FearCast Podcast

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-45-1.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Phil messaged me to ask a simple question; what can he do to fight the inner fight of SO-OCD? He comments that he is in a relationship but constantly gets unwanted, intrusive thoughts telling him to “come out” or otherwise twisting completely neutral thoughts into something he does not want. So, what can he do? He’s doing exposures, but finds that in general he is uncomfortable around gay men. Does that mean something? I offer some tips on how to deal with taboo obsessions, how to apply radical acceptance, and how to use various types of exposures to deal with the obsessions. To learn more about Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD), check out this article from The California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center [https://calocd.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/sexual-orientation-ocd/]

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-45.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Today’s episode features another amazing interview with someone at the forefront of their field. I had the privilege to interview Dr. Lorna Myers about Functional Neurological Disorder and Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures. This may be new to many of this podcast’s listeners, but it is another fascinating dive into how the brain works, and when the brain misfires. Dr. Myers spent a bunch of time sharing what FND and PNES are, who and how they impact, and what we can do to help overcome it! Put on your nerd cap and come along for the ride!

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-44.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] In light of Mother’s Day, I had a chance to sit down with Dr. Jon Abramowitz and chat about Post Partum and Parinatal OCD, usually abbreviated as PPOCD. Dr. Abramowitz and I discussed the nuts and bolts of PPOCD, how it fits within the general OCD cycle, the impact it has on both new mothers and fathers, and what treatment looks like. As usual, we get distracted by other topics of OCD and Dr. Abramowitz does not disappoint with facts and stats related to diagnosis and treatment concerns. In summary, because people have violent and taboo thoughts, new parents have violent and taboo thoughts, and OCD loves to jump on board and make a mountain out of a mole-hill. However, acceptance, self compassion, and exposure help! For more on Post Partum and Parinatal OCD (PPOCD), check out this article from the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center [https://calocd.com/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/post-partum-ocd-ppocd/]

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-43.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] For today’s episode, I answer a question from C. She wants to know what she can do about her dissociation and memory loss when she becomes triggered and/ or overwhelmed with anxiety. What’s worse, she feels this way when she tries to do ERP and wonders whether or not the dissociation will make her efforts toward exposure fruitless. I offer her some ideas on how she can work with her dissociation. I am also joined by Erika McCoy, an IOCDF advocate, who shares about her passion for Creative Corner. This is an event being held at the upcoming summer IOCDF conference offering space, materials, and encouragement for creative and artistic expression about OCD and the experience of living with, and fighting against, OCD. It was a really fun conversation and a great opportunity for anyone attending the conference!

[https://i0.wp.com/fearcastpodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/FearCast-Podcast-Episode-42.png?resize=900%2C900&ssl=1] Jenn wrote to me asking about how she can deal with the feelings of shame and embarrassment after her family has heard the details, and been the recipients of, her compulsive confession, reassurance seeking, and other compulsive behavior. She’s struggling with the shame that happens after years of compulsive vulnerability and wants to know how to put her relationship back together after they’ve seen and heard what they’ve seen and heard. To address this I revisit shame and OCD, and how people can give themselves compassion, love, and support to let their relationships rebuild. Allowing herself, and her family, to have new interactions and opportunities filled with love and validation will help to off-set the stretch of shame and unworthiness.