Dr. Martin Hsia on starting the podcast Psych Rally
During freshman orientation in college (many years ago), the Provost addressed the incoming students by saying “many of you will do things in your careers that haven’t even been invented yet.” For some reason those words stuck with me long after they were spoken, and I always wondered if they would be true for me someday.
Starting the podcast, Psych Rally, made them true.
The inspiration to delve into the podcast world was unexpected and unlikely for numerous reasons. I’m not a trained journalist. I certainly don’t know the first thing about recording or editing sound. I hadn’t even listened to many podcasts at all, other than having been asked to be a guest on one. From these angles, I’m quite an unlikely candidate for creating and hosting what is essentially an online radio show.
But I see the creation of what has become the podcast, Psych Rally, as stemming from a hope to connect with people outside of my immediate circle of colleagues and the clients I see in my practice as a psychologist in The Greater Los Angeles area. The vision has been to share stories, insights, and information, as well as learn from others, in a casual format. This allows me to offer something as a psychologist interested in mental health in a way that is not limited to the therapy that goes on behind closed doors.
At this point, Psych Rally has completed 26 episodes, covering issues such as Substance Abuse, Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Gambling Addiction, LGBTQ Mental Health, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Bipolar Disorder, Parenting, Mindfulness, Politics, and Advocacy.
There are episodes that include conversations with CBT SoCal colleagues Dr. Rodney Boone, talking about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Dr. Nikki Frousakis, discussing Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). In the process of interviewing, I’ve even been able to talk about fun pop-culture references from productions such as Star Wars, The Walking Dead, and Doogie Howser, M.D.
Easily the best part of the podcast journey thus far has been collaborating with friends and colleagues, and meeting new people as guests on the show. I’ve learned so much from brave people telling very personal stories as well as from fellow therapists talking about their own personal struggles and professional journeys.
I’ve received some great feedback from listeners all over the world, which is so inspiring to me. So if you or anyone you know might be interested in subscribing or listening to the podcast, I welcome you to listen in and dialogue with me about what you hear!
Visit the podcast website at www.PsychRallyPodcast.com, find new episodes on our Podcast page, subscribe at Apple Podcasts, or like Psych Rally on Facebook.
Dr. Martin Hsia practices at The Cognitive Behavior Therapy of Southern California’s Glendale office.