Sometimes saying “yes” too much can really take a toll on you. In this episode, Jill chats with Dr. Sunita Sah , a bestselling author and Cornell professor, about her book Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes . They break down how constant compliance can affect your emotions, mind, and body, and share strategies for recognizing when it’s time to push back. Sunita introduces the concept of a ‘Defiance Compass’ to help guide people in acting according to their values. You’ll also lear...
Aug 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 421
Parenting often means walking a fine line between setting boundaries and showing warmth, all while managing your own feelings in the process. In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock , Emily chats with Dr. Alissa Jerud about her book Emotion-Savvy Parenting and how recognizing and working with both your emotions and your child’s can build stronger connections and a calmer home life. Dr. Jerud shares her approach, Emotion Savvy Parenting, which draws from evidence-based methods such as expo...
Aug 13, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 420
If you’re stuck in an unhealthy relationship and wondering whether it’s right for you or you’re recently facing the pain and confusion of a breakup, we invite you to tune into this episode with John Kim , also known as the Angry Therapist, to explore his viewpoint on relationship endings. John lays out how breakups or ‘relationship expirations’ as he coins them, can serve as powerful catalysts to kickstart your own personal growth, and highlights the importance of self-reflection, healthy bounda...
Aug 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 419
Could the stories you tell yourself be shaping how you see yourself? Sometimes those stories build us up, but other times, they are just quietly tearing us down. In this episode, Michael talks with Dr. Phil Lane , a licensed clinical social worker and the author of The Narrative Therapy Workbook for Self-Esteem , about how we can start to shift those inner stories in a healthier direction. Phil shares what led him to narrative therapy and why storytelling can be an incredibly powerful tool for h...
Jul 30, 2025•56 min•Ep. 418
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk has become a go-to book for understanding trauma, but not everyone agrees with its approach. In this episode, journalist and author of Acceptance: A Memoir , Emi Nietfeld joins us to talk about The Body Keeps the Score and how it influenced the world of trauma therapy. Bringing both her personal experience and sharp insight to the table, she enlightens us on trauma treatment and why popular narratives around resilience and recovery often miss the m...
Jul 23, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 417
Trauma and PTSD leave a lasting imprint on how we see ourselves and navigate the world, which is why Debbie sits down with returning guest Dr. Robyn Walser for this episode, a clinical psychologist and expert in evidence-based treatment for PTSD, to explore the path to trauma recovery. Robyn unpacks the principles of exposure therapy, the importance of processing traumatic experiences, and insights from her new book, which she co-authored with Darrah Westrup, You Are Not Your Trauma . This conve...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 416
If you've been feeling like alcohol just doesn’t fit your life anymore, this conversation with Casey Davidson , a Life and Sobriety Coach, might really speak to you. Casey opens up about her personal journey of becoming alcohol-free, talks you through the benefits and challenges of sobriety, and clears up some common myths along the way. You’ll come away with takeaways about the impact alcohol can have on your mental and physical health, how social norms and marketing can negatively influence dr...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 415
Why do so many kids seem unmotivated at school, and what can we do about it? In this episode of Psychologists Off the Clock, we’re taking a look at what’s really going on with student engagement, especially during those tricky adolescent years. Our guests, Rebecca Winthrop and Jenny Anderson , co-authors of The Disengaged Teen , join Emily to break it all down. From the four types of learners—the Passenger, Achiever, Resistor, and Explorer—to how we can help kids tap into curiosity and motivatio...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 414
What’s a skill that can instantly improve your relationships, communication, and even your influence? In this episode, Yael talks with Caroline Fleck , a licensed psychologist and author of Validation , to unpack exactly that. Caroline explains what validation really is, how it’s different from empathy or sympathy, and why it can be so powerful in both personal and professional relationships. They walk you through how validation first gained traction in therapy, especially in dialectical behavio...
Jun 25, 2025•57 min•Ep. 413
In a world constantly demanding our attention and energy, have you ever felt trapped between the crucial need to care for yourself and the undeniable urge to care for those around you? Well, for this conversation, Debbie gets into that very dilemma with Dr. Jordan Quaglia , as he challenges us to move beyond the 'either/or' of self-care and explore his revolutionary 'We Care' approach. Jordan, who is the author of Self-Care to We Care: The New Science of Mindful Boundaries and Caring From an Und...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 410
True strength and success lie in how well we can come together and support one another and how well we can stand side by side to move forward as a collective. That powerful message comes straight from our guest, Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon , who is the author of No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life , and it perfectly sets the tone for this deeply honest and inspiring conversation with Jill. They talk about why we’re not meant to do life or business solo, the power of...
