Why Do People Do That?

By Stacy Pellettieri, LCSW and Heather Harten. LCSW

Ever wish you could ask a room full of therapists, ”Why do people do that?”

Now you can! Join Heather and Stacy, licensed clinical social workers for close to 30 years, in their new podcast

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33 ratings

FAQs about Why Do People Do That?:

How many episodes does Why Do People Do That? have?

The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.

Why Do People Do That? episodes:

November 16, 2025Sober, Not Subtle: Understanding the Roots of Addiction with Jason Mayo
In this powerful and deeply human conversation, we sit down with Jason Mayo, founder of Sober Not Subtle and author of In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood. Together, to explore the psychological and emotional landscape of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) through Jason’s personal journey of recovery and transformation.
This episode goes beyond addiction—it’s an exploration of trauma, self-awareness, and emotional resilience. Jason shares how understanding the why behind his behaviors became the cornerstone of healing and how developing a new relationship with emotions and distress tolerance can open the door to recovery and authenticity.
Listeners will gain insight into:
How childhood experiences and trauma shape the roots of addiction
The vital role of self-awareness and emotional regulation in recovery
Why connection, compassion, and understanding our pain are essential to healing
A special reflection for Generation X—on breaking cycles and redefining resilience
Whether you’re navigating your own recovery, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of the human spirit, this episode is a must-listen reminder that healing starts with awareness—and that no one walks this path alone.

Order Jason's book, "In Case of Emergency, Break Childhood: A Gen Xer’s Survival Guide to Anxiety, Addiction and Accidental Enlightenment" on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4owBrd2

Learn more about Jason on his official website - https://sobernotsubtle.com/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
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1h 5min
October 26, 2025 Hot Girl Halloween: Empowerment or Expectation?
Why do we do that on Halloween? From the sexy costumes to the spooky décor, from group costumes to ghost stories, this week, we dig into the fascinating why behind our Halloween habits. In this episode of Why Do People Do That?, we unpack: Why we love to dress up and what that says about identity and belonging. Why women often feel pressure to go “sexy” on Halloween (and where that comes from) How culture, groupthink, and tradition shape the way we celebrate. The healing power of ritual, togetherness, and a little predictability. And why, even as adults, we can’t help but crave the thrill of Halloween night. It’s part psychology, part cultural commentary, and 100% Halloween fun, a mix of reflection and revelry that explores what our favorite spooky holiday says about us. Tune in, laugh a little, and maybe see your costume choices in a whole new light.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com

...more
1h 1min
October 19, 2025 Finding Your Flow with Christy Whitman — The Science and Spirit of Manifestation
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Christy Whitman, the bestselling author of The Flow Factor, to explore how anyone can tap into their inner power to create a life of purpose, abundance, and ease. Christy unpacks the core principles of her book — blending spiritual wisdom with practical tools to align your energy, thoughts, and emotions with what you truly desire.
We dive deep into the Law of Attraction and the art of manifesting — why people are drawn to these practices, the transformation they can bring, and the underlying science of energy and mindset that makes them work. Christy explains how shifting from resistance to flow can change not just your outer circumstances, but your inner experience of life itself.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, this conversation offers grounded insights, real-life examples, and a renewed sense of empowerment to create from a place of harmony rather than hustle.

Christy Whitman is a transformational leader, intuitive channel, master coach, and two-time New York Times bestselling author who has spent over 25 years guiding people to heal, expand, and consciously create lives they love. She founded her business to solve a problem she once faced herself: despite external success, she felt disconnected, stuck, and unfulfilled.
https://www.christyandthecouncil.com/about

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
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1h 4min
October 05, 2025 Every Mile Matters: Jeffrey Reynolds on Resilience, Cancer, and Hope
In this inspiring conversation, Jeffrey Reynolds, author of Every Mile Matters, shares his deeply personal journey through cancer and the lessons he’s learned about resilience along the way. Together, we explore what it truly means to be resilient—embracing acceptance, cultivating a positive mindset, practicing gratitude, learning to accept help, leaning on spirituality, and finding the inner strength to keep moving forward even when the road is tough.
Jeffrey draws powerful parallels between his experiences as an endurance athlete—running marathons, competing in triathlons, and achieving Ironman status—and the fight against cancer. Just as every mile of a race requires perseverance, so too does every step of survival. His story is a reminder that every mile matters, both on the course and in life.
About Jeffrey Reynolds
Jeffrey Reynolds, PhD, is the President and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association on Long Island, one of the region’s oldest and largest nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable children, families, seniors, and communities in need. A passionate leader and advocate, he brings both his professional expertise and personal story to inspire others to face life’s greatest challenges with courage and determination.
Learn more about Jeffrey and his work at www.everymilematters.com.

Support Jeffrey's Empire State Building Run-Up With Team NYU Langone: https://bit.ly/4pVQi1Q

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
...more
1h 1min
September 21, 2025 More Than Anxiety: Understanding PANS/PANDAS
Stacy and Heather chat with Renee Haber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in treating PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). PANS/PANDAS is a neuroimmune condition where infections in the body can trigger sudden, severe psychiatric symptoms—often misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, OCD, and other mental health disorders.

Renee explains how she works therapeutically with children and families while guiding them to the right physicians for accurate screening and treatment, what parents, educators, and clinicians need to look for, and why early recognition is essential for positive outcomes.

