Laugh Cry Club

Navigating Mental Health During Turbulent TimesIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy and Rebecca discuss the heavy emotional toll and the challenges of current world events. The duo provides a heartfelt check-in, revealing their own struggles with depression, social media consumption, and the pressure to stay informed. As licensed mental health therapists with over 20 years of experience, they offer strategies for self-care, setting boundaries, and finding small moments of joy. They emphasize the importance of community and remind listeners that it's okay to experience a range of emotions. Joy and Rebecca also share personal anecdotes, including their experiences with mindfulness, music, and ASMR, as methods to bring solace during these trying times.03:15 Navigating Social Media and Mental Health05:52 The Impact of Current Events07:49 Balancing Emotions and Self-Care10:09 Finding Comfort in Music and ASMR16:06 Discovering ASMR Artists17:59 Finding Personal Comforts19:45 Managing Social Media and News Consumption23:09 Understanding Our Brain's Limitations24:44 Mindfulness and Cognitive Therapy29:46 Building Community and Connection30:44 Podcast Reflections and Future Plans

A quick update from Laugh Cry Club.We’re taking a short break, but it’s not a goodbye it’s a reset! Some exciting changes are coming to the show, and we can’t wait to share what’s next with you. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode when we’re back.

Healing Generational Trauma: Vulnerability, Awareness, and GrowthIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club podcast, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea discuss the complexities of generational trauma. Chelsea shares a touching personal laugh and cry story involving her late husband, while Joy talks about her emotional experience at a recent protest. They dive deep into the nature of generational trauma, exploring its transmission through family dynamics and how it can manifest in various forms, including mistrust, lack of safety, and emotional dysregulation. The hosts emphasize the importance of awareness, vulnerability, and sharing experiences to begin the healing process, while also highlighting potential challenges and changes within family systems. They wrap up by providing practical advice and resources for those seeking to understand and heal from generational trauma.07:45 Joy's Protest Experience15:39 Rebecca's Internet Troubles and Conducting Fun21:33 Generational Trauma Discussion22:51 Understanding Generational Trauma23:07 Biological Impact of Trauma23:45 Behavioral Responses to Trauma27:10 Healing Through Sharing33:22 Building Awareness and Coping Skills36:52 Disrupted Areas Due to Trauma39:55 The Importance of Family Dynamics47:04 Conclusion and Next Steps

Embracing Emotions: Understanding and Processing FeelingsIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea celebrate the New Year with fresh energy and motivation. They discuss the importance of feeling and processing emotions, reflecting on personal anecdotes and therapeutic insights. The discussion highlights how societal and generational norms, particularly for Gen X, have influenced the way we handle emotions. The hosts encourage listeners to become aware of their feelings, label them, and understand their origins. Practical tips for reconnecting with the body, such as intentional breathing and physical touch, are shared. The episode also sets the stage for future discussions on generational trauma.01:06 Chelsea's Dentist Visit02:29 Rebecca's Laughs and Cries05:56 Joy's Laughs and Cries15:43 Chelsea's Laughs and Cries22:29 Feeling Our Feelings14:11 Feeling Content and Balanced27:38 Recognizing Body Sensations28:14 Dealing with Anxiety and Disconnection28:28 Generational Disconnect from Emotions29:09 Understanding and Trusting Body Signals30:02 Gen X and Emotional Narratives31:45 Road Rage and Bottled Emotions33:00 Therapy and Going to the Root34:32 Autopilot and Emotional Awareness38:38 Labeling Emotions and Validation44:25 Simple Practices for Emotional Check-In46:22 Breathing and Physical Connection49:44 Slowing Down and Meditation52:20 Concluding Thoughts and Next Week's Topic

Living Big in 2026: A New Year's EpisodeIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea welcome the New Year with reflections on their personal experiences and family traditions. They discuss the importance of assessing stress levels and setting intentional goals grounded in emotional well-being. The hosts share their laugh and cry moments, illustrating the highs and lows of life. They emphasize the need for small, intentional steps to reset the nervous system and build a strong foundation before pursuing larger ambitions. The episode concludes with plans to explore emotional mastery and self-connection in the coming week.01:33 Therapists' Reflections and Introductions01:57 Chelsea's Laugh and Cry in Atlanta08:29 Joy's Reflective Week and Poetic Inspiration15:40 Rebecca's Dog Drama and Living Big19:52 Resetting for the New Year: Stress and Self-Care26:56 Decluttering and Starting Small27:16 High Achieving Women and Small Changes29:41 Intentional Living and Empowerment32:09 Living Big and Reframing Perspectives33:37 Achieving Self-Worth Through Small Tasks41:00 Planning for the New Year43:22 Creating Space and Flexibility50:16 Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

