The Modern Therapy Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Annie, a therapist who incorporates art therapy into her work, to explore how creativity becomes a powerful tool for emotional processing, self-awareness, and healing. From perfectionism and creative blocks to the pressure of always being “productive,” we break down why so many people disconnect from art—and how reconnecting with it can unlock insight, regulation, and growth in ways traditional talk therapy sometimes can’t.

In this episode, we sit down to break down the psychological reality of Survivor—and why it functions as a real-world social experiment under extreme conditions. From starvation and sleep deprivation to paranoia, identity shifts, and emotional breakdowns, we explore how the human mind reacts when basic needs are removed and social pressure is amplified.

In this episode, we sit down with estate planning attorney Anna Catherine Pelligra, Esq. to talk about what actually happens when someone passes away without a will—and why having clear documents in place can make an enormous difference for the people you leave behind.  

In this episode, we talk about something everyone experiences but few people know how to handle well: bad days.From stressful work moments to relationship conflict, it’s easy for one difficult experience to spiral into an entire week of feeling off. We break down why our brains tend to ruminate on negative events and how that can keep stress hormones elevated long after the moment has passed.But the good news is that there are simple ways to reset.This conversation explores practical tools to help you regulate your nervous system, process emotions without getting stuck in them, and prevent one bad day from becoming many.

In this episode, Brandon and Cassie sit down with Kerris to explore what it truly means to build authentic community within the church.From navigating difficult conversations and opposing beliefs to creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued, this conversation dives into the role of vulnerability, active listening, and faith in forming meaningful relationships.Kerris shares powerful stories about the impact of intentional community, the challenges of church hurt, and why real connection isn’t about convincing people — it’s about walking alongside them.

When it comes to taxes, fear spreads faster than facts. In this episode, Cassie and Brandon sit down with CPA and host of The Fun CPA Pod, Yuri Kapalovich, to break down the biggest misconceptions people have about owing the IRS, and what actually happens when you can’t pay.From tax extensions to self-employment pitfalls, Yuri reframes tax season from something panic-inducing to something manageable (yes, really). If you’ve ever worried about going to jail over unpaid taxes, ignored quarterly payments, or felt overwhelmed by 1099 income, this episode is your reality check in the best way.

In this episode of the Modern Therapy Podcast, Cassie and Brandon welcome Elizabeth Barry—transformational coach, speaker, author, and founder of The Kind Communicator. With over 20 years of experience and a background in conscious communication and emotional intelligence, Elizabeth reframes body language and non-verbal communication not as tools for control or mind-reading, but as pathways to empathy, clarity, and emotional safety in our relationships.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon reframe negotiation as a mental health skill—explaining why it’s not about winning or “getting one over” on someone, but about emotional regulation, clear communication, and building relationships that feel sustainable.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon reframe time management as a mental health habit—explaining why it’s not really about doing more, but about reducing emotional overwhelm, protecting your energy, and prioritizing what matters most. 

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon break down why most New Year’s resolutions fail—and how to set goals in a way that actually supports long-term change, consistency, and mental health.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon dive deep into the topic of boundaries—why so many people struggle with them, why they’re misunderstood, and how learning to set them can dramatically improve your relationships, energy, and overall mental health.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon sit down to unpack why driving can trigger such intense anger, how road rage reveals what’s going on in our nervous system, and the small, everyday habits that help you stay in control—behind the wheel and in the rest of your life. 

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon sit down with Patti Read, certified family sleep coach and founder of Goldilocks Sleep Solutions, to explore how sleep shapes our mood, mental health, and daily functioning—from toddler nap strikes to chronic adult insomnia.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon take on TikTok’s most viral self-care trends — from hot girl walks and chlorophyll water to snail facials and cold plunges — giving their therapist-approved takes on what truly supports mental health and what might just be marketing.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon sit down together to reflect on their podcast journey, share the story behind Modern Therapy, and announce what’s next for the show.🔍 What You’ll Hear in This EpisodeReaching a Milestone: Cassie and Brandon celebrate surpassing the “fall-off” point where most podcasts stop, reflecting on their progress and growth.Introducing Seasons: They announce the move to a season-based format to make topics more focused and digestible, starting with Season 2: Everyday Mental Health Habits.Looking Back: The hosts recall memorable guests—like therapists, doulas, and dietitians—and how each conversation brought new insights into mental health and well-being.Their Story: For the first time, Cassie and Brandon formally introduce themselves. They share how they started Modern Therapy in 2017 after quitting their corporate jobs, selling nearly everything they owned, and launching a telehealth practice before it became mainstream.Evolution of Modern Therapy: From facing early skepticism about online therapy to growing a fully remote team, they discuss how the practice evolved—and how their office transformed into a content studio, the birthplace of the podcast.Purpose of the Podcast: Beyond therapy sessions, the show aims to make mental health care relatable, approachable, and practical—exploring how everyday habits influence mental well-being.What’s Next: Season 2 will blend expert interviews with personal conversations focused on simple, actionable habits that support better mental health—whether you’re struggling, improving, or maintaining balance.💬 More Than Just a PodcastCassie and Brandon’s reflections remind us that mental health isn’t confined to therapy sessions—it’s built through daily habits, honest conversations, and a willingness to grow. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on podcast platforms!👇👇👇

In this episode, the hosts sit down with Karlee Smart—a Monmouth County realtor, educator, and former Mrs. New Jersey—to unpack the emotional rollercoaster of buying or selling a home. From first-time buyers’ nerves to divorce listings and burnout prevention, Karlee shares how empathy, education, and strong boundaries can turn real estate into a healing process instead of a stressful one.

