Understanding the Human Condition
with Dr. James Flowers
Understanding the Human Condition
with Dr. James Flowers
About Our Podcast
In each episode of “Understanding The Human Condition,” Dr. Flowers and his most-admired mentors, respected colleagues, and VIP guests share valuable insight into underlying health causes, conditions, and issues. These in-depth yet approachable episodes are a great resource for both private individuals and industry professionals.
Our esteemed host, Dr. James Flowers, is one of the most recognized and respected names in the field of chronic pain, mental health, and substance use disorders, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Flowers is the founder of J. Flowers Health Institute located in Houston, Texas.
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Episode 98:
Finish Strong: Beating Holiday Stress And Starting The New Year Ahead With Claudia Schwarz
The holidays are just around the corner — and while most people are bracing themselves for the chaos, Claudia Schwarz wants you to take a different approach: start planning now. In this episode, Claudia joins me to talk about why waiting until January 1st to make your New Year’s resolutions is a recipe for disappointment. From holiday stress, financial strain, and family tension to business delays and recovery setbacks — we dive into how preemptive planning, starting small, and prioritizing your well-being before the calendar flips can be the game-changer you need. Whether it’s walking your way to better health, preparing your practice for success, or avoiding the holiday crash altogether, Claudia brings real-world insight, practical tips, and just the right dose of motivation to help you finish the year strong — and start the next one ahead of the game.
Episode 97:
How Do You Define Wellness…With Dr. Gaetano Vaccaro, Psychologist, Certified Sex Addiction Counselor
How would you define wellness?
MY ANSWER:
Wellness is more than a physical condition, and so much more than just the absence of illness or disease.
WELLNESS IS A STATE OF BEING.
I think about it as the body-mind (because body and mind are reciprocally linked) being in alignment with your behavior and habits.
And if you are truly committed to that state of being, then you will establish a daily, weekly, or monthly practice of those behaviors.
And, if you strive to be disciplined and consistent with that practice, it can contribute to your quality of life. It can help sustain mental health and physical vitality and ultimately, I believe that this mental and physical practice will promote longevity.
Episode 96:
Roots And Resilience: Counseling, Culture, And Choice With Dr. Selina Hernandez, LPC-S, RPT
Culture plays a significant role in shaping our identities and experiences. In this episode, Dr. James Flowers sits down with Dr. Selina Hernandez, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and registered play therapist, to delve into the profound influence of culture on the human condition. Dr. Selina shares how her experiences with cultural identity and resilience have shaped her counseling approach. They discuss the importance of cultural strategies in therapy, personal responsibility, and the transformative power of sand tray therapy. Dr. Selina also explores the challenges faced by women and men, the importance of a counselor’s orientation, and the role of understanding one’s roots in building resilience.
Episode 95:
How Somatic Experiencing Can Unpack Trauma With Andrea Battle
In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Battle, a J. Flowers Provider and expert in Somatic Experiencing, to explore how our bodies hold and release trauma. Andrea breaks down the science behind this powerful approach to healing, and shares real-life tips for anyone looking to reconnect with their body and ease the effects of stress. Whether you are new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is your guide to “shaking it off” and moving towards a more balanced and peaceful life.
Episode 94:
From Fear To Action: Understanding The Intervention Process With Marc Kantor
Interventions aim to impact the human condition by helping individuals see themselves as they truly are, rather than through the distorted lens of addiction or untreated mental illness. This process is challenging because their brains have been hardwired by years of substance abuse or mental health issues. Essentially, Marc Kantor is asking people to make logical decisions with a brain that is not functioning logically. Marc enjoys sharing his own story of recovery, but other topics that are important to us including co-dependency, trauma and intergenerational trauma, binge eating disorder, attention deficit disorder, compulsive behaviors, spirituality, and the gift of desperation. Dr. Flowers will ask Marc about his transformation and his road to J. Flowers Health Institute.
Episode 93:
Farideh Banafshei Counsellor, MBACP on the disruptive nature of perfectionism & pressure today – I’m Fine
In this episode, Jean is joined by Farideh Banafshei, a counseling psychologist nearing the completion of her doctorate. They discuss Farideh’s journey from working in finance to transitioning into psychology, driven by her own experiences of imposter syndrome and stress in high-pressure environments.
Farideh highlights the pressures women face in professional settings, the impact of perfectionism, and the ways society’s unrealistic expectations can lead to mental health issues. She shares personal anecdotes about her struggle with severe health issues that led her to reassess her life and healing journey.
The conversation also explores the role of cultural dynamics in disordered eating and the importance of internal reflection for genuine self-healing. Farideh emphasizes that true strength comes from within and that therapeutic work helps individuals uncover their innate resilience.
