The Shrink Down

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we explore the unique challenges facing girls, teens, and young adults today. We discuss the complexities of friendship dynamics, the growing influence of social media on identity and mental health, and the rising rates of anxiety among girls. The conversation highlights the importance of supportive relationships, fostering critical thinking, and equipping girls with the skills to navigate social pressures. The episode also underscores the crucial role parents play in validating emotions, guiding healthy peer interactions, and monitoring the impact of digital environments.

The holiday season can be a joyful yet stressful time for families, especially for parents of neurodivergent children. In this episode, we explore practical strategies for preparing children for family gatherings, managing expectations, and communicating effectively with extended family. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility, understanding, and involving children in holiday traditions to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Parents will gain actionable tips for reducing stress, maintaining routines, and supporting their children in navigating complex social situations during the holidays.

The British Royal Family is back in the headlines, and our fascination shows no signs of slowing down. In this episode, we dive into the latest drama — from Meghan Markle to Prince Andrew — and explore why the public can’t look away. Along the way, we examine the deeper themes of authenticity, entitlement, and narcissism. Why do some individuals fail to earn genuine admiration despite seeking the spotlight? How does inauthenticity impact public perception, and what lessons can we take about effort, privilege, and credibility? Tune in for a candid discussion on power, personality, and the pressures of living in the public eye — and what it really costs to wear the crown.

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we dive into the documentary Boys to Men: Why America's Sons Are Struggling and unpack the challenges boys and young men face in today’s world. From falling behind in school to navigating emotional expectations and social media influences, we explore how educational systems and societal norms often fail to meet boys’ developmental needs. We discuss the role of positive male role models, and the evolving definitions of masculinity and caregiving. We also highlight the importance of vulnerability, emotional intelligence, and open communication in helping young men thrive—both at home and in relationships.

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we dive into the rise of GLP-1 medications, originally developed for diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. We explore the psychological impacts of these drugs, including how they can reduce “food noise” and influence mental health. The discussion also touches on the social dynamics and stigma surrounding weight loss medications and the importance of approaching the topic without judgment. Finally, we consider the long-term implications of GLP-1 use and the need for ongoing research and understanding.

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we explore the multifaceted nature of motherhood, examining the overwhelming emotions and societal pressures that come with being a mother. We discuss expectations placed on women to become mothers, the importance of self-care, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. The conversation also touches on intensive parenting, the myth of maternal instinct, and the value of personal time to recharge. Ultimately, this episode highlights the complexity of motherhood and encourages embracing the individual journey of parenting.

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we dive into the fascinating world of celebrity comebacks and redemption arcs—what makes us forgive some stars and not others? From Charlie Sheen’s unexpected return to Pamela Anderson’s reinvention to Lindsay Lohan’s long-awaited comeback, we explore the psychology of forgiveness, accountability, and public perception. We discuss why vulnerability resonates, how patterns of behavior shape our judgment, and what these stories reveal about human resilience. 

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we discuss current trends in drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among kids, teens, and young adults. We explore how societal norms have shifted—especially with the legalization of marijuana and the growing normalization of products like THC gummies. We also talk about the importance of having open, honest conversations with children about substance use, helping them understand the risks and develop strong refusal skills. Finally, we highlight the alarming rise in overdose rates and the dangers of substances being laced with harmful chemicals, emphasizing the need to educate young people about these serious risks.

In this episode of The Shrink Down, we dive into our nostalgia for the 90s and why 90s fashion and music are making such a big comeback. From chokers and baggy jeans to boy bands and grunge, we share the 90s trends we love—and the ones we don’t. We revisit the pop culture moments that shaped a generation and talk about why 90s music still holds up today, even for younger listeners. Along the way, we explore the psychological benefits of nostalgia, the impact of social media on how we remember the past, and how cultural cycles keep bringing the 90s back into the spotlight. Join us as we reflect on our favorite 90s memories, what’s trending again, and what the future of nostalgia might look like.

On this episode of The Shrink Down, we talk about the overwhelming pace of current events and the emotional fatigue so many of us are feeling. We explore practical coping strategies—from self-care routines to fostering open conversations, especially with children about tough topics. We also highlight the importance of finding balance between staying informed and protecting your mental health, and we discuss how to nurture resilience in both adults and children during challenging times.

We’re back with a brand-new season of The Shrink Down - the podcast where pop culture, current events, and everyday life get a psychologist’s perspective! In this kickoff episode, we catch up on what we’ve been up to this summer, share our “4 Minute Faves” (quick hits of what we’re loving right now), and dive into some of the buzziest news and social media stories — from the Coldplay cheating scandal and the empowering messages K-Pop is sending to kids, to Travis and Taylor’s engagement and the ever-debated differences in attraction between men and women. We’re kicking off the season with laughs, insight, and plenty of fresh conversation.

Parenting today often feels like walking a tightrope—balancing empathy and structure, flexibility and follow-through. In this week's episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Hammond to explore the rising popularity of low-demand and gentle parenting. Where did these ideas come from? What are we seeing in our practices and in our own homes? As parents and professionals, we recognize that these approaches were born from compassion and a desire to respect children’s emotional needs. But we’re also noticing the unintended consequences—especially as children grow into young adults who struggle with everyday expectations and resilience. Together, we talk about the importance of maintaining flexibility with fidelity—supporting our kids while still offering the guidance, structure, and gentle limits they need to thrive. Join us for a grounded, honest conversation about how to parent with both empathy and structure. 

