In this thought-provoking episode, we are joined by the insightful guest, Jennifer Kemp, a clinical psychologist who specializes in neurodivergence with a focus on autism and ADHD. Jennifer delves deep into the world of neurodivergent adults, especially undiagnosed women, and highlights the transformative power of accepting and embracing one's neurodivergent identity. From discussing the critical importance of reliable resources to navigating the healthcare system's gatekeeping, Jennifer provide...
May 09, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 27
In today’s revealing episode, we welcome Dr. Amy Beddows, a leading expert with a Ph.D. focused on victim-blaming within the context of sexual violence. Providing a compelling exploration of this societal phenomenon, Dr. Beddows dissects the multifaceted layers of victim guilt and its profound implications on survivors. Venturing deep into the grim reality where predators often escape accountability, our guest exposes the strenuous challenges victims face from systemic inefficiencies. From the u...
Apr 24, 2024•52 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, we delve into the multifaceted concept of "Sisu" with our esteemed guest, Dr. Elisabet Lahti, the founder of Sisu Lab and an educator devoutly studying this Finnish philosophy. Dr. Lahti unravels the threads of extraordinary determination encapsulated in Sisu, a reserve of power each of us harbors for life's most challenging moments. Embarking on a journey through the psyche, this discussion explores the engaging intersection between Sisu and human...
Apr 11, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 25
In this episode, we welcome the insightful Katie Palmer, a renowned educational consultant and parenting coach, who dives deep into the controversial and emotional topic of parental favoritism. Katie invites listeners to explore the reluctant admittance of having a 'favorite child' and the potential psychological impact this taboo subject can have on family dynamics. This episode peels back the layers on the challenging issue of fair versus equal treatment and the intricacies of parenting. Disco...
Mar 28, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 24
In this enlightening Life's Dirty Little Secrets episode hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry delve deep with the Buddhist philosopher, Stephen Batchelor on navigating ethical dilemmas in a world bound by societal norms. In this episode, Stephen challenges listeners to find courage and clarity in uncertainty, and to embrace radical self-acceptance as a means to thoughtful, compassionate living. Touching on the need for like-minded communities amid the decline of traditional institutions, this...
Mar 14, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Join hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry, alongside esteemed guest Dr. Patricia Zurita Ona (affectionately known as Dr. Z), as they delve deep into the intricate maze of perfectionism. Together, they unravel the complexities that drive our relentless pursuit of flawlessness and the hidden costs it entails. Dr. Z opens the discussion by dissecting the motivations behind perfectionistic tendencies, from a profound care for one's work to the haunting fear of failure and the rigid adherence to i...
Feb 29, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 22
In this episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry invite Kristen Campbell, a clinical psychosexual therapist, to delve deep into the secrets of our sexual selves. From exploring the emotional neglect in previous generations to the importance of personal responsibility for pleasure, this episode promises to challenge deeply ingrained societal messages around sexuality and provide valuable insights. Kristen touches on the lack of investment in sexual develop...
Feb 15, 2024•46 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, we delve into the controversial notion of "normal." Renowned psychologist, Dr. Steven C. Hayes, challenges the traditional understanding of normalcy, and exposes its historical ties to eugenics and the distortion by scientists for over a century. Dr. Hayes advocates for a shift from standardized, one-size-fits-all treatment plans, instead, highlighting the importance of individual differences and the need for personalized approaches in therapy and medicine. Join us as we explore...
Feb 01, 2024•50 min•Season 2Ep. 20
For season 2 of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets" podcast, hosts Chris McCurry and Emma Waddington express the importance of embracing our fallibility in a society that often rewards pretending to be perfect. They give a sneak peek of the exciting conversations lined up for the upcoming season, featuring guests and topics such as Steve Hayes (myth of normalcy), Kristen Campbell (our sexual selves), Elisabeth Lahti (the Finnish concept of sisu), Dr. Zurita (the downsides of perfectionism), and Stephe...
Jan 31, 2024•9 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In the season 1 finale of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry explore the profound complexities of embracing change and fostering personal growth. Through candid and introspective discussions, they delve into the challenges of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the transformative power of second-order change. Drawing from their experiences and insights gained throughout the past year of podcasting, Emma and Chris reflect on the invaluable lessons learned and expr...
