She Persisted
your life can change, even when you can’t imagine what better looks like yet.sadie sutton started she persisted at 15 while in intensive treatment for severe depression and anxiety. now 23 and a university of pennsylvania psychology graduate, she combines lived experience with evidence-based psychology to make the hard parts of mental health feel less confusing—and a little less lonely. today, she persisted is an nyt-recommended, top-charting gen z mental health podcast with 500k+ downloads.new episodes weekly for anyone struggling, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand themselves better.@shepersistedpodcasthello@shepersistedpodcast.comshepersistedpodcast.com
why does it take a crisis to be taken seriously?
do you want to start therapy but are worried about what your parents might think? are your parents making you try therapy but you don’t know what to expect? whether therapy is your idea or theirs, this episode breaks down why dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt) can help families navigate even the most challenging mental health issues (content warning for brief mentions of SH).
today’s guest is dr. jill rathus— a world-renowned authority on dbt. she co-developed dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents and families alongside dr. alec miller and dr. marsha linehan and is the co-author of seve...
why you know the coping skills but still feel stuck
if you know what you need to do to improve your mental health, but struggle to implement these changes into your life, then this episode is for YOU.
today’s guest is shireen rizvi— a licensed clinical psychologist who has conducted research and training in dialectical behavioral therapy (dbt) for over twenty-five years. in this episode, dr. rizvi and i discuss how to implement dbt skills into your daily life.
whether you’ve never heard of dbt before, or you’re a dbt expert, this episode isn’t just about learning the skills— it’s about figuring ou...
263. what i wish i knew when i didn’t want to be alive
are you currently at a low point with your mental health? do you hate it when people tell you “it will get better”— mostly because you don’t believe it ever will? in today’s solo episode, i’m answering the questions i had when i was struggling with severe depression and suicidality as a teenager.
eight years after being hospitalized for my mental health, i’m looking back on the doubts and fears i had throughout my recovery and sharing what actually helped me get better.
if you’re currently asking yourself questions like will i always fe...
262. your life isn’t going to feel like this forever (feat. dr. blaise aguirre)
want to hear an expert’s opinion on the teen mental health crisis?! today’s guest is dr. blaise aguirre—an assistant professor in psychiatry at harvard medical school in the department of psychiatry. he is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founding medical director of the 3east dialectical behavior therapy continuum of care at harvard affiliated mclean hospital.
in part two of last week’s conversation, dr. aguirre reflects on his 25 years of experience in the treatment of mood and personality disorders in adolescents to share what teens in 2026 are struggling with most. he also shares ac...
261. what if part of you doesn’t want to get better? (feat. dr. blaise aguirre)
why are some people afraid to ask for help, even when their mental health is getting WORSE?! today’s guest is dr. blaise aguirre—an assistant professor in psychiatry at harvard medical school in the department of psychiatry. he is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founding medical director of the 3east dialectical behavior therapy continuum of care at harvard affiliated mclean hospital.
in this episode, i’m reuniting with dr. aguirre to discuss how my treatment at 3east saved my life– and why this program worked for me when nothing else did. dr. aguirre also draws his...
260. you don’t have to be in crisis to need help (feat. hailey hardcastle)
if you want to learn more about how our generation can create lasting change in mental health, this episode is for you!
today’s guest is hailey hardcastle—a gen z mental health advocate who helped pass landmark legislation in oregon allowing students to take mental health days off from school. she was honored by teen vogue as one of the "21 under 21: young women changing the world," and her ted talk on student mental health has been viewed more than 4 million times.
fun fact: this episode was recorded live at the active minds 2026 mental health conf...
259. why you feel LOST after graduation (what actually helps!)
i’ve recently made a big career change and learned a LOT about my mental health along the way… so let’s talk about it!
in this solo episode, i’m explaining what sparked this transition in my life & how i’m planning on optimizing this period of change to improve my routines, habits, and overall mental health.
so, if you’re also going through a major life shift in your 20s– or are wanting to figure out whether you should take the plunge into a new chapter of life– here’s how to do so while optimizing...
