Latest Episodes

Understanding & Preventing Suicide

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Liz Dederich

Suicide in America is on a steady longterm rise. Over 49,000 people took their own lives in 2023. Why is this? What can be done to prevent suicide when someone you know may be at risk? Dick’s guest, Tom Butero is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Massachusetts and has devoted the last 50 […]

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Innocent and Behind Bars (Encore)

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Liz Dederich

Of the over 2 million Americans behind bars, about 100,000 didn’t do it. They are innocent. The Innocence Project at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School is on the cutting edge of helping to exonerate the wrongfully convicted, including Steven Avery. Dick’s guest is Keith Findley, law professor and co-founder and co-director of the Wisconsin […]

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Hospital Chaplains

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Liz Dederich

The hospital chaplain brings comfort to patients and their families in ways medical staff is not equipped to do. How impactful can hospital chaplains be and what do they need to bring to this role to be effective? Dick’s guest, Chaplain and Minister Andy Karlson is Manager of Spiritual Services for UW Health Hospital and […]

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Talking to Political Opposites

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Liz Dederich

In our highly polarized country, most of us might avoid conversations with people who have opposing political views. How can you have a civil dialogue when these conversations might sometimes be unavoidable? Is there a way these conversations can even be productive? Dick’s guest, Jacob Winkler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Group Psychotherapist […]

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Liz Dederich

What can be so objectionable about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)? It is a framework used in schools and organizations to create environments in which all individuals feel valued, respected and supported regardless of race, age, gender, disability or sexual orientation. Can it actually be discriminatory as described by President Trump and the Supreme Court? […]

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Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (Encore)

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Liz Dederich

Dick’s guest, Dr. Ken Robbins, adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and past Medical Director of Psychiatry at Mendota Mental Health Institute, explains what determines an outcome of not guilty by reason of insanity and what treatment follows.

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Reducing Accidents & Fatalities in Your Community

Posted on April 16, 2025 by Liz Dederich

Every community has its share of accidents, tragedies and suffering. Imagine an agency that is tasked with looking after a whole community and all the responding agencies to help facilitate a reduction in accidents, hospitalizations and overdoses. Dick’s guest, Cheryl Wittke has spent the last 25 years as the Executive Director of Safe Communities.

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Fatherless Kids

Posted on April 2, 2025 by Liz Dederich

There are far too many children in the U.S. who are raised without a father in their lives. This could lead to dropping out of school, struggling with mental health issues or getting caught up in the criminal justice system. Dick’s guest, Bruce Carter, has dedicated his life to helping this population. He was awarded […]

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Important Things to Know About Aging

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Liz Dederich

25% of the U.S. population is currently 65 years of age or older. What are the important things to understand about aging? What are the positives about getting older? Dick’s guest, Dr. Alexis Eastman is a practicing geriatrician at UW Health Geriatrics Clinics and Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and […]

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Drug Use and Treatment in America Today (Encore)

Posted on February 26, 2025 by tscproof

The life expectancy for Americans has gone down due to deaths from drug use and overdoses, killing more people than suicide or accidents. What are the recent changes in drug use and treatment? Dick’s guest is Dr. Michael Miller, a psychiatrist and past President and Board Chair of the American Society of Addiction Medicine as […]

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Gender Differences in Investing

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Liz Dederich

There is a stereotype most people accept that men are smarter and more skilled at managing and investing money than women. Is this true? Dick’s guest, Grace Trewartha is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Business School who worked in corporate finance for 25 years followed by a successful stint as a financial planner. Grace […]

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Authenticity (Encore)

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Liz Dederich

Who is authentic? How do they become so? Is being a phony the opposite? What are the benefits of being authentic to the person, their friends and colleagues as they become more authentic? Dick’s guest is Barbara Hummel who has led workshops for 12 years for the Center for Courage & Renewal. She is also the […]

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Psychological Effects of the Internet

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Liz Dederich

The internet is an integral part of our everyday lives. Yet the key question is how has the internet affected us psychologically both in positive and negative ways. Dick’s guest, Morton Ann Gernsbacher is Vilas Research Professor and the Sir Frederic C. Bartlett Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of […]

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New Year Resolutions (Encore)

Posted on January 1, 2025 by Liz Dederich

Do New Year resolutions work? Are they worth the bother? Is there a better way to get your life on track? Dick’s guest, Patricia Clason, has been leading workshops for corporate clients and the State of Wisconsin for 30 years on how to get your life organized and actualized. She has written and conducted workshops […]

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The School Shooter (Encore)

Posted on December 18, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Is there a specific profile for a school shooter? Why do they do it? What can be done to diminish the likelihood of these school shooting massacres in the future? Dick’s guest, forensic psychologist, prolific author on predators and sex offenders and consultant to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Dr. Anna Salter, shares thoughts from […]

