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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
Romantic Relationships
Mental Health
Depression
Communication In Relationships
Parenting
Career Development
Selfish Path To Romance
Education
Bipolar Disorder
Relationships
Pro-Effort Mentality
Anti-Effort Mentality
Communication
Goal Setting
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Substance Use
Abusive Relationships
Cognitive Therapy
Therapy
Objectivism

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
Mental HealthRelationshipsSociety & CultureHealth & Fitness

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Artwork for The Rational Basis of Happiness® radio show

Latest Episodes

Unearned Guilt - My brother abuses my parents. 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 - any personal ... more

Divorce - How can I decide if I should stay with my wife of many years? 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, ment... more

Silent Treatment - My boyfriend deals with issues by using the silent treatment. 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, car... more

Child Discipline - What are some techniques for proper child discipline? A short interview with Teacher/Author Charlotte Cushman. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, roman... more

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Recent Guests

Jeff Riggenbach
Cognitive therapist in Oklahoma at Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital; trained Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy; certified with Academy of Cognitive Therapy
Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital
Episode: Cognitive Therapy: What a first session of cognitive therapy is like - a short interview with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach.
Cornelia Lockitch
Montessori teacher with 10 years of experience focusing on preschoolers and toddlers
Montessori educator
Episode: Independence - The importance of encouraging your child's independence - a short interview with parenting coach Cornelia Lockitch
Lin Zinser
Vice President at the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights, an intellectual activist
Ayn Rand Center
Episode: Activism: How to take the first steps to become active for your favorite cause. A short interview with activist Lin Zinser
Dr. Judy Vanraalte
Psychology professor at Springfield College, specializing in sports psychology and motivation
Springfield College
Episode: Motivation ~ How to stay motivated in sports and in life. A short interview with Dr. Judy Vanraalte.
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. Andy Bernstein
A philosopher with a PhD, who teaches at various universities and is an author
Episode: Confidence ~ Dealing with people who love to complain - a short interview with Dr. Andy Bernstein
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.
Dr. Tara Smith
Specialist in Ethics, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas, Austin, and author of Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics.
University of Texas, Austin
Episode: Apologies and Forgiveness ~ When might you re-evaluate the character of a spouse who has cheated? A short interview with Dr. Tara Smith

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 States13 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.

Cognitive Therapy: What a first session of cognitive therapy is like - a short interview with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach.
Q: How does cognitive therapy approach relationship choices and partner selection?
It emphasizes understanding underlying reasons behind feelings, examining whether one's own emotional health aligns with what they seek in a partner, and using this insight to choose healthier relationships.
Cognitive Therapy: What a first session of cognitive therapy is like - a short interview with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach.
Q: What would a first session look like for someone who is anxious?
The therapist would explore what the fears are about, examine the actual risks, identify the person's resources, and determine where to acquire missing resources to handle the anxiety.
Anxiety: Is my constant avoiding of people social anxiety?
Q: How can Diane start addressing the anxiety around talking to people and making phone calls?
Start by challenging automatic negative thoughts, treat yourself with kindness like you would a best friend, and practice small, concrete steps such as reframing worst-case scenarios and using an 'act as if' approach to build initial confidence.
Casual Sex - Is true love compatible with casual sex?
Q: What is the core conflict the caller is facing in her relationship, and is it possible to reconcile casual sex with a deep romantic bond?
The host argues that it is unlikely to sustain both a casual outer layer and an unwavering, exclusive sense of belonging; the caller is advised to clarify her own standards and decide which path aligns with her deepest values before proceeding.
Dating - 1-Is it ok to ask my boyfriend to move to my state? 2-Is there a problem if I make more money than my boyfriend?
Q: Basically, my question for you is that whether I should ask my boyfriend who lives in another state ... to move to the state that I am, for us to go forward in our relationship?
The host suggests discussing the decision openly, acknowledging mixed feelings, and framing the request in a collaborative way, considering both sides (moving now vs. first the job search elsewhere) and the importance of respecting his autonomy and career goals.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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. The Joe Rogan Experience
2. The Ayn Rand Institute Podcast

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. Jeff Riggenbach
2. Cornelia Lockitch
3. Lin Zinser
4. Dr. Judy Vanraalte
5. Jay White
6. Charlotte Cushman
7. Dr. Andy Bernstein
8. Dr. Don Kieffer

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