Shrinks on the Brink

Grief doesn't move in order, and it definitely doesn't follow a script.In this episode, we're talking about what grief actually looks like in real life - not the textbook version. From numbness and anger to the pressure of "doing it right," we unpack why grief is so disorienting and why there's no correct way to move through it.We also talk more directly about grief after suicide, including the layers of guilt, unanswered questions, and self-blame that can show up - and why those reactions are common, but not facts.We challenge the old belief that talking about suicide "plants the idea," break down why that myth is harmful, and talk about how honest, safe conversations can actually protect people, not put them at risk.And yes - we touch on the stages of grief and why real grief rarely follows them in any linear way.If you're grieving, supporting someone who is, or just trying to make sense of something that doesn't make sense... this one's for you.If this episode brings up thoughts of self-harm or feeling unsafe, please reach out to someone you trust or a crisis line in your area (988). You don't have to hold that alone.New episodes weekly.Mental health with a side of humor (and honesty we probably shouldn't be trusted with).

How much of who you are... is actually you?In this episode, we're talking about the quiet, often unnoticed influence of friend groups - and how the people around you shape everything from your habits and humor to your confidence, goals, and relationships. It's not as obvious as peer pressure. It's subtler than that. You don't just choose your friends... you adapt to them.We're diving into:Why adolescence is such a critical window for identityHow your environment shapes you without you realizing itWhat it looks like to outgrow friendships (and why it's so uncomfortable)And the question most people avoid: Are your current friendships aligned with who you actually want to be?If you've ever felt like a different version of yourself depending on who you're around... this one's for you.

When most people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, they picture cleaning, organizing, or needing things "just right." But OCD is so much more than that - and often far more distressing. In this episode, we break down what OCD actually is, including intrusive thoughts, compulsions (both visible and mental), and why the cycle can feel impossible to escape. We also explore common misconceptions, the role of anxiety and interpretation, and what evidenced-based treatment like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) looks like.Having a thought doesn't make it true - and it definitely doesn't define you.

In this episode, we explore the tension between accountability and context in the wake of a highly publicized incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul.Through a domestic violence-informed lens, we unpack how relationship dynamics, escalation patterns, and emotional dysregulation can contribute to moments of harm -without excusing them.We also examine how gender, privilege, and bias shape the way we judge others... and ourselves.

Letting go often requires grieving - old identities, expectations, relationships, and patterns that once served a purpose.In this episode, we explore the emotional and psychological barriers to letting go, and why the process can feel so uncomfortable - even when it's necessary for growth.

If it’s not productive… do we even want it?In this episode, we challenge the idea that everything needs to have a purpose. From turning hobbies into side hustles to feeling guilty for “wasting time,” we unpack why play feels so hard—and what that reveals about how we measure our worth.Shoutout to one of our breakdown besties, Chet, for this episode idea—keep an eye out for your special gift 👀

We have more access to information than any generation before us - but what is it doing to us?In this episode, we explore the emotional impact of constant exposure to news, opinions, and global crises. Are we becoming more aware... or just more overwhelmed?We talk about compassion fatigue, emotional boundaries with information, and why the human brain may not be built to process the entire world at once.

We have more access to information than any generation before us - but what is it doing to us?In this episode, we explore the emotional impact of constant exposure to news, opinions, and global crises. Are we becoming more aware... or just more overwhelmed?We talk about compassion fatigue, emotional boundaries with information, and why the human brain may not be built to process the entire world at once.

Ever notice how sometimes when things are going really well... your brain immediately starts waiting for something to go wrong?In this episode, we're talking about that familiar feeling of "waiting for the other shoe to drop." Why does happiness sometimes feel suspicious? Why do we struggle to trust good moments when they happen?We unpack the psychology behind this mindset, where it comes from, and how past experiences, anxiety, and uncertainty can make it hard to fully enjoy the present. If you've ever caught yourself bracing for disaster in the middle of a good moment, you're definitely not alone.Let's talk about it.

