Doorknob Comments
Dr. Fara White & Dr. Grant Brenner
Doorknob Comments was named for a phenomenon that sometimes happens at the end of a therapy session, when the patient may mention something important and riddled with conflict, right as you’re walking out the door. Equal parts frustrating and enlightening, it surfaces key issues which may--or may not!-- get addressed anytime soon.
- 47 minutes 22 secondsA Conversation with Dr. Siddharth Shah on Well-being, Resilience, and his Personal Journey
On today’s episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Siddharth Shah, the Founder and President of Greenleaf Integrative. Dr. Shah is a preventive medicine physician whose path into medicine wound through the humanities, a year traveling in India, and early work in interfaith dialogue and social justice. Siddharth talks about how he found his way into psychiatry after leaving medical school twice, the mentors who shaped his approach, and why he sees agency, curiosity, and small wins as central to healing. He also reflects on the challenges of working in a world full of injustice and how practices of rest and embodied presence help sustain both clinicians and the communities they serve.
We hope you enjoy it.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Siddharth Shah
Dr. Fara White
https://www.farawhitemd.com/
Dr. Grant Brenner
https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/
17 November 2025, 4:08 pm - 41 minutes 21 secondsRupture and Repair with Dr. Soe Thein
In today's episode of Doorknob Comments, Grant and Fara are joined by Dr. Soe Thein, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founder of the Good Enough Psychiatrist YouTube channel. On his channel, Dr. Thein creates animated videos that explain psychodynamic therapy concepts for a general audience and has won numerous awards for his work. Together, they discuss moments of rupture that can occur in relationships and the importance of repair. They emphasize that occasional ruptures are a normal part of any healthy relationship; what truly matters is how the individuals involved address these breaks and work together to mend what has been damaged.
We hope you enjoy.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Soe Thein
https://downtownpsychiatry.com/about-soe-thein-md
Good Enough Psychiatrist YouTube Channel
Why Conflicts Make Relationships Stronger - Video
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
10 August 2025, 9:00 am - 47 minutes 55 secondsSuicide Prevention with Dr. Igor Galynker
On today's episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Igor Galynker, a psychiatrist, clinician, and researcher known for his work in bipolar disorder, suicide prevention, and the role of family dynamics in psychiatric illness, who currently serves as the Associate Chairman for Research in the department of psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Dr. Galynker talks about how he got interested in exploring suicide prevention, the signs that typically appear before someone commits suicide, and how therapists can better attune themselves to these markers.
We hope you enjoy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, please seek help immediately by contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, visiting the nearest emergency department, or calling 911.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Igor Galynker
https://profiles.mountsinai.org/igor-galynker
https://labs.icahn.mssm.edu/galynkerlab/
https://www.bpfamily.org/about-2
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
21 July 2025, 8:16 am - 44 minutes 40 secondsOrganizational Psychiatry with Dr. Daven Morrison
On today’s episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Dr. Daven Morrison, a psychiatrist with deep expertise in organizational and occupational psychiatry. A member of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry and an officer of the Academy of Organizational and Occupational Psychiatry, Dr. Morrison shares insights into the psychological dimensions of workplace life. From managing mergers and downsizing to fostering self-aware leadership, he walks us through the core principles of organizational psychiatry.
We hope you enjoy!
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Daven Morrison
https://www.ourgap.org/committees/work-organizations
https://www.morrisonltd.com/about-us/daven-morrison-m-d
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/
If you like our podcast, please leave a review! Thanks in advance!
17 June 2025, 2:50 pm - 33 minutes 13 secondsLooking at Art with Kate Werble
In today's episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Kate Werble, a longtime friend of Fara's and founder of her own New York City art gallery. They talk about the intimidating world of contemporary art, breaking down the mystique of the gallery scene and offering practical advice on how to begin engaging with galleries. Kate emphasizes that looking at art is a skill developed over time, encouraging curiosity over expertise for newcomers interested in learning how to engage with art. Finally, they talk about what art is ultimately about and what it offers psychologically.
We hope you enjoy it.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Kate Werble
https://www.katewerblegallery.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kate_werble_gallery/?hl=en
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/
26 May 2025, 9:41 pm - 55 minutes 18 secondsBringing Clarity to Psychiatric Chaos
In today’s episode of Doorknob Comments, Grant and Fara sit down with Dr. Glenn Saxe to discuss the development and impact of Trauma Systems Therapy (TST), a model that addresses both emotional regulation in traumatized children and the complexities of their social environments. Dr. Saxe highlights how TST’s open-source approach has allowed practitioners worldwide to innovate and adapt the model for diverse settings, from child welfare to refugee care. The conversation explores the importance of honoring intergenerational wisdom while adapting to new challenges like cyberbullying and the digital age. They also touch on the promise of causal data science to advance psychiatric research and the need to embrace complexity rather than oversimplify mental health solutions.
We hope you enjoy.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Glenn Saxe
https://med.nyu.edu/faculty/glenn-saxe
https://med.nyu.edu/departments-institutes/child-adolescent-psychiatry/trauma-systems-therapy-training-center
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/
If you like our podcast, please leave a review! Thanks in advance!
20 April 2025, 12:58 pm - 52 minutes 55 secondsEngineering Body and Mind with Michael Levin
On today's episode of Doorknob Comments Fara and Grant are joined by Dr. Michael Levin, the Vannevar Bush Distinguished Professor of Biology and the Director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University. Dr. Levin publishes across developmental biology, computer science, bioengineering, and philosophy of mind, with work spanning from fundamental conceptual frameworks, to applications in birth defects, regeneration, and cancer. Fara and Grant discuss Dr. Levin's groundbreaking research, how he came to his research interests, and the potential linkages or applications his research might have for the future of therapeutic care.
We hope you enjoy.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Michael Levin
https://drmichaellevin.org/
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
24 March 2025, 11:07 am - 42 minutes 51 secondsEmbracing Your Many Sides for Growth & Productivity
On this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant focus on why people often struggle to do things that are good for them while continuing habits that might be harmful. They discuss the concept of multiple self-states or personality parts that can sometimes conflict with each other, leading to procrastination, guilt, and difficulty in enjoying leisure activities. The conversation touches on topics such as the challenges of balancing productivity with self-care, the role of brain activity in procrastination, and the importance of self-reflection in understanding one's own motivations and behaviors. Throughout the episode, Fara and Grant draw on psychoanalytic theories, personal experiences, and clinical observations to offer insights into how individuals can better navigate their internal conflicts and make more constructive choices.
We hope you enjoy.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
3 March 2025, 9:48 pm - 32 minutes 48 secondsValentine's Day Episode: Relationships, trauma and psychotherapy with Dr. Erica Krakovitz
On today's episode of Doorknob Comments, Grant and Fara sit down with Erica Krakovitz, a clinical psychologist and marriage and family therapist, to explore the complexities of relationships, self-trust, and emotional healing. They dive into the patterns that keep people stuck in toxic dynamics, the role of intuition in recognizing red flags, and how different therapeutic approaches—like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR—can help people rebuild their sense of self. Whether you’re navigating heartbreak, questioning your relationship, or simply curious about how therapy works, this conversation sheds light on the deep psychological forces that shape our connections with others.
We hope you enjoy.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Erica Krakovitz
https://www.instagram.com/drericakrakovitz/
Dr. Fara White
Dr. Grant Brenner
10 February 2025, 7:29 pm - 44 minutes 52 secondsWould You Rather Have An AI or a Human Therapist?
On this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Professor Nir Eisikovits, a philosopher and the founding director of the Applied Ethics Center at UMass Boston. They delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence, ethics, and psychotherapy, exploring how AI technologies can impact therapeutic practices. The discussion highlights the growing loneliness crisis and the potential role of chatbots in providing accessible mental health support, while also addressing the ethical implications and potential hazards of automating therapy. Professor Eisikovits shares insights from his research on the moral dilemmas surrounding technology and war, questioning whether AI can genuinely replicate human empathy and emotional connections in therapeutic settings. The episode raises critical questions about the future of psychotherapy in an age increasingly influenced by AI advancements.
We hope you enjoy it!
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Nir Eisikovits
https://www.umb.edu/directory/nireisikovits/
https://prostheticgods.podbean.com/
Dr. Fara White
https://www.farawhitemd.com/
Dr. Grant Brenner
https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/
18 January 2025, 8:50 am - 1 hour 3 minutesNeuropsychoanalysis, Revisiting Freud, and Living Well: A Conversation with Dr. Mark Solms
In this episode of Doorknob Comments, Fara and Grant are joined by Mark Solms, a renowned neuropsychologist and psychoanalyst. Dr. Solms discusses his groundbreaking work in neuropsychoanalysis, which bridges the gap between neuroscience and psychoanalysis. He shares insights from his 30-year project of retranslating Freud's complete works, including previously untranslated neuroscientific papers, revealing how this process has deepened our understanding of Freud's ideas. The conversation explores the fundamental role of emotions and consciousness in brain function, the importance of understanding subjective experience in mental health, and the potential future of artificial consciousness. Dr. Solms also touches on the relevance of Freud's work in modern neuroscience and psychotherapy, offering valuable perspectives for both professionals and those undergoing psychotherapy
We hope you enjoy it.
Resources and Links
Doorknob Comments
https://www.doorknobcomments.com/
Mark Solms
https://x.com/Mark_Solms
Dr. Fara White
https://www.farawhitemd.com/
Dr. Grant Brenner
https://www.granthbrennermd.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-h-brenner-md-dfapa/
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