Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin
Therapist Amy Morin hosts a podcast about building mental strength, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Each episode offers science-backed strategies to improve mental health and tackle life's challenges. Morin, a bestselling author and TEDx speaker, shares insights from her personal journey and professional expertise. The show aims to help listeners gain a competitive edge and reach their greatest potential.
Episodes
330 — The Real Reason Your Coping Skills Aren't Helping (It's Not You)
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Have you ever tried a mental strength strategy that everyone swears by, and it didn't work for you? Maybe you tried to meditate in the middle of a panic attack and felt worse, or started a gratitude journal while your life was falling apart and just ended up feeling guilty about your list.
The sa
329 — How to Stop Beating Yourself Up for How You Feel With Psychotherapist Daniel Smith
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I should be over this by now"? Maybe an old fear or insecurity shows up, and instead of just feeling it, you feel bad about feeling that way.
Most of us were taught that hard feelings — shame, envy, anger, boredom — are problems to be solved or character flaws to fix. And when they don't go away, we pile on a second layer of distress. But my guest today s
328 — The Best Way to Solve a Problem When You Feel Hopeless: Brainstorm the Worst Ideas First
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Have you ever felt stuck trying to solve a problem? Maybe you're trying to figure out how to attract more customers, smooth things over with someone you love, or finally dig out of debt—but you just can't figure out what to do?
Well, sometimes pushing harder for an answer in the same direction is e
327 — Why You Can't Make Up Your Mind (and How to Finally Decide) with Bestselling Author Simone Stolzoff
Think about the last time you couldn't make up your mind about a big decision. Maybe you made a pro-and-con list, read every review, and talked it through with other people — and still couldn't decide.
We tell ourselves that just a little more information will finally bring the certainty we need to choose. But my guest today says more research can fuel your anxiety and the certainty we're chasing
326 — The Fastest Way to Feel Better When Everything's Going Wrong (It's Not Self-Care)
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Have you ever had one of those days—or one of those weeks—where everything seems to be going wrong, and no matter what you try, you just feel discouraged?
Fortunately, there's a play you can run when you don't know what to do. And on the surface, it seems a little backward.
In today's episode, I'm sharing a p
325 — Harvard Psychiatrist: The #1 Mistake People Make When They Try to Work on Themselves with Dr. Paul Conti
Think about the last time you tried to work on yourself. Chances are you started with a list of everything that's wrong with you — what you don't like, what you should be doing, and what you want to "fix."
But what if thinking about yourself as "broken" is the thing that's keeping you stuck? My guest today is Dr. Paul Conti, a Harvard- and Stanford-trained psychiatrist who runs the group practic
324 — Nervous Before a Big Moment? The Ritual That Gets You in the Right Headspace
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Have you ever had a big moment coming up, like a presentation or an interview, and spent the final few minutes frantically cramming? We often tell ourselves if we just review our notes one more time, we'll feel confident when we walk in.
But research shows that last-minute cramming is probably making you perform
323 — Always Bracing for the Worst? Here's Why Becoming a Realistic Optimist Is Better for Your Health with Dr. Deepika Chopra
Have you ever told someone, "I'm not an optimist, I'm a realist" because the whole "good vibes only" thing seems irritating, and you don't want to set yourself up for disappointment?
A lot of us brace for the worst on purpose. We think if we expect the worst, we'll either be right or pleasantly surprised. But bracing for disaster can be bad for your health.
My guest today is Dr. Deepika Chopra —
322 — This 60-Second Mental Strength Play Will Help You Stop Procrastinating (And It Doesn't Require Willpower)
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Do you procrastinate more than you'd like to admit? You've probably told yourself the problem is willpower, motivation, or self-discipline. But, procrastination usually has nothing to do with those things.
It has to do with trying to avoid an uncomfortable feeling. Fortunately, there's a simple mental strength pl
Bonus Episode - How To Manage Your Anger with Mike Pesca
This week we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at How To!, the 2026 Ambie Award-nominated “Best Personal Growth Podcast” that’s back with a new host and new topics to fuel your curiosity.
