Chat with Dr. Kat

Parenting a child with ADHD can feel like you're failing every single day — the meltdowns, the walking on eggshells, the guilt at bedtime — even when you're trying everything you've been told to try. Dr. Kat talks with Dana Kay, board certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute, who came to this work not as a professional first, but as a mom whose young son was headed toward a fourth medication before she started asking different questions.The conversation moves through what those different questions actually look like in practice: how ADHD symptoms can be signals of internal stress rather than just a brain disorder, why the gut-brain connection matters more than most families are told, what Dana calls the "trash can" analogy for understanding a child's cumulative toxic load, and where supplements like magnesium, omega-3s, and vitamin D fit in — and where they don't. Dr. Kat adds her own clinical experience, including a child whose ADHD symptoms disappeared once a wheat and dairy sensitivity was identified. Whether your child was diagnosed last year or you've been managing this for a decade, this episode offers a way to think about the whole picture that most appointments never get to.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

When you lose someone to sudden violence, the mind doesn't know what to do with that much pain — so sometimes you just try to drown it. LaShawnda lost her 21-year-old son Tyshawn to a random shooting in Cleveland in January 2023, eight days before his birthday. For roughly a hundred days after, she drank a fifth of tequila daily, lost sixty pounds, and — by her own honest account — barely knew how she was getting through each day. It was Tyshawn's dog, visibly wasting away, that finally broke through.Dr. Kat and LaShawnda talk through what grief actually looks like when it has no clean edges — the anger directed at the person you lost, the numbness that can look like functioning, and the slow erosion of a sense of self. Dr. Kat walks through how the brain attaches to pain as a form of problem-solving, why grief can make you feel like you've lost all agency, and how rebuilding starts not with healing but with small, deliberate choices. If you've ever found yourself just existing rather than living, this conversation will feel familiar.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Most people don't think about long-term care until they're already in the middle of a crisis — a parent who can't bathe alone, a spouse recovering from surgery, a sibling who quietly stopped going to work to help out. By then, the choices feel much smaller. Raymond Lavine, a long-term care insurance specialist, joins Dr. Kat to talk about why so many families get caught off guard and what it actually costs — financially and emotionally — when there's no plan in place.The conversation covers what long-term care insurance actually is (and how it differs from health insurance), the real meaning of the "sandwich generation" squeeze, and why having a plan is fundamentally about preserving choice. Dr. Kat shares her own experience caring for her mother, and Raymond walks through options that range from modest monthly premiums to asset-transfer plans, including policies that allow you to pay family members as caregivers. If you've ever felt like this conversation belonged to someone older, or someone with more money, or someone else entirely — this episode is worth your time.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You've done everything you thought was kind — and somehow it still isn't what they asked for. That's the friction at the center of this episode: the gap between doing *something* and doing *the thing your partner actually asked for*.Dr. Kat walks through her "Paint the Room Yellow" framework — what it means when a partner gives you a clear, direct request and you respond with something else entirely, even something generous. She talks through why that dynamic breeds resentment, how the defensive reaction ("nothing I do is ever enough") keeps the cycle going, and what it actually looks like to follow the roadmap someone hands you. She also speaks directly to the person who keeps asking: how specific to be, when to let go of how it gets done, and why the room needs repainting over time. If someone in your life handed you this episode, that itself is worth paying attention to.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Many women reach menopause already exhausted — from decades of managing everyone else's needs — and then find themselves blindsided by symptoms they never connected to hormones at all. Frozen shoulder. Middle-of-the-night spiraling. A sudden, low-tolerance for anything that doesn't feel right. No one warned them, and the silence around it can make the whole experience feel isolating and shameful.Meredith Gonzalez, founder of the Hive Women's Collective and a self-described midlife concierge, joins Dr. Kat to talk honestly about why that silence exists and what changes when women stop navigating it alone. They discuss the emotional weight of feeling stuck in a body and a life that no longer responds the way it used to, the unexpected role of play and nature in reclaiming mental clarity, and why journaling — even messy, 3am scribbling — can quiet the spiral. If you're somewhere in the middle of all this, wondering why your usual strategies have stopped working, this conversation is worth your time.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You love your dog. The problem is, not everyone around you does — and figuring out how to navigate that gap without feeling like you have to choose between your dog and basic social harmony is genuinely tricky.Dr. Kat walks through the real situations where dog owners — even well-meaning ones — tend to get it wrong: restaurants, grocery stores, neighborhood walks, dog parks, having guests over, and the question of cleaning up properly (yes, including the pee on the pillar). She's not anti-dog — far from it — but she makes a case for reading the room on your dog's behalf, knowing when your dog isn't ready for a particular environment, and understanding that the people around you have legitimate feelings too. If you've ever been the dog owner in an awkward moment, or the person quietly uncomfortable with someone else's, this one is worth your time.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Most childcare centers open at 7 and close at 6. If your schedule doesn't fit that window — or your child needs more than a standard classroom can offer — you're largely on your own. Antoinette Elliott, founder of All Our Children Elite Child Care Academy in Georgia, built her school around exactly that gap: extended hours until midnight, nature-based learning, vegetarian meals, and a staff trained in crisis prevention through the Marcus Autism Center's model, which teaches teachers to look beneath behavior rather than react to its surface.In this conversation, Antoinette and Dr. Kat get into what that actually looks like — using personality assessments to build compatible teaching teams, coaching staff to ask "what happened before?" instead of sending children home, and communicating with parents in plain language at the end of the day rather than a one-word app update. If you've ever felt like a school was working against your child instead of with them, or like your family's reality didn't fit the mold, this episode names what's been missing.