Off The Couch with Dr. Greg

In this episode, host Dr. Greg welcomes guest Monique Marvez for a lively and thought-provoking conversation about the role of comedy in fostering personal connection and healing. Together, they explore how humor functions as a survival tool—helping people reflect on life’s challenges while softening the sting of discomfort. Monique describes comedy as a kind of “wavy mirror,” allowing difficult truths to be approached with gentleness and perspective. The discussion emphasizes the profound connection between comedians and their audiences, likening it to the intimacy and presence found in a romantic relationship. Monique shares her personal journey into comedy, tracing its roots to her childhood and highlighting the ways laughter has always been a bridge to deeper understanding. Along the way, she and Dr. Greg discuss the influence of iconic comedians and how their work shaped both her career and their shared outlook on life. This episode underscores the therapeutic power of humor and its ability to bridge emotional gaps, reminding listeners that connection is one of life’s deepest purposes. With warmth and insight, Dr. Greg and Monique reveal how comedy can help us face pain, celebrate resilience, and ultimately connect with one another on a truly human level.

In this episode of Off the Couch, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the complexities of stress management and the shortcomings of traditional self-care practices like meditation and yoga. Drawing from a recent New York Times article critiquing the self-help movement, they highlight how certain self-care strategies may unintentionally promote selfishness or feelings of guilt and isolation. Together, they explore a quiz designed to help listeners identify their stress management styles—whether more self-focused or empathy-driven. Throughout the discussion, they argue that empathy-driven actions, rooted in genuine connections, can strengthen social bonds and resilience. By contrasting the individualistic nature of many self-care practices with the benefits of community and compassion, the episode challenges conventional wisdom about stress relief. The takeaway: while self-care has its value, the path to lasting well-being may lie in shifting focus outward—toward empathy, connection, and shared human experience.

In this episode of Off The Couch, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan, joined by Tony Sweet, dive into the concept of gaslighting and how it differs from simple lying. The conversation unpacks real-life scenarios to help listeners recognize gaslighting behaviors, emphasizing that while lying hides the truth, gaslighting goes further by distorting a person’s perception of reality, memory, and even their own sanity. Through examples—like a partner denying they ever said something or a friend insisting on a false memory—the speakers highlight how gaslighting can lead to self-doubt and confusion. They also share practical strategies for recognizing and countering these tactics, such as trusting one’s instincts and keeping a record of conversations. This episode raises awareness about emotional manipulation and its impact on mental health. By clarifying what gaslighting truly is, the discussion empowers listeners to identify red flags, validate their own experiences, and seek support when needed.

In this episode of Off the Couch, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the fascinating concept of emotional vampires—individuals who drain others’ energy through negativity, control, and constant complaints. Together, they explore five major types of emotional vampires, such as the “complainer” and the “control freak,” while offering practical strategies for recognizing and managing these draining personalities in both personal and professional relationships. The episode also features an engaging quiz designed to help listeners evaluate whether they—or their friends—might exhibit emotional vampire traits. Dr. Greg and Bryan share personal stories and insightful tips on how to protect your emotional health while interacting with negative individuals, without getting overwhelmed in the process. This conversation is both timely and practical, highlighting how pervasive emotional vampires are in today’s social dynamics. By tuning in, listeners gain valuable tools to safeguard their energy, foster healthier relationships, and create stronger emotional boundaries in everyday life.

In this episode of Off The Couch, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the topic of self-reflection around toxic behaviors in relationships. They explore the widespread presence of psychological aggression in romantic partnerships, toxic friendships, and workplace dynamics—backed by eye-opening statistics that show just how common these issues really are. At the heart of the discussion is the question: “Am I the toxic one?” To help listeners examine their own patterns, the episode features a self-assessment quiz that highlights reactions to conflict, communication habits, and emotional responses. Dr. Greg and Bryan emphasize the value of recognizing unhealthy behaviors, understanding the harm they cause, and developing more positive coping strategies. They also stress the importance of honest feedback from trusted people and how therapy can support growth and change. This conversation is a powerful reminder that accountability and self-awareness are key to creating healthier interactions. By reflecting on our actions and making intentional changes, we can build stronger relationships and foster emotional well-being for ourselves and those around us.

