Recommended Episodes

• Secret #56: Spirituality with Dr. Matthieu Villatte
• Secret #51: New Thinking on Grief with Dr. Ray Owen
• Secret #62: The Connection Paradox with James Cordova

 What happens when we stop running from mortality and let it guide how we live now? Chris and Emma sit down with Dr. Robyn Walser and Dr. Manuela O’Connell to explore death as a teacher, not a terror. They unpack cultural avoidance of death, the role of ritual and spirituality, existential responsibility, and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help us meet endings with presence, compassion, and choice. Robyn leads a powerful Lifeline exercise, while Manuela reframes death as a mindfulness bell that returns us to the heart of what matters. 

Topics Discussed

• Existentialism and ACT in real life choices
• Cultural and spiritual perspectives on death
• Mindfulness, presence, and compassionate self talk
• Values based living across endings and transitions
• Grief, regret, and returning again to what matters

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Recommended episodes:

• Secret #20: There is No Normal with Dr. Steven C. Hayes
• Secret #47: Living a Meaningful Life with Jenna LeJeune
• Secret #30: Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill 

When life feels too heavy, should we fight our thoughts or learn to carry them? In this grounded, compassionate conversation, clinical psychologist and author Ben Sedley joins Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry to explore how to hold painful thoughts and emotions without being crushed by them. Ben shares practical Acceptance and Commitment Therapy insights, why self-criticism often masquerades as our “biggest fan,” how presence works as a first step, and why compassion sometimes looks fierce with clear boundaries. Expect simple, usable tools for noticing, naming, and carrying the “heavy stuff” while still moving toward what matters. 

Topics Discussed:

• How to carry painful emotions instead of trying to erase them
• Why the inner critic often acts like a misguided “biggest fan”
• The first tool: presence and one-breath noticing before action
• Compassion with boundaries: fierce, clear, and change-oriented
• Function over content: measure thoughts by what they do, not what they say

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

 You’ll also love…

• Secret #30: Wise Effort with Dr. Diana Hill .
• Secret #22: Perfectionism with Dr. Z 

Join hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry as they explore the surprising truth behind the booming self-help industry with psychologist and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) expert Dr. Joe Oliver. Despite the $13 billion self-help market, anxiety, depression, and loneliness are skyrocketing. What gives?

In this deeply honest and often humorous conversation, the trio unpacks how self-help culture—though well-intentioned—can fuel self-judgment, perfectionism, and a sense of failure when we don’t feel “better.” Joe explains how relentless self-improvement often distracts us from living fully in the present and accepting ourselves as we are.

Rather than trying to fix or avoid unpleasant thoughts and feelings, Joe introduces an empowering alternative: psychological flexibility. Through ACT principles, they explore how we can relate differently to our inner struggles, develop self-compassion, and focus on living a values-based life—even when things are hard.

Topics Discussed in this episode:

• What is ACT therapy and how does it work?
• The self-help paradox: Why improvement can increase suffering
• Tools to manage emotional avoidance and anxiety
• The problem with “trying harder” in mental health
• Real-life examples of psychological flexibility in action

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Are you ready to unravel the hidden psychology of moral outrage and discover practical tools for turning intense conflict into genuine understanding? In this eye-opening episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, social psychologist and author Dr. Kurt Gray joins the hosts to reveal how our sense of right and wrong shapes everything from social media disputes to personal relationships and political division.

Together, we unpack why humans are so deeply wired for moral outrage, the evolutionary forces that keep us alert to wrongdoing, and how our brains quickly flip people from friends to foes. Dr. Gray explores why liberals and conservatives clash over who is vulnerable, explains the fundamental attribution error, and digs into how social media intensifies group anger.

Most importantly, you will learn actionable techniques for shifting from outrage to curiosity, building empathy, and connecting through storytelling both at home and in society. If you want to break free from cycles of blame and find new ways to listen, this episode will empower you to have braver, more transformative conversations one story at a time.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Psychological roots of moral outrage
• Harm perception in political disagreements
• Overcoming conflict through curiosity
• Impact of social media echo chambers
• Building empathy with personal storytelling

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Living with food allergies brings a daily struggle of anxiety, uncertainty, and real risk—but it also offers powerful lessons about courage, resilience, and managing fear. In this revealing episode, we’re joined by Tamara Hubbard, a licensed clinical professional counselor and leading expert on the psychological impact of food allergies. Tamara draws on her personal journey and professional expertise to uncover how constant vigilance around food can shape families, fuel anxiety, and lead to both overprotection and life-enhancing growth.

From the reality of daily risk and the trauma of allergic reactions to navigating safety vs. quality of life, this discussion is packed with actionable advice for anyone facing anxiety—whether about parenting, health, or other unpredictable threats. Learn the difference between perceived and actual danger, how to empower yourself or your child to manage fear, and why finding a balance between safety and living fully is the ultimate secret to resilience.

