Why does boredom feel so uncomfortable now? And why do we avoid it at all costs?

In this episode, we unpack why boredom has become almost intolerable in modern life - and what our brains are actually doing when we reach for our phones, snacks, scrolling, or anything to escape stillness. We talk habit loops, dopamine, discomfort, and why "just sit with it" feels impossible for so many of us.

We also challenge the idea that boredom is something to fix - and explore how tolerating small moments of boredom might actually help with emotional regulation, focus, and breaking unwanted habits.

Low pressure. No shame. Just two therapists getting curious about why doing nothing feels so hard.

Ever wonder why you know what to do... but still can't seem to do it?

In this episode, we break down why habits are so hard to change - and it's not because you lack motivation or discipline. We talk about how the brain, nervous system, and past experiences work together to keep patterns in place, even when they no longer serve us.

We unpack:

• Why willpower alone doesn't work
• How stress and survival wiring reinforce habits
• The emotional comfort hidden inside "bad habits."
• What actually helps habits shift in a way that sticks

If you've ever felt frustrated with yourself for falling back into old patterns, this episode is a reminder: you're not broken - your brain is doing exactly what it learned to do.

Come for the insight. Stay for the compassion (and probably a laugh or two).

Sight, sound, touch, tase, smell - our senses shape how we remember the world. In this episode, we dive into the surprising ways sensory experiences can trigger vivid memories, emotions, and even moments we thought we'd forgotten. From childhood nostalgia to unexpected sensory flashbacks, we explore how the body and mind are connected, and why certain sights, sounds, or smells hit harder than words alone. Get ready for stories, science, and a few laughs along the way.

It's the New Year - and instead of pressure, resolutions, or pretending we have it all figured out, we're talking honestly about what it's like to carry old patterns into a new calendar year.

In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight people bring into January, the expectations we inherit (and internalize), and how change actually happens - slowly, imperfectly, and often through behavior before emotion.

No reinvention required.

No fresh start fantasy.

Just two therapists on the brink, welcoming another year with curiosity, humor, and a little grace. Actually, we might still be working on that last part.

If the New Year feels heavy, overwhelming, or complicated 0 you're not doing it wrong.

You're human.

In this episode, we're talking about money - and all the emotions that come with it. Stress, shame, avoidance, anxiety, control, comparison... finances are rarely just about numbers.

We unpack how our money stories are shaped by upbringing, survival, trauma, and nervous systems - and why financial struggles don't mean you're irresponsible or failing. From avoidance and overspending to scarcity mindset and financial guilt, we explore how mental health and money are deeply intertwined.

This isn't a budgeting episode. It's a compassionate, honest conversation about finances, self-worth, and why so many of us feel overwhelmed - even when we're "doing everything right."

If money has ever made you feel anxious, stuck, or ashamed... this one's for you.

It's a special treat this holiday season! We start with the classic Elf on the Shelf story... then, because we can't help ourselves, we present our very own The Therapist on the Shelf version.

Expect cozy laughs, gentle holiday chaos, and all the insights that happen when elves start reframing behavior, checking in on feelings, and facilitating family dynamics.

Whether you're a fan of the original story or just here for a warm, funny, therapist-approved twist, this bonus episode is perfect for your seasonal listening.

Grab some cocoa, pull up a blanket, and let your elf (and your therapist) do the rest.

Winter hits different - and not always in a cozy way. Join us as we unpack Seasonal Affective Disorder: why your brain feels heavier, why you crave sleep (or cookies), and how small shifts can make a huge difference. We talk science, symptoms, and real-life coping, plus the weird little things we do to stay sane when the sun ghosts us for months.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Lou Anne Bates to explore the emotional, physical, and invisible load carried by caregivers. From advocating for loved ones to navigating the mental strain of constant responsibility, Lou Anne opens up about the realities most people never see.

We talk burnout, boundaries, compassion fatigue, guilt, resentment, identity loss, and the complicated love that keeps caregivers showing up-often at their own expense. She shares the practices that helped her stay grounded, including the role of energy work in reconnecting with herself during one of the hardest seasons of her life.

Whether you're a caregiver, love a caregiver, or work with caregivers, this conversation is validating, honest, and full of small shifts that can make a big difference.

If you've ever felt alone in the heaviness of caring for someone else, this episode is for you.

Ever felt that "whoa" moment that makes everything pause for a second? Turns out, awe isn't just a feel-good emotion - it has legit mental and physical health benefits. In this episode, we break down the science behind awe, why your brain loves wonder, and how tiny everyday moments can acutally regulate your nervous system.

From sunsets to small acts of kindness, we're talking practical, therapist-approved ways to bring more awe into your life (without needing a plan ticket).

The holidays are here… and so is the stress! 🎁 Join therapists Austin McDonough and Kellie Campbell as they unwrap the messy emotions behind family gatherings, unrealistic expectations, and that one relative who always has one too many spiked eggnogs. Grab a snack, lower the bar, and remember—you’re allowed to enjoy the season imperfectly.