Two Shrinks and a Mic

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross have spent decades sitting across from people who genuinely want to stop using drugs or alcohol and simply can't. This conversation gets into why that happens, and why willpower has far less to do with it than most people think.A specific region deep in the brain called the nucleus accumbens gets reprogrammed by repeated drug use, eventually overpowering the logical, planning part of the brain. That's not a metaphor. It's why someone can leave the emergency room after a cocaine-induced cardiac arrest and stop to buy more on the way home.They walk through what addiction actually means, including the difference between physical dependence and the full picture of compulsive use that derails jobs, relationships, and daily life. There's also a genetic piece that often goes unacknowledged, along with the emotional piece, that quiet feeling that something is missing, which drugs and alcohol can temporarily fill in ways that get remembered.The conversation also gets honest about what rehab programs often miss. Treating the substance abuse without addressing the underlying anxiety, depression, or other psychological struggles is one of the reasons so many people cycle in and out of treatment. The long-standing tension in 12-step communities around psychiatric medication comes up too, and how that's slowly shifting.They close on something worth sitting with. The cultural normalization of gummies, edibles, and now psychedelics is convincing a lot of people that certain substances are simply not a problem. Two clinicians who've watched families fall apart over exactly that kind of thinking aren't so sure.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross pull back the curtain on one of the most loaded questions in mental health care: when does someone actually need medication, and who decides that?The two talk through how the field got here, including decades of therapists and psychiatrists operating in separate silos, rarely talking to each other, and why that siloed approach hasn't served patients well. They're honest about the turf issues that still exist today and why good collaboration between prescribers and therapists remains the exception rather than the rule.A lot of the conversation centers on what people get wrong about medication. The fear of addiction, the belief that needing a pill means something is seriously wrong, the opposite trap of wanting a quick fix without doing the harder therapeutic work. They also dig into the difference between dependency and addiction, and why that distinction matters more than most people realize.They get into specific scenarios too, like when someone's anxiety or obsessive thinking is so intense that therapy alone can't get traction, and how medication can quiet the nervous system enough for the real work to begin. There's also a frank discussion about lithium being underused despite being a gold standard, why sleep problems are more treatable than people think, and what a medication plan should actually look like versus a ten-minute appointment ending in a prescription.The throughline is something they clearly both believe: medication and therapy work best together, referring a patient for a psychiatric consult isn't failure, and most people can get better.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThat familiar Monday morning stomachache might be telling you something. Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross sit down with pediatrician Dr. Celina Moore to explore what it really means when a child's emotions show up in their body — and how families can respond before things escalate.Dr. Moore walks through how she approaches the classic school day stomachache: ruling out medical causes, recognizing patterns, and then asking the bigger questions about stress, separation, and fear. She explains why so many kids simply don't have the words for what they're feeling yet — and why that makes the physical symptoms worth listening to just as carefully as any other sign of illness.The conversation also travels far beyond the exam room. Dr. Moore shares her ongoing work in Ghana through the Acoma M Tosso Foundation, which she founded with her husband — returning year after year to the same villages to build trust, address children's health needs, and tackle the deeper barriers that keep kids from getting care. She reflects on compassion, clinician burnout, and what keeps her connected to this work across two continents.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross sit down with Dr. Ryan Seidman, a child psychologist and clinical director of the Children's Center for Psychiatry, Psychology, and Related Services, to talk about what it actually looks like to raise and treat a child who learns or experiences the world differently.Dr. Seidman pushes back on the idea that neurodivergent kids fit neatly into any one category. Every child has strengths and weaknesses, she says, and understanding that changes everything about how you approach treatment, school planning, and even parenting itself.The conversation gets into why public school evaluations can take up to two years in Florida, what private psychoeducational testing actually covers beyond just an IQ number, and how that data gets translated into real support through IEPs and 504 plans. There's also a candid discussion about what happens when the bigger challenge isn't the child at all.They talk about screens, structure, the loss of the family dinner table, and why so many kids today are struggling to communicate and socialize in ways that feel new and alarming. Dr. Seidman shares that she's navigating some of this herself as a parent, which is very much the point.The episode closes on what makes the Children's Center model work: not just the range of services under one roof, but the fact that the clinicians actually function as a team, communicating in real time, and treating the whole family, not just the child who walked in the door.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailGetting help sounds simple until you actually try to do it. Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross walk through the less obvious reasons people hesitate, from shame and privacy concerns to the quiet belief that we should be able to handle things on our own. It’s not the same as going to a dentist or fixing a car, and people feel that difference in a very real way.They also get into what happens once you decide to reach out. Insurance limitations, mismatched referrals, short treatment windows, and medication hurdles can turn the process into something frustrating and discouraging. Even finding the right kind of help can feel like guesswork if you don’t know where to start.There’s a practical side to this too. Starting with a primary care doctor, ruling out medical causes, and looking for specialists who actually match the problem can make a difference. But even those steps come with tradeoffs depending on cost, access, and availability.Underneath all of it is something both of them come back to often. Mental health is harder to see, harder to define, and easier to misunderstand. But people do get better. Even when it doesn’t feel believable in the moment, that possibility is still there.