The Verywell Mind Podcast

You sent Minaa your most pressing questions, and in today's episode she provides her insight and advice to those questions. You asked about how to handle a friendship you may have outgrown, how to develop healthy two-sided friendships, and when to forgive a friend that betrayed your trust (and how to do it). For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2023

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a Licensed Psychologist. She’s also a speaker and the Founder & CEO of Therapy for Black Girls, and host of its wildly popular mental health podcast, which received a Webby award in 2023.  In this episode, Dr. Joy sits down with Minaa to discuss her new book, Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community. Her work focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accessible for Black women and she specializes in creating spaces for them to have fuller and healthier relationships with themselves and others. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2023

Dr. Raquel Martin is on a mission to radically reimagine Black possibility by promoting Black mental health as key to legacy-building and longevity for generations to come. In this episode, she sits down with Minaa B to discuss black mental wealth -- what it is and what it looks like in practice. Dr. Martin is an experienced licensed clinical psychologist, devoted professor, acclaimed researcher, and scientist. She deeply believes in the power of Black mental wealth – an affirming, lifelong journey, that encourages Black people to center mental health practices as integral and intentionally linked to success and wellbeing. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

Julie Scelfo is the Founder/Executive Director of Get Media Savvy, a nonprofit using pop culture to establish a healthy media environment for kids and families. She is an award-winning journalist, a former New York Times staff writer, a media ecologist, an author, and a parent. Scelfo was moved to start Get Media Savvy after reporting on the youth mental health crisis and seeing suicidality affect children at ever-younger ages, and recognizing how a multitude of factors—including absent regulations and the lack of widespread media literacy—has created an unhealthy, unsafe media environment. In this episode Scelfo talks with Minaa B about how her coalition works to create a widespread cultural shift so everyone recognizes the existence of the media environment and its central role in human affairs. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B, LMSW -- Host Kristen Altmeyer -- VP/GM, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay -- Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2023

Paige Bellenbaum, is a LCSW, and the Founding Director and Chief External Relations Officer at The Motherhood Center of New York. In this episode, Bellenbaum sits down with Minaa B to discuss her experience with severe postpartum depression and how that drove her to fight for education, screening, and treatment for postpartum depression so that no more women would have to suffer silently. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2023

Achieng Agutu is a Kenyan-born model, and digital content creator, who has made a name for herself through social platforms by serving us a daily bowl of motivation, daily affirmations, self-love and fearlessness.The positivity became a viral sensation, leading Vogue to name her the “Confidence Queen.” Global attention from major brands such as Victoria’s Secret and Away followed and she was also chosen for this year’s Create & Cultivate Top 100 list for creators. In this episode, Agutu sits down with Minaa B to discuss how she developed her confidence, stopped living for other people and what's up next for the "Confidence Queen." For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2023

You sent Minaa your most pressing questions, and in today's episode Minaa provides her insight and advice to those questions. You asked about managing boundaries with an emotionally abusive parent, how to talk about intimacy in a relationship when you and your partner might have different needs, and how to set boundaries with a friend who is consistently late. Want your questions answered in another "Ask Minaa Anything" episode this season? Go to verywellmind.com/podcast and submit your question on the form to be considered. The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B, LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - VP/GM, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2023

Over the last 15 years, Cassadee Pope has been a lot of things to a lot of people—leader of seminal pop-punk band Hey Monday, the season 3 winner of The Voice and a platinum-selling, GRAMMY-nominated country singer-songwriter. Pope is also an ally and activist pushing for social change and a brighter future in a backward world. In this episode, Pope sits down with Minaa B. to discuss how therapy has shaped her life and songwriting, she also gives listeners a peek into what inspired her soon-to-be-released single. For more info visit verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B, LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - VP/GM, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2023

Being lonely really sucks. We've all experienced the moments where everyone we know seems to be busy—we haven't gotten a text back in hours, no one else is at home with us...even our pets can't be bothered with us! While the feeling of loneliness is never fun, we can learn ways to deal with solitude in a healthy way that doesn't start to wreak havoc on our mental health. Jeremy Nobel, MD, MPH, Founder of Project UnLonely talks about the toxicity of loneliness and how we can break down the stigma surrounding the topic because it can be hard to admit we're feeling lonely. Dr. Nobel also shares the types of creative expression that can be an antidote to loneliness. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2023

