Podcasts About Mental Illness & Related Issues

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Teenage Brain, WTPL, April 25, 2013

What can explain the behavior of teenagers? Dr. Robyn Ostrander and Dr. Rob Simpson have the answer – brain development! Learn how a teenager’s prefrontal cortex of the brain is different than that of an adult’s in this very short "On the Radio" audio podcast.

Dr. Rob Simpson
The Consequences of Negative Emotions, WTPL, April 18, 2013

In this short radio podcast with WTPL host Peter St. James, Dr. Rob Simpson explains how your response to difficult, anxiety-provoking situations or events can predict your mental and physical health down the road.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Children, Obesity and Screen Time, WTPL, April 11, 2013

In this 6-minute podcast, Peter St. James from WTPL and the Brattleboro Retreat’s Dr. Robyn Ostrander and Dr. Rob Simpson discuss the connection between a child’s health and the time they spend in front of screens. Dr. Ostrander also provides an overview of a recent study released in the Journal of Pediatrics that shows a child’s media use, including the type of media, may be linked to their body weight.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Part III: Prevention. WTPL, April 4, 2013

Dr. Robyn Ostrander and Dr. Rob Simpson continue the conversation on Alzheimer’s and dementia but this time with a focus on prevention. They share the keys to brain health – essential information for people of every age.  

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Part II, WTPL, March 28, 2013

Dr. Robyn Ostrander continues the conversation with Peter St. James about providing care and support to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. She explains the various kinds of dementia, provides an overview of testing and diagnosis of the disease, and offers practical tips and suggestions to caregivers.  

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Alzheimer’s and Dementia, WTPL, March 21, 2013

In this short audio clip, Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss some of the many challenges to providing care and support to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Consequences of Child Abuse & Neglect, WTPL, March 7, 2013

The Brattleboro Retreat's Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander raise important issues related to child abuse and neglect; in particular the devastating short-term and long-term consequences for the victim, victim’s family, and society as a whole.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Childhood Obesity, WTPL, March 7, 2013

Dr. Robyn Ostrander and Dr. Rob Simpson discuss the obesity epidemic among youth and offer some ideas about how one might begin dialogue with a spouse, partner or other adult family member to address this important issue.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
FAQs about Phobias, WTPL, February 28, 2013

What are phobias? How can phobias affect a person’s life? Are there treatment options? Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander answer these questions and more in this 11 minute clip from an interview with WTPL radio host Peter St. James.

A Parent’s Level of Involvement, WTPL, February 21, 2013

Dr. Rob Simpson talks with WTPL's Peter St. James about the ways in which the type and level of parenting can influence a child’s life. They also discuss some interesting statistics about Millennials, the demographic cohort that ranges in age between 18 to 33, and speculate on how the Millennials’ upbringings might be shaping their experiences in young adulthood.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Taking Care of Your Mental Health, WTPL, Feb. 14, 2013

Each Valentine’s Day we let our loved ones know just how much we care about them. But we can’t forget about giving ourselves care and compassion too. In this short podcast, Dr. Robyn Ostrander, Dr. Rob Simpson and Peter St. James review and discuss Clarkson University Counseling Center’s top 10 ways to care for your mental health.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Problem Solving with Kids, WTPL, Feb. 7, 2013

In this podcast, learn new strategies to address kids’ behavioral challenges in ways that are compassionate and effective. Dr. Robyn Ostrander and Dr. Rob Simpson walks us through the core tenants of Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative Problem Solving approach based on the notion that kids do well when they can.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Talking to Youth, WTPL, Jan. 24, 2013

What are some of the common warning signs that a young person may be struggling with mental health or addiction challenges? How can an adult best talk to a young person who may be struggling? Dr. Robyn Ostrander answers these questions and provides useful tips and resources for talking to youth about what’s going on in their lives.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Importance of Early Intervention, WTPL, Jan. 23, 2013

Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses improved early intervention services in schools and the ways in which these services can benefit youth with mental health challenges.   

