On-Air with Dr. Pete

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and Luke Nathan as they discuss Luke's journey from life on the court as a Scarlet Knight's Basketball Player to a  full-time sports psychologist at Rutgers University. 

Today’s conversation will explore the mental side of athletics, personal growth, resilience, and the importance of mental health both on and off the court. 

Learn more about Luke's journey here:

https://rutgersfoundation.org/news/alumni-profiles/luke-nathans-full-circle-scarlet-knight-journey

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete for another episode from the Mental Health Awareness Month Series. We believe open, honest conversations like these will have the power to change lives, and it’s incredibly important to us to contribute to that positive global shift. Today's guest joins us all the way from Australia. Tom Cronin is an international keynote speaker, author, and leadership trainer specializing in peak performance, resilience, burnout prevention, and mental well-being. With a diverse and dynamic background, Tom brings a rare level of credibility to conversations about performing under pressure—and how that impa...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete & Alyssa Ercolino for our first episode of May's Mental Health Awareness Month series. Alyssa Ercolino is a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience working with a diverse population of individuals, including athletes. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University and brings a unique perspective shaped by her background as a Division I athlete and coach. Alyssa has a deep understanding of the role resilience plays in achieving both emotional and physical well-being. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in compassion, collaboration, and a strong belief in...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and he shares his knowledge on Zen Buddhism &  The Four Noble Truths. 

Learn more about Dr. Pete's Zen Practice Here: 

https://cornerstonemeditationcenter.com

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and Kari DiGiulio -- a highly accomplished Athletic Director at La Costa Canyon High School in Carlsbad, California as they discuss the highs and lows of sports and evertyhing in between both on and off the field. Kari has more than 26 years of experience in education, overseeing 27 + varsity-level sports. She is a multiple-time San Diego Athletic Director of the Year and CIF Coach of the Year managing all aspects of athletics on campus while also coaching the varsity field hockey team. And if that weren’t impressive enough, she’s also...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and acclaimed speaker and bestselling author, David McNally as they discuss living in the moment and simply making the best of the life you're living. David has spent his life exploring one big idea: human potential—what’s possible for all of us, no matter where we begin. David has inspired audiences around the world to aim higher and live with purpose. 

His insights aren’t just professional—they’re deeply personal. David has faced significant loss and overcome serious health challenges, experiences that have only strengthened his belief in t...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete for Flow Into Friday where we will work on simple meditation practices to become comfortable with the quiet, and just learning how to breathe together.

Learn more about Dr. Pete's Zen work and brand new meditation center here: 

https://cornerstonemeditationcenter.com/

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready to set sail! Today’s guest joins us all the way from French Polynesia. After raising a family and spending years building their careers, Alison Gieschen and her husband, Dan, made a bold midlife decision: they sold nearly everything they owned to follow a dream they had shared for decades—to sail around the world.

What began as a conversation many years ago eventually became a life-changing adventure, trading familiar home routines for open water, new cultures, and the freedom of life at sea. They have since traveled to more...

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome back to On Air With Dr. Pete! Today's episode will introduce you to "Flow Into Friday's - Tune in every Friday for ZEN BASICS- learning how to roll with the flow and recharge every week with Dr. Pete.

Learn more about Dr. Pete and his brand new Cornerstone Meditation Center Here: 

https://cornerstonemeditationcenter.com/

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Today's episode of On Air with Dr. Pete shares purpose and passion...

It all started with a simple idea in 2012. What began as building a few bunk beds in his garage for local children has grown into a national — and international — movement.

Joining us today is Luke Mickelson, the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Luke is on a mission to make sure no child sleeps on the floor. Since those first few beds were built, Sleep in Heavenly Peace has grown into an incredible organization that has built and...

Send us Fan Mail

If you’re interested in thoughtful, high-level conversations about psychology and communication, I highly recommend tuning in to this discussion with Dr. Pete and Dr. Chloe Carmichael.

Dr. Chloe is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and bestselling author known for her warm yet direct approach to navigating high-stakes conversations. She brings practical tools, grounded research, and real-world insight to complex interpersonal dynamics—especially when emotions and stakes are high.

