
The Critic's Couch- A podcast for self growth that discusses hot topics and promotes conversation.
By Dr. Nikki Santana-Ortiz
Dr. Nikki Santana-Ortiz is a clinical neuropsychologist who integrates her knowledge of psychology, neuropsychology and culture to process current events and cases in an empathic manner from various perspectives.


The many faces of substance abuse
This week, Real Housewife of SLC, lost her son to an overdose and actor, Shia LaBeouf, was sentences to rehab. Though their upbringing seem to be do different, how did they end up in such similar paths?

Punch drunk in Love
Punch, th monkey, has captured our hearts with his adorable face. But he has also given a valuable lesson in life....LOVE.

Eric Dane: Death with Dignity
The world will remember Eric Dane and an actor but also ALS fighter who left us with words to live by.

Super Bowl halftime bashing: Is it Bad Bunny or Bad Americans?
The superbowl half time show is one of the most watch worldwide. Yet many complained that this year, having the most streamed and downloaded musician of this year who also won album of the year, should not be performing because he is a predominnantly spanish speaking artist. Is that accurate or hypocritical since he is American?

Dealing with the Minnesota Trauma: Our new ICE?
After the death's of two Americans, immigrants are not the only one's scared of ICE. What can you do to deal with the aftermath?

Do we need to become our own FDA?
After banning red dye, do we need to take a closer look at what we are consuming. Food items that are banned in other countries but allowed in the U.S. are revealed.

The Legacy of Jimmy Carter
The life and accomplishments of Jimmy Carter are honored.

To Tik Or Tok.....that is the question?
Why is the U.S. wanting to ban Tik Tok?

Why is California Burning?
The factors that are contributing to frequent fires in California and what we can do about them are discussed.

Make America Trump Again
Key points from Trump's Inaugural Speech, from a European pint of view, discussed.

Mangione: Not your usual suspect
The profile of Luigi Mangione, the suspected murderer of United healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is reviewed.

Healthcare & Murder: Not what it's suppose to be
The recent murder of United Healthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, has sparked heated conversations on the broken healthcare system. Who or what is to blame?

Election Stress: What to do about it?
As we head into the Presidential election, suggestions on how to approach the voting and deal with the stress is provided.

The downfall of the Rich and Powerfall
From Weinstein to Diddy, the cases of powerful, rich and famous men are discussed.

The Menendez Brothers: is it time to pardon?
Brief history and details of the Menendez brothers' case is provided, and the profile of a child sexual abuse survivor is discussed.

The 2024 Olympic Scandals
Though the Olympics was amazing to watch, apparently a lot of drama went on behind the scenes. Some hot topics are discussed.

Ladies & Gentlemen....WE NOW HAVE AN ELECTION?
With a new democratic nomination for U.S. Presidency, the 2024 election has taken a new turn. Details about Harris and Trump's picks for Vice president and key topics discussed.

Copa America: Why all the fuss??
Many Latin Americans and Americans sold out arenas to watch to Copa America matches and the final was delayed over 1 hour due to fans rushing in. Why has this become such a phenomenon?

Ambani wedding: India's royalty or displeasure?
With the most lavish wedding taking place, is the world rejoicing or criticizing?

The Attempted Assassination of Trump: Not Surprising but Disturbing
Why are American so surprise with the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump? Details of Trump's actions and the shooter discussed. Finally, what good can come our of this?

Hawk Tauh.....why all the fuss?
The Hawk Tuah girl has gone viral...why all the fuss?

Alcohol Made Me do It: The Travis Scott Excuse
With the recent arrest of Travis Scott, the impact that alcohol has on out personality is discussed and the age old questions of "Are you to be blamed if you do something wrong when intoxicated?" is discussed.

The weight loss craze...is it mentally healthy?
With so many new weight loss meds, has anybody thought about the potential mental health issues? and how its contributing to inhumane issues...?

To own or to rent.....why is that now a question?
With the American housing market becoming so expensive, why are many still pursuing purchasing a home? The psychological benefit of home ownership vs. renting discussed.

Justin's Timberlake's DUI: What's the big deal?
Many celebrities are coming to Justin Timberlake's defense with his recent DUI arrest. But should this be minimized? The effects of alcohol on the brain reviewed and a suggestion on how to handles this case is provided.

Student Loan Forgiveness: Is it a slap in the face?
Why should the government forgive student loans? Arguments for and against are discussed and one solution is provided.

From J Lo to Kim K....Can marriage be an addiction?
The love time line of Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck is discussed and the reason for J Lo's numerous failed marriages is explored.

To Trump Or Not to Trump....is that even a question?
For the first time in American history, a former U.S. President and potential future president is facing criminal charges. What will happen if convicted?