Dec 07, 2023•39 min•Season 1Ep. 18
In this episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," join hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry as they dive into the world of adolescence, exploring its challenges, growth opportunities, and the curious minds that define it. Joined by special guest Louise Hayes, a clinical psychologist and author, they discuss why adults struggle with adolescents, the importance of embracing mistakes and taking risks, and the power of curiosity and creativity. They also touch on Louise's volunteer work with the ...
Nov 23, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 17
In this episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry delve into the complexities and challenges of promoting autonomy in children. They are joined by special guest Emily Edlund, a clinical psychologist, academic, and author, who shares her experiences and insights on the topic. The conversation covers the importance of maintaining a trusting relationship during adolescence, the dangers of using the phone as a weapon in parenting, and the need for ongoing conv...
Nov 09, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 16
In this episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry dive deep into the topic of burnout with special guest, Dr. Debbie Sorensen. Burnout is a widespread issue in today's society, especially in chronically stressful roles such as the workplace, parenting, and caregiving. Dr. Sorensen sheds light on the importance of reconnecting with our values to combat burnout and regain vitality in our lives. Join us as we explore the misconceptions surrounding burnout, it...
Oct 26, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets,, we dive into the topic of motivation and how it can influence our ability to meet deadlines and make positive changes in our lives. Our guest, Michelle Drapkin, shares her personal struggles with motivation and explores various strategies she has tried to improve her time management skills. We also discuss the importance of autonomy and acceptance in motivating others, as well as the principles of motivational interviewing. Tune in to gain insight...
Oct 12, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode, join us as our guest, Jonathan Shippey, unpacks the secret of Happily Ever After. We explore the limerence phase and how couples can sustain it for up to two years without progressing. Unveiling the importance of building trust, we discuss how conflict can deepen knowledge and strengthen relationships. We also challenge the notion of "happily ever after" and explore the power of small adjustments in the present moment. Tune in as we reveal the secrets to a happy relationship and...
Sep 28, 2023•49 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In this episode we dive into the fascinating topic of imposter syndrome and psychological flexibility with guest expert, Dr. Jill Stoddard. Join us as we explore the discomfort of imposter syndrome and how being open and willing can lead to positive changes in our lives. Jill shares her unique therapy methods, involving mindful willingness experiences and exploring emotions, to help clients overcome imposter syndrome and embrace their true potential. We also discuss the societal and cultural fac...
Sep 14, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Many working parents feel that they aren’t doing a good enough job in any of the roles they fill. Instead of trying to get rid of parental guilt, in this real play, Dr. Diana Hill works with me to get more psychologically flexible with it. Diana will demonstrate each of the core processes of ACT and then debrief the role play and explore which interventions had the biggest impact. Highlights: A demonstration of each of the core psychological flexibility processes How to develop more flexible awa...
Sep 09, 2023•52 min
In this episode we are joined by special guest, Ana Waddington. Ana, a healthcare professional with first-hand experience in the violence reduction field, shares her insights on the challenges faced by those in the healthcare system and the toll it takes on their well-being. From the lack of debriefing opportunities to the housing crisis impacting patient care, Ana sheds light on the daily struggles healthcare workers face. The conversation also explores how moral injury extends beyond just heal...
Aug 31, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode we are joined by special guest, Ana Waddington. Ana, a healthcare professional with first-hand experience in the violence reduction field, shares her insights on the challenges faced by those in the healthcare system and the toll it takes on their well-being. From the lack of debriefing opportunities to the housing crisis impacting patient care, Ana sheds light on the daily struggles healthcare workers face. The conversation also explores how moral injury extends beyond just heal...
Aug 31, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 11
In this episode, we dive into the theme of subtraction with special guest, Leidy Klotz. Leidy discusses the difficulty of changing beliefs when confronted with conflicting evidence, sharing intriguing insights from a psychology study involving a doomsday cult. The conversation also explores the power of analogies in reshaping our mental models and understanding. Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as we reveal the power of subtraction in changing beliefs, decluttering our lives, and seekin...
