It Has Impacted Me:
This book transformed my understanding of how anxiety operates and how to dismantle it effectively. I use its principles in my therapy practice to help clients gain relief from panic attacks, phobias, and general anxiety disorders. It is a must-read for anyone struggling with anxiety or persistent fear-based thoughts.

Why I Recommend It:

For those navigating the aftermath of infidelity, this book provides a clear, no-nonsense roadmap for rebuilding trust. What sets Dr. Weiss apart is his definition of infidelity, which moves beyond specific physical acts and instead focuses on the broader concept of betrayal through secrecy and dishonesty.

Key Takeaways:

• Infidelity = “The breaking of trust that occurs when you keep intimate, meaningful secrets from your primary romantic partner.”
• A step-by-step trust-rebuilding process for those who have betrayed their partner.
• Insights into the emotional experience of the betrayed partner—helping the unfaithful partner truly “get it.”

How It Has Impacted Me:

I use this book regularly in my practice to help couples understand, process, and heal from betrayal. Dr. Weiss’s Overcoming Betrayal & Addiction podcast is another excellent companion resource.

Why I Recommend It:
This compact manual is an essential guide for anyone seeking to repair their marriage after an affair. Linda J. MacDonald provides a direct, no-nonsense approach to understanding the deep impact of infidelity and what it truly takes to rebuild trust and heal a relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• The critical steps an unfaithful partner must take to help their spouse heal.

• Why true remorse and accountability are non-negotiable for reconciliation.

• How to avoid common mistakes that can further damage the relationship.

• Practical advice for restoring trust and rebuilding intimacy over time.

How It Has Impacted Me:
I have found this book invaluable in my work with couples recovering from infidelity. It offers clear, actionable guidance for those who are truly committed to making amends and healing their marriage. I highly recommend it for both therapists and individuals navigating the difficult road to reconciliation.

Why I Recommend It:
This book is an essential read for anyone who grew up in a dysfunctional family or is seeking to understand the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood. John and Linda Friel provide an insightful look into how unresolved family dynamics shape relationships, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. It takes a compassionate and direct approach to understanding why we struggle with certain behaviors, emotions, and relationships and how those struggles often have roots in our early family experiences.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the patterns of dysfunction in families.

• How childhood wounds affect adult relationships, behaviors, and self-worth.

• Steps to break negative cycles and foster emotional healing.

• Practical tools for self-awareness, boundary-setting, and personal growth.

How It Has Impacted Me:
This book was a powerful and eye-opening read for me. It gave language to experiences and emotions that I had not fully processed before and helped me understand how family dynamics shape our adult lives in profound ways. It also reinforced the importance of self-compassion and intentional healing for anyone looking to break free from old, limiting patterns. Whether for personal growth or professional insight, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to better understand their past and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Why I Recommend It:
This book had a profound impact on my life, introducing me to the Jewish concept of kedusha (holiness) and how it shapes relationships and marriage. Total Immersion explores Taharas Mishpacha (The Laws of Family Purity) and presents a divine blueprint for intimacy, connection, and marital success. It shifted my perspective on marriage, transforming my skepticism into hope and belief in the sustainability of a thriving, fulfilling relationship.

Key Takeaways:

• A deep dive into Jewish teachings on marriage, holiness, and intimacy.
• The role of spirituality in fostering a successful and enduring relationship.
• The concept of Taharas Mishpacha and its transformative effects on marriage.
• How faith-based principles can restore optimism and strengthen commitment in relationships.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Before reading Total Immersion, I was not optimistic about marriage—based on my experiences, I doubted its ability to succeed. This book restored my faith in the institution of marriage, showing me that a meaningful, fulfilling partnership is not only possible but attainable through intention, spiritual awareness, and adherence to a divine framework. It reshaped my understanding of what it means to build a loving, sacred, and enduring marital bond.

Why I Recommend It:
Living Inspired is a deeply thought-provoking book that explores the concept of living life with purpose, meaning, and connection to something greater than oneself. Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz blends philosophy, spirituality, and Jewish wisdom to inspire readers to cultivate a life of intention and deep fulfillment. His exploration of free will, destiny, and personal growth makes this book essential reading for those seeking to elevate their lives beyond the mundane.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the difference between existing and truly living.
• The role of spirituality and wisdom in shaping a meaningful life.