Reflecting on 2025: Personal Growth, Challenges, and WinsIn this episode of The Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea reflect on their personal growth and experiences throughout 2025. Rebecca shares her experience at a float spa and discusses the subconscious expectations that led to a week's worth of disappointments. Joy talks about her struggles with grooming her senior dog JT and the emotional toll it took on her. The group transitions into a discussion about 2025 reflections, highlighting their achievements and areas of personal growth. Rebecca focuses on her journey to not abandon herself, Chelsea emphasizes her resilience in staying present through grief, and Joy shares her success in avoiding self-sabotage. The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment to their listeners and a reminder to practice self-reflection and gratitude.01:39 Laugh and Cry of the Week: Rebecca's Float Spa Experience04:55 Expectations and Disappointments10:21 Laugh and Cry of the Week: Joy's Mobile Groomer Fiasco22:30 Laugh and Cry of the Week: Chelsea's Pregnancy Struggles23:30 Pregnancy Cravings and McDonald's Drive-Thru Drama24:29 The Sweet and Sour Sauce Crisis29:40 Reflecting on Personal Growth31:42 Proud Moments and Achievements39:05 Staying Present Through Grief50:22 Listener Shoutouts and Closing Remarks

Navigating Holiday Family Dynamics: Finding Balance and Setting BoundariesIn this holiday special episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea share their festive cheer while diving into the challenging topic of family dynamics during the holiday season. The episode begins with light-hearted personal stories, including amusement park adventures, car-buying mishaps, and poignant grief moments, bringing laughter and tears. Transitioning to the main discussion, the hosts address the emotional pressures of holiday gatherings, reinforced by media portrayals and traditional expectations. They offer practical advice on setting boundaries, managing guilt, and maintaining personal well-being in the face of challenging family interactions. The episode ends with actionable tips for listeners to navigate their own family dynamics with grace and self-compassion during the holidays.00:18 Festive Holiday Spirit00:51 Navigating Family Dynamics02:48 Amusement Park Adventures07:32 Car Buying Misadventures13:42 Grieving During the Holidays17:15 Discovering the Dentist's TV Setup17:47 Laughing and Crying with Goonies18:41 Taylor Swift Docuseries Experience20:00 Holiday Family Dynamics20:57 Navigating Family Roles and Expectations24:36 Setting Boundaries During the Holidays35:25 Coping Strategies for Stressful Family Gatherings

Navigating Emotions: Grieving, Laughing, and Coping with ChangeIn this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea share their personal experiences of grief, loss, and the healing power of laughter. Joy talks about the emotional rollercoaster of supporting a friend who lost her father, while Rebecca reflects on recent challenges and signs from the universe. Chelsea opens up about her struggles with grief during the holidays and the therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for her. They also discuss the neuroscience behind why change is difficult and offer practical advice on setting and maintaining new habits. The episode closes with a teaser for the next week's topic on family dynamics during the holidays.03:17 Laughs and Cries: Remembering Kenny08:57 Grief and Mourning Doves16:52 Tech Glitches and Signs from the Universe21:45 Sympathy Cards and Remembering Ruby23:38 The Impact of Caregivers26:41 Coping with Holiday Grief29:41 A Hilarious Christmas Party35:06 The Science of Change38:15 Overcoming Resistance to Change44:51 Intrinsic Motivation and Habit Stacking50:18 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Signs from the Universe: Exploring Messages and ReflectionsIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea discuss the intriguing topic of signs and messages from the universe. They share personal stories of experiencing signs. The trio reflects on the importance of staying open to these signs, especially during challenging times, and discuss how signs can provide comfort and guidance. They also recount deeply personal experiences related to grief, laughter, and connection with loved ones, both living and deceased. The episode encourages listeners to remain open-minded and aware of the signs around them, offering a touch of magic and reflection as we approach the end of the year.00:24 Reflecting on the Past Year02:01 Thanksgiving Memories and Self-Care04:02 Emotional Light Therapy Experience08:14 Remembering Steve and Thanksgiving Traditions11:57 Rebecca's Loss and Random Stranger Connection19:44 Joy's Family and Signs from the Universe24:50 A Hilarious Story About Kenny26:37 Finding Signs from Loved Ones27:51 Personal Experiences with Signs31:13 The Psychology Behind Signs and Symbols40:49 How to Recognize and Interpret Signs49:22 The Power of Belief and Intuition51:17 Conclusion and Reflections

