The Taboo Podcast: Recent Episodes
Cavan Smith
Ian and Hyram dive into their own psychology and discuss controversial or sensitive topics relating to their own lives and the lives of others. Ian and Hyram also interview individuals who have gone through hardship in their lives and discover how they survived and even thrived through these difficult environments. Their hope for these discussions is to inspire themselves and others to find ways to cope and thrive in life and to apply these concepts into the lens of contemporary psychology.
Grief, especially when someone you love passes, is one of the most difficult things to go through. Although it never heals, the pain and heartbreak can go away. In this episode, Ian discusses his pain, sorrow, and heartbreak since his grandma passed and what he has learned from his friends to deal with the pain. Let's heal together :)
Got a question or suggestion? Message us on Instagram @theofficialtaboopodcast
In this episode, Ian and his best friend returns to the podcast to share, in this funny yet emotional episode, on what they appreciate about each other. What do you appreciate about your best friend? Why should you NOT breathe in hydrofluoric acid?
Insta: @theofficaltaboopodcast
Your problems are full of opportunity. There's beauty in the struggle.
@theofficialtaboopodcast
In this episode, Ian and Hyram practice gratitude. Could other's appreciation teach you about...yourself?
In this episode, Hyram updates us on a new breakthrough he recently had and how it brought back his self worth. Hyram also discusses his new business, and how his new outlook on life helps him stay in peace.
Are you afraid of life? What is life, death, self-consciousness? Am I in a coma dream? In this episode, Ian discusses his existential anxieties, anxiety symptoms, and how he is coping with them. He also discusses his problem with identity, and what his therapist has to say for all of it.
Let us know what you think about this episode! Any topic ideas you want us to talk about?
Instagram: @theofficialtaboopodcast
Do you want to have better relationships with your friends? Do you want to go back to school? Do you want to become a competitive athlete? There's still time. Why not start now? Perhaps you haven't failed...
In this emotional episode, Ian and Hyram tear up as they recall losing a close friend. Have you ever lost a friend? What is a bad friend? How do you deal with a bad friend? Why are memories of a bad friend bittersweet?
Feeling lonely? Socially awkward? In this episode, Ian and Hyram breakdown the process of how to make friends with people. They also discuss their personal history and struggles with making friends, and what they learned along the way. And what is up with Hyram and salmon? Things get a little fishy...
In this short episode, Ian, Hyram, and surprise return visitor Noel define what a good friend is. Ian and Hyram also discuss what makes a bad friend, and how to make new friends. Can unconditional positive regard play a role? Is Craig always listening to all your conversations????
In this throwback episode from 3/6/22, Ian and Hyram discuss what dysthymia is, and there personal experiences with similar symptoms. Enjoy!
Original Description:
"Feeling blue? Not enjoying the activities you once loved? In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss their experiences with depression and how it relates to persistent depressive disorder. Topics discussed include DSM 5 criteria for persistent depressive disorder, contributors to happiness, and how they dealt and deal with their own depression. We hope you resonate with Ian and Hyram's journeys of dealing with extreme sadness and learn ways how to manage this important emotion."
Please reach out to us via Instagram: @theofficialtaboopodcast
Citation for Article used in episode
Ventriglio, A., Bhugra, D., Sampogna, G., Luciano, M., De Berardis, D., Sani, G., & Fiorillo, A. (2020). From dysthymia to treatment-resistant depression: Evolution of a psychopathological construct. International Review of Psychiatry, 32(5–6), 471–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2020.1765517
In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss failure. What is the definition of failure? Does psychology say failure is fuel for the committed? What do the most successful people say about failure? Does it even exist? Can failure be our friend? Did pirating music finally catch up to Ian? Will Hyram find lasting happiness by playing Goofy?
Article Source: Brunstein, J. C. (2000). Motivation and performance following failure: The effortful pursuit of self-defining goals. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 49(3), 340–356. https://doi-org.fortlewis.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/1464-0597.00019
Hyram's links discussed in show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js8OfeEL4jI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9pTjkXviT8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TeV9op6Mp8
Instagram: @theofficialtaboopodcast
Are you letting go of something you love because of fear? In this episode, Ian shares his emotional experience when he received his first stripe. He also shares how he overcame his fear in starting Jiu Jitsu again, and the benefits he gained along the way. Are you afraid of starting again? You might just have to jump right in.