• How free will and destiny intersect to guide personal growth.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Reading Living Inspired helped me reframe my perspective on what it means to lead a purposeful and enriched life. Rabbi Tatz’s teachings challenge the reader to move beyond routine and embrace a life of depth, meaning, and inspiration. This book has given me practical insights into personal growth, faith, and intentional living, making it a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a more fulfilling and spiritually connected life.

Why I Recommend It:
This book is one of the most influential personal finance books ever written. Robert Kiyosaki challenges conventional financial wisdom and provides insights into how wealth is built and sustained. He contrasts the mindset of the “rich dad” (who understands how money works and invests strategically) with the “poor dad” (who follows the traditional route of working hard, saving, and living paycheck to paycheck). It’s an eye-opening read for anyone looking to rethink their approach to money, wealth-building, and financial independence.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of financial education and why it is not taught in schools.

• The difference between working for money vs. having money work for you.

• How investing in assets (real estate, businesses, and investments) leads to financial freedom.

• The dangers of following a traditional financial mindset that prioritizes job security over wealth-building.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Rich Dad Poor Dad changed the way I think about money and financial independence. It provided me with a new perspective on wealth-building strategies and the importance of financial literacy. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to take control of their financial future and break free from the traditional paycheck-to-paycheck cycle.

Why I Recommend It:
Nicole Sachs, LCSW, builds on Dr. Sarno’s work, providing a modern, relatable, and deeply compassionate approach to healing chronic pain. Her podcast, The Cure for Chronic Pain, offers real-life stories, expert insights, and practical tools for overcoming persistent pain through emotional expression and self-awareness.

Key Takeaways:

• The concept of the Emotional Reservoir: Suppressed emotions accumulate over time, eventually leading to physical pain and chronic symptoms.

• The power of Journalspeak, a technique Nicole developed to help individuals process and release stored emotions.

• Real-life success stories of people who have healed from years of pain through this mind-body approach.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Nicole’s work has been instrumental in my healing journey, reinforcing the mind-body connection and giving me concrete strategies to deal with stress and pain. I often recommend her podcast to clients suffering from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, and other stress-related conditions as an essential complement to their healing process.

Why I Recommend It:
Dr. Burns extends his groundbreaking work on TEAM-CBT (Testing, Empathy, Agenda Setting, and Methods) in The Feeling Good Podcast, where he shares live therapy demonstrations, case studies, and insights on overcoming depression, anxiety, and self-doubt.

Key Takeaways:

• Live sessions where Dr. Burns works with real patients, offering a fascinating look at transformative therapy in action.
• Techniques to challenge and eliminate self-defeating thoughts in real-time.
• A compassionate, engaging approach that helps listeners apply CBT strategies to their own live

  How It Has Impacted Me:Hearing Dr. Burns work in real time has been incredibly enlightening, both personally and professionally. His podcast provides a dynamic, interactive way to learn about CBT and is an excellent resource for clients seeking additional tools for emotional well-being.

Why I Recommend It:
Fierce Intimacy distills the essence of Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and outlines the key principles of becoming a more relational person. Terry Real explains that there is a relational way to engage with a partner and a non-relational way, and that choosing the latter leads to dysfunction and disconnection. This audiobook methodically teaches how to cultivate true relational skills for deeper intimacy and connection.

Key Takeaways:

Identifying and breaking non-relational behaviors that harm intimacy.

• Learning effective communication and emotional attunement in relationships.

• Understanding how childhood adaptations affect adult relationship patterns and how to shift them for healthier dynamics.

How It Has Impacted Me:
This audiobook has been transformative in my own marriage, reinforcing the importance of practicing relational skills in daily interactions. I also use it as a resource for clients, providing them with a structured way to work on their relationship between therapy sessions. Fierce Intimacy is an excellent complement to couples counseling, helping individuals take actionable steps toward sustained intimacy and connection.

Why I Recommend It:
The Dear Therapists Podcast is a fascinating look into the inner workings of therapy, making the therapeutic process accessible to all. Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch pull back the curtain on what happens in therapy sessions, helping listeners understand how deep-rooted patterns affect their lives. Their ability to quickly identify foundational issues and provide insightful, actionable guidance is both engaging and enlightening.

Key Takeaways:

• A rare opportunity to witness therapy in action and see how skilled therapists work.

• How underlying patterns and beliefs shape behavior and relationships.

