hands that wander, minds that stay: the secret life of fidgeting

hands that wander, minds that stay: the secret life of fidgeting

In this episode, we lighten things up after our Asking for Help mini series and dive into the surprisingly science-backed world of fidgets. What started with a fidget spinner at a sold-out EDM concert at Red Rocks becomes a full conversation about why our bodies crave movement — and why that's not something to be ashamed of. What we cover: * The difference between fidgets for ADHD, autism spectrum, and sensory-seeking needs — and why those tools look very different * How fidgets showed up in a special education classroom in 2014 (wobble chairs, bungee desks, and all) * Why pen-clicking, knee-bouncing, hair-twirling, and leaning back in your chair are all legitimate fidgets * The evolution from spinning a pencil through your fingers to the fidget spinner craze — and why we should stop seeing these tools as toys * How our bodies are built to move, and what happens when culture forces us to sit still for eight hours a day * The connection between fidgeting, anxiety, grounding, and bilateral stimulation * Technology overload and the case for unplugged time in nature * Creative, low-cost fidget options for every budget (yes, including a branded pen from the doctor's office) Key takeaway: Fidgets aren't distractions — they're adaptations. Whether you're a kid in a classroom or an adult in a Zoom meeting, your body is asking for something. Start listening. We want to hear from you: What's your favorite fidget? Drop it in the comments! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical or mental health care. Need individualized support? Reach out to Dr. Paige or Melinda at hello@dualforcepodcast.com Connect with us! Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dualforcepodcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenurturepodtherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenurturepodtherapy] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@persistencedoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/persistencedoc] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@DualForcePodcast]

asking for help: mind, body, and community

In this episode of the Dual Force Podcast, Melinda and Dr. Paige wrap up their miniseries on asking for help — diving into the when to ask, not just the how. They explore why most of us wait too long (hint: if you're thinking about asking for help, you're probably already past due), and draw a relatable parallel to dehydration — by the time you feel thirsty, you're already behind. Topics covered: * When to ask for help (mental health) — signs your mental health needs attention: increased irritability, neglecting self-care, messier living spaces, more mindless scrolling * When to ask for help (physical health) — why preventative care beats reactive care, and how to recognize when something in your body has changed * Community as a basic need — why human connection isn't a luxury, with a nod to Project Hail Mary and what an alien's biology can teach us about interdependence * The healthcare system & insurance — how insurance creates barriers to preventative care, what direct access to physical therapy means for you, and why a diagnosis is not your identity * Finding the right provider — second and third opinions are encouraged; not every provider is the right fit, and that's okay * Influencers vs. licensed professionals — why credentials matter and how to verify them * The PT-to-personal trainer transition — a commonly missed handoff in physical recovery and why it matters * Pelvic floor & "normal" symptoms that aren't — period cramps, bladder leakage, and other things we've normalized that we shouldn't * Healthcare providers are human too — the mask healthcare workers wear, and why falling apart sometimes is okay (and necessary) * Surgery as a last resort — exhausting conservative treatments first and understanding the full impact surgery has on mind and body * Practice asking for help — building the muscle now so you're not isolated when you truly need support Resources:  Licensure look up (Colorado link): https://apps2.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx [https://apps2.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/Lookup/LicenseLookup.aspx] Licensure look up (mental health): https://blog.opencounseling.com/check-a-therapist-license/ [https://blog.opencounseling.com/check-a-therapist-license/] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us] Trusted resource for research:  https://www.jospt.org/ [https://www.jospt.org/] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215811/ [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK215811/] https://scholar.google.com/schhp?hl=en&as_sdt=0,6 [https://scholar.google.com/schhp?hl=en&as_sdt=0,6] Need individualized support? Reach out to Dr. Paige or Melinda at hello@dualforcepodcast.com Connect with us! * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dualforcepodcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenurturepodtherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenurturepodtherapy] ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@persistencedoc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/persistencedoc] Homework: Pull out your old teddy bear and practice asking for help out loud. Seriously. Journal prompts coming soon on Instagram!Leave us a review so more people can find the show, and send us your topic suggestions — they'll go to the top of the list. YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@DualForcePodcast]

asking for help: your body is talking — are you listening?

In this episode of the Dual Force Podcast, episode 2 of the "Asking for Help" mini-series, the hosts dive into one of the most overlooked skills in health and healing: learning to recognize when your body is asking for help — and actually doing something about it. Topics covered: * The "cup theory" * The chronic pain cycle * Listening to your body's signals * Building trust with yourself and your providers * Real talk on compensations * Why Google and AI can't replace a human provider This episode is honest, funny, and full of practical insight for anyone navigating chronic pain, injury recovery, or just trying to get better at asking for the support they need. Resources: cup theory and chronic pain cycle https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZ9dgytwG1/?igsh=MTI0aTJsMnM0NWF2OQ== [https://www.instagram.com/p/DKZ9dgytwG1/?igsh=MTI0aTJsMnM0NWF2OQ==] Need individualized support? Reach out to Dr. Paige or Melinda at hello@dualforcepodcast.com Connect with us! * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dualforcepodcast] ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenurturepodtherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenurturepodtherapy] ⁠⁠⁠⁠@persistencedoc⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/persistencedoc] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@DualForcePodcast]

asking for help: why its hard to ask, resilience vs stubborn, and the stop & think method

Asking for Help Mini-Series Part 1 Melinda and Dr. Paige kick off a candid conversation about one of the most overlooked yet impactful skills: asking for help. What we cover: * Why asking for help is so hard * High performers & the help problem * Personal vs. professional help * Resilience vs. stubbornness * The Stop & Think technique * Building your support network Takeaway: Asking for help is a practice, not a personality trait. Whether you're a high performer, a hyper-independent person, or just someone who never learned how — it's never too late to start. Need individualized support? Reach out to Dr. Paige or Melinda at hello@dualforcepodcast.com Connect with us! * Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dualforcepodcast] ⁠⁠⁠@thenurturepodtherapy⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenurturepodtherapy] ⁠⁠⁠@persistencedoc⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/persistencedoc] * YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@DualForcePodcast]

Protect, Report, Believe: A Conversation on Child Abuse Awareness

In this episode, we dive into the critical topic of childhood abuse awareness and prevention. We cover how to recognize the signs, take action, and support survivors in your community. What We Cover: * Recognizing the Signs — Behavioral red flags beyond physical indicators, including withdrawal, acting out, and changes in behavior that may signal something is wrong * The Role of Play — How children communicate trauma through body language and play, and what to watch for * How to Report — Navigating child protective services, reporting anonymously, and why over-reporting is always better than under-reporting * Supporting Survivors — The importance of believing survivors, avoiding victim-blaming language, and creating safe spaces for disclosure * Professional Help — Therapy, somatic healing, and nervous system regulation as tools for recovery * Community Action — Small ways to show up for children in your neighborhood, school, and community this Child Abuse Prevention Month (April) Resources: https://preventchildabuse.org/capmonth2025/ https://copinwheelsforprevention.org/ https://www.denvercac.org/ https://cdhs.colorado.gov/child-welfare#:~:text=If%20you%20are%20concerned%20about,there%20is%20an%20immediate%20threat. Need individualized support? Reach out to Dr. Paige or Melinda at hello@dualforcepodcast.com Connect with us! * Instagram: ⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/dualforcepodcast] ⁠⁠@thenurturepodtherapy⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thenurturepodtherapy] ⁠⁠@persistencedoc⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/persistencedoc] * YouTube: ⁠⁠@DualForcePodcast⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@DualForcePodcast]