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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.
60 Episodes
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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...
"Humans are wired for connection. From the moment we’re born, our need to belong—to be seen, heard, and valued—shapes how we think, feel, and even how long we live. In today’s world, though, connection is more complicated than ever. We’re more digitally linked than at any point in history, but many of us still feel isolated, misunderstood, or disconnected. In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we’re peeling back the layers on the psychology of connection—why we crave it, ...
1We all hold on—whether it’s to physical objects gathering dust, old habits that keep us stuck, or emotional baggage from the past. But why is letting go so hard? In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we unpack the psychology behind our attachments and explore why the brain resists change, even when it’s for our good. From the endowment effect that makes possessions feel more valuable just because they’re ours, to the emotional conditioning that keeps us tied to relations...
Ever felt like you don’t truly deserve your success? That it’s only a matter of time before someone “finds you out”? You’re not alone. In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we strip away the stigma around imposter syndrome and dig into the psychology behind it. We explore why high achievers often feel like frauds, the brain’s role in discounting our accomplishments, and how social comparison fuels self-doubt. From cognitive distortions to perfectionism, we unpack the ment...
1The 24-hour news cycle isn’t just keeping us informed—it’s shaping our emotions, our stress levels, and even our worldview. In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we take a hard, honest look at the psychological toll of living in a constant stream of political headlines, breaking news, and social media commentary. We explore how information overload can lead to anxiety, burnout, and hopelessness—and why the human brain is wired to fixate on threat-based stories. From doom...
1Why is saying “no” so hard? In this episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we strip away the myths and discomfort around setting boundaries—showing why it’s not selfish, it’s essential. We dive into the psychology of boundaries, from how they protect your emotional well-being to why guilt and fear often keep us from holding them. You’ll learn the difference between healthy, rigid, and porous boundaries, how to recognize when yours are being crossed, and practical steps to c...
In this mind-bending episode, Doug and Kendall dive headfirst into the viral rise of Delulu Culture—a TikTok-driven trend where people proudly embrace delusional thinking as a confidence tool. From “If I believe it hard enough, it will happen” to manifesting dream jobs and relationships, Gen Z has turned magical thinking into a pop psychology phenomenon. But is it a form of hope... or just well-disguised denial? Doug (our psychology professor) brings in the science of cognitive distortions, b...
Have you ever been told to “romanticize your life” or “walk like you’re the main character”? If so, you’ve already brushed up against the viral trend known as Main Character Energy (MCE). It’s all over TikTok, Instagram, and pop culture—encouraging you to step into the spotlight, reclaim your narrative, and treat your everyday life like a movie where you’re the star. Sounds empowering, right? Well… maybe. But here’s the thing: when does confidence turn into conceit? And how do you know if you...
Psychology of Love Bomb. In this eye-opening episode, Doug and Kendall dive into the explosive world of love bombing—when affection comes on strong, fast, and dangerously sweet. At first, it feels like a fairy tale: constant attention, grand declarations, and overwhelming praise. But beneath the surface, love bombing is often a tool of manipulation and emotional control. Drawing from both academic theory and clinical insight, the duo unpacks the psychological roots of this behavior, its...
After a three-month hiatus, Naked Psychology with Kendall and Doug is back! In this candid and reflective episode, we delve into the psychology of returning—whether it’s returning to work, routines, or reclaiming your space after time away. We unpack why transitions can be so mentally exhausting, how your brain adjusts after a break, and why it’s perfectly normal to feel off-balance when jumping back in. From personal stories to psychological insights, we explore everything from return-t...
In this special episode of Naked Psychology with Doug and Kendall, we explore the "Psychology of Leaving" as we prepare for a break before returning on August 1, 2025. Saying goodbye, even temporarily, can stir up mixed emotions—both for those leaving and those being left behind. We dive into the psychology behind endings and transitions, why it’s so hard to let go, and how to embrace change with a positive mindset. We'll share our reflections on the journey so far, what we've learned, and wh...
How we perceive our bodies can have a profound impact on our mental health. In this episode, we discuss the psychological aspects of body image and offer advice on how to cultivate a positive self-view. Whether you’re struggling with body image issues or looking to improve your relationship with your body, this episode provides valuable insights.
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