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Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall
Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall
Author: Doug and Kendall
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© 2026 Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall
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Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall is a podcast where we explore the connections between psychology and everyday life. With over 30 years of experience in counseling and psychology, we aim to present complex topics in an accessible and relatable way. Our primary goal is to provide insights that help you better understand yourself and the world around you.
71 Episodes
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In this episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall start with a simple question: What is intelligence, really? Moving beyond IQ scores, they explore how true intelligence includes critical thinking, emotional awareness, and the humility to recognize what we don’t know. From there, the conversation shifts into the Dunning–Kruger Effect, explaining how people with limited knowledge often overestimate their competence—not because they’re incapable, but because they lack the self-awareness to ...
In this episode, Doug and Kendall turn their attention to sex myths that quietly shape expectations and undermine intimacy. From the belief that desire should always be spontaneous to the idea that sexual problems mean a relationship is failing, they break down what psychology and sex research actually tell us. With a counseling lens, the conversation focuses on how stress, emotional safety, communication, and life changes influence desire and satisfaction. This episode offers a compassionate...
In this episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall unpack some of the most common myths we hold about relationships—ideas like love should be effortless, the right partner should just “know” what we need, and conflict means something is wrong. Drawing from psychology research and counseling experience, they explore why these beliefs set couples up for frustration and disappointment. This episode reframes healthy relationships as skills we learn, not magic we stumble into, and reminds liste...
1In this episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall take a thoughtful—and sometimes humorous—look at the stereotypes we hold about men and women. Are men really less emotional? Do women actually overthink everything? Drawing on psychological research, counseling insights, and real-life experiences, the hosts break down the origins of these stereotypes, their persistence, and how they often miss the truth. This episode examines how biology, socialization, and culture influence behavior—and ...
In this episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall take a closer look at pop psychology and why it often gets mistaken for real therapy. From viral mental-health tips and TikTok “diagnoses” to relatable memes and buzzwords, they explore what pop psychology gets right—and where it falls short. Drawing on research and counseling experience, this episode breaks down the difference between feeling validated and actually creating change, reminding listeners that insight is helpful, but healing ...
In this episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall dive into the wild world of memes and explore why these tiny bits of humor have such a big impact on our minds. Memes make us laugh, help us cope, and remind us that we’re not alone—but they can also oversimplify serious issues, spread bad psychology, and keep us from facing our real emotions. Using counseling insights and psychological theory, the hosts break down how memes can validate feelings and build community, while also sometimes e...
In this empowering New Year episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall flip the usual “New Year, New Me” mindset on its head. Instead of resolutions that demand change, they explore the psychology of self-acceptance and what it means to love yourself as you are. Drawing on principles from humanistic counseling and self-compassion theory, they discuss how embracing your imperfections can actually lead to more authentic growth. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to reinvent yourself every J...
In this powerful episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall look at loneliness. Loneliness isn’t just being alone — it’s the feeling of being unseen or disconnected, even in a crowded room. In this thoughtful episode, Doug and Kendall explore what psychology tells us about loneliness, why it’s become a modern epidemic, and how counseling approaches can help people reconnect with others and with themselves.
In this Christmas episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall slow things down to talk about gifts—not the ones wrapped under the tree, but the ones that truly matter. We share the moments, people, and memories that have shaped our lives, and explore why the most meaningful gifts are often the ones you can’t buy. From connection and kindness to gratitude and love, this episode is all about appreciating what really lasts long after the lights come down.
In this episode of Naked Psychology, Doug and Kendall unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in modern psychology — narcissism. From selfies and social media to the deeper clinical reality of narcissistic personality disorder, they explore what true narcissism looks like, how it develops, and why it’s often driven by insecurity rather than confidence. The hosts discuss the fine line between healthy self-esteem and destructive ego, the science behind the need for admiration, and how socia...
In this special episode of Naked Psychology, Doug shares a personal story from Tennessee Tech’s Homecoming — how being crowned Mr. TTU became more than a title; it was living proof that kindness, empathy, and helping others truly come full circle. Through years of listening, encouraging, and showing up for students and colleagues, Doug discovered that the simple act of giving—your time, your attention, your compassion—creates connections that ripple far beyond the moment. This heartwarming st...
It’s turkey time — and the psychology of Thanksgiving runs deeper than mashed potatoes and pie. In this special holiday episode, Doug and Kendall explore why gratitude feels so good (and sometimes so forced), how family traditions shape our emotional memory, and what happens in the brain when we give thanks. From dopamine boosts to dinner-table drama, they dig into the science behind connection, conflict, and comfort food.
From “gaslighting” to “boundaries” to “toxic,” therapy language has officially gone viral. In this episode, Doug and Kendall unpack how psychology has become part of everyday speech — and why that’s both empowering and misleading. In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we break down the real meanings behind the most overused buzzwords, talk about how pop culture and social media have blurred clinical lines, and explore what happens when self-awareness turns into self-diagn...
Is TikTok the new therapist’s office — or a mental health minefield? In this episode, Doug and Kendall delve into the rise of “diagnosis influencers” and the complex world of self-diagnosis culture on social media. We talk about the pros (normalizing mental health and reducing stigma) and the cons (over-pathologizing normal emotions and mistaking relatability for accuracy). From ADHD to narcissism, the internet is full of quick quizzes and trending checklists that claim to explain your brain ...
Ever wondered why smart, self-aware people still get stuck in toxic relationships? In this episode, Doug and Kendall pull back the curtain on the psychology of staying vs. leaving. We break down the science behind why our brains confuse chaos for connection — from attachment theory and intermittent reinforcement to trauma bonds that feel a lot like addiction. You’ll hear why love can mimic withdrawal, how the sunk-cost fallacy keeps us trapped (“I’ve already put too much into this”), and why ...
In this Halloween special of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we shine a light on phobias—those irrational fears that go far beyond Halloween scares. From the most common (public speaking!) to the strangest (yes, even peanut butter), we explore why phobias develop, when they become a clinical problem, and how psychology treats them through exposure therapy, CBT, and even virtual reality. Plus, we’ll share some weird phobia facts to keep the spooky season fun. Whether you’re afraid of s...
In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we explore the fascinating world of parasocial relationships—the one-sided bonds we form with celebrities, influencers, and even fictional characters. Why do these connections feel so real, and what do they mean for our mental health? We break down the difference between healthy admiration and unhealthy obsession, share surprising “parasocial breakups,” and discuss how these relationships can act as both coping strategies and risks in...
“On Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we’re asking a provocative question: which relationship is better — AI or human? With the rise of AI companions and chatbots designed to be romantic partners, more people are experimenting with digital love than ever before. Studies show that nearly one in five young adults have already interacted with an AI designed to mimic a romantic partner, and an even larger share believe AI could replace human relationships in the future. But what does psycho...
"On Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we’re diving into how public shootings affect our mental health. These tragedies don’t just impact the people who are physically there — they ripple through entire communities and even across the country. Psychologically, events like these heighten our sense of vulnerability and trigger what’s called collective trauma. Even if you’ve never been directly exposed, constant media coverage can create vicarious trauma — leaving people anxious, hyper-aler...
"Have you ever lain awake at night replaying the same conversation over and over, or found yourself stuck in a mental loop of 'what ifs' that never seem to end? That’s overthinking and rumination at work—our brains trying to solve problems but instead trapping us in cycles of doubt, anxiety, and second-guessing. In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we dive into the psychology of overthinking—why our minds spiral, what it does to our mental health, and how to break free f...



