Shows
Why Do People Do That?Escaping into Empires: Star Wars and the Psychology of FandomIn 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...2025-07-271h 09Why Do People Do That?Faith After the Unthinkable: A Mother's Journey Through Loss, Purpose, and ResilienceWhat 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...2025-07-131h 10Why Do People Do That?Unity In a Polarized Community: Finding Humanity Through Empathy with Rebecca SaninIn this powerful and timely episode, I sit down with Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin to discuss the critical importance of the upcoming local elections and the often-overlooked role local government plays in shaping our daily lives. But the conversation goes much deeper than politics—we explore the current political climate and the growing divide across the country.
Rebecca brings thoughtful insights into what’s fueling this polarization, from cognitive dissonance and fear to the breakdown of meaningful communication. Together, we unpack how individual citizens can take small but impactful steps toward bridging the divide, fostering unity, and building a mo...2025-06-291h 05Why Do People Do That?PRIDE Saves Lives : The Healing Power of Being SeenIn this powerful and timely episode, we explore the roots of Pride—where it started, why it began, and what it truly means to be seen, validated, and supported. More than a celebration, Pride is a lifeline, especially for those in marginalized communities who are too often erased or targeted. We look at the mental health impacts of visibility, the weight of erasure, and the strength that comes from being recognized for who you are. As we navigate today’s hostile political climate—from surging anti-LGBTQ+ legislation to the dangerous rhetoric amplified on social media—we reflect on how the fight fo...2025-06-151h 03Why Do People Do That?Let’s Talk About Sex: Desire, Shame, and ConnectionIn this deeply insightful and honest conversation, I sat down with licensed sex therapist Heather Simonson, LCSW, CST, CSE, ERYT, RPYT (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sexuality Educator, Reiki Master, and Registered Yoga Teacher (specializing in kids and pre/postnatal) to explore some of the most vulnerable and often unspoken challenges couples face around intimacy. We dive into what happens when partners have mismatched libidos, how self-esteem and body image shape our sexual experiences, and why desire often fades after having children.
We also unpack the layers of shame tied to sexuality—especially for women—and the societal co...2025-06-011h 01Why Do People Do That?Breaking The Reflection: Separating Your Story From Your Child'sDo you sometimes feel your child's successes—or failures—reflect directly on you? You're not alone. In this episode, we explore the powerful, often unconscious ways parents project their unresolved issues onto their children. When we see our kids as extensions of ourselves, we may inadvertently make them responsible for our self-worth, tying their achievements to our value and fearing judgment through their choices.
This dynamic can disrupt a child’s developing identity, strain the parent-child bond, and contribute to anxiety, confusion, and even depression—for both parent and child. Together, we'll unpack how these patterns form, how to r...2025-05-181h 24Why Do People Do That?AITA Therapy Edition : Because No One Is Ever Just An A-Hole!In this episode, we dive into the world of Reddit’s Am I the A**hole?—not to pass judgment, but to unpack the deeper emotional layers behind a few standout posts. As licensed therapists, we explore why people turn to the internet for validation, what their stories reveal about human behavior, and why things are rarely as black and white as they seem. Spoiler: Even when someone seems like the a**hole, there’s usually a lot more going on! Let’s talk about nuance, empathy, and the messy beauty of being human. Everyone has a story, and no one is e...2025-05-0459 minWhy Do People Do That?More Than Play: How Toys Connect Us With Our IdentityIn this episode, we sit down with toy expert Jonathan Alexandratos to explore the profound role that toys play in our lives, far beyond childhood. From self-expression to identity formation, toys are vessels that help us explore parts of ourselves not yet fully realized.
We unpack how the evolution of toy design and accessibility has deepened our connection to play and how these small objects carry big meaning. Whether nostalgic or forward-looking, our relationship with toys reveals more about us than we might expect.
Jonathan Alexandratos is a New York City-based writer, professor, and toy...2025-04-201h 02Why Do People Do That?Salute to Social Workers: The People Who Hold Society TogetherSocial workers are the backbone of countless communities, showing up in hospitals, schools, courtrooms, shelters, and beyond—wherever there is need, there we are. In this special episode, we celebrate the vast and vital profession of social work by speaking with dedicated professionals from across the country. From child welfare to hospice care, from policy advocacy to crisis intervention, we explore the many ways social workers create change, provide support, and uplift lives.