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailA lot of anxiety comes back to one uncomfortable feeling people don’t always have words for — feeling stuck, like you need to get out but can’t.Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross sit with that idea and follow it from everyday situations like traffic or crowded spaces to something deeper and harder to explain. That sense of being trapped isn’t just about the moment. It connects to fear, loss of control, and even the way we think about uncertainty and mortality.From there, the conversation shifts into what actually helps. Not quick fixes, but small, practical things people can try in real life. Exercise, even something as simple as a walk. Meditation, even when it feels like it’s not working. Apps, breathing techniques, and getting outside. They talk honestly about why these things are hard to start, why people resist them, and why they still matter.They also come back to something they see all the time. People think they’re the only ones feeling this way, or that it means something is wrong with them. It doesn’t.There’s a steady thread throughout about learning to manage anxiety rather than trying to eliminate it, taking small steps, and finding ways to feel a little more in control again.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis is a conversation that keeps coming up, both in the office and in everyday life, especially as more people start to question whether what they’re experiencing is ADHD or something else.Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross walk through what they often see when someone comes in convinced they have ADHD, only to realize the picture is more layered. Difficulty focusing, unfinished projects, feeling mentally scattered… it can all look the same on the surface.But when you slow it down, there’s a difference between a busy mind and a stuck mind. Racing thoughts that jump from one thing to another don’t feel the same as repetitive what if loops that won’t let go. And that distinction starts to matter when you’re trying to understand what’s actually going on.They also talk about how often ADHD and anxiety overlap, how one can feed the other, and why it’s not always clean or easy to separate. Treatment isn’t one size fits all, and quick fixes are rarely the answer.The conversation moves into intrusive thoughts too, including the kind that feel scary or out of character. The kind people don’t always say out loud. And what it means when your brain goes there.At the center of it all is a simple but important idea. Not every thought is meaningful. Sometimes it’s just noise. And learning how to recognize that can shift the way you relate to your own mind.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailADHD gets talked about everywhere now, but living with attention struggles is rarely as simple as a label.Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross take a step back and look at how focus, distraction, and restlessness actually show up over time. They move between childhood and adulthood, where things don’t always look the same but often feel just as frustrating.They sit with the gray area. The overlap between personality, stress, environment, and diagnosis. The ways people adapt, compensate, or quietly struggle without ever having language for what’s going on.There’s some humor, some honesty, and a steady thread throughout about how easy it is to miss the bigger picture when everything gets reduced to a trend.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailSometimes the hardest part of getting help isn’t finding a therapist. It’s actually walking through the door.Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross talk honestly about the many reasons people struggle to follow through with mental health care. Someone may call a clinic asking about therapy, even schedule an appointment, and still never show up. That gap between wanting help and accepting it is something clinicians see every day.A lot of it comes down to what psychologists call resistance. Shame, embarrassment, fear of being judged, and the simple discomfort of sharing personal struggles with a stranger can make people hesitate or hold back. Family upbringing, cultural expectations, and the idea that asking for help means something is “wrong” with you all play a role.They also talk about what happens once someone does make it to therapy. Trust takes time. Painful experiences may not surface until many sessions later. Sometimes people apologize for crying. Sometimes they worry that medication means they are weak or defective. Other times they hope for a quick fix without addressing the deeper issues that led them there.What most people don’t realize is that resistance doesn’t disappear. It’s part of being human. Therapy often means working through that resistance slowly, building trust, and recognizing that emotional pain is just as real as physical pain.For many people, simply showing up is already half the battle.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailMany of the issues people seek therapy for depression, anxiety, relationship problems, substance use often have trauma somewhere in the background. The challenge is that trauma is not always obvious, and it does not always look the way people expect.Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen talk through why trauma can be difficult to recognize and even harder to treat. Memories connected to traumatic experiences can live deep in the brain, carrying emotions, sensations, and reactions that can be triggered years later. That is part of why people may suddenly relive intense fear, even when the original event happened long ago.They explore the difference between trauma with a capital T and trauma with a small t. Major events like war, violence, or disasters are easier to identify, but more subtle experiences emotional abuse, neglect, chronic criticism, or social media bullying can also leave lasting marks that shape trust, relationships, and coping behaviors.The conversation also walks through how trauma treatment actually works. Instead of avoiding painful memories, therapy often involves gradually revisiting them in a safe environment while learning techniques to calm the body and mind. Over time, the brain can relearn that the danger is no longer present.They also discuss approaches like somatic therapies, virtual reality exposure, and EMDR, along with the limits of medication when trauma is the underlying issue. Along the way, they emphasize the importance of working with clinicians who truly understand trauma and the role that partners and families can play in supporting recovery.The message throughout is simple but important: trauma is more common than many people realize, it often hides beneath other struggles, and with the right kind of help, people can move forward.