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Grief shows up in the body in ways most people don't expect — the nausea, the joint pain, the sleep that won't come, the memory that keeps slipping. When you're in the middle of it, those physical symptoms can feel alarming, even confusing, especially when no one told you this was part of it.Dr. Kat walks through the emotional, physical, and cognitive dimensions of grief, explaining why the brain locks onto loss the way it does and what that "rabbit hole" spiral actually looks like neurologically. She covers both the five-stage Kübler-Ross model and a seven-stage framework that includes shock and guilt, and makes clear that moving through stages out of order — or circling back — is completely normal. She also broadens what grief can mean: a miscarriage, a layoff, a marriage ending, a child not getting into their first-choice school. And she introduces the "Yellow Room" as a way of understanding grief that builds quietly inside a relationship that isn't working. If you've been carrying something heavy and couldn't quite name all of it, this episode helps.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

When helping others is so deeply woven into who you are that you can't imagine doing anything else — and yet you're exhausted, disillusioned, and wondering if the only logical next step is to give everything up entirely — something more complicated than simple burnout is happening. Les, an LCSW who reached out to Dr. Kat considering leaving her social work career to become a nun, opens up about a lifetime shaped by caregiving: an adoptive family that raised her to serve, a profession she pursued with genuine integrity, and a growing disenchantment after watching fraud and ethical shortcuts endanger the clients she fought to protect.Dr. Kat gently surfaces the pattern running through all of it — that each path Les has chosen, including the one she's considering now, places self-sacrifice at the center. Rather than directing her toward or away from any decision, the conversation explores what it means to mistake burnout for a calling, how to use pro-and-con lists as a living document rather than a one-time exercise, and why pen-to-paper processing works differently than thinking in your head. By the end, Les remembers a possibility she'd forgotten entirely. If you've ever felt so depleted that the only options you could see were extreme ones, this episode is worth your time.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You walk into a room and nineteen people tell you that you look great. One person gives you a look. You spend the rest of the day thinking about the one person. That's not a character flaw — it's biology. Your brain is literally wired to prioritize threat over praise, and that wiring quietly erodes self-confidence over time.Dr. Kat breaks down why the brain reacts more powerfully to negativity (tracing it back to our fight-or-flight survival instincts and the role of the amygdala), and what you can actually do to start retraining it — including a straightforward "confidence challenge" around accepting and giving compliments. She also talks about the underrated role of nature, small acts of kindness, and changing the story you tell yourself when something frustrating happens. None of it is complicated, but it requires a conscious choice — which is exactly what this episode is about.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Most of us inherit something from the people who raised us — a temper, a coping pattern, a way of speaking to children that sounds disturbingly familiar coming out of our own mouths. Breaking that inheritance is one of the hardest psychological projects a person can take on, and almost no one is given a map for it. This week Dr. Kat sits with Rob Scheer, founder of the international nonprofit Comfort Cases, a CNN Hero, and someone who entered foster care at 12 carrying a black trash bag and walked out homeless at 18 carrying another one.Rob talks openly about surviving sexual abuse, four suicide attempts, and the moment at 24 when he knelt at his mother's unmarked grave and chose to forgive — not as a gift to her, but to take his power back. He and Dr. Kat dig into why foster youth carry PTSD at twice the rate of combat veterans, why empathy and legacy have to be taught rather than inherited, and what it actually takes to be a parent when you had no model for one. If you've ever wondered whether the cycle can really stop with you, this is the conversation.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You asked your partner to paint the room yellow. They bought a new bed, a new carpet, moved the furniture — and now they're irritated you're still asking about the wall. That quiet, repeated experience of being given everything except what you asked for is one of the most common forms of emotional neglect in marriage, and it's what Dr. Kat unpacks in Part 2, responding to viewers who recognized themselves in Part 1.She works through what's happening when a partner deflects with "nothing I do would make you happy," why "I just do it myself" sounds empowering but is usually resignation in disguise, and the moment the person asking finally goes quiet — and why that silence is the real warning. She also shares a one-week exercise she gives couples (it involves your dog) and a hard truth about why loyalty isn't something anyone earns an award for. If you've felt invisible in your own marriage, this one names it.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Your kid won't listen to you about skincare, but they'll do whatever a fifteen-second TikTok tells them — and right now that means slathering retinols, acids, and anti-aging serums meant for fifty-year-olds onto teenage skin. Dr. Kat sits down with dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Angela Casey, who removes skin cancers all day and founded the teen skincare line Bright Girl, to unpack why the products promising clearer skin are often making it worse.You'll learn which trendy ingredients actually damage a young skin barrier, the one step that matters at every age, and why "smart skin starts now" isn't about vanity but about habits that hold up for life. Dr. Casey also gets into the grown-up stuff parents wonder about — preventative Botox, why people are dissolving their fillers, and the real reason certain celebrities suddenly look so different. If you've ever lost the bathroom-counter argument, this one's for you.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

