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Out of OCD PodcastEp. 16 OCD Thought LoopsHave you ever been trapped in an OCD thought loop—overanalyzing intrusive thoughts, trying to logic your way out, only to get pulled in deeper? You’re not alone. In this episode, I share my personal journey through OCD, the science behind thought loops, and the proven strategies that helped me break free.We’ll dive into: ✅ What OCD thought loops are and why they happen ✅ How OCD tricks your brain into compulsions ✅ The power of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) ✅ Practical steps to disengage from intrusive thoughts and take back controlOCD doesn’t defi...2025-03-1913 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 15 Cure OCD for Good!In this episode of [Podcast Name], we’re diving deep into OCD recovery—what it really takes to break free from intrusive thoughts and compulsions. We’ll bust some common myths, talk about how OCD hijacks your brain, and most importantly, explore how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help you rewire your mind for lasting change.Recovery isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about rewiring your brain step by step. We’ll break down the process, talk about the power of tracking progress, and remind you that setbacks don’t define you. If you’ve ever felt trapp...2025-03-1910 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 14: Why Do I Feel So Tired All the Time? The Link Between OCD, Burnout, and ExhaustionIn this illuminating episode, we explore the deep connection between OCD and exhaustion. We discuss why people with OCD often experience profound mental, physical, and emotional fatigue, and offer practical strategies for breaking the cycle of burnout and finding relief.Key PointsOCD creates a constant state of mental alertness that acts like running a marathon with your mind all dayThe physical toll of compulsions combined with sleep disruption leads to profound exhaustionPeople with OCD are seven times more likely to struggle with insomniaUp to 67% of people with OCD will also experience major...2025-03-0506 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 13: Let The Thoughts – How to Reframe OCD Thoughts and Quiet, Yes Quiet Them DownIn this insightful episode, we explore a fresh perspective on managing OCD and how this approach can transform your relationship with OCD by viewing intrusive thoughts as separate from you and simply "letting them be" without engaging in compulsions.Blog related to videoKey PointsIntroducing the "Let Them Theory" from Mel Robbins' book and its application to OCD managementPersonifying OCD as a separate entity (Toi calls hers "Gloria") to create helpful distanceThe parallels between this approach and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy...2025-03-0510 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 12: Who Am I Really? - How We Cover Up OCD and the Dangers of Doing SoEpisode SummaryIn this powerful episode, we explore the hidden struggles of living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and why keeping it secret often worsens the condition. I share my personal journey of masking compulsions and the freedom she found in finally opening up about her diagnosis.Key PointsThe stigma and misconceptions around OCD often lead people to hide their conditionKeeping OCD secret can increase isolation, delay treatment, and give the disorder more powerMany people with OCD become experts at disguising compulsions in public settingsOpening up about OCD, even...2025-03-0510 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 11 A Bit of ERPIn this episode we dive into the world of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with a healthy dose of humor and hope. I aim to demystify the process of facing OCD fears, transforming anxiety-inducing thoughts from terrifying monsters into manageable challenges. Whether you're just starting your mental health journey or looking for new strategies to manage intrusive thoughts, this episode promises to make ERP feel less like a mountain to climb and more like a quirky adventure in brain training. Resources: Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/2024-12-1005 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 11 Religious and Moral Scrupulosity OCDIn this episode of The Out of OCD Podcast, Toi Hershman dives into a widely misunderstood OCD subtype: religious or moral scrupulosity. Toi draws from personal experience to explain how this condition affects individuals’ faith and mental health.Key Topics Covered:What is Religious Scrupulosity?A subtype of OCD involving intense fear of sin, blasphemy, or punishment.Common compulsions include repetitive praying, excessive confessions, and seeking reassurance from religious leaders.The Emotional Impact:How scrupulosity drives people to avoid their faith or worship spaces.The excruciating feelings of guilt, shame, an...2024-11-1511 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 10: I Am Sooo OCD, and Other Dumb Things People Say to YouIn this episode, we take a deep dive into Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), challenging common misconceptions that trivialize this serious mental illness. Our host addresses myths like "OCD is just about being tidy," "Everyone’s a little OCD," and "People with OCD can just stop." Each myth is broken down to reveal the true impact of OCD on daily life, emphasizing that OCD isn’t about enjoying cleanliness or control—it's about managing intrusive, distressing thoughts through compulsive behaviors that are anything but a choice.Real-life examples illustrate how OCD can look different for everyone, often including mental ritual...2024-10-2514 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 9. Why Does OCD Feel So Real?In this episode, we dive into how uncertainty makes OCD feel real. For those of us with OCD, even though we logically know our thoughts can't hurt us, OCD makes them feel incredibly real and threatening. People without OCD often don’t understand that we can’t simply brush off these scary thoughts; we feel the overwhelming need to perform compulsions to prevent something bad from happening. This episode explores how OCD taps into your brain's fight, flight, or freeze response, making the intrusive thoughts feel like real dangers. We’ll also discuss Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and