Ever wonder if you can be too self-aware?In this episode, we're talking about what happens when therapy language, constant self-analysis, and endless "healing work" start to go a little... sideways. Somewhere between setting boundaries, processing our childhoods, and naming every emotion we've ever had, many of us ended up accidentally over-therapizing our lives.We're breaking down:When self-awareness is helpful vs. exhaustingHow therapy speak can sometimes replace real communicationWhy constant introspection can actually keep us stuckThe difference between growth and over-processingAnd yes... we're absolutely calling ourselves out along the way.If you've ever said, "I'm triggered," "I need to process," or "Let me sit with that" and wondered if maybe you're doing a little too much therapy on yourself, this episode is for you.Because healing is important... but sometimes you just need to go touch grass and live your life.

In this episode, we unpack the difference between boundaries and avoidance - and why the distinction isn't always obvious.On the surface, stepping back, saying no, or creating distance can all look the same. But the function behind the behavior matters.We explore:How avoidance is reinforced by short-term reliefWhy anxiety and values-driven boundaries can feel similarThe role of defenses and resistanceHow relationship history can shape when we pull awayQuestions to help you determine whether you're protecting your capacity or escaping discomfortBecause sometimes "protecting your peace" is aligned and necessary... and sometimes it's fear in a more socially acceptable form.The goal isn't perfection - it's awareness.

In this episode, we explore the many layers of community - from deep support to every day belonging - and why humans aren't meant to do life alone. We talk about independence culture, corrective relational experiences, and the ways connection regulates our nervous systems, often without even realizing it.This conversation invites you to rethink what it means to be supported and how intentionally building community can provide stability, co-regulation, and opportunities for relational healing.

Venting can be healing... until it isn't.In this episode, we talk about the difference between processing and getting stuck in an emotional loop. We unpack why venting feels regulating at first, how chronic complaining can quietly keep us activated, and what to notice when talking it out stops brining relief.This is not a "stop complaining" episode. It's an honest, compassionate conversation about nervous systems, connection, compassion fatigue, and how to tell when you need validation, rest, or something different altogether. We also invite listeners into a simple check-in to help you notice whether you're processing, spiraling, or somewhere in between - because awareness beats shame every time.If you've ever left a venting conversation feeling worse instead of better, you're not broken. You're human.

Some days you want to take up space. Some days you want to disappear into someone else's care.In this episode, we talk about the very real (and very human) pull between wanting to feel small - held, protected, and not responsible for everything. We explore how this shows up in ambition, relationships, self-worth, and the quiet ways we try to prove ourselves... even when we're not sure we want the thing we're chasing. There's no pathology here. No "inner child work" checklist. Just an honest conversation about oscillating between strength and softness - and why both can coexist without meaning anything is wrong with you.If you've ever felt torn between pushing forward and wanting to be taken care of, this one's for you.

AI is everywhere right now - including therapy spaces. So we're talking about it.In this episode, we unpack what AI gets wrong about therapy, what it surprisingly gets right, and why using AI as a replacement for human connection can quietly miss the point. We share real examples, laugh at the absurd parts, and name the risks without shaming anyone who's tried it (yes... even us).This isn't an anti-AI rant or a fear-based take. It's a grounded, therapist-led conversation about nuance, ethics, and why being human still matters - especially when things get messy.If you've ever asked yourself, "Is this helpful... or just easier?" - this one's for you.

In part II, we move beyond the medical details and into the part that's harder to name: the mental and emotional impact of living in a body that doesn't feel safe or predictable anymore.We talk about the anxiety of waiting for answers, the hypervigilance that creeps in, and the quiet grief that comes with losing the version of yourself that once felt capable. We unpack how chronic health issues mess with identity, patience, parenting, sex, work - and why shame shows up so strongly in "private" diagnoses.This episode also explores medical dismissal, humiliation, and how absurd navigating the healthcare system can feel. We share how humor isn't denial for us - it's regulation. And why connection, not toxic positivity, is often the thing that buffers trauma the most.This isn't an advice episode.It's an honesty episode.If you've ever felt unseen, minimized, or mentally exhausted by health stuff - you're not alone.

