Shows
The Shrink DownThe Modern Parent TrapParenting today often feels like walking a tightrope—balancing empathy and structure, flexibility and follow-through. In this week's episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Hammond to explore the rising popularity of low-demand and gentle parenting. Where did these ideas come from? What are we seeing in our practices and in our own homes? As parents and professionals, we recognize that these approaches were born from compassion and a desire to respect children’s emotional needs. But we’re also noticing the unintended consequences—especially as children grow into young adults who struggle with everyday expectations and resilience. Together, we talk...2025-05-2352 minThe Shrink DownSomething to Text AboutWhat started as a lifeline in our text thread—full of parenting questions, vent sessions, “what would you do?” moments, and honest advice—has now become Group Chat IRL. In this episode, we each bring one real-life question to the table, just like we do in our group chat. From navigating tricky family dynamics and awkward social encounters to supporting our kids through friendship drama, nothing is off-limits. We even dive into the big one: should your child be allowed to participate in a group chat, and how do you set healthy boundaries around it? It’s the space where we l...2025-05-1651 minThe Shrink DownGoing Steady to Situationships: Dating Trends in YouthIn this week's episode we discuss the ever-evolving world of dating among today’s teens and young adults. How do their dating habits compare to those of past generations? Spoiler: it’s not all candlelit dinners and going steady. From the rise of group hangouts and "situationships" to the rejection of traditional labels, today’s dating culture is defined by fluidity, caution, and connection on their own terms. We share stories from our own teenage years—when calling someone on a landline was the peak of romance—and contrast that with the hyper-digital, over-scheduled reality of Gen Z. What’s driving th...2025-05-0948 minThe Shrink DownPop Culture Roundup 2.0In this episode of Pop Culture RoundUp 2.0, we each bring a trending topic to the table—from science and society to celebrity headlines—and dive into what they reveal about the world we live in. We start with teen sleep: does going to bed earlier actually improve cognition, even if sleep time doesn’t increase much? Then we explore mood changes in kids aged 6–11, the role of early puberty, and the modern pressures today’s middle childhood generation faces. Next, we take on Katy Perry’s controversial trip to space—why was there backlash, was it deserved, and did her journey re...2025-05-0253 minThe Shrink DownUnderstanding Autism: Expert Insights with Dr. Rachel LoftinIn this week's episode, we sit down with expert psychologist Dr. Rachel Loftin to explore Autism Level 1, sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism.” Dr. Loftin helps us unpack what this diagnosis means and what how it presents in individuals. We also dive into the increasing rates of autism diagnoses, especially among girls, and what may be driving this shift. Dr. Lofton explains the evolution of autism terminology as well as and the best ways to support individuals with Level 1 autism in both daily life and social settings. She also discusses the link between Autism Level 1 and eating disorders, particularly in f...2025-04-2551 minThe Shrink DownHappiness vs. Meaning: Why We Often Confuse the TwoIn this week's episode we dive into the fascinating research of social psychologist Dan Gilbert, who explores why humans are surprisingly bad at predicting what will make them happy. We cover the joys and challenges of parenting, to how we handle life’s biggest setbacks; divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one. We unpack the science behind why our emotional forecasts often miss the mark. We also explore how resilient we really are, even when we don’t think we will be, and why being realistic about happiness, rather than chasing an idealized version of it, can...2025-04-1847 minThe Shrink DownThe Perimenopause ConversationIn this week's episode, we’re getting real about perimenopause—what it is, what it feels like, and why so many women are finally talking about it. From hormone shifts to mood swings, sleep struggles to brain fog—perimenopause touches every part of life. We open up about our own experiences, from unexpected symptoms to the emotional rollercoaster, and dive into why there’s a growing movement right now to break the silence around this stage of life. We also reflect on what we learned from Oprah’s eye-opening special and share insights from leading experts like Dr. Mary Claire Hav...2025-04-1152 minThe Shrink DownPop Culture RoundupIn this week's episode we’re bringing you a fast-paced pop culture roundup! Instead of diving into one specific topic, we each found a piece of news or an entertainment story that we thought was interesting and the four of us spend time discussing each one. We cover it all, from a headline-grabbing news article, a viral social media post to celebrity news. Join us as we share our thoughts on what’s making waves right now. Get ready for lively opinions, some laughs, and a dive into the current buzzworthy moments everyone’s talking about.2025-03-2144 minThe Shrink DownGot My Mind On My Body & My Body On My MindIn this week's episode, we discuss the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, unraveling how psychological stress can manifest as physical symptoms, from common headaches to more severe conditions like strokes. We explore the range of psychogenic disorders, where emotional and mental strain presents itself through physical pain or dysfunction, and discuss the