Shows
Toxic Cooking ShowThe Cost of Connection: Unpacking 'Gold Digger' CultureSend us a textGold diggers have become a hot topic online with self-proclaimed alpha males spreading panic about women supposedly out to bleed men dry of their money, but the truth is more complex than the stereotype.• Historical context showing "gold digger" term originated in the 1920s during women's economic transition• Exploring how economic inequality continues to shape dating expectations in different cultures• First date spending pressures create impossible situations where men feel obligated yet suspicious• Age-gap relationships blur the line between mutual understanding and gold digging behavior• The destructive impact of...2025-07-1558 minToxic Cooking ShowCybertruck Syndrome: When Identity Meets DenialSend us a textHave you ever watched someone defend a clearly broken product or problematic politician with the fervor of a religious zealot? That strange psychological phenomenon finally has a name: "Cybertruck Syndrome."This episode introduces a fascinating new concept that explains why certain people become utterly incapable of admitting when they've backed the wrong horse. We explore how this cognitive pattern goes beyond simple stubbornness or sunk cost fallacy to become an identity-level investment that makes acknowledging failure psychologically impossible.Starting with Tesla's problem-plagued Cybertruck and its devoted fanbase, Lindsay and...2025-06-1749 minToxic Cooking ShowBetter Help: What Happens When Mental Health Becomes Just Another Business?Send us a textWhat happens when therapy becomes just another tech startup looking to maximize profits? In our deep dive into BetterHelp, we uncover the troubling reality behind the polished marketing of America's largest online therapy platform.Behind those ubiquitous podcast advertisements lies a business model that's crushing therapists while potentially harming the very clients it claims to help. We break down exactly how the platform's payment structure forces therapists to maintain unsustainable caseloads – as many as 75 clients per therapist – while paying them a fraction of what clients are charged. When therapists inevitably burn out...2025-05-271h 02Toxic Cooking ShowSwipe Left on BetterHelp: The Therapy App That's Worse Than Your ExSend us a textWe've all seen the ads - BetterHelp promises convenient therapy at your fingertips. But behind the slick marketing lies a company with deeply troubling business practices that every therapy-seeker should know about.When Christopher Patchet, a licensed therapist, along with Lindsay McClane, looks on how BetterHelp operates. From selling sensitive user data to Facebook (resulting in a $7.8 million FTC fine) to allegedly creating fake profiles for real therapists without their consent, the revelations are genuinely shocking.The toxic ingredients are plentiful: until 2017, BetterHelp didn't even require therapists to be...2025-05-2045 minToxic Cooking ShowThe Myth of the Sigma MaleSend us a textThe modern manosphere has created a pantheon of male archetypes, but none quite as supposedly elusive and mysterious as the "Sigma Male." Emerging around 2017-2018, this concept markets itself as the rarest, coolest type of masculinity—the lone wolf operating outside traditional hierarchies while maintaining alpha-level respect.But peek behind the curtain, and you'll find fascinating contradictions. The very examples held up as quintessential Sigmas—James Bond, Batman, John Wick—actually reveal the myth's fatal flaw. Each of these characters relies deeply on community and support systems. Bruce Wayne has Alfred. Bond h...2025-05-0647 minToxic Cooking ShowHow Conspiracy Theories Poison Our Society and Why We Still Fall For ThemSend us a textConspiracy theories have evolved from reasonable skepticism about government deception to dangerous delusions with real-world consequences, tracing their development from Cold War distrust to internet-fueled paranoia.• American trust in government began eroding in the 1940s with the Roswell incident and changing official explanations• MK Ultra program confirmation proved the government conducted unethical human experiments with LSD and torture• The internet's emergence around 1999-2000 created perfect conditions for conspiracy theories to spread rapidly• Major conspiracy drivers include 9/11 "Loose Change" video, Pizzagate, QAnon, and modern election fraud claims• Scientific approach r...2025-04-2958 minToxic Cooking ShowNo Gods, No Heroes, No IdolsSend us a textWe've all felt that gut-punch moment. You discover that celebrity you've adored for years—whose work shaped your identity or brought you comfort—has revealed themselves to be deeply problematic. Your social media feed floods with damning evidence, your friends debate whether to throw away their merchandise, and you're left wondering: what now?This episode dives headfirst into the messy, emotional territory of fallen idols. From JK Rowling's transformation from beloved author to controversial TERF figure, Johnny Depp's complicated history of abuse allegations masked by brilliant PR, to Elon Musk's increasingly erra...2025-04-1758 minToxic Cooking ShowYES! You Can Be Too NiceSend us a textEmpathy seems like a universally positive trait - until it's weaponized against you. In this eye-opening exploration of emotional boundaries, hosts Lindsay McClain and Christopher Patchet, LCSW unpack the surprising dangers of being "too nice" in a world that's quick to exploit kindness.Drawing from psychological research and personal experience, they distinguish between empathy (actually feeling others' emotions) and sympathy (feeling compassion without absorbing emotions), revealing how these traits evolved to strengthen human communities. The benefits are undeniable - studies show sympathetic physicians make more accurate diagnoses, while