The Hardcore Therapist

Today, we’re diving into one of the most underrated, yet powerful, parenting tools you have—managing your own emotions. Let’s be real: staying calm when your kid is pushing every button isn’t easy. But if you’re losing your cool, how can you expect them to keep theirs? In this episode, we’re cutting through the noise to talk about why your triggers matter, how to stop reacting on autopilot, and what it really means to lead by example

I’m excited to share another incredible episode with my dear friend and fellow Detroiter, Von Bortz. Von has been the powerhouse vocalist for bands like Ricochet, 20 Dead Flower Children, and Noble Truth. He’s not only an OG vegan straight-edge dude but also the founder of Rescued Friends Animal Sanctuary in Fort Collins, Colorado. We’ll dive into his journey from the Detroit music scene to running an animal sanctuary and living his values to the fullest. You don’t want to miss this one!

On this episode of The Hardcore Therapist  addresses the common parental concerns of getting kids to listen the first time and limiting screen time. It provides strategies for both issues, emphasizing clear expectations, positive reinforcement, consistency, and parental control tools for screen time. The document also recommends the book "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk" by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, summarizing its key takeaways and explaining how its respectful, empathy-based approach can improve parent-child communication and aid in resolving conflicts, including those around screen time.

Mark Johnston is a fascinating figure in the Posi-core music scene, fronting the band Knelt Before from Portland, Oregon. He lives by the principles of PMA (Positive Mental Attitude), embracing a vegan straight-edge lifestyle. Beyond music, Mark wears many hats—he’s a devoted father, a combat firefighter, and a fire marshal, making him a hero both on stage and in his community. Mark's passion for music is deeply personal; his songs are dedicated to his son, Atlas, blending heartfelt life stories with uplifting messages of resilience and positivity. Recently, Mark released new music, and it’s clear his artistry continues to inspire those who hear it. He’s also a close friend to the podcast, where he shares his journey, from balancing family life and firefighting to spreading hope through his lyrics.

In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I tackle the topic of financial infidelity—what it means, how it can erode trust, and the emotional and financial toll it takes on relationships. I also explore practical steps to repair the damage and rebuild a foundation of trust and transparency with your partner.