Social activism is hard and often thankless work. However, the small and big wins feel monumental and make the journey toward gaining equity and fair treatment worth it. Felicia A. Henry, LMSW, a social worker and PhD candidate with a focus on race, gender, carceral, and social vulnerability studies shares ways we can preserve our mental health while fighting for social justice—because activists deserve rest too. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2023

Your home environment and mood are connected. So, take a moment and look at your home surroundings. How does your home make you feel? Anxious? Sad? Cagey? Whatever emotion just popped up for you likely has something to do with the interior of your home. Even if some negative feelings come up for you—fear not!—because we can use interior design as a therapy tool. In fact, therapist-turned-interior-design Anita Yokota swears by it! In this episode, Yokota teaches us how to identify the emotional climate of our homes and the interior design changes we can make to our homes look—and feel better.  For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Ayana Underwood - Associate Editor, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2023

Conditions that last for a year or more and impair daily functioning are called chronic illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common include heart disease, depression, and arthritis. Living with a chronic illness can be isolating and painful, however, treatment options are available. In this episode, Nitika Chopra, founder and CEO of the chronic illness community Chronicon, details her debilitating psoriasis journey. Hear her discuss how she got through her most awful days and how cultivating community and self-love can help people with chronic illnesses live their best lives. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Ayana Underwood - Associate Editor, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2023

When living with certain mental health conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use disorder, a common symptom is anhedonia—the inability to experience pleasure from the things that used to bring you joy. In this episode, Dr. Judith Joseph aka "social media's favorite psychiatrist" talks about what anhedonia really looks like and how people experiencing it can ask for and get the help they need—and deserve. For more info visit: verywellmind.com/podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is produced by: Minaa B., LMSW - Host Kristen Altmeyer - GM/VP, Verywell Mind Ayana Underwood - Associate Editor, Verywell Mind Jeremiah McVay - Podcast Producer/Editor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2023

We're excited to introduce Minaa B., who will be hosting a new season of the Verywell Mind podcast starting September 1st. This season, we will be focusing on the power of community and discussing topics such as friendships, navigating difficult relationships, and how to seek support for your mental health. Minaa B. is a licensed social worker, mental health educator, and author of Owning Our Struggles: A Path to Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World. She's also a community care expert who helps people build healthy relationships and form connections. Every Friday, she will be speaking with experts, wellness advocates, and individuals with lived experiences about community care and its impact on mental health. She'll also be answering listener questions to provide tools for building healthy connections. Be sure to tune in every Friday for a new episode. You can find us wherever you listen to podcasts or online at verywellmind.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2023

Do you struggle to find healthy ways to deal with family dysfunction? If so, you're not alone. Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab has some ideas on how to manage issues with friends and family without all the drama. Some of the things she talks about today are recognizing when you're getting pulled into dysfunction, setting time boundaries, and dealing with privacy issues. To learn more about Nedra, visit her website or check out her new best-selling book, Drama Free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2023

Panic attacks involve an intense fear that comes out of the blue. It creates physical symptoms within the body, such as a rapid heart rate, dizziness, and sweating. Many people live in great fear of when they'll have another panic attack and often worry that it will happen in public. Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help you get through a panic attack while also making the fear another one a lot less scary. The 5-4-3-2-1 strategy can help ground you when your body and your mind are in a state of sheer panic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2023

Have you ever wondered why you keep dreaming that you're falling? Or have you ever dreamed that you showed up somewhere without your clothes on? If so, you're not alone. And while you might try to brush off your dreams by telling yourself that they are just your brain telling stories while you're sleeping, there's evidence that suggests your dreams can have deeper meanings. Jesse Lyon is a therapist and dream scientist. And on today's episode, he explains what some common dreams mean, how we can interpret our own dreams, and what insights we can gain from our dreams. Check out DreamApp Check out Jesse's website Follow him on Instagram - @lyonmentalhealth Follow him on TikTok - @lyonmentalhealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2023

