The Therapist Friendship Episode

Conversion Therapy? Let’s Talk About That.

Conversion therapy is back in the conversation… and yeah, we need to talk about it. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down what conversion therapy actually is (and isn’t), why it keeps resurfacing in legal and political debates, and what recent Supreme Court developments could mean moving forward. They dig into the research, the real-world harm, and the ethical responsibilities clinicians are navigating in the middle of it all. This isn’t just theory, it’s about practice. What does it actually look like to support clients without imposing beliefs? Where’s the line between values, autonomy, and harm? And what should therapists be doing right now? Whether you’re a clinician, student, or just trying to make sense of the discourse, this episode unpacks the nuance without losing the humanity. If you’re into real conversations about mental health, ethics, and the stuff people argue about online – subscribe and hang with us. New episodes drop regularly. Intro & Outro Music: "Open Road" by Purple Planet Music Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Your Brain Hates Being Wrong (Here’s Why It Feels So Personal)

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ explore the psychology of identity rupture—what happens when new information challenges who we believe we are. Why does learning something new sometimes feel threatening? Why do conversations across differences feel so emotionally charged? And why does cognitive dissonance make us double down instead of lean in? We unpack: ·      How identity is formed (and protected) ·      What actually triggers identity threat ·      The neuroscience behind cognitive dissonance ·      The connection between moral injury and belief systems ·      How curiosity and mindfulness increase our capacity for growth Identity rupture isn’t weakness. It’s often the doorway to expansion. As always, the conversation is thoughtful, real, and occasionally unhinged (also: please excuse Dee’s allergies—apparently pollen chose violence that day, so if you hear mysterious sniffles or see glossy eyes… it’s not tears, it’s trees 🌳). If this episode resonates, share it with someone who loves deep conversations about how we grow, change, and stay connected in divisive times. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s a belief you’ve outgrown?

New Year, Same Humans: Why Resolutions Fail (and What Actually Helps)

New year, new goals… same pressure? Yeah, we’re not doing that this year. In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ break down why New Year’s resolutions so often crash and burn, and why that doesn’t mean you failed. We unpack the psychology behind quitting, how shame sneaks into goal-setting, and why the popular “21-day habit” rule is more myth than motivation. Instead of rigid resolutions and productivity guilt, we explore intentional goal-setting, realistic change, and the importance of celebrating small wins (yes, they count). This is a conversation about embracing failure as part of growth, decoupling self-worth from productivity, and choosing goals that actually fit your life — not an idealized version of yourself. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by resolutions, burned out by “SMART goals,” or stuck in an all-or-nothing mindset, this episode is for you. ✨ Topics we cover: Why most New Year’s resolutions fail The role of shame and guilt in quitting Why the 21-day habit myth misses the point Intentions vs. resolutions Celebrating progress without tying worth to productivity Why failure is part of growth, not proof you’re broken 🎧 New episodes of Let’s Pick This Up Next Week drop regularly. If this one resonated, like, subscribe, and share it with a friend who’s being way too hard on themselves right now.

The Therapist Friendship Episode

Some friendships are built on shared memes. Ours was built on grad school burnout, froyo, and the unspoken agreement that we’d be stuck with each other forever. In this week’s episode, Dee and Dr. DJ peel back the curtain on what it’s really like to work with your best friend—from surviving (and occasionally thriving) in counseling programs to navigating neurodivergent communication quirks with humor and zero judgment. We also dive into twice-exceptionality, why empathy is a skill and not a personality trait, and how understanding autism requires more nuance than the internet gives it credit for. Whether you’re spending this season with chosen family, riding the friendship rollercoaster, or just here for the therapist tea, this conversation is equal parts heartfelt, nerdy, and surprisingly validating. Consider it your gentle reminder that connection is a strength, planning and spontaneity can totally coexist, and the people who “get you” are worth hanging onto. Intro & Outro Music: "Open Road" by Purple Planet Music Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Outrage (and attention) for Sale!

In this episode, Dee and Dr. DJ dig into the cultural response to the death of Charlie Kirk—not to debate him but to unpack why our reactions are so divisive in the first place. Why do algorithms reward outrage? How did social media turn polarizing figures into false prophets? And most importantly, how can we choose to engage (or not engage) in ways that actually protect our peace? We break it down from both a psychological and counseling perspective: • The role of echo chambers and misinformation in shaping “alternate realities.” • Why curiosity is harder (but healthier) than combat. • How to set boundaries when the online noise feels overwhelming. • Practical ways to engage with empathy, intention, and values—without burning out. Because at the end of the day, our attention is the real commodity. And deciding where to put it? That’s where our power lies.