This week, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of our usual roundtable of laughs and cries each of us recorded a personal voice memo reflecting on our biggest lessons of 2025, the growth we didn’t expect, the curveballs we survived, the softness we’re learning to allow, and the boundaries we finally enforced.In this episode, we share those voice notes with each other (and with you), and talk through what it means to walk into a new year with intention instead of pressure. We’re choosing meaning over perfection, presence over comparison, and honesty over performative resolutions.The surprising lessons 2025 handed us, the ones we didn’t see comingWhat we’re ready to release before the year endsHow to honor the year we lived instead of rushing into the nextHow to walk into 2026 with clarity that comes from self-compassion, not hustleWe’re declaring December as our month of honoring the year behind us, not glossing over it, not sprinting to the next thing, but actually letting it land.Because the truth is: you can’t fully step into a new season until you’ve acknowledged the one you just lived.We hope this episode invites you to pause, breathe, and reflect on your own 2025 with honesty, humor, softness, and zero judgment. Think of this as your sign to record a voice memo to yourself, too.Tag us in your December rituals and reflections, we LOVE seeing how you’re honoring your year.Follow @LaughCryClub for more prompts, behind-the-scenes moments, and weekly mental health reminders from three licensed therapists who are doing their best

Surviving Family Drama and Embracing Self-Care During ThanksgivingIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club podcast, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea discuss managing family dynamics and conflict during Thanksgiving. They share personal stories of family drama, including Chelsea's emotional phone call with her mother after a period of estrangement. The hosts provide practical tips for navigating holiday stress, such as setting intentions, limiting substances, being prepared with a plan, and the importance of radical acceptance. The episode also includes humorous anecdotes and emphasizes the significance of self-care and maintaining mental health during the holiday season.01:45 Welcome to the Laugh Cry Club02:43 Managing Thanksgiving Conflict03:35 Rebecca's Emotional Week11:44 Joy's Parking Lot Epiphany20:28 Balancing Health and Lifestyle Choices21:46 The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep and Mood28:33 Signs from the Universe33:50 Reconnecting with Family36:17 Navigating Holiday Conflicts41:22 Setting Boundaries and Self-Care During Holidays50:24 Conclusion and Gratitude

Navigating Brave Conversations and Family DynamicsIn this insightful episode of the 'Laugh Cry Club,' hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea delve into the complexities of brave conversations and family dynamics. Drawing from their extensive experience as licensed therapists, they share personal anecdotes and professional insights on confronting difficult topics, particularly within family settings. Chelsea narrates her experience of setting boundaries with her father for a more authentic relationship, while Joy discusses breaking family patterns through a brave email to her uncles. Rebecca revisits her journey of coming out, highlighting the courage required to live authentically. The episode offers valuable advice on how to prepare for and approach these challenging talks. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of understanding one's intention and emotional readiness before engaging in such conversations. As the holiday season approaches, the hosts also tease a future discussion on managing family conflict during gatherings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to foster healthier, more open relationships both within the family and beyond.00:53 Chelsea's Concert Adventure11:16 Joy's Heartwarming Dog Party17:35 Rebecca's Painting Fiasco24:39 Kid Energy and Messes25:04 Introducing Today's Topic25:57 Brave Conversations: Coming Out28:39 Therapy and Family Dynamics37:12 Breaking Family Patterns51:28 Handling Feedback and Criticism54:10 Building Trust Brick by Brick55:06 Upcoming Topics and Farewell