Campus' Protests: Is it our Right or Is it Unjust?
As more and more college campuses see Pro-Palestinians protests, should these students be arrested or applauded?

They are not like us: The Drake vs Lamar feud
Why is the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar so dangerous?

American Presidential Candidates: Do they have the cognitive capacity?
This episodes discusses WHY our presidential candidates may not be appropriate to run given their ages and potential cognitive deficits.

The Unsocial Media
Societies' addiction to so called "Social media" and its consequences discussed. Can you disconnect??

The consequences of college
During a time of recession and an abundance of Americans owing in student loans, can this new generation really benefit from college?

P. Diddy- The New Hollywood Predator???
The new allegations against P.Diddy are outlined as well as the characteristics of a sex offender. You decide.

Brooke Shields-Pretty Baby No More
The life and challenges of Brooke Shields are discussed.

Gypsy Rose: Was murder justified?
The case of Gypsy Rose, who was convicted of killing her mother Dee Dee, explores the rare disorder of Munchausen by Proxy.

Epstein's List: Should it matter?
Convicted child predator, Jeffrey Epstein's, list of associates has been released. What does that mean for those mentioned?

To Only Fans or Not....That is the Question?
Many now use Only Fans as a main source of income....It's legal and financially lucrative.... so why do many look down on it?

War then Peace....Can it be achieved?
Many Americans do not understand WHY the war between Israelis and Palestinians is happening. I will try to provide a brief history in the hopes of increasing knowledge and decreasing bias.

TNT....Taylor & Travis...Americans new obsession
Why are we so obsessed with the new IT couple...Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce?

Do you wanna MARIJUANA??
This episode will discuss the pros and cons to marijuana use.

Is Cheating the new norm??
Celebrity couples are bring thrown into the spotlight because if their infidelity. Unfortunately, adultery and now emotional cheating is becoming all too common. How to spot it and what to do about it.

Mental Health-A Global Crisis
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, staggering statistics on how many world wide are impacted by mental health and symptoms provided. Suggestions for prevention and treatment also discussed.

Does the NFL=CTE
The NFFL has recently received heavy criticism over its concussion management of player Tua Tagovailoa. Symptoms of of head injury and how it can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is discussed.

Cultural appropriation- Do they really know?
Celebrities are criticized for adopting minority cultural practices but do they really know what they are doing.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED ON ’THE CRITICS COUCH” IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND LISTENERS ALIKE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE EITHER THE HOST OR GUEST ARE STRICTLY OPINIONS OF THEIR OWN, AND DO NO REPRESENT ANY THIRD PARTIES OR SEPARATE ENTITIES.

Fake News: Real Consequences
The consequences of fake news and lying is discussed.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED ON ’THE CRITICS COUCH” IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND LISTENERS ALIKE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE EITHER THE HOST OR GUEST ARE STRICTLY OPINIONS OF THEIR OWN, AND DO NO REPRESENT ANY THIRD PARTIES OR SEPARATE ENTITIES.

Politics - Is it a Party or a Cult?
Ones loyalty to its political party and it similarity to cult culture is discussed.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED ON ’THE CRITICS COUCH” IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND LISTENERS ALIKE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE EITHER THE HOST OR GUEST ARE STRICTLY OPINIONS OF THEIR OWN, AND DO NO REPRESENT ANY THIRD PARTIES OR SEPARATE ENTITIES.

Britney Griner: Prisoner or Political Pawn
The case and argument of Britney Griner is discussed.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED ON ’THE CRITICS COUCH” IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND LISTENERS ALIKE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE EITHER THE HOST OR GUEST ARE STRICTLY OPINIONS OF THEIR OWN, AND DO NO REPRESENT ANY THIRD PARTIES OR SEPARATE ENTITIES.

Abortion: Whose right is more important?
The history of Roe vs Wade and arguments of Pro Life vs Pro Choice are explored.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED ON ’THE CRITICS COUCH” IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND LISTENERS ALIKE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE EITHER THE HOST OR GUEST ARE STRICTLY OPINIONS OF THEIR OWN, AND DO NO REPRESENT ANY THIRD PARTIES OR SEPARATE ENTITIES.

Race In The USA
The impact racism has on an individual and the systemic racism that occurs in this country is discussed.
DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION THAT YOU’VE RECEIVED ON ’THE CRITICS COUCH” IS DESIGNED TO BE A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS AND LISTENERS ALIKE. THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY THE EITHER THE HOST OR GUEST ARE STRICTLY OPINIONS OF THEIR OWN, AND DO NO REPRESENT ANY THIRD PARTIES OR SEPARATE ENTITIES.