In this episode, Hyram discusses his depression and how his recent treatment in ketamine therapy has greatly decreased his depression. Hyram also talks about his early encounters with depression, and late discovery that he had depression in his young adulthood. What is Ketamine? What is MDD? What does Mr. Krabs have anything to do with this? Who is "Itchy Tags"?
Source: Moreira, D. de A. S., Gauer, L. E., Teixeira, G., Fonseca da Silva, A. C., Cavalcanti, S., & Quevedo, J. (2023). Efficacy and adverse effects of ketamine versus electroconvulsive therapy for major depressive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 330, 227–238. https://doi-org.fortlewis.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.152
In this old recording from 11/21/2020, Ian and Austin discuss the morality of giving through a philosophical lens. Should consumers be giving more to end world poverty? If so, how much? Should consumers not be giving to charity at all? If not, why? Maybe philosophy can help...or muddy the waters even more...
In this episode, Hyram explains what he has been up to these past eleven months as well as his struggle with feelings of worthlessness. Could self-love be the answer? We apologize in advance for the continual interruptions due to technical difficulties.
Instagram: @theofficialtaboopodcast
Message us for questions, recommendations, and suggestions for improvement!
In this episode, Ian's best friend Samuel talks about his near-death experience in June 2022, and how it took him out of a depressive pit and brought him purpose in life. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? How powerful, doing things you don't want to do, be? What is balling on a budget? There is hope for you, all you need to do is reach out and grab it!
Instagram @theofficialtaboopodcast
Do you live in Fayetteville, Arkansas? Do you need a car cleaning?
Direct message SJ's Detailing @479sjs_detailing for an excellent car detail!
You can also go to SJ's business page on Facebook by entering "Sjsdetailing"
In this episode, Ian and Hyram discuss the psychological research of the meaning of life. Can being around others create meaning in life? Why does having meaning in life give more well-being than pursuing meaning? Did the top Jew return to the podcast?
Message us on Instagram @theofficialtaboopodcast
References
Prinzing, M., Le Nguyen, K., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2023). Does shared positivity make life more meaningful? Perceived positivity resonance is uniquely associated with perceived meaning in life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 125(2), 345–366. https://doi-org.fortlewis.idm.oclc.org/10.1037/pspi0000418.supp (Supplemental)
Li, J.-B., Dou, K., & Liang, Y. (2021). The relationship between presence of meaning, search for meaning, and subjective well-being: A three-level meta-analysis based on the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Journal of Happiness Studies: An Interdisciplinary Forum on Subjective Well-Being, 22(1), 467–489. https://doi-org.fortlewis.idm.oclc.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00230-y
In this episode, Ian further discusses his anxiety and panic attacks, and how he gets encouraged to push through the fear. He also defines what meaning is, the complicated problems with the question, "What is the meaning of life?", and shares contemporary theories about meaning in life. How do you deal with fear everyday? Why is finding meaning a sophisticated problem? Why was Georgia O'Keeffe a savage?
Instagram @theofficialtaboopodcast
Resources (Article Link)
https://shorturl.at/ajAF0
Check out "MyWhiteBelt" Podcast! I referenced the episode "I'm Scared to Death". Seriously check them out they are great lol.
In this episode, Ian explains his current challenges he faces regarding his understanding of the meaning of life, and how his anxiety about it may manifest as depersonalization/derealization. Ian also recalls the principles he's learned last year as it relates to managing emotional pain, frustration, and desires in giving up. How do you cope with derealization/depersonalization? How do you manage anxiety? Where is the Jew?
In this return visit to the podcast, Samuel breaks down more paranormal encounters he had as a teenager. What was following Samuel and his sister while they were exploring the New Mexico desert? What does pure evil feel like? Why do we experience strange dreams? Also, why did Hyram pray to a goat-man and did Ian have a malicious visitor in the corner of his room?
In this episode, Ian and Hyram are in conversation with their friend Lexi who talks about her relationship to MMA. Lexi and Ian talk about the heartbreaking effects of bodily injury and physical limitations, and how this creates fear of giving up on a dream. They also discuss how Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing has changed their lives through learning humbleness, calmness, and persevering through defeat/failure. How did MMA help Lexi cope with addiction? Does Jiu Jitsu make you fearless? How do you cope when the one sport you love is taking away from you due to injury?
In this episode, Hyram and Ian's self-reflection conversation is continued and leads to even deeper revelations. Could the present moment contain your past and future? Why is the present so important? Why do mindfulness techniques highlight the present so much? Does gratefulness play a role? How does frustration play a part in this? Also, who the hell is sticky fingaz and what do waffles have to do with anything?
