It's Your Life Podcast

Hosted by Salem San Diego

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621

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

It's Your Life with Dr. James JC Cooley a motivational speaker here to equip you to strive for greatness and overcome adversity. Life is a series of circles and cycles, phases, and stages. These are the experiences that teach you the lessons of life. You can either ignore them or EMBRACE them. Dr. Cooley offers motivation and inspiration for life's challenges. Catch up on the podcast and listen to It's Your Life on The Answer in Dallas or San Diego, on Salem Radio Networks. For more about James Cooley and how you can support the show or become a guest visit www.CooleyFoundation.org .

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60 recent

June 15, 202652 min

IN SESSION WITH DR. MICHAEL MANTELL

This conversation with Dr. Michael Mantell focused on the connection between mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Dr. Mantell shared insights on the importance of developing a positive mindset, managing stress effectively, and building healthy habits that support both emotional and physical health. He emphasized that personal growth begins with self-awareness and intentional choices, and that resilience can be strengthened through practice and perseverance. The discussion highlighted practical strategies for maintaining balance, overcoming challenges, and living a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Dr.Michael Mantell Biography Dr. Michael Mantell, a Renowned and Esteemed Mental Health Architect, earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1976 and his MS in Clinical Psychology in 1972 from Hahnemann Medical College. He guides clients to disturb themselves less, by identifying, challenging, and restructuring irrational beliefs, helping them build a reliable foundation of rational, flexible thinking, and adopt healthier behaviors and attitudes. His expertise bridges the art and science of mental health, empowering clients to disturb themselves less and construct a mindset that enables them to respond to life’s challenges with resilience, acceptance, and self-compassion. Throughout his career, Dr. Mantell has held various prestigious positions, including Chief Psychologist for Children's Hospital of San Diego, Chief Psychologist of the San Diego Police Department, and Chief Behavior Science Consultant for the American Council on Exercise. He was a co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Plus Size Certified, Inc. and is a member of the Science Advisory Council of the International Council on Active Aging. In addition, he served as Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSD Medical School, where he taught the Doctor-Patient Relationship course. He brings a specialty focus on physician wellbeing, physician burnout and elevating the patient experience. He has lectured at Pt. Loma Nazarene University and has provided a yearly 3-day Physician Wellness Studio for the American Society of Hematology. He is an invited guest instructor at Harvard University. Dr. Mantell is a prolific author with four books to his name, including his recent work, "The Link is What You Think," "Ticking Bombs: Defusing Violence in the Workplace," and his iconic 1988 original "Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff PS: It’s All Small Stuff" and its 25th Anniversary Edition. Dr Mantell has been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1981, Chair of its Election Committee and Vice-Chair of the Government Affairs and Public Policy Committee. He was elected to the Board of SAG-AFTRA San Diego in September, 2025. He’s been bringing psychology to the broadcast media for decades including regular appearances on Good Morning, America, Oprah Winfrey and weekly spots on local and nationwide news. You can follow his free daily “MantellPoints2Ponder” on LinkedIn and Facebook.Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 8, 202652 min

360° Health The Power of Rational Thinking for Coping with Suffering And Creating Greater Joy and Fulfillment

Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis -licensed psychologist, licensed mental health counselor, presenter, writer and adjunct professor at Columbia University and Robin W. Thorburn - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist.  Show Summary Today’s show discusses Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis, which teaches that emotional suffering is often intensified not only by difficult events themselves but by the beliefs and interpretations we attach to those events. REBT helps lessen emotional pain by identifying irrational thoughts, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and replacing them with more realistic and flexible ways of thinking. Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis Biography Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia. New York City has been her home base for the past two decades. She is a licensed psychologist (Australia), licensed mental health counselor (New York), presenter, writer and adjunct professor at Columbia University in New York City where she teaches Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Comparative Psychotherapies. For years she worked with her husband, the brilliant and renowned pioneer of modern cognitive therapies: Dr Albert Ellis, giving public presentations and professional trainings in his approach of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), as well as collaborating with him on writing and research projects until his death in 2007. Before his passing he stated and wrote that he entrusted her to continue his work. She is recognized as a world-renowned expert on REBT, and regularly presents, throughout the USA and in countries around the world, to students, academics, practitioners in the helping professions, and to members of the general public. She wrote the second edition of the book Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (published 2019) that she co-wrote with her husband in its first edition. She is also featured in a DVD produced by the American Psychological Association (APA) demonstrating and discussing the REBT approach. She has written chapters for various text books, articles, and has reviewed publications for APA’s PsycCritiques Journal. In 2014 she was named “Legend in Counseling” at the American Counseling Association annual conference, and has received various other awards and acknowledgments for her work. She recently was nominated by former American Psychological Association President, Dr Frank Farley, and renowned psychologist and author, Dr Stanley Krippner, to receive the American Psychological Association's International Division's "Global Citizen Award". She joyfully and passionately continues her mission of informing as many people as possible - through her presentations, teaching, writing, and the ways she strives to ‘walk her talk’ - that each one of us has the power to create our emotional destinies despite and including challenging circumstances, and through teaching the ‘how-to’s’ of doing so! Website www.debbiejoffeellis.com Robin W. Thorburn ADHP (NC) MNRHP FNSHP UKCP (H) Biography Robin W. Thorburn, the founder of Exclusive Hypnotherapy Edinburgh, is one of the UK’s leading Hypno-Psychotherapists.  He has 33 years verifiable clinical experience and has successfully conducted over 20,000 Hypno-Psychotherapy sessions. Robin has literally helped thousands of clients who have experienced debilitating panic attacks, phobias, anxiety, stress, insomnia, low self-confidence/esteem/self-worth, unexplained infertility, anger management, depression, imposter syndrome, public speaking and blushing, guilt, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained infertility, pain control, sports psychology and enhancement of business performance,   He is also remarkably successful working with people who wish to stop smoking/vaping, improve weight loss or require, life coaching,  sexual and relationship problems are also helped with, as is bereavement.  Website www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 1, 202652 min

Ghanaian Royals Experience: Visit to the U.S.

A seated conversation with our royal guests from Ghana about their visit to the United States, receiving honorary doctorate degrees, and sharing their kingdom’s vision, philanthropic efforts, community impact, and partnerships with organizations dedicated to helping others.Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 25, 202652 min

KINGS AND QUEENS IN DALLAS

Show Summary: A Royal Week Of Festivities In Dallas Texas Hosted By Black Women Who Want MORE.  We don't plan events, we create experiences. Starting Wednesday May 20th, The Queens Of  Black Women Who Want More, will host the Kings Of Ghana at multiple celebrations, a graduation, a book signing and a global "mastermind" with international Thought Leaders.   Tune In To Find Out How You Can Be A Part Of This Memorable LIVE event which will be streamed online and open to the public.   Dr. Renee Toppin: Guest Dr. Renee Toppin the Founder/CEO of Black Women Who Want More Academy is a highly accomplished Whole Life Empowerment Coach with more than 25 years of experience transforming lives through her distinctive coaching and training approach. As a dynamic professional public speaker, she motivates audiences worldwide and maintains a global social media presence exceeding 700,000 followers, with strong engagement across the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. She has appeared on CNN as a surrogate for a former U.S. President and has been featured on numerous radio, television, and talk shows. Renowned for her powerful communication and impactful delivery, Ms. Toppin attracts women from around the globe to her online programs, classes, and courses. As a licensed Evangelist, Ms. Toppin integrates biblical principles and the Word of God into her Life Coaching Academy, empowering women to pursue holistic personal growth—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially. Through multiple successful business ventures, she has expanded into global markets, ensuring sustainable growth and broad impact. She leads a team of elite coaches specializing in finance, health and wellness, accountability, spiritual awareness, book writing and publishing, and essential life coping skills.  Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 18, 202651 min

360° Health: How Tricky It Is To Talk About Weight These Days

Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Jason Gootman - a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist. Summary: This conversation explores the complex relationship between wellness, self-acceptance, and personal transformation — examining whether weight is a root cause of health challenges or a reflection of broader physical and emotional wellness. It also looks at how weight-loss medications are reshaping public attitudes toward obesity, treatment, and accountability, while highlighting the deeply empowering effect many people experience when losing weight and reclaiming control over their health and confidence. Jason Gootman Biography Jason Gootman is a Mayo Clinic Certified Wellness Coach and National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach as well as a certified nutritionist and certified exercise physiologist. Jason helps people reverse and prevent type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other ailments with evidence-based approaches to nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, holistic wellness, and, most importantly, lasting behavior improvement and positive habit formation. As part of this work, Jason often helps people lose weight and keep it off, in part by helping them overcome the common challenges of yo-yo dieting and emotional eating. Jason helps people go from knowing what to do and having good intentions to consistently taking great care of themselves in ways that help them add years to their lives and life to their years. Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasongootman/ https://www.facebook.com/jasongootman https://www.instagram.com/jasongootman/ https://x.com/jasongootmanSupport the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 11, 202652 min

360° Health Beyond burnout: Where are you in the "burn-up" continuum?