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailEverybody’s heard the word trauma. It’s everywhere right now. But what does it actually mean in real life, outside of headlines and diagnostic labels?Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen walk through how our understanding of trauma has changed over time. It used to mean war, plane crashes, near death experiences. Now we know it can also include childhood emotional abuse, chronic instability at home, witnessing violence, or even living for years in an environment that never felt safe.They talk about the difference between classic post-traumatic stress disorder and what’s often called complex trauma, the kind that builds slowly over time. The kind that can shape trust, relationships, mood, coping habits, and even the way someone expects the world to treat them.There’s a thoughtful discussion about how trauma gets stored in the brain, especially in the amygdala, why certain sounds or situations can instantly trigger old memories, and why two people can go through the same event and respond very differently. They also explore why early patterns of mistrust can echo into adulthood and show up as depression, substance use, eating disorders, or repeated painful relationships.The conversation is honest but hopeful. Being a victim of trauma is real. Staying identified as a victim forever doesn’t have to be. Recovery is possible, and understanding what happened is often the first step toward becoming a survivor.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross sit down with Dr. Celina Moore to talk about what it looks like when emotions show up in a child’s body, and why behavior deserves the same curiosity we give a fever or a cough.They walk through the classic school day stomachache and how a pediatrician thinks about patterns, ruling out medical causes, and then zooming out to what might be happening with stress, fear, or being away from home. Dr. Moore explains why kids often do not yet have the language for what they feel, and how listening, reassurance, and supporting the whole family can make a meaningful difference before things escalate.Beyond her work in South Florida, Dr. Moore also shares her long-standing commitment to children’s health in Ghana. Through the Acoma M Tosso Foundation, which she founded with her husband, she returns to the same villages year after year, building relationships and addressing both physical health concerns and the broader barriers to care that impact children’s lives. The conversation touches on compassion, burnout, and what keeps clinicians connected to the work in the first place.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder gets talked about like a disease, but it’s more complicated than that. Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen pick up their conversation by unpacking the controversy around ADHD, what it actually means for kids and adults, and why it’s better understood as a disorder within a neurodiverse spectrum rather than a life sentence.They walk through what treatment really looks like. Medication can be helpful, sometimes very helpful, but it’s not a magic fix. They talk honestly about stimulant and non stimulant options, how they work, the realities of side effects and monitoring, and why patience matters. Just as important, they highlight the piece that often gets missed: skill building. Time management, organization, and learning how to replace self defeating habits can be just as critical as any prescription.There’s also space here for the emotional side. The quiet kid who falls through the cracks. The class clown who becomes the black sheep. The adult who carries years of believing they just weren’t smart enough. The message isn’t woe is me. It’s deal with what’s there, build the right environment, and help people reach their potential.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailSocial media has made ADHD a household term, but the lived reality is a lot messier and more human than a checklist or a trending label.Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross talk honestly about how attention and distractibility show up across a lifetime. From restless kids labeled as troublemakers to adults juggling work, relationships, and nonstop stimulation, the conversation keeps coming back to a simple question. When does difficulty focusing become a disorder, and when is it just part of being human?They reflect on how ADHD often starts in childhood, why it can feel louder in adulthood, and how identity, self-esteem, and life stress all get tangled together. There are real stories from clinical work, moments of dry humor, and a lot of nuance about creativity, hyperfocus, impulsivity, and the ways people learn to compensate or struggle when they cannot.This is a grounded, experience-based conversation about attention, overload, and what happens when something goes unnamed for too long.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross spend time on the parts of mental health care that don’t show up in textbooks or research papers. The human side. What it actually feels like to sit with a clinician. How hope gets communicated without being promised. Why optimism, sincerity, and presence matter just as much as any method or treatment.They talk about how people often arrive feeling stuck, discouraged, or convinced nothing will ever change, and why logic alone rarely shifts that belief. Experience, consistency, and genuine care tend to do more of the work. Stories of people who have overcome deep adversity come up, not as inspiration, but as reminders that change is possible even when it feels unimaginable.The conversation moves through ideas of hope, resilience, self worth, and how early life experiences shape the way people see themselves and the world. They reflect on the consulting room as a place of safety, acceptance, privacy, and active engagement, where people can question long held beliefs and begin to rebuild their internal shock absorbers for life.At its core, this is a grounded conversation about why therapy works when it works, and what really makes a difference over time.