From Bartender to Zen Psychologist: Dr. Pete on Mindfulness, Healing & Mental Health

From bartending and modeling in New York City to becoming a Zen psychologist working with elite athletes, Dr. Pete Economou’s story is all about transformation, discipline, and radical self-awareness. In this honest and often hilarious conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles sit down with Dr. Pete to discuss healing from the inside out, breaking the stigma around men’s mental health, and finding peace in a world that never stops moving.

Sh!t That Goes On In Our Heads — a 2024 People’s Choice Podcast Award Winner (Best Health) and 2024 Women in Podcasting Award Winner (Best Mental Health Podcast) with over 2 million downloads and counting — continues its mission to spark unfiltered conversations about the human mind.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave us written or voice feedback here: https://castfeedback.com/67521f0bde0b101c7b10442a

Mental Health Quote

“Whatever you’re in right now — it will pass. Everything moves. Everything changes.” — Dr. Pete Economou

Episode Description

Dr. Pete Economou has lived a few lifetimes in one. From swimming at Olympic trials to tending bar at one of New York City’s most exclusive nightclubs, his journey eventually led him to the one place he never expected to land—inside his own mind. Now a Zen teacher, sport psychologist, and professor, Dr. Pete brings a rare blend of science, spirituality, and straight talk to the world of mental health.

In this powerful and refreshingly real conversation, G-Rex and Dirty Skittles dive deep into how Dr. Pete bridges East and West, blending Buddhist philosophy with cognitive behavioral therapy to help people heal from burnout, anxiety, and perfectionism. He shares how working on the sidelines with elite athletes has taught him that mental health struggles don’t discriminate—everybody, no matter how successful, has their own internal battles.

Together, they unpack the power of boundaries, why vulnerability is a form of strength, and how the “middle path” can transform our approach to healing. Dr. Pete also opens up about his long-term meditation practice, his work mentoring future psychologists at Rutgers University, and how moderation—not extremes—is the foundation of sustainable wellness.

This episode is part pep talk, part mindfulness lesson, and part wake-up call for anyone who’s ever tried to “fix” themselves into wellness. Whether you’re a high performer, an athlete, or someone simply trying to stay grounded in a chaotic world, Dr. Pete’s insight reminds us that healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

Keywords: Dr. Pete Economou, mindfulness, Zen psychology, men’s mental health, sports psychology, emotional wellness, athlete mindset, healing journey, meditation, CBT, stress management, boundaries, resilience, self-care, psychology, mind-body connection, wellness

Meet Our Guest — Dr. Pete Economou

Dr. Peter J. Economou, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Board-Certified Cognitive Behavioral Psychologist, Zen teacher, author, and professor at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, where he directs the Master of Applied Psychology program. As a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), he has spent over 15 years working with professional and collegiate athletes to integrate mindfulness, performance optimization, and mental wellness.

Dr. Pete’s background uniquely bridges science and spirituality. With advanced training in neuropsychology and sport psychology, and formal Zen training under the White Plum lineage, he combines modern therapy with ancient wisdom. His work focuses on helping people cultivate awareness, compassion, and emotional regulation in their daily lives.

He is the author of Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners and Meditation Journal for Anxiety, co-host of the podcast When East Meets West, and an active advocate for mental health normalization across industries—from locker rooms to boardrooms.

Connect with Dr. Pete:

• Website: https://officialdrpete.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdrpete/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peterjeconomou
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/officialdrpete
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-j-economou-4b4000a/

Key Takeaways

• Mental health isn’t weakness—it’s part of being human.
• Healing begins when we stop overcomplicating and start listening to ourselves.
• Mindfulness is about moderation, not perfection.
• Boundaries protect both peace and purpose.
• Vulnerability, especially for men, is a sign of strength.
• Everything in life moves—nothing stays stuck forever.

Actionable Items

• Set healthy tech boundaries: keep your phone out of the bedroom and shut it off at a consistent time each night.
• Try a mindfulness practice that fits your life, not someone else’s—whether it’s breathwork, meditation, or movement.
• When stress spikes, remind yourself: this moment will pass; everything changes.

References Mentioned

• Mindfulness Workbook for Beginners — by Dr. Pete Economou
• Meditation Journal for Anxiety — by Dr. Pete Economou
• When East Meets West Podcast — hosted by Dr. Pete Economou & Dr. Rubin Naiman
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — https://988lifeline.org

Important Chapters

• 00:00 – Dr. Pete’s story: from swimmer to bartender to psychologist
• 08:30 – How bartending led to psychology and helping others
• 10:50 – Normalizing mental health in sports and breaking the stigma 13:30 – Zen, mindfulness, and finding peace in performance
• 21:00 – The power of boundaries and the “middle path” 26:00 – What parents can do to support their athletic kids
• 27:10 – Dr. Pete’s top three mental health tools for life
• 28:25 – “Fuck it”: the advice he’d give his younger self

Closing CTA

Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Remember to subscribe for more inspiring stories. Rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform, or visit our website: https://goesoninourheads.net/add-your-podcast-reviews

#MentalHealthPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #Grex #DirtySkittles #Podmatch #Mindfulness #ZenPsychology #MensMentalHealth #SportsPsychology #HealingJourney #CBT #MeditationPractice #AthleteWellness #SelfCareMatters #Boundaries #Resilience #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalHealth #WellnessPodcast #OfficialDrPete #Bleav

***************************************************************************

If You Need Support, Reach Out

If you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a crisis hotline in your area. Remember, it’s OK not to be OK—talking to someone can make all the difference.

• United States: Call or Text 988 — 988lifeline.org
• Canada: Call or Text 988 — 988.ca
• Worldwide: Find a Helpline
• Mental Health Resources and Tools: The Help Hub

Stay Connected with G-Rex and Dirty Skittles

• Official Website: goesoninourheads.net
• Facebook: @shltthatgoesoninourheads
• Instagram: @grex_and_dirtyskittles
• LinkedIn: