By: Suzanne Maiden
It’s nearly the New Year and I traditionally like to tidy up lose ends. I am naturally organized, except for lately, things (papers, study materials, academic books etc.) seem to stack up like snowfall during a winter storm. I like a structured environment to perform at my optimum; I’m not neurotic but I focus better. So in that effort – well to get it together for the New Year, I’m going through my emails…
I’m sorting through my 1234 emails. I found some feedback from listeners. Any feedback I receive I am grateful. Even negative feedback lets me know that someone is out there in podcast land and listening. It stokes my motivation to keep pushing through the pain-in-the-booty factor to produce shows. Thanks to each and everyone of you who contribute to any of the three shows I do: 1) http://www.InsytWorks.com, 2) http://TheDivaCast.com, and of course 3) http://www.DearZanny.com. Below are some comments from listeners:
Hi Robin and Susan,
I just listened to your InsytWorks podcast on the subject of Elliot Spitzer and prostitution. You and Susan are remarkably talented. Please don’t misinterpret this, but if Loren Michaels (the produce of Saturday Night Live) got wind of you two, you’d be able to buy your own airliner! Again, I am not being condescending in any sense, I think you guys are incredibly articulate and passionate about your subject matter and I can also appreciate the seriousness of the topic. I happen to love satire, however, and I found quite a bit of humor in your exchange. Susan is remarkably bright and witty. I enjoyed it very much and again, I hope you don’t take offense to my comments. I also hope that Susan is fairing well with her cancer. All the best, Tom
********************************************************************
Hi Suzanne! I discovered your show a few months ago and am totally caught up on all of your episodes now. Thanks to you and your husband for putting it out. I am a counselor on a long maternity leave (I had two babies close together, so I am taking 2 years off to enjoy babyhood). I come from a very cognitive-behavioral background, so your show is stretching my mind. I really enjoyed your topical discussions of grief and self-mutilation. My suggestion is this: I would love to hear more topical discussions from a depth perspective (ex – domestic violence explained from a depth psych perspective). Thanks for all you both do. Oh – I am also a huge fan of the Diva Cast (even though I am only 28). It is very encouraging to hear ladies in a life stage ahead of me with so much zest for life and career. It reminds me that there is life again after babies.
Much appreciation for what you do – Katherine from McKinney, TX
********************************************************************
Note from Mama Whyte!: I Love all of your podcasts! I listen to them religiously!
You are such an amazing girl, and a true diva 🙂
~ Chrissy
********************************************************************
Dear Suzanne & Robin,First I want to say I’ve become such a fan of your podcasts. I listen to TheDivaCast, Insyt Works, and now Dear Zanny! Of course I also listen to Carrie’s Words to Mouth. I am listening to an old Insyt podcast on Being Loving. Suzanne, I was so surprised to hear that someone would ever think you are being superficial or that you may need to win them over. I’ve always been drawn to the authenticity and wisdom of what you share. It was so helpful to me today to hear you say that when you are being loving and someone can still have a strong or visceral reaction directed at you. I can completely identify with that. Anyway, all that to say what you said today really resonated with me. Thank you!Oh, also I will be going on the Manic Mommies Cruise (feeling like a bit of a podcast stalker now – please do not misinterpret -I have a very long commute and you all keep me entertained!) Kindest regards, Angela
******************************************************************
Hi Zanny!
First off let me say how much I love your show! I enjoy listening to you very much! You truly are great!
Kelly
*******************************************************************
Hi Suzanne: I enjoyed you so much on the escape and from listening to the DivaCast – I truly feel the sincerity in your voice and believe you to be a woman of integrity. Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated more than you can know!
Best, Carrie
******************************************************************
Dear Robin and Suzanne
I have just discovered Insytworks, I think I have been listening to the podcasts for about a month.
I just wanted to let you both know that I am so happy to have found Insytworks. It is interesting, helpful and inspiring. I want to thank you both for taking the time to make the podcasts and share your wisdom.
The podcast provokes thought and has inspired me to seek therapy and explore some of the ideas I have gotten from your show. I truly want to understand myself and accept myself. I always blame myself for everything in my life but after listening to some of your thoughts I have come to accept that maybe it is not just me! Maybe people are like this to OTHER people too. For example, I listened to “Emotional Parasites and their Hosts” (from September 28, 2005) last night and had an epiphany – I am a host! I AM A HOST! WOW! It is perpetual in my life. Why do attract these needy blood suckers? It has gotten me thinking all day long. Thanks for that.
I have a lot of podcasts to get through so I should be okay for a while, but I noticed that you have not produced a show since July of 2008. Is this the end?
All the best to you both in 2009 and thanks again.
Carmen in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada where it is – 30 degrees C today! That is about -26 degrees F. Yup, even the dog hurries…
*******************************************************************
I have more, but this is the overall tone. If you made it this far – wow. The bottom line: Thank you, truly, for taking your time and energy to write. Happy New Year to All!
Hey Suzanne,
I am the first one to admit that I could use a good therapist, but as a Christian, I do feel that my relationship with God is the most intimate relationship I can have.
From my experience, a secular therapist can absolutely lead a believer in Jesus Christ in a very different direction. While a therapist may respect Christian beliefs, to treat a person without sharing those beliefs certainly does have an impact on the treatment given. I feel you simply cannot be objective as a secular therapist when treating a Christian who believes that the God of the Bible is real.
Pam
Hey Pam:
That’s great that you have such a strong relationship with God! And, I disagree with your statement: “I feel you simply cannot be objective as a secular therapist when threating a Christian who believes that the God of the bible is real.”
Which interpretation do your refer? And, if you put several different “Christians” in one room, each will deliver a different version of “God” and their interpretation of scritpture. Even A room full of Catholics, or Methodists, or Lutheran’s will vehemently argue various biblical points.
So, from where I sit, the role of a good therapist is to honor and support the client in THEIR belief system, not change or challenge it or confirm it. Too much damage has been done in the name of religion and “helping the person see the sin of their ways…” type mentality. I know, because I see wounded adults who are trying to heal from this type of religious dogma.
I hear your perspective, and I disagree. That’s OK – I’m still glad you took the time to write : )