Aug 17, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Discover the shocking truth about self-esteem that challenges everything you thought you knew. Enter a world where comparisons and evaluations are replaced with self-acceptance and compassion. Brace yourself for an unexpected twist that will leave you questioning the very foundation of your beliefs. Are you ready to embark on a journey of personal growth and well-being? Get ready to unlock the secret to true fulfillment, as we unravel the mysteries of self-esteem... Highlights: Research Findings...
Aug 03, 2023•43 min•Season 1Ep. 9
On this episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets, we dive deep into the taboo of sex with our special guest Kristen Campbell. We explore the importance of pleasure and the varied ways in which it can be expressed and experienced. We discuss the challenges that arise from the societal taboo around discussing pleasure and how having open conversations is necessary for our understanding and exploration of it. We debunk myths and misconceptions about what is considered normal or healthy in terms of pl...
Jul 20, 2023•44 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Being a working parent is a balancing act that requires juggling numerous roles and responsibilities. It's a challenging situation, marked by the constant tension between work commitments and parental responsibilities. However, this tension can also offer opportunities for personal growth, learning, and skill development. With the right perspective, our experiences as working parents can positively influence our parenting style and enrich our ability to navigate conflicts and challenges with gra...
Jul 06, 2023•48 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Join Emma and Chris as they delve into the often overlooked topic of grief. In this episode, they are joined by Mahima Gupta, a clinical psychologist with over 10 years of experience. Mahima shares her personal experiences of grief, including the loss of her best friend to suicide and a devastating family tragedy. Through her story, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complex emotions and challenges that come with grief. This episode provides valuable insights and offers support for tho...
Jun 22, 2023•40 min
On this episode of Life’s Dirty Little Secrets Podcast, we dive into the topic of body shame with guest Emily Sandoz. Our bodies are intimately tied to our experiences and can greatly affect our adaptability and flexibility. We discuss how chronic negative experiences can lead to rigidity and inflexibility when it comes to our body image. We explore the impact of social media on body awareness and how to cultivate mindfulness to focus on meaningful experiences rather than our appearance. Additio...
Jun 07, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 5
On this episode of Life's Dirty Little Secrets, hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCury are joined by Jim Lucas. The topic of discussion: self-doubt. Despite years of experience and professional development, all three still struggle with feelings of insecurity and uncertainty. hey discuss how self-doubt can hold us back, but also how it can be a useful tool for growth and exploration. From parenting to professional development, they explore the importance of being open and honest about what we do...
Apr 13, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode, psychologist Martin Wilkes challenges the prevailing idea of individualism in Western culture and highlights the neglected, yet vital connection we have with our planet and one another. As part of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science, Wilkes explains how the concept of the self as context can help us move beyond our ego and embrace our shared interdependence. This thought-provoking discussion offers insights into how rediscovering this connection can not only heal ou...
Mar 30, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this bonus track of Life's Dirty Little Secrets podcast, psychologist Martin Wilkes shares the inspiring story of a shaman tree's transformation after a devastating storm. The tree, once a mere runt among a group of elder oaks, was uprooted and nearly destroyed during the infamous 1988 UK gale. However, one of its roots seemingly transformed into a bow and brought balance back to the tree. Martin shares how this special tree has become his sanctuary and a source of natural wisdom, as well as ...
Mar 30, 2023•6 min
Struggling to feel like a full-fledged adult? Emma Waddington and Chris McCury discuss the topic of adulting and how it has become a modern phenomenon. They discuss the struggles of adulthood, how it has changed between generations and why people feel anxious about adulthood and its associated responsibilities. Highlights: The idea of adulting Why adulting is discussed more now than in previous decades Why people feel uncertainty and doubts when it comes to being an adult Why people feel like th...
Mar 30, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Many of the secrets we carry are so common and we’re really all sharing the same shame and regret, but the hope is to have more compassion for each other but mostly for ourselves In this episode, Emma and Chris talk with Dr. Diana Hill about her disordered eating recovery and how she applies the lessons she learned from this challenge to her therapy practice and daily living. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, international trainer and sought-out speaker on Acceptance and Commitment The...
Mar 30, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 3
