The Hardcore Therapist

The Hardcore Therapist 117.5- Why Your Brain Goes Negative First and How to Build Positivity on Purpose

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2255460/open_sms] Why does your brain always go to the worst-case scenario first?  And how do you become more positive without lying to yourself or bypassing reality? In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I breaks down the neuroscience behind negative thinking, why your brain is wired for threat, not happiness, and why “just think positive” doesn’t work. Guided Mind-Mapping Exercise Interrupting Worst-Case Thinking You can do this exercise while listening or come back to it anytime your thoughts start spiraling. Grab a piece of paper or your notes app. 1. Core Thought (Center of the Page)  Write the main negative or worst-case thought looping in your mind. Don’t edit it just get it out. 2. Name the Threat  Ask: What is my brain trying to protect me from?  (e.g., rejection, failure, loss, shame) 3. The Facts  List only what you know for sure observable facts, not interpretations. 4. What Else Could Be True?  Write 2–3 realistic alternatives that don’t dismiss reality, but widen perspective. 5. Regulate First  Note one thing that would help your nervous system right now  (slow exhales, grounding, water, stepping outside). 6. Intentional Positive Input  Add one small, believable supportive thought not forced positivity. This isn’t about “thinking happy.”  It’s about helping a threat-wired brain slow down, widen perspective, and feel safer. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255460/support]

The Hardcore Therapist 117- Tina Coyle

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2255460/open_sms] In today’s episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I amshining a light on someone whose impact on the hardcore scene has been felt for decades—even if she’s rarely stepped into the spotlight. Tina Coyle, wife of vocalist John Coyle, has been a quiet yet powerful force behind Outspoken and the broader hardcore community. Introduced to the scene through John, Tina quickly became part of its heartbeat, traveling with the band around the world and supporting them through every era. Her dedication to documenting the music—through photos, footage, and countless preserved moments—has safeguarded pieces of hardcore history that might have otherwise disappeared. Tina’s behind-the-scenes presence, steady grounding energy, and love for the community have made her an essential thread in the story of Outspoken and a beloved friend to me. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255460/support]

The Hardcore Therapist 116.5- How do I start healing from childhood trauma?

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2255460/open_sms] In this episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I  breaks down what childhood trauma really is (including emotional neglect and attachment wounds), why healing can feel so confusing, and where to begin without retraumatizing yourself. This is a grounding, research-informed conversation focused on nervous system safety, self-compassion, and realistic first steps toward healing especially if you’ve spent years telling yourself it “wasn’t that bad.” This episode is not about blaming parents or reliving the past. It’s about understanding how you adapted to survive and how to begin building a safer present. Listener discretion is advised. Take care of yourself as you listen. Important note: This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy. If you feel overwhelmed, consider reaching out to a trauma-informed mental health professional or a trusted support person. If this episode resonated with you, consider sharing it with someone who might need permission to start healing slowly. You can journal on these or sit with them quietly: 1. What did I learn about safety, love, or worth as a child? 2. Which of those lessons no longer serve me? 3. What does safety feel like in my body—if only for a moment? 4. What support do I resist, and why? 5. If my symptoms were messengers, what would they be asking for? Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255460/support]

The Hardcore Therapist 116- Don Rossington (Second Coming HC, Breakaway, and Rabid Lassie)

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2255460/open_sms] Today on The Hardcore Therapist, Sarah sits down with her husband, Don Rossington, a key figure in the Bay Area hardcore scene. Don’s work with Second Coming HC, Breakaway, and Rabid Lassie helped shape the raw sound and spirit of Northern California hardcore in the early ’90s. In this episode, they dive into his journey, the scene that influenced him, and how music, identity, and resilience intersect in unexpected ways. Tune in for a powerful and personal conversation. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255460/support]

The Hardcore Therapist 115.5- Why Do I Panic When Someone I Love Pulls Away? Understanding Attachment Panic + Tools to Self-Regulate

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2255460/open_sms]  In today’s episode of The Hardcore Therapist, I breaks down one of the most common relationship struggles: the panic that hits when someone you love pulls away — even just a little. If you’ve ever gone into fight, flight, freeze, or frantic texting mode when a partner goes quiet, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening inside your brain and body. We explore: * How attachment patterns make distance feel dangerous * The neuroscience behind panic and “rejection alarms” * Why your nervous system reacts before your thoughts do * How this pattern affects relationships * And three powerful in-the-moment regulation tools you can use to calm your body and reconnect with clarity Proceeds from this podcast go directly to supporting uninsured and underinsured individuals seeking mental health care.  Follow, share, and help us get healing tools into more hands. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2255460/support]