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Wellness in Today’s World

Dive into the latest hot topics in wellness, psychology, and everything in between.

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Your new favorite wellness podcast!

“Wellness in Today’s World” with Dr. Debra Kawahara is the space to hear the latest insights in psychology, wellness trends, and everything in between. Hosted by APA President and California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) Associate Dean Dr. Debra Kawahara, each episode explores important topics with thought leaders and health experts. You’ll also hear compelling personal stories from the wellness community and Alliant University. Dr. Kawahara and her guests are ready to be a valuable resource for your mental health and well-being!

What does it mean to reconnect with yourself when life, relationships, or expectations have caused you to lose touch with who you are? In this episode of Wellness in Today’s World, recorded on-location in Washington, DC, host Dr. Debra Kawahara visits with psychologist, ordained minister, professor, and author Dr. Thema Bryant to explore the importance of reclaiming joy, authenticity, and self-worth.

Drawing on her book Matters of the Heart, Dr. Bryant discusses why we must allow ourselves to experience the full range of emotions rather than rushing toward positivity, and how vulnerability and self-acceptance create the foundation for genuine connection. She also discusses integrating spirituality with evidence-based psychology, honoring cultural and Indigenous wisdom, and bringing psychological knowledge beyond traditional academic and clinical settings. The conversation ultimately offers a powerful reminder to choose yourself, nurture your relationships, and “go back and get yourself” when you’ve left parts of yourself behind.

About Dr. Debra Kawahara

Debra M. Kawahara, PhD, is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and a Distinguished Professor at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant University. She earned her BA in psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from CSPP with a focus on multicultural and community psychology. In 2025, she became the first Asian American woman and the first Japanese American to serve as APA President.

About CSPP

Founded in 1969 as one of the nation’s first free-standing schools of professional psychology, CSPP has educated thousands of students who are now working professionals in clinical psychology, couples and family therapy, social work, and organizational psychology. Our degree programs prepare the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates to help improve access to quality care in every community.

CSPP is also well known for our powerful connections to the field of psychology and highly regarded faculty and alumni, both past and present. CSPP has a legacy of academic excellence and supporting a multicultural, diverse culture.

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