ho...2024-10-1408 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 8 Intentional ERP for OCDEpisode 8: Mastering Intentional ERP for OCDIn this episode, we explore the power of intentional Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for managing OCD. Key points include:• Understanding ERP and its initial challenges• The benefits of proactive vs. reactive ERP• Simple techniques to practice intentional ERP daily• Methods for disengaging from intrusive thoughts• The importance of celebrating progress, no matter how small• Tips for tracking improvement over timeWe discuss how even short, regular ERP sessions can make a significant difference in managing OCD symptoms. Listeners will learn practical strategies t...2024-09-0508 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 7 Postpartum OCDPostpartum OCD occurs after childbirth and is characterized by obsessive, repetitive, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, often accompanied by compulsions or repetitive behaviors. These compulsions are performed to relieve the stress and fear caused by intrusive thoughts. With postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts can take on various forms often revolving around a new mom's ability to care for her child. These thoughts are not reflective of a new mother's true beliefs and are highly distressing, but women are scared to let anyone know what is happening to them.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHGUuSz7...2024-08-1210 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 6: OCD and Suicidal ThoughtsThe Dark Struggle - OCD and Suicidal Thoughts*TRIGGER WARNING: This article may be difficult if you are sensitive to this topic. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a severely disabling mental illness that can make someone's life feel like an endless nightmare. The constant cycle of intrusive, tormenting thoughts and the compulsions aimed at relieving the anxiety they cause is utterly exhausting. For some struggling with OCD, the pain and suffering becomes so overwhelming that they start having thoughts of suicide as a way to finally escape this personal hell.2024-06-1407 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 5 ERP for OCD: Taking Back Control with Exposure TherapyERP for OCD: Taking Back Control with Exposure TherapyThis episode dives into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the gold standard treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We'll hear personal stories about the struggles of OCD and how compulsions, while offering temporary relief, can become a trap.We'll break down ERP therapy, explaining how it works and why it's so effective. You'll learn about exposure hierarchies, a system therapists use to gradually expose you to your triggers in a safe and controlled environment. We'll also address common concerns about ERP, like the...2024-05-2019 minOut of OCD PodcastEp.4. All-or-Nothing Thinking in OCDHello my friend with OCD. I want to ask you about something and see if it applies to you. Do you have all-or-nothing thinking? People with OCD often exhibit this black-and-white way of thinking due to an intolerance of uncertainty and need for certainty. This leads to viewing situations as completely safe or extremely dangerous with no middle ground. All-or-nothing thinking stems from the obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that characterize OCD, as sufferers aim for perfection to reduce anxiety. However, this dichotomous mindset is counterproductive in OCD recovery - you can't eliminate all compulsions at once. I'll explain...2024-05-0808 minOut of OCD PodcastEp. 3. The OCD GremlinHere's what it feels like with OCD...It's like you have a pesky gremlin whispering in your ear, telling you to do something over and over again. Now, this is in no way like somebody who hears voices, but it is like a gremlin in your head. It's like having an urge or compulsion to do something, whether that's to wash your hands, organize your soups, collect things, etc. For me, it was just moving through my day. I would try to get dressed and have to start over with better thoughts, go through...2024-05-0111 minOut of OCD PodcastOUT of OCD Ep. 2 Do I really need a therapist?In this episode, we talk about how to find the right person to help you in your OCD healing journey. I share some different therapy or coaching options and some red flags to look out for when researching therapy to help you find the right person.Resources: Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman 2024-03-2711 minOut of OCD PodcastOut of OCD Podcast IntroductionIn this podcast I am joined by my friend Maria Claire Andrea for a deep talk about mental health, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. We discuss our issues and experiences with our mental health and healing journeys. Included in the episode:OUT of OCD Youtube ChannelOUT of OCD InstagramToi Hershman FacebookMarie Claire Andrea InstagramMarie Claire Andrea FacebookResources: ...2024-03-2756 min
EntreEd TalkEpisode 115- Dr. Rebecca WhiteIn this episode of EntreEd Talk, Dr. Toi Hershman is joined by EntreEd Executive Director, Dr. Gene Coulson to chat all things entrepreneurship with Dr. Rebecca White. Dr. White is an experienced educator, entrepreneur, speaker, author, consultant, and board member with expertise and experience in the design, management, and leadership of innovation and talent development. Dr. White is currently the James W. Walter Distinguished Chair of Entrepreneurship, Professor of Entrepreneurship, and Director of the John P. Lowth Entrepreneurship Center at the University of Tampa. Tune in to learn more about her latest book, "See, Do, Repeat: The Practice of...2021-12-0256 min
Forward with NACCEHow To Ignite Entrepreneurship in Your Classroom with Toi Hershman, EntreEdIn honor of National Best Friends Day (June 8 in the US), podcast hosts Dr. Rebecca Corbin and Jeff Smith invite a long-time colleague and friend Toi Elizabeth Hershman to talk about America's Entrepreneurial Schools. Hear how Toi transitioned from mechanical engineering into K-12 education, how she overcame her fear of teaching little kids, and how she channeled her passion for education and making into a nationwide program that ignites entrepreneurship starting in pre-school! We look forward to sharing Toi’s story with, and also her ne...2021-06-0938 min