In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton sits down with Tone It Up co-founder and New York Times bestselling author Karena Dawn for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming one's narrative. Karena opens up to Kati about her "decade of darkness," sharing what it was like growing up with a mother living with paranoid schizophrenia and the emotional toll of a childhood marked by missing persons reports and family chaos. She reveals the pivotal moment in her 20s when she realized she wasn't "destined" to repeat her mother's path and how fitness became the catalyst for her healing. 

*** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: 

• MasterClass | Get up to 50% off at https://www.masterclass.com/KATI 

• Fabletics | Sign up as a VIP and get eighty percent off at https://www.fabletics.com/kati 

• Aura | Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI 

• Remi | Go to shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your nightguard 

We also dive into: Reclaiming Tone It Up: Karena discusses the "full circle" journey of buying back her company 100% to lead it with freedom and joy once again. The Big Silence Podcast: Why she started her foundation to break the stigma surrounding mental health in honor of her late mother. Building Mastery: How finishing a triathlon proved to her that she could follow through on her dreams and build a life she loved. Women’s Health: A candid look at perimenopause, brain fog, and the lifestyle shifts like using creatine that help navigate new stages of life. 

Connect with Karena Dawn: 

https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup

https://www.youtube.com/@the.big.silence

My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ 

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 

ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati 

PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] 

Disclaimer The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 293 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, we dive deep into the complex and often unspoken corners of mental health recovery. We explore the psychology behind why some individuals experience persistent suicidal thoughts without the intent to act and discuss strategies for navigating friendships that inadvertently trigger eating disorder relapses or competition. I also open up about the ethics of plastic surgery when dealing with body dysmorphia , the "push-pull" dynamic in therapy often associated with BPD and attachment wounds , and share my professional perspective on gender-affirming care and the importance of therapeutic support. Finally, we analyze a shocking listener story about a therapist allowing a date in their office, breaking down the major red flags of blurred boundaries.

My new book is in stores now!

Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

Get Yours For The Holiday - If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

00:00 – Intro

00:19 – Why do I have suicidal thoughts but can't act on them? 

06:00 – When a friend's passion triggers your Eating Disorder relapse 

12:21 – Navigating Anorexia recovery when treatment is denied (NHS & Weight Stigma) 

20:06 – CrowdHealth message

21:53 – Plastic Surgery: Confidence booster or Body Dysmorphia? 

27:35 – Envisioning suicidal scenarios & struggles with Lithium medication 

33:02 – Why do I push my therapist away? (Fear of Abandonment & BPD) 

36:36 – OneSkin message

38:13 – AuraFrames message

43:44 – My honest opinion on Gender Affirming Care & the "Affirm First" approach 

52:37 – Red Flags: My therapist let me have a date in her office?! 

Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:

• CrowdHealth: get started today for $99 for your first three months using code ASKKATI at https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/

• OneSkin: For a limited time, try OneSkin for 15% off using code KATI at https://www.oneskin.co/Kati

• Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://www.auraframes.com/KATI Promo Code KATI 

Ask Kati Anything ep. 292 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT 

MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton 

#podcast #psychology #katimorton 

MY BOOKS

Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ 

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j 

Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY 

ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati 

PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbara Dunkelman is here to chat about her incredible journey from being a fan to being the voice of Rooster Teeth’s Yang Xiao Long on RWBY. She opens up about the company's unexpected closure, dealing with planning a wedding, and finding relief in a major life change. This deep-dive covers the pressure of chasing trends and the truth about self-worth outside of analytics. We also explore profound personal philosophies, including the 10% vs. 90% rule of reaction , the power of the "Main Character Complex", and the anxiety around personal choices. Barbara and Kati get candid about their shared decision to be childfree, battling societal pressure, and the freedom that comes with fully committing to a life without regret. Plus, learn about her new product line and her D&D podcast, Tales from the Stinky Dragon.

My new book is available for pre-order!

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:

⏱️ Timestamps

More Barbara!

Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Ask Kati Anything episodes every week

Ask Kati Anything ep. 291 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton

MY BOOKS

ONLINE THERAPY

While I do not currently offer online therapy, our sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist. Receive 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/kati

PARTNERSHIPS

Nick Freeman | [email protected]

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kati Morton tackles the core question: Why Do I Feel So Behind? when it seems Everyone Else Seems to Have It Together. We dive deep into the psychological struggles of comparison, isolation, and overcoming trauma.We also address the debilitating internal experience: Are You Experiencing Complex PTSD? and provide clarity on What to Do When Your Brain Relates Everything to Trauma. Finally, we cover motivation loss, asking: Do You Have Anhedonia? and share strategies for Finding Motivation When Everything Feels Boring.‌

Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Ask Kati Anything episodes every week!

Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:

• MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to http://MASTERCLASS.com/KATI for the current offer.

• Go to Remi (Custom Night Guards & Dental Solutions) http://shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your night guard.

• Visit https://on.auraframes.com/KATI for an exclusive $45-off Carver Mat - Use promo code KATI at checkout

Audience questions & timestamps:

0:00:39 (Q1) Dealing with Friendship Envy. Kati reframes friendship envy as an indicator of what you truly want in life.

0:06:59 (Q2) Recovering from Burnout. The Effort vs. Reward Strategy The key to recovery is assessing where your time and energy go, and then placing boundaries in areas where...

My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQIf you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

0:14:12 (Q3) Moving On After Divorce. Rediscovery of Self Divorce is a huge loss, and therapy is a must. The core focus should be on figuring out who you are again through journaling (like The Artist's Way) and taking solo dates.

0:23:48 (Q4) Ego Death & Transformation. Ego vs. Connection Ego is a protective defense mechanism that, when overactive, can cause resistance, sabotage progress, and impede true connection.

0:30:10 (Q5) Why Everything is a Trigger (Complex PTSD) The listener is triggered by everyday items (like Vaseline) and experiences dissociation due to past sexual abuse by their mother. Kati emphasizes the brain is trying to protect the listener.

0:40:29 (Q6) In Crisis But Don’t Want to 'Bug' Therapist. It's common for crisis feelings and body memories to intensify at night due to fewer distractions. Advice includes using crisis lines (988, 741741)

0:45:34 (Q7) Loss of Motivation (Approaching 70) Anhedonia and Behavioral Activation Lacking enthusiasm (anhedonia) and motivation is a common sign of depression in older adults, often linked to loss of purpose and isolation.

0:50:29 (Q8) Finding the Right Dose The feeling of being "numbed out" or lacking motivation on an SSRI is often due to blunted affect from a dose that is too high, or the wrong medication entirely.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 290 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply honest episode of Ask Kati Anything, guest Jared Craft shares valuable insights into overcoming his ego, financial fears, and the lifelong work of surrendering control. Jared opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery - He details how growing up closeted in a conservative town fostered a deep-seated need for external validation and people-pleasing. He discusses his corporate career at Google and YouTube and the subsequent struggles with exercise addiction and substance abuse, which ultimately led to a dramatic family intervention. This is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the true gift of recovery and how to finally let go of control for personal and professional growth.

Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:

• Fabletics • https://www.fabletics.com/Kati 80% OFF everything for new VIP members

• OneSkin • http://oneskin.co/ use the code KATI for 15% OFF

• Crowd Health • http://joincrowdhealth.com/ use the code ASKKATI to get your first three months for just $99

• Remi • https://shopremi.com/kati use the code KATI for 55% OFF plus a FREE gift!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction: Jared Craft

01:42 - Living for external validation in his 20s

02:20 - Growing up closeted in a conservative Minnesota town

03:36 - The early desire for external success and people-pleasing

04:44 - The unexpected process of coming out

07:06 - Moving to LA and the start of deeper addiction struggles

10:29 - The Lance Bass photos

11:09 - The conversation with his sister and parents about his sexuality

18:37 - The Intervention that forced him into his first rehab stint at 24

20:09 - The misconception about what recovery was

23:40 - Sobriety, relapse, and the key difference the second time around

My new book is available for pre-order:

Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

26:46 - What is an Inventory? (Self-check for resentment, fear, and harm)

