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

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 & FitnessRelationshipsSociety & CultureMental Health

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Artwork for The Rational Basis of Happiness® radio show

Latest Episodes

Anticipating Death ~ I am terrified about my husband's illness. 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 healt... more

Mysterious Break-Up ~ My ex won't tell me why she broke up with me. 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 h... more

Independence ~ How can I tell my aunt to stop being a busybody? 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 healt... more

Infidelity ~ What is an "affair" and why are they so tempting? A short interview with Dr. Tiffany Kisler. Listen to caller's personal dramas four times each week as Dr. Kenner takes your calls and questions on parenting, romance, love, family, marria... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Tiffany Kisler
Assistant professor of couple, marriage and family therapy at the University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island
Episode: Infidelity ~ What is an "affair" and why are they so tempting? A short interview with Dr. Tiffany Kisler.
Dr. Tiffany Kistler
expert on couple and family therapy, co-founder of the Psychological Center for Sexual Health in Rhode Island
Psychological Center for Sexual Health
Episode: Concentration ~ I continuously lose things and my mind drifts.
Jeff Riggenbach
Cognitive therapist in Oklahoma; Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital; trained at Beck Institute; adjunct professor
Laureate Psychiatric Clinic and Hospital; Beck Institute
Episode: Cognitive Therapy ~ What is Cognitive Therapy - A short interview with Dr. Jeff Riggenbach.
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.
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.
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
Cornelia Lockitch
Montessori teacher and parenting coach with expertise in preschoolers and toddlers.
Guide Your Child
Episode: Parenting Advice ~ Three simple child management skills -a short interview with parenting coach Cornelia Lockitch.
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

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.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

To Un-divorce? ~ Should I get back together with an ex whom I worship?
Q: What are the top three reasons from the gut not to go back with him?
Patty explains past hurt, the disruption from past separations, and ongoing communication and compatibility challenges as significant barriers.
To Un-divorce? ~ Should I get back together with an ex whom I worship?
Q: What are your best reasons, your top three reasons for getting back with him?
Patty lists deep emotional bonds, best friendship, and a sense of soulmate connection as the primary reasons, along with a desire to maintain family stability for their child.
Concentration ~ I continuously lose things and my mind drifts.
Q: What happens if you say that to yourself over and over again? Is it a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Dr. Kenner explains that you don't have to accept a fixed label of being forgetful; instead you should track moments of success, develop external aids, and reframe your self‑talk to emphasize capability.
Dealing With Doubt ~ How should I deal with small nagging doubts I have about my girlfriend?
Q: Based on what little information I've given you, do you suppose this is due to a feeling of rejection? If not, what do you suppose I should do about it?
The host reframes the issue as a matter of how the caller uses his mind, guiding him to identify and label emotions, consider whether the feeling signals rejection or another concern, and employ a structured self-inquiry process (emotion capture, thought records, evidence for/against hot thoughts) to make a more informed decision about the relationship.
Over-Parenting ~ My wonderful daughter suddenly left home.
Q: What practical steps can you take to make sure that intimacy is a priority and not a duty?
Promote strong emotional intimacy, reduce fatigue, set aside private time, and ensure both partners experience pleasure while building safety to talk openly.

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?

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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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Life Kit

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. Tiffany Kisler
2. Dr. Tiffany Kistler
3. Jeff Riggenbach
4. Tara Smith
5. Lin Zinser
6. Dr. Judy Vanraalte
7. Charlotte Cushman
8. Cornelia Lockitch

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