When a kid comes home from school upset, most parents brace for the wrong thing. They worry about the kid who's throwing punches — but Dr. Kat Derrig-Palumbo, a licensed psychologist and former advisor to Dr. Phil, sees something different in her practice. The adults in her therapy room aren't 30, 40, even 50 years out from the kid who hit them. They're still carrying the words. A sentence said in passing in seventh grade that somehow kept playing for the next three decades. And the people who said it often didn't even believe what they were saying.This episode opens a series on bullying with a parent-focused walk through six kinds — physical, verbal, social, cyber, sexual, and prejudicial — and the case for why verbal bullying lands deepest and lasts longest. Dr. Kat shares a story from her time on Dr. Phil that crystallizes the stakes, asks why schools require sexual-misconduct paperwork but nothing equivalent for bullying, and offers concrete language for how to approach the school when your child is being targeted — including what to say instead of demanding the other kid be punished.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Few cultural debates have gotten louder or more polarized than the one over trans women in women's sports, and most of the loudest voices come from outside the trans community. Daviana Memont — a former Marine, competitive powerlifter, and strength coach with nearly a million followers across her platforms — is the rare exception. A trans woman who argues other trans women shouldn't compete in women's sports, she sits down with Dr. Kat to explain why, in language that doesn't soften for either side.The conversation moves from the actual biology Daviana has lived inside — testosterone levels, muscle density, lung capacity, training drive — to the trickle-down effect on female athletes when a top-ranked male competitor wins a women's bracket. From there it widens into locker rooms, the driver's license sex-marker debate, the assumption that transitioning is about sexuality, and a striking aside about how predators actually choose victims. It's the kind of honest conversation almost nobody is willing to have publicly right now, and a useful listen for anyone trying to think about these issues clearly.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You've watched a driver wave in pedestrian after pedestrian, pause for someone backing out of a driveway, smile and gesture generously to everyone around them — and then the moment you try to pass, they speed up so you can't. Dr. Kat Derrig-Palumbo, a licensed psychologist, builds a whole episode around that contradiction, sparked by a line from her youngest daughter: that person is generous to everyone but the one behind them.Working through five everyday driving scenarios — crossing three lanes at a light, stopping in a live lane to check a phone, blocking intersections, the In-N-Out line, and a tense moment over a shopping cart — Dr. Kat treats each not as a traffic complaint but as a small question of character. You'll hear why she reframes the driver who cut you off so they don't take up "rent in your brain," and why one impatient choice can quietly affect thirty-five strangers. It's a grounded look at how small courtesies, or their absence, shape the way a day actually feels.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Your toddler isn't talking much yet, and you've started to wonder: is this just their pace, or is something actually wrong? It's a question that can quietly eat at a parent for months — and most of the worrying happens before anyone reaches out for help. Speech-language pathologist Abigail Skegin-Sipes, founder of Sunshine Speech LA, joins Dr. Kat to talk about why that hesitation is so common, and why waiting tends to cost more than the problem itself.Abigail explains what speech therapy actually covers — far more than lisps and stutters — and why the toddler years are such a critical window for communication. She and Dr. Kat get into the misconception that a child who isn't talking isn't understanding, the case for play-based therapy over clinical drilling, and simple things parents can do at home: getting down to eye level, narrating everyday moments, using repetition games like "ready, set, go." Her core message is freeing — the worst outcome of an evaluation is being told your child is fine.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You're not the type who'd describe yourself as anxious. You sleep okay, mostly. You handle stress. But your heart sometimes races for no reason, you wake up at the same time every night with your mind spinning, and you've started thinking that buzzing, low-grade hum is just how being a person feels. Dr. Kat has been hearing some version of this from clients for years — and what she wants you to understand is that you might be living inside a state your nervous system has tricked you into calling rest.She walks through what anxiety actually is in the body, why chronic anxiety creates a "false resting state" where you only think you've relaxed, and why the symptoms most people brush off — early-morning waking, the freeze that keeps a kid from turning in finished homework, the conviction that you've simply "always been like this" — are signs worth taking seriously. She also covers what to do about it, including the one place not to get your anxiety medication. You don't have to live this way. Most people don't realize they don't have to.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Hair loss is one of those things that can quietly reshape how a woman sees herself — and most of the advice out there stops at "take biotin" or "try rosemary oil." But what if the real problem isn't your hair at all? Dr. Kat sits down with Diana Robinson, a hairstylist of 25 years turned hair loss consultant, to talk about what's actually behind the thinning — and most of it has nothing to do with your hair.They get into the everyday toxins hiding in your products, why your lab results might not be telling the full story, how cortisol and menopause create a perfect storm for hair loss, and a genetic issue affecting 44% of the population that most doctors never test for. Diana breaks down her scalp-as-soil approach, challenges the viral rosemary oil study, and explains why the supplement you're taking could be skewing your bloodwork. If you've ever stared at hair in the drain and wondered what's really going on, this one's for you.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

You go to work. You take care of your family. You show up, you function, you get through the day. But the moment you're alone — the mask drops, and the sadness is right there waiting. Most people living with persistent, low-grade depression don't even recognize it as depression because they're still "functioning." They assume depression means you can't get out of bed, so what they're feeling must just be who they are. Dr. Kat breaks down the types of depression most people never learn about — from major depression and dysthymia to postpartum, PMDD, and the surprising crash that can follow a happy event like a wedding or graduation. She shares personal stories from her own pregnancies and licensing journey, and introduces a striking anchor-and-boat analogy that explains why depression keeps cycling back even when you think you're getting better. Whether you suspect something's off in your own life or you're watching someone you love quietly struggle, this episode gives you the language to finally name what's happening.