Why are you so worried and anxious? Why are you so relentlessly critical of yourself? Why do you repeatedly get involved with the wrong people? Can psychotherapy help with these matters? And if so, how does it help? Tea with Freud is an invitation to go behind the closed door of the psychotherapist’s office to get an insider’s look at common emotional problems and their treatment. Listen to the verbatim dialogue of actual people in therapy, and learn about an effective approach to resolving their difficulties. Visit with Sigmund Freud himself in turn-of-the-century Vienna, and hear an imaginary but illuminating debate with Freud about what helps people to make changes and recover their psychological health. You may be surprised to learn that the answers to many psychological struggles can still be found in Freud’s original ideas, as well as in modern findings from psychology, child development, and memory research. Part case study, part fiction, this book is a readable, entertaining introduction to some of the most important ideas—old and new—in the field of psychotherapy. It will change the way you think about the nature of emotions, the root of emotional suffering, and the effectiveness of modern “talk therapy.”

Disclaimer 1 (November 2015): I have never met Muhammad Ali and he probably does not know who I am. The contents of this book are, as the title says, purely imaginary - which is not to say fictitious, for Ali and I are real people, and there is no “story” here, only social, political, literary, and cultural criticism and commentary, presented as if it were a conversation between us two. The annotations are all editorial additions. Disclaimer 2 (August 2016): Muhammad Ali died in June 2016 when this book was in the final stages of preparation. I would have liked to send him a copy. Even though I never met him, I miss him, and I hope his life was really as wonderful as I think it was. In his honor, nothing in our imaginary conversation has been changed from before he died. Let us not mourn his death, but celebrate his life, as if he would live forever, at least in the spirit of all that is truly decent and human.

Many sincere Christians are misreading culture, and as a result, they are having difficulty with their faith. So, what is going on? It is said that comedy reflects the current culture, and many people now look to comedians not just to make fun of the world but to make sense of it. Joe Rogan, the host of the world’s #1 podcast, is one of the most influential comedians and media personalities. With over 11 million listeners per episode, Rogan’s audience is four times larger than all the top prime-time cable TV hosts combined. This book was inspired by a podcast episode in which Joe Rogan shared his views on Christianity. To date, not a single guest on Rogan’s show has responded adequately to his misconceptions about the Christian faith. Thus, the other side of the story has not been presented to his millions of listeners. In “My Imaginary Conversation with Joe Rogan About Christianity, the Supernatural, and Little Green Men: A Survival Guide for Living in a Post-Christian Culture,” Kevin Cortez gives a compelling response to Rogan’s mistaken opinions. As you read, you will discover how to respond to those who malign your beliefs amicably. The author takes complex theological concepts and presents them in a way that is easy to understand and apply to everyday life. He draws on a wide range of historical, philosophical, and scientific sources to build his case, and his analysis is rigorous and well-supported. He addresses many of the common criticisms of Christianity, such as its role in unfair atrocities and its perceived irrelevance in the face of modern science. He offers insightful responses that challenge readers to rethink their assumptions. The book is divided into fourteen chapters and five “Survival Guides,” each addressing a different aspect of Christianity's most commonly misunderstood concepts. It navigates a range of topics, including morality, science, philosophy, and history, to demonstrate Christianity's enduring relevance and importance in our contemporary world. Each chapter includes simple questions encouraging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and attitudes toward God. In addition to using scripture to support his claims, Cortez uses his forty years of personal experiences and encounters within the Christian subculture to illustrate his points. Perhaps most notably, he is unafraid to tackle controversial issues, such as the miraculous, New Atheism, psychedelics, UFOs/aliens, The Big Bang Theory, speaking in tongues, the “born gay” question, the prosperity gospel, and demonology. His thought-provoking perspective is refreshingly nuanced and balanced. Whether you are a lifelong Christian or just beginning to explore faith, this book will deepen your understanding of God and give you a wealth of biblical references and theological concepts to build a God-centered life that can withstand the challenges of living in this post-Christian culture. Overall, for anyone interested in exploring the relevance and importance of Christianity in the modern world, Cortez's careful analysis, engaging writing, and personal reflections make this book a must-read for believers and skeptics alike.