Podcasts by When East Meets West
East coast psychologist Peter Economou, Ph.D. and West coast psychologist Nikki Rubin, Psy.D. discuss ancient Eastern spiritual practices and their integration with modern Western behavioral science with practical takeaways for everyone. Learn more at www.wheneastmeetswest.us
Further podcasts by Peter Economou, Ph.D. and Nikki Rubin, Psy.D.
Podcast on the topic Mentale Gesundheit
All episodes
S3E3_The Rules Dilemma from 2022-02-03T02:00
You see that there? What is the dilemma with rules? Tune in to hear Dr. Rubin talk about how there are some issues with rules, but that we also need them. She schools Dr. Pete, as always, and sh...
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S3E2_Thich Naht Hanh from 2022-01-20T19:00
January 2022, one of the most influential Buddhist monks, transitioned to the next life. He was 95-years-old and after being ordained a monk at age 16, he went on to live a life dedicated to edu...
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S2E37 Resolutions Season 2 Finale from 2021-12-29T02:00
Oops, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete forgot to say good-bye and all of a sudden, they found themselves in a short hiatus. In this season 2 closer, the co-hosts discuss the need for a break, setting boun...
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S2E36_The Heart Sutra from 2021-12-01T08:00
Dr. Rubin asks and she receives, so Dr. Pete breaks down the Heart Sutra in a very basic, secular way. Listeners will learn about the role of chanting and sutras in eastern practices, specifical...
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S2E35_Perspective Taking from 2021-11-24T02:00
Have you ever been to a dinner and then you ask all the guests what happened at dinner? If there were 6 guests, you will get 6 different stories. That is the power of perspective taking. Dr. Pet...
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S2E34_Honoring the Father of Cognitive Therapy, Dr. Aaron T. Beck from 2021-11-17T02:00
On November 1, 2021 the world lost the father of cognitive therapy, Aaron T. Beck, MD, known as Tim by his loved ones. He noticed issues with interpretations in traditional psychoanalysis and in...
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S2E33_Risk Taking from 2021-11-10T02:00
Most of us think of risk taking behaviors as limited to putting ourselves in physical danger for a thrill (e.g., surfing a 50ft wave) or acting impulsively or without thinking (e.g., making a be...
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S2E32_Authenticity from 2021-11-03T02:00
Most of us tend to know when something feels fake or feels genuine or authentic—but how?? In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin introduce discuss the concept of authenticity, and how it may be ...
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S2E31_Avoidance from 2021-10-27T02:00
Brains don’t like being uncomfortable, so they’ve come up with a simple behavioral solution: avoid it! In this episode, the docs discuss the function of avoidance, provide psychoeducation about ...
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S2E29_Music from 2021-10-20T02:00
Have you noticed that the music you listen to can directly affect how you feel? Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin share insights around the psychology of music, while reminding listeners that they are no m...
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S2E30_Worry and Rumination from 2021-10-13T02:00
Why do we worry about the future and ruminate about the past? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss and distinguish between these two “covert” behaviors (behaviors happening inside you...
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S2E29_Koans in Buddhism from 2021-10-07T09:00
You’ve heard koans mentioned on WEMW before, but what exactly are they? In this episode, Dr. Pete explains what koans are and how they are used to try and untangle the mind through verbal parad...
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S2E28_Multi-tasking from 2021-09-29T02:00
We live in a busy go, go, go world, thus most of us like to believe that we are experts in multi-tasking. But believe it or not, the brain is actually incapable of focusing on more than one thin...
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S2E27_Sadness from 2021-09-20T10:00
As Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete return from a short summer hiatus, they open up the second half of Season 2 by discussing the importance of sadness, evolutionary perspectives, and differentiate sadnes...
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S2E26_Love from 2021-07-28T02:00
Love is a basic emotion, and one that most humans desire. There are many aspects of love and it shows up at different points in our lives. In this last episode before summer break, Dr. Pete and ...
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S2_Bonus3_Toxic Masculinity with Jean Semelfort, MA, LPC from 2021-07-21T02:00
On this bonus episode, special guest Jean Semelfort, Jr. joins Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin to discuss toxic masculinity. Jean is a licensed professional counselor and owner of the private practice
S2E25_Emotion Regulation from 2021-07-14T02:00
Emotions evolved to give us information, but what happens when they become more intense than evolution intended them to be? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss emotion regulation, in...