We’ll also take a journey through the history of social work, reflecting on its roots and evolution, and honoring the legacy of those who...2025-04-064h 24Why Do People Do That?The School Refusal Crisis – What Parents, Schools, and Therapists Need to KnowSchool refusal has become an epidemic, skyrocketing since COVID and the rise of social media’s influence on children. As licensed clinical social workers working with families facing this challenge, we sit down with special education attorney Susan Deedy, Esq., (https://www.susandeedylaw.com/), to unpack the many reasons kids are avoiding school—and, more importantly, what can be done about it.
In this episode, we provide a roadmap for parents, educators, and therapists, covering both therapeutic approaches and legal rights. What are your child’s rights when it comes to school refusal? What should schools be doing...2025-03-231h 09Why Do People Do That?The Science Of Gratitude: Unlocking The Healing Power of Positive ThoughtWouldn't it be great if we could actually harness happiness just from changing the way we think? Well... we actually can. There is science-based research that explains how shifting our mindset into a place of gratitude manipulates the neurotransmitters in our brains, creates new neural pathways, reduces stress hormones and creates a cognitive restructuring of how our mind works. That's right! Simply ( we know this may not feel simple) by changing our inner headlines, we do have the power to live happier and more fulfilled lives. We know this is not as easy as it sounds. There can be h...2025-03-0958 minWhy Do People Do That?Mom Guilt: Why Do We Do This To Ourselves and How Do We Stop?Calling all the Mommas! (Don't worry dads.. we get around to you also) Mom guilt?! What are we doing ladies? We at the "Why Do People Do That" podcast insist that we all come together to bring about change. Starting today! Join us in our heartfelt and passionate conversation about the root causes of mom guilt. We go on a journey through time and explore a deeper understanding of the definition of guilt, the societal journey of gender roles, expectations moms put on themselves and others, as well as steps we can all start taking today to bring about...2025-02-2559 minWhy Do People Do That?Does Time Really Heal All Wounds? The Truth About Trauma, The Importance Of Trauma Informed Care and The Power Of EMDRPeople often use the phrase, "time heals all wounds." In reality, time can certainly heal many wounds, but sometimes time alone is not enough. A more accurate truth is that in time, all wounds can heal. When trauma hits, we can sometimes process through and heal naturally. The mind is resilient and miraculous and new neural pathways are forming everyday paving the way for healthy movement forward. Sometimes, however, we are stuck. Trauma is stored in the body and triggers bring us back into the reliving of past events that have not moved through us into healing on its...2025-02-1758 minWhy Do People Do That?Why Are People Breaking Up On Valentine's Day? Current Trends Seen By Divorce AttorneysJoin us in this discussion with divorce mediator, Gina Pellettieri, Esq. https://ginapellettieri.com/ as she helps us unravel what trends are showing up in the world of divorce. We come together to share stories and insights around issues underlying break ups in society today. (As well as the surprising realization that Valentine's Day seems to bring on a break up surge!) Is V Day now break up with your partner day? Join us on this journey as we explore how gender roles, communication breakdowns and generational trauma all play a role in whether people are likely to stay...2025-02-0958 minWhy Do People Do That?Complicated Grief: Understanding Why We Get Stuck and How To Move Through The LossSometimes we get stuck in the grieving process and develop maladaptive patterns that do not serve us. Join us in our stories where we share the symptoms, blocking beliefs and unhealthy patterns that can emerge from complicated grief. From war to suicide to ealry childhood loss, we uncover several examples of what causes complicated grief, how to identify it and what to do. "Why Do People Do That" host", Stacy Pellettieri, shares her story of losing her sister at the age of 3 and Tania DuFour, trauma nurse and former podcast guest, joins the conversation to explore the very complicated...2025-02-0559 min
The Chris Voss ShowThe Chris Voss Show Podcast – Unlocking the ADHD Superpower: Transforming Struggles into Success with Stacy Pellettieri
Unlocking the ADHD Superpower: Transforming Struggles into Success with Stacy Pellettieri
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About the Guest(s):