258. why you never feel good enough (even when you're doing everything right) dr. marisa g franco
how can someone have high self-esteem but low self-worth??! today’s guest is dr. marisa g. franco— a psychologist, author, professor, and friendship expert. she writes about how to build relationships with yourself and others for psychology today and has been a featured connection expert for major publications like the new york times, the telegraph, and vice.
in this episode, we continue last week’s conversation on self-worth and relationships. this time, we’re focused on the internal factors behind self-worth, such as your emotions, identity, and more!
we talk about:
2:11 why it can be e...
257. why you can be loved and still feel unlovable (feat. dr. marisa franco)
why do some people struggle to accept love?? today’s guest is dr. marisa g. franco— a psychologist, author, professor, and friendship expert. she writes about how to build relationships with yourself and others for psychology today and has been a featured connection expert for major publications like the new york times, the telegraph, and vice.
in this episode, we talk about how our self-worth impacts our ability to love ourselves– and receive love from others.
we talk about:
01:38 how self-worth and relationships are tied together
05:16 how you can be loved but not...
256. 10 years of therapy in 20 minutes (what i wish i learned sooner!)
wanna know what over a decade of therapy, a psychology degree, and my own podcast have taught me about mental health?! in this solo episode, i’m breaking down the key takeaways that i’ve learned throughout my mental health journey.
in honor of it being mental health awareness month, i’m condensing everything i’ve learned from receiving intensive mental health care and years of dbt therapy as a suicidally depressed teenager– combined with my psychology education at upenn and my experience creating this very podcast– to make your 12-step guide to maintaining your mental health.
by the...
255. why it’s so hard to ask for help (and how to start!)
if your mental health is getting worse, but asking for help feels like too much, this episode is for YOU.
in this solo episode, i explain why so many of us can be reluctant to open up about our mental health before breaking down the techniques you can try to be more vulnerable.
by the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to lower your anxiety around asking for help– because vulnerability is the key to recovery!
i talk about:
• why i didn’t ask for help when my mental h...
254. how to help someone who doesn’t want help (without making it worse)
how do you help someone who’s struggling with depression??
in this solo episode, i answer a mom's question on how she can best support her son with his depression. i explain how my mental health journey taught me what the best– and worst!– ways are to be there for someone who’s depressed– and three conversation ideas you can try out.
whether you’re a parent, sibling, or friend, this advice can apply to anyone who wants to be a support system for their loved one.
i talk about:
• what to do if so...
253. why therapy didn’t work… until this
i spent 2.5 years in therapy, 4 hospitalizations, and multiple rounds of DBT — and nothing was working. then a psychiatrist at mclean hospital asked me one question that completely changed how i approached my mental health recovery.
in this episode, i break down the exact conversation during my residential treatment intake that shifted everything: why i'd been going through the motions, what it actually means to "see the wisdom" in treatment, and the mindset that built the foundation my mental health still sits on today.
if you've ever wondered why therapy isn't working, or you're on the fe...
252. stop overthinking—ask yourself this!
are you a chronic emotional over-invester?! in this solo episode, i explain how a simple mental health mantra transformed my mentality around emotional boundaries and even lowered my anxiety!
by the end of this episode, you’ll know how to stop the emotional over-involvement and start prioritizing your mental health.
i talk about:
• the mental health mantra that’s changed my life
• why stress can actually be good for you?!
• 3 questions to ask yourself if you’re emotionally over-investing
• if you’re problem-solving or just being anxious?
...251. why college feels different for gen z (feat. dr. scott barry kaufman)
why is the college experience SO different for our generation??! today’s guest is dr. scott barry kaufman— a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. he is a professor of psychology at columbia university and host of the psychology podcast, which has received over 30 million downloads worldwide.
in this episode, we break down why gen z students are having such a unique college experience– and what that means for our mental health.
we talk about:
• if...
250. why high achievers still struggle with mental health
are you tired of constantly choosing between your mental health versus everything else on your plate?! in this solo episode, i answer a listener’s question that a LOT of college students and postgrads struggle with: how do you prioritize success while still taking care of your mental health?
by sharing some of my favorite mental health tips and routines, this episode can serve as your template for how to optimize your mental health without sacrificing your goals.
i talk about:
• the mental health misconception so many of us have
• one...