empathetic leaders build...2025-03-2641 minToxic Cooking ShowCult Dynamics: Breaking Down the Dangerous IngredientsSend us a textA seemingly innocent church invitation from a workplace crush led Christopher into the unsettling world of cult recruitment—complete with love bombing, isolation tactics, and a baptism offer on day two. This jarring personal story opens our deep exploration into the psychology of cults and why they're far more prevalent in society than most realize.Cults aren't just remote compounds with strange religious practices. They're organizations built around absolute authoritarian leadership, financial exploitation, and systematic isolation that can manifest in religious groups, political factions, and even wellness communities. What makes cults tr...2025-03-1855 minToxic Cooking ShowGhosting: The Haunting Reality of Dating Disappearing ActsSend us a textIn a world where digital connections often come with emotional detachment, ghosting has become a prevalent topic. Lindsay McClain and Christopher Patchet, LCSW dive deep into the reasons behind ghosting, exploring personal anecdotes that range from humorous to heart-wrenching. With statistics revealing that a staggering percentage of young adults have experienced ghosting, the conversation expands beyond just dating into friendships and professional relationships.Listeners will find insights into the psychological implications of being ghosted, alongside discussions about empathy and emotional communication. The hosts examine whether society's increasing reliance on technology is...2025-03-0446 minToxic Cooking ShowLife CoachesSend us a textIs life coaching a scam, or does it really hold the key to personal transformation? Join us on the Toxic Cooking Show as we unravel this intricate tapestry of guidance, dissecting the realms of life coaching and therapy with precision and humor. We promise an enlightening exploration into when you might benefit from the pep talks of an energetic life coach and when the profound expertise of a licensed therapist is essential. Along the way, we’ll arm you with the knowledge to make informed choices about the support you need, ensuring you ne...2025-02-1250 minToxic Cooking ShowThe Fabulous Fabrications of FitfluencersSend us a textEver wondered if your favorite fitness influencer is more interested in your wallet than your well-being? Join us as we humorously dissect the world of "fitfluencers" with your hosts, Lindsay McClain and Christopher Patchet, LCSW. Our mission? To help you sift through the glossy promises and algorithm-driven content that bombard our screens. We're taking a historical stroll to uncover how fitness went from being a natural part of life to the marketing behemoth it is today. Spoiler alert: It's not all kale smoothies and yoga selfies!Our exploration kicks off with...2025-01-2849 minToxic Cooking ShowThe Dangers of DIY Mental Health Diagnoses in the Digital AgeSend us a textDiscover the surprising truth behind commonly misused mental health terms and unlock a new level of understanding. On this episode of the Toxic Cookie Show, we unravel the confusion surrounding words like "trauma," "OCD," and "PTSD" that have slipped into everyday chatter. These terms carry weighty clinical definitions from the DSM-5, often overshadowed by casual usage. We shed light on why calling a breakup "trauma" could be more harmful than helpful, and how genuine experiences of trauma are far from the ordinary challenges we face.Join us as we dig into...2025-01-2145 minToxic Cooking ShowWhat's The Deal With Therapy Speak?Send us a textEver wonder why words like "trauma" and "triggering" seem to pop up everywhere online, often in ways that don't quite make sense? On the Toxic Cooking Show, we unravel the digital misuse of therapeutic language Lindsay McClain and co-host Christopher Patchet, LCSW. Together, promise to clarify these buzzwords, exploring how their meanings have shifted from professional therapy settings to casual internet chatter, a phenomenon we call "context creep." By the end of our chat, you'll have a much clearer understanding of these terms and their rightful place in mental health conversations.J...2025-01-1455 minToxic Cooking ShowLiving the Perfect Life on Instagram. Or so it SeemsSend us a textWhat if the perfect lives you see on Instagram are just a facade? On this eye-opening episode of the Toxic Cooking Show, we promise to help you uncover the truth behind social media's glamour and the unrealistic standards it sets. Join us, Christopher Patchet LCSW and Lindsay McClane, as we dissect how social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and Facebook, can warp our sense of reality. Together, we'll explore the psychological effects of constantly comparing ourselves to curated online personas and the isolation that can follow.Our conversation takes a sobering...2025-01-0755 minToxic Cooking ShowBehind the Lens: The Realities of Child InfluencersSend us a textCan sharing your child's life online do more harm than good? In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the world of momfluencers and child influencers, diving into the concept of "sharenting" and its ripple effects on children's lives. Sharing family moments on social media may seem harmless, but we explore real-life cases where it has led to bullying and embarrassment. Our conversation tracks the shift from early social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube to the newer realms of Instagram and TikTok, shedding light on the growing phenomenon of parental oversharing and the urgent...2024-12-3152 minToxic Cooking ShowGRWM to Go to Jail: When Family Vlogger Lose ControlSend us a textHow far would you go for online fame? In our latest episode of the Toxic Cooking Show, Lindsay McClain and Christopher Patchet, LCSW, LICSW, expose the shocking ethical breaches of momfluencers and family