Dr. Susan Hickman is fascinated by the inner workings of the human mind and body – the way people create, the reasons they destroy, and the motivations behind their greatest accomplishments and their darkest hours. To explore not only why people do the things they do but how they can change their thoughts, emotions and behaviors and achieve the results they desire, Chattanooga’s Dr. Hickman hosts a weekly Internet show called “The Mind of the Matter” on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel. Broadcasting live Thursdays at 9 a.m., the show explores a variety of topics ranging from eating disorders, to stress, to faith and more, many of which feature nationally renowned experts on the subjects.
Dr. Hickman spoke with the Hamilton County Herald about her show and what she and her guests will be exploring throughout the month of February.
"What inspired you to launch The Mind of the Matter?"
As I began my graduate education in psychology, I anticipated becoming a professor. Trained as a research scientist, I enjoyed researching psychological topics and teaching classes. However, as I moved through my program, it became clear that the academic environment was not a good match for me, as I am not a politically motivated person. In addition, I had a heart for intervention, so it was difficult to complete research projects with disturbed and needy individuals while not offering some form of intervention to assist in their recovery. Thus, I wound up opening a private practice and offering clinical and coaching services.
What I still missed, though, was the opportunity to educate. I am a firm believer that knowledge is power. So the show is for me the opportunity to educate and help make a difference in people’s lives. And having knowledge about a mental illness, for example, can truly be the difference between life and death.
One very painful experience demonstrates this powerfully. I once knew a young man who had a severe form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which caused him to become fixated on different parts of the female body. He was raised in a fine Christian family and had strong morals. But because he did not understand that his fixations were the result of a treatable mental illness, this sweet and sensitive young man attributed the condition to the depravity of his being and tragically shot himself to death. This ought never to be. No one should suffer or die needlessly because of a lack of knowledge. That is why I do the show.
How do you choose your topics and guests?
In choosing topics and or guests, I am always thinking about what needs illumination. For example, though eating disorders are rampant in our society today, we are only a few years into having any insurance reimbursement for this deadly condition. Despite the fact that it has the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses, there is still little widespread public knowledge about eating disorders, and insufficient insurance coverage for treatment remains common. Thus, the goal for the show is to invite experts on these different topics as guests in order to bring more awareness and a greater understanding of the condition, to suggest the best forms of treatment for recovery and to provide the public with links to needed resources. The show is all about illuminating the problem and suggesting solutions!
What do you want the show to accomplish?
My passion is education, awareness and solution generation. Until, we are aware that a problem exists, and recognize it in ourselves, our loved ones or those around us, there is little hope for real change. Using the eating disorder example again, until the general public is aware of how damaging the beauty industry is to young women as well as the damaging roles that media and the food industry play, the practices of these industries will continue unabated. Without awareness, there is no motivation to lobby for change.
As the outrage over a particular societal condition mounts to a critical level, then solution generation begins to occur. But this process begins with education.
Also, at my Web site, you can sign up for the weekly newsletter that announces upcoming shows and guests. I encourage readers to join the mailing list, as I have a weekly drawing for those signing up on the V.I.P list. The winner receives three 45-minute coaching sessions free, which they can give to someone else. Again, the motivation to offer this is always about education and seeing individuals become the most successful, happy and accomplished that they can be. Further, it is important to have people sign up for the mailing list because they might see an upcoming topic and know someone who really needs help in that particular area. So, the weekly newsletter is a great tool for forwarding to others who genuinely need the information.
How can people “tune in”, so to speak?
The easiest way to find the show is to go to my Web site, www.susanhickman.net, and click on the link to the show.
How long are shows archived?
The shows are archived for the life of the show. So, there is no worry if you are not able to listen live. You can go back and listen at any time. This works great for sponsors as well, because the advertising continues to be effective for months or even years!
Give us a preview of what to expect in February.
I have organized the show into themes for each month. February is Food Matters month. So, upcoming shows for February include:
February 2: “Growing Americans: The Obesity Epidemic.” This show discussed the causes of obesity and the pros and cons of weight loss surgeries. It ended with an interview with a gastric bypass patient.
February 9: “Eating Disorders: Hope for Recovery.” This show will highlight the Eating Recovery Center in Denver, Co., one of the most progressive and effective treatment centers in the country, and their approach to recovery.
February 16: “Medicating Mood with Food.” This show will discuss the mood-altering properties of food, the psychological use of food as a mood-altering substance and why certain food categories are increasingly being considered addictive.
February 23: “Food Fraud: Unmasking Media Messages.” In this show, we will examine the tactics of the food industry to manipulate consumption, particularly as it relates to targeting children and adolescents. With obesity and childhood diabetes on the rise, food-related media messages are having powerful and deleterious effects.
Are you going to keep the show free for viewers?
Absolutely! The show is financed through sponsors, and will also be supported in the future through the sale of products at my Web site. I am always open to additional sponsors and encourage listeners to purchase products to help support the show. I want to be able to continue to offer high-quality information indefinitely! I also encourage listeners to send me comments and suggestions for future topics. I love hearing from listeners!