I wrote Doorknob Bombshells in Therapy for clinicians, but the core premise—the power of the deadline—works for creatives as well. In this interview, Suzette and I discuss the different and competing functions of the right and left hemispheres of the brain and how they impact therapy and creative work.

The Babylonians (circa 2000 BCE), the ancient Egyptians and early Romans all celebrated the new year at the spring equinox, which makes so much sense. The days warm and lengthen. Birdsong sweetens the morning air and my coffee. Crocuses push up energetically through banked snow. The bright spring sun, despite the cold, causes a surge of happiness and energy to rise through me like sap. I become ambitious, new resolutions and plans surging forth organically. And while achieving all my resolutions in the year I make them is unlikely, still, the chance of achieving some of them is good to very good because… energy.

I don’t know about you but my energy level from December through March is low to non-existent.

I look at this iconic painting of the iconic white American family sitting at table celebrating that most American of holidays, Thanksgiving—Ma at the head, eye drawn to the huge roasted turkey on an oval platter that she’s bending to place on the table; Pa, black-suited, standing behind, not helping her—and think to myself: only a man could have painted this image, a man who never once hosted a large gathering; or roasted, carved and served a whole turkey.

How do I know?

Cipolla’s writing is so elegant and clear, his argument so straightforward and intellectually deep, as well as amusing, it’s tempting to blow off this gem as mere satire. Beware—it’s so sharp, you might cut yourself.

“Let me point out… this little book is neither a product of cynicism nor an exercise in defeatism—no more than a book on microbiology is. The following pages are in fact the result of a constructive effort to detect, know, and thus possibly neutralize one of the most powerful dark forces that hinder the growth of human welfare and happiness.”  (from the Introduction)

What is that dark force? Stupidity.

Any fantasy I held that my remote, rural area in upstate New York would escape the immigration thuggery of ICE was dashed reading last week’s farm note.

One of the most important things I’ve learned about feelings from being in therapy and doing therapy is that feelings are a response to something outside of ourselves, in the environment, or inside of ourselves, in our minds. Feelings are data. You can interpret data. Hold that thought. I’ll get back to it shortly.  

Attention Creatives and Clinicians! Check Out This Summer Audiobook Sale.

On 6/2/2025, I posted here that my book Practice, Practice, Practice: This Psychiatrist’s Life came in a Finalist by Positive Impact Awards. That was exciting enough. But then Practice, Practice was upgraded from Finalist to Category Winner (with two others, unranked) in the Health and Wellness Category!

Why am I thinking about this maxim now?

Practice, Practice, Practice: This Psychiatrist’s Life has been declared a Finalist in the spring/summer Positive Impact Awards. “Your work truly stood out, and we’re honored to recognize the meaningful impact you’ve made through your words.”

Wow!

Do you love to listen to books being read to you? While you garden? While you cook? While you doze off? Well, do I have a deal for you!

Take advantage of this spring sale

Nest Egg is the first of a cozy mystery series (Aloha Chicken Mysteries) set in—you guessed it—Hawaii. I read all eighteen books, enjoyed them thoroughly, and surfaced refreshed with a renewed faith in the goodness of people. 

I don’t know about you but I’m not getting enough space these days. From congested traffic. From people needing me. From the news. Every day, there’s a new shock. It’s all too much. I feel crowded. So crowded. I need room, a safe space. To rest. To dispel the darkness. To stay sane in an insane situation.

What’s my safe space? Reading in bed. There is nothing I love more than spending time in a compelling imaginative world. Give me a cozy mystery series any day. Especially these days. Please. I’ll trade you this one by Josi Avari.