Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom

Barb’s diving into online dating for the first time, with her son Paul as her guide and full-time typist. Together, they build her profile, pick the hottest pics (of course), and get expert tips from Love Coach Lisa Copeland. This is a huge step for Barb, since she’s only ever been with one person in her life. And after all the work she’s putting into this, she might just settle in for a solo movie marathon and call it — single gal for life!

Paul drops a bomb on Barb: this season is all about getting her into the dating game — from coaches and apps to sex therapists and a live matchmaking finale. New segments bring the heat as Paul reveals a penis health scare, Barb bans a friend over pH drama, and sets boundaries around OnlyFans. It’s chaos. It’s heart. It’s Season 2.

In the season finale, Paul and Barb reflect on their six-month podcast journey and share excitement for Season 2. Paul unveils his Valentine’s gift, and they discuss self-care and preventing burnout with neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho. Paul reveals a childhood trauma that keeps him from watching a certain movie, but Barb assures him it was all done with love.

For more information about Dr. Judy Ho and her work: drjudyho.com

Instagram: @drjudyho

TikTok: @drjudyho

Paul and Barb are both on the market... for therapists! They dive into why they’re so hard to love, with Paul sharing a memorable story about meeting his pop star icon, Charli XCX, and Barb opening up about feeling snubbed by a celebrity. The two reflect on the influence reality TV has had on Paul, explaining how it provided escapism and helped shape his career. They’re joined by Dr. Hayley Watson, who dissects the reason behind it!

For more information about Dr. Hayley Watson and her work: openparachuteschools.com

Instagram: @drhayleywatson

Therapist Alexia McLeod joins us this week to talk boundaries, maintaining your identity in relationships, and her hot takes on sharing locations, splitting bills, and sleeping in separate bedrooms. Paul shares the story of when his boyfriend forgot about him after stopping location sharing, while Barb reveals her record-breaking non-hair-washing streak!

For more information about Alexia and her work: alexiamcleod.com

Instagram: @alexia.mcleod

TikTok: @alexia.mcleod

This week, psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Minami joins Paul and Barb to explore the universal experience of grief. Paul opens up about his anticipatory grief and fear of life without Barb, while they discuss the emotional attachment to things—like Barb’s obsession with Paul’s old Steve Urkel headgear. As they embrace 2025 with the motto “out with the old, in with the new,” Paul reveals why he wants ‘WAP’ played at his funeral.

For more information on Dr. Minami and her work: jenniferminamimd.com

This week, therapist Jessica Miller joins Paul and Barb to discuss the complexities of setting boundaries with family and protecting your inner peace. With personal stories, they explore what works (and what doesn’t) when navigating family dynamics. Plus, Paul takes a trip down memory lane—did having Barb’s graduation picture in his room cross a boundary? Tune in to find out!

Instagram: @mindyourboundaries

TikTok: @mind_yourboundaries

YouTube: @mindyourbusiness

This week, therapist Rachael Mecholsky-Pelikan joins us to explore the emotional aspects of eating and how food can become a coping mechanism. We dive into why diet culture is toxic, especially for those struggling with body image issues. Paul also shares his concerns about Barb taking Ozempic and opens up about dating someone from a Disney family.

Instagram: @rachaelthetherapist

TikTok: @rachaelthetherapist

YouTube: @Rachaelthetherapist

Sex therapist Kristin Hodson joins us this week to explore why talking about sex remains taboo in so many households and how to break the cycle. Kristin offers practical tips for starting these important conversations with your kids. Plus, Paul recalls the cringe-worthy moment when Barb walked in on him watching X-rated material, and Barb gets into a high-speed chase with a Karen!

For more information on Kristin and her work: kristinbhodson.com

Instagram: @kristinbhodson

Paul and Barb wrap up 2024 with a bang by setting New Year’s resolutions—for each other! Paul’s wish? For Barb to dust off the cobwebs and dive back into the dating pool. Barb’s priority? Getting Paul a new retainer, of all things. The duo also takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the wild ride of launching their podcast over the past four months. With big plans brewing for 2025! 

It’s a family affair on this week’s episode! Paul and Barb dive into their holiday plans, which include celebrating under one roof with Paul’s boyfriend, Jordan and his family. Barb shares her first "down in the DMs" encounter while the duo reflects on the importance of family traditions—like their love for holiday board games. To keep the festive spirit going, Paul’s brother (and Barb’s other son) Brett joins the podcast for a fun game that puts Barb’s mom instincts to the test: which son does she know best?

Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Terri Bly joins us this week to tackle the pressures of New Year’s resolutions. She offers practical advice on breaking goals into small, manageable steps and highlights the importance of understanding the “why” behind the changes we want to make. Meanwhile, Paul airs his current beef with McDonald’s and reflects with Barb on his ongoing journey of personal growth, admitting he still slips into his sassy younger child tendencies. 

Therapist Gina Zippo-Mazur joins us this week to unpack why 79% of people struggle with road rage and how to take back control when emotions run high behind the wheel. Paul opens up about a dramatic road rage encounter in high school that took an unexpected turn involving his first gay exploration, while Barb shares why she wasn’t exactly surprised when Paul eventually “came out.”

For more information on Gina and her work: gzmtherapy.com

Instagram: @feelingoodwithgina

TikTok: @gzmtherapy

Relationship and Dating Coach Ali Jackson shares expert tips for meeting your partner’s family and navigating tricky holiday dynamics. Plus, Barb offers Paul advice on surviving your 30s, and Paul confesses to forgetting a friend’s birthday, not once but TWICE. Tune into this week's episode for some laughs, wisdom and some tips to make blending of the families this holiday season go a lot smoother! 

For more information on Ali and her work: findingmrheight.com

Instagram: @findingmrheight

TikTok: @findingmrheight

Dr. Jill Grimes joins Paul & Barb to unpack why toilet anxiety is more common than you think—affecting nearly a third of the population. Paul shares his pee-shy struggles and his stolen underwear dilemma in Mexico, while Barb gets real about colonoscopies. Laugh, learn, and flush away the stigma!

For more information on Dr. Grimes and her work: jillgrimesmd.com

Her latest book: The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness

Instagram: @jillgrimesmd

TikTok: @tiktok.collegedoc

This week, Clinical Social Worker Laura Felman joins Paul & Barb for an insightful discussion on High-Functioning Depression—what it is, why it's becoming more common, and how societal pressures to mask emotions contribute to the struggle. Laura breaks down the genetic and environmental factors at play and shares practical techniques to help manage this often-overlooked condition. Meanwhile, in true Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom fashion, Paul admits he's been unfaithful… to his dry cleaner, and Barb declares her eternal devotion to all things pumpkin spice.

For more information on Laura and her work: hamlettherapy.com

In...

HEAL documentary director and HEAL with Kelly podcast host Kelly Noonan Gores joins us to share 10 powerful steps for healing, focusing on releasing old wounds and breaking free from a victim mindset. Kelly explains the impact of unresolved trauma and the importance of inner work on the path to growth. Plus, Barb preps for her first solo trip, and she and Paul discuss staying consistent and shifting mindsets for lasting change.

For more information on Kelly and her work: healwithkelly.co

Instagram: @kellygores

YouTube: youtube.com/@healwithkelly

This week, Dream Expert Lauri Loewenberg joins us to dive into the connection between our dreams and real-life issues, revealing how dreams can serve as guidance or warnings for what’s going on in our lives. In a show first, Barb makes an unexpected trip to the ER, but not before she and Paul have a good laugh over a WTF Facebook post! 

For more information on Lauri and her work: lauriloewenberg.com

Instagram: @lauri_thedreamexpert

YouTube: youtube.com/@laurithedreamexpert

Sex and relationship expert Deborah Grace joins us to talk about reclaiming the word “slutty” and why it’s okay to embrace your sexuality without shame. Deborah encourages listeners to explore who they are in the bedroom and to get comfortable with self-acceptance. Paul shares some of his own stories, highlighting how important intimacy is to him, while Barb opens up about her hesitations around exploring her sexual side. Brett (Paul’s brother and Barb’s son) also jumps in to talk about the pressure he feels as a virgin and his anxiety around society’s expectations. It’s an open conver...

Numerologist Larissa Martincic explains how angel numbers are messages of guidance. She encourages using October for self-reflection and releasing old habits, while November is the time to start new projects and habits to set the tone for the upcoming year. Larissa advises listeners on aligning with universal energy to navigate the year ahead.

For more information on Larissa and her work: thegoddessgiving.com

Instagram: @goddessgiving

Psychic medium Jennifer Shaffer joins the "Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom" podcast to talk about her work with law enforcement and families, focusing on finding missing persons and solving cold cases. Jennifer shares how tapping into one's intuition is key, and explains that everyone has some level of psychic ability. During the episode, she also gives Paul and Barb a glimpse into their futures, while connecting with their loved ones who have passed.

