Life's Dirty Little Secrets Podcast | Breaking Silence Around the Secrets We All Carry

Recommended Episodes:

• Secret #68: Secrets of Rest with Alex Soojung-Kim Pang 
• Secret #61: Reimagining Anger with Russell Kolts 
• Secret #62: The Connection Paradox with James Cordova 
• Secret #69: No One is "Self-Made" with Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon 
• Secret #55: Belonging with Meg McKelvie 
• Secret #48: The Tree That Bends with Ross White
•  Secret #60: There is No Normal with Dr. Steven C. Hayes 
• Secret #54: The Reign of Pain with Howard Schubiner 
• Secret #67: Living with Death with Dr. Robyn Walser and Dr. Manuela O'Connell

What happens when we look back on a year of conversations and discover the recurring themes that shape our lives? In this special year-in-review episode, hosts Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington reflect on the surprising paradoxes they've encountered throughout their podcast journey—the uncomfortable truths that keep emerging despite our best efforts to avoid them.

Topics Discussed:

• Why the harder we try to fix ourselves, the more stuck we get
•  How the emotions we push away become the things that ruin our lives
• Why the "self-made" myth keeps us isolated when we need connection most
• How fighting what we can't change only deepens our suffering

View extended shownotes here

• 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 #60: There is No Normal with Dr. Steven C. Hayes
• Secret #56: Spirituality with Dr. Matthieu Villatte
• Secret #55: Belonging with Meg McKelvie

What happens when we stop glorifying the “self-made” myth and start honoring the power of community?
 Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon—educator, entrepreneur, and founder of The Village Market and Our Village United—joins hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry to explore the truth that success is never a solo act. Together they unpack the cultural illusion of rugged individualism, how to build intentional communities, and why collaboration, not competition, is the path to collective flourishing.

Dr. Hallmon shares how divine assignments, purpose, and persistence shaped her journey, and invites listeners to reframe independence as interdependence—to see that thriving is always a village effort.

Topics Discussed:

• The myth of the “self-made” person and the harm of rugged individualism
• What it means to be village-made, not self-made
• How community closes economic and opportunity divides
• The six village archetypes: futurists, builders, connectors, collaborators, enthusiasts, and observers
• Why resistance to collaboration is normal—and what to do about it
• Divine assignments, purpose, and trusting discomfort as part of growth
• How to build communities with alignment, trust, and presence

View Extended Shownotes here

• 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 #62: The Connection Paradox with James Cordova
•  Secret #67: Living with Death with Dr. Manuela O’Connell and Dr. Robyn Walser
•  Secret #56: Spirituality with Dr. Matthieu Villatte 

Rest is not the opposite of work. It is the partner that makes great work possible. In this conversation, best-selling author and strategist Alex Soojung-Kim Pang shows how rest is a learnable skill that powers focus, creativity, and longevity. We dig into deliberate rest, the default mode network, and why short micro breaks can boost productivity. You will hear practical rhythms for your day—90 to 120 minutes of deep work followed by low-intensity recovery like walking or gardening—plus how absorbing hobbies, device boundaries, and shared team norms protect you from burnout. We also explore the social side of rest, building a sense of mattering and community so you can sustain excellence in a world engineered for distraction. 

Highlights:
• Rest as an active skill that partners with work
• The 90–120 minute deep-work rhythm and low-intensity recovery
• Walking, gardening, and “default mode” insight during breaks
• Hobbies, mastery, and community as buffers against burnout
• Simple tech boundaries and the “zombie apocalypse” notification test
• How to design environments and norms that support focus and rest
• Sustainable excellence: doing great work for decades, not months

ORDER Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less

View extended shownotes here

• 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 #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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)