While it may come as no surprise that reading could be good for your cognitive health, a lot of research shows it can be good for your mental health. In fact, reading might even be good for your social life. The good news is that you don't have to read for long to reap the benefits. There's some research that shows reading for just six minutes a day might make you a happier person. Follow Amy on Instagram - @AmyMorinAuthor Check out Amy's books on mental strength Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2023

Jordana Brewster is best known for her role as Mia Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise. She's been open about the fact that she's seen a therapist since she was in college, and she says she continues to learn new strategies to improve her mental health. Some of the things she discusses today are how she manages the pressure to develop a 'work/life balance,' the strategies she uses to manage anxious feelings, and what she wishes she had learned when she was younger to help her become a more brave person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2023

When our emotions go up, our logic goes down. The more emotional we are, the tougher it is to think clearly, make wise decisions, and feel good. Fortunately, you can do many things to gain more control over your emotions. This strategy can decrease the intensity of an uncomfortable emotion so you can make healthy choices for yourself. It's one of my favorite mental strength-building strategies, and it's a simple but effective way to start feeling better right away. Follow Amy on Instagram - @AmyMorinAuthor Check out Amy's books on mental strength Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2023

Do you ever make things harder than they need to be? Most of us do that at one time or another. We overthink things or we beat ourselves up for making a mistake. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to just let things be easy, and author Susie Moore is going to explain how to do that. Susie is a life coach who has written a book called Let It Be Easy, and she offers some great tips for dealing with fear, overcoming rejection, making decisions, and dealing with everyday obstacles. Check out Susie's website - Susie-Moore.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2023

Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes. But there are always choices in how you respond to those feelings. Whether you're overwhelmed by too many feelings or feel overwhelmed because you have too much to do, having a plan in place always helps. Amy explains a strategy that will help you prioritize your tasks and distance yourself from overwhelmed feelings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2023

Johnny Crowder is the CEO of a mental health/tech startup. But he wasn't always in a position to help other people. In fact, for many years he lacked hope that there were any mental health resources that could help him. He struggled with a variety of symptoms, and he attempted several different avenues of treatment — but nothing seemed to work. Fortunately, he didn't give up, and he learned that he had the power to change his brain. Now, he shares what he learned about neuroplasticity and the steps anyone who is struggling can take to manage their mental health with both traditional treatment methods and some alternative strategies. Check out Johnny's website - JohnnyCrowder.com Discover more about his business - CopeNotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2023

Whether you get turned down for a promotion or you get ghosted by your latest love interest, rejection stings. But you don't have to let it define you. In fact, you can grow from the pain you experience when someone rejects you. These seven strategies can help you cope with the pain of rejection while also help you move forward better than before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2023

Ali Landry was first spotlighted as Miss Louisiana Teen USA in 1990. She won the Miss USA title in 1996 and then starred in an iconic Super Bowl commercial advertising Doritos. She’s gone on to star in several movies and written a book called Shape Your Life. But Ali’s life hasn’t always been easy. She went through a very public marriage that was annulled after only two weeks. The breakup was featured in tabloids across the globe. She remarried years later, and her father-in-law and brother-in-law were kidnapped and murdered. Ali is speaking out about what the highs and lows of her life have taught her so far. She says when she started feeling tired all of the time, and had trouble sleeping, she didn’t excuse it as stress or aging. Instead, she decided to take back her life. Some of the things she talks about today are ways she developed a healthier mindset, the strategies that helped her work through pain and grief, and how she empowers herself to create positive changes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2023

It's easy to blame other people for wasting your time or for ruining your day. It's also easy to feel as though your kindness is being taken advantage of or that other people are using you to get their needs met. That's why boundaries are important. You get to set the rules on how other people treat you. While that can feel uncomfortable at first, healthy boundaries are the key to helping you live your best life. Here are some signs that you could benefit from creating better boundaries in your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2023

Mike Bayer is a New York Times Best-Selling author and a top life coach. He's also the CEO and founder of CAST Centers, a Hollywood-based treatment center that provides intensive outpatient services to people seeking help for addiction or mental health issues. In today's episode, Mike explains intensive outpatient services. He talks about how to find help, who could benefit from this level of care, and how to pay for intensive services. He also shares the common pitfalls people should avoid when seeking quality treatment. To learn more, check out his website or CAST Centers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2023

