Motor City Hypnotist

Self-Care Isn’t Luxury: It’s The Work

Send us a textNeed a clean reset for the new year without the hype? We’re back from a short sabbatical with a focused year in review that trims the fluff and doubles down on what actually helps: clear therapy tools, real self-care, and stories that rewire belief. We kick off with a jaw-dropping Winner of the Week—Hari Budha Magar, a British veteran and double above-knee amputee, who completed the Seven Summits—then unpack how his achievement models adaptation, grit, and purpose for anyone facing hard goals.From there, we get practical. We talk about the mental health power of deep-focus hobbies—like model building and family puzzles—and how to use flow states without slipping into burnout. Structure beats willpower: time-box your focus, set hard stops, and keep your recovery just as intentional. We revisit our most-requested therapy Q&A insights: how to choose the right therapist, define a goal in one sentence, and measure progress you can feel. We also return to golf therapy, where breath, movement, and attention under gentle pressure become portable regulation skills for anxiety and focus.Autism and emotional regulation earned a big spotlight this year, and for good reason. The spectrum is diverse, strengths are real, and support works best when it’s tailored. We dig into practical tools for overstimulation, clearer communication, and routine-building that honors autonomy. The throughline across everything is simple: self-care isn’t luxury, it’s the work—small systems repeated consistently, with compassion.If you’re ready to build a steadier 2025, hit play, take what serves you, and leave the rest. Subscribe for new episodes, share this with someone who needs a hopeful nudge, and leave a quick review so more people can find these tools.FIND ME:My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcastMy social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gATwitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypnoInstagram: motorcityhypnoFREE HYPNOSIS GUIDEhttps://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guidePlease also subscribe to the show and leave a review.(Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!)Change your thinking, change your life!Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHTThe Motor City Hypnotist

Top 10 Songs That Save Us - Part 2

Send us a textEver wondered what songs get stuck in a hypnotist's head? In this musical journey, David and Matt pull back the curtain on their personal playlists, sharing the tracks that have shaped their lives and continue to move them emotionally.David takes us through his affection for what he playfully calls "faux rock bands" of the 80s—Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon—with particular fondness for "Separate Ways" and its distinctive guitar harmonics. His enthusiasm for The Doors reveals a deeper connection, having "consumed every book ever written" about the band, while his discovery of Muse years after their initial popularity demonstrates how great music finds us when we're ready for it.Matt brings a contrasting musical palette to the conversation, from Coldplay's "Clocks" (which he insists feels like a personal performance when experienced live) to electronic tracks by Spunk Shine and Shapeshifter that instantly transport him into relaxation mode after stressful workdays. His passion for Hamilton showcases how experiencing the same music from different physical perspectives—whether on Disney+ or from opposite sides of a theater—creates entirely new impressions of familiar material.What makes this episode particularly compelling is how each song selection reveals something profound about its chooser. When Matt describes Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries as having "the voice of an angel" or David explains how Earth, Wind & Fire's vocal harmonies in "Fantasy" speak to his musical training, we witness music's ability to connect with our unique experiences and emotional wiring.The conversation becomes a fascinating exploration of how we develop relationships with songs—some through technical appreciation, others through emotional association, and many through shared moments with loved ones. As streaming has changed our listening habits, their nostalgic reflections on experiencing albums from start to finish serve as a gentle reminder of what we might be missing in today's single-track world.Whether you're seeking new additions to your playlist or simply enjoy hearing passionate people discuss the music that moves them, this episode offers a window into how deeply personal our soundtracks can be. What songs would make your list?FIND ME:My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcastMy social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gATwitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypnoInstagram: motorcityhypnoFREE HYPNOSIS GUIDEhttps://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guidePlease also subscribe to the show and leave a review.(Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!)Change your thinking, change your life!Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHTThe Motor City Hypnotist

Top 10 Songs That Save Us - Part 1

Send us a textHave you ever noticed how certain songs can instantly transport you to specific moments in your life, triggering powerful emotions and memories? This phenomenon lies at the heart of music's profound impact on our mental health—a topic David and Matt explore by sharing their personal favorite songs that make them feel good.Selecting just a handful of favorites proves nearly impossible as both hosts struggle to narrow down their extensive musical preferences. David's selections include Depeche Mode's "Halo," Queen's "The Show Must Go On," and The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," each choice accompanied by personal connections and meaningful backstories. Matt counters with his love for The Chemical Brothers, Gene Vincent's "Be-Bop-A-Lula," and an hour-and-a-half Fatboy Slim concert that sustained him through COVID lockdowns.The episode features a heartwarming "Winner of the Week" story about Kent Broussard, who at age 66 fulfilled his childhood dream of joining LSU's marching band. After watching them perform as a nine-year-old in 1968, Kent carried this aspiration for decades. Upon approaching retirement, he enrolled in college, relearned the tuba, began intensive physical training, and successfully auditioned—becoming the band's oldest member by 41 years. His story perfectly encapsulates the theme that music can inspire and fulfill us at any stage of life.Throughout their conversation, David and Matt touch on music's ability to forge connections between people, create shared experiences, and provide comfort during difficult times. Whether it's a song that becomes special between partners or a playlist that keeps you going through global uncertainty, music's therapeutic benefits extend far beyond mere entertainment.What songs make you feel better when you hear them? Share your favorites on our Facebook page and join the conversation about music's power to heal, inspire, and connect us all.FIND ME:My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcastMy social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gATwitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypnoInstagram: motorcityhypnoFREE HYPNOSIS GUIDEhttps://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guidePlease also subscribe to the show and leave a review.(Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!)Change your thinking, change your life!Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHTThe Motor City Hypnotist

