RE:Shrinking the Podcast

ShrinkRAP the Costumes from RE:Shrinking the Podcast is a FINALIST for The Signal Awards!Thank y'all, and go VOTE for us for the Listeners Choice Award!https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVohttps://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUZZTVljRVFIY0l0Y19OQjdhVWV5UHBuZjdrN3xBTl9pYzRkX1hEX2I4anpTTzFidTVvMWNvSkhOOTU0cld1MFBIWGNrSDB3ZFBaY0dBLWxPMEtXa1ExT0IxNjlnZ1lyS0Z2N3c4UnhlaGJqbGNQS2kxLUo2eUhRei1PZk5Fa25i&q=https%3A%2F%2Fvote.signalaward.com%2FPublicVoting%3Futm_campaign%3Dsigna5_entrant_finalistnotification_092926%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dcio%23%2F2026%2Findividual-episodes%2Fgenre%2Ftelevision-film&v=pjlPh2MccwM

What happens when RE:Shrinking heads to StreamFest? A dream weekend for Shrinking fans.

Join Holly and Carina as they recap their unforgettable experience at the festival, covering the red carpet, and talking with some of the incredible people who bring Shrinking to life.

In this special ShrinkRAP bonus episode, you'll hear conversations with:

• Bill Lawrence, co-creator of Shrinking
• Christa B. Miller, who brings Liz to life (and helps shape the show's unforgettable music)
• Luke Tennie, who plays Sean with honesty, humor, and heart
• Ted McGinley, everyone's favorite Derek, sharing stories that are every bit as delightful as you'd expect

We talk about the magic behind the series, the relationships that make it so special, memorable moments from StreamFest, and why Shrinking continues to resonate so deeply with audiences.

Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're just discovering RE:Shrinking, this is a behind-the-scenes celebration of the show, its creators, and the incredible community that has grown around it.

Thanks for joining us—and we'll see you back for more regular episodes soon!

Ever wonder how Gabby's outfits always inspire joy? Wanna raid Liz's closet? Trying to figure out if you can pull off jorts with an exposed inner pocket like Alice?

We cover all of this and more in our FIRST EVER ShrinkRAP Episode with the ACTUAL Costume Designer guru from Shrinking on AppleTV, Allyson Fanger!!!

ANNND we even got a 2 for 1 as she is joined also for the assist by Dana Cartini!!!!

We stan a Kween Team.

What's coming up for RE:Shrinking the Podcast after Season 1?

Carina and Holly announce the launch of their bonus series, "ShrinkRAP": A version of RE:Shrinking where we explore topics that relate to the show like Wardrobe, Storytelling, Psychology, and more!

These will begin intermittently over the break between Season 1 and Season 2 and continue as we have interesting topics and guests to share.

In the meantime, make sure you and your friends get caught up on all 10 Season 1 Episodes, so we can begin Season 2 together soon!

That's our time! See you soon on RE:Shrinking the Podcast!

It’s the Season 1 finale of Shrinking, and “Closure” pulls absolutely no punches. So this week, Holly and Carina discuss how Jimmy is trying to move forward—but grief doesn’t follow timelines. Alice is confronting the fear of losing pieces of her mom. Paul takes a huge emotional risk (and maybe his biggest win yet). And Gaby steps fully into her power—with a little backup when it counts.

We get into all of it: the difference between avoidance and healing, what panic actually looks like in the body, and how “closure” isn’t something you achieve—it’s something you practice. Jimmy’s panic attack, Alice’s memory gaps, and Paul showing up for both Meg and Gaby all highlight the same truth: growth requires vulnerability, not control.

We also talk about the ethics (and consequences) of Jimmy’s therapy style—especially as it collides with Grace’s storyline in a way that’s shocking, complicated, and hard to ignore. There’s a real conversation here about responsibility, harm, and what happens when “breakthroughs” go too far.

And then—there’s the wedding. The speech. The dancing. The connection. This episode somehow holds heartbreak, accountability, and joy all at once—and we’re breaking down why it works.

Plus:
– Gaby’s “big coochie energy” interview moment (and why it matters)
– Liz asking to be included—and what that reveals about vulnerability
– Brian and his dad (oof)
– Sean stepping into something new
– And yes… we need to talk about that final “boop”

Resources & Support:
If this episode brings anything up for you, you’re not alone—and support is available:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) – Call or text 988. This is especially relevant this week if you - or someone you love - is considering harm to self or others.
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) – Tools, articles, and support for anxiety and panic
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) – Research-backed info on mental health conditions
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) – Mental health resources and treatment info

Free & accessible options:
• Meditation, yoga, and breathwork can help regulate anxiety and panic responses
• The Insight Timer app offers free guided meditations, exercises outlined by licensed therapists and sleep support (not an ad - nor a prescription - just something Holly likes and uses).