With practical tips based on evidence-based therapies, Tamara shares real-world strategies to build confidence, advocate for your needs, and help children thrive in the face of uncertainty. Tune in to unlock insights for a fuller, braver life, whether you’re parenting a child with food allergies, confronting your own anxieties, or simply seeking to live more boldly in a world full of “may contain” risks.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Psychological impact of food allergies
• Managing parenting anxiety and fear
• Balancing safety and quality of life
• Values-driven approaches to risk management
• Empowering children through self-advocacy skills

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

What happens when connection feels both necessary and terrifying? In this intimate episode, Dr. James Cordova explores how warmth, authenticity, and mindful space shape human relationships. With wisdom from Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington, you'll hear how vulnerability, presence, and self-compassion create space for healing — whether in therapy, family life, or personal growth. 

Topics Discussed in this episode:

• The Connection Paradox in Relationships
• Emotional Safety and Vulnerability
• Parenting with Presence and Compassion
• Mindfulness and Making Space for Emotions
• How Therapy Supports Real Human Connection

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

We often treat anger like a villain, but what if it’s simply trying to tell us something important?

In this episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, Dr. Russell Kolts, clinical psychologist and compassion-focused therapy pioneer, joins hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry to reimagine our relationship with anger. He shares powerful insights into how anger is often a response to threat, helplessness, or dismissal, not simply aggression.

Together, they explore how to stop demonizing anger, how to guide children through their emotional storms, and why compassion is the key to healing emotional wounds. If you’ve ever struggled with anger or want to better support others who do, this episode offers eye-opening tools and fresh hope.

Topics Discussed in this episode:

• The role of anger in emotional regulation
• Compassion-focused therapy techniques
• Teaching children how to process anger
• Shifting from shame to curiosity in therapy
• Rewriting our emotional conditioning around anger

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Steven C. Hayes challenges the idea that mental health care should follow rigid, one-size-fits-all models. He explores why our obsession with efficiency, like the standard “8 session” treatment plan, can miss the mark and even harm those it is meant to help. Instead, Steven invites us to sit with uncertainty, discomfort, and even panic, recognizing that true healing is rarely linear.

If you have ever felt like therapy or support systems were trying to “fix” you rather than understand you, this episode will resonate deeply. Dr. Hayes’  insights remind us that progress takes time, flexibility, and the courage to question the systems we have built.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Why one-size-fits-all therapy models fail clients
• The hidden flaws of the “8 session” treatment plan
• How the obsession with efficiency harms mental health care
• The importance of sitting with uncertainty in therapy
• Shifting from “fixing” clients to truly understanding them

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

It’s never been a more promising yet complicated time to raise boys, as shifting stereotypes and societal pressures redefine what it means to grow up male. In this lively and insightful roundtable, host Emma Waddington is joined by leading experts including adolescent nurse Ana Waddington, parenting author Jennifer Fink, clinical psychologist Emily Edlynn, and men’s health counselor Nike Oruh to rethink boyhood in today’s world.

They dig deep into how traditional norms both help and hinder boys, the growing movement toward emotional openness, and the real-life challenges that young men still face—from societal expectations to struggles around vulnerability and safe spaces. Discover why it’s crucial to break down outdated beliefs, how to support boys’ mental health in practical ways, and the importance of creating community spaces where boys can truly be themselves.

Packed with research, personal stories, and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone invested in helping the next generation of boys thrive. Whether you’re raising a son or want to better understand the boys and young men in your life, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective and concrete tools to support healthier, happier boyhood.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Redefining masculinity in modern society
• Supporting boys' emotional development
• Addressing harmful gender stereotypes
• Creating safe spaces for youth
• Encouraging autonomy in adolescent boys

View extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

Are you struggling with how much to help—or how much to back off—when it comes to your child’s motivation, schoolwork, and screen time? Dive into this insight-packed episode as leading neuropsychologist Dr. William Stixrud and tutoring expert Ned Johnson reveal game-changing research on autonomy-supportive parenting, fostering resilience, and why letting kids solve their own problems builds lifelong confidence.

Hosts Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington join Stixrud and Johnson to unpack the science behind why children crave autonomy, how a low sense of control fuels anxiety and stress, and what it actually means to become a “non-anxious presence” as a parent. Learn the crucial differences between supportive guidance and hands-off, laissez-faire parenting, how to talk with your kids about technology and motivation (without endless fights), and why prioritizing your relationship beats chasing perfect grades.

Plus, you’ll hear deeply personal stories of setbacks, surprises, and bouncing forward after failure—reminding us that the path to thriving adulthood is rarely a straight line. Whether you’re worried about homework wars, video game battles, or just want a better connection with your kids, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom, empowering you to raise self-driven, resilient children while keeping your sanity and joy as a parent.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

• Autonomy supportive parenting strategies
• Fostering intrinsic motivation in children
• Navigating technology and screen time
• Building resilience through adversity
• Cultivating non-anxious parenting presence

view extended shownotes here

Struggling with your child’s big feelings? Our new children’s workbooks are here to help kids and parents handle worry, disappointment, and anger using practical, compassionate tools. Follow the journeys of Justin Case, the Glumm Twins, and Max Cross as they learn that tough emotions are normal and manageable. Find all three workbooks at bookstores everywhere and give your family the support they deserve.

• ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)
• ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)
• ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)