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Psychedelic Therapies

Posted on December 4, 2024 by Liz Dederich

There has been a growing acceptance of the use of psychedelics to treat depression, anxiety and PTSD when traditional therapies provide no improvements. What is hype and what is real? Dick’s guest, Dr. Matthew Banks is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Affiliate Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public […]

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Adults Dealing with Toxic Parents (Encore)

Posted on November 20, 2024 by Liz Dederich

The pain of having a toxic parent doesn’t end when you grow up. What is a toxic parent? How can the adult child end or reduce the suffering a toxic parent can inflict? Dick’s guest, Lesa Fischer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Spiritual Intelligence

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Liz Dederich

What is spiritual intelligence? Can having it along with high intellectual and emotional intelligence mean you are living up to your full potential? Dick’s guest, Dr. Janet Schwartz is the author of Authentic Intelligence: How to Use Your Mental, Emotional & Spiritual Gifts to Create the Life and World You Want. 

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Sexual Violence Reporting After #MeToo

Posted on October 23, 2024 by Liz Dederich

The #MeToo movement took off after the investigation and prosecution of Harvey Weinstein and with it the reaction to sexual violence and harassment changed dramatically. Dick’s guest, Dana Pellebon is the Director of RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center of Dane County in Madison, Wisconsin.  

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Depressed Men in Marriage

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Men tend to be less open and expressive about their feelings than women. That can sometimes create a challenge in their marriage. When men are depressed that can add additional stress on their relationship. Dick’s guest, Steven Blank is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Madison, Wisconsin.

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Social Skills and Mental Health

Posted on September 25, 2024 by Liz Dederich

One of the most important contributing factors for the quality of relationships and good mental health is good social skills. Dick’s guest, Dr. Chris Segrin, is a Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Arizona whose specialty is interpersonal relationships and mental health.

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Hiring The Previously Incarcerated

Posted on September 11, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Should you hire previously incarcerated people? Employers may be missing out on valued staff as there are over 2 million previously incarcerated Americans. Yet, there are reasons to be careful and cautious. Dick’s guest, Linda Ketcham is the Executive Director of Just Dane which helps individuals and families involved in the criminal justice system.

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Consequential Strangers (Encore)

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Liz Dederich

The quality of our relationships with family and close friends may be the biggest contributor to contentment but how important is the quality of social ties with people not part of the family and close friends group? Dick’s guest is award-winning journalist Melinda Blau, who has written several books on the importance of quality relationships […]

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Spirituality Without Religion

Posted on August 14, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Can you be spiritual if you are not religious? Is spirituality possible if you are an atheist? What is spirituality and how can it enhance your life? Dick’s guest, Elizabeth Schrimpf, is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Madison, Wisconsin. She at times will use the aspect of spirituality in her practice and in her […]

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Intimacy Coordinator

Posted on July 31, 2024 by Liz Dederich

The newer career of intimacy coordinator was created to help ensure the well being of actors during sex scenes in theater, films and television. What does coordinating intimacy actually mean? How is it done? Dick’s guest, Simone LaPierre has a background in choreography, acting, directing and producing. She has recently become an intimacy coordinator on […]

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Men’s Mental Health

Posted on July 17, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Is American men’s mental health worse than American women’s? Men commit suicide 3 1/2 times more frequently. Men are less likely to seek treatment for addiction or mental health disorders like depression. Do these things relate to the fact that life expectancy of men is 5.8 years less than women? Dick’s guest, Dr. Jim Hollis […]

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The Guide to Good Mental Health (Encore)

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Dick’s guest, therapist and author Faust Ruggerio, discusses the most important tips on achieving optimum mental health from his book “The Fix Yourself Handbook.”

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Women and Money

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Are there any differences between men and women on how they budget, save, spend and invest their money? Is there anything unique women need to learn about managing their finances? Dick’s guest, Linda Lepe is Director of Personal Finance at the School of Human Ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.           […]

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Successful Women and Dating

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Strong successful women looking for love are finding it harder to make an appropriate match. Why is this? How can these women find the partner of their dreams? Dick’s guest, Dr. Sandy To is a sociologist with a PhD from the University of Cambridge who writes and speaks globally about women’s partner choices on TV, […]

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Resilience (Encore)

Posted on May 22, 2024 by Liz Dederich

Resilience is adapting to hardships, adversity and tough turns in life. All of us will be faced with these events in our lives. Some are small, some are very significant. Our mental health, our usefulness and the quality of our lives is greatly enhanced by becoming skilled at resilience and recovery. Dick’s guest is Patricia […]

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