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross talk through why choosing a type of therapy can feel so confusing and why so much of the work comes down to the beliefs people carry with them from earlier in life. They reflect on how psychotherapy evolved from rigid models into approaches that focus more directly on how people think, interpret events, and act on those interpretations.The conversation spends time on irrational beliefs and expectations that quietly shape mood, motivation, and self worth. They use everyday examples, clinical stories, and a few familiar metaphors to show how people can get stuck believing that one failure defines a lifetime or that happiness is something external that will eventually arrive.They also explore how depression can grow out of mismatched expectations, negative self talk, and faulty assumptions about the future, and why noticing what is already present in life can be surprisingly difficult. Throughout, they return to the idea of therapy as a safe space to question long held beliefs and experiment with thinking and behaving differently without judgment.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross start with a simple question they hear all the time. What actually is psychotherapy, and why does it feel so hard to understand?The conversation moves from the early days of talk therapy and Freud’s influence to why so many people still expect a couch and silence when they walk into an office. They talk honestly about why long, insight focused approaches work for some people and not for others, especially when someone is in real emotional pain and needs relief sooner rather than later.They explore how different styles developed, why thinking patterns matter so much, and why therapy is not one size fits all no matter how tempting that is for clinicians or patients. Along the way, they share real world examples, analogies that actually make sense, and a few dry observations about training, turf wars, and how people end up confused in the first place.The thread that runs through it all is the importance of fit, careful evaluation, and asking clear questions before committing to any approach.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross explore one of the biggest obstacles in mental health care: the shame and stigma that still surround asking for help. Even as conversations about mental health have become more open, many people continue to equate needing support with weakness or personal failure.They unpack how centuries old views of mental illness shaped modern misunderstandings, and why everyday struggles like anxiety, depression, and difficulty adjusting to life are often wrongly associated with severe psychiatric illness. The conversation also looks at how cultural values around independence, self reliance, and perfection make it harder for people to admit vulnerability.The discussion reflects on what happens when suffering stays private, how self criticism and embarrassment grow in silence, and why simply talking out loud can bring immediate relief. There is also a focus on the role families and loved ones play, especially when well intentioned comments like “just snap out of it” unintentionally deepen the struggle.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross kick off the new year by answering two of the most common and confusing questions in mental health care: what type of treatment should you choose, and how long should you stay in it? They break down the differences between medication and psychotherapy, explain why a thorough evaluation matters, and explore how to tell whether symptoms are rooted in life stress, biology, or both.The conversation covers what to expect from antidepressants, including timelines, side effects, and duration of use, as well as how structured therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy differ from more open ended approaches such as interpersonal psychotherapy. Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross also discuss motivation, trust, hope, and why being in emotional pain can sometimes make recovery clearer and faster.If you have ever wondered whether therapy should be short term or long term, how to know if medication is right for you, or what progress in treatment really looks like, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and reassurance.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailChoosing the right mental health professional can feel overwhelming, especially when the differences between psychiatrists, psychologists, and other therapists are not always clear. In this episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross break down the major mental health disciplines and explain how their training, approaches, and roles in treatment differ.The conversation explores what psychiatrists and psychologists actually do, how medication and therapy work together, and why there is no one size fits all solution in mental health care. They discuss common challenges patients face, including misdiagnosis, rigid treatment approaches, and the growing confusion around credentials in the field.Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross also share guidance on how to evaluate a provider, what to expect from therapy and medication, and why feeling supported and understood by your clinician matters just as much as their degree. This episode is designed to help listeners feel more informed, empowered, and hopeful as they take the next step toward getting the care they need.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, psychologist Dr. Andrew Rosen and psychiatrist Dr. David Gross tackle one of the most common and confusing questions people face when struggling with mental or emotional health issues. Who should I see first and how do I know what kind of help I actually need?Drawing from decades of shared clinical experience, they break down the differences between psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors, social workers, and other mental health providers. They discuss how anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, substance use, phobias, and life stressors can overlap and why getting a clear and thorough evaluation matters.The conversation explores how to identify your symptoms, how to describe changes from your normal baseline, and how to avoid getting lost in online searches or mismatched treatment approaches. Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross explain the importance of the biopsychosocial model, the value of multidisciplinary practices, and how to advocate for yourself when using insurance or telehealth services.If you or someone you care about is feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn for mental health support, this episode offers practical guidance, reassurance, and a thoughtful roadmap for finding the right kind of care.

Send us Fan MailPsychiatrist Dr. David Gross and psychologist Dr. Andrew Rosen return to one of their most downloaded conversations to revisit the complicated relationship we all have with sleep. In this reair, the doctors break down why so many people struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep, how chronic stress and overstimulation keep the brain in overdrive, and what modern habits like doom scrolling are doing to our internal rhythms.They explore the deep connection between insomnia, anxiety, and depression, explain how dependence on sleep medications develops, and share practical tools anyone can start using to retrain the brain for natural, restorative rest. Whether you’re wrestling with middle-of-the-night anxiety, tossing and turning, or reaching for over-the-counter fixes more often than you’d like, this episode offers grounded, science-backed guidance for rebuilding healthy sleep in a world that never powers down.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe are re-airing one of our most requested episodes of Two Shrinks and a Mic, where Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross take a clear and practical look at what health anxiety really is. They explain the difference between normal health concerns and clinical health anxiety, previously known as hypochondriasis, and why so many people are experiencing heightened worry today.Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross discuss how constant access to online medical information, including search engines and AI, can intensify fears and fuel obsessive checking patterns. They also dive into how this affects both patients and clinicians, what warning signs to look for, and why health anxiety often goes untreated for too long.Most importantly, they outline what works. From cognitive behavioral therapy to medication to structured exposure techniques, they break down highly effective treatments and remind listeners that health anxiety is real, common, and very treatable.This re-air is an important resource for anyone navigating persistent health fears or supporting someone who is.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross explorewhy ADHD and anxiety disorders are so often confused. They break down busy thoughts, racing thoughts, obsessive loops, and the difference between pseudo ADHD and true ADHD that begins in childhood. They also explain how obsessive anxiety can mimic attention problems, why intrusive thoughts occur, and how treatment approaches differ for each condition. The conversation includes real clinical examples, medication insights, cognitive behavioral strategies, and the complex overlap between ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. Tune in for a grounded, compassionate look at how the brain works and what effective treatment can look like.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailTap into Two Shrinks and A Mic as Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross break down the real difference between everyday obsessive habits and true obsessive compulsive disorder. They explain how traits become disorders, why the brain craves certainty, and how overthinking, hypervigilance, and catastrophic thinking can take over daily life. The doctors also explore free floating anxiety, the limits of reassurance, and why cognitive behavioral therapy is essential for treatment. They share practical examples, common misconceptions, and guidance for loved ones trying to understand what OCD actually feels like. If you or someone you know struggles with worry, rituals, or the need for certainty, this conversation offers clarity and direction.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks and a Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross explore obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and the thinking patterns that keep people trapped in endless loops of worry, checking, and self-doubt. They explain what distinguishes OCD from everyday overthinking, why uncertainty feels unbearable for those with the disorder, and how intrusive thoughts can hijack even the calmest mind. From health anxiety and superstition to reassurance-seeking and perfectionism, the doctors break down the psychological and biological roots of OCD—and share hopeful insights on how effective treatments can quiet the noise.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross break down one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions—social anxiety disorder. They explain how it differs from shyness, introversion, or antisocial behavior, and why it’s become increasingly prevalent in today’s post-pandemic, social media-driven world.The doctors share real-world examples, discuss the roots of anticipatory worry and overthinking, and offer practical treatment approaches—from cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure exercises to innovative tools like virtual reality therapy. They also explore how medication can help when used thoughtfully and why lasting recovery comes from retraining the brain through practice and compassion.If you’ve ever felt nervous in social settings or wondered why anxiety seems to take over in simple situations, this conversation will help you understand the science, the psychology, and the hope behind healing.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailPsychiatrist Dr. David Gross and psychologist Dr. Andrew Rosen explore the complex world of sleep—why it’s so hard to get, how stress and overstimulation keep us up at night, and why good sleep hygiene is essential for mental health. From doom-scrolling to over-the-counter sleep aids, the doctors break down what’s really sabotaging your rest and how to retrain your brain for better sleep. They discuss the connection between insomnia, anxiety, and depression, reveal how medication dependence develops, and share practical tools to restore natural, restorative sleep in a world that never powers down.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this insightful episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross explore how true healing from anxiety requires a balanced partnership between psychotherapy and psychiatry. They share real-life examples from their practices and unpack the science of how our brains rewire through active learning, practice, and cognitive behavioral therapy. From understanding the circuitry of the mind to recognizing when medication and therapy can work hand in hand, the doctors explain why collaboration—not quick fixes—is the key to lasting change. Tune in as they shed light on stigma, teamwork, and the beauty of helping patients learn a new “language” for peace of mind.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailFor many, that first therapy session is one of the hardest steps toward healing. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross talk about what it’s really like to walk into a mental health professional’s office for the first time. From breaking old stereotypes about “shrinks” to explaining how trust and hope begin to form, they explore the emotional challenges, misconceptions, and courage it takes to say, “I need help.” The doctors also share how their own experiences—both as practitioners and as patients—shape the way they guide others through their mental health journeys.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe’re bringing back one of our most heartfelt and insightful episodes of Two Shrinks and A Mic. In this re-air, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross reflect on their decades of experience in psychology and psychiatry, sharing what continues to inspire them to show up for their patients after hearing thousands of stories filled with pain, resilience, and hope.From their early days practicing with only textbook knowledge to the wisdom gained through years of life and clinical experience, they explore how meaning, mindfulness, and purpose are central to healing. They speak candidly about the ridicule once faced for choosing psychiatry, the evolution of mental health in modern medicine, and why the therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any prescription.With humor, humility, and heart, Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross offer rare insight into the lives of two seasoned healers—sharing memorable moments, personal lessons, and simple truths that spark recovery. From making your bed in the morning to finding meaning in tying your shoes, this re-aired episode is a timeless reminder that mental health care, at its best, is a practice in humanity.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDepression is one of the most commonly misunderstood mental health conditions, often confused with unhappiness or temporary sadness. In this episode, Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen break down the differences between normal mood shifts and clinical depression. They explore how depression shows up in daily life, why it can feel like being trapped in a dark pit, and what role both biology and life circumstances play in its onset.From the impact of negative thinking and the power of cognitive therapy, to the effectiveness of medication and newer treatments, the doctors share how recovery is possible and why hope is essential. Whether you’ve experienced depression yourself or want to better understand it in others, this conversation sheds light on the realities of living with depression and the many pathways to healing.Contact the Docs: Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross explore the meaning of hope and why it feels missing for so many people today. They reflect on how depression, anxiety, and isolation often stem from a lack of future vision, meaningfulness, and human connection. Through stories from clinical practice, research on control and recovery, and insights into spirituality, they reveal how hope can be cultivated. From the impact of pets and group support to the role of behavioral activation and spiritual connection, the conversation highlights practical ways to restore agency, optimism, and purpose.Has modern life, with its screens, isolation, and artificial substitutes, pushed us further away from the human interactions we need most? Join the conversation and rediscover why real connection and meaningful engagement are essential for hope to grow.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross open the clinic door and talk candidly about what it is really like to help people heal. They unpack the slow and nonlinear nature of recovery, the stock market analogy for progress, and why patience and hope matter when relief is not instant. They explore the limits of quick fixes like tranquilizers, the pressure that short term therapy research can put on real people, and the ways insurance and rating scales can crowd out genuine conversation. You will hear how small talk lowers anxiety, how a strong therapeutic alliance forms, and why active skills based work such as cognitive behavioral therapy can accelerate change. The docs also offer practical life prescriptions like family dinners at a real kitchen table and less time on screens. Most of all, they share why they still love this work and why staying with the process leads to true improvement over time.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWe are re-airing this important episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic where Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen take a deep dive into the complexities of anxiety. From the evolutionary role of the amygdala to the rise of health anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, they explore why our brains are wired to remember fear more vividly than joy. The doctors discuss how panic attacks can feel like life-threatening events, why reassurance rarely works, and the powerful connection between anxiety and self-medication. Most importantly, they share why anxiety disorders are highly treatable and how cognitive behavioral therapy combined with medication can retrain the brain for lasting relief. If anxiety has ever left you feeling out of control, this episode offers education, hope, and practical steps toward recovery.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt and insightful episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross reflect on their decades of experience in the fields of psychology and psychiatry. They share what keeps them showing up for their patients, even after hearing thousands of stories filled with pain, struggle, and resilience.From the early days of navigating treatment with only textbook knowledge to now practicing with deep wisdom and life experience, the doctors explore how meaning, mindfulness, and purpose are central to healing. They talk candidly about the ridicule once faced for choosing psychiatry, the evolution of mental health in modern medicine, and why the therapeutic relationship is often more powerful than any prescription.With humor, humility, and hope, Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross offer a rare peek into the minds behind the mic—sharing personal stories, memorable moments, and the simple truths that help people begin to heal. From making your bed in the morning to finding meaning in tying your shoes, this episode is a reminder that progress is possible and that mental health care, at its best, is a practice in humanity.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailHealth anxiety can show up in subtle worries or overwhelming fears that consume daily life. In this episode, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross break down the difference between everyday health concerns, clinical health anxiety, and what used to be called hypochondriasis. They explore why health anxiety is more common today, how “Dr. Google” and AI can make it worse, and the ways obsessive worry can affect both patients and practitioners. Together they share insights on effective treatments, from cognitive behavioral therapy to medication, and remind listeners that health anxiety is not only real but also highly treatable.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailDr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen take a deep dive into social anxiety, one of the most common yet misunderstood anxiety disorders. From early childhood experiences like book reports and school parties to high pressure corporate boardrooms, social anxiety shows up in ways that can limit connection, opportunity, and joy. Together, the doctors explore how overthinking, avoidance, and self criticism create a cycle that fuels the disorder and how exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral strategies, and proper treatment can break it. They also highlight how social anxiety differs from introversion, why self medication with alcohol is common, and why it is important to address the root cause rather than just the symptoms. Most importantly, they share hopeful insights into proven approaches that help people regain confidence and freedom in social situations.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat really happens when you walk into a mental health professional’s office for the first time? Dr. Andrew Rosen, psychologist, and Dr. David Gross, psychiatrist, share how they each approach that initial meeting — from building trust and clarifying what “anxiety” really means, to distinguishing between psychological, situational, and biological causes. They discuss the importance of creating a therapeutic alliance, the surprising strengths hidden in obsessive thinking, and why anxiety disorders are often highly treatable in a relatively short period of time. This conversation offers insight, reassurance, and a reminder that you are not alone in what you are experiencing.Contact the Docs: Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailThis week on Two Shrinks and a Mic, we’re diving deep into one of the most common but misunderstood triggers of anxiety: the feeling of being trapped. From crowded movie theaters to our own spiraling thoughts, we explore why that “I’ve got to get out of here” panic hits so hard—and what it’s really rooted in.Dr. Rosen and Dr. Gross unpack everything from the fear of mortality to the fight-or-flight response, offering tangible tools like exercise, mindfulness, breathing techniques, and even nature walks to help ease the overwhelm. We also talk about the myths around medication, the dangers of doom scrolling, and how to reframe anxiety not as a personal flaw—but as something entirely human and manageable.If you’ve ever felt stuck, alone, or like you’re the only one whose brain won’t shut off, this one’s for you. You are not broken, and you are definitely not alone.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks & A Mic, Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen take a deeper dive into anxiety disorders - what they are, where they come from, and why they affect so many people. From prehistoric brain wiring to modern-day panic attacks, they break down how anxiety shows up in the brain and the body, and why it can feel so overwhelming.They explore the most common anxiety disorders today, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, health anxiety, and OCD, while unpacking how overthinking, avoidance, and even substance use are often tied into the struggle.But here’s the good news: anxiety is highly treatable. Dr. Gross and Dr. Rosen share real-life experiences from their decades of practice and explain how cognitive behavioral therapy and proper support can retrain the brain, ease symptoms, and give people their lives back.Whether you're struggling yourself or want to understand someone who is, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope.Contact the Docs:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Two Shrinks and a Mic, Dr. David Gross (psychiatrist) and Dr. Andrew Rosen (psychologist) unpack the layered, often misunderstood experience of anxiety. From the history of anxiety as a "wastebasket diagnosis" to its modern-day complexities, they dive into the physical and cognitive symptoms, why language matters when describing anxiety, and how it often masks deeper issues like depression. They explore the role of maladaptive coping mechanisms—like avoidance, substance use, and compulsive behaviors—and explain how understanding your specific experience is the first step toward