The Mental Funny Bone

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

This week we wrap up our discussion of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics and start exploring a new book: The Idiot Brain by Dean Burnett.

Turns out, your brain is amazing… but also kind of a jerk.

We talk about why your brain lies to you, how memories are actually formed, and the surprising reason motion sickness makes you want to throw up.

We also dive into ADHD quirks, audiobook listening strategies, and the strange way emotions can lock memories into your brain forever.

Basically: your brain is fascinating, complicated, and occasionally an idiot.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this episode, we dig into Chapter 4 and the idea that meditation isn’t soft—it’s a hard skill. The kind that helps you take the pause, challenge the brain voice, and pivot instead of spiral.

We talk about why mindfulness works (even in high-stress environments like the military), how meditation gives you an edge without turning you into a hippie guru, and what it actually looks like in real life — including asking for help at work, redirecting tense conversations, and apologizing after rage-throwing a vacuum attachment.

We also unpack comparison traps, the myth of “doing it right,” and why success rarely follows a clean, predictable path.

And somewhere in there, Snoop Dogg becomes our spiritual guide.

Be kind to your brain. Challenge the liar voice. Gentle pivot when you can. And if all else fails… channel Snoop.

Namaste.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this episode, Chris and Sarah recap Chapter 3 of Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics and tackle one of the biggest excuses we all use:

“I don’t have time.”

They explore why busyness feels productive, why “rest” can trigger guilt (especially for Gen Xers), and how even one minute of meditation can start rewiring your brain.

If you’ve ever said you don’t have time to meditate but somehow found time to scroll, play a game, or relive a 2005 conversation in your head… this one’s for you.

Spoiler: It’s not about time. It’s about comfort.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this episode, Chris and Sarah discuss meditation, duality, and why trying harder isn’t always the answer.

They explore what it really means to “do it wrong,” how effortlessness often matters more than effort, and why awareness, not perfection, is the goal.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with meditation (or life in general), this conversation will feel familiar.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

This week, we try something new: a five-minute guided body scan.

It goes exactly as you’d expect.

We talk about:

• why you’re not bad at meditation
• equanimity (or however you pronounce it)
• body scans vs. breath focus
• short meditations > heroic meditations

And somehow…
Doug and the Business Cats enter the chat.

No enlightenment achieved.
But we did laugh.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this episode, Sarah and Chris continue their deep-but-funny dive into Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris and Jeff Warren, breaking down the real beginner questions people have about meditation... without pretending anyone is suddenly a calm monk.

They talk through meditation basics like:

• Where to meditate (desk chairs, cars, ass pillows — all valid)
• Whether you’re allowed to move (spoiler: yes)
• Why lying down feels great but leads to naps
• How long meditation actually needs to be (hint: not 30 minutes)
• Why “being bad at meditation” still works

Along the way, they unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts meditation offers: realizing your brain voice is not you — and that inner critic might just be… kind of a jerk.

With plenty of laughs, real-life examples, and zero pressure to “do it right,” this episode is for anyone who’s curious about mindfulness but allergic to perfection.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this episode, the hosts delve into the importance of mindfulness and meditation, sharing insights from the book 'Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics' by Dan Harris and Jeff Warren. The conversation touches on competitive nature, personal growth, and the significance of recognizing one's thoughts and emotions. The hosts also explore the challenges of maintaining a balance between ambition and collaboration, emphasizing the value of mindfulness in navigating life's complexities.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this lively episode, the Gaster Girls kick off the new year with a candid conversation about their experiences, personal growth, and the changes coming to their podcast. They share humorous anecdotes about their struggles with technology, the challenges of recording, and the excitement of new beginnings. The discussion flows into their recent break, the importance of mental health, and their plans for future episodes, including a focus on meditation and self-help books. The hosts also reflect on their past experiences in high school, the evolution of their lives, and the significance of community engagement through their recent public speaking gig. 

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

This episode of the Mental Funny Bone podcast is a delightful reminder that laughter is a vital part of life. Whether it's navigating health issues, financial struggles, or the quirks of friendship, the hosts show us that humor can make even the most challenging moments a little brighter. Key takeaways include the importance of hydration, the value of friendships, and the necessity of embracing life's imperfections. In a world that often feels overwhelming, finding joy in the chaos is a valuable skill worth cultivating.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/

Fan Mail Goes Here!!

In this episode, Chris and Sarah share personal stories, including their upcoming high school assembly focused on mental health, and emphasize the importance of self-compassion and community support. The conversation highlights the continuous journey of personal growth, the role of awareness, and the power of writing for reflection. They also touch on the balance of successes and failures in life, encouraging listeners to embrace their experiences and look forward to future discussions.

How to find mental health help when you're struggling.  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://washingtoncountyhumanservices.com/agencies/behavioral-health-developmental-services
https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Services/Human-Services-DHS/Publications/Resource-Guides
Apps -  Just search mental health where you get your apps.
EAP programs are a great place to look for help!!

Additional Resources (Sports Related):
https://globalsportmatters.com/health/2020/12/04/mental-health-resources-2/