We know perfection isn't possible, so why do we chase it? Dr. Jeremy Tyler joins Thea and Kate in a discussion about the trap of perfectionism, how to recognize when we are harming ourselves and our relationships by striving towards unreal standards, and why failing can actually be a pretty good thing (especially when you're belting out Kelly Clarkson songs on karaoke night). This imperfect episode features a blooper real if you hang on--or fast-forward, I guess, but why would you do that--to the end. 

Sometimes seemingly innocent interactions or minor setbacks set off emotional tornados in us that we can hardly understand. But if we take a closer look, we'll usually find the source of the storm: a deep pain, insecurity, sadness, or vulnerability. Thea and Kate discuss their own recent spirals and explore themes of self-reflection and feeling hard feelings.

Confrontation is one of life's less than pleasant realities. It's important to communicate when a difference of opinion becomes a barrier--and if you fight fair, your relationships can actually get stronger. Thea and Kate review some suggestions for keeping it above the belt, and how they've implemented these rules successfully (and sometimes not so much). 

What is the purpose of life? How do we know if we're getting it right? Sometimes the idea of prescribed fate can hold us back, keeping us rooted in place for fear of making the "wrong" move or distracting us from being fully present. In this episode, Thea and Kate talk about their own experiences wrestling with meaning and purpose--and why sometimes we need to get out of our own heads.

Do you get bummed out every year following the rush of the holiday season? Kate and Thea sure do...in this episode they discuss their early-winter blues, and why this year feels extra weird and hard. 

Acknowledge. Surrender. Celebrate. Do It Anyway. These are the kinds of intentions that Kate and Thea offer as alternatives to typical New Year's resolutions like losing weight or otherwise correcting a self-perceived flaw. Also, with the year we've all just had, what even are achievable goals? Maybe it's more about how you'd like to shift your perspective to see and embrace the strengths you already carry within you. 

What do you carry throughout your life, and how often do you re-assess if it's all still serving you? Thea and Kate examine the metaphor of "what's in your backpack?" to describe the practice of reviewing and re-prioritizing what is useful for us to carry versus what weighs us down unnecessarily.  

Whether the loss is slow and steady or sharp and sudden, it leaves a tremendous burden on those it touches. We are left swimming in big feelings, looking for signs, and questioning the meaning of our lives and choices. Thea and Kate continue to explore grief in this, the second of a two-part episode arc. 

Whether it's the "capital G" Grief of losing close loved ones (as both Thea and Kate have), or the "lower-case g" grief of adjusting to a lifestyle you didn't ask for--and don't particularly enjoy--it's complicated. This is part 1 of a 2-episode arc (FANCY!). 

Surviving the stress of the winter holidays is hard enough without also having to live through a global pandemic. Thea and Kate explore the very normal reactions of anxiety, panic, and frustration, and propose some ways we can try to maybe enjoy these (very weird) holidays anyway...at least a little bit. Or maybe not, maybe just scream it out.