249. what to do during a panic attack (when nothing else works!!)
if you struggle with panic attacks and haven’t found a way to stop them, this episode will change that completely! in this solo episode, i share my psychology-backed hack to end 100% of your panic attacks.
by the end of this episode, you’ll have a mental health skill in your toolbox designed for curbing every panic attack– no matter how much anxiety you’re facing.
i talk about:
• a dbt skill that stops all panic attacks
• why this skill works better than other panic attack hacks
• what’s really happenin...
248. why “look on the bright side” doesn’t work (do THIS instead!)
if you struggle with depression, you might be facing a brain bias that’s stopping you from healing. this solo episode explains how your brain is holding you back and why daily diaries can move your mental health forward.
by the end of this episode, you’ll know the three easy aspects of your mental health you can keep track of to change your life!
i talk about:
• why i started tracking my mental health when i was depressed
• how mental health tracking can lower your shame
• the power of tra...
247. do i need therapy, or is this just life?
if you’ve ever wondered if you need therapy, or are just “being dramatic”, this episode is for YOU! in this solo episode, i’m unpacking the two key signs that you should get help for your mental health.
by the end of this episode, you’ll know how to spot the red flags that your mental health could use some professional care, and why acting sooner rather than later can change your life.
i talk about:
• what i’ve learned from researching people with depression
• two ways to figure out if you need he...
246. why external validation keeps you stuck! (feat. dr. scott barry kaufman)
‘self-actualization’ isn’t just a tiktok buzzword– it’s how you can unlock your true potential using psychology. today’s guest is dr. scott barry kaufman— a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. he is a professor of psychology at columbia university and host of the psychology podcast, which has received over 30 million downloads worldwide.
in this episode, we translate terms like self-actualization, agency, and mastery into actionable tools you can actually use. whether you’re a college student trying to raise y...
245. you’re not bad at friendships! (here’s what’s happening)
if you’re struggling with finding new friends as a postgrad, this episode is for YOU. in this solo episode, i’m sharing my favorite ways to make friends, stay connected, and avoid feeling lonely after graduating college! from making time to be social despite your new 9-to-5 to keeping in touch with long-distance friends, this episode covers every friendship topic for your post-college era.
i talk about:
• the mindset shift i made to avoid feeling lonely as a postgrad
• how college social dynamics are so different from postgrad ones
• catering your...
244. why forcing habits never works (and what actually helps)
this year, we’re NOT setting any more new year’s resolutions we can’t follow through on. in this solo episode, i’m breaking down how you can achieve all your personal, career, and wellness goals in 2026– and no, we’re not just manifesting, we’re using science.
tune into this episode to find out the consistent, invisible habits you can use for reaching all your goals this year (without sacrificing on any much-needed self-care).
i talk about:
• the best way to set yourself up for success when setting new goals/habits
• g...
243. being lonely in your 20s is fixable (featuring dr. jeffrey hall)
is it possible to be lonely even if you’re more social than ever?! today’s guest is dr. jeffrey hall— the department chair and professor of communication studies at the university of kansas, where he researches how to elevate positive online experiences through meaningful social interaction and relationships. his book relating through technology was featured in the wall street journal, the new york times, the washington post, and cnn.
in this episode, we discuss why our generation can feel so lonely– especially after graduating college– and how we can actually start to improve our connections. by the end of...
242. for anyone who thinks they’ll never get better (my mental health story)
want to know why i started this podcast in the first place?! there’s a reason why i care so deeply about mental health, and why i believe so strongly that mental health recovery is possible.
in this solo episode, i’m sharing my mental health journey with you, taking you through my recovery from severe depression and anxiety right from the start. i cover the highs and lows of my story, including how i went from being hospitalized for my mental health four times in one year to graduating as a psychology major and creating a new...
241. why you feel RESENTFUL (& how to stop)
here’s the truth: you cannot resent someone for a need you’ve never communicated. but most of our day-to-day frustration comes from exactly that — unspoken expectations, misunderstood triggers, and assumptions we never check.
in this solo episode, i walk you through the exact rule, mindset shifts, and dbt skills i use to prevent resentment from silently wrecking relationships — with friends, partners, siblings, coworkers, anyone.
by the end, you’ll know how to say what you need clearly, kindly, and confidently… without guilt, without drama, and without letting resentment build in the background.
i talk...