In this episode, Dr. Stephen Sideroff explores the concept of going beyond burnout by introducing what he calls “burn-up”—a state of chronic stress where individuals continue functioning on the surface but are internally depleted, overwhelmed, and at risk of breaking down. He explains how to recognize the warning signs of burn-up, from constant fatigue to emotional disconnection, and outlines the serious risks it poses to both mental and physical health. With life becoming faster and more complex, Dr. Sideroff shares practical strategies to reverse this condition and build true resilience, emphasizing the importance of sustainable habits and mindset shifts. He also introduces his “9 pillars of resilience,” offering a structured approach to regaining balance, improving well-being, and thriving despite ongoing challenges.   Dr. Stephen Sideroff Biography Dr. Stephen Sideroff is an internationally recognized expert in resilience, optimal performance, addiction, neurofeedback and alternative approaches to stress and mental health. He is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, with a joint appointment in the Department of Rheumatology at UCLA’s School of Medicine, as well as the Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Ethics. For over 40 years, Dr. Sideroff has been passionate about studying and understanding resilience and optimal performance.  He has developed and established innovative models of behavior and treatment approaches for restoring physical, emotional and mental balance and effectiveness in North America, Europe and Asia. Dr. Sideroff presents seminars and professional training programs nationally and internationally.  He has conducted cutting edge research in brain and behavior at UC Irvine, McGill University in Montreal and UCLA.  His published research using Neurofeedback in substance abuse is a model for applying this innovative approach and he has helped to establish such programs at Sierra Tucson Treatment Center and other addiction treatment facilities.  He has applied a similar approach in research designed to alleviate symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatment.  He was the director of the UCLA certification course in addiction for over 30 years. Dr. Sideroff helped establish the Gestalt Therapy clinic in Los Angeles, and is also the founder and former Clinical Director of Stress Strategies, a hospital based program addressing stress, burnout and psychosomatic conditions at UCLA/Santa Monica hospital. In 2001 Dr. Sideroff was invited to China for the first of his pioneering visits to bring biofeedback, neurofeedback and his approach to behavioral medicine to the hospitals and universities of the People’s Republic of China. He was named Joint Director of China-US Biofeedback Training and served as the first Director of continuing education for the entire country from 2001 through 2005. Dr. Sideroff was a co-founder and the Clinical Director of Moonview Treatment and Optimal Performance Center from 1998 to 2012.  He helped develop the programs that became the foundation for Moonview, a unique treatment and optimal performance center that brought together wisdom and approaches from all over the world, both new and ancient. As Clinical Director, he integrated the skills and approaches of some of the most respected clinicians in the field to establish the Moonview Model, a trademarked treatment method that utilizes a novel team approach and a combination of mind, body and spiritual modalities. It created a unique synergy and integrative approach yielding breakthroughs in healing and optimal functioning. Currently, Dr. Sideroff uses this approach in his work with executives that he calls, The Path. Dr. Sideroff has written and produced a number of self-help audio programs aimed at helping individuals develop greater resilience including: “Stress control with biofeedback” (which has been translated into four languages and has sold over 50,000 copies), “Journey into Sleep”, “Resilience”, “Peak Performance in Golf”, and “Resilient Living”, in which he presents his new and innovative nine component model of resilience. His book, The Nine Pillars of Resilience and Success takes readers on a journey of discovery, healing and growth that has been referred to as a “true bible for living in balance and spirituality.” A former college handball champion, Dr. Sideroff specializes in the strategies of peak performance in sports and the science of optimal functioning in all areas of life.  He is a member of an elite sports psychology association called “The Mind Room”, first established in conjunction with AC Milan soccer. He has worked with a number of elite athletes, as well as teams, including the UCLA men’s basketball team, the Pepperdine men’s basketball team, the UCLA women’s golf team, the US Men’s National soccer team, and the Nike women’s beach volleyball team.  He has translated his experience with athletes into innovative performance strategies with executives and others that he calls, The Path. Website https://drstephensideroff.com/ Social Media Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/stephen.sideroff/ Instagram-  drstephensideroff@gmail.com    Charts12! LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephensideroff/ X- https://x.com/DrSideroff Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@dr.stephensideroff9170Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 4, 202652 min

