Nuance Needed

What does it mean to love someone and resent them at the same time? In this episode, Sam shares what it's been like to grow up alongside her brother Alex, who has a severe disability, and how thirty-two years of caregiving has shaped every part of who she is. In conversation, we tackle: * Growing up as the oldest daughter when your brother needs 24/7 care * The anxiety of being a kid who felt she couldn't stay after school because she needed to be home * The isolation of hearing "you're a saint" when you're trying to share how hard things really are * How caregiving pulled Sam into therapy as a career - and the resentment that came with realizing it * What it means to grieve a relationship with a sibling who's still alive * The moment Sam realized she could hate her brother sometimes - and that was okay * The unexpected moments of joy and connection that exist alongside the exhaustion This is a conversation about the full spectrum of caregiving - the love, the burden, the funny moments, the grief, and everything in between. Sam's vulnerability in sharing her story offers a window into an experience that touches so many families but rarely gets discussed with this level of honesty. If you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

What if the mental health crisis starts with how we learned to read? Dr. Jennifer Weber reveals the shocking connections between educational practices and our collective inability to process information or sit with discomfort. In conversation, Amanda and Jennifer discuss: * Why teaching kids to guess instead of read has massively contributed to how we show up online * The death of internal dialogue—and what it means for self-reflection * Why most adults only know 5 emotion words (hint: it's about reading comprehension) * The simple "pause" that breaks algorithmic conditioning * How classroom reinforcement schedules mirror social media engagement * Why patience is a critical thinking skill, not just a virtue * The connection between reading fiction and emotional intelligence * What parents can actually do at home (spoiler: it starts with curiosity) * Why banning AI won't work—and what we should teach instead This episode bridges the gap between education policy and personal mental health in ways that will change how you think about both thinking and feeling. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone trying to understand why everything feels so overwhelming right now Dr. Jennifer Weber is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) and educator who co-founded KIT Educational Consulting. Her work focuses on how reinforcement systems shape not only classroom behavior, but also how we think, process information, and navigate our digital world. Her substack is incredible! We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

We've all seen the posts: "That's trauma." But the truth is less straightforward. Today we're unpacking the complex reality of trauma—what it actually is, how it differs from PTSD, and why understanding the nuance matters for your healing. In conversation, we tackle: * Why trauma and PTSD aren't the same thing (only 6% of people who experience trauma develop PTSD) * The crucial differences between big T and little T trauma—and why both matter * How vicarious trauma from social media is real but different from direct trauma * Why your support system might be the biggest factor in whether something becomes traumatic * The difference between processing, intellectualizing, and ruminating (and why you need to know) * How parasocial relationships are blurring the lines between secondary and vicarious trauma * Why sitting with pain is different from dwelling in it * Sam's powerful story from 5+ years in a Level 1 trauma ER and what secondary trauma really looks like * How to build new neural pathways when trauma has you stuck on the same highway * The hope: why the solution is the same regardless of your entry point Content Note: This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, death, and emergency situations. We share real experiences to illustrate important concepts about secondary trauma and healing. Please take care of yourself while listening. We are running a fall special get 45% off our annual paid substack subscription through the end of October. Use this link-- https://nuanceneeded.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=ceee7102&utm_content=173199122 To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

We started talking about building community but ended up discussing personal transitions, knowing when to make big changes, and trusting yourself through those decisions. In conversation, we explore: * Sam's announcement: she’s moving just one year in Florida * How everyone’s a critic these days, and its easy to critique, but being in community and doing other hard things requires being vulnerable and actually showing up * "Which option feels most expansive?" - the question that changed Sam's decision-making * The difference between forcing something to work and being in the wrong place * "Throwing your hat over the wall" - why committing before you're ready creates momentum * When your inner knowing conflicts with what you think you "should" want * The radical acceptance needed to say "I've done enough trying here" * Building self-trust by doing things that require trust We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

We're unpacking the internet's reaction to Sabrina Carpenter's "Man's Best Friend" album cover - which sparked intense debate about feminism, sexuality, and artistic expression. In conversation, we explore: * The disconnect between the provocative album cover and the actual music (and whether that matters) * An interesting discovery: women say she's pandering to men, but men apparently find her "trying too hard" * The complexity of critiquing art without making it a moral panic * How conversations about kink and power dynamics got simplified into "is this harmful?" * How our reactions to art can teach us about ourselves * Whether we're accidentally reinforcing conservative ideas while trying to be progressive Work Cited- https://thedigitalmeadow.substack.com/p/men-dont-even-like-sabrina-carpenter?r=uc664&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