Dr. Rob Simpson
Link Between Father’s Mental Health and Children’s Mental Health, WTPL, January 17, 2013

Dr. Rob Simpson explains the results of a Norwegian study that has found an association between mental health problems of expectant fathers and children’s behavioral and emotional problems at age 3. Dr. Simpson also discusses what this study means for children, families and health care providers.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Breaking The Stigma, WTPL, Jan. 10, 2013

In this podcast, Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander present a strong case for why mental health awareness and early identification and treatment of mental illness are necessary for creating safer communities. They argue that in order to effectively incorporate mental health into the equation, we must all do our part in breaking the stigma associated with mental illness.  

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Conversations With Your Children, WTPL, January 3, 2013

In this insightful podcast, Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss the importance of having open and honest conversations with your children about their mental and emotional well-being. They also share helpful strategies for starting these seemingly difficult conversations.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Effect of Media Violence on Children, WTPL, Dec. 27, 2012

This week Dr. Robyn Ostrander and Dr. Rob Simpson have chosen to weigh in on a popular topic in U.S. culture—the risk of violent and aggressive behavior in children who are exposed to media violence. They answer questions the following questions:  How is children’s exposure to media violence viewed in today’s society? What evidence do we have that violent video games make people more aggressive? What other factors can contribute to violent or aggressive behavior in children?

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Current State of Mental Health Care in the U.S., WTPL, Dec. 20, 2012

Following the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander talk about what we as a nation need to do to effectively address mental health and give the required resources to the prevention and treatment of mental illness.   

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
How the Brain Works When Making Decisions, WTPL, Dec.13, 2012

In this fascinating discussion about the brain, Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander explain why peoples’ emotions, not objective assessments, tend to drive quick decisions. They also share ideas about what we can do to improve our decision-making abilities and skills, including the practice of mindfulness meditation. 

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Health Benefits to Spending Time in Nature, WTPL, Dec. 6, 2012

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors in nature? In what ways do you benefit from being outdoors in your leisure time? In this podcast, Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses both the immediate and long-term health benefits people often experience as a result of spending time in nature. Dr. Ostrander also talks about the important role the outdoors play in a child’s development.  

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Importance of Treating Children with ADHD, WTPL, November 29, 2012

A new study from Sweden finds that people with serious attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are less likely to commit crimes when taking medication. Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss the results of this ADHD study and what they mean for a parent who has a child exhibiting symptoms of ADHD. Dr. Ostrander also answers frequently asked questions about ADHD.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Effects of Marijuana on the Teenage Brain, WTPL, Nov. 15, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss the results of a new study that show teenagers are more susceptible than adults to marijuana’s neurological effects. They explain how the study was conducted, the significance of the results and what this means for young people’s educational and professional pursuits.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Mental & Emotional Preparation for Natural Disasters, WTPL, Nov. 8, 2012

How can you prepare yourself mentally to cope with the aftermath of a natural disaster? What role can community play in recovering from natural disasters? Dr. Robyn Ostrander of the Brattleboro Retreatr provides answers to these questions and others related to post-super storm Sandy.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Link Between ADHD & Cigarette Smoking, WTPL, Oct, 25, 2012

Dr. Robyn Ostrander of the Brattleboro Retreat discusses the results of a new study examining the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cigarette smoking. She also answers frequently asked questions about ADHD. What steps do physicians typically take to diagnose a child with ADHD? What is the ideal age at which a child should be evaluated for ADHD? What are the treatment options?

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Men Seeking Help, WTPL, Oct. 11, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander talk about mantherapy.org, an ingenious and humorous website for working-age men to get the tools they need to deal with life’s tough situations. Rob and Robyn discuss why this mental health resource is so effective in reaching a population that tends to shy away from seeking help as well as share other approaches used to motivate men to make the changes needed to lead happier, more peaceful lives.    

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Alcohol Use Among U.S. Teens, WTPL, Oct. 4, 2012

How does alcohol affect a teenager’s brain? What can be done to curb drinking and driving? Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander answer these important questions and more and share some ideas about how to talk to a teen about the dangers of alcohol use.   