240. why you keep choosing the wrong people (and how to stop) with dr. molly burrets
what’s really stopping you from finding love??! today’s guest is dr. molly burrets— a clinical psychologist and adjunct professor in the department of marriage and family Therapy at the university of southern california. her areas of expertise include couples therapy and women’s issues.
in this episode, we discuss the unhealthy patterns that are holding you back from finding your soulmate and what you need to know to have a healthy, life-long relationship.
we talk about:
• how your life love can reflect the family dynamics you had growing up
• self...
mini: reverse engineer your life for SUCCESS in just 5 mins!
welcome to the mental health minis series! every other monday, we will feature a five-minute mini-episode with content from a past she persisted episode. this week’s guest is dr. angela duckworth– the rosa lee and egbert chang professor at the university of pennsylvania and faculty co-director of the penn-wharton behavior change for good initiative.
in this mini-episode, we discuss how you can reverse engineer your life to set yourself up for success!
to listen to the full episode, click HERE!
@shepersistedpodcast
shepersistedpodcast.com
© 2020 SHE PERSISTED LLC. all rig
239. why dbt hits different (it literally saved my life) feat. dr. maddy ellberger
what sets dbt apart + is it actually effective?! today’s guest is dr. maddy ellberger— the founder of downtown behavioral wellness, a therapeutic practice that utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt), dialectical behavior therapy (dbt), and mindfulness-based stress reduction (mbsr). dr. ellberger previously appeared on she persisted to discuss using dbt to improve therapeutic outcomes.
in this episode, we discuss what sets dbt apart from other therapies! we also answer your most-asked questions related to all things dbt!
we talk about:
• why dbt therapists are so different from other types of therapists
• di...
238. i asked 9 experts how to heal from anxiety (what you NEED to know)
what’s causing your anxiety and how can you heal?!! today’s episode is a mental health mashup featuring expert advice from some of my favorite she persisted guests. i’ve compiled the most insightful tips and quotes from past episodes into your ultimate guide on how to navigate anxiety.
in this episode, you’ll hear from a range of psychologists, therapists, professors, and best-selling authors on why so many of us struggle with anxiety and how we can begin to recover.
we talk about:
• defining anxiety + what happens in our bodies when we’re...
mini: a dbt crash course– everything you need to know about this therapy in 5 mins!
welcome to the mental health minis series! every other monday, we will feature a five-minute mini-episode with content from a past she persisted episode. this week’s episode is a solo where i break down where dialectical behavior therapy (dbt) came from + how it can help transform your mental health!
to listen to the full episode, click HERE!
@shepersistedpodcast
shepersistedpodcast.com
© 2020 SHE PERSISTED LLC. all rights reserved.
237. can gen z actually make change? let’s talk burnout, hope, + leadership feat. amanda litman
how gen z can lead with hope (even when it feels impossible)? today’s guest is amanda litman— the co-founder and president of run for something, a nonprofit organization that recruits and supports young leaders to run for state and local office. she has written two books geared toward the next generation of political leaders, was named one of the time next 100, and is currently a 2025-2026 obama foundation usa leader.
in this episode, we discuss how gen z can become leaders in both the political arena and the workspace… and why this MATTERS!
we t...
mini: a day in the life in mental health residential treatment?!!
welcome to the mental health minis series! every other monday, we will feature a five-minute mini-episode with content from a past she persisted episode. this week’s guest is eileen kelly– a sex and dating writer for vogue magazine and host of the podcast going mental.
in this mini-episode, we discuss what daily life can look like while receiving residential mental health treatment + advice on choosing a treatment option!
to listen to the full episode, click HERE!
@shepersistedpodcast
shepersistedpodcast.com
© 2020 SHE PERSISTED LLC. all rights reserved.
