Author Interview: Dr. Tony Ortega

My friend, Dr. Tony Ortega, just released his new book, Enlightened as Hell: How to Be Spiritual and Not Be a D*ck. It’s an amazing book full of ways to seriously help yourself. I loved it—I laughed, I nodded my head and said, “Mm-hm,” and I felt seen.

So, I asked him a few questions. :)

You have a background as a mental health professional. Can you give a little detail about what you do and who you work with?

I am a licensed clinical psychologist, which basically means I have a PhD in psychology and am allowed to practice in the state of New York. In a nutshell, I work with clients in looking at their thoughts and behaviors that contribute to negative feelings, and process/teach them more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. I incorporate a lot of mindfulness techniques as well as metaphysical principles in my work with clients.

Who did you write this book for? Who is the ideal reader for this book?

The cynic who doesn't believe in spirituality. The atheist who doesn't believe in God. The Wall Street executive or the single mother of five children who lives in the Bronx. The person seeking a higher purpose in life but can't afford the seminars/courses that are being peddled in the mainstream spiritual/self-help world. The book is intended for everyone, really, and is presented in what I call "a street-level fashion." No need to refinance your home to attend any conferences or buy any courses or books or what have you. It's the perfect starting point for anyone who feels they have a higher calling in life and are too confused as to how to get that. It encourages the reader to find their own path with only a few principles.

What prompted you to write this book? I'm going to assume from the title that you have experience with "spiritual" types who turn out to be d*cks.

I was just so fed up with all of the snake oil gurus out there. It seemed all very fake and once they had your money, they either wanted more money or wanted nothing to do with you. The mainstream culture seemed very one-size-fits-all, but only the size the teacher thought was the size for you, not you making that decision for yourself. I was so over all the lofty ideals on how to live a spiritual life that I wanted to write a manual that broke things down very simply. I was so scared to write this book, but thanks to lockdown, I didn't have much else to do, so here we are.

What would you like readers to come away with at the end of the book?

YOU ARE YOUR OWN GURU would be the number-one message, honestly. I mean, the book is chock full of messages, but truth be told, I want the reader to be empowered to be their own master and teacher.

How can readers find you (and your book) online?

Website for Dr. Tony Ortega

All social media: @drtonyortega

Kindle edition of Enlightened as Hell: How to Be Spiritual and Not Be a D*ck

Paperback edition of Enlightened as Hell: How to Be Spiritual and Not Be a D*ck

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Buy this book, lol.

(Disclosure from Jen: I did contribute to the editing of Enlightened as Hell: How to Be Spiritual and Not Be a D*ck. I was honored to do so. :) )

And please check out Tony’s other books:

#IsHeHereYet: Being the Person You Want to Be With

#Are You Here Yet?: How to STFU and Show Up For Yourself

The Accords Volume 1: Unity in Chaos (You guys, this is a comic book about a group of superheroes based on the chakras!)