In this first part of a deeply personal two-part series, we talk about the physical side of health struggles - the diagnoses, injuries, and moments that changed how we move through the world.We share our own medical stories with honesty and humor, including chronic illness, injuries, and the losses that come with them - especially when your go-to coping skills disappear overnight.This episode is about what happens to the body: the waiting, the tests, the uncertainty, and the quiet grief that comes when your physical reality shifts. Part II will focus on the mental and emotional impact - identity, shame, medical dismissal, and how connection helps us survive what our bodies put us through.If you're navigating health issues, chronic pain, or a season when your body feels unfamiliar, this one's for you.

Why does boredom feel so uncomfortable now? And why do we avoid it at all costs?In this episode, we unpack why boredom has become almost intolerable in modern life - and what our brains are actually doing when we reach for our phones, snacks, scrolling, or anything to escape stillness. We talk habit loops, dopamine, discomfort, and why "just sit with it" feels impossible for so many of us. We also challenge the idea that boredom is something to fix - and explore how tolerating small moments of boredom might actually help with emotional regulation, focus, and breaking unwanted habits. Low pressure. No shame. Just two therapists getting curious about why doing nothing feels so hard.

Ever wonder why you know what to do... but still can't seem to do it?In this episode, we break down why habits are so hard to change - and it's not because you lack motivation or discipline. We talk about how the brain, nervous system, and past experiences work together to keep patterns in place, even when they no longer serve us. We unpack:Why willpower alone doesn't workHow stress and survival wiring reinforce habitsThe emotional comfort hidden inside "bad habits."What actually helps habits shift in a way that sticksIf you've ever felt frustrated with yourself for falling back into old patterns, this episode is a reminder: you're not broken - your brain is doing exactly what it learned to do.Come for the insight. Stay for the compassion (and probably a laugh or two).

Sight, sound, touch, tase, smell - our senses shape how we remember the world. In this episode, we dive into the surprising ways sensory experiences can trigger vivid memories, emotions, and even moments we thought we'd forgotten. From childhood nostalgia to unexpected sensory flashbacks, we explore how the body and mind are connected, and why certain sights, sounds, or smells hit harder than words alone. Get ready for stories, science, and a few laughs along the way.

It's the New Year - and instead of pressure, resolutions, or pretending we have it all figured out, we're talking honestly about what it's like to carry old patterns into a new calendar year.In this episode, we unpack the emotional weight people bring into January, the expectations we inherit (and internalize), and how change actually happens - slowly, imperfectly, and often through behavior before emotion.No reinvention required.No fresh start fantasy.Just two therapists on the brink, welcoming another year with curiosity, humor, and a little grace. Actually, we might still be working on that last part. If the New Year feels heavy, overwhelming, or complicated 0 you're not doing it wrong. You're human.

In this episode, we're talking about money - and all the emotions that come with it. Stress, shame, avoidance, anxiety, control, comparison... finances are rarely just about numbers. We unpack how our money stories are shaped by upbringing, survival, trauma, and nervous systems - and why financial struggles don't mean you're irresponsible or failing. From avoidance and overspending to scarcity mindset and financial guilt, we explore how mental health and money are deeply intertwined.This isn't a budgeting episode. It's a compassionate, honest conversation about finances, self-worth, and why so many of us feel overwhelmed - even when we're "doing everything right."If money has ever made you feel anxious, stuck, or ashamed... this one's for you.

It's a special treat this holiday season! We start with the classic Elf on the Shelf story... then, because we can't help ourselves, we present our very own The Therapist on the Shelf version. Expect cozy laughs, gentle holiday chaos, and all the insights that happen when elves start reframing behavior, checking in on feelings, and facilitating family dynamics. Whether you're a fan of the original story or just here for a warm, funny, therapist-approved twist, this bonus episode is perfect for your seasonal listening.Grab some cocoa, pull up a blanket, and let your elf (and your therapist) do the rest.

