On this week's episode, we take a journey to Monterrey, Mexico, with special guest Cristina Gonzalez. In a world that often feels fractured, Cristina reveals how she has successfully united diverse sectors—from the halls of government to local classrooms—under the banner of compassion.

Join host Will Rucker for a conversation that will challenge you to develop a "sensitized heart." You’ll discover how programs like Think Equal are proving that when we teach integrity and empathy, we don't just change individuals; we reshape entire societies.

If you are looking for hope, practical tools for social justice, or a new way to view your own personal growth, this episode is the blueprint you’ve been waiting for.

In this episode, you will learn:

How to turn empathy into a living practice that changes policy.

The secret to uniting opposing sectors for a common good.

Why a "sensitized heart" is your greatest strength in a divided world.

Let’s discuss in the comments: Do you think compassion has a place in politics and government? Why or why not? Step forward.

Tune in to future episodes of Compassionate Las Vegas for more inspiring dialogues on building a compassionate world.

In this powerful episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, Will Rucker sits down with Dr. Chapple-Love —a forensic psychologist and the first Black President-Elect of the Nevada Psychological Association—to decode the human mind.

From the psychological mechanisms behind conspiracy theories and the "death of expertise" to the reality of rehabilitative justice, Dr.Chapple-Love pulls no punches. We dive deep into how fear hijacked our collective empathy during the pandemic and why the current prison system might be failing us all.

If you’ve ever wondered why society feels so divided or how we can actually bridge the gap, this conversation is the blueprint.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVER:

The Psychology of Conspiracy: Why fear makes us reject facts.

Justice vs. Revenge: The case for rehabilitation over incarceration.

The "Death of Expertise": Why we stopped trusting professionals.

History in the Making: Dr. Chapple-Love’s journey as a trailblazer in Nevada psychology.

Radical Empathy: How to connect with people you fundamentally disagree with.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Dr. Chapple-Love argues that prisons should focus on rehabilitation rather than just punishment. Do you agree? Or is punishment necessary for justice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE: Don't miss out on conversations that challenge the status quo.

In summary, this episode fosters a deeper understanding of how compassion and empathy can shape a more inclusive and just society. To uncover more intricate details and insights shared by Dr. Chapple-Love, be sure to listen to the full episode. Stay tuned for more compelling conversations on Compassionate Las Vegas, as we continue to explore the transformative power of empathy in building vibrant, nurturing communities.

In this episode of Compassionate Las Vegas, Will Rucker sits down with Dr. Dominique Hammonds—distinguished educator, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and owner of Hammonds Counseling.

They unpack the viral moment that changed how we see mental health during the pandemic and why "survival mode" is still affecting us today. From the rise of telehealth (and why it’s actually better for some) to the critical need for cultural competence in therapy, Dr. Hammonds breaks down why the old way of doing mental health is over.

If you’ve ever felt "unseen" by a doctor or overwhelmed by the pressure to bounce back, this conversation is for you.

WE DISCUSS:

The Viral "Maslow" Moment: Why millions resonated with being in "survival mode."

Telehealth Revolution: Is Zoom therapy as good as the real thing?

Cultural Competence: Why "colorblind" therapy fails Black communities.

Self-Compassion: How to stop beating yourself up for "not doing enough."

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Dr. Hammonds argues that compassion isn't just a feeling—it's a tool for survival. Do you think telehealth has made mental health care better or worse? Let us know in the comments!