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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
Cognitive Therapy
Relationships
Parenting
Mental Health
Depression
Romantic Relationships
The Selfish Path To Romance
Marriage
Divorce
Self-Esteem
Anxiety
Anger Management
Happiness
Ayn Rand
Communication
Domestic Violence
Therapy
Ethics
Grief
Romance

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 & FitnessSociety & CultureMental HealthRelationships

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The Rational Basis of Happiness® radio show

Latest Episodes

The Value of Sports ~ Why do we value sports so much? 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 parenting, romance, love, family, marriage, divor... more

Dating While Parenting ~ How old should my son be before I start dating again? 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, caree... more

Am I Nasty? ~ I get nasty with people without realizing it. 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

Eroticism ~ What does it mean that my wife has erotic dreams? 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

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

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.
Cornelia Lockitch
Parenting coach; Montessori educator
Montessori educator and parenting coach
Episode: Communication - How to better understand and enjoy your child - a short interview with parenting coach Cornelia Lockitch.
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.
Dr. James Campbell
Rhode Island Coordinator for the American Psychological Association and American Red Cross Disaster Response Network; Director of the University of Rhode Island Counseling Center; author of Hostage, Terror and Triumph
American Psychological Association; American Red Cross; University of Rhode Island
Episode: Violence - How to respond to a threat of violence - a short interview with Dr. James Campbell.
Charlotte Cushman
Author of Effective Discipline, The Montessori Way; Montessori educator
Cushman Books
Episode: Child Discipline - What are some techniques for proper child discipline? A short interview with Teacher/Author Charlotte Cushman.
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.
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.
Lin Zinser
Attorney and vice president of the Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights
Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights
Episode: Intellectual Activism ~ How to take the first steps in defending your ideas. A short interview with activist Lin Zinser
Dr. Barry McCarthy
A professor at American University and a certified marital and sex therapist.
American University
Episode: Sex Therapy and Counseling ~ Myths about Sex Therapy - a short interview with Dr. Barry McCarthy

Host

Dr. Ellen Kenner
Host of the Rational Basis of Happiness radio show; private practice clinical psychologist; provides practical, question-driven psychology guidance.

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.

Audiences value the host's rational approach and critique of mysticism.
Fans note the ads can be distracting, but the content is consistently solid.
Reviews highlight helpful, no-nonsense guidance and relatable caller interactions.
Listeners appreciate objective, practical psychology and straightforward coaching.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Sex as a Sacrifice ~ I can't get romantic with men I care about.
Q: Why would anybody act like that? Why do you push away a guy you're attracted to and you want a serious relationship with?
The host suggests self-worth issues, fear of commitment, and internalized beliefs about sex may lead to pulling away from valued partners, while one might feel freer with casual partners due to lower emotional stakes.
Intellectual Confidence ~ How to engage in effective intellectual activism - A short interview with activist Lin Zinser
Q: Can you give us a few pointers on how to engage in effective intellectual activism for anyone that wants to do that?
Attend public meetings and speak for a short time, consider joining Toastmasters or writing workshops to improve communication, and use the experience of publishing letters to the editor as motivational fuel while learning to refine your message through practice and reflection.
Intellectual Confidence ~ How to engage in effective intellectual activism - A short interview with activist Lin Zinser
Q: You've spoken out. What are some key strategies that you could give me to speak out?
Focus on knowing your subject well enough to articulate the moral argument, which is often more effective than wading through every economic detail; emphasize why freedom and the moral justification for it matter, and practice speaking up in short, structured formats to build confidence.
Controlling Wife ~ My wife tries to get me angry by pushing my buttons.
Q: Pablo, you're having some difficulty controlling your anger?
The host helps Pablo identify triggers (time sensitivity, gatekeeping over custody) and introduces reframing—treating his ex as someone who is hurt and insecure, not an enemy—and suggests coping strategies like deep breaths and mental distance. The goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of explosive moments.
Communication When Angry ~ Help! I'm always losing my temper with my wife.
Q: What can you do to improve communication in the moment and in advance?
Use pre-planned, non-confrontational phrases, express what the task was, negotiate pacing, and practice calm, assertive communication supported by tools like the Anger Control Workbook.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

The show provides concise, practical psychology-based guidance for caller questions across relationships, mental health, and self-improvement. Episodes commonly center on cognitive strategies, boundaries, parenting, and living deliberately with rational, evidence-based thinking. Unique strengths include a clear, no-nonsense delivery, emphasis on self-responsibility, and integration of philosophical ideas with everyday coaching. Listeners often seek calm, direct guidance on tough life issues, with recurring guest experts in thinking skills, parenting, and mental health, and regular book recommendations and related materials that reinforce the host's rational approach to happiness.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Lights On with Carl Lentz
2. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
3. The Dr. John Delony Show
4. Secure Marriage 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. Jean Moroney
2. Cornelia Lockitch
3. Tara Smith
4. Dr. James Campbell
5. Charlotte Cushman
6. Jeff Riggenbach
7. Dr. Judy Vanraalte
8. Lin Zinser

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