In this episode, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan Gomez are joined by engineer Tony Sweet to explore the complexities of family dynamics and the emotional toll of family drama. Drawing from Dr. Greg’s recent personal losses, the conversation highlights how grief can intensify conflict within families, while also underscoring the role of boundaries and generational differences in handling disagreements. Dr. Greg shares candid stories about his late sister and brother, offering listeners a raw look at how unresolved emotions and shifting family roles can spark tension. Together, the speakers reflect on the importance of self-care and establishing clear boundaries as a means of preserving mental health amid ongoing familial struggles. The episode also features an interactive quiz designed to help listeners recognize their roles in family drama—whether as participants fueling conflict or as observers caught in the middle. Ultimately, this discussion resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the strain of family conflict. It serves as a reminder of the universal need for communication, self-preservation, and compassion when navigating relationships that matter most.#FamilyDynamics #MentalHealthMatters #FamilyDrama #SettingBoundaries #SelfCare #GenerationalDifferences #EmotionalHealth #PodcastLife #HealingJourney #TruthBeToldPodcast

In this episode, Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the topic of self-sabotage, sparked by real listener questions. They explore common scenarios like procrastinating on important tasks, feeling anxious about follow-through, and struggling to put self-care advice into action. Together, they unpack the psychological roots of these patterns—such as fear of failure, perfectionism, and the internal narratives that hold us back.The conversation sheds light on how widespread these behaviors are and offers validation for anyone who’s ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by their own inner critic. By breaking down the mechanisms of self-sabotage, Dr. Greg and Bryan aim to help listeners better understand their actions and take steps toward change. This timely episode contributes to the larger conversation around mental health and self-improvement, encouraging honest reflection and personal growth.

In this episode of Off The Couch, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan Gomez take a deep dive into the reality sensation Love Island. They explore how the show taps into—and often distorts—real psychological concepts like attachment styles, emotional manipulation, love bombing, and trauma bonding. As they unpack the highs and lows of contestant behavior, they question the authenticity of the relationships on screen and highlight how these dynamics mirror real-world relational patterns. Through this lens, Love Island becomes more than just guilty entertainment—it becomes a reflection of our collective need for connection and attention. Dr. Greg and Bryan also examine the cultural appeal of reality TV, even when it lacks depth, and challenge listeners to think critically about why we’re drawn to it. What does our fascination with these shows say about us? And how might they shape the way we perceive intimacy and sincerity? Tune in for a thoughtful, humorous, and eye-opening conversation about psychology, pop culture, and the mental gymnastics of modern love.

In this episode of "Off the Couch," host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the topic of "main character syndrome," a phenomenon where people see themselves as the central figure in their life story—often leading to self-centered or performative behavior. Bryan shares his insights as they discuss the delicate balance between healthy self-love and narcissism. They examine how this mindset shows up on social media and in daily interactions, asking whether it truly fosters confidence or simply encourages selfishness. The conversation also explores societal pressures to curate an idealized identity, especially in settings that reward performance and image. The hosts emphasize the importance of celebrating oneself without losing empathy for others, warning of the pitfalls of treating life like a movie with oneself in the starring role. Timely and relevant, this episode invites listeners to reflect on their own behaviors and the cultural forces shaping how we present ourselves today.

In this episode of "Off the Couch" with host Dr. Greg, producer Bryan, and special guest Monique Marvez, the discussion centers on the Law of Allowing and its connection to psychological acceptance. Together, they explore the importance of relinquishing control and judgment, encouraging greater self-awareness around efforts to control others or outcomes. The conversation highlights that true allowing means accepting situations without judgment. Dr. Greg, Bryan, and Monique share personal reflections and anecdotes about how giving oneself and others permission to fully experience emotions can lead to healthier, more authentic interactions. They also clarify the distinction between acceptance and resignation, advocating for an approach that recognizes reality without ego-driven resistance. Marking a year since the podcast began, this episode underscores how cultivating the mindset of allowing can foster personal growth and emotional well-being. The topic is especially relevant for listeners seeking to navigate relationships and emotional responses with more compassion and less judgment.