Each week on How To!, award-winning journalist Mike Pesca tackles a listener’s question – on topics ranging from travel and finance to health and relationships – with help from world-class experts w
321 — How to Use Constraints to Spark Better Ideas, Make Faster Decisions, and Live With Less Regret With Bestselling Author David Epstein
Have you ever scrolled Netflix for 25 minutes, finally picked something—and then couldn't enjoy it because you kept wondering if there was something better? Or told yourself that if you just had more time, more space, or more freedom, you'd finally write the book, start the business, or get serious about the creative work you keep putting off?
We've been sold the idea that more options and more f
320 — Dreading a Difficult Person? This Play Makes Them Less Draining—and Almost Entertaining
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Have you ever wasted a whole day dreading a one-hour meeting? Or braced yourself for a family gathering because you dreaded seeing the family member who makes inconsiderate comments?
The interaction with difficult people usually don't wear you out. It's the anticipation of seeing them that is draini
319 — How to Beat Brain Fog and Prevent Dementia With Harvard-Trained Dr. Majid Fotuhi
Most of us don't think about brain health until something goes wrong. We think it's normal to experience brain fog or we just accept cognitive decline is inevitable as we age.
Science shows you can physically change your brain at any age. You can grow new neurons, build stronger connections, and even shrink your risk of Alzheimer's — and it doesn't require anything mysterious or extreme.
My gue
318 — How to Turn Anxiety Into a Competitive Advantage With a 2-Minute Play That Tricks Your Brain
Want strategies to help you stay mentally strong right now? Pick up a copy of The Mental Strength Playbook.
Have you ever been about to walk into something important — a big presentation, a tough call, a conversation you've been dreading — and your body just completely betrays you? Your heart is pounding, your palms are sweaty, your stomach is in knots. And no matter how many times you tell yours
317 — The Goal You Keep Setting and Not Following Through On? Here's What's Actually Wrong With Bestselling Author Chris Bailey
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Do you ever set a goal you genuinely cared about — get healthier, write the book, finally save money — and two weeks later you can't make yourself take any action? Even when you have motivation and a good plan, sometimes, the action doesn't happen.
Closing the gap between what you intend to do and what you actually do has far less to do with tryin
316 — How Talking to a Rubber Duck Will Solve Any Problem Fast (And Why Thinking Harder Fire Backfires)
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Whether you're trying to figure out how to address a problem with a friend or you're struggling to make a decision about what to do next week, thinking about a problem can be exhausting. And the more you think about solutions, the more you struggle to find an answer.
Fortunately, there's a simple strategy that can help you uncover the solution fast.
315 — Can't Let Go of Your Stuff? The Sticky Note Trick That Reveals What's Really Holding You Back with Faith Roberson
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Take a quick look around your home. How many piles of mail are sitting on the counter? How many clothes are in your closet that you haven't worn in two years? How much stuff is shoved in the garage, the spare room, or the storage unit you're still paying $200 a month for?
Most of us are drowning in stuff, and it's costing us m
314 — Beating Yourself Up? The 10-Second Play That Outsmarts Your Inner Critic
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Have you ever rewritten an email five times before hitting send because you keep telling yourself it's not quite right? Or beaten yourself up over something you said and convinced yourself you've ruined everything? That's your inner critic .
We all have one—and while that little voice is meant to protect you, it can easily get in the way of th
313 — Tired of People Draining You? The Empathy Rule That Protects Your Energy Without Making You Cold With Dr. D. Ivan Young
The Mental Strength Playbook is out now. Order your copy today.
Do you have someone in your life who only calls when they need something? Maybe it's the relative who always goes from one crisis to the next, the friend who vents for an hour and never asks how you're doing, or the coworker who treats you like their personal therapist.
You care about them but you feel drained by them too. Fortunat
312 - Avoiding a Hard Conversation? 3 Plays to Help You Address the Issue Head-On
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Have you ever rehearsed an uncomfortable conversation in your head over and over again? Maybe you want to ask for a raise, address something that hurt your feelings, or share bad news—but you keep running the words on a loop, hunting for the perfect way to say it.
