Hey Sober Psychology fam! It's Michael, your psychologist-in-training, back with a raw, no-filter episode on "Cheating & Adultery." 💔

Ever wonder why people risk it all for a fleeting thrill? We’re diving into the psychological traps (dopamine highs, attachment issues) behind infidelity, backed by studies like Buss’s work on desire. Plus, for my faith-driven crew, we’re exposing how our pleasure-obsessed culture twists Biblical truths about fidelity—and what Scripture demands instead. Expect tough truths, practical fixes, and a dose of dark humor to wake you up. 🙌 If you’re wrestling with trust or temptation, this one’s for you.

Subscribe, share with someone who needs this reality check, and comment: What’s your take on cheating? Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify! 🎙️

#SoberPsychology #Cheating #Infidelity #ChristianLiving #MentalHealth #Psychology #BiblicalTruth #Relationships #SelfImprovement #FaithAndPsychology

Chapters:

• 0:00 - Welcome/ Intro

• 7:18 - Psychological Pull of Cheating

• 14:17 - Gender Wars

• 20:06 - Wreckage and the Road Out (Solution)

• 29:56 - Quickfire Q & A

Hey Sober Psychology fam! It's Michael, your psychologist-in-training, diving deep into the gritty truth about "Success & Winning" in this week's episode.

🏆 Ever wonder why chasing wins can feel like a high but leave you empty? We’re unpacking the psychological highs (dopamine hits!) and lows (burnout, loneliness) of success, backed by studies like the Harvard Grant Study. Plus, for my faith-driven folks, we’re exploring what the Bible says about winning without losing your soul—spoiler: it’s not about that prosperity gospel fluff. 🙏 Expect raw insights, dark humor, and practical tips to win the right way.

Hit that subscribe button, share with a friend who’s grinding too hard, and drop a comment: What’s YOUR biggest success struggle? Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify! 🎙️

#SoberPsychology #SuccessMindset #ChristianLiving #MentalHealth #Psychology #Winning #BiblicalWisdom #Motivation #SelfImprovement

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro/ Welcome

3:25 - Why are we talking about success?

4:08 - The Highs of Success

7:58 - The Lows of Success

10:00 - Imposter Syndrome

14:55 - Psychological Tools to Win

17:04 - Journaling

22:10 - Q & A's

25:30 - Sign Off

Hello legends! In this episode, "The Division of Politics: How We're Being Torn Apart and Why It Benefits the Shadows," I’m diving deep into the mess of political division. Why are we at each other’s throats? From Civil War scars to today’s meme wars, I unpack the history, the psych science behind our outrage addiction, and how the Deep State and media fat cats profit off our bickering. Plus, through a Christian lens, we’ll expose how this divide is straight-up Satan’s playground—think The Screwtape Letters but with more caffeine.

If you’re sick of family dinners turning into cage matches or wondering why society feels like a powder keg, this one’s for you. Expect raw facts, hard truths, and a call to bridge the gap before we all crash and burn.

What’s Inside:

- History Lesson: How division’s been screwing us since the Civil War, and why it’s worse now (Pew stats don’t lie).

- Shadow Puppetry: How the Deep State, Big Tech, and media cash in on our chaos.

- Psych Breakdown: Why your brain’s hooked on hating the “other side” (spoiler: it’s like a drug).

- Christian Take: How politics distracts from faith, straight from C.S. Lewis’ playbook.

- Action Plan: Steps to unite, because division’s a death sentence.

Hit that like button, subscribe, and share to spread the truth. Let’s stop fighting and start fixing. Keep your head up, heart open, and go help somebody. Love you all!

