Off The Couch with Dr. Greg

In this powerful episode of Off the Couch, hosts Dr. Greg and Bryan sit down with groundbreaking actress and advocate Geri Jewell. Best known for her role as Cousin Geri on The Facts of Life, Geri made history as the first person with a visible disability to have a recurring role on a primetime television series. The conversation explores her trailblazing journey through Hollywood, her acclaimed role on HBO’s Deadwood, and her impactful work as a motivational speaker championing diversity, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Geri opens up about the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry, her evolution as a comedian, and how authenticity has guided her mission to bring visibility to underrepresented communities. This episode offers an inspiring look at the power of representation and the importance of inclusive storytelling in media.

In this episode, Dr. Greg and Bryan dive deep into the psychology of confidence, self-esteem, and the Dunning-Kruger effect. They explore the contrast between how people present themselves and what they truly feel inside, breaking down how “Barnum statements” can trick us into believing vague insights are deeply personal. Drawing from recent studies out of the University of Copenhagen and University College London, the duo unpacks how anxiety and depression can fuel chronic underconfidence, while low performers may unknowingly overrate their skills. They also explore how social media skews our self-perception through constant upward and downward comparisons. Most importantly, they emphasize the power of self-efficacy—believing in your ability to succeed—as a more stable and meaningful measure of confidence than self-esteem alone. Tune in for practical insights, honest conversation, and science-backed tools to help you assess yourself more accurately and build real confidence from the inside out.

Episode 68: Broken Banks, Broken Minds: The Hidden Mental Toll of Debt & Recession

In this episode, Host Dr. Greg and Cohost Bryan discuss the implications of House Bill 495, which was passed in Kentucky, allowing conversion therapy and prohibiting Medicaid from covering transgender-affirming medical care. The discussion highlights the override of Governor Andy Beshear's veto of the bill, which he had enacted to protect minors from conversion therapy, labeling it as dangerous and discriminatory. The bill was passed along party lines, with significant support from Republican lawmakers. The conversation also touches on the broader issues of mental health, the impact of social media on self-diagnosis, and the importance of credible medical advice. Dr. Greg and Bryan emphasize the need for skepticism regarding unsupervised medical information online and the importance of consulting qualified professionals. They also critique the trend of self-diagnosis among individuals, particularly in the context of mental health conditions. This episode is significant as it addresses the ongoing debate over conversion therapy and the challenges posed by misinformation in mental health, underscoring the need for informed discussions and credible sources in the field.

In this episode, host Dr. Greg and co-host Bryan dive into real-life dating scenarios to help listeners recognize both red flags and green lights in relationships. From texting during dinner to wanting to move in after just two weeks, they break down the behaviors that might raise eyebrows—or signal something deeper. The conversation touches on the importance of being present, the role of emotional availability, and how rushing into commitment can sometimes mask underlying issues. Dr. Greg and Bryan emphasize the value of clear communication, especially when it comes to defining the relationship. They also explore how certain actions, even if they seem ideal on the surface, may hide potential challenges. Whether you’re new to dating or navigating a long-term relationship, this episode offers practical insights to help you stay self-aware and build healthier connections.

In this episode of Off the Couch, Dr. Greg host is joined by Bryan and Noah for an honest and thought-provoking conversation about the pitfalls of being too nice—both personally and professionally. Drawing inspiration from Psychology Today articles, they dive into how excessive kindness can actually backfire, leading to poor communication, indecisiveness, and a reluctance to confront issues directly. The trio shares personal stories around the struggle to say no, the instinct to soften truths, and the pressure to avoid conflict at all costs. They explore the fine line between kindness and assertiveness, especially in leadership roles where being liked can sometimes come at the expense of respect. The conversation also takes a deeper look at societal expectations—particularly for women—around being perceived as “too much” when standing up for their needs. It's a powerful reminder that being authentic and setting boundaries is not unkind, and that true connection often requires a little discomfort.

In this episode with Dr. Greg and Bryan, the discussion delves into the evolving concept of masculinity in 2025. Hosted by Kyle and Brian on Off the Couch, the conversation explores whether men are facing a crisis or simply adapting to shifting societal expectations. The speakers examine changing gender attitudes, particularly among Republican men and women, citing 2024 survey data that shows growing support for traditional gender roles. Through personal reflections and an analysis of cultural influences—such as parenting and media—they highlight the importance of allowing individuals to express themselves authentically without being confined by outdated stereotypes. This thought-provoking dialogue sheds light on the complexities of modern masculinity and the necessity of open conversations in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Greg and Bryan explore the significant wave of mass layoffs sweeping across industries, from Southwest Airlines and Chevron to Meta, with a particular focus on the federal workforce, where over 100,000 jobs are at risk. They delve into the psychological toll of job loss, examining the shock, anger, embarrassment, and anxiety experienced by those affected. Bryan shares personal insights on the emotional turmoil that accompanies unexpected layoffs, shedding light on the stigma surrounding job loss and the broader impact on workplace culture. Dr. Greg and Bryan also discuss how layoffs can create a climate of fear, diminishing morale among remaining employees and straining organizational cohesion. The conversation highlights the importance of managerial support, emphasizing active listening and compassionate leadership as essential tools in navigating these challenging transitions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing job uncertainty, offering valuable perspectives on resilience, emotional well-being, and the critical role of empathy in the workplace during economic downturns.

Episode 62: Divorce: Blessing or Curse? With Monique Marvez!

In this episode, Dr. Greg and Bryan delve into the significant funding cuts announced by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which are expected to adversely affect vital medical research, including studies on cancer and Alzheimer's. They discuss the NIH's new policy imposing a 15% cap on indirect research costs, leading to billions in funding reductions. Dr. Greg highlights concerns raised by Mark Becker from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities that these cuts could impede future medical breakthroughs. Meanwhile, Bryan introduces the concept of "super aging," emphasizing the importance of maintaining functional independence and active engagement among older adults. The duo also references a study from the University of New South Wales that explored perspectives on super aging and underscored the role of playfulness in coping with adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. They both stress the significance of social connections and small acts of kindness in combating loneliness and fostering empathy, especially among older adults facing financial challenges. Recorded during the pandemic, this episode is crucial as it addresses the intersection of funding cuts, aging, and mental health, highlighting broader implications for society's well-being.