While we like to practice, rehearsing isn't actually helping. It's worrying in dis
311 — The Science of How Your Spaces Shape Your Mind (and How to Make Them Work for You) with UVA Behavioral Scientist Leidy Klotz
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What if cleaning your kitchen counter could actually help with depression? What if rearranging your living room could improve your relationships? Or moving your fruit bowl could make you healthier? We tend to think change is all about what's happening inside us — our mindset, our habits, our willpower. But what
310 — Can't Stop Worrying? Why Telling Yourself to Stop Never Works — and the Therapist-Approved Play That Does
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Can't stop replaying that awkward conversation from yesterday? Still anxious about something that might happen next week? If your brain keeps dragging you back to the same worries over and over, telling yourself to "just stop thinking about it" isn't going to work.
In fact,
309 — Feel Left Out a Lot? The Neuroscience of Exclusion — and the Daily Habit That Builds Secure Relationships with Columbia Neuroscientist Dr. Amir Levine
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Have you ever wondered why an unanswered text can send you into a spiral? Or why you keep having the same fight with your partner over and over again? It might be your attachment style. And the g
308 — Pause. Pick. Play. The Formula for Getting Through Any Hard Moment
Want more plays to choose from? Pre-order The Mental Strength Playbook before April 28th and get exclusive bonuses delivered instantly — including a mental strength audit and the book's introduction.
Imagine being a therapist from small-town Maine who has never spoken in front of more than 20 people — and suddenly finding yourself backstage at a massive conference, about to share a stage with
307 — Eco Medicine Doctor: How to Use Nature to Reduce Depression, Kill Anxiety, and Extend Your Life
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What if the ultimate strategy to calm your brain, fight burnout, and boost your happiness doesn't come from a pharmacy but instead, comes from nature?
Most of us spend our days glued to screens, sitting underneath artificial lights, and spending up to 93% of our time indoors. The "indoor epidemic" may be costi
306 — You Don't Need to Feel Strong to Be Strong
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Have you ever had to show up to do something when you felt like you had nothing to give? Or have you doubted your ability to handle a challenge because you didn’t feel strong enough? Fortunately, you don't have to feel strong to be strong. And today, I'm sharing why.
Some of the thi
305 — How to Make the Biggest Changes With the Smallest Steps With Author Eric Zimmer
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What if everything you believe about making big changes in your life is wrong? What if rather than a huge transformation, you're better of taking a series of small steps toward a new life?
My guest today is Eric Zimmer, a behavior change expert, host of the award-winning podcast The One You Feed, and author
304 — Got Rejected? Here's the One Thing You Need to Do to Get Your Confidence Back Fast
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Don't you hate that sting of rejection? Whether you got turned down for a job or you got ghosted by friend, feeling rejected hurts.
But you don't have to let it take a toll on your confidence. You can actually use those painful moments as a powerful opportunity to grow mentally stronger. Today, I am sharing my absolute favorite strategy to help
303 — Stop Trying to Fix People’s Problems—Here’s How to Truly Connect Instead with Psychotherapist Nidhi Tewari
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What if trying to fix other people’s problems is actually making things worse?
When a loved one comes to us with a problem, our first instinct is often to jump in and solve it. But what if the best way to support them isn’t about fixing anything at all?
My guest today is Nidhi Tewari, a licensed clinical social wo
302 — Why You Choose Familiar Pain Over Unfamiliar Peace (and How to Break Free From Those Patterns)
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Have you ever found yourself in a relationship that felt eerily similar to a past one that ended badly? Or maybe you finally achieved a goal you worked so hard for, but instead of celebrating, you found a way to completely mess it up?
You might think you are just unlucky or destined to struggle. But the truth is, yo
How to Show Up at Work When Your Life is a Dumpster Fire–Early Bird Pre-Order Bonus
Have you ever had to show up at work and get things done even when your personal life was a complete dumpster fire? I have.