If you’re dealing with panic attacks, anxiety, or harmful thoughts, therapy and/or medication can be incredibly helpful—and there are options at many different price points.

This week on RE:Shrinking, Holly and Carina break down Season 1, Episode 9 — “Moving Forward” of Shrinking — the episode where growth finally starts to cost something.
We spotlight the legendary Wendie Malick, whose decades-spanning career (from Just Shoot Me! to The Emperor’s New Groove) reminds us what it looks like to fully own your presence — on screen and off.
“Moving Forward” weaves together some of the most emotionally grounded moments of the season:

• Jimmy confronting life after Tia — and what it means to let go
  
• Alice reckoning with guilt, grief, and missed moments
  
• Paul risking vulnerability in a bold attempt to repair his relationship with Meg
  
• Gaby pushing for representation and recognition in her field
  
• Sean searching for purpose beyond survival
  

Because moving forward isn’t just about healing —
it’s about showing up anyway.
Even when it’s late.
Even when it’s messy.
Even when you’re not sure it will work.--------------------------------------------

Resources Mentioned This Week
This episode highlights the importance of representation, mentorship, and access in mental health care — especially for young people.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
A leading organization focused on supporting youth mental health and expanding the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.

Key takeaways:

• Child & adolescent psychiatry is one of the most underserved specialties
  
• There is a growing need for diverse providers and representation
  
• Mentorship and community are critical for entering and staying in the field
  
• Career paths can include clinical work, research, and community-based care
  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo0qSGJNANoNew episodes of RE:Shrinking drop weekly as we revisit every episode of Shrinking — exploring therapy concepts, grief, relationships, and the messy, human process of growth.
Next week: S1E10 — Season Finale. 🎙️

This week on RE:Shrinking, Carina Cooper and Holly Hurley Feather break down Season 1, Episode 8 (“Boop”) of Shrinking.

Directed by Zach Braff and written by Wally Baram, this episode dives into what happens when avoidance stops working and accountability begins.

We unpack Jimmy and Alice’s emotional clash, Paul’s regrets as a father, and Gaby’s unraveling at Nico’s art show—all centered around one idea: disrupting unhealthy patterns. (“Boop,” anyone?)

Plus, we explore codependency, boundaries, and what it really takes to change—even when it’s messy.

🔑 Themes This Episode

• Disrupting unhealthy relationship patterns (“Boop”)

• Parenting through conflict and repair

• Codependency and emotional enmeshment

• Accountability vs. avoidance

• Grief and delayed healing

This week on RE:Shrinking, Holly and Carina dive into Season 1, Episode 7 — “Apology Tour” of Shrinking — the episode where almost everyone owes someone an apology… and only some of them actually give one.

We spotlight Christa Miller, whose fingerprints are all over the emotional tone of the series. Known for unforgettable roles on Scrubs, The Drew Carey Show, and Cougar Town, Miller is also the music supervisor behind the iconic soundtracks of many Bill Lawrence shows — including Shrinking. If you’ve ever wondered why the music in these series hits so perfectly, there’s a good chance Christa Miller had something to do with it.

In this episode, the fallout from Jimmy’s disastrous party continues:

• Jimmy begins his “apology tour” after his performance at Brian's engagement party

• Gaby and Jimmy grapple with the consequences of their night together

• Alice and Sean struggle with the aftermath of a nearly crossed boundary

• Liz and Derek face the reality of retirement and independence

• And Paul’s attempt to reconnect with his daughter explodes into one of the most heartbreaking confrontations of the season

The episode asks a deceptively simple question: What makes a real apology?

Because saying “sorry” isn’t the same as taking responsibility — and sometimes the hardest apology is the one you never expected to have to make.

Along the way we also discuss:

• Harrison Ford’s devastating performance in Paul’s freezing scene

• Wally unexpectedly becoming the voice of emotional clarity

• Why Sean might secretly be the emotional backbone of the show

This week on RE:Shrinking, Holly and Carina unpack Season 1, Episode 6 — “Imposter Syndrome” of Shrinking — the party episode that absolutely detonates.

We spotlight co-creator and star Jason Segel, tracing his evolution from Freaks and Geeks to How I Met Your Mother, from writing and starring in Forgetting Sarah Marshall to helping revive The Muppets — all leading to the beautifully messy, grief-stricken Jimmy we see here.

