You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist

Once upon a time, Jason loved his job facilitating social and emotional learning in public schools. Then, in 2017, a new ideological framework began to take root in school SEL programs that eroded the foundation of goodwill that his work was based upon. But instead of giving into nihilism or despair, Jason forged a new path. He developed a new philosophy rooted in his values of dignity, integrity, and humor. From that, Empowered Humanity Theory was born. In this episode, Jason and I explore values-based, ideologically and politically neutral alternatives to such contentious topics as Social and Emotional Learning, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculums. 


Jason Littlefield is a lifelong learner and longtime educator. In 2021 he left public education after 21 years because his job (SEL Specialist) evolved to advance an ideology rather enhance the human experience and condition. He now promotes Empowered Humanity Theory to schools, workplaces & communities that seek to build empowering and dignified communities. He is a co-founder and board member of Free Black Thought; a Director and board member of The Institute For Liberal Values; and host of the Reformation Radio podcast. 


In this episode, I mentioned several other episodes: my conversations with Leslie Elliott, Jessie Mannisto, Mike Belcher, and Deb Fillman. I also mentioned books by Leonard Sax and Donna Hicks, which you can find in my bookshop.

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What is You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist?

A podcast at the intersection of psychology and culture that intimately explores the human experience and critiques the counseling profession. Your host, Stephanie Winn, distills wisdom gained from her practice as a family therapist and coach while pivoting towards questions of how to apply a practical understanding of psychology to the novel dilemmas of the 21st century, from political polarization to medical malpractice.

What does ethical mental health care look like in a normless age, as our moral compasses spin in search of true north? How can therapists treat patients under pressure to affirm everything from the notion of "gender identity" to assisted suicide?

Primarily a long-form interview podcast, Stephanie invites unorthodox, free-thinking guests from many walks of life, including counselors, social workers, medical professionals, writers, researchers, and people with unique lived experience, such as detransitioners.

Curious about many things, Stephanie’s interdisciplinary psychological lens investigates challenging social issues and inspires transformation in the self, relationships, and society. She is known for bringing calm warmth to painful subjects, and astute perceptiveness to ethically complex issues. Pick up a torch to illuminate the dark night and join us on this journey through the inner wilderness.

You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist ranks in the top 1% globally according to ListenNotes. New episodes are released every Monday. Three and a half years after the show's inception in May of 2022, Stephanie became a Christian, representing the crystallization of moral, spiritual, and existential views she had been openly grappling with along with her audience and guests. Newer episodes (#188 forward) may sometimes reflect a Christian understanding, interwoven with and applied to the same issues the podcast has always addressed. The podcast remains diverse and continues to feature guests from all viewpoints.