In fact, most of us have. But no one ever talks about how to do it.
We are going to change that. You are invited to my upcoming live virtual event on April 6th at 7 PM ET!
If you can't attend live, we will send you the recording.
I'm sharing the science-backed strategi
301 — Why Undersharing Is Holding You Back (And How to Fix It) With Harvard Professor Leslie John
What if the amount of information share—or don’t share—is affecting your life more than you think?
We live in a world where oversharing gets a bad rap, but undersharing can be just as problematic. Striking the right balance between too much information (TMI) and too little information (TLI) is a skill that can improve your relationships and even help you grow mentally stronger.
My guest today i
300 — Why Your Nervous System Feels Broken and How to Reset It Without the Woo-Woo
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Have you ever felt like your stress levels are stuck in overdrive, leaving you constantly on edge, jumpy, or exhausted? You might think that fixing your nervous system requires some magical reset or elaborate healing ritual. But the truth is, regulating your nervous system doesn’t have to be complicated—or involve any of
BONUS — Pre-Order The Mental Strength Playbook and Get Exclusive Bonuses Today!
The Mental Strength Playbook is Now Available for Pre-Order!
After writing six books about what not to do, it's finally time to share what to do.
And since work is where our mental strength is tested the most, it's also where we have the greatest opportunities to grow.
In The Mental Strength Playbook, you'll find 50 science-backed strategies to help you:
Instantly calm your anxiety
Boost
299 — Change Your Mind, Change Your Life: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Holding Yourself Back with Bestselling Author Nir Eyal
What if the things you believe about yourself and your capabilities aren't accurate? What if you're much more competent than you think you are?
We all have mental barriers that shape how we view ourselves and the world. But your beliefs do not have to define you forever. You have the power to rewrite those stories.
My guest today is Nir Eyal, a behavioral design expert, international speaker, a
298 — The Gray Rock Strategy: How to Handle Toxic People Without Losing Your Mind
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Have you ever dealt with someone who thrives on drama and leaves you feeling completely exhausted? You might think that keeping your power means you have to speak up, tell the truth, and share your opinion.
But true mental strength isn't always about being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes, the most powerful thing
297 — Feeling Unfulfilled? Here's What You Need to Flourish With Bestselling Author Daniel Coyle
Do you ever go through the motions and checking off tasks but feeling like something is missing? Do achievements leave you feeling emptier than you expected? Society often confuses flourishing with productivity and success.
My guest, bestselling author Daniel Coyle explains that true flourishing is about creating environments where we can thrive together. He says a few small changes can create
296 — 5 Ways to Build Emotional Strength When Life Keeps Knocking You Down
You can’t control everything that happens to you. But you can control how much emotional strength you have to respond. When you're feeling emotionally strong, you're ready to tackle whatever challenges you face and have the ability to rise to your greatest potential.
Fortunately, building emotional strength is a skill you can develop with practice. Today, I’m sharing five essential steps that w
295 — Exhausted by Your Job? How to Stop the Grind from Grinding You Down with Psychologist Guy Winch
Do you ever feel like work has taken over your life? Or maybe you’ve tried to find "work-life balance,” but it feels impossible? If your job has you feeling stressed out and overwhelmed, this episode is for you.
My guest is psychologist and author Guy Winch, whose latest book, Mind Over Grind, offers practical strategies to help you reclaim your time, energy, and mental well-being no matter ho
294 — Dreading Something? Here’s Exactly What You Need to Do to Stop the Dread Spiral
How often do you find yourself dreading something so much that it’s hard to think about anything else? Maybe you’ve avoided doing something important—like applying for a new job—because the thought of waiting for a rejection letter felt unbearable. You are not alone. Dread is a powerful emotion that can hijack your decisions.
But you don’t have to let dread control your life. In today’s episode,
293 — The #1 Parenting Strategy That Changes Everything with Dr. Ross W. Greene
Are you tired of battling with your kids over homework, chores, or screen time? Or maybe you’ve tried every reward chart and consequence system out there, but nothing seems to work? If you’re ready for a new approach to parenting, this episode is for you.
