#20 - Host of Shrink Rap Radio Psychology Podcast Dr David Van Nuys (AKA Dr Dave)

Dr Dave is a psychologist and host of the leading psychology podcast Shrink Rap Radio. Shrink Rap Radio is an in depth interview series where Dr Dave speaks to leaders in the field on a broad array of psychology related topics such as psychotherapy, dreams, consciousness, business psychology, developmental psychology, mind/body psychology, social issues and spirituality.

Some of his world class guests have included Philip Zimbardo, Irvin Yalom, Bonnie Badenoch and David Barlow. Dr Dave is a pioneer in the podcasting arena having recently released his 487th episode and he continues to educate and inspire listeners across the globe. Dr Dave was my inspiration for starting We All Wear it Differently.

When outside of the pod, “Dr. Dave” is also known as David Van Nuys, Ph.D. He is Emeritus Professor of Psychology at Sonoma State University and served as that department’s Chair for seven years. The department has a longstanding reputation for its commitment to humanistic, transpersonal, and existential approaches to psychology. He has also taught psychology at the University of Montana, the University of Michigan, and the University of New Hampshire. He has served as a dissertation advisor for doctoral students at Saybrook Institute and the Institute for Integral Studies, among others.

David also runs a market research consulting business www.e-focusgroups.com which has served a distinguished list of clients, including The New York Times, Apple Computer, IBM, Hewlett Packard, and QuickenLoans, among others. David received his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan and has worked as a licensed psychotherapist in both California and New Hampshire. He has led and/or co-led personal growth workshops at various growth centers around the U.S. and abroad including Ireland, Kauai, Mallorca, Switzerland, and Sweden.

David has written scores of articles and reviews for a variety of professional and popular publications. At one time, he wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column. In 2001, he co-authored the book, This is the Zodiac Speaking: Into the mind of a serial killer, in which he profiles the murderer in this famous, unsolved case. HBO picked up an option on the book with the idea of possibly using it as the basis for a mini-series.

David also periodically posts to his blog, “The Happiness Dispatch,” for the Psychology Today magazine. In 2012, David joined the advisory board of the online journal, The International Journal of Neuropsychotherapy.

David describes himself as someone who has always had a wide range of hobbies and passions, the latest of which is Podcasting (as in Shrink Rap Radio). Dr Dave sees podcasting as “The Next Big Thing.” I think he was right!

Visit the website to check out helpful links and Dr Dave's tip for early career psychologists!