Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist at Boston University who specializes in perfectionism and anxiety, with a particular focus on social anxiety. She returns to the podcast to talk about her research and share tools for managing these issues. Watch for her new book, How to Be Enough. More about Dr. Ellen Hendriksen: Her website (with links to buy her books) https://www.ellenhendriksen.com/ Twitter @EllenHendriksen Her podcast is called Savvy Psychologist and can be found wherever fol...
Sep 05, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Fellow survivor, recovering addict and therapist Jen Westcott joins Paul again to read some Shame And Secrets Surveys filled out anonymously by listeners. For More About Jen: Therapist Sanctuary Clinical Supervision Community https://youtube.com/@therapistsanctuary?si=LXxyNlcClD00m-Qz https://www.holistichealingcounselling.com/therapist-sanctuary https://insta.openinapp.co/7s936 BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. W...
Aug 29, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Tina Kaye, a friend from Paul’s support group, shares her story of growing up with an unstable mother, being raised Mormon, and all of the rage and resentment that she’s had to work through. BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) survey for potential advertisers. We did one in the past but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.FM/Mental. If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurnit...
Aug 22, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Dr. Caroline Fleck is a cognitive behavioral psychologist, an author, and an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Stanford. She joins Paul to discuss validation and the importance of belonging. She also provides useful tips on how to support yourself and others with acceptance. Look for her new book, Validation: How the Skill Set That Revolutionized Psychology Will Transform Your Relationships, Increase Your Influence, and Change Your Life More about Dr. Fleck https://www.instagram.com/stories/carolin...
Aug 15, 2025•1 hr 52 min
Sabrina Capper grew up in the Mormon Church. She shares her story of manipulation, generational abuse, and how she finally escaped. Look for her new book, Licking the Knife, to learn more about her story. More about Sabrina: Licking the Knife: A memoir, available at B&N and Amazon BEASTS: A story of a girl in a beastly world (illustrated children's book), available at B&N and Amazon www.sabrinacapper.com BIG FAVOR ASK FROM PAUL: It would help the show if you took a really quick (2 min) s...
Aug 08, 2025•1 hr 23 min
I'll tell you why. Oh, and would love it if you would take an anonymous audience survey for potential advertisers. We did some a while back but they need a new one. You can take it at Gum.Fm/mental. It would really help! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Aug 01, 2025•32 sec
Joe Smarro is a Marine Corps combat veteran who trains first responders on how to properly manage and de-escalate mental health crises. He talks about the path that led him to this work, why the current system is so broken–for both civilians and first responders–and what can be done to fix it. For more about Joe: www.JoeSmarro.com www.Instagram.com/JoeSmarro If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG @ShapedFurniture or visit the website www....
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 52 min
Vanessa Blackstone is a therapist specializing in chronic pain and the Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center. She outlines the success she’s found in the Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) modality. She also shares her personal journey to this work, growing up in foster care and learning to manage her chronic pain. Look for her book, The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook. More about Vanessa: Instagram: @that.therapist Linktree: linktr.ee/that.therapist Website: www.blackstonewellness.co...
Jul 18, 2025•1 hr 38 min
Kayla Hurt is a professional organizer who aims to work with deep empathy and a soft approach. She opens up about her journey to decluttering, including her struggles with ADHD, OCD, and her mother’s mental health issues. More about Kayla: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@organizingwithkayla?_t=ZP-8vSNa0TsBcV&_r=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizingwithkayla?igsh=MThlYmNrZzVlNHd2MA== Website: www.organizingwithkayla.com Email: [email protected] If you’re interested in seeing or b...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 34 min
Listener (and MIHH Zoom hangout member) Stevie G opens up about her repressed childhood trauma memories and needing outpatient psychiatric care, learning new coping skills and walking thru the grief of the passing of her best friend and most recently, her sister. If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST Subscribe v...
Jul 04, 2025•2 hr 1 min
Andrea Jones-Rooy is a data scientist, speaker, and stand-up comedian. They join Paul to share their struggles with anorexia and OCD, and how they have managed them over the years. For more about Andrea: Behind the Data (podcast): https://shows.acast.com/behind-the-data Her site: https://www.jonesrooy.com/ If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurnitu...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Author and speaker Jessica Slice joins the pod to share her parenting story as a disabled mother. She discusses misconceptions about disability and parenting, and how so many parents are underestimated. Look for her book Unfit Parent: A Disabled Mother Challenges an Inaccessible World Purchase Jessica’s book Unfit Parent here https://www.amazon.com/dp/0807013242#detailBullets_feature_div If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his wood...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 58 min
Dillon Tucker is an actor and filmmaker who shares the challenges and advantages of his various iterations of OCD and shares his process for the movie, Pure O, which he wrote and directed. To find places to stream Pure O https://www.pure-o-movie.com/ Follow him on IG www.instagram.com/DillonTucker If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture WAYS T...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min
This “Best Of” episode originally aired in 2013 and was voted a listener favorite. David Hiroshima is a 3rd generation Japanese-American psychologist. He shares his experience and observations counseling sexual predators (rapists and child molesters) at Coalinga, a lockdown mental hospital in central California and how he used Buddhism to help him cope. If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 59 min
Allen Strickland Williams is a standup comedian who shares his struggles with the stress of perfectionism and ADHD tendencies. He also opens up about the trauma of surviving a random shooting. Check out his comedy special, Ran Through, and his podcast, Finding My Audience. More about Allen www.AllenStricklandWilliams.com If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Abby Reyes is an author, lawyer, and climate justice leader. She shares her story of activism, the tragic loss of her partner, and the mindfulness techniques she uses to manage her grief. Look for her new book, Truth Demands: A Memoir of Murder, Oil Wars, and the Rise of Climate Justice. For More About Abby abbyreyes.org IG: @abbysreyes If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture t...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 59 min
