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Artwork for The Rational Basis of Happiness® radio show

The Rational Basis of Happiness® radio show

Ask Dr. Ellen Kenner Any Personal Question
Parenting
Relationships
Cognitive Therapy
Mental Health
Depression
Romantic Relationships
Divorce
Self-Esteem
Marriage
Happiness
Anger Management
Ayn Rand
The Selfish Path To Romance
Anxiety
Therapy
Domestic Violence
Communication
Infidelity
Ethics
Grief

Dr. Ellen Kenner gives concise and practical advice to caller questions four times a week. Dr. Ellen Kenner is a private practice clinical psychologist. Ask your personal question by calling toll free, 877-Dr-Kenner or visiting drkenner.com (where you can also download free chapter one of her serious relationships guidebook)

PublishesDailyEpisodes619Founded21 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Health & FitnessRelationshipsMental HealthSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Rational Basis of Happiness® radio show

Latest Episodes

Overweight ~ My marriage is not working due to my weight gain. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental health... more

Insecurity ~ My bright 13 year old cries a lot and has many phobias. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, mental ... more

My Indifferent Mom ~ Is my empty feeling due to not bonding with my mom? Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divorce, hobbies, career, men... more

Kids and Sports ~ Tips for helping your kids (and yourself) enjoy sports and learn life skills - a short interview with Dr. Judy Vanraalte. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parent... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Judy Vanraalte
Psychology professor at Springfield College
Springfield College
Episode: Kids and Sports ~ Tips for helping your kids (and yourself) enjoy sports and learn life skills - a short interview with Dr. Judy Vanraalte.
Jean Moroney
Expert on thinking skills and author/coacher, represented as a seminar presenter
Thinking Directions
Episode: Mental Self Control - How to control your mind so you can reach your parenting goals - A short interview with seminar presenter Jean Moroney.
Tara Smith
Specialist in ethics; professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin; Anthem Foundation Fellow
University of Texas at Austin
Episode: Judging Others - The consequences of refusing to judge others - a short interview with Dr. Tara Smith.
Lin Zinser
Vice President at the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights, division of the Ayn Rand Institute
Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights / Ayn Rand Institute
Episode: Courage - The psychological benefit of building courage and integrity by speaking up for your values - a short interview with seminar presenter Lin Zinser.
Jay White
Readjustment counselor at the Hartford Veterans Center
Hartford Veterans Center
Episode: Veterans Issues ~ How to understand and help with the issues faced by returning vets. - A short interview with adjustment counselor Jay White.
Charlotte Cushman
Author of Effective Discipline the Montessori Way
Cushman Books
Episode: Child Discipline ~ What are some techniques for proper discipline? - a short interview with Teacher/Author Charlotte Cushman
Dr. Judy Beck
Director of the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research, and Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania
Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research
Episode: Negative Thinking ~ Dealing with those depressing negative thoughts that keep you so unhappy - a short role play with Dr. Judy Beck
Dr. Don Kieffer
Clinical psychologist and department chair at the New England Institute of Technology
Rhode Island Hospital
Episode: Dating ~ Ways to Meet Potential Dates - A short interview with Dr. Don Kieffer.
Cornelia Lockitch
Parenting coach with a Master's in Education and former Montessori teacher
GuidYourChild.com
Episode: GUIDING Your Child ~ How to better understand and enjoy your child - a short interview with parenting coach Cornelia Lockitch.

Host

Dr. Ellen Kenner
Host of The Rational Basis of Happiness radio show; private practice clinical psychologist

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 39 ratings
  • In this outstanding podcast, Dr. Kenner makes the pursuit of meaning and happiness so much more understandable, and thus more attainable, for all of us. What could be better?!