29:29 - The deep-rooted fear of financial trauma and scarcity

32:39 - The Set Aside Prayer for walking into conflict or anxiety

33:58 - Getting over prejudices about the word 'God' and finding a Higher Power

40:32 - The 'Whack-a-Mole' nature of control and addiction

41:49 - Advice for someone who is Day One Sober

42:53 - The Gifts of Recovery

44:48 - How fear of losing clients resulted in poor boundaries

48:03 - Intimate relationships as the current area for growth

51:37 - Jared's next steps: Overcoming the fear of change

Ask Kati Anything ep. 289 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Jared is on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@jcraft

MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton

MY BOOKS

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY

ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month)

While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati

PARTNERSHIPS

Nick Freeman | [email protected]

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dark Side of Inclusivity: OG YouTuber Arielle Scarcella joins us to discuss the toxic political shift and intolerance of difference of thought in the LGBTQ+ community. Arielle opens up about being canceled 5 times and why she's labeled transphobic for applying common sense. We cover everything from voting for Trump and Gen Z's emotional regulation to how she deals with hate and intolerance.

My new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This? comes out on December 9th & you can PRE-ORDER here: https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:

• 30% OFF at Blissy http://blissy.com/askkatipod

Timestamps:

1:31 - Arielle's YouTube Start in 2009: After an abusive relationship

3:37 - Why she started: There was no LGB education online

5:25 - Opinion on trans women in sports

6:44 - First video title: "Lesbian Cougar"

9:24 - Being Canceled 5 Times

12:48 - The Left Left Me: Staying a classic liberal

14:42 - Drag shows for children are creepy and hurt the gay community

15:39 - Dating pool is horrible: Everyone is non-binary

17:34 - Wearing a Rainbow MAGA hat at Pride

18:17 - The most hateful people interviewed were white (White Guilt)

18:59 - People of color listened because they "know what it's like not being heard"

19:46 - Gen Z lacks socialization and social development skills

20:51 - We need debate classes to learn how to disagree and still get along

21:39 - The left loves diversity, except diversity of thought

23:23 - The shift was people publicly ostracizing her for disagreement

30:11 - Confronting haters: They "don't say sh!t" because they lack the social skills

31:18 - Voting for Trump as a lesbian

36:01 - Content is now a moderate/classic liberal view

36:45 - Queer activists converting to Islam

38:59 - Gen Z has lost the plot and doesn't know how to deal with emotions

40:46 - Nostalgia reminds you of "who you are before the world f*cked you up"

42:09 - Street interviews: Confronting haters who "talk sh!t"

43:22 - Today's definition of transphobia: Disagreeing with anything they say

43:57 - You don't need gender dysphoria to be trans in NYC now45:54 - Managing the hate: Knowing who you are makes you manipulation-proof

48:11 - The "Duper’s Delight" Smirk (Smug, powerful, specific to woke activists)‌

52:02 - They tried to prevent her from entering Australia in 2020‌‌‌

Ask Kati Anything ep. 287 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton

MY BOOKS

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY

ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati

PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected]

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Kati navigates the confusing paths of trauma healing, dissociation, and eating disorder recovery. Learn what happens when your coping skills become a dissociative disorder, how to handle medical trauma, the truth about countertransference in therapy, and essential steps for overcoming OCD and self-sabotage. This episode covers recovery setbacks, exercise addiction, feeling lost, and what to do when therapy feels confusing or unsafe.

Shopping with our sponsors helps support Ask Kati Anything and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:

• Blissy - Get better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy - use code ASKKATIPOD to get an additional 30% off at http://blissy.com/ASKKATIPOD

• CrowdHealth - Get your first three months for just $99 CrowdHealth - Healthcare Crowdfunding at http://joincrowdhealth.com/ use code ASKKATI

📚 My new book is available for pre-order!