Winter hits different - and not always in a cozy way. Join us as we unpack Seasonal Affective Disorder: why your brain feels heavier, why you crave sleep (or cookies), and how small shifts can make a huge difference. We talk science, symptoms, and real-life coping, plus the weird little things we do to stay sane when the sun ghosts us for months.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Lou Anne Bates to explore the emotional, physical, and invisible load carried by caregivers. From advocating for loved ones to navigating the mental strain of constant responsibility, Lou Anne opens up about the realities most people never see.We talk burnout, boundaries, compassion fatigue, guilt, resentment, identity loss, and the complicated love that keeps caregivers showing up-often at their own expense. She shares the practices that helped her stay grounded, including the role of energy work in reconnecting with herself during one of the hardest seasons of her life. Whether you're a caregiver, love a caregiver, or work with caregivers, this conversation is validating, honest, and full of small shifts that can make a big difference.If you've ever felt alone in the heaviness of caring for someone else, this episode is for you.

Ever felt that "whoa" moment that makes everything pause for a second? Turns out, awe isn't just a feel-good emotion - it has legit mental and physical health benefits. In this episode, we break down the science behind awe, why your brain loves wonder, and how tiny everyday moments can acutally regulate your nervous system.From sunsets to small acts of kindness, we're talking practical, therapist-approved ways to bring more awe into your life (without needing a plan ticket).

The holidays are here… and so is the stress! 🎁 Join therapists Austin McDonough and Kellie Campbell as they unwrap the messy emotions behind family gatherings, unrealistic expectations, and that one relative who always has one too many spiked eggnogs. Grab a snack, lower the bar, and remember—you’re allowed to enjoy the season imperfectly.

This week on Shrinks on the Brink, Austin and Kellie sit down with a licensed EMDR therapist to explore Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—an evidence-based approach to trauma treatment.They discuss the origins of EMDR, how it helps the brain reprocess painful memories, and common myths surrounding trauma therapy.Perfect for anyone curious about EMDR or considering it for themselves.

This week on Shrinks on the Brink, Austin and Kellie sit down with a licensed EMDR therapist to explore Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—an evidence-based approach to trauma treatment.They discuss the origins of EMDR, how it helps the brain reprocess painful memories, and common myths surrounding trauma therapy.Perfect for anyone curious about EMDR or considering it for themselves.

We're tired, you're tired, and sleep hygiene sounds fake anyways. Let's talk bedtime sabotage, why we can't log off, and what to do about it.

It's spooky season, and we're taking "true crime" to a whole new level. This week, we dissect the chilling Schabusiness case - through the eyes of two therapists who can't help but ask: what really makes someone snap?Content warning: Contains graphic descriptions of violence and sensitive mental health topics. Listener discretion advised.

Hot flashes, brain fog, and emotional whiplash - oh my! In this episode, we dive headfirst into the chaos that is perimenopause. We're talking hormones, mood swings, sleep struggles, and all the things no one warned us about.Whether you're in it, approaching it, or just here for the stories, we're unpacking the physical and emotional rollercoaster with our usual blend of humor and honesty. Because if we're going to lose our minds, we might as well laugh about it together.Find us on social media (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook @shrinksonthebrinkpodcast) and join the conversation: What's your wildest hormone moment?Shrinks on the Brink - real therapists, real talk, slightly unhinged.

There's a big difference between enjoying your own company and feeling completely cut off. In this episode, we explore the fine line between solitude and isolation, why alone time can be healing, and when it might be hurting you. Packed with real stories, laughs, and insight, we'll help you figure out how to embrace alone time without getting trapped in loneliness.

Ever feel like your brain just won't quit? In this episode, we dive into the downright exhausting moments of anxiety and overthinking. We share real stories, therapist insights, and a few laughs along the way - because sometimes surviving your own thoughts is easier with company. Tune in for tips, honesty, and the reassurance that you're not alone in your mental chaos.