Stacy Pellettieri is an accomplished licensed clinical social worker with over three decades of experience. She is the founder of Long Island Counseling Services, the largest private psychotherapy practice on Long Island, providing a compassionate and inclusive environment for individuals and families. Stacey specializes in addressing challenges such as ADHD, grief, loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, and OCD, emphasizing a strong commitment to neurodiversity. She is...2025-02-0546 minWhy Do People Do That?Repeating negative patterns: Why do we keep doing what doesn't serve us?In this episode, we tackle the challenging topic of repeating cyclic negative patterns. Our guest, Tania, a trauma nurse and mother, bravely shares her story of personal growth and the lingering effects of past traumas. Despite her successes, Tania finds herself stuck in a recurring cycle—choosing relationships that fail to meet her desires, reflecting a younger version of herself repeating old habits. Together, we uncover the roots of these patterns, explore why they're so hard to break, and discuss actionable steps to rewrite them. Why do we stay stuck in cycles that no longer serve us? What can we...2025-01-2659 minWhy Do People Do That?Why Are We So Affected By Others? Unraveling Our Triggers and Improving RelationshipsHave you ever wondered why the actions, words, or even the mere presence of others—whether it's your partner, a coworker, or a stranger at the store—can spark such strong emotional reactions in you? In this episode, we explore the deeply human tendency to create stories, make assumptions, assign meanings, and project our inner fears or desires onto those around us. These automatic patterns often fuel misunderstandings, disrupt our relationships, and rob us of inner peace. But what if you could understand and challenge these behaviors? Join us for an insightful discussion about how cultivating self-awareness can transform your...2025-01-201h 00Why Do People Do That?"Hoarding: Understanding the Causes and Finding Solutions"Hoarding is a common challenge that impacts countless individuals and their families daily. While it can deeply affect lives, it’s not a lifelong burden—help is available, and the issue can be managed.
In this episode, we delve into the roots of hoarding behaviors, exploring the psychological causes and offering practical tips for improvement. Our guest, Natalie Lowe, a Neurobalance Coach, shares a deeply personal and inspiring story about her mother’s harrowing experiences during World War II in Germany. She reveals how these traumatic events shaped her mother’s hoarding behaviors and the ripple effects it had o...2025-01-1359 minWhy Do People Do That?Exploring the Education System in America and the Mental Health of Students: Can We Do Better?!We are pleased to introduce our guest, long time teacher, and childhood friend, Liz Moliterno. Liz is a passionate educator and advocate for her students. As a special education teacher for high school students, Liz is in the trenches everyday witnessing the very real daily struggles of her students and the mental health crisis we are all hearing about all of the time. She has amazing insight and ideas on how we can do better as a society and systemically within education in this country. Does the education system add to the mental health crisis in today's youth? Is...2025-01-0552 minWhy Do People Do That?New Year's Resolutions: Why they are so hard to stick with and how to create goals that can work!For thousands of years, humans have created New Year's resolutions for a fresh start in the new year. Year after year, as January 1st approaches, we pick a goal to work on that we are rarely able to follow through with. Why don't resolutions work? What goes wrong? Why do we still do this year after year if statistics show that they fail 86% of the time? What is the psychological benefit to having these goals and what tweaks can we make to make them more successful this year? Want to learn how to choose the right resolution this year...2024-12-2654 minWhy Do People Do That?The "Why" For ADHD: Why do individuals with ADHD have the struggles we are seeing and what do we do?ADHD comes in all shapes, ages and sizes. Whether you are an individual with ADHD or someone who is looking to help and support someone who does, this podcast offers priceless information that will offer you the knowlege you need to give the right kind of support to guide your self or your loved one toward happiness and success. What is the science of the ADHD brain? What are executive functions? What strategies and techniques are actually helpful? Research shows that children with ADHD receive 20,000 negative messages by the time they are 12 years old. If you are a parent...2024-12-2357 minWhy Do People Do That?Luigi Mangione: What went wrong and understanding society's surprising response!Luigi Mangione, America's sudden new famous heartthrob makes the scene. But what is he famous for? Assassinating a CEO! Please join us as we have a tough conversation about what we think may have gone wrong for Luigi, what seems to have gone wrong in society, and why there is such a strong movement supporting this cold blooded murder. Let's unpack the #freeluigi movement.
