The Rock & Roll Shrink Ep. 102 – Bridge Over Troubled Waters (Reconciliation)

Tonight is a volatile and complex topic, and we had to choose to single out just a few aspects of it to discuss, because otherwise the discussion on it could last for months.

Our society and national culture are in a state of toxic acrimony that has not been this heightened to such a widespread level in decades. While there are myriad factors contributing to how we got here, discussing even most of them would take us months.

Instead, we wanted to isolate specific aspects of this ongoing problem, of long-term toxic conflict, and focus specifically on two key points. First, understanding in the broadest of terms, how people who seem mutual and rational end up in these situations. Second, so many discussions are focusing on obviously needed venting and blaming, but there is little understanding, never mind clarity, on how to heal any of it and lessen the battles in our lives. So secondly, we wanted the latter part of the show to be about steps anyone can take in any of these kinds of situations, to help cool things down. We hope to offer our listeners some simple steps to take to heal some of their stress and regain some sanity and peace of mind.

Tonight, we will discuss:

1. The Basics of Interpersonal Conflict
2. Mental Health Concerns Re: Heated Conflict
3. Choices That Make Things Worse
4. Choices That Should Help Heal

We'll start off the evening with some topic-relevant Classic Rock played by Dr. Mathis, followed by Classic Rock trivia in "The Rock & Roll Shrink Recalls," followed by our topic discussion.