#SoberPsychology #PoliticalDivide #DeepState #Polarization #ChristianPerspective #Unity #MentalHealth #ScrewtapeLetters #PsychologyPodcast #TruthSeekers

References

• Political polarization in the United States - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_polarization_in_the_United_States

• Political Polarization in the United States | Facing History & Ourselves. https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/political-polarization-united-states

• How Did Political Polarization Begin, and Where Does it End? | Impact. https://impact.duke.edu/story/how-did-political-polarization-begin-and-where-does-it-end

• The polarization in today's Congress has roots that go back decades. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2022/03/10/the-polarization-in-todays-congress-has-roots-that-go-back-decades/

• Democracy and Deep Divides. https://www.journalofdemocracy.org/articles/democracy-and-deep-divides/

• The Psychology of Political Polarization. https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/the-psychology-of-political-polarization/

• The psychology behind our political divide, with Keith Payne, PhD. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/political-divide

• Social Psychological Perspectives on Political Polarization. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17456916231186409

• Reflections: Christianity And Politics - C.S. Lewis Institute. https://www.cslewisinstitute.org/resources/reflections-may-2019/

• Screwtape on Christianity and Politics - The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/screwtape-on-christianity-and-politics/

• Uncle Screwtape on Political Extremism - Jeremy L. Berg. https://kingdomharbor.com/2021/01/14/uncle-screwtape-on-political-extremism/

Hey, folks! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, diving into the chaos with our latest episode, "Everything Will Be Ok: Finding Hope in the Chaos of 2025."

With Charlie Kirk’s assassination tearing open our political and cultural divides, it feels like the world’s on fire—but I’m here to tell you it’ll work out. We’re breaking down biblical hope, psychological resilience, and historical proof that humanity’s survived worse. From scripture’s promises to science-backed grit, this episode’s got raw truths, a few dark laughs, and real tools to keep you steady in the storm—whether you’re in recovery or just trying to survive the headlines.
Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a reality check and a spark of hope. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s rise above the mess together!
#Hope #Resilience #Sobriety #SoberPsychology #Psychology #CharlieKirk #PoliticalDivide #CulturalDivide #Christianity #BiblicalHope #MentalHealth #Recovery #HistoricalResilience

References

• American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Resilience. https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience

• Fredrickson, B. L., et al. (2004). Resilient Individuals Use Positive Emotions... PMC.

• Nature. (2022). Systematic review of resilience. https://www.nature.com/articles/s44271-024-00138-w

• Open Bible. Bible Verses on Everything Will Be Ok. https://www.openbible.info/topics/everything_will_be_ok

• History.com. Kindness in Crises. https://www.history.com/articles/crisis-kindness-pandemics-civil-war-911-attacks-hurricanes

• ResearchGate. Collective Resilience. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/377016655_Crisis_and_resilience_in_psychology

• Various podcasts: Mel Robbins, Jordan Peterson, Matt Walsh (2025 episodes on resilience and divide).

Hey, you desperate lovers! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, dropping truth bombs in our latest episode, "Relationships: Navigating the Modern Mess to Build Real Bonds."

We're tearing into the chaos of 2025 dating culture—think apps turning love into a swipe-right scam, situationships leaving everyone empty, and red pill nonsense poisoning the vibe. I’m laying out biblical principles for dating with purpose, psych-backed strategies for healthy relationships, and why you need to ditch the drama to find real love. Packed with raw insights, a few dark laughs, and tools to build bonds that last, this one’s for anyone in recovery or just sick of the dating circus.

Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to level up their love game. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s build something real together!

#Relationships #Dating #ModernDating #Sobriety #SoberPsychology #Psychology #HealthyRelationships #BiblicalDating #Christianity #Situationships #RedPill #MentalHealth #love

References:

• Gottman, J. M., & Silver, N. (2015). The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work. Harmony Books.

• Peterson, J. B. (2025). Various podcast episodes on relationships (e.g., friendship in marriage).
• Robbins, M. (2024). "Let Them Theory" podcast episodes.
• Regnerus, M. (2017). Cheap Sex: The Transformation of Men, Marriage, and Monogamy. Oxford University Press.
• Bowlby, J. (1988). A Secure Base: Parent-Child Attachment and Healthy Human Development. Basic Books.
• Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2025 meta-analysis on attachment).
• Archives of Sexual Behavior (2022 study on hookup regret).
• Equimundo (2025 State of American Men report).

Hey, you lovely legends! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, diving into the firestorm of "The Masculinity Issue: Reviving the Suppressed Man for a Stronger Society."