Embracing Gratitude and Emotional GrowthIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea dive into the theme of gratitude, discussing ways to cultivate it sustainably in everyday life. They share personal stories of laughter, grief, and transformative experiences. Rebecca talks about her senior rescue dog Fritz's health struggles, while Chelsea shares a serendipitous encounter with a Knicks coach that brings joy to her family. Joy discusses reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on supporting each other through grief. The hosts emphasize the importance of checking in rather than checking out, savoring small moments, and re-wiring the brain for gratitude. They also provide practical tips for incorporating gratitude into daily life, including creating a gratitude playlist and mindfully appreciating simple pleasures.00:20 Club Values and Intentions01:27 Podcast Structure and Today's Topic02:05 Rebecca's Laugh and Cry of the Week08:45 Joy's Laugh and Cry of the Week25:12 Chelsea's Laugh and Cry of the Week29:26 Chelsea's Wild Week29:55 Unexpected Abs and Laughing Fits30:19 Surprise Trip to Chicago31:12 Learning to Love Sports33:06 A Special Encounter with a Knicks Coach37:27 Gratitude and Rewiring the Brain39:23 Finding Joy in Small Moments43:29 Embracing Gratitude During Hard Times48:26 Checking In vs. Checking Out58:07 Tips and Tricks for Practicing Gratitude01:06:44 Conclusion and Next Week's Topic

Lessons in Gratitude and GrowthIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club podcast, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea, three licensed therapists, dive into the complexities of gratitude and growth through life experiences. They discuss their personal journeys, including romantic relationships, caretaking, and the challenges they've faced. Chelsea shares a deeply personal story about infidelity and its impact on her marriage, while Rebecca talks about the importance of boundaries and letting go of people's opinions. Joy reflects on the joys and struggles of her past year, emphasizing the beauty found in difficult times. The episode wraps up with a look ahead at practical tips for incorporating gratitude into everyday life. Listeners are invited to engage and share their own experiences via email and social media.00:39 Red Bull and Lip Wrinkles01:22 Podcast Overview01:53 Gratitude and Laughs02:09 Chelsea's Laugh and Cry09:21 Rebecca's Tiny Hands17:07 Joy's Rule-Breaking Adventure21:22 Joy's Costco Story21:42 Documentary 'Evelyn' and Its Impact22:36 Supporting a Friend in Need24:37 The Challenges of Caregiving27:30 Lessons in Gratitude and Pain28:53 Reflecting on Relationships30:22 Chelsea's Vulnerable Share36:49 The Importance of Boundaries44:35 Marriage and Societal Pressure49:16 Finding Beauty in Hardship54:23 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

The Masks We Wear: Navigating Vulnerability and AuthenticityIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea delve into the topic of the masks we wear and how they affect our lives. The trio, all licensed therapists with over 20 years of experience each, share personal anecdotes about the various personas they adopt in different settings—whether it's at work, with friends, or at home. Rebecca discusses her emotional journey with monarch butterflies, Joy opens up about her experience as a service dog raiser, and Chelsea shares a laugh-cry story from a night out in Nashville. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing these masks, the stress they cause, and finding ways to be authentic. They also touch upon the upcoming theme of gratitude and the lessons learned over the past year.00:17 Rebecca's Return and Group Dynamics00:51 Therapists' Experience and Podcast Format01:07 This Week's Topic: The Masks We Wear02:00 Rebecca's Laugh and Cry: Butterfly Saga04:58 Body Types and Ancestry12:16 Joy's Laugh: Taylor Swift Humming Game16:26 Joy's Cry: Service Dog Retirement24:24 Reflecting on Emotions and Self-Centeredness25:05 Chelsea's Nashville Adventure31:14 Navigating Social Dynamics and Vulnerability32:11 The Masks We Wear45:28 Recognizing and Addressing Our Masks48:29 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Navigating Uncertainty and Appreciating the ShadowsIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy and Chelsea discuss the complexities of navigating uncertainty and the importance of finding stability in routine and community. They address the unpredictability of life, sharing personal anecdotes and client stories to emphasize resilience and coping mechanisms. The episode also touches on the enjoyable aspects of 'spooky season' and explores how connecting with nostalgic comforts can help steady the nerves in unsettling times. Throughout, they underscore the necessity of self-compassion and the power of authentic emotional reactions.01:24 Navigating Uncertainty and Spooky Season03:14 Laugh and Cry: TV Shows and Emotional Reflections12:50 Joy's Laugh and Cry: Nostalgia and Comfort21:00 Scared in the Dark: Why Uncertainty Feels Threatening27:58 Navigating Student Loan Challenges28:56 Acceptance and Coping with Cancer30:33 Financial Anxiety and Growing Older34:14 Building Resilience Through Adversity37:29 Tips for Dealing with Uncertainty38:51 The Importance of Connection and Routine44:27 Embracing Imperfection and Learning48:54 Authentic Reactions to Stressful Situations

