CTA Podcast

Critical Therapy Antidote was established in 2020 as a response to the rapid, uncontested and systemic encroachment of Critical Social Justice (CSJ) on the psychotherapy field. The purpose of its establishment was to provide a platform where those concerned about this ideological takeover can challenge these ideas in articles, share resources and find a network of likeminded professionals and laypersons. In March 2023, the CTA Podcast was launched by clinical psychologist, Jaco van Zyl, and marriage and family therapist, Christine Sefein-Wolk. The CTA Podcast aims to critically analyse the tenets of CSJ, to provide diverse alternatives to this ideology, and to reestablish the healing ethos of psychotherapy. Welcome to the CTA Podcast. We hope it will both stimulate and challenge you.

CTA Podcast is a society podcast hosted by Jaco van Zyl, Christine Sefein-Wolk & Michael Olan, with 61 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Jaco van Zyl, Christine Sefein-Wolk & Michael Olan hosts CTA Podcast, a society show with 61 episodes published.

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  Episode #19

  The Data Doesn't Care: Dr. James Nuzzo on Woke Science, Health Equity & Academic Pressure

  Nov 23, 20251h 20mS3

  In this episode of the CTA Podcast, Dr. James Nuzzo joins Dr. Michael Olan for a wide-ranging conversation about science, politics, and the state of academia. Dr. Nuzzo—an exercise scientist and men's health researcher—shares how his work in strength, fitness testing, and historical data led him into deeper questions about health, public policy, and the pressures shaping modern research. They discuss: • The rise of ideological pressures in scientific institutions • Why objective data and historical trends matter now more than ever • The challenges of navigating academic cancellation • The impact of “health equity” frameworks on scientific integrity • How men’s health and public health are influenced by political narratives This is a thoughtful, nuanced exploration of science, culture, and the importance of maintaining clarity and honesty in research. 🔔 Subscribe for more critical conversations 🎙 Guest: Dr. James Nuzzo - https://jameslnuzzo.substack.com/ 📸 Instagram: @criticaltherapyantidote Dr. Nuzzo's Work: The Nuzzo Letter: https://jameslnuzzo.substack.com/about Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Nuzzo Pieces Discussed Here: Reality's Last Stand: https://www.realityslaststand.com/p/woke-academics-are-rigging-their Woke Nomenclature: https://www.pjp.psychreg.org/wp-content/uploads/8-2-james-nuzzo-81-91.pdf Help Support James: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ChildStrengthResearch

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  Episode #18

  An Era of Identity Fusion | When People Become Their Groups w/ Anthony Rispo

  Sep 22, 20251h 48mS3

  Independent socio-cognitive scholar and host of @Discourse_Lab Anthony Rispo, joins CTA Co-Director, Michael Olan, to delve into the complexities of sociopolitical research, personal political awakenings, and the psychological underpinnings of identity and cognition. They explore the challenges of navigating social identity, cognitive dissonance, and the implications of microaggressions in contemporary discourse. Through their dialogue, they reflect on the evolution of political thought and the importance of understanding the nuanced interplay between individual experiences and broader societal dynamics. In this conversation, Michael and Anthony delve into the complexities of authoritarianism, political identity, and the psychological measures used to assess these phenomena. They explore the nuances of left-wing and right-wing authoritarianism (woke right-woke left), the role of identity fusion in political discourse, and the implications of moral conviction in shaping behaviors and attitudes. Find Anthony's Work Here: https://rb.gy/9fddmi Takeaways -The importance of understanding psychological aspects of politics. -Cognitive dissonance plays a significant role in political identity. -The left and right both exhibit threat sensitivity, but in different contexts. -Personal experiences can lead to political awakenings. -Microaggressions are often based on invalid premises. -Identity fusion can lead to both growth and rigidity. -Identity fusion can lead to maladaptive solidarity in political contexts. -Moral conviction plays a significant role in how individuals act and treat others. -There is a symmetry in authoritarian tendencies across the political spectrum. -Social media influences the way political identities are formed and expressed. -The academic community often struggles to engage with the public effectively. #wokeism #criticaltherapyantidote #therapy #nuance #mentalhealth #identity #identification #fusion #socialscience #cognitivescience #politicalscience #podcast #psychologistsofinstagram #independents #conservatives #progressives #liberal #libertarians #centrist

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  Episode #17

  Whistleblower in Training | Saying “No” to Indoctrination in Therapy w/ Naomi Epps Best