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Your teenager barely leaves their room, answers every question with one word, and seems to be drifting further away no matter what you try. You're not imagining it — and you might be accidentally making it worse. Dr. Kat sits down with clinical psychologist Christopher Fulton, Ph.D., who has spent 30 years working with teens and families at his collaborative practice in Calabasas, to talk about what he's actually seeing right now: post-COVID isolation at an all-time high, comfort zones that have shrunk to a screen and a bedroom, and teenagers turning to AI chatbots for the emotional support they used to get from real people.Chris breaks down why punishment backfires and what to do instead, how to use small exposure steps to pull an anxious teen back into the world, and why the hardest move a parent can make — letting your kid fail — is often the one that builds the most resilience. He also shares why food allergies can mimic ADHD symptoms and what every parent should check before jumping to a diagnosis. This one is packed with tools you can use tonight.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Your partner buys the new bed, replaces the carpet, upgrades the headboard — and you're standing there thinking, "but I asked you to paint the room yellow." It's one of the most common and quietly devastating patterns in relationships: your person puts in real effort, sometimes enormous effort, but it's never aimed at the one thing you actually asked for. Over time, the message that lands isn't "I'm trying" — it's "what you need doesn't matter."Dr. Kat breaks down her Yellow Room Theory, a framework for understanding why couples keep missing each other even when both people are genuinely trying. She walks through what real communication looks like versus what most people think they're saying, why taking accountability first changes how your partner hears you, and what happens when someone waits so long to paint the room that their partner finally does it alone. This one comes with a homework assignment you can do tonight.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

If you love someone who's struggling with addiction, you've probably tried everything — the confrontations, the promises, the ultimatums, the cleaning up their messes while resenting them for it. And none of it worked. Amber Hollingsworth, a Master Addiction Counselor with nearly a million YouTube subscribers on her channel Put The Shovel Down, explains why the instinct to help is often the very thing keeping your loved one stuck — and why families unknowingly become the "bad guy" in a dynamic that makes addiction stronger.Dr. Kat and Amber break down the difference between guilt and shame and why one motivates change while the other drives people deeper into substance use. They cover Amber's counterintuitive formula — let the world deliver consequences while you become the safe person — and why the bargaining phase (cutting back, setting rules) is actually a sign of progress, not failure. Whether it's a spouse, a parent, or a teenager who won't see the problem, this conversation offers a different way to think about what you can actually do.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Most people only have honest conversations about their relationships after something goes wrong — after the blowup, after the resentment has been building for months, after that one small thing finally sets everything off. But what if you checked in before any of that happened? Dr. Kat walks through a simple set of questions designed to open up real dialogue with your partner, your friends, even your kids — before the weight of unspoken frustrations becomes too much to carry.You'll hear the specific questions to ask (and the order matters), why asking permission before sharing your own needs completely changes the dynamic, and how something as small as a toothpaste cap is actually a signal about respect. Dr. Kat also explains why the person who says "I was blindsided" usually wasn't — and what they were really doing instead. Whether you start this conversation tonight or work up to it, these are the kinds of questions that quietly strengthen every relationship you're in.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

As AI becomes part of daily life, more people are turning to it for advice, reassurance, and even help with deeply personal struggles. In this episode, Dr. Kat talks with Robert Scholz about how AI is changing the therapeutic landscape, why so many people are using it in place of real human support, and what happens when a tool that sounds empathic starts to feel like a substitute for therapy. They explore where AI can be useful, where it can quietly reinforce unhealthy thinking, and why it falls short when serious issues like suicidality, abuse, domestic violence, privacy, and critical thinking are involved. The conversation also looks at how adolescents may be especially vulnerable, how therapists need to respond now that AI is already part of their clients’ lives, and why human judgment, accountability, and real connection still matter. I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Women are often taught to push through discomfort, take care of everyone else, and keep going even when something feels wrong. In this episode, Dr. Kat shares a personal story about ignoring knee pain after a fall, only to learn later that she had been walking on a broken kneecap.From there, she explores a deeper pattern in women’s health: how being used to pain, monthly discomfort, and even menopause-related changes can make it easier to dismiss symptoms and delay care. This is a grounded, honest conversation about self-neglect, awareness, and why taking your own pain seriously matters.If you have been putting off an appointment, brushing something aside, or telling yourself you will deal with it later, listen in for a direct reminder to treat yourself with the same care, kindness, and attention you give everyone else. I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

If college applications and financial aid have your family overwhelmed, this conversation will help you breathe. Dr. Kat sits down with college admissions and financial strategist Shellee Howard to unpack why so many students do everything “right” and still get rejected, why box-checking backfires, and why this process can feel so emotional for both parents and teens. Together, they talk about what colleges are actually looking for, how students can communicate who they are instead of just listing accomplishments, how parents can have better conversations about fit, stress, and money, and why financial aid, merit scholarships, and college planning need a real strategy. You’ll also hear why the right college is not always the dream college, and how purpose matters more than a perfect résumé.  Listen in if your family wants a clearer, healthier path through college admissions.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

If you have ever wondered why loving parents can start to feel controlling, overprotective, or anxious as their kids grow up, this episode will hit home. Dr. Kat explores the emotional overwhelm in parenting that begins when you have a child, shows up on school campuses and in everyday conflicts, and often resurfaces during the college transition for parents and the struggle of letting go of your child.  In this conversation, Dr. Kat explains her “emotional floodgates” theory: the idea that parenting and independence can feel emotionally threatening not because you do not love your child enough, but because you love them so deeply. She unpacks why parents struggle when kids grow up, how parenting anxiety can turn into overprotective parenting, and what it means when a child says, “You raised me to be like this. Why can’t you trust that?” The result is a compassionate, practical look at trust, fear, and learning to let go without disconnecting.  Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about controlling parents, emotional floodgates, and the hard work of loving your child while letting them grow.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat speaks with Daviana Memont, a trans woman, about gender identity, therapy, family acceptance, and the debate over youth transition. Daviana shares her personal transition story, including how she understood her identity from a young age, how her parents and daughter responded, and what it was like to begin living openly.Dr. Kat and Daviana also discuss the role of transgender therapy, the difference between immediate affirmation and deeper psychological exploration, and why Daviana believes children should not be rushed into social or medical transition. They explore parenting, mental health, confidence, emotional support, and the importance of giving families and individuals space to ask difficult questions with honesty and compassion.This episode offers a direct conversation about transition, acceptance, gender dysphoria, therapy, and the concerns many parents have as they try to understand what is best for their children.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Hearing that your child needs surgery is one of the most frightening moments a parent can face. In an instant, fear, uncertainty, and grief can take over — even before the procedure begins.In this deeply personal episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat is joined by Nee Zartoshty (@CranioCoach), who shares her firsthand experience navigating pediatric surgery with her daughters. Together, they explore the emotional realities families face when confronting medical uncertainty — including the shock of diagnosis, the loss of the expectation of perfect health, and the powerful mix of fear, love, and resilience that emerges during the process.Nee speaks openly about what parents go through during these moments, while Dr. Kat explains the psychological mechanisms that often appear in medical crises — including anticipatory grief, guilt, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure many parents feel to stay strong for their child while privately struggling themselves.Together, they discuss how preparation, support, and shared understanding can help families move through these incredibly difficult experiences.About our guest: Nee Zartoshty (@CranioCoach) coaches parents whose children are facing craniosynostosis and pediatric surgery, helping guide them through diagnosis, surgery preparation, recovery, and the emotional toll that can follow. Drawing from her own lived experience with both of her daughters, she offers support, perspective, and practical insight so families do not have to go through this alone.In this episode, you’ll learn:— Why parents often experience grief before a child’s surgery even begins — The emotional stages families commonly go through during medical crises — Why parents frequently feel guilt even when they have done nothing wrong — How couples and families can support one another through medical trauma — The importance of preparing emotionally, not just medically, for pediatric proceduresIf your family has ever faced a serious medical moment — or if you support someone who has — this episode offers compassionate insight and guidance for navigating one of the most challenging experiences a parent can endure.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Why do so many people find themselves in the same relationship dynamic over and over again — even after a painful breakup?In this episode, Dr. Kat explores how unresolved issues from past relationships quietly shape future ones. From rebound relationships to emotional repetition, she explains why we’re often drawn to familiar patterns — even when they weren’t healthy the first time.You’ll learn:• Why unresolved breakups lead to repeated relationship patterns • How fantasy and “potential” keep you emotionally attached • What it really means to take accountability after a relationship ends • Why healing is the foundation for healthier future relationshipsIf you’ve ever felt like you keep dating the same person with a different face, this conversation will help you understand why — and what to do differently moving forward.This episode is about resolution, self-awareness, and breaking the cycle so your next relationship doesn’t repeat the last one.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In today’s episode, Dr. Kat addresses a growing cultural trend: the vilification of parents.Across social media, labels like “toxic,” “narcissistic,” and “childhood trauma” are being used more loosely than ever. While real abuse and true personality disorders absolutely exist, many families are now finding themselves fractured over isolated moments of imperfection rather than patterns of harm. So where is the line between accountability and alienation?Dr. Kat explores how social media narratives can amplify pain, encourage black-and-white thinking, and unintentionally reinforce retaliation instead of repair. She explains the critical difference between malicious intent and human error, why one painful comment does not automatically equal lifelong trauma, and how families can create space for honest conversations without resorting to punishment or estrangement.This episode is not about dismissing hurt. It’s about restoring nuance. Parents are human. Adult children deserve to be heard. And accountability does not have to mean cutting someone off.As always: no fluff, no judgment — just real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, we step “into the wild” to talk about everyday public behavior — the small moments that reveal how much we consider the people around us.From spitting in public and man spreading, to shared armrests and all-gender restrooms, this conversation isn’t about controversy — it’s about awareness. What does our behavior communicate in shared spaces? How do we balance comfort with courtesy? And how can we set boundaries without escalating conflict?Dr. Kat explores how kindness, tone, and mindful communication shape our daily interactions. Because real change doesn’t only happen in therapy rooms — it happens in grocery stores, airplanes, bathrooms, and sidewalks.No fluff. No judgment. Just real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Why do so many New Year’s resolutions fade just weeks after they’re made?In this follow-up episode, Dr. Kat checks in on the reality of change—what actually happens after the motivation wears off. She explores why good intentions often stall, how small, consistent actions create lasting impact, and why discomfort is often a normal part of growth rather than a sign of failure.This conversation focuses on realistic, compassionate approaches to change, including breaking goals into manageable steps, letting go of perfectionism, and learning how awareness—not motivation—drives real progress over time.If you’ve felt discouraged, stuck, or frustrated with yourself for not “keeping up” with resolutions, this episode offers grounded insight and practical reframing to help you re-engage without judgment and move forward in a sustainable way.As always, this is real talk—no fluff, no shame—just thoughtful guidance for creating meaningful change that lasts.