Toxic positivity is a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. It is characterized by the constant reinforcement of an overly optimistic attitude, to the point of ignoring, invalidating, or minimizing the hardships or feelings faced by individuals. This can create a sense of disconnect between people. It can also be detrimental to t ... Show More
Oct 7
428. How to Fall in Love with Questions with Elizabeth Weingarten
Not knowing the answer can feel unsettling, but what if uncertainty was actually something to embrace? In this episode, Michael sits down with Elizabeth Weingarten to explore that idea. Elizabeth, whose work spans top publications and research programs, shares insights from her b ... Show More
1 h
Sep 30
427. Raising Kids with Food Allergies with Tamara Hubbard
If you’re a parent navigating the ups and downs of your child’s food allergies, you know firsthand how anxiety can sneak in, whether it’s worrying about safety at school, birthday parties, or just trying to give your child some independence. In this episode of Psychologists Off t ... Show More
59m 48s
Sep 23
426. College Mental Health with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West
College life can be exciting, but it’s also full of unique challenges that can really take a toll on mental health. In this episode, Debbie sits down with Colleen Ehrnstrom, Audrey Gilfillan, and Alison West to break down what’s really going on with students’ mental well-being. T ... Show More
1h 6m
Jan 2025
How Do I Stop Being Such A People Pleaser?
JVN sits down with Kati Morton, a licensed therapist and bestselling author, to dive deep into the world of people-pleasing. Together, they unpack why people-pleasing isn’t just about being nice—it’s about discomfort with other people’s discomfort, and why it leaves so many of us ... Show More
53m 15s
Dec 2024
Toxic Relationships : 7 Shocking Truths About Why Narcissists Can't Love Their Kids💔
Send us a text"Can Narcissistic Parents Truly Love Their Kids? The Truth Behind the Mask"Are narcissistic parents capable of genuine love, or is their affection just a carefully crafted façade? Join me, Dr. Amen Kaur, as I expose the emotional disconnection hidden beneath the sur ... Show More
16m 58s
May 2025
How To Improve Critical Thinking, Embrace Uncertainty, and Stop Self-Censoring | Jenara Nerenberg
Plus how to speak up and challenge your own tribe, how to successfully engage with people you disagree with, and more. Jenara Nerenberg is a journalist and author. Her latest book is called Trust Your Mind: Embracing Nuance in a World of Self-Silencing. She holds degrees from the ... Show More
1h 7m
Sep 2024
How And Why To Avoid The Siren Call Of Cynicism | Dr. Jamil Zaki
New episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- This Stanford psychologist has evidence that being a cynic is bad for your health, and offers a non-corny alternative. Dr. Jamil Zaki is a professor of psyc ... Show More
1h 13m
Sep 2024
Nicole LePera: How to Break the Cycle of Trauma Bonds & Stop Toxic Relationship Habits
What are your emotional needs? How do you communicate them clearly? Today, Jay welcomes back Dr. Nicole LePera, a holistic psychologist, best-selling author, and founder of the SelfHealers Circle, a global community for self-healing. She is the author of the New York Times bestse ... Show More
1h 16m
Jul 2023
Dr. Susan David: Build Emotional Agility, Avoid Burnout, & The Dangers of Toxic Positivity
Susan David, Ph.D. (award-winning Harvard Medical School psychologist) breaks down emotional agility, explaining how navigating our emotions can impact every area of our lives, why emotional labor can lead to burnout, the importance of not allowing emotions to guide us, and ways ... Show More
1h 36m
Nov 2024
#378 A Little Less Toxic with Shawna Holman
Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m so excited to welcome Shawna Holman, founder of A Little Less Toxic and bestselling author of A Healthier Home and her latest must-read, A Healthier Home Cook.In this episode, we talk about Shawna’s journey to health, from ch ... Show More
45m 39s