vloggers. Tune in as we dissect the unsettling practices of these online personalities who prioritize content creation over their children’s well-being. From the harrowing tales of the DaddyOFive YouTube channel, where prank videos crossed the line into abuse, to the disturbing cases of Ruby Frankie and Michelle Hobson, we unveil the dark facets of their pursuit for internet stardom.2024-12-1749 minToxic Cooking ShowHey There Mama Bears! Welcome to the MamasphereSend us a textWhat if the digital age has reshaped motherhood in ways we never imagined? Join us on the Toxic Cooking Show as Lindsay McClain and Christopher Patchet, LCSW, navigate the intricacies of the "mama sphere"—an online universe where mothers share the joys and challenges of parenting. Trace the evolution from the humble beginnings of mommy blogs in the early 2000s to today's vibrant platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Amidst our exploration, relish the humor of two non-parents talking about parenting, as we scratch the surface of the commercial elements that have seeped into th...2024-12-1043 minToxic Cooking ShowAre We Dating the Same Guy: A Toxic ReportSend us a textWhat if your latest online match is someone else's worst nightmare? The Toxic Cooking Show takes a deep dive into the uncharted waters of digital romance, starting with the controversial Facebook group "Are We Dating the Same Guy?" We tackle the delicate balance of sharing personal experiences against the backdrop of privacy concerns and explore the ethical tightrope these groups walk. From the rules and moderation of these spaces to the gendered reactions they provoke, this episode invites listeners to question the fairness and safety of public rating systems like the infamous "Peeple"...2024-12-0343 minToxic Cooking ShowThe Lowdown on LovebombingSend us a textUnlock the secrets to identifying and navigating love bombing, a manipulative tactic prevalent in modern relationships, with Lindsay McClain and licensed clinical social worker Christopher Patchet, LCSW. Gain insights into how excessive attention and affection can mask an attempt to control, and learn to spot the red flags like premature declarations of love and empty promises of a future. By understanding these patterns, you’ll be better equipped to protect yourself from emotional manipulation and maintain your individuality in relationships.We journey through the unsettling cycle of love bombing, where initial ad...2024-11-1938 minToxic Cooking ShowThe Art of Friendzone and Honest Dating ConversationsSend us a textWhat if being 'just friends' could lead to hilariously awkward situations and surprising insights about modern dating? Join me, Lindsay McClain, along with the insightful Christopher Patchet, LCSW, as we unravel the tangled web of the 'Friend Zone.' We share our own laugh-out-loud tales and explore how men and women often misunderstand the dynamics of platonic friendships, especially when romantic feelings aren't reciprocated. We also dive into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with unrequited love and the crucial boundaries that help manage those feelings. Ever wondered why society expects women t...2024-11-1237 minToxic Cooking ShowRethinking "Boy Moms" and "Girl Dads"Send us a textWhat if the labels "boy mom" and "girl dad" are doing more harm than good? On the latest episode of the Toxic Cooking Show, Lindsay McClain and co-host Christopher Patchet, LCSW, peel back the layers of these seemingly innocent titles to reveal unsettling truths. We question the impact of parental favoritism and societal expectations, exposing how these roles can lead to favoritism and even toxic family dynamics. From the online presence of "boy moms" to the stereotypes upheld by "girl dads," we examine how these identities can overshadow genuine parenting responsibilities and harm...2024-11-0549 minToxic Cooking ShowExplosive Expectations: Unpacking the Gender Reveal PhenomenonSend us a textWhat if the grand spectacle of gender reveal parties is more than just a harmless celebration? Join us on the Toxic Cooking Show as we dissect this modern phenomenon, born in the late 2000s and fueled by the social media frenzy. From quaint cake and balloon reveals to hazardous explosions and wrestling matches, we scrutinize the bizarre lengths people go to for that viral moment. Let's talk about the logistical nightmares these events create, where even the baby's gender is kept secret from the parents, all for a dramatic reveal.Gender...2024-10-2953 minToxic Cooking ShowOnly Fans, Emotions, and FinancesSend us a textIs your online life taking over your real-world connections? Join Lindsay McClane and me, Christopher Patchet LCSW, as we tackle the complex dynamics of digital interactions, spotlighting platforms like OnlyFans and the nuanced responsibilities they entail. We share personal reflections on our own screen time habits and offer strategies to manage your online consumption to ensure you're not missing out on meaningful face-to-face encounters. From blurring boundaries to the stark contrasts between virtual and physical relationships, we explore the profound impact of our digital lives on our everyday reality.Take a...2024-10-2248 minToxic Cooking ShowOnlyfansSend us a textCan you imagine a world where a single platform can redefine personal finance and online presence while navigating the tumultuous waters of digital relationships? Our latest episode promises to unravel the complex tapestry of OnlyFans, tracing its rapid ascent during the pandemic and the financial reality for its creators. Through the poignant lens of real-life stories, such as the tragic tale of Grant from Florida and his ill-fated connection with Sophia, we evaluate the delicate dance of personal responsibility in online dynamics. We also scrutinize the financial allure and challenges that O...2024-10-1547 min