We all hold onto certain things that have no functional or monetary value. Whether it's an old ticket stub or a shirt that no longer fits, these items often hold a lot of sentimental value. A quick inventory of the sentimental items you hold onto can actually give you some good insight into how you feel about yourself. Research shows there's a clear link between the items you hold onto and your self-worth. Here's what your sentimental objects might reveal about you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2023

Singer/songwriter Jewel has always made her struggles with a rough childhood, homelessness, and mental health issues public. She's on a mission to create a platform that will make mental treatment and social support accessible to everyone. She partnered with psychology doctoral candidate Noah Robinson to create Innerworld, a virtual platform where people can get help free of charge while using an avatar. Jewel talks about her mental health struggles and the tools that have helped her over the years. Then, Noah Robinson explains the science behind this virtual world they've created and he explains how it helps people. To learn more about what they're doing or to try it for yourself, check out Inner.World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2023

Self-care sounds simple on the surface. It includes anything that improves your mental or physical health. But there are some common self-care mistakes that could leave you feeling emotionally exhausted rather than energized and rested. Here's how to stop making those mistakes and engage in self-care that rejuvenates you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2023

Kelly Slater is the greatest professional surfer of all time! He's been surfing for 46 years and doesn't plan to quit any time soon. Some of the things he talks about are how he stays so passionate about surfing without burning out, the exact things he does every day to manage his mental health, and how he deals with self-doubt. Check out more about Kelly's story on the new season of Make or Break on Apple TV+. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2023

People often associate mental strength building challenges with physical endurance tasks. But, you don't have to subject yourself to incredible physical challenges to build mental muscle. In fact, you can build mental strength without even getting off the couch. There are many ways to build mental strength. Here are five of my favorite mental strength building exercises that you can do right now from anywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2023

Lewis Howes is a New York Times Best-Selling author, industry-leading podcast host, and keynote speaker. His show, The School of Greatness, is one of the top podcasts in the world with more than 500 million downloads. He was recognized by the White House and President Obama as one of the top 100 entrepreneurs in the country under 30. His new book, The Greatness Mindset, describes what he’s learned about creating the life of your dreams, and it includes strategies from some of his favorite mentors and podcast guests. Some of the things he talks about today are practicing self-acceptance, designing a better life for yourself, and the strategies that can help you heal your old emotional wounds. Check out The School of Greatness and LewisHowes.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2023

Your brain lies to you. But, it’s tough to recognize those lies sometimes.  Your brain will convince you that you messed everything up or that no one likes you. Or it will trick you into thinking it can predict the future and it’ll tell you something bad is going to happen. Whether you think you’re not smart enough to succeed or you believe that you’ll never get out of debt, your beliefs can quickly turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy.  Fortunately, you don’t have to believe everything you think. In fact, you can learn to recognize how your brain tries to trick you into believing things that aren’t true. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2023

Chase Rice is a country music singer and songwriter. He’s sold over 2 million albums, and his songs have been streamed more than 3 billion times. Some of his biggest songs include "Eyes on You" and “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen. (featuring Florida Georgia Line)." Prior to becoming a musician, he appeared on Survivor: Nicaragua where he was a runner-up.  His newest album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell, focuses on mental health. Some of the things he talks about on the show today are why he didn't know he was depressed, how he came to terms with it and got treatment, and the steps he continues to take on a daily basis to manage his mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2023

Many people go online to seek positive affirmations, mental health tips, and strategies for building mental strength. Unfortunately, many social media tips on improving mental health aren’t accurate, and some strategies can be downright damaging. Many slogans, mantras, and tips just aren’t correct. But these pieces of bad mental health advice can go viral if they sound catchy, get paired with some cool music, or appear in an amazing video.  Whether we’re talking about Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, the more likes, comments, and shares a piece of content has, the more likely people are to believe it’s true. But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s accurate. So here are some of the most common misconceptions about mental health, relationships, emotions, and human behavior that frequently get shared on social media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2023

