Insights from the Couch - Mental Health at Midlife

The holiday season is here, and with it comes joy, challenges, and plenty of stress. In this special episode we tackle the big issues that make the holidays overwhelming—from managing expectations and setting boundaries to dealing with financial stress and navigating family dynamics. We share our candid personal stories and practical strategies to help you stay grounded, embrace self-care, and survive (or even thrive!) this holiday season. 

Episode Highlights:
[2:45] – Stressful moments as parents during the holidays: when the magic of Christmas becomes all work.
[4:12] – Colette shares her story of a solo Chr...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re thrilled to sit down with the amazing Jen Bisbee, Executive Producer of the upcoming documentary “What Hugh Knew” and owner of the renowned PR firm, Bisbee and Co. Jen shares her journey of discovering the profound importance of human connection, both through her film and personal experiences. We dive into how technology has shifted our relationships, especially for teens, and explore the balance between the digital and real world. Plus, we get an inside look at the inspiration behind her powerful documentary, which has been 40 years in the making and ce...

Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Insights from the Couch! We are thrilled to have the incredible Jacqueline Whitmore with us today. Jacqueline is America’s foremost etiquette expert, author, and certified speaking professional. In this episode, we explore the importance of professional presence, intentionality in your career, and how to navigate pivotal transitions. Jacqueline shares her journey from hospitality marketing to becoming a leading voice in etiquette, offering valuable insights on building confidence, developing your personal brand, and mastering the art of making others feel comfortable. Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we are back with Vanessa Reiser for part two of our deep dive into narcissistic abuse. We continue unpacking the signs, behaviors, and long-term effects of dealing with narcissists, including the devastating post-separation abuse that often follows the end of these toxic relationships. Vanessa explains key terms like gaslighting, hoovering, and supply, providing listeners with practical tips on how to recognize and protect themselves from narcissistic behaviors.

Vanessa also offers valuable insight into what recovery looks like—how to escape, heal, and rebuild your life after enduring this form of...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we dive into the complex world of narcissistic abuse with the incredible Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. Together, we explore what it’s really like to experience this insidious form of domestic violence, how to identify narcissistic behaviors early on, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Vanessa shares her personal story of surviving narcissistic abuse, shedding light on the psychological manipulation that victims face and the steps they can take to heal and escape.

This...

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with author and journalist Melissa Petro, whose new book, Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, delves into the complex world of shame and societal judgment. Melissa brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own experiences in the sex trade and as a mother, to explore how shame affects women in both public and private spheres. We get into how women are often burdened with shame from a young age, and Melissa shares how she’s navigated the harsh terrain of public shaming, including a scandal th...

In this follow-up to last week’s conversation on the emotional lives of men, we bring you a special “Men Tell All” episode with guests Josh Mora and Dennis Williams. Josh and Dennis, hosts of The Back 9 podcast, open up about what it’s really like for men navigating relationships, dating, and personal growth in midlife. We get candid about the challenges and rewards of dating after divorce, the importance of male friendships, and how men process emotions in ways you might not expect. You’ll hear honest takes on vulnerability, authenticity, and setting boundaries, plus some surprising insights into male...

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Insights from the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife." Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s both complex and essential—the emotional lives of men. We often hear that men are the strong, silent types, but what’s really going on beneath that composed exterior? How do societal expectations and upbringing shape men’s emotional expressions? We explore these questions and more, offering a compassionate look at the vulnerabilities men face and how they navigate their emotional landscapes.

In this episode, we discuss the common challenges men encounter when tryin...