In this episode, we’re tearing apart how politics, feminism, society, and even modern Christianity have tried to tame masculinity into submission, and why we need to bring it back to save our families and society. Backed by hard-hitting psych studies and real talk, I’m unpacking the crisis, the suppression, and the path to reclaiming strength without losing heart.
Expect raw insights, a few dark laughs, and tools to rebuild what’s been lost—whether you’re in recovery or just navigating life.
Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s reignite the fire together!
#Masculinity #MasculinityCrisis #SoberPsychology #Recovery #Sobriety #Psychology #ToxicMasculinity #FamilyStructure #Christianity #Feminism #MensIssues #mentalhealthawareness

References:

• Equimundo. (2025). State of American Men 2025. https://www.equimundo.org/resources/state-of-american-men-2025/

• APA. (2025). Uncharted territory: The future of men and masculinities. https://www.apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/future-boys-men-masculinities

• Pearcey, N. (2023). The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Baker Books.

• Brown University. (2025). Men, masculinity and mental health. https://sph.brown.edu/news/2025-07-24/men-masculinity

• New York Times. (2025). It's Not Just a Feeling: Data Shows Boys and Young Men Are Falling Behind. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/upshot/boys-falling-behind-data.html

• Deseret News. (2025). Why the struggles of America's young men are now political. https://www.deseret.com/family/2025/08/26/war-on-boys-masculinity-crisis-how-to-help-men/

• APA. (2019). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Boys and Men. https://www.apa.org/about/policy/boys-men-practice-guidelines.pdf

• Yousaf, O., et al. (2015). Beliefs in traditional masculinity and mental health help-seeking. Journal of Health Psychology.

• Rios, J. M. (2016). Christianity and the Crisis of Masculinity. https://jmichaelrios.wordpress.com/2016/05/26/christianity-and-the-crisis-of-masculinity/

• McKay, B. (2023). The Manliness Myth: Unpacking Toxic Masculinity in the Church. https://medium.com/backyard-theology/the-manliness-myth-unpacking-toxic-masculinity-in-the-church-17213f5816b5

• McGill, J. (2018). Masculinity, Social Connectedness, and Mental Health. PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6142169/

• Shape Talent. (2024). Breaking the chains of traditional masculinity. https://shapetalent.com/breaking-the-chains-of-traditional-masculinity-another-hidden-driver-of-gender-inequality/

• UN Women. (2025). What is the manosphere and why should we care? https://eca.unwomen.org/en/stories/explainer/2025/08/what-is-the-manosphere-and-why-should-we-care

• San Francisco Chronicle. (2025). Crisis of masculinity: Why young men are struggling to define manhood. https://san.com/cc/crisis-of-masculinity-why-young-men-are-struggling-to-define-manhood/

Hey, you beautiful people! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, back with a gut-punch episode, "Enabling: The Toxic 'Help' That's Hurting Your Loved One's Recovery."

We’re diving deep into what enabling really is—spoiler: it’s not love, it’s letting bad behavior slide, especially for alcoholics and addicts. From covering up their messes to bailing them out, I’m exposing why your "help" might be their downfall, backed by psych research and some Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom. Expect raw truths, a few dark laughs, and practical steps to stop enabling and start supporting for real.

If you’re in recovery or love someone who is, this one’s a must-watch.

Smash that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs this wake-up call. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s break the cycle together!

#Enabling #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #Codependency #SoberPsychology #Psychology #AlcoholicsAnonymous #ToughLove #AddictionSupport #MentalHealth #Boundaries #recoveryispossible
References

• Beattie, M. (1986). Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Hazelden Publishing.

• Thomas, E. J., et al. (2004). Enabling behavior in a clinical sample of alcohol-dependent clients and their partners. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 26(4), 269-276.

