Brad Balukjian, Ph.D.: Embracing the Opportunity in Impermanence, Uncertainty & Unpredictability

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Tolerating uncertainty, unpredictability and other forms of psychological discomfort is frequently a requirement for being  able to pursue longer-term, values driven goals and activities - especially in the context of challenges related to mental health.   Freelance science journalist & author of the Los Angeles Times bestseller and one of NPR's Best Books of the Year for 2020, The Wax Pack, Brad Balukjian, Ph.D., joins host Dr. Pete Kelly, C.Psych for a wide ranging discussion around:  

• an overview of the origin of his idea for The Wax Pack and why he adopts such a personal tone in the book, including his personal journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Brad's reflections on the impact that symptoms of OCD have had on him at various stages of life as well as his experience with cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and in particular, exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP)
• the gifts that can be obtained through tolerating uncertainty, impermanence, uncontrollability and unpredictability, both in the context of OCD as well as life more generally 
• the role of mindfulness and awareness of one's values in helping to cope with uncertainty & uncontrollability
• Brad's creative process, how he managed adversity and rejection in trying to bring The Wax Pack to life and the importance of sticking to one's values/creative integrity, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles  
• an overview of the The Wax Pack itself, including insights from the process of putting together the book, conversations with the former major league baseball players interviewed, managing impostor syndrome & the importance of vulnerability in building trust    
• managing his own internal expectations for future projects based on the success of The Wax Pack 

Brad Balukjian, Ph.D. is a freelance science journalist and has published over 100 articles in National Geographic, Discover, Rolling Stone, and several others.  His first book, The Wax Pack, reached #7 on the Los Angeles Times bestseller list and was named one of NPR's Best Books of the Year for 2020.  He has a bachelor’s degree in island biogeography from Duke University and a Ph.D. in entomology from UC Berkeley. In addition to teaching at Merritt College in Oakland, California, Brad is the developer and director of Merritt College’s Natural History and Sustainability Program.  

https://bradbalukjian.com/
https://waxpackbook.com/