New year, new goals… same pressure? Yeah, we’re not doing that this year.

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down why New Year’s resolutions so often crash and burn, and why that doesn’t mean you failed. We unpack the psychology behind quitting, how shame sneaks into goal-setting, and why the popular “21-day habit” rule is more myth than motivation.

Instead of rigid resolutions and productivity guilt, we explore intentional goal-setting, realistic change, and the importance of celebrating small wins (yes, they count). This is a conversation about embracing failure as part of growth, decoupling self-worth from productivity, and choosing goals that actually fit your life — not an idealized version of yourself.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged by resolutions, burned out by “SMART goals,” or stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset, this episode is for you.

✨ Topics we cover:

Why most New Year’s resolutions fail

The role of shame and guilt in quitting

Why the 21-day habit myth misses the point

Intentions vs. resolutions

Celebrating progress without tying worth to productivity

Why failure is part of growth, not proof you’re broken

🎧 New episodes of Let’s Pick This Up Next Week drop regularly.

If this one resonated, like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s being way too hard on themselves right now.

Some friendships are built on shared memes. Ours was built on grad school burnout, froyo, and the unspoken agreement that we’d be stuck with each other forever. In this week’s episode, Dee and Dr. DJ peel back the curtain on what it’s really like to work with your best friend—from surviving (and occasionally thriving) in counseling programs to navigating neurodivergent communication quirks with humor and zero judgment. We also dive into twice-exceptionality, why empathy is a skill and not a personality trait, and how understanding autism requires more nuance than the internet gives it credit for.

Whether you’re spending this season with chosen family, riding the friendship rollercoaster, or just here for the therapist tea, this conversation is equal parts heartfelt, nerdy, and surprisingly validating. Consider it your gentle reminder that connection is a strength, planning and spontaneity can totally coexist, and the people who “get you” are worth hanging onto.

Intro & Outro Music: "Open Road" by Purple Planet Music

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dig into the cultural response to the death of Charlie Kirk—not to debate him but to unpack why our reactions are so divisive in the first place.

Why do algorithms reward outrage? How did social media turn polarizing figures into false prophets? And most importantly, how can we choose to engage (or not engage) in ways that actually protect our peace?

We break it down from both a psychological and counseling perspective:

• The role of echo chambers and misinformation in shaping “alternate realities.”

• Why curiosity is harder (but healthier) than combat.

• How to set boundaries when the online noise feels overwhelming.

• Practical ways to engage with empathy, intention, and values—without burning out.

Because at the end of the day, our attention is the real commodity. And deciding where to put it? That’s where our power lies.

Grief isn’t just about death, and it’s definitely not as neat and tidy as the “five stages” make it sound. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dive into the many faces of grief, from invisible losses (like identity changes or job loss) to the unique challenges of self-chosen grief. We talk about what it really means to hold space for someone, why closure is an inside job, and how tools like radical acceptance and journaling can help you navigate the messy middle.

If you’ve ever been told “time heals all wounds” or felt like you should be “over it” by now, this one’s for you. Whether you’re grieving a person, a place, or a version of yourself, we’ve got thoughts and a little myth-busting to guide the way.

Ever feel like you're this close to the life you want? Like if you just got the job… lost the weight… found the person… THEN you'd be okay?

This week, we dive into the haunting beauty of “justing” and the emotional hangover of the arrival fallacy. Why are we always living on the edge of enough? And how do we stop chasing almost?

🎧 Tune in for real talk, new language, and a fresh take on the life you already have.

Are you anxiously attached? Avoidant? Disorganized? Or wondering what any of that even means?

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ unpack the world of attachment styles—what they are, where they come from, and how they show up in your relationships. Whether you’re the type to ghost, cling, or shut down emotionally (or a little bit of all three), we explore how understanding your attachment style is the first step toward healing.

We cover:

• The key traits of anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment

• How childhood patterns shape adult relationships

• What it means to “reparent” yourself and grow more secure

• The role of therapy and vulnerability in building better connections

Spoiler: You are not broken. You are worthy of love.

💬 Let us know in the comments—do you know your attachment style?

🎧 Subscribe for more therapy talks with a side of sarcasm and heart.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

What if your thoughts aren’t facts—but you’ve been treating them like they are? In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ unpack the #1 therapy tool everyone should know: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or just CBT-curious, they break down how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply connected—and how small shifts in thinking can lead to major changes.

They explore the power of core beliefs, challenge the myth that CBT is all about “thinking positive,” and share practical tools like thought records and grounding techniques. With their usual blend of clinical insight and real talk, Dee and Dr. DJ show why CBT still matters—and how it can help you make sense of your inner world, one thought at a time.

Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

What if the world isn’t as black and white as we think? In this episode, Dr. DJ and Dee explore how rigid thinking limits our understanding, why cognitive dissonance makes us uncomfortable, and how vulnerability is often mistaken for weakness. They break down how societal pressures and media shape division, keeping us stuck in extremes, and why radical acceptance is the key to navigating life’s uncertainties. From challenging long-held beliefs to embracing the discomfort of not having all the answers, this conversation is all about finding the gray areas—and why they matter. Rethinking our perspectives isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of growth. Tune in as they unpack why compassion, both for yourself and others, is the key to real change.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) isn’t just a term – it’s impact. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down the realities of DEI beyond the buzzwords, discussing cultural humility, accessibility, and the ways bias and assumptions shape our experiences. From personal stories to professional insights, they explore why inclusive practices benefit us all—because, at the end of the day, we could all use more ramps.

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ tackle decision fatigue—the sneaky culprit behind why we’re so drained. With an average of 35,000 decisions a day, it’s no wonder our brains feel fried! They break down how emotional vs. rational thinking affects daily life and offer practical tips on managing mental exhaustion.

From understanding biases to aligning decisions with your core values, they explore how these small but constant choices can build up and affect our well-being. Spoiler alert: Self-care matters, compartmentalizing everything forever isn’t the solution, and it’s okay to not have the capacity for all the things every day.

Tune in for relatable insights and some much-needed validation that it’s totally normal to feel worn out.