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S2E24_Video Games from 2021-07-07T02:00
There are many positives and negatives involving the use of video games, and experts have been debating this topic for years. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin break down some of the most recent research a...
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S2E23_The Problem with Freud from 2021-06-30T02:00
Without further ado, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete bring you the first episode regarding the differences between behaviorism and traditional psychoanalysis as developed by Sigmund Freud. They highlight...
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S2E22_Health Anxiety from 2021-06-22T02:00
As the medical world advances, so too do the labels that help guide providers with treatment. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin chat about illness anxiety, OCD with a health focus, and oth...
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S2E21_Compromise from 2021-06-16T02:00
If given the choice, do you prefer to compromise or do it your way? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss why compromise is so difficult for human beings (hint: we’ve got those rigid a...
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S2E20_Guilt from 2021-06-09T13:00
No one likes feeling guilty, but have you ever considered that maybe your guilt is trying to tell you something? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete dive into what guilt actually is (hint: i...
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S2E19_East vs. West from 2021-06-02T02:00
Today isn't about when East meets West, it's about East versus West! In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin dive into an exploration (and friendly riva...
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S2E18_Curiosity from 2021-05-26T02:00
Humans are a curious species, although at times curiosity can cause anxiety or pain (i.e., think about the saying "curiosity killed the cat." Sorry to you cat lovers out there). In thi...
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S2E17_Enlightenment from 2021-05-19T02:00
Enlightenment is often misunderstood in western culture as something to achieve. In this episode, Dr. Pete clarifies that there actually is no arrival or achievement of enlightenment (what?!) an...
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S2E16_Intuition from 2021-05-12T02:00
What is a gut instinct? Can you tell the difference between your gut, your emotions, or a premonition? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss intuition, how to access it, and how its ex...
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S2E15_Boundaries from 2021-05-05T02:00
Do you know the difference between boundaries and walls? How about the relationship between boundaries and connection? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss what boundaries are, how th...
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S2E14_Values from 2021-04-28T02:00
Finally! In this episode, the docs talk through one of their favorite topics on WEMW: values. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin define what values are and how they function like directions, discuss their r...
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S2E13_Adjusting from 2021-04-21T02:00
Whether to a global pandemic, marriage, the loss of a loved one, or a new job, humans are always adjusting. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete highlight the behavioral aspects of adjustment, the diagnosis o...
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S2E12_Trigger Warnings from 2021-04-14T02:00
Have you been given a trigger warning before? In the service of increasing sensitivity and awareness to the struggles of others, trigger warnings have gained popularity by letting someone know t...
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S2E11_Flexibility and Freedom from 2021-04-07T02:00
How do we move towards creating more space and freedom in our lives? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss a favorite topic on WEMW: flexibility. While you might know from other episod...
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S2E10_The Middle Path from 2021-03-31T00:00
S2E9_The Brain vs. The Mind from 2021-03-24T02:00
What is the difference between the brain and the mind? Is there a difference? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss how these two parts ourselves are often conflated (especially sin...
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S2_Bonus2_Entrepreneurship with Empathy with Howard Spector, CEO from 2021-03-22T15:00
Howard Spector co-founded SimplePractice—a business management software solution and an industry-leading SaaS company in the healthtech ...
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S2E8_Grief from 2021-03-17T02:00
Grief occurs when we have experienced the loss of someone we love, and it is one of the most intense baseline emotions we may encounter. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete discuss the stage...
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S2E7_Screen Fatigue from 2021-03-10T02:00
Did you ever imagine that most of your human interactions would be two-dimensional? 2020 saw the transition to connecting with others through predominantly digital means to increase safety durin...
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S2E5_Motivation vs. Willingness from 2021-02-24T02:00
Motivation may be one of the most misunderstood emotions that we have, often leading to a belief that we need to feel motivated in order to make changes in our lives. In this episode, Dr. Rubin ...
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S2_Bonus1_Disordered Eating with Danielle Keenan-Miller, Ph.D. from 2021-02-19T02:00
The pandemic has increased the onset of unhealthy eating habits, which can lead to body image issues as well. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete welcome clinical psychologist and author Dan...
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S2E4_Sex and Human Connection from 2021-02-17T02:00
In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin start a conversation about the role of sex in human connection, while also distinguishing between the biological function of sex, sexual behavior, and int...
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S2E3_Cancel Culture from 2021-02-10T02:00
Cancel culture is "the popular practice of withdrawing support for (canceling) public figures and companies after they have done or said something considered objectionable or offensi...
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S2E2_Beginner’s Mind from 2021-02-03T02:00
Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the Zen Buddhist of concept of Shoshin, aka Beginner's Mind, in which individuals learn to approach each moment with curiosity and openness as if experienc...
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S2E1_Change from 2021-01-27T02:00
Welcome back to WEMW with your two favorite psychologists, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin. Most people avoid change, and yet in 2021 there were millions of people ecstatic for it. In this first episo...
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S1E34_Season 1 2020 Finale from 2020-12-30T03:00
Well, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin took this journey in 2020 starting When East Meets West. It feels like they have been doing this for ages, and their relationship is palpable. They discuss the time ...
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S1E33_Radical Acceptance Part 2 from 2020-12-24T01:00
Dr. Rubin presents how the past 6 months has felt like 60 years, as she discusses the role of acceptance in behaviorism with Dr. Pete. On the next to last episode in 2020, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pet...
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S1E32_Behaviorism is Everywhere from 2020-12-14T13:00
There is nothing that we do that cannot be understood through behaviorism. Nothing. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin explain how learning theory is fundamentally woven into all aspects of being human....
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S1E31_Dogs and Well-being from 2020-12-02T02:00
People and animals benefit from one another biologically, psychologically, and more. Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the evolutionary history of the relationship between dogs and humans (you...
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S1E30_Humor from 2020-11-25T02:00
Everyone loves a good laugh, right? Have you ever watched some of those videos online of a child belly-laughing? There are real psychological benefits of humor, including cultivating joy and ...
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S1E29_Isolation and Quarantine from 2020-11-18T02:00
As we continue to experience this global pandemic, isolation from others remains a consistent consequence. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the impact of isolation on mental healt...
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S1E28_Individualism and Politics from 2020-11-09T07:00
As we end another cycle of a U.S. election, we are all feeling like we’ve had enough. The split between the country during this election cycle was palpable. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pe...
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S1E27_Election Stress Disorder from 2020-11-03T08:00
In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss what has been called “election stress disorder.” While technically not a real psychological disorder, you’re unlikely to find someone who hasn’t e...
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S1E26_Toxic Positivity from 2020-10-28T02:00
We have all met someone who told us to “look on the bright side” while we were in the midst of a painful or difficult experience. While this suggestion may be well intentioned, this type of posi...
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S1E25_Entitlement from 2020-10-21T02:00
We have all encountered someone who does not have the same respect for the rules as others, or who believes that the rules simply do not apply to them at all! In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. ...
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S1E24_Stress from 2020-10-14T02:00
Stress is something that everyone experiences, especially in 2020. Although it's common, stress can have a negative effect on our overall well-being and physical health without proper aware...
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S1_Bonus_Existentialism and Behaviorism with Robyn Walser, Ph.D. from 2020-10-09T07:00
In this special extra episode, our first guest Dr. Robyn Walser joined Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete for a conversation on existentialism within behaviorism. Dr. Walser is a scholar and practitioner...
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S1E23_Polarization and Dialectics from 2020-10-07T02:00
Today the docs discuss one of Dr. Rubin's favorite things in psychology: dialectics! In this episode Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete break down the effects of polarization on our social relationship...
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S1E22_Social Inequities from 2020-09-30T20:00
2020 has been identified as a year to remember; global pandemic, wild fires, racial tensions at an all time high, earthquakes, and political unrest. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin addre...
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S1E21_Control and Behavior from 2020-09-23T02:00
Has anyone ever called you controlling? On this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss what it means to be controlling from a western psychological lens (emphasizing the role of rigidity), in a...
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S1E20_Postpartum Challenges from 2020-09-16T02:00
Dr. Rubin worked in women's reproductive behavioral health during her time on the east coast, and continues to treat these struggles on the west coast. In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rub...
