PODCAST · health
The Tortured Therapist Unit
by Heather Olson LPC-S and Faith Brown LAC
Licensed therapists discuss Taylor Swift's music and how it relates to mental health, therapy, and life. There is so much in her music ... come on this journey with us!
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55
Elizabeth Taylor
Glamour. Elegance.Fame. Elizabeth Taylor and Taylor Swift's worlds merge in this song. We dive in and pull the threads...
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54
Fate of Ophelia
New Season! We discuss the newest of Taylor's albums - and we put 'Fate of Ophelia" at the top. Check out our new short format, see our Tiktoks and vibe with us!
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53
You're Losing Me
We finish of the Midnights album witha discussion on listerning, non-verbals, emotion and relationships. Stop! Are you listening?
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52
Labyrinth
Lost in a maze of relationship feels? We find our map to Taylor's Labyrinth.
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51
Bejeweled
We dive into Taylor Swift’s “Bejeweled” to explore its deeper themes of self-worth, emotional boundaries, and reclaiming your shine after feeling overlooked. We unpack how the song’s glittering imagery reflects the therapeutic process of rebuilding confidence, honoring your needs, and refusing to dim yourself for others. Hold on to your sparkle!
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50
Vigilante Sh!t
Grrl power, at its finest. Mother and daughter dissect this guide of not being the prim and proper lady, but the strong, in-your-face woman that Taylor sings about.
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49
Question...?
Question? Question...? We ask the interrogatory song details and fall in love with this post-relationship questionnaire. How would you do?
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48
Midnight Rain
What thoughts plague you in the middle of the night? Let's look at Taylor's thoughts and how they mingle with therapy.
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47
Life of a Showgirl
A therapist, a theater teacher, and a music ed student walk into a podcast to review Taylor’s new album, Life of a Showgirl. They unpack its themes of performance, vulnerability, and reinvention—mixing insight, humor, and a few favorite lyrics as they explore how Swift turns fame into art.
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46
You're On Your Own, Kid
You aren't. But find your tribe. We cover this anthem to Taylor's fight for being strong in your independence. We'll be your tribe. Therapy and Taylor. It's here!
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45
Snow On The Beach
Therapists + Taylor Swift’s “Snow on the Beach” = all the feels, all the therapy talk.
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44
Antihero
In this episode, we talk about depression and why Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” hits such a nerve. It’s part therapy chat, part pop-culture deep dive—perfect for anyone who loves a good Taylor lyric and an honest conversation about mental health.
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43
Maroon
Two therapists talking about Taylor Swift's Maroon? Yes please!
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42
Lavender Haze
We're back! New season, new album! Join us as we make our way through the clouds of Taylor's track dedicated to the relationships of her Midnights album. Therapy, haze and Taylor - we explore it all!
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41
Is It Over Now?
We unpack "Is It Over Now?", diving into themes of unresolved endings, lingering doubt, and emotional whiplash after a breakup. We explore Swift’s sharp lyrics and shifting tone as she questions closure and reflects on a love that refuses to fully fade.
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40
Say Don't Go
We explore the emotional and mental health themes in Taylor Swift’s “Say Don’t Go,” focusing on the pain of feeling unseen, unspoken heartbreak, and the quiet struggles behind unmet emotional needs. A raw look at how the lyrics echo real mental health experiences.
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39
Now That We Don't Talk
This episode explores Taylor ’s "Now That We Don’t Talk," focusing on emotional distance, post-breakup growth, and the complex mix of pain and freedom that comes with letting go of a past connection.
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38
Wonderland
We're exploring the mental health themes in “Wonderland,” using the song’s vivid metaphors to discuss emotional escapism, anxiety, and the disorienting effects of toxic relationships. Drawing parallels to the rabbit hole of Alice in Wonderland, they unpack how love can distort reality and lead to a loss of self. Insightful and reflective, the conversation offers a therapeutic lens on navigating chaos, identity, and the allure of fantasy in the search for stability.