In this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea kick off October with laughter, tears, and spooky stories. They share their weekly laughs and cries, delve into the challenges of parenthood, and reflect on the ups and downs of emotions. Chelsea recounts living in a haunted house near a cemetery, sharing eerie experiences and pranks that took place with her roommates. The episode also touches on coping with mood swings and the importance of validation in experiencing trauma and unusual events. Listeners are encouraged to share their own spooky stories and join the conversation.01:57 Spooky Season Begins04:09 Taylor Swift and Laughs07:24 Emotional Waves and PMS13:49 Carl the Caterpillar22:26 Parenting Moments and Reflections28:20 Heartwarming Moments with Miles29:00 Struggles with Self-Worth30:40 Reflecting on Parenting38:06 A Spooky House Story Begins42:09 The Haunted House Experience50:11 Pranks and Coping Mechanisms59:17 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Navigating New Tracks and Embracing Big FeelingsIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea discuss their experiences with creating new tracks in life and coping with big feelings. Emotional highs include celebrating Taylor Swift's album release and personal moments of joy, while lows touch on poignant topics like grief and adjusting to new life circumstances. The trio highlights the importance of being kind to oneself, adapting to changes, and finding joy in small moments. They also tease upcoming discussions about fall mental health topics and share laughter over personal anecdotes, including lost night guards and unexpected outbursts. Join them for an engaging conversation on managing life's ups and downs.01:02 Taylor Swift Album Release Day02:22 Joy's Laugh and Cry Moments08:59 Chelsea's Emotional Weekend in Atlanta19:18 Rebecca's Night Guard Fiasco23:52 Dental Drama and Retainers25:48 Night Guards and Sleep Apnea26:17 Sharing Personal Stories28:09 Creating New Tracks in Life29:37 Navigating Life's Unexpected Paths32:18 Embracing Change and Self-Kindness35:09 Setting Intentions and Goals39:56 The Power of Small Changes40:50 Reflecting on Personal Growth48:32 Looking Ahead: Fall Themes and Ghost Stories

Exploring Cognitive Dissonance and Distortions in Daily LifeIn this episode of the Laugh Cry Club, hosts Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea delve into the concepts of cognitive dissonance and cognitive distortions. They discuss how these psychological phenomena influence belief systems, contribute to societal polarization, and affect personal well-being. The episode features personal anecdotes, including Chelsea's emotional challenges around her daughter's homecoming and Joy's reflections on her 17th wedding anniversary. Rebecca shares a humorous dental visit story. The hosts emphasize the importance of mindfulness, self-reflection, and creating safety circles to realign with personal values and navigate cognitive dissonance.@laughcryclub00:00 Introduction and Topic Setup01:41 Welcome to the Laugh Cry Club02:20 Laugh and Cry of the Week03:01 Homecoming Dread and Emotional Overload11:27 Navigating Grief and Cognitive Dissonance18:06 Joy's Anniversary Reflections27:15 Rebecca's Dog and Dentist Adventures31:45 Humor at the Dentist31:56 Candy and Fillings: A Dentist's Perspective33:36 The Most Beautiful Filling35:16 Cognitive Dissonance Explained38:07 Cognitive Distortions and Their Impact49:46 Mindfulness and Aligning with Values55:54 The Importance of Safety Circles58:30 Shark Encounter and Real Fear59:50 Closing Remarks and Next Week's Topic

Show NotesIn this episode, Joy, Rebecca, and Chelsea kick things off with their signature "laugh and cries of the week," sharing personal highlights and challenges. The conversation then shifts to a thoughtful discussion on how to stay curious in a world that often pressures us to pick sides. The hosts explore the importance of open-mindedness, asking questions, and embracing complexity in our daily lives.Highlights:Laugh and cries of the week from each hostStrategies for maintaining curiosityNavigating a polarized world without losing your sense of wonderPersonal stories and practical tipsTune in for an honest, uplifting, and insightful conversation!@laughcryclub