2024-12-1957 minWhy Do People Do That?Participation Trophies: Good or Bad? - Why is this a debate and what is the answer?Participation trophies aren't a new thing as this custom goes back over 100 years. What is new, however, is the debate. Are they really harmful to motivation and the ability to accept dissapointment? Are they helpful? Join Heather and Stacy, licensed clinical social workers, in this psychologically riveting discussion about whether the trophies help or harm our children and why this has become a trending debate.
#participationtrophies
2024-12-1657 minWhy Do People Do That?Analyzing The Menendez Brothers: Psychological Perspectives on Why The Abuse Led To the MurderThe Menendez brothers have been a controversial story and debate since the day they killed their parents. Wondering why they did it? Wondering how long term sutained abuse can lead 2 boys to murder their parents? Wondering why we are looking at it through a new lens today than we did 35 years ago? From the psyche of the abused mind to the changes in gender roles, media and societal norms, join us in this riveting analysis of the 2 boys who have been behind bars for 35 years. Just? Unjust? Should we free the Menendez boys?
2024-12-0259 minWhy Do People Do That?Why Are You Drawn To The Tv Shows You Like?Ever wonder why you are drawn to the TV shows or movies that you like? Why does one person want to watch Hallmark movies while the other wants to immerse themselves in a great horror flick? On this episode of Why Do People Do That, Heather and Stacy will explore the psychological aspects of why we enjoy watching the things we choose to watch! This is a fun, but informative self awareness journey through the lens of film genre chioce! Come and join us and see what you can learn about yourself!
2024-12-0252 minWhy Do People Do That?Holiday Stress: Why do we get stressed and what to do about it!In this episode of "why do people do that?", we are asking the question, why do people get stressed for the holidays? We tackle the ideas of family roles and dynamics, the need to please, having a hard time saying no, asking for help, feelings of inadequcy and the pressures that come frome within as well as social media. Join us as we get personal, reveal insights and offer tips and strategies to ease the struggle this holiday season!
2024-11-2752 minWhy Do People Do That?How to Cope with The Political DivideIn our first episode, we discuss all of the controversy and debates surrounding the election and choosing sides, and how we treat each other based on it. This is a great episode to watch through even post election. Anxiety is high and we attempt to help our viewers understand what is happening for them and the "others." Take our tips and try to relax! We're all in this together and if you stay true to your beliefs, that's all that matters!
2024-11-2647 min
Wild Business GrowthTrailer – Wild Business Growth Podcast Wild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur shares the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business - and teaches you how to do it, too. In this Trailer, meet your Host, Max Branstetter, hear what to expect on the Wild Business Growth Podcast, and discover some of the fan-favorite episodes, including Nancy Cartwright aka Bart Simpson, Matt Mullenweg of WordPress, Alli Webb of Drybar, Stacy Madison of Stacy’s Pita Chips, Scott Hanson of NFL RedZone and Gold Zone, Joe Pellettieri of Big Mouth Billy Bass, and Susan Bennett aka The Voice of Siri. Fo...2024-08-1904 min
Wild Business GrowthTrailer – Wild Business GrowthWild ideas. Wild growth. Every Wednesday morning a new entrepreneur shares the wildly creative and unusual ways they grew their business - and teaches you how to do it, too. In this Trailer, meet your Host, Max Branstetter, hear what to expect on the Wild Business Growth podcast, and discover some of the fan-favorite episodes, including Nancy Cartwright aka Bart Simpson, Matt Mullenweg of WordPress, Alli Webb of Drybar, Stacy Madison of Stacy’s Pita Chips, Scott Hanson of NFL RedZone and Gold Zone, Joe Pellettieri of Big Mouth Billy Bass, and Susan Bennett aka The Voice of Siri. Fo...2024-08-1904 min