Episode Summary:

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Duff returns to the mic after a hiatus to share what's been going on behind the scenes with The Hardcore Self Help Podcast. He opens up about an almost-acquisition of the show by a larger mental health organization—a deal that initially looked promising but ultimately fell through. With transparency and vulnerability, Dr. Duff reflects on the emotional and professional impact of that experience, explains why the podcast paused, and announces the exciting new direction it's headed in.

What You'll Hear In This Episode:

• Why the podcast went quiet for a while

• A behind-the-scenes look at the attempted acquisition of the show

• The emotional and logistical toll of being let down by a potential deal

• Reflections on past professional disappointments outside of clinical work

• What's next: rebranding, new episode formats, and a stronger emphasis on interviews

• Why connection and personal stories will be the heart of the podcast moving forward

• Dr. Duff's renewed commitment to amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences

• Updates on the "Bipolar Answers" audiobook and Substack content

• Thoughts on staying consistent while prioritizing quality over quantity

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – 00:52 — Welcome back! What this episode is about

• 00:52 – 02:00 — The podcast was almost sold—here's how it started

• 02:00 – 03:26 — Meeting the company, expectations, and initial excitement

• 03:26 – 06:04 — Multiple meetings and flying out to pitch in person

• 06:04 – 08:00 — In-person meetings and positive vibes, but no details yet

• 08:00 – 10:24 — Delays, excuses, and finally: the deal falls through

• 10:24 – 12:25 — Processing the disappointment and reflecting on past letdowns

• 12:25 – 13:21 — Token compensation offered, but trust was broken

• 13:21 – 14:00 — What's next: staying open to future partnerships

• 14:00 – 15:22 — New focus: interviews over general Q&A

• 15:22 – 16:48 — The unique value of human connection in storytelling

• 16:48 – 17:15 — Rebranding plans and more diverse guest features

• 17:15 – 18:17 — Finishing the audiobook, editing, and prepping new interviews

• 18:17 – 19:05 — Where to find Dr. Duff in the meantime and the new YouTube direction

Links & Resources:

• Website: https://duffthepsych.com

• Email: [email protected]

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@duffthepsych

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/duffthepsych

• Substack: https://robertduff.substack.com

Want to Help Relaunch the Show?

If you're excited about the return of the podcast, be sure to subscribe, share the new episodes with your community, and leave a review wherever you listen. Every bit of support helps relaunch this phoenix from the ashes.