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Seasonal Affective Disorder, WTPL, September 27, 2012

Dr. Robyn Ostrander tells listeners what they need to know about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The discussion include its causes, symptoms, and treatment options (including light therapy).

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Start of School & Children's Mental Health, WTPL, September 25, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander explain why children’s mental health problems tend to surface (or resurface) in the fall when school is back in session.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Moral Judgment and the Brain, WTPL, Sept. 20, 2012

Through a discussion about a hypothetical situation, Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander share fascinating facts about how the brain works when faced with a moral decision.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Issues Around Suicide, WTPL, September 13, 2012

Each year in the U.S. there are twice as many suicides as homicides. The Brattleboro Retreat's Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses this topic and related issues.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Eating Disorders Among Athletes, WTPL, September 6, 2012

The Brattleboro Retreat's Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses eating disorders among athletes.

Dr. Rob Simpson
Why We Need Other People, WTPL, August 30, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson talks about the benefits of being in groups versus being alone, and how the use of technology can impact our relationships and communication skills.

The Importance of Empathy in a Child's Development, WTPL, Aug. 16, 2012

On this edition of his weekly WTPL radio show, Dr. Rob Simpson discusses the importance of empathy in a child's development

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Possible Effects of the Full Moon on Mental Health, WTPL, August 2, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss the possible effects of the full moon on our thoughts and emotions.

Dr. Rob Simpson
On the Shootings in Aurora Colorado, WTPL, July 26, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson discusses the emotional and psychological impact of the shootings in Aurora, CO, on this July 26, 2012 radio show.

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
When Children Experiment with Alcohol and Other Drugs on WTPL, July 05, 2012

Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses the dangers children face when they experiment with alcohol and other drugs.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Children and Prescription Opiates on WTPL June 14, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss the dangers of children using and abusing prescription opiates

Dr. Robyn Ostrander
The Impact of Child Abuse on WTPL, June 7, 2012

Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses child abuse and the impact it can have on a young person's self esteem and development.

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander
Children and Problem Solving on WTPL May 31, 2012

Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander discuss the importance of children learning how to solve problems.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with Dr. Susan Dixon

Learning about ADHD symptoms and treatment options can be a challenging task, especially when it concerns your own child. This 5-minute podcast serves as a brief, easy to understand introduction to ADHD.  Dr. Susan Dixon discusses the rationale for treatment and provides a summary of current ADHD treatment options.

Dr. Dorothea DeGutis
Dr. Dorothea DeGutis Discusses Adolescent Depression

What are the signs of clinical depression in adolescents? How likely is it that depression will begin in adolescence? Should family members be involved in a teen’s psychotherapy treatment? Dr. Dorothea DeGutis answers these questions and more in this short, 2 ½-minute podcast.

Dr. Paul Boutin on Children and Trauma
Dr. Paul Boutin on Children and Trauma

Child psychiatrist Dr. Paul Boutin discusses Children and Trauma. What are some of the best approaches for helping a child who has experienced a significant life trauma? What tools can you use when communicating or working with children affected by trauma. What's it like for a child who has experienced trauma?

Dr. Robyn Ostrander discusses children with anxiety disorders
Children and Anxiety

Many children display abnormal behaviors, but very few of these behaviors are symptoms of an anxiety disorder. In this podcast, Dr. Ostrander shares strategies that a parent, caregiver or educator can use to help ease a child’s anxiety.

The Brattleboro Retreat is proud to offer visitors to our website a variety of informational podcasts on mental health and addiction issues that touch all of our lives.

  • Use the player (above) to hear the Thursday morning radio shows on WTPL with the Retreat's Dr. Rob Simpson and Dr. Robyn Ostrander (On the Radio).
  • Or, click on the Podcasts link for a number of educational talks given by child and adolescent psychiatrists from the Brattleboro Retreat during community events associated with the 2011 and 2012 National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. They cover a range of issues including children and trauma, teen depression, ADHD, and anxiety disorders in children.