Jun 11, 2025•55 min•Ep. 411
It’s easy to forget how much doing something creative can lift your mood. Whether you're painting, building something, or just doodling for fun, creating is good for your brain and your mental health! In this conversation, Debbie interviews bestselling author Kelly Corrigan , along with her daughter and coauthor, Claire Corrigan Lichty. They talk about their new children’s book, Marianne the Maker , which highlights how creativity and hands-on making can support well-being for kids and adults al...
Jun 04, 2025•58 min•Ep. 410
Raising grounded, thoughtful kids in today’s chaotic world is no small task. In this episode, Emily talks with award-winning journalist and author Melinda Wenner Moyer about her new book, Hello, Cruel World: Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times . Melinda shares practical, research-based tools to help parents guide their children through media influence, bias, and the challenges of social media and technology. It’s a powerful conversation filled with real-world s...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 409
What if the ability to negotiate with a hostage-taker was also a skill that could improve relationships in everyday life? Gary Noesner , who is a former FBI chief negotiator and author of ' Stalling for Time ,' which deep dives into his experiences and the lessons he's learned about human nature and effective communication over his 30-year career, joins Yael for this episode. You’ll hear how patience, empathy, and active listening aren't just crisis tools; they're essential for everyday connecti...
May 21, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 415
Today’s episode is one you’re really going to want to lean into because Michael is talking all about radical listening with Robert V. Biswas-Diener . If you’ve ever felt like traditional ‘active listening’ just doesn’t cut it, this conversation is going to open your ears and your mind in a whole new way. They chat about key ideas from Robert and his coauthor Christian Van Nieuwerburgh's book, Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection , such as why traditional active listening often falls sho...
May 14, 2025•52 min•Ep. 407
Leadership so often comes with the pressure to appear strong, composed, and endlessly capable, but that version of leadership is no longer serving us. In this episode, Debbie sits down with Patricia Grabarek and Katina Sawyer , co-authors of Leading for Wellness , for a meaningful conversation about redefining leadership through the lens of wellness, authenticity, and vulnerability. They share why it’s time to move beyond outdated ideals of stoicism and perfection and how embracing a more human-...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 406
Constantly battling that harsh inner voice that tells you you're not enough, that you’ll never measure up? It can feel like this voice is always lurking, trying to undermine your confidence and making it so much harder to move forward. The good news is that you can change your internal narrative. For this episode, Jill welcomes Shawn Costello Woolley and Holly Yates , coauthors of The Inner Critic Workbook , a fantastic resource that helps you transform your inner critic into a supportive, empow...
Apr 30, 2025•58 min•Ep. 405
You’ve tried reasoning with your kids, setting boundaries, and even taking away privileges, but the conflict just keeps bubbling up. When nothing seems to calm the chaos, where can you turn as a parent who’s simply worn out and craving peace in your home? For this conversation, Emily brings in guest Dr. Jonathan Caspi , an internationally recognized sibling expert and professor at Montclair State University. Jonathan offers insights from his book, Raising Loving Siblings , on the parental role i...
Apr 23, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 404
What if your next disagreement could actually bring you closer to someone instead of driving you apart? In this episode, we’re diving into Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In with co-authors Bob Bordone , a conflict resolution expert from Harvard, and Joe Salinas , a behavioral neurologist and founder of Isaac Health. Together with Yael, they have a down-to-earth conversation about what it really takes to stay present in conflict and why that matters for ...
Apr 16, 2025•57 min•Ep. 403
Breaking the cycle of addiction is both possible and challenging, but even just rethinking your relationship with it can be a powerful first step toward change. Offering an alternative to strict abstinence models is Kristin Dempsey , the author of The Harm Reduction Workbook for Addiction , who invites you to reconsider your approach to addiction, offering a tangible, compassionate, and science-backed method of recovery known as harm reduction. Through reflective listening, motivational intervie...