360° Health: Hypnotherapy: Dealing with Anxiety, Self-Worth, Confidence, and Stress

Robin W. Thorburn focuses on helping individuals rewire subconscious patterns that drive anxiety, enabling calmer and more adaptive responses. The discussion also addresses breaking conditional beliefs around self-worth to build a more stable and intrinsic sense of identity. Finally, it explores developing confidence through action and managing modern stress by reducing overwhelm and improving mental resilience.   Show Highlights ·       Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Robin W. Thorburn - Clinical Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. ·       Anxiety – Rewiring the Subconscious Response ·       Self-Worth – Breaking Conditional Identity ·       Confidence – From Hesitation to Action ·       Stress – Managing the Modern Overload   Robin W. Thorburn ADHP (NC) MNRHP FNSHP UKCP (H) Biography Robin W. Thorburn, the founder of Exclusive Hypnotherapy Edinburgh, is one of the UK’s leading Hypno-Psychotherapists.  He has 33 years verifiable clinical experience and has successfully conducted over 20,000 Hypno-Psychotherapy sessions. Robin has literally helped thousands of clients who have experienced debilitating panic attacks, phobias, anxiety, stress, insomnia, low self-confidence/esteem/self-worth, unexplained infertility, anger management, depression, imposter syndrome, public speaking and blushing, guilt, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained infertility, pain control, sports psychology and enhancement of business performance,   He is also remarkably successful working with people who wish to stop smoking/vaping, improve weight loss or require, life coaching,  sexual and relationship problems are also helped with, as is bereavement. Website www.exclusivehypnotherapy.co.uk   Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 27, 202652 min

360° Health: The Emotional Blueprint of Health:Fear, Love, and the Power of Gratitude

Dr. Diana Londoño, a board-certified urologist, will explore the powerful connection between emotional states and physical health, emphasizing how our inner experiences directly influence disease and healing. She will explain how the nervous system responds differently to fear and love—fear activating stress pathways that can weaken immunity and contribute to chronic illness, while love and safety promote balance, repair, and overall well-being. By contrasting the physiological and psychological impacts of fear versus love, she highlights how our emotional patterns can either harm or support our health. Central to her discussion is the idea that gratitude serves as a transformative bridge, fostering abundance, deeper human connection, and improved health by shifting the body and mind into a more resilient and harmonious state.   Show Highlights ·       Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Dr. Diana Londoño - Board-Certified Urologist and International Speaker and guest on multiple podcasts. ·       How Your Emotions Shape Your Health and Nervous System ·       Rewiring the Nervous System Through Love and Gratitude ·       Gratitude as Medicine: Bridging Emotion, Nervous System, and Well-Being   Dr. Diana Londoño   Biography Dr. Diana Londoño is a Board-Certified Urologist and one of the 12% of urologists in the US who are women and the 0.5% who are Latinx and women.  She is originally from Mexico City, attended Claremont McKenna College for her undergraduate studies, and then went on to UCLA for medical school. She completed a 6-year residency in Urology at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles.She is an international speaker and guest on multiple podcasts, discussing topics including wellness, humanity in medicine, mindset, and urology. She has also appeared on Univision, Telemundo, Mundo Fox, CNN Latino, and KCET, and has been published in Kevin MD, Medscape, WebMD, and Men’s Health. She is a contributing author to books on burnout and heart-centered leadership. She focuses on understanding and integrating the power of emotions as they interplay in our disease or wellness. She believes love should be the foundation and at the forefront of healthcare and our personal health, and that when we integrate and align our physical, emotional, spiritual, and energetic facets, we can attain true healing. She is a Reiki Master and a Certified Pranic (Energy) Healer and the mother of two determined and joyful 7 and 10-year-old girls, Daniela and Paloma.    Websites/Social MediaDr. Diana Londoño - Urology, Prostate, Kidney Stones (dianalondonomd.com) Diana (Thorne) Londoño, MD | LinkedIn Diana Londoño, MD. Urologist, Life Coach. (@dianalondonomd) • Instagram photos and videos https://www.youtube.com/@dianalondonomdSupport the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 20, 202651 min