My guest is Dr. Ross Greene, a clinical psychologist and the author of The Explosive Child and Raising Human Beings. His new book is called Th
292 — How to Stop Caring So Much What People Think and Start Living for You
Is it important for you to be liked by everyone? Do you ever hold back on an idea because you’re terrified of what someone else might say? Or have you made a major life decision — like what career to pursue or who to date — based on what others thought you should do, rather than what you actually wanted to do?
If any of this sounds familiar, today’s episode is for you. If your self-worth depends
291 - How to Break Free When Everyone Else Is Telling You Who to Be with David Archuleta
Do you ever feel like you're living according to someone else’s rules? How do you find the courage to be yourself when you know not everyone is going to be on board?
My guest is David Archuleta, platinum-selling singer-songwriter, former American Idol runner-up, and author of the new memoir Devout. In this episode, David gets real about the intense pressure to please his family, his church, and h
290 — Feeling Disconnected? Do These 5 Things With Your Partner This Weekend to Develop a Stronger Relationship
Do you feel like you and your partner have lost a bit of your spark? If so, you might be tempted to plan something big to turn things around. But, it's often the little things in relationships that make a big difference. And weekends are the perfect time to reconnect and deepen your bond.
Today, I’m sharing five simple habits mentally strong couples practice on the weekends. These aren't complic
289 — How to Create a Meaningful Life Without Starting Over with Stanford Lecturer Dave Evans
Do you ever feel like life is just a series of to-do lists? Do you sometimes wonder, “Is this all there is?” Or maybe you’ve been told to “find your purpose,” but the idea feels overwhelming or out of reach. If you’ve ever struggled to find meaning in your day-to-day life, this episode is for you.
My guest is Stanford Professor Dave Evans. He's the co-author of How to Have a Meaningful Life. Dave
288 - Why Chasing Happiness Is Making You Miserable (And What to Do Instead)
What if your pursuit of happiness is the very thing making you miserable? It sounds counterintuitive, right?
We live in a world obsessed with happiness. But chasing happiness is a trap.
On today’s episode, I’m breaking down why the pursuit of happiness often backfires and what you can do instead to build a life that feels truly fulfilling.
Some of the things I talk about are:
Why treating
287 — Why Consistency Might Be Holding You Back: The Truth About Habits with Coach Jonathan Goodman
Do you feel like you’re constantly failing at work-life balance? Or maybe you’re tired of advice that tells you to optimize every second of your day and track every single habit? If you want a fresh, unconventional approach to building a life you love, this episode is for you.
My guest is Jonathan Goodman, the author of Unhinged Habits. He’s a fitness industry veteran who challenges the idea that
286 — 3 Sentences That Will Turn Any Argument Into a Productive Conversation
How often do you walk away from an argument feeling exhausted and misunderstood? Most of us go into an argument wanting to win. But trying to convince someone that you are right and they are wrong will leave you feeling drained. It will likely damage your relationship. Fortunately, you can turn a battle into a productive conversation with just a few phrases.
Today, I’m sharing three simple senten
285 — Why Excellence Is About Who You Become, Not What You Achieve with Performance Expert Brad Stulberg
Do you feel like you’re just going through the motions? Or do you think you don't the time or energy to excel at anything? If you want to find more meaning and fulfillment without doing a cold plunge at 3 a.m., this episode is for you.
My guest is Brad Stulberg, a best-selling author and human performance expert. He explains that real excellence isn’t about hustle culture or becoming the best in
284 — Overthinking? Here’s the 3-Word Fix You Need to Stop the Spiral
How often do you find yourself replaying a conversation in your head over and over? Or maybe you get caught in a spiral of imagining every possible worst-case scenario. You are definitely not alone—we all ruminate sometimes. But overthinking wastes your time and drains your mental strength.