• Practical takeaways for self-reflection and personal growth.

• A deeper understanding of how therapy can lead to transformation.

How It Has Impacted Me:
I have spent many hours listening to this insightful podcast and continue to be amazed at how much clarity and guidance Lori and Guy provide in a short period. Their work reinforces the power of therapy to create lasting change, and I highly recommend this podcast to those curious about therapy or looking to gain deeper insight into themselves.

Why I Recommend It:
Intimate Judaism is a fascinating and thought-provoking podcast that explores the intersection of Judaism, intimacy, and relationships. Talli Rosenbaum and Rabbi Scott Kahn engage in open and respectful discussions about topics that are often considered taboo in religious communities, providing insight and guidance that is both educational and deeply meaningful.

Key Takeaways:

• Thoughtful discussions on intimacy, relationships, and Jewish law.

• A unique blend of clinical expertise and religious scholarship.

• Encouragement for healthy conversations around intimacy within Jewish values.

• A balanced perspective that respects both tradition and modern challenges.

How It Has Impacted Me:
I find this podcast to be an invaluable resource for understanding the complexities of intimacy within a Jewish framework. It has broadened my perspective on how faith, relationships, and emotional well-being intersect. Whether religious or simply interested in the topic, listeners can gain meaningful insights and practical wisdom from these discussions.

Why I Recommend It:
Podcast Therapy with Dr. Z is an engaging and insightful show that explores mental health, relationships, and emotional well-being with a mix of expert knowledge and real-life applications. Dr. Z offers practical advice, deep reflections, and actionable strategies to help listeners navigate life’s emotional challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Thoughtful discussions on mental health, personal growth, and relationships.
• Practical strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional struggles.
• A blend of clinical expertise and compassionate guidance.
• Encouragement for self-awareness and healthy emotional habits.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Dr. Z’s podcast provides valuable tools and perspectives for personal and professional growth. The balance of scientific insight and relatable advice makes it an essential listen for anyone seeking emotional resilience and clarity.

Why I Recommend It:
This is certainly a guilty pleasure for me. When I have overdosed on podcasts related to serious topics like relationships, personal growth, spirituality, or mental health, The Adam Carolla Show allows me to turn off my mind for a bit and enjoy a few good laughs. Adam has a conservative, old-school bent, which I find refreshing compared to the increasingly prevalent woke philosophies that dominate many media outlets.

Key Takeaways:

A lighthearted break from heavy, thought-provoking content.

• Unfiltered, comedic takes on everyday issues that often reveal unexpected relevance.
• A sharp, entertaining perspective on modern life that challenges mainstream narratives.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Sometimes, we all need to step back and laugh. Adam Carolla’s unapologetic humor and sharp observational rants provide a much-needed mental reset for me. I appreciate his willingness to question mainstream ideologies and offer alternative perspectives, making it a podcast I enjoy when I want to unwind and recharge.

Why I Recommend It:
How I Built This is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, innovation, and the human stories behind some of the world’s most successful businesses. Guy Raz interviews entrepreneurs, uncovering the struggles, failures, and pivotal moments that led to their success.

Key Takeaways:

• First-hand accounts of how successful companies were built from the ground up.

• Insights into entrepreneurial resilience, creativity, and problem-solving.

• Lessons on overcoming failure and setbacks in business and life.

• Inspiration from visionary leaders across industries.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Listening to these stories has given me valuable perspective on perseverance, innovation, and growth. This podcast is an inspirational resource for anyone looking to start a business or understand the mindset behind success.

Why I Recommend It:
SmartLess is a brilliantly entertaining podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett. While the hosts lean more left politically and socially than I do, I still find their banter and comedic timing incredibly engaging. Their unscripted and often hilarious conversations with high-profile guests offer a unique blend of humor, insight, and candid storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

• Engaging, off-the-cuff interviews with celebrity guests from various industries.

• A balance of comedy, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories.

• A lighthearted break from serious topics while still being thought-provoking.

• An authentic and spontaneous dynamic between the hosts and their guests.

How It Has Impacted Me:
Even when I disagree with their perspectives, I still appreciate their humor and quick wit. Sometimes, it’s important to simply relax and enjoy a good laugh, and SmartLess delivers that consistently. The chemistry between the hosts makes this podcast a joy to listen to, providing both humor and occasional deeper insights into the lives of fascinating guests.