hat if ego isn’t the villain you’ve been told it is?

In this episode of In the Room, Dr. Rees and Megan break down the difference between a healthy and unhealthy ego. They explore how ego connects to self-esteem, why coaches often misuse the word, and how developing a strong internal self can protect you from destructive patterns. If you’ve ever struggled with being “too much” or “not enough,” this one’s for you.

Timestamps & Key Takeaways:

• 2:00 — Why ego gets a bad rep in sports and leadership

• 6:00 — Fragile egos vs. strong self-worth

• 15:00 — Constructive selfishness: why it matters

• 24:00 — What shaped Dr. Rees’ ego as an athlete and coach

• 40:00 — Ego, identity, and social media: managing validation

• 1:01:00 — Final reflections: ego and community wellness

🎧 Listen, reflect, and tag us with your takeaways: #InTheRoomPodcast

In the spirit of March Madness Today In the Room, Dr. Rees and Megan dive into the emotional, psychological, and systemic layers of being an athlete versus being a fan. From childhood sports trauma and showing up for your kid to the mental health realities of student-athletes and how NIL is changing the game, this one is packed. Whether you’re in the game or in the stands, there’s something here for you.

We talk real about representation, identity, leadership, money, pressure, performance, and what it really means to show up. Plus, we explore the blurred lines between passion, profession, and purpose and why self-awareness and sustainability matter more than ever.

✋🏽 5 Powerful Takeaways:

1. Showing up is currency. Whether it’s in parenting, leadership, or friendship, presence matters more than presents.

2. Being a student-athlete is a different grind. The mental, emotional, and physical toll goes far beyond the game, and most athletes don’t go pro.

3. Money ≠ support. Getting paid doesn’t guarantee holistic care, especially when athletes are treated like products and not people.

4. Fandom holds power. Where you put your attention and dollars shapes the culture of sports and whose voices get amplified.

5. Sustainability is key. Whether in sports, business, or life, true success is about consistency, not just highlights.

Today In the Room we have a special guest Coach Drae. And Dr. Rees, Megan, and Drae explore the multifaceted nature of anxiety, its impact on individuals, and how it intersects with music, trauma, and personal experiences.

They share personal experiences and insights on how to manage anxiety, the challenges of supporting others, and the significance of recalibrating one's mental state.

Ultimately, they highlight the importance of community and connection in fostering personal growth and well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Rees and Megan dive into the complexities of narcissism, exploring its traits, the dangers posed by savvy narcissists, and the implications of excessive admiration. They discuss personal joys, the clinical aspects of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and the pursuit of unlimited success and power, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in relationships.

They also explore self-awareness, entitlement, and the impact of generational behaviors. They discuss the importance of empathy, the role of experts in understanding narcissism, and the protective factors that can mitigate its effects.

The conversation also touches on the interconnectedness of narcissism and emotional maturity, as well as the influence of ego in shaping behaviors. Through engaging dialogue, they provide insights into the challenges posed by narcissism in contemporary society and the importance of fostering healthy relationships.

Takeaways

• Narcissists combine charm and manipulation to pose risks• Their traits include grandiosity, achievement exaggeration, and constant success-seeking• Deep insecurity manifests through an excessive need for admiration• Lack of empathy is a defining characteristic• Power and beauty pursuit can lead to unhealthy behavior• Early recognition helps protect mental health• Child development requires balanced praise• Self-awareness aids personal growth• Entitlement affects behavior across contexts• Protective factors can prevent narcissistic traits• Emotional immaturity and ego play key roles• Understanding narcissism improves relationships

📢 Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we discuss topics related to **mental health, confidence, and personal development, this content does not replace professional therapy, coaching, or medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client or coach-client relationship with Dr. Rees, Megan, or any guests. If you need personalized support, we encourage you to seek a licensed therapist, counselor, or professional coach who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.If you are having a mental health crisis, please contact the national crisis line at 988 or your local emergency room

Narcissism vs. Confidence: What’s the Difference?

Today, we’re tackling a topic that EVERYONE talks about, but few truly understand narcissism vs. confidence.

Ever wondered…

• Is confidence the same as narcissism or how they differ

• Why do some people get labeled as arrogant while others are called leaders?

• How can you tell if someone is truly confident or just manipulating the room?

In this episode, we break it ALL down:

✅ The 12 traits of narcissism (and why we ALL have a few!)

✅ How to tell if someone is just confident or actually a narcissist

✅ The role of humility and empathy in real confidence

✅ How narcissists use charm, gaslighting, and manipulation

✅ Why some people are drawn to narcissists—and how to break the cycle

🎯 Key Takeaway: Confidence is built on humility, self-awareness, and reps—while narcissism thrives on control, lack of accountability, and entitlement.

🔥 This episode is a MUST-WATCH if you’ve ever felt like your confidence was attacked or confused confidence for arrogance.

If have you ever dealt with a narcissist or you struggle with confidence Let’s talk about it.

In this episode of In The Room, Dr. Rees (Confidence Coach) and Megan (Mental Health Therapist) dive into how to take care of yourself this year, without falling into the same old traps. Forget about unrealistic resolutions! This conversation is all about setting real, intentional goals and developing habits that actually serve you regardless of what season of life you are in.

💡 Key Topics We Cover:

✅ How to set intentions over resolutions to create real change

✅ The power of energy & focus—and how to use them to your advantage

✅ The dangers & powers of being in autopilot mode

✅ Why grace is space , giving yourself room to grow, fail, and start again

✅ The three things you need to navigate life’s highs and lows

This isn’t just about having a good year—it’s about building a mindset that keeps you grounded, even when life hits hard. Tune in for insights, personal stories, and actionable strategies to make 2025 your most intentional, balanced, and fulfilling year yet.

In the first episode of In the Room, Dr. Rees and Megan dive deep into the intersection of therapy and coaching. They break down the differences, why both are essential for personal growth and how objectivity plays a crucial role in healing and confidence. From personal experiences to professional insights, this episode unpacks the mental performance vs. mental health conversation in a way you’ve never heard before. Plus, they touch on boundaries, empathy, and why so many people struggle to show up for others the right way. Whether you’re navigating life, leadership, or healing, this episode is for you!

🔹Topics Covered:

• The difference between a therapist and a coach

• Why objectivity is crucial for growth

• How coaching and therapy complement each other

• The power of boundaries & empathy

• Why people struggle with supporting others in hard times

👀Subscribe for more real, unfiltered conversations on confidence, mental health, and personal growth!