Unpack with Dr. Julie! (Feed Disabled)

This episode explores why so many adults feel stuck in constant performance mode and why fake relaxation never truly restores us. The hosts break down the rise of adult camps and retreats—from social summer-camp escapes to quiet reading retreats and wilderness challenges—as different ways to reset the nervous system and make room for real play.

In this episode, Dr. Julie Sorenson unpacks how workplace tension is often less about generation gaps and more about stress, burnout, and unmet human needs.We explore how mental health shows up at work, why communication can either regulate or dysregulate a team, and how psychological safety changes everything. You’ll also hear practical language shifts and reflection prompts to help create calmer, clearer, more connected workplaces.

This episode explores how the pandemic disrupted emotional growth, social confidence, and life transitions for young adults ages 18 to 25. The hosts discuss why struggles that can look like laziness or social anxiety may actually reflect a missed developmental window, and how low-pressure support can help rebuild those skills.

In this episode of Unpack with Dr. Julie, we look at what’s really behind generational tension in the workplace: stress, burnout, miscommunication, and the need to feel safe, respected, and understood. Dr. Julie unpacks how communication can either regulate or dysregulate people, why listening matters more than labels, and how psychological safety changes everything.Together, we explore practical ways to move from blame to curiosity, from conflict to connection, and from frustration to a more human approach at work.

In this episode of Unpack with Dr. Julie!, Dr. Julie gently reframes a struggle so many people carry in silence: the fear that they are somehow “too much,” “too sensitive,” or simply broken. Instead, this conversation explores what it means to understand emotional overwhelm through the lens of nervous system overload.Drawing from Dr. Julie’s attached article along with current mental health research, this episode unpacks why chronic stress, digital overload, comparison, isolation, and nonstop demands can keep the body stuck in survival mode. Listeners will learn how fight-or-flight was designed to protect us, why it was never meant to stay activated all the time, and how anxiety, irritability, shutdown, and exhaustion can be signs of strain rather than personal failure.This episode also explores:why sensitivity is not weaknesshow social comparison quietly reshapes self-worthwhat emotional exhaustion is trying to communicatesmall ways to begin supporting a taxed nervous system with compassionWarm, practical, and deeply validating, this episode reminds listeners to stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and begin asking, “What has my nervous system been carrying?”

In this unapologetically honest episode of Unpack with Dr. Julie, host Kai Mercer sits down with Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, LPC, LMHC, to tear up society’s invisible rulebook for how you’re "supposed" to live your life. From body image and career choices to relationships, money, and social media, they unpack how constant judgment and comparison can leave you anxious, burned out, and asking, "What’s wrong with me?" Drawing on current psychological research about comparison culture, social media, motivation, and collective stress, Dr. Julie explains why the real problem isn’t you—it’s the shifting, impossible expectations you were never meant to live by in the first place. Together, Kai and Dr. Julie explore the liberating moment of saying "fuck it" to everyone else’s rules, the deeper clarity behind the mindset "fuck them," and how to start building a life that’s aligned with your own values instead of everyone’s opinions. You’ll walk away with compassionate insights and practical reflection prompts to help you stop auditioning for approval and start creating a life that actually belongs to you.

Parenting toddlers is exhausting—but at least you still get to buckle them into the car seat and choose their pediatrician. Parenting 20-somethings? That’s a whole different nervous system workout.In this episode of Unpack with Dr. Julie!, Dr. Julie Sorenson and co-host Kai Mercer have a real, compassionate, and sometimes hilariously honest conversation about what it means to love your child through their twenties—when you can’t swoop in and fix everything anymore.Drawing from Dr. Julie’s article, “Whoever Invented the Terrible Two’s Clearly Never Raised a 20-Something,” plus current research on emerging adulthood, attachment, and the nervous system, they explore:Why the transition from being your child’s protector to being a witness can feel like grief—even when they’re doing “fine” on paperHow emerging adulthood (18–29) is a normal season of instability, identity exploration, and mistakes that are developmentally necessary—not proof you “failed” as a parentWhat happens in a parent’s body and brain when they watch their 20-something struggle, and why fight/flight/freeze/fawn responses are so commonFive practical self-regulation tools for parents, including the “helicopter view,” the 90-second emotional wave, separating love from control, protecting your peace, and practicing radical acceptanceHow to hold boundaries, hope, and heartbreak at the same time—and stay connected to your adult child without over-functioning for themThis episode is for every parent who’s ever thought, “I taught you better than this,” panicked over a late-night text, or wondered how to care deeply without constantly feeling like you’re on emotional red alert. You are not crazy, you are not alone, and your nervous system deserves support too.

Discover how emotions serve as essential signals guiding your needs and boundaries. Learn why avoiding feelings can lead to burnout and how embracing emotional regulation builds resilience and connection for both adults and children.

Explore the unique strengths and challenges ADHD brings to relationships, from spontaneous creativity to communication hurdles. Discover practical tools and inspiring stories that transform obstacles into teamwork and deeper connection.

In this episode, Dr. Julie unpacks the myths around self-care, revealing the difference between surface-level soothing and deep, nervous system healing. Listen along as she shares personal stories and invites you to reflect on what real self-care means for you.

Join Dr. Julie as she explores the beautiful complexity of being human and offers compassionate tools for mental health and real-life growth. Together, we'll create a safe space to understand yourself, reconnect with your worth, and embrace healing with kindness.

Dive into the surprising ways gaming can build connection, skills, and confidence, alongside the risks when play turns excessive. Dr. Julie shares real stories and practical tips to help you or your family find a healthy balance in a digital world.

January comes with unique emotional, financial, social, and environmental challenges that can leave many people feeling depleted just as the new year begins. In this episode, Dr. Julie and Kai dive into why January hits so hard and share science-backed, compassionate strategies to move through the fog. Tune in for practical tools, real stories, and new ways to view this season.

Dr. Julie shares a behind-the-scenes look at her upcoming book and how it reframes trauma and anxiety through kindness, neuroscience, and self-compassion. We unpack why nervous-system wisdom matters, why you’re not defective for struggling, and how to move from surviving to feeling safe and connected.

Discover how Dry January can kickstart a healthier, more intentional year, redefining your relationship with alcohol and self-care. Dr. Julie Sorenson and Kai Mercer unpack the science, benefits, and real-life strategies to turn one month of mindful choices into lasting change.

Dr. Julie Sorenson shares the heart behind her newest book arriving in 2026, exploring themes of resilience, healing, and authentic self-compassion. Join this heartfelt episode where Dr. Julie reveals the inspiration, topics, and transformative hope woven into her message for anyone who’s ever felt ‘too much’ or ‘not enough.’

Dr. Julie Sorenson unpacks why back talk escalates during winter break, how to respond at any age, and what it takes to keep your own peace as a parent. Discover practical therapist-approved strategies to restore calm, teach real self-regulation, and turn holiday chaos into an opportunity for growth.

The holidays can be joyous and overwhelming at once. In this episode, Dr. Julie Sorenson unpacks practical ways to keep your peace, your wallet, and your relationships intact, sharing boundary-setting tips, strategies to cope with stress, and guidance for honest conversations with family and kids.

This episode explores why traditional financial milestones like home ownership are out of reach for many young adults and divorcees in 2025, and how adaptability, smart budgeting, and shifting mindsets are helping people find stability and peace. Dr. Julie Sorenson brings clinical insight and practical tools for navigating the realities of today’s economic landscape—no shame, just real talk.

Discover how to leave 2025 behind, prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and surround yourself with supportive people for a thriving, authentic 2026.