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Menopause doesn’t just affect a woman’s body — it reshapes emotions, relationships, patience, and identity. Yet many women enter this phase feeling confused, dismissed, or unsupported by the people closest to them.In this episode, Dr. Kat breaks down what menopause really looks like from a psychological and relational perspective. She explains why emotional tolerance shifts, why frustration can surface unexpectedly, and why partners often misinterpret what’s happening. Drawing from clinical experience and personal insight, Dr. Kat highlights how hormonal changes impact mood, boundaries, intimacy, and connection — and what both women and partners need to understand to navigate this transition with compassion instead of conflict.This conversation also addresses a critical issue in women’s health: being dismissed by medical professionals. Dr. Kat shares why self-advocacy matters, how to recognize outdated or inaccurate guidance, and how women can prepare themselves to seek informed, supportive care.This episode is for women experiencing menopause, partners who want to show up better, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how biological change intersects with emotional health and relationships.No fluff. No judgment. Just real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat With Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat breaks down how hierarchy actually functions in the workplace—and why the most disruptive people often end up with the most power.Using a clear, clinical framework, she explains the difference between high performers, developing contributors, and those who create chaos, and how organizations often misdirect their attention in ways that quietly lead to burnout, resentment, and turnover. This dynamic doesn’t just affect businesses—it shows up in schools, volunteer groups, families, and friendships.Dr. Kat explores why high achievers are frequently asked to adapt, shrink, or absorb dysfunction, while chaos is tolerated to keep the peace. She also explains the emotional and psychological cost of unmanaged workplace stress, including how job dissatisfaction impacts mental and physical health.This episode is for anyone who feels exhausted, undervalued, or confused by power dynamics at work—and for leaders who want to build healthier, more sustainable systems.No fluff. No judgment. Just real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat explores how unregulated emotion shows up in everyday public life — especially on social media, in parking lots, restaurants, and moments where people feel justified in being cruel.Drawing from clinical insight and real-world examples, she explains why angry and hurt people often act out in public spaces, how awareness is the first step to interrupting these reactions, and why kindness is not weakness but a sign of emotional regulation.This conversation invites listeners to reflect on their own reactions, recognize patterns of aggression and defensiveness, and learn how to express opinions and boundaries in ways that can actually be heard.As always, there’s no fluff and no judgment — just real talk that leads to real change.If you have a topic, thought, or experience you’d like Dr. Kat to address, visit ChatWithDrKat.com to submit it anonymously or by name.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Resentment rarely shows up all at once. More often, it builds quietly — through missed moments, lost touch, and emotional distance that goes unnoticed until it feels unbearable.In this episode, Dr. Kat revisits The Cow Theory and goes deeper into how relationships slowly drift into disconnection, why resentment forms even when love is still present, and how people often push away the very closeness they want most.This conversation explores what emotional neglect looks like in real life — between partners, parents and children, and even within ourselves — and why small moments of awareness can interrupt patterns before they harden into lasting damage.If you’ve ever felt lonely inside a relationship, reacted strongly to simple touch, or wondered when things started to change, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a path forward.If you haven’t listened to Episode 2, where Dr. Kat first introduces The Cow Theory, it’s a helpful place to start — but not required to benefit from this conversation.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat takes a deep and honest look at difficult friendships — the kind we hold onto long after they’ve caused harm.Why do we stay connected to friends who betray us, cross boundaries, or create chaos? Why are we so often told to be the “bigger, better person,” even when we didn’t create the mess? And at what point does endurance become self-betrayal?Dr. Kat breaks down the emotional patterns behind difficult friends, including betrayal, boundary violations, covert criticism, and manipulative dynamics that leave you questioning yourself. She explains why some people knowingly participate in betrayal, how gossip becomes a choice, and why protecting your peace is not selfish — it’s necessary.This episode also explores:The difference between intention and impact in friendshipsWhy some people thrive on chaos and negativityHow boundaries bring peace (without cruelty or guilt)Why walking away can be the healthiest decision you makeWhen enduring is no longer a virtueWith no fluff and no judgment, Dr. Kat offers grounded insight, real-world examples, and a powerful reminder: you have a choice. You don’t have to keep giving your heart to people who break it.If you’ve ever felt blamed for reacting to someone else’s chaos — this episode is for you.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Welcome to a new year — and a new opportunity for real change.In this episode of Chat With Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat breaks down why New Year’s resolutions so often fail, and how to shift from good intentions to meaningful, lasting impact. Instead of setting overwhelming goals that fade by February, Dr. Kat shares practical tools for creating change through small, achievable steps.You’ll learn how to:Tell the difference between intention and impactBreak big goals into realistic monthly actionsAvoid the mental traps that keep you stuck in old patternsUse simple techniques to make change feel doable instead of overwhelmingWhether your goals involve health, relationships, work, or personal growth, this episode offers a grounded, compassionate approach to starting fresh — without pressure, guilt, or judgment.No fluff. No shame. Just real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