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37
Wildest Dreams
Therapists and guests explore the emotional depth of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” examining how its dreamy sound and lyrics reflect romantic idealization, emotional choices between impulse and addiction, and the mental health impact of fleeting relationships.
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36
This Love
In this episode, we explore how Taylor Swift’s "This Love" mirrors the emotional journey of therapy—grief, release, and renewal. With insight as therapists and as Swifties, we unpack how music can help process heartbreak and growth, turning pain into healing.
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35
New Romantics
We dive into the glittering, emotionally layered world of Taylor Swift’s “New Romantics.” Through a therapeutic lens, we explore how the song captures the highs and lows of young adulthood, the search for meaning in chaos, and the romanticization of resilience.
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34
Clean
In this episode, we dive into Taylor Swift’s hauntingly beautiful track “Clean” from her 1989 album. We unpack the emotional depth of the lyrics, exploring themes of healing, self-liberation, and the quiet strength found after heartbreak. Join us as we reflect on how “Clean” captures the moment when pain begins to fade and clarity sets in.
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33
Out of the Woods
Faith and Heather use Taylor Swift’s Out of the Woods as the ultimate therapy anthem for navigating anxiety and life’s messy middle. Healing isn’t always about being “in the clear” — it’s about learning to feel safe, even in the woods.
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32
Bad Blood
In this episode, therapists Heather and Faith dive into Taylor Swift’s hit “Bad Blood”—a song all about betrayal, broken friendships, and drama. They break down the emotions behind the lyrics, talk about why fights with friends hurt so much, and share tips on handling trust issues and moving on. Is forgiveness always the answer? Or is it okay to let go?Tune in for real talk on friendship fallouts and how to heal! 🎙️💕 #Therap #BadBlood #SwiftieSessions #Torturedtherapists
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31
Blank Space
This happy song gets a good scouring by our resident therapists - will you write your name?
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30
Shake It Off!
Welcome to Season Three! We start off with a banger—"Shake it Off," and we are having fun! Heather and Faith talk about not letting outside opinions knock us off track as we groove to this anthem about moving on.
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29
The Manuscript
Season 2 Finale! Does reviewing the past help clear your future, like reading the pages of your life manuscript? Let's find out together!
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28
Robin
Innocence gained or lost? We unpack Taylor's anthem to the sweetness of innocence. Way to go, Tiger.
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27
The Prophecy
We have explored a lot of Taylor's songs here. What is "The Prophecy" and how does having insight into your future help you?
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26
It's Christmas in Cleveland Heights!
We examine Travis and Jason Kelce's new carol "It's Christmas Time (In Cleveland Heights)." What are your go-to Christmas family traditions?
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25
I Look In People's Windows
In this heartfelt episode, we dive into Taylor Swift's evocative line, "I look in people's windows," exploring how our glimpses into others' lives—real or imagined—shape our mental health and sense of belonging. Are these windows opportunities for connection, or do they distort reality, leading to comparison and isolation? Let's find out!
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24
thanK you aIMee
It's a deep one! Faith and Heather look at reframing in this anthem to moving on from pain and forging your new path. Who are your thank yous? Let's deconstruct them together...
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23
Cassandra and Peter
Kill the Messenger or Eternal Youth?Join our Swiftie Therapists as they welcome Dr. Casey Alane Wilson to explore two fascinating extremes: embracing the painful truth versus chasing the illusion of eternal youth. Ever dreamed of taking a college class on Taylor Swift's music and its impact on pop culture? Meet the professor who makes that dream a reality!
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22
I Hate It Here
Taylor's "I Hate It Here" goes on the therapy couch as Faith and Heather weed and prune in The Secret Garden of Mental Health.
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21
So High School
How was high school for you? Let's look at Taylor's anthem to crushes and her biggest crush - Travis - and how mental health and relationships can be fulfilling, sweet, and exciting!