236. the 🦋 BUTTERFLY EFFECT of mental health?!
how can you break unhealthy cycles for GOOD?! in this week’s solo episode, i’m sharing the butterfly effect of mental health. i’m breaking down how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected and the one simple step you can take to change your most problematic tendencies!
i talk about:
• what your emotions are really telling you
• understanding how your emotions are impacting your choices
• vulnerability factors when it comes to your mental health
• the impact that feeling an emotion has on your body
• consequ...
mini: what your fav taylor swift song says about you (mental health edition)
welcome to the mental health minis series! every other monday, we will feature a five-minute mini-episode with content from a past she persisted episode. this week’s guest is amanda e. white– a licensed therapist, author, creator of the popular instagram account @therapyforwomen, the host of the recovered-ish podcast.
in this mini-episode, we reveal what your favorite taylor swift song might say about your mental health!
to listen to the full episode, click HERE!
to listen to last week’s taylor swift episode, click HERE!
@shepersistedpodcast
shepersistedpodc...
235. society is shaping women’s core beliefs… so let’s rewire them feat. kara loewentheil
today’s guest is kara loewentheil—a nyt bestselling author, ivy league women’s rights lawyer turned master feminist coach, practical philosopher, and the founder of the new school of feminist thought. she also hosts a top-rated podcast, unf*ck your brain, and started her own coaching program designed to help you live life on your own terms.
in this episode, we discuss negative core beliefs + anxieties that our society programs into women and how women can rewire their brains for the better.
we talk about:
• how kara went from an ivy league...
234. what taylor swift says about mental health (a psych grad UNPACKS her best lyrics, quotes, + more!)
in this week’s solo episode, i’m diving into one of my favorite topics: taylor swift! as both a swiftie and someone who has recovered from severe depression and anxiety, listening to taylor’s songs on mental health is super meaningful to me. so because of that (and in honor of her latest album dropping!!), i’m breaking down some of my all-time favorite taylor swift lyrics, quotes, and signature habits relating to mental health. this episode covers a wide range of mental health topics such as anxiety, SI, depression, body image, unhealthy relationships/habits, and more!
here...
233. wilderness therapy doesn’t work… so why are we still sending our kids??! feat. dr. will dobud
today’s guest is dr. will dobud— a social worker, researcher, and educator who has worked with adolescents and families in the united states, australia, and norway. he is dedicated to improving adolescent therapy outcomes and promoting safe, ethical practices and is an advocate for youth impacted by america’s troubled teen industry.
in this episode, we break down the dangers of the troubled teen industry and why adolescents deserve better mental health care options.
we talk about:
• what inspired will to advocate against the troubled teen industry (tti)
• how tti pro...
232. your school friends matter… here’s why & how to make them
in this week’s solo episode, i’m explaining why your friendships in school matter a lot more than you think! in this episode dedicated to the psychology of school friendships, i’m answering important questions including: is the quality or quantity of your friendships more important? how do your school friends affect your grades and even your future career? what’s the best way to make more friends at school?
i’ll also be sharing psychology studies, reacting to viral reddit and tiktok posts, and talking about my own experiences on how friendships are the key to thriving...
231. gen z mental health: is it really that bad?? - a pediatrician’s take feat. dr. ken ginsburg
today’s guest is dr. ken ginsburg— a pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine at the children’s hospital of philadelphia and a professor of pediatrics at the university of pennsylvania school of medicine. his research over the last 35 years has focused on facilitating youth to develop their own solutions to social problems and teaching clinicians how to better serve them.
in this episode, we unpack some of the most common myths and misconceptions about gen z mental health before diving into how gen z can collaborate with their families to get the mental health resources they need. finall...
mini: four steps for healing TRAUMA
welcome to the mental health minis series! every other monday, we will feature a five-minute mini-episode with content from a past she persisted episode. this week’s guest is michele rosenthal– an award-winning trauma/PTSD blogger, award-nominated author and keynote speaker.
in this mini-episode, you'll learn the number one thing you need to know about trauma & PTSD before hearing the four steps for trauma recovery.
to listen to the full episode, click HERE!
@shepersistedpodcast
shepersistedpodcast.com
© 2026 SHE PERSISTED LLC. all rights reserved.
