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USM Grad Goes Nationwide!

“What's most important to me personally is now also at the heart of my professional life. That's priceless! Where else can you get that from your education?”
Susan Dobson ('05)
Let's Talk Recovery - Susan Dobson USM Grad Susan Dobson's radio show has gained national syndication! An extensive interview with Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick can be heard in the shows archives from March 19.

“The board in our call center lit up like never before! The show was a huge success.”

That's how Susan Dobson, a USM Grad and host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Let's Talk Recovery, describes the response to the recent guest appearances by Drs. Ron and Mary Hulnick, USM's President and Academic Vice President.

Callers sought a rare opportunity to hear how USM's founding faculty would answer their questions on addiction and recovery from the perspective of Spiritual Psychology.

A Positive Shift

“One thing was clear,” shared Dr. Mary Hulnick after the show, “a good many people were encouraged to hear the additional, positive shift in focus that Spiritual Psychology, as we teach it at USM, can offer those in recovery.”

Another Opportunity to Listen

You can still listen to an archive of the show by clicking here! (In addition, a podcast of the show will also be available for downloading from the newly updated Let's Talk Recovery site. When available, it will be listed here.)

A business that has heart for me and my clients!

Susan, a well-known Hollywood Feature Film and Television Producer, earned Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in both Film Studies and World Religions, before completing her Master of Arts Degree in Spiritual Psychology at the University of Santa Monica in 2005. She describes the show's birth and development:

“When I was accepted into USM, I already knew that the focus of my Second Year Project would be to launch a new business. My project was focused on launching a coaching practice, tailored to those in recovery.

“With 18 years of recovery myself, I recognized that I had a depth of experience to share with other successful executives who were also in long-term recovery. Then add to this experience the powerful communication and project management skills I was learning at USM, coupled with the enhanced spiritual awareness that is at the heart of the Program, and I knew I had something to offer-a business that had heart for me AND for my clients.”

Then, two months before she graduated in August 2005, an unexpected invitation came her way. (By the way, “unexpected invitations” appear to be an increasingly common occurrence for USM students!) Susan continues, “A friend said to me, ‘Why don't you join me on a radio show? I'd love to interview you about the work you are doing.’”

I knew I was home . . .

“From the moment I sat in front of the microphone, I knew I was home. By September, I had scripted, launched, and aired my own show here in the Los Angeles area on KRLA. The response was tremendous and immediate. The blend of intelligent, practical ideas, an open forum for discussion, and a recovery focus was clearly something a LOT of people had been waiting for. Now, instead of coaching one-on-one, I can share my skills with many, many more people at a time!”

To add to the 11 million homes the show will now reach, Susan has plans in place to add the Sirius and XM Satellite Networks in the near future. At this stage, it seems that not even the sky is the limit! She has also optioned a television show based on her radio show, shot the promo, and is close to a sale.

“After 18 years in recovery, I thought I knew it all,” smiles Susan. “Now, as a result of my USM education, I am communicating in an entirely new way-with myself, with the guests and callers on the show, and with the industry executives who are looking to syndicate my show further.

“What is truly exciting is that what is most important to me personally is now also at the heart of my professional life. That's priceless! USM has been, and continues to be, a wellspring of life, creativity, and loving in my life. Where else can you get that from your education?!”

What do YOU have to share in the world?

If, as a result of listening to the show, you'd like additional information about USM's Graduate Programs in Spiritual Psychology, we offer you the following options: