In this podcast episode, host Dr. Alexis explores the transition of psychologist, Dr. Jake Knapikfrom traditional therapy settings to film and TV production environments, focusing on mental health and resilience training.

Dr. Jake shares his journey consulting in the entertainment industry and becoming Netflix's first Global Wellbeing Manager.

Performers do far more than put on a show—they challenge norms, spark joy, and mirror the struggles we all face. In this Therapy or Trash episode of Wit and Reason with Alex & Dr. Alexis, we explore the psychology of touring, the resilience behind live performances, and the profound ways audiences benefit from their courage to step on stage.

From stand-up comedy to indie theater, music, and even BMX stunts, we uncover how performers help us laugh, think, and connect more deeply with ourselves and each other.

In this engaging podcast episode, join hosts Alex and Dr. Alexis as they dive into the intersection of mental health, relationships, and personal growth. As both mental health professionals and life partners, they share unique insights on navigating change, building resilience, and fostering meaningful connections.

Tired of wellness fluff? We are too. In this episode, therapist Alex Honigman, LCSW, and community psychologist Dr. Alexis Moreno get real about what actually supports mental health and behavior change. From how alcohol quietly impacts your long-term health, to why conflict keeps cycling in your relationships, to what most people get wrong about “self-improvement”... this is your no-nonsense guide to real, sustainable change. We’re talking emotional wellness, science-backed tips, and the messy reality of making progress—and keeping it.

Explore the world of Comic-Con with Dr. Alexis and Alex as they uncover the surprising connections between fandom and mental health. From cosplay and comics to Dungeons & Dragons and Star Wars, this special episode highlights how nerdy passions can shape identity, reduce stigma, and support healing.

We're all doing our part to flatten the curve and decrease the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home. But sheltering in place and practicing social distance does not at all mean you need to be disconnected. Mental health therapists and health coaches are here for you via video sessions.

Dr. Alexis meets with Dr. Mark Libow, a retired cardiologist, who after years of practice in the medical field, has decided to take on studying, teaching, and practicing Qigong meditation. Listen in as Dr. Libow describes his first encounter with a Qigong Master, the unprompted diagnosis he received, and the life changing impact Qigong meditation has played in his life.

We are going deep on the show today - Save this show for later if you are currently operating heavy machinery. This is a crucial one. A topic that every single one of us relates to on an intense and profound level. We’re diving into loss. Why do we grieve and how do we get through it?

How in the world do we manage to have HEALTHY conflicts in our relationships? Dr. Alexis Moreno and Dr. Rebekah Montgomery talk all about talking - specifically, how to talk with others about the tough, emotionally charged topics. Listen in as Dr. Alexis and Dr. M breakdown what it means to "fight fair," essentials for healthy conflicts, and useful tips for maintaining a relationship while talking about the tough stuff.

Moreno siblings assemble!! Dr. Alexis Moreno and Lalo Moreno, MA, Professor of Queer Leadership Development & Co-Founder of Expanding Identities Development, get together to talk all about gender and sexual orientations. Listen in as the Moreno siblings review every LGBTQ letter, best practices, and how to navigate today's evolving social norms.

We see #selfcare thrown around a lot but what does self-care actually mean and what does it have to do with our self-love, wellness, and health? Dr. Alexis breaks it down for you along with tips from people actively engaging in their self-care at the Fitness & Wellness Festival in Arlington, VA. Get some self-care and wellness inspiration from this special Wit & Reason episode!

Now as people are more open to therapy, you all have more specific questions that need answering. What are we supposed to do in therapy? Do I have to take medication? How long does it take for psychotherapy to work? How frequently do I have to go?

Fear isn’t just about the chills—it’s about what our minds, bodies, and cultures do with it.

In this episode of Wit and Reason, licensed clinical social worker Alex and community psychologist Dr. Alexis unpack the psychology of fear through strange encounters and cultural stories. From childhood trauma mistaken for ghost sightings to Tesla tech glitches misread as hauntings, they explore how fear shapes memory, perception, and resilience.

Why do some people love horror for the thrill, while others can’t escape the weight of terrifying memories? Alex and Dr. Alexis break down the science, the folklore, and the impact on our mental health—while reminding us that the goal isn’t to prove or disprove the paranormal, but to process fear in ways that keep us safe, validated, and curious.

Disclaimer: This episode contains discussions of trauma, hallucinations, psychosis, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

Over the past few years we’ve heard more celebrities publicly disclose their personal challenges with anxiety and even panic attacks. Dr. Alexis Moreno and guest expert, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Alicia Hodge, review who has been quoted talking about anxiety and how it relates to any of the 6 different types anxiety disorders. Dr. Alexis and Dr. Alicia answer your Anxiety & Coping questions with Healthy Lifestyle Tips to increase your ability to take on whatever life throws at you.

Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care and it has been linked to restrictions in daily activities, dependence on opioids, anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life (CDC, 2018). But here’s the thing, psychological interventions for chronic pain often provide more relief than prescription drugs or surgery without the risk of side effects but are used much less frequently than traditional medical treatments (APA, 2014)! Dr. Alexis Moreno and guest expert, Clinical Health Psychologist and Mind Body Coach, Dr. Kelly Donahue, review the psychological treatments that actually work to resolve Chronic Pain.

Dr. Alexis partners up with Marriage & Family Therapist, Jordan Madison, to breakdown Breakups into 3 phases: Deciding to Break Up, Your Brain During a Breakup & Grieving, and Healing. A beautiful, beginning, middle, & end - If only breakups were that clean and structured. Listen is as Dr. Alexis and Jordan provide practical tips on how to heal from a breakup.

The internet loves quick labels — but calling every ex a “narcissist” isn’t helping anyone. In this episode of Therapy or Trash, Dr. Alexis Moreno and therapist Alex Honigman unpack the rise of “Diagnostic Divas” dishing out diagnoses with zero credentials. From viral clips to chaotic comment sections, they reveal why these snap judgments are harmful, how real therapists actually assess behavior, and what you can do to protect your relationships from bad advice. Expect expert insights, unfiltered reactions, and some much-needed myth-busting.

A whites-only settlement in the Ozarks is using ancestry rules, pseudo-legal loopholes, and cult-like tactics to build an exclusionary community. In this episode of Wit and Reason, therapist couple Alex Honigman, LCSW, and Dr. Alexis Moreno break down the psychology behind Return to the Land—exploring why people join extremist groups, how identity threats and fear fuel them, and the dangers they pose to society.

Join Dr. Alexis and Alex as they unpack the legal, psychological, and community consequences of ICE raids in Los Angeles and beyond. This powerful episode features expert insights, emotional reflections, and reactions to public discourse. It sheds light on the lived experiences behind the headlines. Listener discretion advised.

In this podcast episode, host Dr. Alexis sits down with her business and life partner, Alex Honigman, LICSW, for a heartfelt discussion about working in the Entertainment Industry. They explore the crucial importance of mental health support in coping with the intense demands of film and TV production. Tune in to discover how mental health coordination is shaping a more balanced and sustainable path for those in the spotlight.