In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, we explore one of the most overlooked pillars of mental health—our relationships. While self-care often focuses inward on journaling, meditation, or exercise, true wellbeing is also built in connection with others.

I share why supportive relationships are vital to mental health (backed by decades of research) and break it down into three key pillars: setting healthy boundaries, having deeper conversations, and cultivating community. You’ll hear practical strategies you can apply right away—whether it’s saying no without guilt, asking better questions, or starting small rituals that strengthen connection.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, we explore what it really means to advocate for mental health in the workplace — and why it doesn’t require a title, a budget, or an HR mandate.

From breaking stigma through everyday conversations to being a “sign-poster” who connects colleagues with resources, small actions can spark ripple effects that transform workplace culture. We’ll dive into practical tools like micro-initiatives, active listening, and even policy nudges that make support structural, not optional.

You’ll also hear real-world stories — from anonymous “three kind words” programs to walk-and-talk meetings — that prove advocacy is less about grand gestures and more about human connection.

By the end, you’ll see how a single sentence, resource shared, or moment of listening can create workplaces where people don’t just survive, they thrive.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

And if you want to take this further, don’t miss the free companion toolkit — packed with scripts, micro-initiatives, and examples you can put into action right away. Sign up for The Mental Lens newsletter, and you’ll get the toolkit delivered right to your inbox.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

It’s 2 a.m. and you can’t sleep. Instead of calling a friend or waiting weeks for a therapy appointment, you open an app. A friendly chatbot greets you by name and asks, “What’s on your mind?”

For millions of people, this isn’t science fiction, it’s everyday life. AI mental health tools like Woebot, Wysa, and Replika are becoming companions, coaches, and for some, what they actually call their “therapists.”

In this episode, Chris explores the rise of AI in mental health:

• What these tools actually are
• Why people are turning to them—from cost to accessibility to companionship
• The risks, limitations, and ethical questions we can’t ignore
• How AI might fit alongside—not replace—human therapists

Along the way, Chris shares his own story of resisting therapy, why these tools might have helped him start sooner, and what “bridges” like chatbots could mean for the future of mental health.

Because while AI can offer support, empathy still belongs to humans.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Is AI My Therapist Now? where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

Are you stuck in the endless loop of “just one more edit”? You’re not alone. In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, Chris digs into the hidden costs of perfectionism: why it keeps us stuck, how AI can make it worse, and what self-compassion can do to set us free.

From a five-year cookbook that’s still simmering, to lessons learned building a website, Chris shares personal stories, practical tools, and even conversations with his 8-year-old about why the world’s greatest athletes lose — a lot.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot perfectionism when it’s holding you back
• Reframe your inner critic with self-kindness
• Use simple exercises like the “80% Rule” and “AI Timeboxing” to move forward
• Embrace the mindset of progress, not perfection

Because you deserve to do good work — and feel good about it — without chasing flawless.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Break Free From Perfectionism: Embrace Self-Kindness And Flourish where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

We live in a world where help is always just a prompt away. From writing emails to filling the silence with a joke from Alexa, Artificial Intelligence has become our ever-present assistant. But what happens when that constant support starts to blur the lines between help and replacement?

In this episode, we explore the emotional side effects of always-on AI. From the comfort it provides, to the quiet erosion of self-trust, to the disappearance of boredom (and why that matters more than you think), we’ll unpack how digital sidekicks are reshaping not just productivity—but our sense of self.

You’ll hear personal stories, surprising research, and practical ways to reclaim your own voice while still enjoying the benefits of AI. Because at the end of the day, the best connection isn’t your Wi-Fi—it’s the one you keep with yourself.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Is AI Impacting Your Feelings? Surprising Ways Tech Changes Us where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

Reflection
An AI-assisted journaling tool designed to help you declutter your thoughts and build clarity.

Sunsama
Digital planning app that helps you organize tasks, block time on your calendar, and build sustainab

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

Feeling mentally drained? In this episode, we break down what mental energy actually is, why it matters more than you think, and how to protect it — without burning out. From Ironman training lessons to brain-fueling strategies you can use today, you’ll get practical, science-backed tips to help you focus better, think clearer, and stay motivated. Spoiler: It’s not about hustling harder — it’s about working smarter.

Looking for tools to help with burnout? Explore my full list of recommended clarity tools here.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Unlock Your Brain’s Power: Simple Ways To Boost Mental Energy where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

Anxiety isn’t just “worrying too much” — it’s a full-body, full-mind experience that can hijack your thoughts, emotions, and even your breathing. In this episode of The Mental Lens, I share two of my most memorable anxiety moments — including the time I had a full-blown panic attack while loading a moving truck — and the tools that helped me work through them.

From breathing exercises that calm your nervous system, to CBT reframing techniques that challenge catastrophic thinking, to grounding practices that pull you back into the present moment — these are practical, research-backed strategies you can start using today.

Whether you’re dealing with occasional anxious moments or ongoing anxiety, this episode will give you a starting point for building your own personal anxiety toolkit.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Coping with Anxiety: Practical Tools That Work where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

Looking for tools to help with your anxiety? Explore my full list of recommended clarity tools here.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

Is your to-do list secretly stressing you out? In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, we dive into the hidden anxiety behind productivity tools — and how they might be doing more harm than good. From the psychology of anticipatory stress and the Zeigarnik Effect to the trap of tying your self-worth to checked boxes, we explore why these lists often leave us feeling overwhelmed and “not enough.” More importantly, we’ll unpack 5 clarity-first strategies to calm the chaos, reclaim your focus, and design a to-do system that works with your brain — not against it.

Want help planning your to-do list? Sign up for the newsletter and get access to The 5-Minute Daily Planner!

Want more on this? Check out my blog post Simplify Your To-Do List: Easy Ways To Boost Your Day where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

Sunsama
Digital planning app that helps you organize tasks, block time on your calendar, and build sustainab

Todoist
Task manager for simplifying life and staying focused.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

In this episode of Through the Mental Lens, we dig into the real — and often messy — truth about what it means to live a mentally healthy life.

Mental health isn't about chasing a calm aesthetic or pretending everything’s fine. It's about awareness: of your needs, your patterns, your limits — and the tools that actually help when things get hard.
We’ll explore what a mentally healthy life does (and doesn’t) look like, covering themes like:

• The difference between wellness and performative self-care
• Habits that nourish your mind and body
• The role of therapy, medication, and routine
• Common myths that need to be retired for good
• Why awareness — not perfection — is the real goal

Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, or just trying to be more intentional about your mental health, this episode is for you.

Mental health isn’t a destination. It’s a relationship. And it’s worth nurturing.

Want more on this? Check out my blog post What Does A Mentally Healthy Life Actually Look Like?, where I unpack this idea with additional details and resources.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

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⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.

In this first episode of Through the Mental Lens, I’m starting where it all began — with my own story. From white-knuckling anxiety to finally asking for help, this personal reflection sets the tone for the podcast: honest, human, and just a little messy. 

If you've ever struggled with your mental health or felt like you're the only one who doesn’t have it all figured out — this one’s for you.

 Want more on this? Check out my blog post My Mental Health Journey: A Story Of Resilience where I unpack this idea with extra detail and resources.

👉 Pre-order my new book, Still Human: Staying Sane, Productive, and Fully You in the Age of AI

If you are looking for more information on mental health, check out our Mental Health Resources page.

Follow and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or whever you get your podcasts!

Dive deeper and subscribe to the newsletter at The Mental Lens.
Free tools | Simple insights | 15% off your first order at The Mental Lens Store |
Zero overwhelm

Join our Facebook community

⚠️ Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed professional if you need support.