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20
How Did It End
We explore Taylor Swift's "How Did It End," analyzing how her lyrics reflect common emotional struggles in relationships. Through Swift’s words on heartbreak and closure, they offer insights into attachment, boundaries, and healing, blending relationship psychology with her powerful storytelling.
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19
The Albatross
Good or bad luck? Heather and Faith unpack the angels and devils of Taylor's "The Albatross." Coolridge and mental health mixed with Taylor's spin? Yes, please!
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18
imgonnagetyouback
We take apart Taylor's anthem to not playing - or changing the game in our latest. Discover the space where Taylor Swift's lyrics and mental health overlap, collide and vibe!
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17
The Black Dog
New Season Alert! Welcome to "The Black Dog"! Join two therapists as we dive into Taylor Swift's songs and talk about feelings and friendships. We’ll have fun exploring the meaning behind her lyrics and how they connect to our everyday lives. Get ready for cool conversations about music and emotions!
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16
Recap 2
Don't miss our season finale as we recap the last half of our hike through the mountains of Taylor's lyrics! With a special guest, we say goodbye to London, examine the alchemy, and hit the gym to reflect on how life, mental health, and Taylor's lyrics all meld into a great episode.
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15
So Long, London
Heather and Faith explore Taylor's "So Long, London" and its therapy connections. They dive into the song’s themes of closure and transformation and how it parallels common therapy experiences. Sharing insights and personal stories deepens the listening even more!. Don't miss a compelling discussion on how Taylor's music mirrors our emotional journeys and supports personal growth.
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14
The Alchemy
Join Heather and Faith as they chat about Taylor’s epic "The Alchemy" and how it connects to therapy. They’ll talk about how the song’s ideas about change and growth relate to what people work on in therapy. This fun breakdown shows how music and therapy mix, making the journey to feeling better a little more exciting. Perfect for Swifties and anyone curious about how songs can help us understand ourselves better!
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13
Down Bad
Teenage Petulance and Don't Tell Me-! Taylor dives deep and so do our therapists Faith and Heather. Join us on this deep look at Taylor's lyrics and mental health collisions!
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12
But Daddy I Mashup 2
Ready to dive into Taylor Swift’s lyrics like never before? Join us as we explore the stories behind "But Daddy, I Love Him" and "World's Smallest Man," and see how Taylor’s songs connect with mental health in ways you might not expect. Let’s break down the lyrics, vibe with Taylor, and discover what makes her music a powerful source of inspiration for mental health pros. Don’t miss out—this is one episode you’ll want to hear!
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11
Daddy I Love Him Smallest Man Mashup LOML
Join us on this guest episode with Madison, our new intern! Swifties and mental health professionals vibe to Tortured Poets lyrics and how they interact in life and mental health;.
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10
Tortured Poets Department
Why are poets and artists always so tortured? Faith and Heather are here to dig into the drama in this episode featuring the Tortured Poets Department! They’ll unravel the mysteries of mental health and dive into Taylor Swift’s epic lyrics to see what makes these creative souls tick. Buckle up for a fun, deep-dive exploration!
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9
Who We Are and Why!
Do you love Taylor Swift? So do we! And as therapists, we like talking about the lyrics, music and all things mental health and how it vibes best with Taylor. Listen!
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8
London Nights
Bonus Episode: We react to the London three-night concert. Travis! Oh my! Our guest Amy chimes in and we have a lot of fun - lisen now!
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7
Recap!
Meet Amy Pumphrey. Theatre educator and Swiftie. And our first guest to discuss Fortnight, Fresh Out the Slammer and Who's Afraid of Little Old Me, and all our featured Taylor Swift songs. Lyrics, teens, life, and mental health are on the menu for this episode!
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6
Fortnight
Have you gone to Florida? Bought the car you want? Fell in love for only a fortnight? Heather and Faith dive into the crazy depths of Taylor's "Fortnight." Mental health, relationships, and watering flowers - the lines between folklore and fantasy examined!
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