If you want to feel less anxiety, the key is acceptance and tolerance rather than trying to eradicate it! In conversation, we discuss * The difference between feeling anxious and having generalized anxiety disorder * Why your brain isn't designed for happiness - and how accepting this changes everything * The white polar bear problem: why "don't think about it" is terrible advice * How mental compulsions (checking, reassurance-seeking, ruminating) keep you trapped in anxiety cycles * Why some of you need to push harder while others need to rest (and how to know which) * How we actually manage our own anxiety without letting it run our lives * The case for adding "good friction" back into your frictionless life * Real strategies that work because they stop the fight, not fuel it We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of analyzing your way to nowhere? In this pep talk with Sam she shares about the concept of messy consistency aka how to break free from perfectionist paralysis and actually start building the life you want. Sam explores: * Why perfectionism traps you in endless planning without action * How "analysis paralysis" keeps you stuck in the same place year after year * The impossibility of analyzing your way to success (especially with algorithms) * Why showing up imperfectly beats not showing up at all * How to do weekly check-ins that honor your actual energy levels * The difference between sprint mentality and marathon mindset * Why small, consistent wins build confidence better than perfect execution * How to show up for your life even when you don't have all the answers The core message: Stop waiting for the perfect plan and start taking messy action. You can't predict your way to progress—you have to build it one imperfect step at a time. We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Feeling overwhelmed by the political moment and unsure how to channel your anxiety into meaningful action? In this conversation with political content creator Amanda Nelson (@amandasmildtakes), she and Sam explore how to move from paralyzing fear to sustainable resistance. In conversation, we tackle: - Why historical perspective matters - The difference between being informed and doom scrolling yourself into paralysis - How to get involved in local politics - The collapse of community and why building coalition requires tolerating disagreement - Why action is the most effective antidote to anxiety - How to filter your media consumption to stay informed without losing your mind - The importance of hope as a strategic choice, not naive optimism Amanda Nelson shares her journey from abortion clinic escort to political commentator, offering practical advice for sustainable political engagement and community building. A conversation about finding your lane, protecting your mental health, and remembering that democracy requires participation! If you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU! We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? We are imperfect and make mistakes. You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

What's the line between self-expression and conformity when it comes to how we present ourselves? Per usual, we have no definitive answers, but we honestly dive into the complex world of beauty standards, personal style, and cosmetic procedures. In conversation, we tackle: * Why finding your personal style is actually identity-building work, not vanity * How to tell the difference between self-expression and people-pleasing in your appearance choices * Why Amanda gets Botox and how she thinks about the "slippery slope" of cosmetic procedures * The Mormon culture contradiction: breast implants are fine, but tattoos are forbidden * How influencer culture has created unprecedented surveillance of people's appearances over time * The importance of asking "Why am I doing this?" before any beauty decision A nuanced look at beauty culture. Per usual, we don’t have any definitive answers! We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! If you’d BONUS episodes, check out our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? We are imperfect and make mistakes. You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

The world is burning, are you allowed to feel joy? In this episode, we dive into the complex balance between staying informed and protecting your mental health, inspired by Taylor Swift's latest career moves and our own struggles with ambition. In conversation, we talk a lot about Taylor Swift but more as a metaphor to discuss: * The lost art of sustained effort vs. instant gratification culture * The difference between good and bad stress * Sam's concept of "messy consistency" and why perfectionism paralyzes us * Why wanting things (ambition, partnership, success) has become shameful for women * The difference between "having it all" and "having what you want" * How to care deeply without burning out your nervous system * Why effort gives things meaning, even something as simple as making your bed * The importance of focusing on what you can control in your immediate orbit * Why we need to ask "is this helpful?" instead of "is this right?" * Finding sustainable ways to stay engaged without drowning in doom A passionate defense of earnestness, hard work, and allowing yourself to find joy—even when everything feels heavy. We are really working on trying to the grow the podcast so we can get advertisers, if you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! If you’d BONUS episodes, check out our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? Or offer us a correction? We are imperfect and make mistakes. You can email us podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