Fortunately, you don't have to let your brain keep spiraling down an unhelpful path. Today, I’m sharing thr
283 — How to Stop Feeling Invisible and Start Feeling Like You Matter with Journalist Jennifer Wallace
Do you ever feel like you don’t have a reason to get out of bed? Or maybe you feel lonely, even when you’re in a room full of people? If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to feel valued and important, this episode is for you.
My guest is Jennifer Wallace, a journalist and the author of Mattering. She explains that mattering is a fundamental human need that comes right after food and shelte
282 — 5 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don't Do in Today's World
Are you raising your kids to become mentally strong adults? It’s tough to do in today’s world for so many reasons. But we owe it to kids to give them the skills they need to manage their emotions, think rationally, and take the productive action they need to live their best lives.
Unfortunately, many of today’s most common parenting practices are robbing kids of the mental strength they need to t
281 — How to Break Free From Guilt: The Secret to Finally Feeling Good Enough With Dr. Jennifer Reid
Do you ever feel like you're drowning in guilt? That feeling that no matter what you do, you're not doing enough? As a parent, a partner, a friend, or a professional?
We often think guilt is a sign we've done something wrong, but what if it's just a symptom of something deeper? What if the constant feeling of "I should have..." is actually holding you back from living a happier, more fulfilling l
280 — Are You Secretly Sabotaging Yourself? 4 Steps to Stop Being Your Own Worst Enemy
You can't control everything that happens to you this year. But you can control how you respond to your circumstances. And if you're sabotaging your own efforts, you'll never reach your greatest potential.
Fortunately, recognizing the ways you get in your own way can change everything. Today, I’m sharing a step-by-step guide to help you identify your self-sabotaging habits so you can get out of y
279 — How to Rebuild Your Life After Hitting Rock Bottom with Best-Selling Author Jen Hatmaker
Do you ever wish you could reinvent yourself or that you had the courage to let go of a life that no longer fits? Do you struggle to trust your intuition or worry that it’s too late to start over? If so, today’s episode is for you.
My guest is Jen Hatmaker, a New York Times bestselling author with millions of social media followers. After 26 years of marriage, she discovered her husband was cheat
278 — The 3 Mindset Shifts You Will Help You Grow Mentally Stronger This Year
You can't control everything that happens to you this year. But you can control your mindset. With a healthy mindset, you'll be able to tackle whatever challenges you face and you'll also have the ability to rise to your greatest potential.
Fortunately, changing the lens through which you see the world can change everything. Today, I’m sharing three essential mindset shifts that will help you t
277 — Top 10 Mental Strength Lessons From 2025's Most Popular Episodes
As we close out 2025, I'm reflecting on the biggest lessons we've learned about building mental strength this year. I reviewed the most listened-to episodes of the year—from conversations with neuroscientists to inspiring stories from musicians—to bring you the top 10 takeaways that resonated most with you.
Today, I’m breaking down the most powerful, science-backed strategies and insights from t
276 — The 3 Habits That Will Make You Mentally Stronger in 2026
Do you think you need to completely overhaul your life to become mentally stronger in 2026? Whether you are planning to wake up at 4 a.m. or commit to a grueling routine, we're often told we need to create all new habits if we want to change our lives.
But, big changes rarely stick. Fortunately, a few simple changes might help you build lasting mental strength. Today, I’m sharing three powerful
275 — Are You Numbing Your Emotions? How to Break Free and Live Fully with Cecily Mak
Do you ever wonder if the habits you rely on to get through the day might actually be holding you back from living a full, rich life? Maybe it’s a nightly glass of wine, scrolling on social media, or even working extra hours. These strategies might help you feel a little better for a minute but they may be dimming your life in the big picture.
My guest today is Cecily Mak, co-founder of Wisdom
274 — Make 2026 Your Strongest Year Yet: Take the 5-Question Mental Strength Audit
Do you wonder how mentally strong you really are? Well, today I'm sharing a five question audit that will not only help you assess your mental strength but will also give you a blueprint to identify what you can work on to grow even stronger next year.
Building mental strength is an ongoing process, and it's important to take a few minutes to assess yourself every once in a while so know what y
273 — The Truth About Therapy and What You Need to Know Before You Start with Psychotherapist Joe Nucci
Do you ever wonder if therapy is right for you? Or have you heard someone say, "everyone needs therapy" and questioned if it's really true?
My guest today is Joe Nucci, a licensed therapist who challenges some common beliefs about mental health services, therapy, and commonly used terms. He's also the author of Psychobabble.
Some of the things we discuss are:
Why most people don't actually n
272 — How to Handle Big Emotions: 5 Science-Backed Skills to Stay in Control
Do you ever feel like your emotions are in charge of your day? Maybe a spike in anxiety makes it difficult to function or a burst of anger caused you to do something you regret. But what if you could manage them without just suppressing them?
Today, I’m sharing five powerful, science-backed strategies to help you handle big emotions. Building mental strength isn't about suppressing your feelings,
271 — How to Stop Doubting Yourself and Finally Start Trusting Your Inner Strength with Dr. Shadé Zahrai
Do you ever feel like self-doubt is holding you back from reaching your goals? What could you accomplish if you trusted that you had the inner strength to handle challenges?
We often think success will erase self-doubt, but in reality, self-doubt often grows with increased responsibility. But learning how to manage self-doubt could be the key to creating a better life.
My guest is Dr. Shadé Zahr
270 — You Don't Need More Self-Discipline: 2 Strategies to Succeed Without It
Do you think you need more self-discipline to succeed? Whether you want to eat healthier or write that book, it's easy to assume you're going to wait until you have more willpower to reach those goals.
But what if the key isn’t self-discipline at all? Today, I’m sharing two powerful strategies that can help you reach your goals without relying on forcing yourself to do something you hate: the Do
269 — 60-Second Storytelling Hacks: Build Deeper Connections and Boost Your Mental Health with Corey Rosen
Do you ever wish you were a better story teller or that you could make more sense of the things that happen to you? Do you struggle to find the right words to share your experiences, or worry that your stories are boring? If so, today's episode is for you.
My guest is Corey Rosen, a storytelling expert and host of The Moth StorySlams. He explains that we can all become better storytellers and tha
268 — Feeling Lonely This Holiday Season? 8 Strategies That Will Help You Stay Mentally Strong
Does the holiday season feel a little too quiet for you? Maybe you're spending the holidays alone this year, or maybe you're surrounded by people but still feel lonely. If that’s the case, you're not the only one feeling lonely this year.
Loneliness during the holidays is more common than you might think, and it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Today, I'm sharing how to navigate the
267 — The Surprising Truth About Stress and Why Trying to Relax Is Making You Feel Worse with Dr. Rebecca Heiss
Do you feel like you’re constantly battling stress or that you're stressed out all the time? Do attempts to relax backfire and cause you to feel even worse? If so, today's episode is for you.
My guest today is Dr. Rebecca Heiss, a stress physiologist who says we can change the way stress affects us. In fact, she says we can turn our biological responses to stress into an advantage once we know
266 — The Holiday Playbook: Family Triggers, Strong Emotions, and Gracious Boundaries
Does the thought of spending time with family during the holidays cause you extra stress? Do you find yourself bracing for family drama or feeling overwhelmed by social expectations? If the "happiest time of the year" feels complicated, you're not alone.
The holidays can stir up a lot of emotion and family stress. But it doesn't have to be that way. Today, I'm sharing my Holiday Playbook for dea
265 — The Truth About Adult ADHD: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and What Works with Dr. Laura Knouse
Do you ever get frustrated with yourself for being late, procrastinating, or being disorganized? Or do you wonder if your struggle to focus is normal given our busy world or if it might be adult ADHD?
My guest today is Dr. Laura Knouse, a clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor who specializes in adult ADHD. She's developed tools that work in everyday life so you can organize time and ta
264 — Gratitude for Skeptics: What It Is, Why It Works, and How to Avoid Toxic Positivity
Do you ever feel like gratitude is overrated? Or do you get angry at the thought of being grateful when you're going through a tough time? If gratitude feels fake, forced, or like you're denying reality, you are not the problem. The method is.