If your relationship feels tense, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that aren’t working anymore, this episode offers simple, practical ways to create meaningful change — starting right now.In this conversation, Dr. Kat breaks down how small, everyday behaviors shape emotional safety, trust, and connection in relationships. These aren’t abstract concepts or “therapy talk” — they’re realistic tools you can use immediately, even if life feels busy, overwhelming, or emotionally heavy.You’ll learn how seemingly minor shifts in awareness, communication, and consideration can dramatically change how connected and supported people feel — both in romantic relationships and within families.In this episode, you’ll hear about:Why small daily behaviors often matter more than big conversationsHow awareness and consideration reduce tension and resentmentThe role kindness and emotional presence play in long-term connectionHow to create an environment where people feel seen and respectedWhy empathy and strength are not opposites — and how they work togetherThis episode is about creating a healthier way of relating — one rooted in awareness, mutual respect, and emotional responsibility — so your relationships can feel calmer, safer, and more connected over time.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

 In this episode of Chat With Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat continues her “In the Wild” series by exploring what it truly means to be considerate in public — and why it matters more than we realize. Using restaurants as a real-world lens, Dr. Kat breaks down how everyday behaviors in shared spaces reflect deeper communication patterns, emotional awareness, and respect for others. From how we handle mistakes with servers, to volume control, language choices, and navigating public spaces with children, this episode offers practical insight into how small moments can shape the emotional climate around us. Dr. Kat also addresses common public challenges such as crying children, screen use at the table, and why relying on devices to manage behavior can interfere with emotional development. Rather than focusing on rules or etiquette, she emphasizes awareness, empathy, and effectiveness — helping listeners understand how to advocate for themselves while remaining considerate of others. This conversation isn’t about being perfect or passive. It’s about learning how being considerate in public strengthens relationships, improves communication, and creates environments where people feel seen, heard, and respected. As always, this episode delivers no fluff, no judgment — just real talk that leads to real change. I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Advocating for Your Child at Any Age: Real Strategies for School, Teachers & Tough SituationsIn this episode of Chat With Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat breaks down exactly how to advocate for your child—whether they’re in kindergarten, middle school, or high school. From communicating effectively with teachers to navigating behavioral concerns, school meetings, false accusations, and classroom dynamics, this episode gives parents the real-world tools they need to show up with confidence and clarity.You’ll learn: • What to rule out first when early behavioral issues appear • How food sensitivities, allergies, and environment can mimic ADHD • The conversation every parent should have with a frustrated teacher • How to ask for a “clean slate” when your child has been pigeonholed • Ways to lead school meetings without anger or fear • What to do if your child is accused of something serious • Why the school handbook is one of your most powerful tools • How to balance discipline, love, and advocacy at the same timeParenting isn’t easy—but advocating for your child doesn’t have to feel impossible. Dr. Kat gives you the scripts, strategies, and mindset to help your child feel seen, supported, and understood at every stage of development.“No fluff, no judgment—just real talk that leads to real change.”Have a question for Dr. Kat? Submit anonymously at ChatWithDrKat.com.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, Dr. Kat tackles the everyday behaviors we all encounter “out in the wild” — from rude waiters and impatient pharmacists to leg-shakers, flimsy handshakes, and people talking loudly at concerts. Through real-life stories and practical communication strategies, she shows how small changes in behavior and mindset can make a big difference in how we relate to others. You’ll learn how to: ✔️ Respond to rudeness without losing your cool ✔️ Turn frustrating interactions into teachable moments ✔️ Communicate with calm authority — even when others can’t ✔️ Practice empathy and self-control in public spaces ✔️ Handle social annoyances with humor and grace Whether you’re navigating daily irritations or just want to be a kinder, more self-aware human, this episode will help you “know better and do better.” 🎧 Listen and join the conversation at chatwithdrkat.com/podcast — where real talk leads to real change. I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat With Dr. Kat, we take a deep and honest look at gaslighting — what it is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most damaging forms of emotional manipulation. Dr. Kat breaks down the real definition of gaslighting, where the term originated, and the many subtle ways it shows up in everyday life. You’ll learn the difference between:misunderstandings vs. intentional manipulationdefensiveness vs. controlperception differences vs. psychological distortionDr. Kat walks through the major gaslighting tactics — countering, trivializing, denial, withholding, projection, love bombing, deflecting, and more — all explained through real-world examples from couples, friendships, parenting, and workplace dynamics.Most importantly, she shares practical tools to help you recognize gaslighting, communicate more effectively, and create healthier patterns in your relationships. Whether you’ve experienced gaslighting, wondered if you’re unintentionally doing it, or simply want to understand it better, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and actionable insight.And if you’re in a relationship where manipulation and emotional distortion feel constant, Dr. Kat explains when gaslighting crosses into emotional abuse, and what steps you can take to get support.✨ No fluff. No judgment. Just real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode of Chat With Dr. Kat, we explore the little things we all experience “out in the wild”—those everyday etiquette moments that shape how we feel, how we connect, and how we move through the world.From crowded coffee shops, backpacks in tight spaces, and PDA boundaries, to the deeper idea of the emotional backpack we all carry, Dr. Kat dives into how simple awareness can transform not just our day, but the day of everyone around us.You’ll hear stories, relatable examples, and thoughtful insights that will help you:✨ Become more aware of the signals you send ✨ Understand your own emotional baggage ✨ Practice small kindnesses that make a big difference ✨ Navigate PDA, chivalry, and public interactions more gracefully ✨ Be more inclusive in everyday situationsThis episode reminds us that kindness isn’t a grand gesture—it’s a daily practice, often shown in the smallest of moments.If you have questions, thoughts, or want to appear on a future episode, visit ChatWithDrKat.com to share anonymously or with your name.No judgment. No fluff. Real talk that leads to real change.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Preparing your teen for college can feel overwhelming. In this episode of Chat with Dr. Kat, discover the essential life skills every parent should teach before freshman year. Dr. Kat covers budgeting, financial literacy, time management, laundry, cooking, cleaning, roommate expectations, and emotional resilience—practical strategies that help teens transition smoothly from high school to college life.You’ll also hear guidance on building independence, avoiding common freshman pitfalls, and supporting your child’s mental health during this major life change. Whether your student is moving into a dorm, staying home, or heading out of state, this episode gives you the tools to set them up for success.