White Coats, Human Hearts:True Stories of Healing, Belonging, and the Courage to Stay Human in Medicine

Show Highlights ·       Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Kim Downey – Physical Therapist, Physician Advocate, and Author. ·       Every time a doctor shares their story, another doctor feels less alone ·       Medicine is a life of sacrifice for the whole family ·       Stories of patient gratitude to their doctors ·       Upcoming physician retreat  Summary: White Coats, Human Hearts: True Stories of Healing, Belonging, and the Courage to Stay Human in Medicine by Kim Downey is a collection of deeply personal narratives that illuminate the emotional realities of healthcare professionals striving to preserve their humanity within a demanding medical system. Building on themes from her earlier work, the book highlights stories of struggle—such as burnout, trauma, and moral injury—while also emphasizing resilience, connection, and the importance of compassion in medicine. Through these firsthand accounts, Downey underscores the need for belonging, empathy, and systemic change, offering a hopeful vision for a more humane healthcare culture that honors both patients and providers as whole people.   Biography Kim Downey, founder of Stand Up (for) Doctors!, is a physical therapist, three-time cancer survivor, and fierce advocate for physician well-being. As an Ambassador for the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, Clinician Burnout Foundation, and Community Ambassador for Medicine Forward, she brings deep insight into both the clinical and human sides of medicine. She amplifies the voices of doctors and patients, addressing challenges like burnout, moral injury, and loss of autonomy. Kim’s mission is to foster connection and advocacy for healthier doctors and a stronger healthcare system.    Website https://standupfordoctors.org/ Social Media https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-downey-a9307b72/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575836827532 https://www.youtube.com/@StandupforDoctorsSupport the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 13, 202652 min

360° Health: The Important Messages of Shame, Envy, Low Mood, and Grief

While the helpful function of fear is most obvious, alerting us to potential threats in our environment to keep us safe, even the experiences of grief, shame, resentment, envy, and low mood are helpful, if we can learn to hold them, understand their messages, and identify what’s a helpful alarm for the current situation, and what might be a false alarm that may more resemble a past threat or be based on misunderstanding.  Our smoke alarms are set to have many false alarms—it’s better to be safe than sorry—as we don’t want to miss any fires.  But  once we identify the alarm is going off, we still need to investigate the situation to see if there’s actually a fire right now, or if a false alarm of our bagel burning in the toaster. Our shame alarms warns us that we are potentially in a rejecting or psychologically environment so we must hide parts of ourselves to fit in, or find a healthier group of people. The resentment alarm tells us when we need healthier boundaries.  The guilt alarm tells us we’ve caused hurt or harm and need to be accountable and repair the situation. The low mood alarm tells us the rewards of the environment don’t outway the potential risks so we need to find a new environment or approach or hibernate until the rewards come back The grief alarm is a compass to our heart, showing us what’s important so we can rebuild it. The envy alarm tells us what needs are unmet in us, that others have Show Highlights Dr. James JC Cooley along with Co-Host Dr. Michael Mantell-  renowned and esteemed mental health architect and prolific author have a sit-down conversation with Dr. Joanna Cheek - Canadian psychiatrist, award-winning professor at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine, speaker, researcher, group facilitator, meditation teacher and psychotherapist. ·       Resentment Alarm ·       Guilt Alarm ·       Low Mood Alarm ·       Grief Alarm ·       The Envy Alarm Biography Joanna Cheek, M.D., is a Canadian psychiatrist, award-winning professor at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine, speaker, researcher, group facilitator, meditation teacher, psychotherapist trained in numerous styles of therapy, journalist, and mom. She co-founded Mind Space (https://mind-space.ca), a collective of physicians offering mental health groups to tens of thousands of participants, to improve access to publicly funded mental health services in BC.  Her writing is featured in the Toronto Star, CBC, NeoLife, L.A. Times, Walrus, and Maclean’s, among others. Joanna sees mental health struggles as symptoms of the imbalances in our wider systems, hoping to decrease the stigma that is too often misplaced on the individuals who suffer rather than the ailing society around them. In addition to caring for individuals, she hopes to heal the harmful dynamics of domination, division, and indifference within our collective systems, teaching that collective-care is self-care. Website https://www.joannacheek.ca/Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.