Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom

This week I called my mom because there was a lot to catch up on! We talk about her birthday, her Joshua Tree adventure, and continue our search for a new place for her and my brother to call home in LA. But somewhere in the middle of the conversation, I tell her something I've been feeling since her trip. Sometimes I feel like she protects my brother more than me. Definitely not in a way where she loves him more, but in a way I feel misunderstood by her from how I'm feeling… so we do what we always do and hash it out on the podcast like most families do, right? Plus, a little life update from both of us before we head into our summer hiatus and return in September.

This week I called my mom because it's her mothafuckin birthday… and somehow that turned into me going through decades of home videos realizing our entire relationship has basically been documenting itself in real time. Between Spice Girls performances in the living room, me telling my mom to "shut up" as a child, emotional homecoming speeches, vag wax updates, getting lost in a lake, and me discovering I've apparently had the same need for validation since 2004… this episode quickly spiraled into a chaotic time capsule of how our relationship somehow evolved from mother/son to whatever the hell this is now. Because nothing says "happy birthday" quite like emotionally unpacking your childhood through old family videos and realizing your mom accidentally shaped your entire personality. Happy birthday, Barb

This week I called my mom because it's Mother's Day… and naturally, we decided to test the boundaries of a mother/son relationship. Shout out to our listener-submitted situations, Barb and I try to figure out what's actually considered "too far" between a mom and her adult son… which quickly spirals into oversharing, my biggest insecurities, Barb's biggest ick, and a childhood memory involving our dad that we absolutely did not need to unpack publicly. Because nothing says "Happy Mother's Day" quite like accidental family trauma and oversharing on a podcast.

This week I called my mom because I think showing up for myself is starting to upset people. What started as a conversation about something happening in my own life quickly turned into something bigger, about boundaries, sensitivity to other people's energy, and the pressure to stay in a version of yourself that others are comfortable with. After being told to "stay in my role" and not use my voice, I found myself questioning what it actually means to show up as myself… and whether that comes with consequences. As we talked through it, I realized my mom has been here before. There was a point in her life where she stepped into who she really was… and it caused friction with the people who were supposed to support her the most. Including my dad. Which is why, more recently, she found herself asking a question she didn't expect to be asking again, when do you show up for someone else, and when do you choose yourself? So for a moment… it flipped. It wasn't just "hold on, I'm calling my mom." It was "hold on… she's calling me."

This week I called my mom because… my high school bully just followed up asking to hang out. And I don't know how to feel about that...  Which it made me think about the episode where he first slid into my DMs AND came out to me. At the same time… a year ago, my mom was hesitant to even think about moving across the country. Now she's sending me listings every day trying to find the perfect place in LA. So we're revisiting a moment where everything felt uncertain… knowing where it all stands now :) 

This week I called my mom because… she set a boundary with me. And naturally… I challenged her on it :) It's been a week where social media has had a lot to say. People are coming for my mom for loving me and my brother for being gay, while at the same time people think I'm in a feud with NeNe Leakes after a post I made. The truth is way less juicy. It made me realize how one post can create so many different narratives. Even within our own family, something was shared this week that didn't feel accurate to me, and it sparked a bigger conversation about why I feel the need to hold people accountable when I don't think they're telling the truth. So it turned into a bigger conversation about what gets said… and what doesn't. And in my mom's case… what doesn't get said is anything about her sex life. Even though I'm over here sharing everything with her. So what do I do? I decide to play 'Never Have I Ever.' And let's just say… she was not prepared to hear all of that again.

This week I called my mom because… I didn't feel like myself anymore. So I did something random and a little unexpected. I went to visit Marilyn Monroe. Standing at her grave, in the middle of Los Angeles, turned into something bigger than I thought. It made me question everything I've been taught about this industry… especially the idea that you're supposed to be seen and not heard. Because right now, I'm in a season where I'm shedding an old version of myself and trying to step into one that actually uses their voice… and I don't fully know what that looks like yet. At the same time, I've been struggling. And my mom, being 3,000 miles away, feels completely helpless. We talk about what it's like for her to watch me go through something she can't fix, and how hard that is when all she wants to do is make it better. Because sometimes support isn't fixing anything… it's just staying on the phone, staying present, and sitting in it together. It's one of those episodes where I'm not showing up with answers… I'm kind of in it while we're recording. But it felt important to say it out loud anyway.

This week I called my mom because… family therapy hit a wall. Me, my mom, and my brother couldn't get past a hurdle, so we brought in backup, my boyfriend. We're joined by Brett and Jordy, who give us the outside perspective we probably needed and definitely weren't ready for. Let's just say, everyone gets called out. Before that, we start a little chaotic. My Lexapro ordeal (yes, I dropped it in the toilet), my mom's ShopRite parking lot drama (because Barb does not play about shopping cart etiquette), and my own run-in at Trader Joe's. And of course… premiered. I open up about a feeling that came up watching it that I've never experienced on any other show I've worked on. It's honest, messy, and one of those episodes where we're all forced to look at ourselves a little closer.

This week I called my mom because I was literally showing her the place she was going to live in in Los Angeles… and then the universe had other plans. I thought Barb was one step closer to Hollywood, but not so fast. From there, we get very Hollywood. With the Real Housewives of Rhode Island premiere coming up, I'm talking to my mom about casting and developing the show and what it feels like being so close to something I helped build. Then we flip it and put my mom in the hot seat. Questions come in from you all asking her about my journey over the last decade… and she covers everything. From The Real Housewives to Love Is Blind, Vanderpump Rules, and E! News, we get into the good, the bad, and the messy. We revisit the moments I thought I was "making it," the ones that didn't go as planned, and of course… the phone calls she had to take through all of it. It's honest, a little chaotic, and a full-circle moment hearing my story through her perspective.

This week I called my mom because I feel like I need to get my shit together. From feeling stuck in my routine to spiraling about how to get my groove back, we get into my curiosity around trying to quiet the food noise and why I feel like I need some kind of reset. Somehow that turns into a very real conversation about confidence, especially after noticing that someone who used to be in my DMs when the gym was a bigger part of my life unfollowed me. It shouldn't matter, but it did, and it opened up a bigger conversation about self-worth and how much we tie that to how we look. But the bigger thing weighing on me this week is where I stand in Hollywood. After the Oscars, I couldn't shake the feeling of being around people who view me as not on their level, even though I know what I bring to the table. That feeling only got worse after I didn't get invited to something I was really excited about, and being told it's essentially because I'm "not an influencer" and don't have the following. It lit a fire in me to keep showing up and sharing my journey, but at the same time, I'm scared that using my voice could cost me the career I've spent the last decade building. The pressure, the insecurity, and the fear of losing everything I've worked for. That's showbiz, baby. xo

This week is Oscars weekend, so naturally I called my mom to talk about the difference between the glamorous moments everyone sees on the red carpet and the chaos that actually happens behind the scenes. We relive some of my red carpet horror stories over the years, including the time an Emmy winner asked me for $10 for someone "special" in his life. Somehow the conversation turns into beauty hacks for surviving the heat on the red carpet, which leads my mom to confess that when I was younger she tried using her pads as armpit inserts for me. Let's just say it didn't quite work out and one ended up lost on a dance floor. We also talk about the awkward reality of working with someone who unfollowed you on social media but still pretends like everything is perfectly normal in person. Personally, I can't get down like that. And finally we answer a listener question that puts my mom in the hot seat about what it's really like when I call her and unload everything going on in my life. The good, the bad and the very hot mess this week (no pun intended). 

This week my boyfriend triggered a childhood memory and it opened up a bigger conversation between me, my brother Brett, and my mom that we've actually been unpacking in family therapy. We talk about family triggers and how no matter how old you get, they always seem to show up. I also tell my mom about an awkward encounter with my doctor where I somehow ended up apologizing for my grooming situation not being up to par LOL... We talk about the upcoming Oscars that I'm working, one of my worst celebrity encounters, and I try to get my mom caught up on the pop girlies after seeing Zara Larsson live ;)

This week, I called my mom because I'm a hot ass mess right now. I told her I'm locking in with what I eat again and somehow 48 hours later I've already ordered McDonald's for breakfast and I'm running on three hours of sleep, so clearly I'm thriving ;) We talk about cutting people off and why I don't give endless chances. I've watched my mom be so kind her whole life and I've seen people take advantage of that, which has caused her a lot of pain. Now I'm dealing with something in real time with a friend and trying to figure out when enough is enough. I give my mom and update about my dad. After I finally responded to his message, he surprisingly reached back out, but his response feels like we're already off to a rocky start. 