In this bonus episode, I share how to know if online therapy is right for you, who shouldn't sign up for it, and how to find the best service for you. I also answer listeners' questions about online treatment and share some of the winners of Verywell Mind's Online Therapy Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2023

Mike Rucker, Ph.D., is an organizational psychologist who focuses on the science of fun. He’s a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association, and his academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals. He discovered that many of the tools he had built as a student of positive psychology failed to help him during a difficult time in his life. He realized there’s a lot of misinformation out there about happiness, so he launched his own research into strategies that could bring more joy into his life. He wrote a book called The Fun Habit in which he encourages people to give themselves permission to have more fun. He describes concrete strategies for creating time for fun and describes how to make every day activities — like going to work — more enjoyable. Some of the things he talks about are how to make everyday activities more fun, how to prevent burnout, and an exercise that will help you discover what kinds of fun are most important to you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2023

In recent years, the idea that your physical health is related to your mental health has become less controversial. It’s become clear that physical activity isn’t just good for your body. It’s also good for your mind. But the mind/body connection is a two-way street. There are many ways you can use your mind to help your body too. Everything from laughter to meditation might help you live a healthier, longer life. Your mind can also help you perform better regardless of whether you’re an athlete or a salesperson. Here are some ways to unleash the power of your mind to benefit your body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2023

Elissa Epel, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at University of California, San Francisco. She studies psychological, social, and behavioral processes related to chronic stress and how it affects health. She has conducted extensive research on the biological processes of aging with a focus on toxic stress. She’s a New York Times Best-Selling author. Her newest book, The Stress Prescription, provides strategies for managing stress and turning it into your strength.  Some of the things she talks about today are when stress is actually good for you, the best stress relievers you should try today, and the ways you can engage in deep rest to combat the effects of chronic stress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2023

We often avoid calling our friends and relatives simply because we don’t have time. You might think your aunt is impossible to get off the phone with, or you might think your friend can’t possibly hang up until she’s given you every detail of her life over the past month. But there’s evidence that a quick phone call is not only possible but it might also be the key to happiness. Rather than connect for an hour a couple of times per year, your psychological well-being might be better served by more frequent, shorter calls. In fact, 8 minutes seems to be the sweet spot. It’s enough time to connect and to boost your mood. So in this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I explain the research study that discovered the 8-minute phone call, how to actually get off the phone fast, and why it’s so good for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2023

Bessel van der Kolk, MD, is a clinician, researcher, and professor who is best known for his work on post-traumatic stress disorder. He’s the medical director at the Trauma Center in Boston. He’s also a professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine and director of the National Complex Trauma Treatment Network. He’s the author of the wildly popular book The Body Keeps the Score. In it, he describes the link between the brain, mind, and body, and the treatment strategies that can help people heal from trauma. Some of the things he talks about today are how things like yoga, community theater, and hypnosis have the power to heal, why traumatic memories have such an impact on the brain and the body, and why talking to your best friend could be the most powerful way to heal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2023

A town in Scotland made its street lights blue, and the crime rate decreased. Casinos keep people gambling at their tables longer by making the tabletops red. Those are just a couple of fascinating examples of how color affects behavior. The colors around you can have a bigger impact on you than you might think. Colors evoke emotions. And they can affect your choices and your performance.  Companies know this, so they use color to their advantage. Everything from logos to website colors is created to cause you to feel a certain way.  The color of the walls in a store or a restaurant is often based on what the owner wants you to feel. Do they want you to slow down and relax so you’ll stick around and spend more money? Or do they want to energize you so you’ll make impulse purchases? Learning a bit about color psychology might help you better understand how companies try to use your emotions to their advantage. You can also use your knowledge of color psychology to create an environment that will help you be your best when you’re working, when you’re eating, or when you’re relaxing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 February 2023

Dr. Amir Levine is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Columbia University. He’s a leading researcher on the molecular processes that are unique to the developing brain. His research has uncovered findings that may lead to changes in the way mood disorders and addictions are treated in both adolescents and adults.  He’s also the co-author of a popular book called Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love. In it, he describes how understanding our attachments in adulthood can improve our relationships.  Some of the things he talks about today are the three different adult attachment styles, how to recognize your attachment style and your partner's, and how you can change your attachment style. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2023

At first glance, you might wonder why on earth anyone would be afraid to be happy. But if you think about it a little longer, you might recognize a few times in your life when you experienced an aversion to happiness. Perhaps you won an award, and then you felt so much pressure to live up to the achievement that you were afraid to let yourself really enjoy your success. Or maybe something really good happened, and you were so afraid that those happy feelings weren’t going to last that you didn’t let yourself feel happy for even a minute because you were afraid that things would come crashing down.  You might have also found yourself in a tough spot in life — like, maybe you were grieving the loss of a loved one or you were facing some hard economic times — and you felt guilty laughing or having fun. It’s common to think you can allow yourself to be happy during sad times. Those are just a few of the reasons why it’s hard to allow ourselves to be happy sometimes. But just as it’s harmful to avoid an uncomfortable emotion like anxiety, an aversion to happiness can take a toll on your well-being and your life too. On this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I share what the research says about why people are afraid of being happy, the consequences it can have on your life, and what you can do about it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2023

Elaine Fox is a cognitive psychologist and the head of the School of Psychology at the University of Adelaide, Australia. She’s a leading mental health researcher who combines genetics, psychology, and neuroscience in her work. She runs the Oxford Elite Performance, a consulting group that brings cutting-edge science and psychology to those at the highest levels of sport, business, and the military. Her newest book, Switch Craft, focuses on the benefits of mental agility.  Just like we need a variety of tools in the toolbox we keep for our homes, we need a variety of tools to solve problems, manage uncomfortable emotions, and deal with challenges. Some of the things Dr. Fox talks about today are why we sometimes get stuck in rigid patterns, the strategies we can use to increase the number of tools we have in our toolkits, and the best ways to increase our psychological flexibility. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2023

There were a lot of people on social media this year discouraging others from setting a New Year resolution. Opting out of a resolution isn’t necessarily a bad idea. By mid-January, most people consider their resolutions failed. That means their intentions to hit the gym, wake up earlier, or save more money have already fallen by the wayside. So if your plan to create change this year isn't working out, you're not alone but don't give up. Here are some strategies that can help you get back on track so you can make this year amazing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2023

Reggie Walker spent seven years in the NFL playing for the Cardinals, the Chargers, and the Broncos before deciding to walk away from the game. Reggie was sexually, emotionally, and physically abused during childhood — something he tried to hide for much of his life. And for a while, football became a socially appropriate way for him to mask his anger because he could be aggressive on the field.  He decided to get help to heal from the trauma he endured by talking to a therapist. But weekly therapy wasn’t enough, so he checked himself into a 30-day inpatient treatment program. He’s since pursued a degree in counseling so he can help other people heal from their pain. He started a program for athletes to help them manage their mental health, and he wrote a book called The Game Within the Game. Some of the things Reggie talks about are how he found the courage to get help, how he recognized that therapy wasn't going to be helpful enough, and the steps he is now taking to manage his mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2023

Have you ever spent two hours dreading the fact you were going to see someone for an hour? If so, you just gave that person two extra hours of your life. Have you ever blamed someone for ruining your day or putting you in a bad mood? If so, you gave that person power over your emotions. There are many ways in which we give negative people too much of our time, energy, and mental real estate. And the truth is, we all let negative people take a toll on us sometimes.  And if we’re not careful, we might waste a lot of time and energy thinking about them or complaining about them. Or, we might let a negative person influence our behavior in an unhealthy way. When you realize that you’re doing it, however, you can create positive change. You can set limits on how much of an impact you’re going to let a negative person have over our thoughts, feelings, and behavior.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 13 January 2023

Richie Stephens is an Irish gangster-turned-actor who lives in Los Angeles. He frequently plays villains in TV and movies, including Days of Our Lives, Criminal Minds, MacGyver, and Blue Bloods. He’s also the author of The Gangster’s Guide to Sobriety where he shares how 12-step groups helped him get into recovery after decades of drug and alcohol abuse. Some of the things he talks about today are what made him decide to get into recovery, the lies he had to stop believing, how he learned to manage his cravings, and what he did when he didn't agree with everything in the 12-step meetings he attended. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2023