No one wants to rawdog life. In this episode, we're diving into the messy, funny, and sometimes all-too-relatable world of coping skills and addiction. From caffeine habits to "just one more episode" binges, we get real about the ways we try (and fail) to manage stress. Join us for honest stories, plenty of laughs, and maybe a reminder that healthier coping is possible - even if we don't always take our own advice.

From endless scrolling to online drama, social media can fuel anxiety, comparison, and even strain family dynamics. In this episode, we dig into the highs and lows of living online, explore how it affects mental health, and share practical tools to set boundaries and stay grounded.Tune in for real talk, strategies you can use today, and a few laughs along the way.

Backpacks, buses, and big feelings - back to school isn't just tough on kids, it's tough on parents too. In this episode, we unpack the stress, routines, and emotions that come with the season, and share practical tips to help your whole family transition more smoothly.

Attachment issues? We've got them too. In this episode, we break down the different attachment styles - secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized - and talk about how they show up in everyday relationships. From childhood roots to adult dynamics, we're unpacking why we connect (or disconnect) the way we do. And of course, we'll keep it real, a little funny, and hopefully leave you feeling seen.Perfect for listeners who've ever asked: Why do I always attract the same type of partner? or Why do I pull away when people get close?

Ever find yourself bending over backwards for others while your own needs take a back seat? In this episode, we're unpacking codependency - what it actually means, how it sneaks into relationships, and why it can leave you feeling drained, resentful, or invisible. We'll talk about where codependent patterns come from, how to recognize them in your own life, and simple strategies to start breaking free. And of course... expect a little humor, a little real talk, and some therapist confessions along the way.Whether you're the fixer, the people-pleaser, or just curious about why you keep attracting the same dynamics - this one's for you.

Narcissism - its a word thrown around everywhere, but what does it actually look like in relationships, work, and therapy? In this episode, we break down the traits, the cycle of narcissistic abuse, and the toll it takes on mental health. We'll share real therapist insights, sprinkle some humor (because sometimes you have to laugh at the chaos), and talk about how to recognize red flags and start the healing process. Whether you've dealt with a narcissist, wondered if you're the problem (spoiler: you're probably not), or just want to understand this buzzword better, this episode is for you.Shrinks on the Brink - making mental health real, relatable, and sometimes hilarious.

Why is it so hard to set boundaries without feeling like the "bad guy"? In this episode, we unpack why boundaries matter, how to actually set them, and the guilt that often follows. You'll hear real, vulnerable stories and practical tools for holding the line without losing yourself.Because sometimes protecting your peace means saying no - and that's more than okay.

Burnout isn't just "being tired." It's the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that makes even the simplest tasks feel impossible. In this episode, we get real about how burnout shows up for us as therapists, how to spot the early signs, and why "just take a vacation" isn't the magic fix people think it is. Expect honesty, a few laughs, and some practical ways to start feeling human again. Shrinks on the Brink - where mental health talk meets real life.

Ever felt like a total fraud... even when you're crushing it? Us too. In this episode, we crack open the messy, all too familiar experience of imposter syndrome - the voice that whispers, "You're not good enough," even when there's a pile of proof that says otherwise. We share where imposter syndrome shows up in our lives, why it's so common, and what to do when self-doubt tries to run the show. Expect real talk, practical tools, some laughter, and maybe even a named inner critic or two (looking at you, Betty).Let's unpack the fear, challenge the lies, and remind ourselves that credentials don't cancel out being human.

In this debut episode of Shrinks on the Brink, licensed therapists Austin McDonough and Kellie Campbell crack open the messy middle between self-doubt and showing up anyway.From starting a private practice to launching this very podcast (gulp), we’re sharing the behind-the-scenes fears, flops, and surprisingly freeing moments that come with taking the leap—terrified and unqualified.Expect: Lots of laughter (some of it nervous) A gentle nudge to start that thing you’ve been avoidingSo whether you’re one bad day away from your own breakdown or secretly building your dream in the dark—this one’s for you.Welcome to the spiral. DM us the thing you’re scared to start—we might just shout you out (with permission, of course).