This week, I called my mom because putting myself out there more has been bringing up things I didn't expect. Sharing more of myself online has felt freeing, but it's also made me realize how much of myself I've been editing for years. Especially the kid who learned early on that being fully himself could make him a target. I gave her an update on where things stand with my dad since last week and how I'm navigating it. Then Brett joins us and we get into something that's come up in family therapy: if someone in our family does something that bothers us, is it better to address it in the moment or talk about it privately?

This week, I called my mom after an emotionally layered 48 hours. The day before Valentine's Day, I was venting about the learning curve in my boyfriend's and my communication styles and how out of sync it felt. Twenty-four hours later, he helped me have a breakthrough that shifted something in me. It reminded me how complex love really is. It's not linear, but it can evolve. Then I unblocked my dad after five years of no contact. He texted me the very next day. Now I'm sitting with the reality that I can't move forward without accountability, but I'm not even sure what forward looks like. My mom shares where she hopes things might go, and my brother Brett joins us as we continue unpacking our family dynamics in therapy and the roles we've played for years.

We're back! This week, I called my mom because I've been feeling unfulfilled in Hollywood, in my career, and in myself. Season 3 begins with a shift. My mom has put dating on pause, and together we're starting family therapy to unpack the patterns we've lived with for years and figure out how to move forward without repeating the same roles. Wish us luck :)

After leaving the last episode — the first part of Paul and Barb's matchmaking segment — on a cliffhanger, Barb returns to share what's really been going on, including a recent health diagnosis tied to stress and how it's reshaped her outlook on life. Paul and Barb open up about why the finale was delayed following the sudden loss of Paul's grandmother, and how navigating grief has brought their family closer. As Paul and Barb close out the season, Barb reveals which bachelor she'll be meeting in person and what she's truly looking for moving forward. Together, Paul and Barb look back on a season of growth, healing, and love — while sharing plans for what's to come next season.

It's finally here—the first ever Barbchelor, a matchmaking experiment where Barb puts everything she's learned this season to the test. But with fewer bachelors than Paul promised, the episode quickly unravels. Emotions flare, regrets surface, and Barb begins to question what she truly wants out of love—and whether she's ready at all. One shocking exit leaves the journey hanging in the balance. With just one more episode left, the only question is… will Barb show up to finish what she started?

This week, it's a full family affair! Brett joins Paul and Barb to share his thoughts on Barb's dating journey so far — where he hopes her love story will end up, and the kind of man he and Paul would love to see their mom with. With the big matchmaking season finale right around the corner, Barb's heading into it with her favorite boys by her side, giving her all the support (and opinions) she can handle. Meanwhile, Paul opens up about turning 33 — usually the ultimate "birthday whore," but this year he's feeling way more mellow. In fact, his birthday wish isn't even for himself… it's for Barb to put down her vibrator and finally find a man!

Only two episodes until Paul & Barb's two-part matchmaking finale… and Barb is already feeling sentimental about how far this season has come. This week, they're answering your questions in a special listener mailbag episode — reflecting on the journey, laughing at themselves, and spilling some family tea. Paul is gearing up to work the Emmys, but of course Barb is more excited about who he might run into — her Hollywood crush lineup of Harrison Ford, Sterling K. Brown, and Colin Farrell. Along the way, they get real about family dynamics, Paul's role in Barb's love life, and even what Brett really thinks about this whole adventure — the perfect lead-in to next week, when he joins them to help send Barb on her way in hopes of finding love. It's everything Barb needs from her boys for her big send-off on Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom!

This week Barb left Paul a heartfelt note that had him crying for 24 hours. On the podcast, Paul decided to "Run It Back" by reading his childhood role model essay dedicated to Barb—cue Barb's turn for tears. Between the waterworks, the two explored SoCal towns, played a wild round of "Would You Ever?" (where Barb dropped her infamous underwear confession), and continued the hunt for Mr. Right… which may have led to a catfish, or a headline waiting to happen (and not in a good way). 

Barb is narrowing down her move to Southern California and has her sights locked on a few areas she's really excited about! Paul drops a Hold the F*ck Up bombshell about a former high school bully who slid into his DMs, and things get messy. Plus, the quest for love continues as Paul checks in with Barb, plays a rapid-fire dating game, and decides she's about 80% ready to find love. With only 4 weeks left until our two-part Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom Newlywed Game — hosted by Paul and featuring potential bachelors for Barb — the countdown to love is on!