Timestamps

📚 PUBLISHED BOOKS

🧠 NEED THERAPY? While I don't offer online therapy, get connected with a licensed therapist through my sponsor BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/kati (Get 10% OFF your first month)

💼 BUSINESS INQUIRIES:

Disclaimer:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is talking about your emotions actually hurting your healing? Licensed therapist Kati Morton dives deep into the non-linear reality of healing, tackling feelings of meaninglessness, navigating forced therapy, and how to recover from therapist abandonment. Discover the key difference between therapeutic processing and harmful rumination, learn what narcissistic abuse looks like, and find out how to get unstuck from survival mode and self-sabotage.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's questions are very interesting! Everything from breaking the habit of nail biting and skin picking, to navigating comparison, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. We’ll also talk about menopause, how it can affect mood, depression, and even how ADHD medications work plus what happens when your diagnosis suddenly changes and you’re left wondering who to believe. And finally, we’ll explore what it’s like to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after years of being told it was something else entirely. So whether you’re here to better understand your own mental health, or you just love learning more about how our brains and emotions work, this episode is full of real questions, honest conversations, and practical takeaways you can actually use.

(01:03) How do I stop biting my nails? (Compulsion to pick at skin/nails)

(09:54) I keep comparing myself to other people, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome.

(20:01) Thoughts about menopause and how it affects depression.

(25:21) Is it true that menopause hinders ADHD meds from working?

(30:26) What are some things I can do to improve my communication skills with my partner?

(41:00) Identity shift with a change in diagnosis (ADHD/ASD vs. OCPD) and who to believe.

(51:43) Women being diagnosed with ADHD later in life (55+) and misdiagnosis with bipolar disorder.

Sponsors:

I want to take a moment to give a kind word of thanks to the companies that support this podcast. Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health.

Please check out this week's partners and their special offers:

• Headspace: Get 60 days FREE www.Headspace.com/AskKati

• Fabletics: 80% off everything for new VIP members www.Fabletics.com/Kati

• Crowd Health: Get your first three months for just $99 www.JoinCrowdHealth.com | use code ASKKATI

• One Skin: 15% off www.OneSkin.co | use code KATI

Ask Kati Anything ep. 285 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

My original YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/@Katimorton

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Kati sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, to dive into the social connection and the growing loneliness epidemic. Dr. Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends, explains how your brain is fundamentally wired for interaction, why isolation is a biological stressor, and what you can do to improve your social health. In this must-watch episode, Dr. Rein explains the mechanical changes happening in your brain during isolation and clarifies why the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a loneliness epidemic. You'll learn the surprising truth about isolation and physical health—it can cause stress hormones like cortisol to rise within days and is associated with more adverse health outcomes. Dr. Rein also reveals the science behind why isolation can make people more irritable and even angry, linking it to the body's natural stress response. Kati and Dr. Rein discuss the difference between in-person and digital interactions, noting that less "lifelike" communication strips away vital social cues like eye contact, body language, and even smell, leading to fewer mood benefits. Dr. Rein introduces the concept of a "Social Diet" and social journaling—practical tools to help you identify which interactions energize you ("breath in" relationships) versus those that leave you depleted. The conversation takes fascinating turns into the role of brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin in social reward and the development of empathy. Plus, discover the incredible, innate ability of dogs to detect physiological stress signals and the science of how pets help children develop crucial social skills.

By shopping with our sponsors, you help support our podcast:

Green Chef https://www.greenchef.com/50ASKKATI

HeadSpace https://www.headspace.com/ASKKATI

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ben Rein, neuroscientist and author of Why Brains Need Friends.

02:54 - The neuroscience behind loneliness-induced anger and why isolation is treated as a stressor by the body.

05:57 - Debunking the myth: Do introverts benefit from social interaction, and in what dose?

10:48 - The evolutionary reason we are wired for social reward, and the key brain chemicals involved: dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin.

15:40 - A discussion on MDMA, serotonin depletion, and the severity of the drug's comedown.

21:11 - The shocking statistics on increasing time spent alone in modern society (36 hours more per month).

28:22 - What is "inter brain synchrony," and can it happen over a text message?.

35:47 - The power of social smells: how tears can reduce aggression and how a mother's scent affects a baby's brain synchrony.

41:51 - Why growing up with dogs helps children develop empathy and fewer conduct problems.

48:53 - The powerful therapeutic properties of oxytocin (anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective) beyond just social connection.

Ask Kati Anything ep. 284 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT

Today's guest is Dr. Ben Rein

https://www.youtube.com/@dr.benrein

Order Ben's new book Why Brains Need Friends → https://geni.us/WhyBrainsNeedFriends

My new book Why Do I Keep Doing This? is available for pre-order!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices