Dose of Wonder

Podcast 81: The Psychology of Fictional Friendships

Have you ever felt a genuine pang of grief when a TV series ended, or found comfort in a favorite book during a lonely week? You aren’t “losing it”—you’re experiencing the Social Surrogacy Hypothesis. In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of parasocial relationships and explore why our brains often struggle to tell the difference between a real-life friend and a fictional character. We discuss how these imaginary bonds act as a powerful mental safety net, protecting our self-esteem and providing a sense of belonging when real-world interactions fall short. In this episode, we cover: * The Science of Surrogacy: How movies, music, and books mimic a supportive social network. * The Loneliness Buffer: Why fictional worlds are vital tools for emotional regulation, especially for those with social anxiety or on the autism spectrum. * Normalizing the “Imaginary”: Why finding comfort in non-human bonds is a healthy, beneficial part of the human experience. Whether you’re a superfan of a long-running sitcom or someone who finds solace in a specific playlist, this episode validates the very real power of our “fake” friends. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. [http://ko-fi.com/caitlinmccollauthor] You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛 The podcast is always free — that won’t change. But if today’s episode stirred something and you want somewhere to put it, The Well in the Village Square is open to everyone: drop a worry, a question, a half-formed thought into the water and receive something back. Not advice. A witness. Free, no login, one tap away. And if you’ve been listening a while and want the deeper room, paid Villagers have Village Hearth, the Wonder Kit, and Friction to Flow waiting. References Santos, L (2022, Sept 26) Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Friendships with Entirely Fictional Characters. The Science of Wellbeing. https://lauriesantos.bulletin.com/sherlock-holmes-and-the-case-of-friendships-with-entirely-fictional-characters/ [https://lauriesantos.bulletin.com/sherlock-holmes-and-the-case-of-friendships-with-entirely-fictional-characters/] Hugenberg, K (2009 Feb) Social Surrogacy: How Favored Television Programs Provide the Experience of Belonging. Research Gate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223692761_Social_surrogacy_How_favored_television_programs_provide_the_experience_of_belonging [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223692761_Social_surrogacy_How_favored_television_programs_provide_the_experience_of_belonging] Bierly, M (2020, Aug 4) TV is a social surrogate, studies say. Which show is yours? Entertainment Weekly https://ew.com/article/2009/04/28/tv-loneliness/ [https://ew.com/article/2009/04/28/tv-loneliness/] Steinberg, J (2015, Dec 2) The Social Surrogacy Hypothesis: Why You Still Miss Firefly . Through The Woods Therapy. https://www.throughthewoodstherapy.com/social-surrogacy-hypothesis/ [https://www.throughthewoodstherapy.com/social-surrogacy-hypothesis/] Schaefer, K (2018, Sept 7) How listening to music and engagement with other media provide a sense of belonging: An exploratory study of social surrogacy. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0305735618795036 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0305735618795036] Donovan, P (2009, April 22) A Warm TV Can Drive Away Feelings of Loneliness and Rejection.University at Buffalo. https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2009/04/10063.html [https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2009/04/10063.html] Wellington, K (2020, Nov 5) Quickie: Are You In Love With A Show? Medium.com https://medium.com/sex-with-a-side-of-quirk/television-and-the-social-surrogacy-hypothesis-ee290e31af99 [https://medium.com/sex-with-a-side-of-quirk/television-and-the-social-surrogacy-hypothesis-ee290e31af99] Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast 80: Mastering Reactivity: Strategies for Emotional Regulation

In this episode, I dive into the tricky world of emotional dysregulation—what happens when our reactions to situations and feelings get the better of us. Using examples like Will Smith and the online trend of “flouncing,” I explore how impulsive outbursts can harm both our relationships and our mental well-being, and why a high “need for drama” often stems from attention-seeking or a sense of victimhood. I also share practical tools, from mindfulness to the STOPP method, to help pause, gain perspective, and build psychological flexibility so we can respond rather than react to life’s challenges. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. [http://ko-fi.com/caitlinmccollauthor] You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛 The podcast is always free — that won’t change. But if today’s episode stirred something and you want somewhere to put it, The Well in the Village Square is open to everyone: drop a worry, a question, a half-formed thought into the water and receive something back. Not advice. A witness. Free, no login, one tap away. And if you’ve been listening a while and want the deeper room, paid Villagers have Village Hearth, the Wonder Kit, and Friction to Flow waiting. References (n.a, n.d.) Urban Dictionary. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Flounce [https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Flounce] (n.a., n.d) Dictionary.com. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/flouncing [https://www.dictionary.com/browse/flouncing] (n.a)(2022, April 14) 5 Behaviors That Cause Drama (And How To Avoid Them). Power of Positivity https://www.powerofpositivity.com/5-behaviors-drama-avoid/ [https://www.powerofpositivity.com/5-behaviors-drama-avoid/] Castile, E (2016, May 5). How To Know You Have A Dramatic Personality. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/articles/159109-6-signs-you-may-have-a-dramatic-personality [https://www.bustle.com/articles/159109-6-signs-you-may-have-a-dramatic-personality] Crew, B (2016, April 6) Psychologists Have Come Up With an Official Test to Measure Your Need For Drama. Science Alert: https://www.sciencealert.com/psychologists-have-come-up-with-an-official-test-to-measure-your-need-for-drama [https://www.sciencealert.com/psychologists-have-come-up-with-an-official-test-to-measure-your-need-for-drama] Roberts, N (2018, August 10), Your Brain On Drama: What Social Media Means For Your Personal Growth. Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2018/08/10/your-brain-on-drama-what-your-social-media-means-for-personal-growth/?sh=7a8696db7e91 [https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2018/08/10/your-brain-on-drama-what-your-social-media-means-for-personal-growth/?sh=7a8696db7e91] Goodwin, J (2011 April 6) Under Pressure: Your Brain on Conflict. Why drama is bad for your brain. Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/you-illuminated/201104/under-pressure-your-brain-conflict [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/you-illuminated/201104/under-pressure-your-brain-conflict] Web MD contributors (2022, June 21) What Is Emotional Dysregulation? Web MD, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-emotional-dysregulation [https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-emotional-dysregulation] Phillips, R (2017, May 24) Four Ways Mindfulness Can Help Regulate Your Emotions Taylor Study Method Blog https://blog.taylorstudymethod.com/mindfulness-and-emotional-regulation/ [https://blog.taylorstudymethod.com/mindfulness-and-emotional-regulation/] Berman, M (2022, March 16) Developing Psychological Flexiblity. BetterUp https://www.betterup.com/blog/psychological-flexibility?hsLang=en [https://www.betterup.com/blog/psychological-flexibility?hsLang=en] Ackerman, C (2018, Feb 5) 21 Emotion Regulation Worksheets & Strategies, Positive Psychology.com https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-regulation-worksheets-strategies-dbt-skills/ [https://positivepsychology.com/emotion-regulation-worksheets-strategies-dbt-skills/] Tartakovsky, M (2012, May 2), 4 Journaling Exercises to Help You Manage Your Emotions, PsychCentral https://psychcentral.com/blog/4-journaling-exercises-to-help-you-manage-your-emotions#6 [https://psychcentral.com/blog/4-journaling-exercises-to-help-you-manage-your-emotions#6] Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast 79: The Healing Power of Nature

In this episode, I share how a peaceful coastal getaway helped me reconnect with myself and the natural world. Through simple routines like meditation, yoga, and mindful walks, I discovered how spending time outdoors can ease anxiety, reduce stress, and bring a sense of timeless simplicity. Whether it’s a vast ocean or a small local park, I reflect on how nature acts as a natural medicine for the spirit—and I encourage you to make it a part of your own mental wellness routine. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in my Ko-fi shop. [http://ko-fi.com/caitlinmccollauthor] You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛 The podcast is always free — that won’t change. But if today’s episode stirred something and you want somewhere to put it, The Well in the Village Square is open to everyone: drop a worry, a question, a half-formed thought into the water and receive something back. Not advice. A witness. Free, no login, one tap away. And if you’ve been listening a while and want the deeper room, paid Villagers have Village Hearth, the Wonder Kit, and Friction to Flow waiting. References: How Nature Helps Your Mental Health [https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/how-nature-helps-mental-health-9f3bd0ee2443] by Caitlin McColl Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast 78: Bite Sized Life Lessons From The Daily Stoic on YouTube

In this episode, I explore how ancient Stoic philosophy actually works in real, modern life, largely through the teachings and resources of Ryan Holiday. We unpack common misconceptions about Stoicism, dig into ideas like Memento Mori and Amor Fati, and look at how these principles can ease anxiety, improve focus, and help navigate everyday conflict. This is a personal reflection on how Stoic practices have become a steady guide for facing adversity and living with more intention, not less feeling. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in myKo-fi shop. [http://ko-fi.com/caitlinmccollauthor] You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛 The podcast is always free — that won’t change. But if today’s episode stirred something and you want somewhere to put it, The Well in the Village Square is open to everyone: drop a worry, a question, a half-formed thought into the water and receive something back. Not advice. A witness. Free, no login, one tap away. And if you’ve been listening a while and want the deeper room, paid Villagers have Village Hearth, the Wonder Kit, and Friction to Flow waiting. References 170 Bite Sized Life Lessons by Caitlin McColl [https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/how-to-improve-your-mental-health-18028591f0fd] Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Podcast 77: Daily Rituals for Lasting Mental Wellbeing

In this episode, I share simple, doable ways to support your emotional and mental well-being without turning self-care into another full-time job. We talk about how small shifts like time outside, gratitude, creativity, nourishing food, and gentle movement can quietly improve your mood and mental clarity, especially when life feels heavy. I also explore how tiny organizing habits can restore a sense of control, build resilience, and remind you that small wins still count. Loved this episode? You can find extra goodies, gentle tools, and printable doses of wonder over in myKo-fi shop. [http://ko-fi.com/caitlinmccollauthor] You can also buy me a coffee to help support me. Every purchase supports this quiet corner of the internet and helps keep the podcast going. Thank you for being here. 💛 The podcast is always free — that won’t change. But if today’s episode stirred something and you want somewhere to put it, The Well in the Village Square is open to everyone: drop a worry, a question, a half-formed thought into the water and receive something back. Not advice. A witness. Free, no login, one tap away. And if you’ve been listening a while and want the deeper room, paid Villagers have Village Hearth, the Wonder Kit, and Friction to Flow waiting. References: How To Improve Your Mental Health [https://medium.com/mindful-mental-health/how-to-improve-your-mental-health-18028591f0fd] by Caitlin McColl 21 Things To Do To Improve Your Mental Health & Wellbeing — BayArt [https://bayart.org/21-things-to-do-to-improve-your-mental-health-wellbeing/#:~:text=21%20Things%20To%20Do%20To%20Improve%20Your%20Mental,5%20Practice%20gratitude.%206%20...%20%28more%20items%29%20] Habits to Improve Mental Health: 8 You Can Try Today (healthline.com) [https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/habits-to-improve-mental-health#takeaway] 31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health | Mental Health America ( [https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health]mhanational.org [http://mhanational.org]) [https://www.mhanational.org/31-tips-boost-your-mental-health] Get full access to Dose of Wonder at caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe [https://caitlinmccoll.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]