She’s also a strong advocate for freedom of speech and independent thinking, encouraging people to engage thoughtfully rather than r...

Send us Fan Mail

Whether it's been your goal to re-organize your life or simply get rid of the excess clutter weighing you down- this episode is for you. Join Dr. Pete & Katie Koentje, The Regional Director for the NEAT Method, a professional organizing company sure to help you build organizational systems that will last. 

Learn more about Katie & The Neat Method Here: 

https://neatmethod.com/

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete every Friday as he shares the very important practice of Zen Meditation. Let's practice presence together. Every Friday, Dr. Pete will offer sitting practice, instruction, and community for beginners and experienced practitioners seeking mindfulness, compassion, and inner clarity.

Dr. Pete is a Zen teacher in the White Plum Asanga lineage, having studied under Robert Kennedy, Roshi. He brings a unique approach to teaching that integrates traditional Zen practice with contemporary psychology, evidence-based research, and mindfulness training. As a licensed psychologist and academic, Peter bridges the wisdom...

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of 'On Air with Dr. Pete', Dr. Jennifer Jones-Damis shares her journey as a licensed psychologist and director of CAPS at Rutgers University. She discusses her experiences in trauma psychology, including her time at Rikers Island, and her transition to higher education. Dr. Jones-Damis emphasizes the importance of understanding racial trauma and its impact on individuals, particularly in the context of mental health and counseling. The conversation highlights her passion for helping young people and the significance of self-care in the mental health profession.

Learn more about Dr...

Send us Fan Mail

For many of us, 2025 was a heavy one. Every year brings its own challenges, but this year, we’re really looking forward to celebrating all that’s good in the world.

And what better way to do that than with a few beloved grandmas?

Join Dr. Pete & Mike Matthews, Founder of the the viral phenomenon taking over the streets of New York City and Worldwide- the Grandma Stand!  You might be wondering—what is a Grandma Stand? Imagine a lemonade stand… but with an extra-special and incredibly meaningful twist.

Mike...

Send us Fan Mail

Tune in as Dr. Pete & Producer, Leigh Castelli discuss their 2026 goals for On Air With Dr. Pete 

We want to hear from you! Please send your show comments and suggestions to hello@leighcastelli.com

This is your year and we want to continue bringing you content you enjoy! Thank you for your continued support of our podcast and Happy New Year!

https://officialdrpete.com

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

🎙️ 2025: A Year of On Air With Dr. Pete
What an incredible year it’s been! Thank you to every listener who tuned in, shared feedback, and helped grow this community. As we look back on 2025, here are just a few of the standout moments and engaging conversations we were honored to bring you on On Air With Dr. Pete: 

🧠 Inspirational Guest Stories

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and Scott Martin for a remarkable story of strength, resilience, and the power of purpose. Scott is an award-winning soccer coach and educator whose life took an extraordinary turn after surviving a life-threatening illness that resulted in the loss of his hands and feet. Rather than letting adversity define him, Scott has transformed his experience into a mission—becoming a passionate advocate and influential voice within the disability community.

Learn more about Scott's upcoming book here:

https://librarytalespublishing.com/collections/scott-martin#:~:text=searched%20for%20product-,Scott%20Ma...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete & Chris Bingham for an inspirational podcast about the love and loyalty of man's best friend. Chris Bingham is a Federal Police Officer with more than 23 years of service, including 17 years working in K9 operations. He served as K9 Commander for his unit, working with and retiring three canines, all while playing a key role in supporting National Security efforts. He shares his story with his incredible retired dog, Tambo, and it's an episode you won't want to miss.

