Therapy on a Tangent

Ep. 18 | XP Without the Grind: The Instant Gratification Era

In this episode of Therapy on a Tangent, Natalie and Zori dive into the double-edged sword of modern technology. From instant access to information, entertainment, and connection, tech has made life more convenient than ever...but at what cost? Together, they explore how the constant availability of quick rewards and instant gratification can affect attention, patience, and cognitive development, especially among youth growing up in a fully digital world. Zori and Natalie unpack how our brains adapt to “always-on” stimulation, what that means for emotional regulation and focus, and why learning to tolerate waiting and discomfort still matters. This episode isn’t anti-technology. This episode highlights the need for balance. Join us as we talk about how to mindfully engage with tech while protecting our mental health in a world that rarely asks us to slow down. 📱🧠✨ Follow Us! * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyonatangentpod/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyonatangentpod] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sidequestcounseling/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zori's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/amberinsights/] * Intro and outro music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠melodyayresgriffiths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/melodyayresgriffiths-27269767/]⁠ * Contact us at therapyonatangentpod@gmail.com

Ep. 17 | The Ghibli Way: Rest, Girlhood, and Gentle Resistance

In Part 2 of our Studio Ghibli mini-series, Natalie and Zori explore the deeper themes woven throughout many Ghibli films—rest, burnout, girlhood, and caring for the world around us. From quiet moments of pause to stories of young girls navigating complex worlds, these films offer a powerful reminder that softness, curiosity, and connection can be forms of strength. Together, they reflect on how Ghibli stories model a different way of living: one that values slowing down, caring for nature, honoring emotions, and resisting the pressure to constantly produce. Natalie and Zori discuss how these themes show up in films like My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke, and why these messages resonate even more in today’s burnout-heavy world. Cameras and audio: Shout-out to Jon Jeung LLC for all your DJ and other media services needs. * ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dj.jonjeung?igsh=MW8xb2g0MTJ0N2s5Nw==] * Email: dj.jonjeung@gmail.com Follow Us! * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyonatangentpod/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyonatangentpod] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sidequestcounseling/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zori's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/amberinsights/] * Intro and outro music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠melodyayresgriffiths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/melodyayresgriffiths-27269767/]⁠ * Contact us at therapyonatangentpod@gmail.com

Ep. 16 | Ghibli Nostalgia: What We Needed Then vs. Now

In Part 1 of our two-part Studio Ghibli mini-series, Natalie and Zori reflect on their personal histories with Ghibli films and the deep sense of comfort, wonder, and meaning these movies have carried across different stages of their lives. From childhood escapism to adult reflection, they explore how the same stories can meet us differently depending on who we are and what we’re navigating at the time. This episode is about nostalgia, growth, and the quiet magic of revisiting stories that once held our hands and now offer something new. Cozy, reflective, and a little emotional, this conversation sets the stage for why Ghibli continues to resonate, no matter how much we change. 🌱✨ Cameras and audio: Shout-out to Jon Jeung LLC for all your DJ and other media services needs. * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dj.jonjeung?igsh=MW8xb2g0MTJ0N2s5Nw==] * Email: dj.jonjeung@gmail.com Follow Us! * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyonatangentpod/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyonatangentpod] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sidequestcounseling/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zori's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/amberinsights/] * Intro and outro music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠melodyayresgriffiths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/melodyayresgriffiths-27269767/]⁠ * Contact us at therapyonatangentpod@gmail.com

Ep.15 | Arcane Bonds: The Price of Progress - Viktor's Emotional Blueprint

In the final episode of our Arcane Bonds mini-series, Natalie and Zori turn the spotlight to one of Arcane’s most quietly compelling characters: Viktor. From his complicated friendship with Jayce, to the brief but impactful presence of Sky, to the haunting mentorship of Singed, Viktor’s relationships reveal just how deeply human his journey truly is—despite his pursuit of something beyond human limitations. This episode explores how Viktor’s relationships mirror his inner struggle between vulnerability and ambition, human connection and sacrifice. This episode explores how Viktor’s relationships mirror his inner struggle between vulnerability and ambition, human connection and sacrifice. Join us as we unpack the emotional cost of brilliance, the grief behind progress, and the ache of becoming something more… at the risk of losing yourself in the process. Follow Us! * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyonatangentpod/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyonatangentpod] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sidequestcounseling/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zori's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/amberinsights/] * Intro and outro music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠melodyayresgriffiths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/melodyayresgriffiths-27269767/]⁠ * Contact us at therapyonatangentpod@gmail.com

Ep.14 | Not Just a Game: Importance of Diverse Identities in the Digital World (feat. Dr. Breon Rose)

While Natalie is taking a much-deserved break (we miss you, Player 1! 💛), Zori teams up with our very first guest co-host, the brilliant Dr. Breon Rose! 🌟 In this special episode, Zori and Breon, friends and fellow nerds, dive into Breon's research on racially and ethnically diverse gamers in digital gaming spaces and exploring how identity, representation, and gaming culture intersect with mental health. From finding purpose in video games to discrimination in online spaces, this episode takes a look at the joys and challenges of gaming while BIPOC. Whether you’re a casual player or a full-blown gamer, this one’s for you! And expect plenty of laughter, shared fandoms, and a few tangents along the way! 🕹️💬✨ Follow Us! * Dr. Breon Rose's IG [https://www.instagram.com/breon.rose?igsh=MWNjenZ0Zjlha3lhZg==] * Dr. Breon Rose's Dissertation [https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/1419/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/therapyonatangentpod/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@therapyonatangentpod] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Natalie's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/sidequestcounseling/] * ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zori's IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/amberinsights/] * Intro and outro music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠melodyayresgriffiths⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://pixabay.com/users/melodyayresgriffiths-27269767/]⁠ * Contact us at therapyonatangentpod@gmail.com