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S1E19_Social Media from 2020-09-03T02:00
How is your screen time? Check it out before you listen to this episode, because in this episode Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete address the advantages and disadvantages of social media in our lives and ...
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S1E18_Spirituality from 2020-08-26T02:00
Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the difference between religion and spirituality, and how spirituality is often misconstrued, misunderstood, or judged. This episode focuses on the eastern practic...
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S1E17_Uncertainty from 2020-08-19T02:00
Does it ever seem as though life feels too uncertain at times? In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete address the science behind uncertainty, and why evolution selected for brains to assume tha...
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S1E14_Self-Criticism from 2020-07-31T17:00
All of us have a self-critic inside, whether we like it or not. Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete use sarcasm and humor as they talk about the role of the brain's "inner critic." They discus...
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S1E12_Anxiety from 2020-07-28T17:00
Anxiety is a natural emotion that all humans and most, if not all, living beings experience. In this episode, Dr. Rubin leads the conversation on evolution and how anxiety is adaptive for the 40...
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S1E12_Anxiety from 2020-07-28T17:00
Anxiety is a natural emotion that all humans and most, if not all, living beings experience. In this episode, Dr. Rubin leads the conversation on evolution and how anxiety is adaptive for the 40...
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S1E11_Be Present, Be Brave from 2020-07-23T07:00
If you are addicted to listening to WEMW, you have heard Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin say "be present, be brave" at the sign off of each episode. Tune into this episode to learn why the docs...
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S1E9_Communication from 2020-07-18T07:00
Have you tried to talk to someone who does not share your world views, like wearing a mask or not? In this episode, Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss ways to communicate effectively with loved ones...
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S1E8_Compassion from 2020-07-17T07:00
Have you tried to live with compassion? Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin talk about compassion as a clinical intervention and as a way of life; of course, they address how compassion fits into behavioral ...
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S1E7_Vulnerability from 2020-07-16T09:00
Brene Brown became a household sensation after a famous TED talk about her research on vulnerability as a professor of social work in Texas. In this episode, Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete talk about th...
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S1E6_Perfectionism from 2020-07-15T14:00
Do you consider yourself to be a perfectionist? Dr. Rubin and Dr. Pete reframe the idea of what being a perfectionist is, and discuss whether or not every human is actually a perfectionist in so...
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S1E5_Meditation from 2020-07-13T17:00
Many of us have tried to meditate, especially with the increased presence of mindfulness in the West (thanks to more access and knowledge about it via the internet and popular apps). In this epi...
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S1E4_Race and Power from 2020-07-09T09:00
For years there have been social issues related to racial inequalities. While this has happened all over the world (e.g., apartheid), the United States has suffered from this polarity during the...
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S1E3_Coping from 2020-07-09T08:00
Have you ever felt proud that you handled a situation well, easily got over a frustration, or overcame the loss of someone or a pet? You were likely using coping skills. In this episode, Dr. Pet...
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S1E2_Acceptance from 2020-07-08T11:00
In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the practice of acceptance from both western and eastern perspectives. While this concept may seem easy to talk about on the surface, in reality it...
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S1E2_Acceptance from 2020-07-08T11:00
In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the practice of acceptance from both western and eastern perspectives. While this concept may seem easy to talk about on the surface, in reality it...
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S1E2_Acceptance from 2020-07-08T11:00
In this episode Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin discuss the practice of acceptance from both western and eastern perspectives. While this concept may seem easy to talk about on the surface, in reality it...
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S1E1_Introducing the Docs of WEMW from 2020-07-08T10:00
In this first episode, you are introduced to Dr. Pete Economou from New Jersey and Dr. Nikki Rubin from California. They met while training in New Jersey, and both practice 3rd wave cognitive be...
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S1_Trailer from 2020-07-01T09:00
Listen to a small taste of Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin, as we bring you When East Meets West.
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S1_Trailer from 2020-07-01T09:00
Listen to a small taste of Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin, as we bring you When East Meets West.
Listen
S1_Trailer from 2020-07-01T09:00
Listen to a small taste of Dr. Pete and Dr. Rubin, as we bring you When East Meets West.
Listen