We tried to stay out of this one, we REALLY DID. But when a 50+ part TikTok series about a woman falling in love with your psychiatrist becomes the perfect storm of everything wrong with social media, mental health misinformation, and AI feedback loops, we had to wade in. Spoiler alert: it's messier than we thought. This convo was a wild ride... we started with yoga breaths and ended up dissecting the future of AI-induced psychosis. Did we stick the landing? Let us know! In conversation, we tackle: - How we wrestled with whether to even discuss this (and why Amanda watched EVERY video for "research purposes") - The difference between psychiatry and therapy that everyone is missing - Why "transference" doesn't mean what you think it means (and neither does "countertransference") - How AI chatbots are literally creating closed feedback loops that reinforce delusions - The armchair diagnosis Olympics happening in the comments and why it's harmful to actual people with ADHD and autism - How people are treating this like reality TV they can influence instead of someone's mental health crisis - Why Amanda and Sam are questioning their own social media consumption after this WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of feeling anxious about every friendship interaction? In this episode with friendship expert Danielle Jackson, we're breaking down how to actually connect without all the overthinking. In conversation, we tackle: * Why that picture-perfect friend group you're chasing might be more about logistics than love * The uncomfortable truth about why friend groups require secure attachment (and what happens when you don't have it) * How social media surveillance culture is making us police each other's friendships * Why "cutting people off" has become our default conflict resolution strategy * The case for small talk (and why hating it might just be performative depth signaling) * How reduced friction in modern life is making us friendship weaklings who can't handle disagreement * Why friendship apps work for meeting people but fail at building actual relationships * The difference between chemistry, closeness, and intimacy (and why we keep confusing them) * How to escape conversations without being rude (because we've all been trapped by a rambler) * Why your friendship anxiety might be about you, not your lack of friends Danielle Bayard Jackson is a friendship expert and coach, and author of the bestselling book “Fighting for our friendships”. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of waiting for the "right" circumstances to start living your life? In this episode, we're diving into the difference between being alone and being lonely—and why your solo season might be exactly what you need. In conversation, we tackle: Why getting married or finding a partner won't cure your loneliness (sorry!) The three levels of loneliness and why you need all of them fulfilled How to tell if you're avoiding your life or actually living it Why "am I taking advantage of my life right now?" is the question that changes everything The empowering truth about doing things alone (yes, even travel and concerts) How to build trust with yourself for whatever life throws at you Why your current season—even if it feels lonely—still has meaning and purpose The difference between making decisions from scarcity vs. self-awareness How routine and showing up for yourself can fill the void better than waiting for external validation WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Sam reflects on the finite nature of time and how witnessing death as a hospital worker has shaped her perspective on living boldly. She challenges listeners to examine how they're actually spending their time versus waiting for some future version of their life to begin. From her decision to take meaningful vacations as a single person to questioning whether we're living according to our own values or others' expectations, Sam offers a raw meditation on mortality, purpose, and the courage to live authentically. For more pep talks like this from sam, subscribe to our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

So many people say you need to process your emotions. But WTF does this mean and how do you actually do it? In this solo episode, Amanda dives deep and explains her 6 step method that walks you through exactly how to process your emotion. She also shares the science and practice of emotional processing. Amanda breaks down groundbreaking research from Lisa Feldman Barrett on how emotions are actually constructed experiences rather than fixed internal states, explaining the four fundamental dimensions of emotion (energy and pleasantness levels) that form the foundation of all emotional experiences. Resources mentioned: Amanda’s book, Not Drinking Tonight & Workbook. “How Emotions are Made” by Lisa Helmand Barrett. To get a downloadable step by step 25 page guide join our SUBSTACK! www.nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Today we are tackling two listeners questions about sex! Questions we answer: * "I'm 28 and I've never had sex - the shame is paralyzing me and I feel like I've missed the window. How do I get past this when everything in our culture says I'm weird?" * "My husband and I fight about sex constantly. The more he pushes, the less I want it, but when I just do it to avoid the fight, I feel gross after. What should I do?" Resources mentioned: Emily Nagoski’s book “Come as You Are” also Amanda’s book Not Drinking Tonight (if you want more info about sexual shame and how it shows up with our drinking behavior) WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

When did masturbation become an "addiction" that requires recovery? Licensed therapists Amanda White and Sam Dalton tackle the viral story of former Bachelor contestant Maddie Prewett's claims about overcoming her "sexual sin addiction" to masturbation and porn. In deeply personal conversations, they share their own experiences with sexual shame and explore how shame-based messaging around sexuality creates the very problems it claims to solve, why comprehensive sex education matters, and how purity culture's effects extend far beyond religious communities. This episode offers a nuanced look at sexual shame, religious trauma, and the journey toward healthy sexuality without judgment. CW- Talk of sexual assault WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In this episode, Sam realizes she might have had OCD as a teenager - an unedited, real-time processing session. For a year as a teenager, Sam was secretly convinced she was hitting people with her car. She'd loop back to check for bodies, research vehicular manslaughter, and visualize police at her house waiting to arrest her. Amanda shares her own parallel experiences with health anxiety and magical thinking, and together we explore how even therapists can miss their own mental health patterns until years later. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Licensed therapist and OCD expert Kimberly Quinlan joins us for a raw, honest conversation about what OCD really is. In a vulnerable discussion, both Kimberly and Amanda share their personal experiences with OCD and intrusive thoughts, breaking down the walls between expert and experiencer. We dive deep into the difference between the intrusive thoughts we all have and clinical OCD, explore lesser-known subtypes, and discuss why recovery isn't about eliminating thoughts—it's about changing your relationship with them. This episode offers both hope and practical strategies for anyone struggling with intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or OCD. About Kimberly: Kimberly Quinlan, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders. She hosts the Your Anxiety Toolkit podcast and is the founder of CBT School, which provides accessible treatment resources for those who cannot access specialized care. Her approach combines evidence-based practices with mindfulness and self-compassion. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Your questions about suicide answered with honesty and nuance. In this follow-up episode, we're tackling the questions you were brave enough to ask - from living with chronic suicidal thoughts to the impossible task of explaining suicide to children. CW- This episode discusses suicide, and suicidal thoughts. Questions we answer: * "I've had chronic suicidal thoughts for years - how do I build a life worth living when these thoughts are always there?" * "My mom died by suicide and our family never talked about it. How do I tell my kids about their grandmother?" WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.com To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!