challenges many people face when acknowledging that their symptoms might not be purely medical, but rather psychological in origin. We also discuss the impact of chronic stress on both mental and physical health, and how it can lead to long-term issues such as stroke, fatigue...2025-03-1446 minThe Shrink DownOscars Roundtable Musings from CharlotteIn this week's episode, we discuss the current state of Hollywood and its biggest night: the Oscars. We dive into the movies that are being celebrated, discussing whether they truly capture our attention or if the magic of award shows is fading. Are we still as invested in the red carpet glam and the glitzy speeches, or has the allure of Hollywood worn off? From the changing dynamics of what gets nominated to the growing disconnect between Hollywood and its audience, we break down the Oscars and review the films that are shaping the industry today. 2025-03-0747 minThe Shrink DownAll That Glitters Isn’t Gold: The Pressures of the Wellness IndustryIn this episode we discuss the complex world of wellness influencers and why so many of us are drawn to their messages. From the allure of quick fixes to the promises of a healthier, more fulfilled life, we explore why people are so easily influenced by wellness trends. We also discuss how gaps in the medical care system can leave us vulnerable to misinformation, and the role these influencers play in filling that void. Join us as we unpack how to critically evaluate wellness advice, how to safeguard ourselves from falling into mindless consumerism, and the importance of questioning...2025-02-2148 minThe Shrink DownJust the Two of Us: Healthy Relationship HabitsThis week we explore the key habits that help maintain the spark in your relationship. We discuss the importance of spending quality time together, emphasizing that it's not just about being physically present but truly connecting emotionally and intentionally. The significance of setting aside time for shared experiences and meaningful activities to continue to maintain and strengthen your bond. Communication is another cornerstone of a healthy relationship, and we focus on how open, honest conversations build trust and prevent misunderstandings. We also touch on love languages and why understanding your partner’s unique way of giving and receiving love ca...2025-02-1448 minThe Shrink DownUnder Pressure: The Impact of Youth Sports CultureIn this episode we dive into the growing pressures placed on both kids and parents in the world of youth sports. From early specialization to the constant drive for success, the stakes can feel high—but how do we know when the balance has tipped too far? We’ll discuss the expectations placed on young athletes, how parents can manage the demands without losing sight of their child’s well-being, and how to recognize when it's time to step back. Most importantly, we’ll explore the importance of letting your child lead the conversation about their passion and involvement in sport...2025-02-0751 minThe Shrink DownIs it the End of the World As We Know It?In this week's episode we discuss how to manage existential dread—ranging from global issues like climate change and political instability to the pressures of societal expectations around health, lifestyle, and more. We also explore how these worries can overwhelm us at times and share some ways to navigate them in a balanced way.2025-01-3147 minThe Shrink DownWe All Got CrownsIn "We All Got Crowns," we explore the importance of women supporting each other, both in personal and professional spheres. Despite the narrative that women are often pitted against one another, we delve into why this is an outdated perspective and the many positive impacts of genuine support. We’ll discuss how women supporting women can foster empowerment, open doors to opportunities, and build a more inclusive, collaborative work environment. We also examine the barriers—such as social conditioning, competition, and systemic inequality—that prevent many women from embracing this supportive network, and how we can overcome these obstacles.2025-01-2447 minThe Shrink DownToo Legit to QuitWe tackle the all-too-common challenge of sticking with our New Year’s resolutions and personal goals. Coinciding with National Quitters Day, we talk about why many people give up on their goals by mid-January and how to avoid that trap. We share strategies for setting realistic, achievable goals, building habits that last, and staying motivated through the ups and downs. Whether you’re struggling to keep a resolution or simply looking to set more meaningful goals for the year ahead, this episode will help you stay on track and keep pushing forward, no matter what. Tune in to learn how...2025-01-1747 minThe Shrink DownSippin' on Gin or JuiceIn this episode, "Sippin on Gin or Juice?", we take a closer look at the Surgeon General's new recommendations to add more specific cancer warnings to alcohol labels and discuss what this means for the way we consume and think about alcohol. We also examine why younger generations are drinking less, the rise of the sober curious movement, and how alcohol impacts us differently as we age. Join us as we pour over these key issues and unpack the growing awareness around alcohol and its long-term health effects.2025-01-1051 minThe Shrink DownThe Holi-Daze Survival GuideIn this episode, “The Holi-Daze Survival Guide “ we dive into a timely and listener-suggested topic: the unique stressors that come with the holiday season. While this time of year can bring joy and togetherness, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. We tackle everything from implementing healthy boundaries with family members to creating new traditions without hurting anyone’s feelings. We also discuss navigating tricky family dynamics, finding ways to entertain the kids while you're still working, and setting limits on time and energy to stay mentally healthy through it all. 2024-11-1557 minThe Shrink DownEating Disorders UncoveredOn this episode, "Eating Disorders Uncovered," we dive into a topic that hits home for a lot of people, especially as the holidays roll around: eating disorders. The holiday season brings busy schedules, complicated family dynamics and stress which can be challenging for most everyone, but especially hard for anyone dealing with an eating disorder. The heavy focus on food, and increased talk around weight and diets, can be challenging for individuals and bring up anxiety and body image struggles. We will discuss how social media and celebrity culture can add fuel to the fire, setting impossible standards and...2024-11-0851 minThe Shrink DownMythbusting REEL from Real DiagnosisIn this episode, “Mythbusting Reel from Real Diagnosis” we explore the complex and often problematic relationship between social media and self-diagnosis. As platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter give us access to endless information on mental health, they can also be a double-edged sword. While some of this content can be empowering and educational, much of it falls into the realm of misinformation. We discuss how popular online content about mental health diagnoses can mislead, oversimplify, or even completely misrepresent the conditions it seeks to explain. In this episode, we dive into some of the most talked-about mental health cond...2024-11-0156 minThe Shrink DownTo Ankle Sock, or Not to Ankle Sock, That is the QuestionWelcome to today’s episode where we explore the psychology about how we dress, fashion trends and what it really means to dress "age-appropriately." We also chat about social conformity and how it plays a role in choosing what we wear, as well as how our self-identity can influence how strongly we adhere to fashion trends. Finally, we discuss how confidence and body type play a role in shaping our fashion choices, along with the growing impact of inclusivity in the fashion industry.2024-10-2550 minThe Shrink DownDyslexia DecodedIn this episode of Dyslexia Decoded, we honor Dyslexia Awareness Month by diving deep into what dyslexia really is - and just as importantly, what it isn’t. Join us as we explore early signs, common symptoms, the importance of early detection, advocating for your children, and effective treatments. Plus, we highlight well-known individuals who have thrived with dyslexia.International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/The Yale Center for Dyslexia: https://dyslexia.yale.edu/the-center/our-mission/Made by Dyslexia: https://www.madebydyslexia.orgSopel Foundation for Dyslexia: https://www.sopelfoundation.or...2024-10-1849 minThe Shrink DownYou've Got a Friend in MeIn this week's episode, "You've Got a Friend in Me," we dive into the evolving nature of friendships as we age. We explore the emotional journey of drifting apart from long-term friends and offer guidance on how to handle these changes with empathy and grace. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of making new friends in adulthood and how major life changes—such as careers, family, or moving—can impact friendships. We also examine the different types of friendships—whether close confidants, casual acquaintances, or work companions—and the unique value each brings to our lives. Finally, we highlight the importan...2024-10-1147 minThe Shrink DownFalling Behind or Just Fine?In today's episode, we dive deep into the modern-day phenomenon of 'keeping up with the Joneses' — where social media has intensified the pressure to measure our lives against the perfectly curated images we see online. We will explore how platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook create an environment where it is easy to feel like you're falling behind, even when you are doing just fine. From influencers showcasing luxury lifestyles to friends posting highlight reels of their best moments, the pressure to keep pace has never been greater. But at what cost? And how can we break free from th...2024-10-0448 minThe Shrink DownLost in the FeedIn "Lost in the Feed," we dive deep into the digital landscape, exploring how social media shapes our perceptions and relationships. This episode examines the illusion of connection that platforms create, leaving us feeling both connected and isolated. Join us as we unpack the complexities of online interactions, the impact on mental health, and how to navigate the noise to find genuine connections in a world dominated by curated feeds.2024-09-2746 minThe Shrink DownForever Young-ishOn this episode of 'The Shrink Down' we take a closer look at the pressures female celebrities face to appear forever youthful. We discuss how this standard fuels unrealistic expectations for women everywhere and deepens the gender divide around aging. Why are female stars expected to look forever young, while society allows men to age more gracefully? We break down these cultural double standards, the impact on everyday women, and aging authentically in a world obsessed with youth.2024-09-2040 minThe Shrink DownTil Divorce Do Us PartWelcome to the first official episode of 'The Shrink Down!' Join Vanessa, Teri, Lauren and Wilhelmina, four long-time friends and clinical psychologists as they introduce themselves, discuss the concept of the podcast, talk about what they are loving right now, and delve into all things divorce-from recent celebrity divorces (hello and goodbye to Jen and Ben) to the concept of conscious un-coupling, the return of the nasty divorce, amicable co-parenting and much more. 2024-09-1840 min