Paul and Barb are back this week, and Paul's making sure Barb is fully strapped with the knowledge she needs to survive the dating world for the very first time. Turns out the 50+ crowd is passing STDs around like butterscotch candies at bingo night and Barb needs to know what's in store. So much so, Paul actually makes Barb practice safe sex this episode (yes, it's as awkward as it sounds). Meanwhile, Barb drops a bombshell: her potential match admitted that having two gay sons would be a dealbreaker. If only he could hear this episode… Luckily, Sexual Health Expert Asia Sullivan joins the call to walk Barb through everything from protection to prevention, giving her the ultimate crash course in Safe Sex 101.

This week, Paul and Barb drop an absolute bombshell — Barb's latest date? Yeah… turns out he was her cousin. And somehow, that's not even the wildest part. Paul reveals the time Barb and his dad were almost related too, meaning their family tree might actually just be a straight line. They're joined by Paul's former high school teacher turned viral sensation, Jess Hawk (@myteacherface) — a powerhouse voice for women's empowerment, rewriting the rules on divorce, relationships, and thriving solo in your 50s. And speaking of life-long secrets… Paul finally confesses something to Barb he's been holding onto since he was four years old. Cue mic drop.

Paul and Barb are finally back from summer vacation — and let's just say, it wasn't exactly relaxing. From Barb unknowingly walking into the Sex Museum in NYC, to getting lost at sea in the Poconos, to family confrontations that felt like setbacks but ended up opening the door to real connection — it's all on the table. Plus, Barb's dating journey is still in motion, and we're one week closer to Paul's big matchmaking game. Buckle up.

This week, Paul and Barb are on summer vacation — so we're throwing it back to where it all began. In this Run It Back episode, we revisit Barb's very first conversation with dating coach Lisa Copeland, when the idea of getting back out there felt totally overwhelming. Flash forward to now? Barb's made serious progress — but there's still work to do before our big season finale: a two-part live speed dating event hosted by Paul. We're halfway through the season… and one step closer to Barb maybe, finally, finding Mr. Right.

This week, Barb is leaving it up to Paul to keep the show going while she's sick — because that's showbiz, baby! With Barb out of commission, Paul checks in with himself and reflects on her dating journey so far. And surprise: as much as he's encouraged her to find love again, he's having second thoughts. Why? Because if she falls in love… does that mean their relationship will change forever? To help unpack the spiral, therapist Jessica Miller of Mind Your Boundaries joins Paul and Barb to explore what really happens when a new partner enters the family dynamic — and how to set boundaries not just with the person you're dating, but with yourself, too.

This week, Paul is in the hot seat. While Barb continues her journey back into the dating world, Paul takes a moment to reflect on his own chaotic gay dating history — from losing his virginity with deodorant as lube (yes, really), to an open relationship that blurred every boundary, and what he now lovingly calls his "slutty era." He opens up about how Barb never stepped in during his relationships, and how that shaped the way he now shows up in her dating life. Did she trust him? Was she scared to interfere? Or did she just know he'd figure it out? Oh — and he confesses that he hooked up in her bed. Not once. Twice. Later, Paul and Barb are joined by Gay Dating Coach Lamont White to unpack the layered world of gay dating and how it compares to straight dating. Turns out, both are chaotic — just in different packaging. Can you really call your parent your best friend if you're hiding this kind of stuff from them? Let's find out.

This week, things get raw — literally and emotionally. Barb opens up about the shame she still carries from her toxic marriage, while Paul reflects on what it means to share your story when it also involves someone else. Where's the line between speaking your truth and revealing someone else's pain? They've talked about the past before, but never quite like this — and now, everything's on the table. And if that wasn't enough, Barb gets her first-ever Brazilian wax — and let's just say, she's still sore. To help Barb make sense of the modern dating world, they're joined by therapist and mindset coach Alexia McLeod, who walks them through the dos and don'ts of dating etiquette in 2025. Will Barb pass the scenarios? It's deep, hilarious, slightly painful — and very, very real.

Paul's lounging in a Vegas pool and Barb's got her feet up in Jersey, so this week we're throwing it back to one of our most powerful episodes — and it just hits different now that Barb's back in the dating game. We're revisiting our chat with Dr. Janie Lacy, a psychotherapist and relationship trauma expert from 90 Day: The Last Resort, who breaks down the red flags of toxic relationships. She shares her "three C's" framework, dives into attachment styles (anxious, avoidant, and disorganized), and helps you spot the difference between real love and a trauma bond. Whether you're dating, healing, or just nosy — this one's a must-listen.

