This is a different type of episode, because even though Arie and I are friends, we wanted this conversation to be more educational. That’s because Arie just so happens to be one of the world’s best known experts on something called BDD, which stands for body dysmorphic disorder. It’s quite different from body dysmorphia, and just because you are obsessed with going to the gym or social media, doesn’t mean you have it. 

He’s been leading his field for over 20 years, and I can confirm this because I found interviews of him on Youtube from when he still had a full head of hair. He’s been on Doctor Phil, he’s published a few books, he has patients worldwide, and he is sought out by media constantly. So instead of my being the armchair psychologist, why not leave it to the professionals!

Other than BDD, we talk about a huge range of psychological topics, starting with him diagnosing me with something called “insecure overachievement” and I must say… guilty as charged. 

We also discuss his concept of vitamin Nurture and the influence on childhood attachments and security, what emotional validation looks like, the frustration of dealing with narcissists, and how we use mirror neurons in everyday life. Basically, the underpinnings of why people do what they do. Thanks Arie!