In this episode, Ian and Hyram check in on where they are at in life. Inspired by a private conversation these two had, Hyram and Ian revisit the topics discussed in that conversation. They talk about how much has changed since the beginning of this year, and what they have learned so far. Topics discussed include depression, resilience, taking chances, and more!
In this exciting conversation, Noel returns to talk in more detail about witchcraft. What is kitchen witchcraft? Is there an overlap with witchcraft and Christianity? Topics discussed include casting spells, Placebo Effect, Religion, Motivational Interviewing, Hex, Tarot cards, Voodoo, and the Supernatural. Watch out! Dr. Ian and the JewMex are in the house and things get a bit sexual...
In this episode, Hyram and Ian interview Ian's childhood best friend Samuel; who has had several paranormal encounters. Samuel tells ghost stories including a potential possession of his younger brother in an abandoned home, and a strange encounter of a ghost charging him. Other stories include Samuel's sister's strange sleep walking behavior, a paranormal encounter with a dead best friend, and strange dreams that may play a role into past trauma. Also, how did Samuel square up with a stranger in front of a Chipotle?
In this episode, Hyram and Ian revisit the death of Ian's cousin and how a recent family visit brought back these feelings of sadness and grief. They also discuss their current problems of feeling stuck or being set back in life and how life can just be shitty. However, they also find ways to deal with these strong emotions. Is the key gratitude and optimism? Or perhaps moving forward despite feeling pain and frustration? NEVER BE DISCOURAGED. NEVER GIVE UP!
In this episode, Noel returns to talk about her personal experiences in witchcraft. She also breaks down what witchcraft is, how it impacts her life, debunks some of the stigma associated with it, and how it brings her back to her cultural heritage. Also, Hyram gets "Nice and Crispy" in this episode and why is Ian called the "Samoan Jaguar"? If you want to learn more about belief in witchcraft, check out this cool article discussing societal development and how it impacts belief in witchcraft.
Koning, N. (2013). Witchcraft beliefs and witch hunts: An interdisciplinary explanation. Human Nature, 24(2), 158–181. 10.1007/s12110-013-9164-1
In this episode, Ian and Hyram discuss their supernatural stories. Do you believe in ghosts? How about demons or the devil? Did Ian's mom see the devil? Was Hyram chased by a demon? What is the supernatural and how does it play a part in the tangible world? We had a lot of fun telling these real stories and we hope you do too in this new series.
In this episode, Hyram, Ian, and Austin return to the podcast to talk about their rise and fall in religion. This trio goes deep in how religion played a vital role in their lives, how it ultimately left them unsatisfied, and how they adapted to lives without religion. Topics discussed include Christianity, Latter Day Saints, coping with faith crises, suicidal ideation, authentic devotion, falling in love with Jesus, and flat affect.
Want to Learn More on Religion and Psychology? Here are two interesting articles
Article 1 (Prejudice and Homosexuality in Christianity) I copied and pasted the main points of the article.Trevino, K. M., Desai, K., Lauricella, S., Pargament, K. I., & Mahoney, A. (2012). Perceptions of lesbian and gay (LG) individuals as desecrators of Christianity as predictors of anti-LG attitudes. Journal of Homosexuality, 59(4), 535–563. 10.1080/00918369.2012.665672
Variables/terms:
Religious Coping : First, religious coping theory assumes that individuals proactively search for meaning, evaluate situations in the context of what they view as significant, and cope in order to preserve and protect those significant values,
Hypotheses: higher levels of perceived desecration (stressor) will predict greater prejudice (response) after controlling for personological variables and general religiousness. Second, we hypothesize that positive and negative religious coping with perceived desecration will be associated with lower and higher prejudicial views, respectively. Third, we hypothesize that personological variables, exposure to LG individuals, and exposure to messages of desecration will predict perceptions of LG individuals as desecrators of Christian beliefs.
Results
First, this study demonstrates that perceptions of LG individuals as desecrators of Christianity are relatively common. Over three quarters (77%) of the sample reported exposure to at least one desecration item and more than half (66%) of participants endorsed agreement with at least one desecration item.
Second, participants who viewed LG individuals as desecrators of Christianity reported higher levels of anti-LG attitudes
Third, this study indicates that the way in which individuals cope with perceived desecration is related to prejudice. Specifically, positive religious coping or responses indicative of love and compassion was associated with less hostility and perceived conflict and with the belief that LG individuals deserve greater civil rights
On the other hand, negative religious coping predicted higher levels of hostility, perceived conflict, and immorality and the belief that LG individuals do not deserve greater civil rights.