This week, Paul and Barb unpack why it's a major red flag when someone doesn't have any friends from childhood—and then dive into why a good bedroom playlist still matters more than you think (yes, it's a thing). To make things even juicier, they bring in some special guests: Paul's boyfriend Jordan, Barb's son, and Paul's brother Brett. Together, they chime in on Barb's dating journey, her ideal man, and yes… they hold nothing back. The four of them play WTF Would Mom Do?—where they throw old red flag scenarios at Barb to see if she'd still enable the same chaos… or finally spot the warning signs. Spoiler alert: growth is a journey.

This week on Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom… Judi's in the house! Barb's bestie of nearly five decades joins Paul & Barb to dish on dating after divorce, the power of long-term friendships, and that one guy she met in AA who went from sending dick pics to… kicking the bucket (yep, you read that right). Things get real about Barb's love life, the pressure to date again, and why sometimes a vibrator and a Mission Impossible marathon might just be enough. Plus, Paul confronts the time he maybe caught his friend kissing his dad (??) and Barb's reaction proves just how done she was. From dating apps to glory holes, onesies to old wounds, this episode really tests their ability to stay on topic. Spoiler: they fail.

Week three of Barb's dating journey is here — and things are getting deep (and a little unhinged). Paul kicks off the episode by reading some questionable messages from Barb's dating app inbox and asking the truly important question: would Barb ever sell his sperm to his ex? (Don't ask how we got there.) Then, they're joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Alex Hamlet to explore a big topic — is it actually healthy to decide you never want to be in a relationship again? Dr. Alex reminds us: there's a big difference between not wanting to date and avoiding it altogether.

Three weeks into Barb's dating journey, the messages are getting unhinged. From Tony's jaw-dropping opener to Gary's gentlemanly charm, we break down what's clicking — and what's crashing and burning. We also swipe through some unforgettable profiles, including Chase, a shirtless motivational speaker in disguise, and Richard, a widowed romantic with values that actually impress. Relationship and sex therapist Deborah Grace joins us to help Barb get clear on what she wants, how to draw the line, and why intention matters more than ever. It's messy, revealing, and exactly why she needs a co-pilot.

Barb's diving into online dating for the first time, with her son Paul as her guide and full-time typist. Together, they build her profile, pick the hottest pics (of course), and get expert tips from Love Coach Lisa Copeland. This is a huge step for Barb, since she's only ever been with one person in her life. And after all the work she's putting into this, she might just settle in for a solo movie marathon and call it — single gal for life!

Paul drops a bomb on Barb: this season is all about getting her into the dating game — from coaches and apps to sex therapists and a live matchmaking finale. New segments bring the heat as Paul reveals a penis health scare, Barb bans a friend over pH drama, and sets boundaries around OnlyFans. It's chaos. It's heart. It's Season 2.

In the season finale, Paul and Barb reflect on their six-month podcast journey and share excitement for Season 2. Paul unveils his Valentine's gift, and they discuss self-care and preventing burnout with neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho. Paul reveals a childhood trauma that keeps him from watching a certain movie, but Barb assures him it was all done with love. For more information about Dr. Judy Ho and her work: drjudyho.com Instagram: @drjudyho TikTok: @drjudyho  

Paul and Barb are both on the market... for therapists! They dive into why they're so hard to love, with Paul sharing a memorable story about meeting his pop star icon, Charli XCX, and Barb opening up about feeling snubbed by a celebrity. The two reflect on the influence reality TV has had on Paul, explaining how it provided escapism and helped shape his career. They're joined by Dr. Hayley Watson, who dissects the reason behind it! For more information about Dr. Hayley Watson and her work: openparachuteschools.com Instagram: @drhayleywatson

Therapist Alexia McLeod joins us this week to talk boundaries, maintaining your identity in relationships, and her hot takes on sharing locations, splitting bills, and sleeping in separate bedrooms. Paul shares the story of when his boyfriend forgot about him after stopping location sharing, while Barb reveals her record-breaking non-hair-washing streak! For more information about Alexia and her work: alexiamcleod.com Instagram: @alexia.mcleod TikTok: @alexia.mcleod

This week, psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Minami joins Paul and Barb to explore the universal experience of grief. Paul opens up about his anticipatory grief and fear of life without Barb, while they discuss the emotional attachment to things—like Barb's obsession with Paul's old Steve Urkel headgear. As they embrace 2025 with the motto "out with the old, in with the new," Paul reveals why he wants 'WAP' played at his funeral. For more information on Dr. Minami and her work: jenniferminamimd.com