What started as a lifeline in our text thread—full of parenting questions, vent sessions, “what would you do?” moments, and honest advice—has now become Group Chat IRL. In this episode, we each bring one real-life question to the table, just like we do in our group chat. From navigating tricky family dynamics and awkward social encounters to supporting our kids through friendship drama, nothing is off-limits. We even dive into the big one: should your child be allowed to participate in a group chat, and how do you set healthy boundaries around it? It’s the space where we lean on each other, laugh a lot, and figure it out together. Come for the relatable convo, stay for the wisdom, and feel like you're right here with us.

In this week's episode we discuss the ever-evolving world of dating among today’s teens and young adults. How do their dating habits compare to those of past generations? Spoiler: it’s not all candlelit dinners and going steady. From the rise of group hangouts and "situationships" to the rejection of traditional labels, today’s dating culture is defined by fluidity, caution, and connection on their own terms. We share stories from our own teenage years—when calling someone on a landline was the peak of romance—and contrast that with the hyper-digital, over-scheduled reality of Gen Z. What’s driving these shifts? We explore the powerful role of social media, texting, and dating apps, as well as external factors like helicopter parenting, academic pressure, mental health awareness, and a growing disinterest—or even anxiety—around dating. 

In this episode of Pop Culture RoundUp 2.0, we each bring a trending topic to the table—from science and society to celebrity headlines—and dive into what they reveal about the world we live in. We start with teen sleep: does going to bed earlier actually improve cognition, even if sleep time doesn’t increase much? Then we explore mood changes in kids aged 6–11, the role of early puberty, and the modern pressures today’s middle childhood generation faces. Next, we take on Katy Perry’s controversial trip to space—why was there backlash, was it deserved, and did her journey really have anything to do with feminism? Finally, we ask the question no one saw coming: Is Prince William the hotter prince now? We explore how confidence, maturity, and character might be shifting public perception of male attractiveness. It’s a mix of science, society, and a little royal tea—don’t miss it!

In this week's episode, we sit down with expert psychologist Dr. Rachel Loftin to explore Autism Level 1, sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism.” Dr. Loftin helps us unpack what this diagnosis means and what how it presents in individuals. We also dive into the increasing rates of autism diagnoses, especially among girls, and what may be driving this shift. Dr. Lofton explains the evolution of autism terminology as well as and the best ways to support individuals with Level 1 autism in both daily life and social settings. She also discusses the link between Autism Level 1 and eating disorders, particularly in females, and how sensory sensitivities, rigidity, and social pressures can play a role in disordered eating patterns in this population. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to better understand the complex and nuanced experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.

In this week's episode we dive into the fascinating research of social psychologist Dan Gilbert, who explores why humans are surprisingly bad at predicting what will make them happy. We cover the joys and challenges of parenting, to how we handle life’s biggest setbacks; divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one. We unpack the science behind why our emotional forecasts often miss the mark. We also explore how resilient we really are, even when we don’t think we will be, and why being realistic about happiness, rather than chasing an idealized version of it, can lead to deeper contentment. Plus, we reflect on how identifying your core values can serve as a better guide to happiness than chasing external goals, and how humans often fail to learn from their mistakes. Whether you’re navigating a tough life transition or just trying to understand yourself better, this episode offers insights and tools to rethink what it truly means to be happy.

In this week's episode, we’re getting real about perimenopause—what it is, what it feels like, and why so many women are finally talking about it. From hormone shifts to mood swings, sleep struggles to brain fog—perimenopause touches every part of life. We open up about our own experiences, from unexpected symptoms to the emotional rollercoaster, and dive into why there’s a growing movement right now to break the silence around this stage of life. We also reflect on what we learned from Oprah’s eye-opening special and share insights from leading experts like Dr. Mary Claire Haver and others who are pushing this conversation forward. We also talk about the importance of community, why it’s crucial to advocate for yourself, and how leaning on friends (and good information) can make all the difference. 

In this week's episode we’re bringing you a fast-paced pop culture roundup! Instead of diving into one specific topic, we each found a piece of news or an entertainment story that we thought was interesting and the four of us spend time discussing each one. We cover it all, from a headline-grabbing news article, a viral social media post to celebrity news. Join us as we share our thoughts on what’s making waves right now. Get ready for lively opinions, some laughs, and a dive into the current buzzworthy moments everyone’s talking about.

In this week's episode, we discuss the intricate relationship between mental and physical health, unraveling how psychological stress can manifest as physical symptoms, from common headaches to more severe conditions like strokes. We explore the range of psychogenic disorders, where emotional and mental strain presents itself through physical pain or dysfunction, and discuss the challenges many people face when acknowledging that their symptoms might not be purely medical, but rather psychological in origin. We also discuss the impact of chronic stress on both mental and physical health, and how it can lead to long-term issues such as stroke, fatigue, and anxiety disorders. We also touch on the generational differences in how people approach these issues—older generations often lean towards seeking medical diagnoses or, conversely, may ignore symptoms altogether, while younger generations are increasingly open to psychological explanations and diagnoses even when not warranted. Tune in as we break down the stigmas surrounding mental health, the reluctance to address the mind-body connection, and how both medical and psychological interventions can work together to improve overall well-being.