    Podchaser
    5
    MRPEASE
    6 years ago
  • rational advice

    Her advice is based on what is best for you and what will make you happy and she helps you think in a way that pushes you to value your life, counter to popular religious-based philosophy today.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    stpete12
    United States11 years ago
  • One of my top 3 podcasts

    Doctor Kennner reposts her radio show in podcast form and it is fantastic. She takes questions from people and very gently discusses with them to try to help them identify and let go of harmful ideas, to celebrate the good ones, to think clearly and objectively, and to live better lives. It's worth a listen.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    therealfranco
    United States13 years ago
  • Pleasant and Informative

    I love these informational podcasts presented in such a friendly manner. It's all about trying to look at your thinking and make the best choices for yourself. Dr. Kenner gives advice that makes sense and cuts to the heart of predicaments that are often really complicated. These podcasts are well worth the listening time :)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Racheljtm
    United States14 years ago
  • Thank you!!!

    I wrote to you expecting to have proof of my side to an argument. Even better, you enlightened me to a different view on the situation. I look at everything differently now and I'm so happy! It makes sense. Thank you, Dr. Kenner!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Summerb92
    United States14 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some critiques mention the ads as a drawback or overly assertive advice in sensitive moments.
The host provides clear scripts and actionable steps for tricky conversations.
Many praise the calm, non-judgmental approach to difficult relationship and life questions.
Listeners appreciate direct, practical psychology guidance that's grounded in rational thinking.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Thinking Mistakes - How to deal with any overpowering lousy thoughts you might have - a short interview with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach
Q: If, let's just say that somebody comes to you and they just are swimming in negative thoughts, I'll never get anywhere, nobody likes me, what am I going to do, there's nothing much I can do. How does cognitive therapy address that?
Explain how cognitive distortions fuel the cycle and how education and skills training help the person recognize those thoughts as distortions, then replace them with more reality-based, constructive thinking to improve functioning.
Insecurity ~ My bright 13 year old cries a lot and has many phobias.
Q: What is happening to Tracy when she cries in class, and what should she do about it?
Dr. Kenner explains that Tracy is dealing with social anxiety and excessive crying, recommends starting with cognitive therapy, loosening perfectionist standards, and focusing on one fear at a time, especially the fear of crying, to reduce humiliation and bullying.
Mysterious Coworker ~ Should I worry about a co-worker who never talks about their outside life?
Q: What should Patty do if she suspects something serious about Joe but isn't sure?
Dr. Kenner suggests considering whether there are concrete red flags, verifying concerns with others, and, if warranted, discussing with a supervisor or taking careful, non-intrusive steps to gather information before taking action.
Fear of Dying - For two years I have had many thoughts about dying.
Q: Hi. You have a question about dying?
The caller asks for help managing intrusive, death-focused thoughts that started two years ago and spike around her birthday. The host guides her through recognizing and challenging these thoughts with distraction, fact-based reasoning, and building a supportive life that can offset rumination.
Mental Self Control - How to control your mind so you can reach your parenting goals - A short interview with seminar presenter Jean Moroney.
Q: What would you recommend for a parent who feels overwhelmed by parenting challenges?
Begin by setting a regular, explicit thinking goal for parenting (e.g., being a respectful and nurturing parent). Then break down that goal into small, doable steps and schedule dedicated time to practice those steps, such as a fixed 15-minute listening window with the child.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Concise, practical psychology-based Q&A focused on relationships, personal boundaries, happiness, and self-improvement. Listeners commonly seek guidance on money in romance, communication, forgiveness, independence, and coping with grief or anxiety, often through structured scripts and direct coaching. Notable elements include clear communication techniques, evidence-based framing, and occasional philosophy references that reinforce rational decision-making. The format emphasizes actionable steps, real-world scenarios, and a supportive, non-judgmental tone, making it helpful for anyone exploring healthier thinking and relationships.

A standout aspect is the host's emphasis on rational, principle-based thinking and independent happiness, so... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel
2. Fresh Air
3. The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast
4. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 21 years ago and published 619 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Dr. Judy Vanraalte
2. Jean Moroney
3. Tara Smith
4. Lin Zinser
5. Jay White
6. Charlotte Cushman
7. Dr. Judy Beck
8. Dr. Don Kieffer

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