Episode #28 - Examining Our Connection to Racism with Dr. Maidenberg
Introduction
Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we examine the mental and emotional narratives and processes that steer the social stream of consciousness….Truly a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. Each episode is a glimpse into the trends and patterns of human behavior, and the underlying influences that guide us in different directions. Whether we focus primarily on nutrition or the unconscious, guests share insights, thought-provoking lessons, the nuances of creativity, and the elements of being… us.
Today, we explore our connection to racism with Dr. Michelle Maidenberg. We examine how cultural perspectives and experiences shape much of the racist rhetoric and perspectives in our lives, and how we might perceive and manage the guilt and shame we feel. We also dive into how we might approach situations in which friends, family, or colleagues consciously or unconsciously share racist rhetoric. And finally... besides breaking down the role of biases, sitting with discomfort, and facing social fears related to racism, we break down the importance of mindfulness in our daily approach.
I’m excited to share my genuine and thought-provoking conversation with you. Dr. Maidenberg is the president and clinical director of Westchester Group Works, a center for group therapy in Harrison, NY, where she maintains a private practice.
She is an adjunct graduate professor of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Human Behavior at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University.
Dr. Maidenberg has also published in varied professional journals, the New York Times, the Daily News, Fitness, Woman’s Day, Parents, and many other publications. Her book Free Your Child from Overeating guides parents through mind-body strategies that help kids and teens develop life-long healthful behaviors.
Actively engaged in promoting the health of her community, Michelle is the co-founder and clinical director of the Thru My Eyes Foundation, which helps parents with life-threatening illnesses create a video legacy for their families. She is a Certified Group Therapist through the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Michelle has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and much more.
To learn more about Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, visit https://michellemaidenberg.com/!
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver as well as other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, Golden, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