  Sep 22, 20251h 10mS3

  "What they are modeling is an abuse of power" In this episode CTA Co-Directors Christine Sefein and Michael Olan sit down with Naomi Epps Best. Naomi shares her harrowing experience as a whistleblower during her time at Santa Clara University, where she was subjected to disturbing content in her human sexuality class and was denied accommodations for her privacy and beliefs. Naomi is known for her opinion piece in the @WSJopinion and for her numerous appearances across platforms bringing light to the situation in therapy education. This conversation delves into the ideological conflicts present in modern education, the emotional toll of speaking out, and the importance of authenticity in therapy. Naomi reflects on the decline of academic rigor and the personal costs associated with her journey, ultimately emphasizing the need for courage and open discussions in the face of prevailing ideologies. Find Naomi's Work Here: https://clinicallyincorrect.substack.com/ #criticaltherapyantidote #education #therapy #mentalhealth #nuance #trending #tendingvideo #brainwashing #criticalsocialjustice #socialmediaculture #news #counselors #therapists #therapistsofinstagram #therapistsoftiktok #graduateschool #graduate #humansexuality #sexualityeducation #sexuality #religiousfreedom #religiousbeliefs #freespeech

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  Episode #16

  The Show is Cancelled | The "Woke" Take Over of Theater | w/ Director, Kevin Ray

  Sep 22, 20251h 13mS3

  The End of Art - CTA Co-Director, Christine Sefein Wolk, sits down with Director, Kevin Ray, to discuss the intersection of critical social justice and the arts, particularly focusing on the role of teaching artists. Kevin Ray is a New York City theater director with over 20 years of experience as an Arts Educator. He produced and directed “Unearthly Visitants,” based on ghost stories by Edith Wharton, “The Machine Stops,” from EM Forster’s short story, and “We,” from Russian dissident Yevgeny Zamyatin’s dystopian science-fiction novel. Together Christine and Kevin explore how the ideology of critical social justice has influenced the arts, the challenges faced by teaching artists in navigating these changes, and the implications for student engagement and educational transparency. The conversation also touches on the political landscape surrounding education and the impact of identity politics on funding and opportunities in the arts. They explore the challenges posed by social emotional learning in classrooms, the impact of identity politics on hiring practices in the arts, and the importance of artistic expression without political constraints. Kevin shares personal experiences that highlight the tension between traditional educational values and contemporary ideological shifts, emphasizing the need for curiosity and open dialogue in understanding complex social issues. You can find more on his website or find him on Instagram @kevinrayworks Substack https://kevinrayworks.substack.com/ Website https://www.kevinrayworks.com/ Donation https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/kevin-ray-works #criticalsocialjustice #arts #education #teachingartists #theater #identity #politics #education #transparency #socialjusticeideology #funding #politicalinfluence #student #engagement #socialwork #therapy #socialemotionallearning #lgbtcommunity #artistic #expression #politicization #criticaltherapyantidote #theaterarts #directorspotlight #outspoken #actors #actorslife

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  Episode #15

  From Sci-Fi to AI | A New Age in Mental Health

  Sep 22, 20251h 4mS3

  Mental health is in the era of AI! In this episode of the CTA Podcast @michael63307 Dewan-Herrick, discusses the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and mental health. Michael is a psychotherapist and host of Attention Bazaar. He shares his journey, starting on @secondlife to understanding AI's impact on human relationships, particularly through the lens of virtual reality and conversational AI. The discussion explores cognitive implications, the balance of brain functions, the addiction to instant gratification, and the emotional disconnect that arises from AI interactions. Michael emphasizes the importance of human relationships and the role of therapy in navigating the challenges posed by AI in our lives. In this conversation, the speakers explore the intersection of AI, robotics, and emotional interactions, particularly in the context of grief and therapy. They discuss the implications of cloning and the potential therapeutic uses of AI, while also addressing the ethical concerns surrounding these technologies. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of navigating grief, the role of internal dialogues, and the need for ongoing conversations about the impact of AI on human relationships. Find more from Michael at - https://www.youtube.com/@UCnqlOMtDtAVhej951eF5vxg -AI is increasingly influencing mental health and human relationships. -Virtual reality experiences can provide insights into human psychology. -Conversational AI changes the way we interact with technology. -Offloading cognitive tasks to AI may weaken our mental faculties. -Instant gratification from AI can lead to addiction-like behaviors. -AI may contribute to feelings of depression and anxiety. -Emotional connections with AI lack genuine care and reciprocation. -Therapy plays a vital role in repairing human relationships. -The future of AI in our lives raises questions about emotional development. -Ethical considerations are essential in AI therapy. -AI's rapid advancement requires proactive discussions. #nuance #criticaltherapyantidote #mentalhealth #therapy #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #education #internetculture #artificialintelligence #ai #secondlife #robotics #therapistsupport #socialmediaculture #aitherapy #aitherapist #telehealth #teletherapy #trending #ainations #podcast

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