Sonic Healing: How Music Shapes Your Emotional Wellbeing - Pt. 2

Send us a textHave you ever noticed how the right song can instantly change your mood? There's real science behind that feeling. Music doesn't just entertain us—it fundamentally alters our brain chemistry and emotional state in ways that can significantly improve our mental health.When life feels overwhelming, music creates a sanctuary where we can safely process complex emotions. Research consistently shows that listening to music reduces stress hormones like cortisol while increasing feel-good neurotransmitters such as dopamine. This neurochemical shift explains why even sad songs can sometimes make us feel better—they provide a framework for experiencing difficult emotions from a safe distance.What makes music particularly powerful as a mental health tool is its versatility. Classical compositions might calm anxiety, while upbeat tracks can energize and elevate mood. Lyrics often give voice to feelings we struggle to articulate ourselves, creating those "that's exactly how I feel" moments that validate our experiences. For teenagers and young adults especially, music becomes a crucial part of identity formation and emotional development.The connection between music and memory creates another dimension of healing. Songs can transport us to specific moments in time—sometimes painful, but often precious. As we discuss in this episode, reframing our relationship with music tied to departed loved ones can transform these songs from triggers of grief into celebrations of cherished memories.Musicians themselves experience enhanced cognitive benefits, typically showing higher IQs due to the mental coordination required to play instruments. But you don't need talent to benefit from music's psychological effects—simply listening with intention is enough to alter your mental state in meaningful ways.Whether you're creating mood-specific playlists, exploring new genres, or revisiting old favorites, your soundtrack choices matter. The next time you're feeling anxious, sad, or disconnected, try reaching for your headphones—the right song might be the most effective therapy session you'll have all day.FIND ME:My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcastMy social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gATwitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypnoInstagram: motorcityhypnoFREE HYPNOSIS GUIDEhttps://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guidePlease also subscribe to the show and leave a review.(Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!)Change your thinking, change your life!Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHTThe Motor City Hypnotist

Sonic Healing: How Music Shapes Your Emotional Wellbeing - Pt. 1

Send us a textMusic has a remarkable ability to transport us through time, evoke powerful emotions, and even heal our psychological wounds. This fascinating connection between melodies and mental wellbeing takes center stage as we explore how the songs that soundtrack our lives can profoundly impact our emotional health.The power of musical association reveals itself through Casey Clark's touching story. After losing her grandfather, she found solace in Michael Bublé's album—the last gift she gave him before his passing. Now, when grief or PTSD symptoms overwhelm her, those familiar melodies provide grounding when traditional coping techniques fall short. This personal connection exemplifies how music becomes intertwined with our most significant memories and relationships.Science strongly supports what many of us intuitively understand about music's therapeutic qualities. Research demonstrates that regular listening to classical music significantly reduces anxiety levels, while other studies show music helps people recover faster from stressful experiences. The physiological benefits are measurable—lower stress hormones, reduced blood pressure, and decreased heart rate. Music offers both an emotional escape and a way to process complex feelings, particularly when we're stuck in negative thought patterns.Our musical preferences typically form during adolescence and young adulthood, creating lifelong connections that become emotional resources during difficult times. Whether through the nostalgic mixtapes of yesterday or today's carefully curated streaming playlists, these sonic companions help us navigate life's challenges. Instrumental music—from classical compositions to electronic dance music—allows listeners to project their feelings into the soundscape, creating a personalized emotional outlet without the potential distraction of lyrics.Beyond passive listening, actively engaging with music through playing instruments provides additional benefits, fostering discipline, creativity, and emotional expression. These multifaceted musical experiences build resilience and offer healing during times of stress, grief, or anxiety.Ready to explore how music might enhance your own mental wellbeing? Subscribe now and join us for part two as we continue this fascinating discussion about the soundtrack of our emotional lives.FIND ME:My Website: https://motorcityhypnotist.com/podcastMy social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motorcityhypnotist/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCjjLNcNvSYzfeX0uHqe3gATwitter: https://twitter.com/motorcityhypnoInstagram: motorcityhypnoFREE HYPNOSIS GUIDEhttps://detroithypnotist.convertri.com/podcast-free-hypnosis-guidePlease also subscribe to the show and leave a review.(Stay with me as later in the podcast, I’ll be giving away a free gift to all listeners!)Change your thinking, change your life!Laugh hard, run fast, be kind. David R. Wright MA, LPC, CHTThe Motor City Hypnotist