“Imposter Syndrome” forces everyone into the same room… and then forces the truth out:

• Jimmy’s PTSD-style flashbacks and spiraling grief

• Paul’s fear of losing autonomy after disclosing Parkinson’s

• Brian’s trauma-informed avoidance around proposing

• Gaby navigating post-divorce vulnerability

• Alice and Sean colliding at the intersection of grief and adolescence

What starts as a surprise engagement party becomes a reckoning. Flashbacks blur with the present. Old fights resurface. Vomit happens (so much vomit). And beneath the chaos is the real question:

If you help other people process pain for a living… what happens when you refuse to process your own?

This episode doesn’t just explore imposter syndrome professionally — it examines the emotional version:
Feeling like a fraud in your grief.
In your marriage.
In your friendships.
In your healing.

And yes — we also discuss Hall & Oates, piano serenades gone wrong, and whether Jimmy might secretly be an incredible drunk singer.

🧠 Resources Mentioned This Week

Because this episode centers on unresolved grief, flashbacks, and emotional avoidance, we’re highlighting support specifically for loss and trauma.

GriefShare
A free, nationwide grief recovery support program that runs in 13-week group cycles.
Note: GriefShare is faith-based. If that approach isn’t right for you, consider secular alternatives below.

Many local hospice and palliative care organizations also offer free grief groups — even for those whose loved ones were not treated by that facility. Check locally.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Provides mental health and substance use treatment referrals and information, including trauma support resources for veterans.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 (U.S.) for free, confidential crisis support 24/7.

If you are experiencing PTSD flashbacks, intrusive memories, or emotional dysregulation similar to what Sean describes in this episode, these resources can help guide you toward trauma-informed care.

NOTE from the casters: in this episode, Holly mentions being Overweight. We debated leaving it in the show, but - after discussions with our local experts - Holly wanted to keep it.

She wants you to know that she's a practitioner (not a master) of Body Neutrality and feels HOT in her own skin.

However, we both very much understand if this mention was difficult for you, and we wanted to provide a resource to begin your journey as well.

Here's a start: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/5-steps-body-neutrality/.

🎬 Fun Share from This Week

Holly and Carina also loved revisiting Harrison Ford’s appearance on
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where he talks about working with Jason Segel — and appears surprisingly relaxed and delighted about it.

New episodes of RE:Shrinking drop weekly as we revisit every episode of Shrinking — exploring therapy tools, grief work, creative process, and the messy humanity underneath the jokes.

Next week: S1E7 — “Apology Tour.”

Songs Alice is sad to:

Casimir Pulaski Day⁠ by Sufjan Stevens

Bodybag by Charlotte Lawrence

This week on RE:Shrinking, Holly and Carina break down Season 1, Episode 5 — “Woof” of Shrinking — the episode where everyone is avoiding something… until they aren’t.

We spotlight the Music Department and composer Tom Howe, whose work (also heard in Ted Lasso and The Great British Bake Off) turns this series into an emotional mixtape. From needle drops to tonal shifts, the music in “Woof” acts like its own character — underscoring grief, panic, risk, and breakthrough.

We also unpack the writing of Bill Posley (Cobra Kai, 9-1-1, GLOW), and how this episode weaves together:

• Sean confronting the weight of being called a “hero”
• Brian’s trauma-informed avoidance around proposing
• Gaby demanding mentorship that actually reflects her
• Alice and Sean making reckless choices
• And Paul finally choosing honesty about his Parkinson’s

This is the episode about risk — the dangerous kind (skipping school, hanging from water towers, emotional avoidance)… and the brave kind (telling the truth, proposing anyway, asking for help).

🎵 Music Mentioned: “Me” by The 1975

Plus the official Shrinking Season 1 playlists available on Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Spotify.

🧠 Resources Mentioned This Week

This episode centers on risk-taking behavior, particularly as it relates to trauma and PTSD.

Common risk-taking behaviors can include:

• Skipping school
• Substance use
• Unsafe sexual behavior
• Gambling beyond your means
• Dangerous driving
• Fighting
• Extreme dieting or overeating
• Deliberate self-harm

Risk-taking may be connected to:

• Thrill-seeking
• Peer pressure & social influence
• Substance abuse
• ADHD-related impulsivity
• PTSD and other mental health challenges

If you or someone you love needs support:

NAMI HelpLine (Free & Confidential) Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Provides emotional support, mental health information, and resource guidance.

To assess high-risk behaviors in educational settings: Safe & Supportive Learning – Assessing High Risk ⁠https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/training-technical-assistance/education-level/higher-education/assessment/assessing-high-risk⁠

Additionally, for information and support around Parkinson’s disclosure and relationship changes, major Parkinson’s foundations provide guidance for navigating diagnosis conversations with family members.

You can find some of these at Parkinson.org, or Caregiver.org under Parkinson's Disease and Caregiving.