Fourth, this study also identifies predictors of perceived desecration. Notably, greater exposure to messages of desecration from church, family, and media is associated with greater agreement with perceptions of desecration.
Discussion/explanation
First, these results suggest that the information individuals are exposed to about LG individuals impacts their attitudes. This information can come from messages about LG individuals (e.g., messages of desecration) and from contact with LG individuals (e.g., learning from LG individuals).
Article 2 The usefulness of mindfulness in trauma based rumination in a Christian population.
Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., & Pate, R. (2019). “Set your minds on things above”: shifting from trauma-based ruminations to ruminating on God. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 22(4), 384–399. 10.1080/13674676.2019.1612336
In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss the coping strategies they use in their current and past problems. Topics discussed include, journaling, EFT tapping, napping, distraction, and social connections. Joey Diaz Comedy? A spider in Ian's mouth? This podcast episode gets pretty strange!
In this episode, Ian and Hyram interview their good friend Noel Romansky. Noel is a ethnically ambiguous (Navajo/Caucasian) psychology undergraduate who has had personal experience with addiction including having an alcohol and nicotine addiction, and having family members with prescription drug addictions. Noel breaks down how she has coped with these issues and is now thriving in life. Topics include alcohol and nicotine addictions, prescription drug addictions, bipolar type ll disorder and depression, self-harm, coping strategies, and many other topics. Also, does Noel have an onlyfans account? Is Hyram going to start one? Why is Ian now called Dr. Ian and why is it so sexual? Many laughs are shared in this fun episode and things get "Pornhubby".
In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss the challenges of balancing time as full time students. Does scheduling reduce anxiety? Does procrastination cause self-hate? How do you manage important responsibilities and also spend time with your friends and family? Does Ian hate honors students? Does Hyram urinate in his sink? So many questions to be answered...
In this episode, Ian and Hyram have a casual and vulnerable conversation about how their lives are going right now. Topics discussed include depression, loving yourself, positive self talk, sitting with your emotions, and treating yourself with love. Also, why should you never mention c8 corvettes around Ian?
In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss the intricacies of grief not only in losing a loved one but also in losing something you love. They also reflect on their own experiences with grief as well as what is causing them grief in the present day. Topics discussed include sadness, loss of loved ones, Kubler-Ross Model of Grief, Indigenous perspectives on grief, preparing to lose loved ones, and thematic elements of grief in life. Also, should you worship Ian?
In this episode, Ian interviews Austin and Bekks who are very close friends of his who identify in the LGBTQIA+ community. Austin and Bekks break down their stories of being queer and growing up in a religious and unwelcoming environment, and how they learned to accept themselves and ascend past the dark times. Topics discussed include self love, importance of friendship and love, suicidal ideation, and take home advice for anyone struggling with similar problems.
How do you reject a significant other or a romantic interest? Is there a right way or secret formula? How do you take rejection? Ian and Hyram explore these questions and more through their experiences in rejecting and being rejected. Is the answer honesty with restriction?
Feeling blue? Not enjoying the activities you once loved? In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss their experiences with depression and how it relates to persistent depressive disorder. Topics discussed include DSM 5 criteria for persistent depressive disorder, contributors to happiness, and how they dealt and deal with their own depression. We hope you resonate with Ian and Hyram's journeys of dealing with extreme sadness and learn ways how to manage this important emotion.
Citation for Article used in episode
Ventriglio, A., Bhugra, D., Sampogna, G., Luciano, M., De Berardis, D., Sani, G., & Fiorillo, A. (2020). From dysthymia to treatment-resistant depression: Evolution of a psychopathological construct. International Review of Psychiatry, 32(5–6), 471–476. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2020.1765517
In this episode, Hyram and Ian discuss Hyram's life story and the struggles faced along the way. The topics discussed include depression, suicidal thoughts, and feelings of inadequacy. We hope you resonate or relate to this brief introduction to Hyram's life story and find peace and solutions to your own life.
In this episode, Ian and Hyram discuss Ian's life story including his background, past problems, and how these problems impact his current problems and behavior. The topics covered in this episode include loneliness, rejection, fallouts in friendships, and positive psychology. We hope you resonate or relate to this brief introduction to Ian's life story and find hope and solutions to your own life.