Apr 09, 2025•57 min•Ep. 402
Success isn’t just about how hard you work. It’s also about who’s advocating for you even when you’re not in the room. In this episode, Debbie talks with Rosalind Chow , an associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University, about her new book, The Doors You Can Open A New Way to Network, Build Trust, and Use Your Influence to Create a More Inclusive Workplace . They get into the real difference between mentorship and sponsorship, why both matter, and how having the right sponsor can completely c...
Apr 02, 2025•53 min•Ep. 401
Off-the-clockers, it's time to celebrate because Psychologists Off The Clock just hit 400 episodes! 🎉 For this special milestone episode, the cohosts wanted to pull back the curtain on the podcast: why we do it, how it’s changed our lives, behind-the-scenes blunders, keeping the podcast financially afloat, and the incredible friendships we’ve built along the way. You all sent in questions for the team, and we’re answering them! Wondering how we choose guests or which co-host gets to interview w...
Mar 26, 2025•53 min•Ep. 400
Balancing warmth with assertiveness can feel like an impossible juggling act—too soft, and you're overlooked; too strong, and you're “too much.” Alison Fragale's book, Likable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve , offers practical, research-backed strategies to help women excel at work and in life. In this episode, you'll get to understand the science of power and status, self-promotion without the cringe, and overcoming gender biases with authenticity and confidence. We also include ...
Mar 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 399
Money impacts us all, whether it brings joy, stress, or confusion. Chatting with Elizabeth Husserl , author of The Power of Enough and a financial advisor with a background in economics, spirituality, and psychology, we hear about finding joy in our relationship with money. You'll learn about breaking free from the abundance-scarcity cycle and gain practical tools like the wealth mandala to help reshape your money mindset. Elizabeth also teaches us how open communication can create healthier fin...
Mar 12, 2025•59 min•Ep. 398
What is the recipe for developing deeper, more intimate relationships? Breaking this all down in his new book, The Mindful Path to Intimacy , is couples therapist Dr. James Cordova , who talks to Yael about how true intimacy happens when vulnerability is met with warmth and acceptance and feeling safe being your real self with someone. You’ll hear some eye-opening research, including his “relationship checkup” method and how marriage therapy has evolved to focus on both behavior and acceptance. ...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 397
Ever wondered what it takes to bring a TED talk to life? In this episode, Michael Herold has a conversation with Dr. Alina Nikolaou , a passionate TED event curator, who shares her insights about the exciting world of organizing TED and TEDx events. They discuss the process of selecting speakers, the power of storytelling, and how to balance entertainment with information. Dr. Nikolaou offers valuable tips on public speaking, preparation rituals, and the experience of participating in TEDx. You’...
Feb 26, 2025•58 min•Ep. 396
Being neurodivergent isn’t a flaw or a superpower—it’s just a different way of experiencing the world. To discuss the topic of neurodivergence, Debbie is joined by clinical psychologist Jennifer Kemp to talk about her new workbook, The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate , created specifically for autistic people and ADHDers. They explore themes from Jennifer’s book like what it means to receive a late diagn...
Feb 19, 2025•56 min•Ep. 395
Some of the worst kinds of abuse happen right in front of us—often hidden behind love, care, and even medicine. In this episode, Jill sits down with returning guest Andrea Dunlop and her co-author and colleague Mike Weber to talk about their book, The Mother Next Door: Medicine, Deception, and Munchausen by Proxy . Munchausen by Proxy (MBP) is a disturbing form of medical child abuse, which we have covered on the podcast before , where a caregiver—usually a mother—makes a child sick or pretends ...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 394
Ever had a conversation that just clicked—where you felt truly heard and understood? What if you could create that kind of connection more often? Best-selling author Charles Duhigg joins Debbie in a conversation about his latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection . Discover the psychology of great conversations, the power of reciprocal vulnerability, and easy strategies for handling difficult conversations without losing control as we break down what makes ...
Feb 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 393
Tired of all the fighting over politics and morality? For this episode, we’re tackling moral outrage with Kurt Gray , a psychology professor and author of Outraged: Why We Fight about Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground . You’ll learn why we get so caught up in right vs. wrong, how to better understand what’s driving people’s fears and motivations, and how to connect—even when you don’t agree. Plus, you’ll get practical tips to manage your own outrage and have more empathetic con...
Jan 29, 2025•53 min•Ep. 392