👉 Visit chatwithdrkat.com to share your questions, feedback, or ideas for future episodes.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this episode, Dr. Kat explores the small, everyday habits that might be undermining your relationships. From how you handle the grocery cart to how you react when someone sets a boundary, these “invisible” behaviors can silently erode trust and connection.If you’ve ever been called inconsiderate, controlling, or self-centered — or if you’ve felt like someone else was acting that way toward you — this conversation will give you the language, insight, and tools to see the behavior more clearly and shift it.Topics include:The psychology behind subtle selfishnessThe emotional impact of thoughtless routinesHow to build self-awareness without shameWhat “emotional maturity” actually looks like in daily lifeDr. Kat helps you rethink the difference between intent and impact — and why personal growth starts with noticing what you didn’t before.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Intro: The Invisible Ways We’re Selfish Dr. Kat opens with how small behaviors reveal unconscious selfishness.00:57 – Example 1: The Grocery Cart Test A simple act shows how much we expect others to clean up after us.04:40 – Example 2: Changing Lanes How thoughtless driving reflects deeper disregard for others.07:03 – Example 3: Cap Off the Toothpaste Daily habits that signal “my comfort matters more than yours.”09:57 – Example 4: Parking Spots What your parking choices say about your awareness of others.11:19 – Personal Story: Taking Responsibility Kat shares how owning her actions shifted a dynamic in real time.13:59 – Take Opportunities to Be Kind A call to break selfish patterns through small, mindful kindness.18:22 – Reach Out at ChatWithDrKat.com Share your story or suggest a topic at chatwithdrkat.com.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

Episode 3: This Is Why You Can’t Move On — Trust, Trauma, and the Real Reason You’re Still AngryWhat breaks trust in a relationship isn’t just what happened—it’s how it was perceived.In this episode, Dr. Kat breaks down the anatomy of trust: how it’s built, how it gets violated, and why so many people stay stuck in patterns of resentment, anxiety, or emotional distance—even long after the damage is done.From betrayal and cheating to financial dishonesty and emotional instability, she explores how unhealed trauma shapes your reactions, erodes communication, and bleeds into your current relationship—even if your current partner didn’t cause the hurt.Whether you’ve been cheated on, lied to, or just feel like you’re always waiting for the next emotional shoe to drop, this episode will give you clarity—and a way forward.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome + What today’s episode is about01:34 – Trust is the core of every relationship—not love01:51 – The emotional safety checklist: don’t harm, don’t destabilize02:53 – Talking behind your partner’s back: why it’s a quiet trust killer04:29 – Cheating, affairs, and the truth about “perception vs. event”07:35 – How financial betrayal or lies can create long-term trauma09:05 – PTSD, stress responses, and why your partner’s reactions may feel “too big”11:55 – “Bleeding on someone who didn’t cut you” — past trauma in present relationships18:25 – Trust in the workplace - executive coaching19:09 – Trader Joe’s and trust: how daily stability builds credibility20:28 – Choose who you let in. Protect your peace. Don’t give value spots to people who treat you like an option 22:44 – Choose to bring happiness into your life22:57 – Have a question?  Visit www.ChatWithDrKat.comI want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/

In this powerful episode, Dr. Kat shares her one-of-a-kind Cow Theory—a surprising, heartfelt metaphor born on a dairy farm in Ireland—that sheds light on why so many relationships quietly unravel into resentment and disconnection.00:00 – Intro: Real Talk That Leads to Real Change Dr. Kat introduces the episode's theme and her no-fluff approach to personal growth and relationship repair.00:37 – Therapy Is Hard Work, Not a Magic Wand The importance of doing the work in therapy and why releasing the emotional anchor is essential to moving forward.01:25 – How Did We Get Here? The Stagnant Relationship Dilemma Common relationship complaints—resentment, disconnection, and the “roommate” dynamic—and the big question couples ask: How do we get back to what we had?02:26 – The Cow Theory: A Surprising Insight from an Irish Dairy Farm Dr. Kat shares a personal story that inspired her unique “Cow Theory” and how it applies to relationships where physical and emotional connection has faded.06:11 – Why We Push Away What We Want Most Resentment explained through the lens of unmet needs, rejection, and emotional distance.07:51 – Passive Aggression, Withdrawal, and the Choice to Be Right vs. Be Happy A breakdown of common defense mechanisms in failing relationships—and why choosing connection over ego is critical.08:06 – Self-Sabotage and the Cost of Withholding Love A compelling story about a woman who stopped showing love—and how withholding can rob you of your own joy.09:15 – The Dog Theory: A Joyful Way to Reignite Connection A creative piece of “homework”: Greet your partner the way your dog greets you. The science and psychology behind small gestures of excitement and affection.11:14 – Don’t Overthink It: Why Feedback Beats Criticism The difference between constructive feedback and resentment-fueled criticism, and how to encourage positive change without blame.13:04 – Rewiring the Brain Takes Repetition Why love (like fitness or branding) requires consistency, and how rationalization sabotages your progress.17:16 – Daily Habits That Prioritize Your Relationship The real-life strategy of scheduling affection like any other to-do—and why it works.18:10 – From Silent Divorce to Real Connection The danger of the “roommate” relationship and how to avoid becoming emotionally divorced while still technically together.19:20 – Appreciation in All Relationships—At Home and at Work Why everyone—from partners to employees—needs to feel seen, heard, and valued.20:25 – Focus on the 19 People Who Show You Love A powerful closing metaphor about how we fixate on criticism and forget praise—and why it’s time to flip that script.23:28 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Dr. Kat A wrap-up message with encouragement, reflection, and how to submit questions anonymously or follow Dr. Kat on social.I want to hear from you!  To submit show ideas or be considered as a guest, visit https://chatwithdrkat.com/contact/Follow Chat with Dr. Kat:Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/chatwithdrkatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatwithdrkatYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chatwithdrkatTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatwithdrkatX:  https://x.com/ChatwithDrKatHealth & Wellness Programs:https://mindbodyseries.com/