• Rotunda, R. J., & O'Farrell, T. J. (1997). Marital and family therapy of alcohol use disorders: Bridging the gap between research and practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 28(3), 246-252. (Related to enabling review)

• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. (2021). What Is Enabling? Retrieved from https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/articles/enabling-fact-sheet

• Verywell Mind. (2024). Enabler Behavior: Motivations, Signs, Impact, and Strategies. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/enabler-behavior-motivations-signs-impact-8602260

• WebMD. (2024). Signs You're Enabling a Loved One's Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/features/addiction-enabling-a-loved-one

• Healthline. (2019). Enabler: Definition, Behavior, Psychology, Recognizing One, More. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/enabler

• American Addiction Centers. (2025). How to Stop Enabling Your Loved One's Addictions. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/how-to-stop-enabling

• Resurgence Behavioral Health. (2024). How Enabling Affects Addiction Recovery. Retrieved from https://resurgencebehavioralhealth.com/blog/enabling/

• St. Joseph Institute. (n.d.). Afraid to Love: The Enabling Dilemma. Retrieved from https://stjosephinstitute.com/blog/afraid-to-love-the-enabling-dilemma/

• Al-Anon Family Groups. (2017). Mothering or Enabling? Retrieved from https://al-anon.org/blog/mothering-or-enabling/

• English Mountain Recovery. (2025). Understanding the Difference Between Supporting and Enabling. Retrieved from https://englishmountain.com/blog/understanding-the-difference-between-supporting-and-enabling/

• Addiction Center. (2025). What Is an Enabler? Retrieved from https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/stage-intervention/what-is-an-enabler/

Hey, you beautiful fighters! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, tackling a big question everyone’s whispering about in this episode: "Is AA a Cult? Unpacking the Stigma and Truth of Alcoholics Anonymous."

We’re diving into the rumors, the history from Carl Jung’s influence to the basement beginnings, how AA might’ve gotten a bit softer over time, and the real-deal benefits backed by science. If you’re in recovery or just curious about Alcoholics Anonymous, this raw chat cuts through the BS with some dark laughs and hard truths. Stick around for insights that could change how you see sobriety.

Hit that like button, subscribe for more no-holds-barred psychology talks, and share with someone who needs it. New episodes every week on YouTube and Spotify—let’s stay real together!

#AA #AlcoholicsAnonymous #IsAACult #Sobriety #Recovery #Psychology #SoberPsychology #Addiction #12Steps #CarlJung #MentalHealth #relapseprevention

References:

- Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

- Kelly, J. F., et al. (2020). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs for alcohol use disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3.

- Humphreys, K., et al. (2014). Self-help organizations for alcohol and drug problems: Toward evidence-based practice and policy. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 46(1), 1-10.

- Kaskutas, L. A. (2009). Alcoholics Anonymous effectiveness: Faith meets science. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 28(2), 145-157.

- Tonigan, J. S., et al. (2013). Spirituality and Alcoholics Anonymous. Southern Medical Journal, 106(1), 15-20.

Hey, you beautiful disasters! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, back with another episode that’s gonna hit you harder than a sobriety checkpoint.

We’re diving into why scribbling your thoughts isn’t just for angsty teens—it’s a game-changer for your mental health and recovery. I’m breaking down the science, from Alcoholics Anonymous wisdom to legit studies, showing how journaling can tame your inner chaos, boost self-awareness, and keep your sobriety on lock. Expect raw truths, a few dark chuckles, and practical tips to make your journal your new best friend (sorry, Netflix). Whether you’re fighting addiction, stress, or just your brain’s BS, this episode’s got you.

Smash that follow button and share with someone who needs to spill their guts on paper. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s keep it real!

#Journaling #SoberPsychology #MentalHealth #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #Psychology #SelfAwareness #EmotionalRegulation #12Steps #GratitudeJournaling #ExpressiveWriting #StressRelief

References:

• Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

• PositivePsychology.com. (n.d.). 5 Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com/benefits-of-journaling/

• Huffman, J. C., et al. (2024). A randomized feasibility study of a positive psychology journaling intervention for patients with substance use disorders. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S294987592400122X

• University of Rochester Medical Center. (n.d.). Journaling for Emotional Wellness. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4552

• Silver Ridge Recovery. (2024). Unlocking Long-Term Recovery: The Healing Power of Journaling for Adults. https://www.silverridgerecovery.com/unlocking-long-term-recovery-the-healing-power-of-journaling-for-adults/