This week, therapist Jessica Miller joins Paul and Barb to discuss the complexities of setting boundaries with family and protecting your inner peace. With personal stories, they explore what works (and what doesn't) when navigating family dynamics. Plus, Paul takes a trip down memory lane—did having Barb's graduation picture in his room cross a boundary? Tune in to find out! Instagram: @mindyourboundaries TikTok: @mind_yourboundaries YouTube: @mindyourbusiness

This week, therapist Rachael Mecholsky-Pelikan joins us to explore the emotional aspects of eating and how food can become a coping mechanism. We dive into why diet culture is toxic, especially for those struggling with body image issues. Paul also shares his concerns about Barb taking Ozempic and opens up about dating someone from a Disney family. Instagram: @rachaelthetherapist TikTok: @rachaelthetherapist YouTube: @Rachaelthetherapist

Sex therapist Kristin Hodson joins us this week to explore why talking about sex remains taboo in so many households and how to break the cycle. Kristin offers practical tips for starting these important conversations with your kids. Plus, Paul recalls the cringe-worthy moment when Barb walked in on him watching X-rated material, and Barb gets into a high-speed chase with a Karen! For more information on Kristin and her work: kristinbhodson.com Instagram: @kristinbhodson  

Paul and Barb wrap up 2024 with a bang by setting New Year's resolutions—for each other! Paul's wish? For Barb to dust off the cobwebs and dive back into the dating pool. Barb's priority? Getting Paul a new retainer, of all things. The duo also takes a walk down memory lane, reflecting on the wild ride of launching their podcast over the past four months. With big plans brewing for 2025! 

It's a family affair on this week's episode! Paul and Barb dive into their holiday plans, which include celebrating under one roof with Paul's boyfriend, Jordan and his family. Barb shares her first "down in the DMs" encounter while the duo reflects on the importance of family traditions—like their love for holiday board games. To keep the festive spirit going, Paul's brother (and Barb's other son) Brett joins the podcast for a fun game that puts Barb's mom instincts to the test: which son does she know best?

Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Terri Bly joins us this week to tackle the pressures of New Year's resolutions. She offers practical advice on breaking goals into small, manageable steps and highlights the importance of understanding the "why" behind the changes we want to make. Meanwhile, Paul airs his current beef with McDonald's and reflects with Barb on his ongoing journey of personal growth, admitting he still slips into his sassy younger child tendencies. 

Therapist Gina Zippo-Mazur joins us this week to unpack why 79% of people struggle with road rage and how to take back control when emotions run high behind the wheel. Paul opens up about a dramatic road rage encounter in high school that took an unexpected turn involving his first gay exploration, while Barb shares why she wasn't exactly surprised when Paul eventually "came out." For more information on Gina and her work: gzmtherapy.com Instagram: @feelingoodwithgina TikTok: @gzmtherapy

Relationship and Dating Coach Ali Jackson shares expert tips for meeting your partner's family and navigating tricky holiday dynamics. Plus, Barb offers Paul advice on surviving your 30s, and Paul confesses to forgetting a friend's birthday, not once but TWICE. Tune into this week's episode for some laughs, wisdom and some tips to make blending of the families this holiday season go a lot smoother!  For more information on Ali and her work: findingmrheight.com Instagram: @findingmrheight TikTok: @findingmrheight

Dr. Jill Grimes joins Paul & Barb to unpack why toilet anxiety is more common than you think—affecting nearly a third of the population. Paul shares his pee-shy struggles and his stolen underwear dilemma in Mexico, while Barb gets real about colonoscopies. Laugh, learn, and flush away the stigma! For more information on Dr. Grimes and her work: jillgrimesmd.com Her latest book: The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness Instagram: @jillgrimesmd TikTok: @tiktok.collegedoc  

This week, Clinical Social Worker Laura Felman joins Paul & Barb for an insightful discussion on High-Functioning Depression—what it is, why it's becoming more common, and how societal pressures to mask emotions contribute to the struggle. Laura breaks down the genetic and environmental factors at play and shares practical techniques to help manage this often-overlooked condition. Meanwhile, in true Hold On, I'm Calling My Mom fashion, Paul admits he's been unfaithful… to his dry cleaner, and Barb declares her eternal devotion to all things pumpkin spice. For more information on Laura and her work: hamlettherapy.com Instagram: @hamlettherapy