Gratitude isn't about pretending everything is okay. It's a science-backed mental strength tool, and today we’re going to make it practical and useful, eve
263 — How 15 Minutes of Solitude Can Change Your Life with Professor Robert Coplan
Do you ever feel guilty for wanting time to yourself? Or do you struggle to be truly alone with your thoughts without the distractions of your phone?
If you feel pressure to be productive or you get uncomfortable when you're alone, this episode is for you. I'm talking to Dr. Robert Coplan, a developmental psychologist, college professor, leading researcher on solitude, and author of the new book
262 — You Don’t Need Closure to Heal: 4 Steps to Move Forward
What if you didn’t have to wait for an apology, an explanation, or that perfect last conversation to feel at peace with your past? You don’t need closure from someone else to move forward. You can create it for yourself.
The good news is there’s a practical, research-backed strategy you can use starting today. So instead of chasing one final conversation or piece of information that you think wou
261 - The Small Social Risks That Spark New Connections and Deepen Your Relationships With Ben Swire
Do you struggle to share what you're really thinking or feeling due to fear that you might be judged or rejected? Or, do you worry that someone might use your personal information against you if you put yourself out there?
If you've ever struggled to take social risks, this episode is for you. I'm talking to Ben Swire, a top thought leader on human connection and authentic living,
Some of the
260 - Temptation Bundling: The Science-Backed Trick to Make Habits Stick
What if you could make your hardest habits feel easier—without relying on willpower? There’s a simple, science-backed strategy that pairs what you “should” do with something you “want” to do, so you actually look forward to it.
The good news is, you don’t need more motivation. Instead, you can create instant gratification that makes you want to keep engaging in a habit like going to the gym or do
259 - Feel Hopeless? 5 Habits That Bring Hope Back Fast with Dr. Julia Garcia
Do you feel hopeless—like you’re stuck in a dark place with no way out? If you’ve ever thought your struggles are too big to overcome or that the world is falling apart, this episode is for you. Hope isn't something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill you can build.
My guest today is Dr. Julia Garcia, a psychologist and author of The Five Habits of Hope. Some of the things we discuss are:
W
258 - 7 Sneaky Mindset Traps Draining Your Mental Strength (And How to Stop Them)
What if your mind is setting small traps for you that are draining your mental strength without you noticing? Your thoughts don’t just live in your head. They shape your emotions, your choices, and even how your body responds.
The good news is anything learned can be unlearned. When you spot these unhealthy thinking patterns, you can apply some simple fixes that will help you put your brain power
257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman
Do you think play is just for kids? When life feels serious and productive, play might be the furthest thing from your mind. But a more playful mindset is a science-backed way to boost resilience, problem-solving, and connection.
In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel
256 — Build Self-Awareness Fast: 3 Tools Therapists Swear By
Self-awareness can help you understand yourself as well as get a clearer picture of how others see you. It can also close the gap between who you think you are and how you actually show up.
Today, I’m sharing science-backed strategies to build real self-awareness —so you can make better decisions, align your behavior with your values, and become the person you mean to be.
Some of the things I sh
255 — Stop Rehashing, Start Healing: Skills to Move On from a Tough Past with Author Anna Runkle
Do you ever wonder why some people thrive after a tough childhood while others stay stuck in patterns they can’t break? A difficult childhood can impact how you connect with others, set boundaries, and see yourself—but there are practical ways to heal and build a better life.
In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, who has helped millions recover from the
254 — Stuck? It’s Not Your Plan—It’s Your Mindset. Here’s How to Fix It Fast
Do you ever feel like you’ve “tried everything” but still feel stuck? What if the real problem isn’t your plan—it’s your mindset?
On today’s episode, we’re diving into how your mindset shapes your reality, why mindset is at the root of most problems, and how to strengthen it—fast. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to shift the lens you use to see the world so your thoughts, feelings, and a