Learn more about Chris & Tambo and their incredible involvement with...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and Lewis Chaney for a little magical mindest reset. Lewis Chaney spent 25 years working in the television industry.  He saw the best and worst of humanity and knows a thing or two about dealing with daily stress. He came to a pivotal point in his career and that's when Lewis decided it was finally time to CHOOSE THE GOOD NEWS. Since exiting the television industry, Lewis has made it his life's mission to teach people that they are the producers of their own personal, daily newscast and it's up to t...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete & Catherine Duncan for an enlightening podcast filled with inspiration and spiritual guidance. Catherine Duncan is an integrative spiritual consultant, former trauma and hospice chaplain, and the author of Everyday Awakening. This insightful book explores how to feel more alive each day by truly living in the present- it's a podcast episode you won't want to miss!

Learn more about Catherine here: 

https://www.catherineduncan.org/

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete as he interviews a very special guest with an inspirational story. Resilience is a constant theme here at On Air with Dr. Pete and our guest today is no stranger to that. Ken Kunken was a football player at Cornell University in 1970 when he sustained a spinal cord injury during an intense game against Columbia. That one game changed the entire course of his life rendering him a quadripelic paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken has gone on to live a full life with a very full career and he's...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete as he welcomes an awesome guest today! Troy Horne was an ambitious child with huge goals! He was featured on Star Search, The Sing Off & RENT before becoming an incredible father of 3 and now a three-time best selling author. Troy has had a really fun career fueled by passion and purpose and he's here today to share the highs and lows of his incredible journey. 

Learn more about Troy here: 

https://troyhorne.com/

https://middlemanagement.bio/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete as he welcomes his dear friend and trusted former colleague, Dr. Shireen Rizvi to the show. Dr. Rizvi is a licensed clinical psychologist, board certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy otherwise known as DBT & CBT - a very popular topic here at On Air With Dr. Pete. Dr. Rizvi has spent the last 25 years conducting research and training in DBT and spent her early years as a student being mentored by the one and only, Dr. Marsha Linehan, THE developer of DBT. Talk about a dream mentorship...

Send us Fan Mail

Tune in to On Air With Dr. Pete for a very special episode! 

Today, Dr. Pete pulls back the curtain and introduces his lifelong friend and the talented producer of the podcast, Leigh Castelli. With a background spanning a decade in television production and a thriving photography business in Sunny San Diego, Leigh’s journey is as unique as it is interesting. 

Despite being 3,000 miles apart and managing their own busy careers, the opportunity to collaborate on a podcast brought them together, and in J...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete and Shannon Sauer-Zaval as they discuss all things personality! Dr. Sauer-Zaval is a personality expert, a licensed clinical psychologist, an Associate Professor of Psychology at The University of Kentucky, the creator of BPD Compass & the Founder and Director of Compass Mental Health Training & Consulting. She has been featured on CBS Sunday Morning and has given expert TEDX discussions on the power of personality. 

Have you ever wondered, was I just born this way? Can I change? Am I stuck with one personality for my entire life? Dr. Sauer-Zaval's b...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete & Jeanette Williams, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and The Clinical Director at Deeper Change in New Jersey as they discuss the newly coined term, the "meno-divorce." Meno-divorce is the recent phenomenon amongst middle-aged women where divorce rates are increasing due to perimenopause & menopause. 

To learn more about Jeanette and her practice, Deeper Change, click on the link below: 

https://dcpgt.com

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pe...

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete & Manny Hernandez & Elena Soboleva- Founders of the quickly growing, Scream Club of Chicago. Manny & Elena discuss their unique approach to tackling life's stressors and stress relief. Scream Club is rapidly growing and has quickly become known as the global movement for release, community & connection. 

Learn more about The Scream Club here: 

https://www.thescreamclub.com/

https://people.com/scream-club-weekly-screams-200-people-exclusive-11788630

Support the show

On Air With Dr. Pete https://officialdrpete.com

Send us Fan Mail

Join Dr. Pete & Garra Lloyd-Lester-Coordinator, Community and Coalition Initiatives, Suicide Prevention Center of New York as they discuss National Suicide Prevention month. Garra shares his story of hope and continues to raise awareness and take action in suicide prevention. This month serves as a powerful reminder that we must all contribute in looking out for our loved ones and the people in and around our community who have been impacted by this leading cause of death. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to be c...