• American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Expressive writing can help your mental health. https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/expressive-writing

• Mental Health Center. (2025). The Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health. https://www.mentalhealthctr.com/the-connection-between-creativity-and-mental-health/

• Spectrum Health Systems. (2025). Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling in Addiction Recovery. https://www.spectrumhealthsystems.org/exploring-the-therapeutic-benefits-of-journaling-in-addiction-recovery/

• Resources to Recover. (2021). The Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health. https://www.rtor.org/2021/04/24/the-benefits-of-journaling-for-mental-health/

• American Addiction Centers. (2024). Why Journaling is a Powerful Recovery Tool. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/journaling-recovery

• Robin Recovery. (2025). The benefits of journaling during addiction recovery. https://www.robinrecovery.com/post/the-benefits-of-journaling-during-addiction-recovery?67289134_page=11

• HelpGuide.org. (2024). Journaling for Mental Health and Wellness. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/journaling-for-mental-health-and-wellness

• Ivory Plains Recovery Center. (2024). Try Journaling for Better Mental Health. https://ivoryplainsrecovery.com/blog/try-journaling-for-better-mental-health/

• Psychology Today. (2025). Journaling in College: A Low-Tech Mental-Health Enhancer. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/college-mental-health/202506/journaling-in-college-a-low-tech-mental-health-enhancer

• UP Magazine. (n.d.). The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling: Releasing, Reflecting, and Rebuilding. https://upmag.com/the-mental-health-benefits-of-journaling-releasing-reflecting-and-rebuilding/

Hey, you beautiful chaos machines! It’s Michael, your Sober Psychology host, diving headfirst into the messy, mind-bending world of imposter syndrome.

Ever feel like you’re faking it—at work, in recovery, or just in life? Yeah, that’s your brain pulling a prank, and we’re here to call it out. With insights from the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book and hard-hitting psychological research, I’m breaking down why you feel like a fraud, how to shut that voice up, and why you’re already killing it (even if you don’t believe it). Packed with real talk, practical tips, and a few laughs to keep it light, this episode is for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves.

Hit that like button, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a reminder they’re a freaking legend. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube and Spotify—let’s keep the recovery real!

#ImposterSyndrome #SoberPsychology #MentalHealth #Sobriety #Recovery #Psychology #SelfDoubt #12Steps #CBT #Mindfulness #Perfectionism #SelfEsteem

References:

- Alcoholics Anonymous. (2001). Alcoholics Anonymous: The Story of How Many Thousands of Men and Women Have Recovered from Alcoholism (4th ed.). Alcoholics Anonymous World Services.

- Baumeister, R. F., et al. (2008). Bad is stronger than good. Psychological Review, 108(4), 379-394.

- Bravata, D. M., et al. (2019). The power of verbalizing imposter feelings: A randomized controlled trial. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 45(7), 1032-1045.

- Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (2011). The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Journal of Behavioral Science, 15(3), 241-247.

- Cokley, K., et al. (2020). The roles of cognitive distortions and imposter phenomenon in academic settings. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 44(2), 301-312.

- Kelly, J. F., et al. (2017). Social identity and recovery: The role of belonging in 12-step groups. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 80, 12-19.

- McGrath, R. E., et al. (2018). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for imposter syndrome: A meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 74(9), 1456-1469.

- Neff, K. D., et al. (2021). Self-compassion and imposter syndrome: A pathway to psychological resilience. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 658.

- Smith, M. M., et al. (2022). Perfectionism and imposter syndrome: The role of “good enough” mindsets. Journal of Personality, 90(3), 421-435.

- Stoeber, J., & Otto, K. (2016). Positive conceptions of perfectionism: Approaches, evidence, challenges. Personality and Individual Differences, 99, 234-240.

- Vogel, E. A., et al. (2019). Social comparison and self-esteem on social media: A meta-analysis. Computers in Human Behavior, 98, 168-175.

- Wei, M., et al. (2020). Journaling as a tool to combat imposter syndrome: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(4), 456-467.