If you or someone you know has ever faced a sudden onset of mental health symptoms that didn’t quite add up, this conversation could provide the missing piece.

Contact Renee Haber, LCSW and learn about her foundation:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/renee-haber-merrick-ny/306435

More info and resources :
https://pandasnetwork.org/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
...more
1h 6min
September 07, 2025 Leave “Them” Alone: Tackling The Pronoun Debate
In this episode, we dive into the cultural conversation around gender identity and the growing use of they/them pronouns. Why are kids pushing back against traditional gender roles? Why does it spark so much fear and resistance from parents? And what does it actually mean when a young person is exploring their identity outside of old binaries? We unpack the anxieties, the myths, and the realities behind this shift, while asking: how can families respond in ways that encourage authenticity instead of fear? This isn’t just about pronouns—it’s about breaking free from indoctrination, rethinking identity, and allowing kids to find themselves in a rapidly changing world.

Disclaimer: When discussing cases, Stacy and Heather will change details around to hide identities of patients so it is not possible to detect who they are discussing, keeping things vague and partially fiction for privacy compliance.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
...more
58min
August 24, 2025 Why AI Can't Replace Therapy: The Need For Humans In Healing
In this episode, we explore why artificial intelligence, no matter how advanced, can never replicate the transformative power of human therapy. While AI offers quick validation and instant responses, therapy is far more than problem-solving — it’s a nuanced process rooted in trust, transference, and the healing relationship between client and clinician.
We discuss how true therapeutic growth comes from the corrective emotional experiences only a trained therapist can provide. Unlike AI, therapists navigate the complexities of human emotions, guide clients through deeper exploration, and foster lasting repair that technology simply cannot replicate.
Join us as we unpack the risks of relying on AI for mental health support, the dangers of reducing complex human struggles into simplistic solutions, and why the human connection at the heart of therapy remains irreplaceable.
AI might give an instant simplistic response, but it cannot heal.
Disclaimer: When discussing cases, Stacy and Heather will change details around to hide identities of patients so it is not possible to detect who they are discussing, keeping things vague and partially fiction for privacy compliance.

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
...more
1h 6min
August 10, 2025 Back to School Blues: Raising Resilient Kids In A Digital World
Social media isn’t just a distraction; it’s shaping how our kids see themselves, handle conflict, and form relationships. As they head back to school, it’s not enough to pack their backpacks. We need to equip them emotionally and mentally to navigate the digital world. In this essential episode, I break down how to help your kids build real resilience, set healthy boundaries, and handle the pressures of online life before they walk back into those school hallways. This isn’t a “nice to know”; it’s a “must know.”
Join us!

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com

...more
1h 10min
July 27, 2025 Escaping into Empires: Star Wars and the Psychology of Fandom
In this episode, we journey to a galaxy far, far away to explore the very real psychology behind fandom. Using Star Wars as our launchpad, we dive into the emotional draw of expansive fictional universes and why they resonate so deeply with us. From analyzing iconic characters to unpacking the societal nuances reflected in their stories, we ask the timeless question: why do people do that? Our guest, Kristine McPartlin — host of @MindtheForce , a podcast dedicated to examining mental health through the lens of Star Wars—joins us for a thoughtful conversation on how fiction mirrors reality. Together, we explore how connecting with characters helps us connect with ourselves and each other, and why fandom isn’t just escapism — it’s a way of exploring humanity. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or simply curious about the power of storytelling, this episode invites you to look deeper into the stories we love—and what they reveal about us.
Check out "Mind The Force" podcast with Kristine at this link here -
https://www.mindtheforce.com/
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat
Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/
If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast
...more
1h 10min
July 13, 2025 Faith After the Unthinkable: A Mother's Journey Through Loss, Purpose, and Resilience
What happens to faith when the unimaginable happens? In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Minister Elder Empress, who opens up about her faith journey after the devastating loss of her son. Together, we explore the sacred and often silent struggles of motherhood—mom guilt, generational trauma, identity, and the unbearable weight of grief. She shares how leaning into faith and cultivating a healthy belief system became her lifeline—a source of purpose, resilience, and a way to reframe even the darkest moments. This conversation is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the healing that can come from surrender, belief, and community.
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WhyDoPeopleDoThat

Visit our website: https://whydopeopledothat.com/

If you'd like to contact Stacy and Heather or learn more about their practices, visit the following sites:
Long Island Counseling Services - www.longislandcounselingservices.com
District Support Services - www.districtsupportservices.com
ADHD Training Center - www.adhdtrainingcenter.com

Follow the "Why Do People Do That?" Podcast on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whydopeopledothatpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569908326130
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whydopeopledothatpodcast

This episode was produced at Press Record Studios in NYC: www.pressrecordstudios.com
...more
1h 11min

FAQs about Why Do People Do That?:

How many episodes does Why Do People Do That? have?

The podcast currently has 35 episodes available.

More shows like Why Do People Do That?

The Grief Mentor | Life After Child Loss, Hope and Healing For Grieving Moms, Bereavement, Christian Grief Support

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Why Do People Do That?

FAQs about Why Do People Do That?:

How many episodes does Why Do People Do That? have?

Why Do People Do That? episodes:

FAQs about Why Do People Do That?:

How many episodes does Why Do People Do That? have?

More shows like Why Do People Do That?

The Grief Mentor | Life After Child Loss, Hope and Healing For Grieving Moms, Bereavement, Christian Grief Support