For more information on Jennifer and her work: jennifershaffer.com

Instagram: @jennifermshaffer

This week, Dr. Janie Lacy, psychotherapist and relationship trauma expert from 90 Days: The Last Resort, joins us to discuss red flags in toxic relationships, including her "three C's" framework. She breaks down attachment styles—anxious, avoidant, and disorganized—while helping listeners distinguish between true love and trauma bonding, and offers practical tips for leaving toxic relationships.

For more information about Dr. Janie Lacy and her work: janielacy.com

Instagram: @drjanielacy

Optimism Doctor, Dr. Deepika Chopra dives into this week's episode discussing the power of optimism and how it can be developed like a muscle through consistent practice and intentional lifestyle changes. Dr. Chopra shares her unique "7 out of 10" technique for affirmations, stressing the importance of truly believing in what you affirm. She also discusses the benefits of learning to sit with discomfort and how it builds resilience. 

For more information about Dr. Deepika Chopra and her work: drdeepikachopra.com

Instagram: @drdeepikachopra

Sober Coach and Somatic Practitioner Brandi Babb joins us to dive deep into the impact of family dynamics surrounding alcohol and the lasting effects it can have on loved ones. She shares insights into how these dynamics create heightened sensitivities around alcohol and discusses the benefits of the "sober curious" movement. Brandi also explores society’s shift from "alcoholic" to understanding it as "alcohol use disorder."

For more information about Brandi and her work: littlebigleap.com

Instagram: @littlebigleap

Chana Peppers, also known as Astrology Mom joins us during Virgo season for Paul's birthday episode! Chana breaks down the importance of astrology and how much of an impact it has on every relationship and aspect in life. She explains the challenges that can arise based on astrological compatibilities and which zodiac signs really hold the title as the most toxic signs out there. 

For more information about Chana and her work: theastrologymom.com

Instagram: @astrologymom

TikTok: @astrologymom

Coming Out Coaches, LGBTQ+ Advocates and Hulu's Mormon No More star's Lena & Sal Osborne join us on this week's episode to discuss their work helping people come out and owning their authenticity. From their own personal stories of coming out later in life and being previously married to men to emphasizing the importance of self-love, even if it means making difficult decisions. Highlighting the types of conversations that should take place regarding sexuality between a parent and a child. 

Fore more about Lena & Sal and their work: sallyandlena.com

Instagram: @lena__osborne & @comingoutcoach

Psychiatrist Dr. Ryan Sultan joins us to discuss whether parents kissing their children on the lips is unhealthy, examining its impact on family dynamics and children's development. He highlights the importance of maintaining secure parent-child relationships and the challenges that can arise in a less traditional family structure.

For more about Dr. Ryan Sultan and his work: integrative-psych.org

Instagram: @intpsychny

Former Housewife of Orange County, Braunwyn Windham, joins us to discuss the challenges of children not seeing their parents as people. She shares her challenges of breaking generational traumas from her own upbringing and how she's fostering open communication with her kids. Braunwyn also talks about her plans for the future, transitioning from "Housewife" to college student.

Instagram: @braunwynwindhamburke

Author, Life Coach, Hypnotherapist and Meditation Teacher, Camilla Sacre-Dallerup joins us on this week's episode to discuss the journey of falling out of love with the life you once envisioned and rebuilding it from scratch. How happiness evolves over time, how to embrace changes, and the importance of surrendering to life’s unexpected turns.

For more about Camilla and her work: zenme.tv

Instagram: @camilladallerup

YouTube: @CamillaDallerupcsd

Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Alex Hamlet specializes in parental favoritism and the long term effects it has. Providing us with insight on how to spot the red flags early on, as well as the types of conversations you should be having if the signs are there. She couldn't join us on the podcast without giving her expert opinion on whether or not Barb has an official favorite. 

For more info about Dr. Alex Hamlet and her work: hamlettherapy.com

Instagram: @hamlettherapy

Dating expert, Lisa Copeland is here to help Barb navigate her first dating app! Lisa walks us through what dating looks like over the age 50 and informs us that at any age d*ck pics are still a thing.

For more info about Lisa and her work: findaqualityman.com

Instagram: @over50datecoach
YouTube: ‪@LisaCopelandDatingCoach

Hi everyone! I'm Paul. Welcome to Hold on, I'm Calling My Mom with my co-host and mom, Barb! If I need to vent about an existential criss, have a kiki, or just have a laugh everyone knows that my mom is always the first person I call. We invite you to take part in our discussions as we dive into our untraditional relationship, navigating life together and most importantly, the support we have for one another.