Rachel Kaplan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who focuses deeply on moving through difficult feelings in order to heal–what she calls “emotional potty training”. She opens up about her personal tragedies and what led her to this work. Look for her podcast the Healing Feeling Sh*t Show and her new book Feel, Heal, and Let That Sh*t Go: Your Guide to Emotional Resilience and Lasting Self-Love. Podcast Website insta @healingfeelingshitshow FB @healingfeelingshitshow If you’re int...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Bo V is a stand-up comedian, actor, and writer who attends Paul’s support group. They talk about the work they’re doing on self-judgment and shame, finding the perfect church after leaving Catholicism, and discovering their trans identity. If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is transitioning from @MIHHfurniture to its new handle @ShapedFurniture WAYS TO HELP THE MIHH PODCAST Subscribe via Apple Podcasts (or wh...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 53 min
Rich Forer is a Jewish-American author and activist. He discusses his perspective of growing up Jewish, being a member of AIPAC, and how his perspective on Palestine shifted dramatically, shattering his entire worldview. Here's a link to Rich’s book page on Amazon. Here's a link to a very interesting written interview he did, and here's a link to his YouTube channel. If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is tran...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Dr. Jessica Zucker returns to the podcast for her 4th visit, focusing on the importance of talking about hard things: Cancer, miscarriages, perimenopause, and more. Watch for her new book, Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women's Lives. More about Jessica: Where to buy her book: Amazon Bookshop Instagram: @ihadamiscarriage Website: drjessicazucker.com If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworki...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 54 min
Mark M is Paul’s friend from a support group. He visits the podcast to share his story of addiction, growing up entrenched in deception, and how he eventually broke the pattern in his adult life. He digs into his complicated family life, the losses he’s suffered, and how he continues to work through it all to maintain a life of integrity. This episode is sponsored by Smalls cat food. For a limited time only, get 35% off plus an additional 50% off your first order when you head to Smalls.com and ...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 59 min
Jennifer Westcott is a therapist who has shared her story of sexual abuse at the hands of her mother. She returns for her second visit on the pod and opens up about the emotional hangover she had after recording her first episode. In this episode, she digs into her healing journey and the immense progress she’s made. More about Jennifer: https://youtube.com/@therapistsanctuary?si=LXxyNlcClD00m-Qz https://www.holistichealingcounselling.com/therapist-sanctuary https://insta.openinapp.co/7s936 If y...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Jennifer Westcott is a therapist who, as an adult, began to recall sexual abuse by her mother. She and Paul both dig deep to talk about maternal sexual abuse and why it’s so difficult for people to understand and accept. Jennifer also shares the painful reactions from her family and how she’s pressed on with the help of her husband and her work in therapy. More about Jennifer: https://youtube.com/@therapistsanctuary?si=LXxyNlcClD00m-Qz https://www.holistichealingcounselling.com/therapist-sanctua...
Mar 28, 2025•2 hr 6 min
Dr. Blaise Aguirre is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He specializes in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) with a particular focus on borderline personality disorder (BPD). He discusses his recent clinical work on self-hatred and discusses his new book, I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. Dr. Aguirre’s book: https://www.ihatemyselfbook.com/ . If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and ma...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 49 min
Ryan Sheldon (@RealRyanSheldon) is a speaker, a model, an eating disorder advocate, and the author of F*ckboys Are Boring: A Gay Man’s Guide to Dating (For Everyone). He shares excerpts from his book and talks about his lifelong journey to self-acceptance, through eating disorders, body image issues, and dating all the wrong men. He also shares tips on healthy ways to look for partners. More about Ryan: @RealRyanSheldon www.TheRyanSheldon.com If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furnitur...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 21 min
This Best Of episode was originally recorded and aired in 2015. Jeanie, a writer, talks about being parentless at 3 and the complex relationship with her mentally disabled sister whom she now has guardianship of. She and Paul bond over suicidal thoughts, isolating and much much more For more about Jeanie's writing https://scriptanatomy.com/jeanie-bergen/ Substack https://itcanbeboth.substack.com/ If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for...
Mar 07, 2025•2 hr 7 min
Matt D. is a good friend of Paul's who shares his story of starting over after a divorce, a career change, and getting sober—while owning a weed store in California. He also talks about the surprising joy he finds in living in a sober community. This episode is sponsored by Smalls cat food. For 50% off your first order, head to www.Smalls.com and use promo code MENTAL. If you’re interested in seeing or buying the furniture that Paul designs and makes follow his IG for his woodworking which is tr...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Jen Soriano is a Filipinx author, musician, and first-generation American. She shares important context about Filipino history and how transgenerational trauma plays out for so many people, including her own family. She also opens up about living with chronic pain and the importance of understanding the mind-body connection. Look for her new book Nervous: Essays on Heritage and Healing. For more about Jen: Website : JenSoriano.net | Instagram: @ jensorianowrites | Tiktok: @ jensorianowrites Buy ...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 39 min
Phil Stark is a former screenwriter (Dude, Where’s My Car) turned marriage and family therapist. He shares why he made this huge career pivot plus he and Paul discuss passive aggression in relationships and managing the inner critic. Check out his new book, Dude, Where's My Car-tharsis?: A Friendly and Engaging Guide to Talk Therapy For more about Phil: Website: https://www.starktalk.net Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578300842?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860 This episode is sponsored by...
Feb 14, 2025•59 min