In this episode of the podcast Off The Couch with host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan, the conversation centers on the "helper complex"—a psychological pattern in which people feel compelled to help others at the expense of their own well-being. They discuss the personal guilt that often comes with saying no, the exhaustion of constantly prioritizing others' needs, and the fear of becoming irrelevant if not needed. Dr. Greg and Bryan share insights into how these behaviors can lead to codependency and emotional burnout, especially in professions like nursing, where self-care is frequently overlooked. The episode emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing one’s own needs to prevent emotional exhaustion. Listeners are also invited to take a quiz to assess their own tendencies toward helping or feeling helpless. This topic resonates with many who struggle with these common psychological patterns, offering encouragement for greater self-awareness, healthier relationships, and the crucial reminder that prioritizing self-care is essential to truly being able to help others effectively.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the detrimental effects of hustle culture, which glorifies relentless productivity at the expense of personal well-being. They examine how this mindset shows up in everyday life, from work environments to parenting, resulting in burnout, anxiety, and sleep deprivation. Through candid discussion and personal anecdotes, they shed light on the societal pressure to always be “on” and the struggle to balance professional and personal commitments. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing hustle culture’s negative impacts and explores unconventional solutions, such as redefining success beyond constant output and embracing rest as a valid form of productivity. Dr. Greg and Bryan emphasize the need for self-compassion and boundary-setting to combat the guilt often associated with taking breaks. This episode is especially relevant in today’s world, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own work habits and prioritize mental health. The insights shared aim to inspire a healthier, more balanced approach to ambition and productivity, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life.

In this episode of Off the Couch, host Dr. Greg and producer Bryan dive into the powerful topic of “addiction to chaos” in relationships. They explore why some people confuse emotional stability with boredom and end up chasing drama instead of peace. Dr. Greg and Bryan break down how trauma bonding and intermittent reinforcement—those highs followed by crushing lows—keep people stuck in toxic relationship cycles. They also compare healthy relationships to a gentle merry-go-round, in contrast to the emotional roller coasters many become addicted to. The conversation touches on how some individuals seek validation or attention through emotional outbursts on social media, often revealing deeper, unaddressed wounds. This eye-opening episode offers real talk about emotional self-regulation and why awareness of these patterns is the first step toward building healthier, more grounded connections.

In this episode of Off The Couch, host Dr. Greg and co-host Bryan dive into the psychology of why so many attractive, successful people still find themselves single. Together, they unpack the hidden patterns that can sabotage relationships—exploring attachment styles, self-sabotage, and the emotional traps that keep people stuck in the wrong dating cycles. Bryan shares his personal journey of dating emotionally unavailable partners, while Dr. Greg offers expert insight into how self-awareness and emotional clarity can transform one’s love life. They also critique modern dating apps, discussing how endless swiping often fosters superficiality rather than meaningful connection. The conversation touches on common pitfalls—like idealizing potential partners or dating based on future fantasy rather than present reality. Dr. Greg and Bryan emphasize the importance of redefining self-worth beyond relationship status and breaking free from limiting patterns. Whether you're single by choice or feeling stuck in the dating world, this candid and insightful episode will inspire you to reflect, grow, and approach love with intention.

In this episode of Off the Couch, host Dr. Greg and cohost Bryan dive into the psychology behind avoidance behaviors—why we dodge difficult conversations, take fewer risks, or shy away from our own potential. From the fear of failure to patterns shaped by upbringing and learned helplessness, they explore how avoidance can quietly sabotage personal growth.Dr. Greg and Bryan share candid stories from their own lives, examining how avoidance took root and how they've worked to confront it. Together, they discuss how exposure, reflection, and small steps toward discomfort can lead to real change. This episode offers powerful insights for anyone ready to break free from fear-driven patterns and step into more empowered, intentional living.