In this episode, Cassie and Brandon sit down with Michael Huber, a certified mental performance consultant, athlete mentor, and host of The Freshman Foundation podcast, to dig into the mental side of competitive sports—how teens build confidence, resilience, and self-awareness, and how families and coaches can truly support them.

In this episode of The Modern Therapy Podcast, Cassie and Brandon sit down with Breast Intentions, a nonprofit that supports women diagnosed with breast cancer, to explore the realities of cancer treatment and meaningful ways to be there for loved ones during their journey.

In this episode, we sit down with Jenna, a former school counselor turned social media creator with a community of over 200,000 followers. What started during her maternity leave has grown into a full-time career built on authenticity and connection.Jenna opens up about finding balance between real life and the digital world, how social media can shape self-image and mental health, and why she’s passionate about protecting her children’s privacy online. She also shares her thoughts on the ethical side of influencing and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in this space.Whether you’re curious about life behind the scenes of social media or looking for inspiration on staying grounded in a digital world, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways.

In this episode, we sit down with Dan, a therapist at Modern Therapy, and his sensei, Jon, to unpack the surprising ways martial arts can strengthen your mental health. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, Dan shares how training helped him work through fear and build lasting confidence. Jon brings his perspective from years of teaching kids and adults, highlighting the value of a supportive instructor and the lessons that extend far beyond the mat. Together, they explore the therapeutic parallels between martial arts and mental health work - from managing anxiety to developing self-discipline and reflect on the courage it takes to face fear head-on. The conversation offers thoughtful takeaways on how martial arts can be a powerful practice for building character, resilience, and inner calm.

In this episode, we sit down with Cory Speicher, LPC, a Modern Therapy clinician who specializes in working with couples. Cory shares what drew him to this work, why so many therapists avoid couples therapy altogether, and what actually happens in the room.We talk about the polarizing nature of couples counseling, the importance of transparency, and why the Gottman Method has become such a trusted approach. Cory breaks down key concepts like the "Four Horsemen," emotional flooding, and the power of taking a 20-minute break during conflict.From building stronger communication to navigating big transitions like parenthood, this conversation is full of insight, humor, and practical tools. We wrap up with a fun rapid-fire round and myth-busting true/false segment on common relationship beliefs.

In this episode, we sit down with Annie, a registered dietitian who supports clients seeking a healthier, more grounded relationship with food. Drawing from both personal insight and clinical experience, she’s carved out a niche in intuitive eating and breaks down what that really means. We explore the difference between physical and mental food restrictions, challenge common food rules, and reflect on the emotional burden food can carry. The episode wraps with thoughtful tips for pushing back on diet culture and tuning into what your body actually needs.

In this episode, we sit down with sisters Carissa and Cristianna, the passionate founders of SpOT On Therapy in Monmouth County. Carissa, a licensed speech-language pathologist, works with kids ages 0–15 on everything from articulation and language to social communication. Cristianna, an occupational therapist pursuing her doctorate, brings deep expertise in sensory integration and child development.Together, they share how their collaborative approach helps children thrive—focusing on sensory needs, emotional regulation, picky eating, and even how sleep and inclusive sports play a role in therapy. Their energy is contagious, and their commitment to making therapy fun, personalized, and truly effective shines through.Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or just curious about how speech and occupational therapy overlap with mental health, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, we sit down with Megan from Finn's Friendly Dog Training to unpack the world of service dogs, emotional support animals, and therapy dogs. Megan shares her powerful personal story with her service dog Finn, and what it really takes to train animals that change lives.We explore how to match the right dog to the right need, why ethical breeding matters, and the deep commitment involved in raising and training a service dog. Whether you're considering an emotional support animal, curious about animal-assisted therapy, or just love dogs, this episode offers grounded guidance and heartfelt insight.

When most people think of chiropractic care, they picture loud cracks and viral adjustment videos. But in this episode, Dr. Anthony Pellegrino, pediatric and family chiropractor, joins us to shift that narrative.We dive into how chiropractic care actually works, how it supports the nervous system, and why it’s more about optimizing your health than just fixing your back. From prenatal and pediatric care to everyday habits (hello, tech neck), Dr. Anthony breaks it all down with clarity and heart.Whether you're skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a grounded and eye-opening look at how chiropractic care can be part of whole-body wellness.📚 Dr. Anthony’s Book Recommendations: The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk Molecules of Emotion – Candace Pert🎥 Doc Recommendations: The Business of Being Born The Business of Birth Control

In this episode of The Modern Therapy Podcast, we’re joined by Mary, certified birth doula and founder of Philomena Birth in Red Bank, NJ. Mary brings years of experience supporting women and families through pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.We explore the emotional and physical benefits of having a doula, the importance of comprehensive childbirth education, and how individualized care can transform birth experiences. Mary also shares practical insights on preparing for postpartum, building a supportive birth team, and navigating informed decision-making during labor.Whether you’re expecting, supporting a loved one through birth, or simply curious about maternal mental health, this episode offers a thoughtful, empowering look at why birth is more than just a medical event—it’s a life-changing journey that deserves holistic support.

Join us in a fascinating discussion about the emerging research on the connection between gut health and mental health. Our guest, Kerry Conlon - a registered dietician, shares insights into the bi-directional communication between the brain and the gut, and how gut microorganisms, hormones, and immune modulators influence this intricate relationship. We delve into real-life examples, such as why stress impacts digestive health and vice versa, and the significance of serotonin and dopamine production in the gut. The conversation highlights the importance of a holistic approach to health, combining mental health support with nutritional guidance. Also covered are practical steps for improving gut health, debunking dietary myths, and the role of a registered dietitian in personalized care.