treatment. They also discuss the biology behind panic attacks, the dangers of overstimulation in a digital world, and how existential anxiety plays out in our fast-paced, hyperconnected lives. Whether it’s a fear of flying, overwhelming social anxiety, or free-floating dread, the doctors explain that anxiety is both a deeply human experience and a highly treatable one—with the right help, perspective, and compassion.Contact The Doc's:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this reflective and refreshingly honest episode of Two Shrinks and a Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross open up about how they stumbled into their professions—and how the field has evolved (and been challenged) over the decades. From imposter syndrome and blank-screen training to the frustrations of managed care and the rising tide of existential anxiety, they explore the deep lessons learned from a lifetime of listening. It’s a conversation about purpose, presence, and the messy, meaningful path to becoming a healer—humanity and humor included. Contact The Doc's:Email: [email protected]

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when two mental health professionals—one psychiatrist, one psychologist—sit down to unpack the history, tension, and surprising synergy between their fields? In this candid and deeply human episode, Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen share personal stories from decades in the field, reflecting on how outdated systems, insurance-driven models, and stigma have fractured collaboration between psychology and psychiatry. But the conversation doesn’t stop at frustration—it builds a hopeful case for what mental health care could look like when professionals work together instead of competing.From zombie-like side effects of early medications to heart-pounding encounters in state hospitals, the doctors revisit the roots of the field and explore how new models—like integrated care and therapy-medication partnerships—can shift the future. Whether you’re a practitioner, a curious listener, or someone seeking help, this conversation might just challenge how you think about mental health professionals… and why bridging the gap between mind and medicine matters more than ever.Contact The Doc's:[email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful episode of Two Shrinks and a Mic, Dr. David Gross and Dr. Andrew Rosen break down the often-overlooked journey from silent suffering to seeking support. They explore how subtle emotional shifts—like struggling to get out of bed, losing interest in life, or constantly spinning in negative thoughts—can be warning signs that it's time to talk to a mental health professional. But recognizing the need for help is just the beginning.With warmth, insight, and decades of clinical experience, the doctors tackle why denial is so common, how a sense of control (or lack thereof) affects our mental well-being, and how simply sharing your truth can spark healing. Whether you're struggling, supporting a loved one, or just curious about your own mental patterns, this episode delivers relatable truths and real-world strategies that can make the first step feel less intimidating—and more empowering.Contact The Doc's:[email protected]

Send us Fan Mail How do you really know when it's time to seek help? In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross—psychologist and psychiatrist with over 30 years of friendship and clinical experience—break down the signs that it might be time to seek mental health support.They unpack the lingering stigma around therapy, the difference between feeling low and true functional decline, and why your brain deserves the same attention as any other organ. You'll hear surprising stories, laugh at a few inside jokes, and learn how to spot the “check engine light” in your own mental health.From outdated therapy myths to team-based treatment approaches, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and plenty of wisdom from two of the most trusted voices in mental health. This episode is your first step toward understanding mental health—without the psychobabble.Contact The Doc's:[email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn the premiere episode of Two Shrinks and a Mic, Dr. Andrew Rosen and Dr. David Gross get real about what it’s like to blend psychology and psychiatry in a field that used to keep them miles apart. With nearly 40 years of collaboration, they reveal what most professionals won’t: the best mental health care happens when egos are dropped and minds stay open.From surprising stories of missed trauma to the powerful role of humor, listening, and lifelong learning, this episode is a refreshing take on what it really means to help someone heal. If you’ve ever felt confused about whether you need a therapist or a psychiatrist—or wondered why finding the right help feels so hard—this is the conversation you didn’t know you needed.Contact The Doc's:[email protected]

Send us Fan MailHey everyone, and welcome to Two Shrinks in a Mic. I'm Dr. Andrew Rosen, and I am Dr. David Gross, psychiatrist. We are two long -term friends and colleagues who have been working together in mental health for, well, longer than either of us probably want to admit. Let's just say over 30 years, and in that time we've seen a lot, how the world's changed, how people are struggling and what actually helps.That's why we started this podcast. We want to take everything we've learned about anxiety, depression, relationships, resilience, and break it down in a way that's easy to understand. We'll cover how to know if you could use a little help, what therapies really like, and how you can take better care of your mental health starting today. We will invite experts from different areas to join the conversation because together we can build a deeper, more complete understanding of mental health. So, pull up a chair or a couch and be part of the conversation about the realities of life and mental health with us one talk at a time. This is Two Shrinks and a Mic. Let's get chatting. Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your shows