But For Real

Today’s episode is allllll about MONEY HUNNY – how we are influenced to think about the construct of money, financial wellbeing, and balancing all of this in the modern landscape of capitalism and consumerism. This episode covers: 06:59 - Tea & Crumpets: Stretching in the pool + Courtney Carver 11:27 - Step Into My Office: Navigating financial boundaries with friends  18:04 - The DSM: The...

In today’s world, there’s an interesting juxtaposition between constant (and often necessary) use of technology coupled with conversations around unplugging. In this episode, we dive into digital detoxing, why everyone suddenly wants a flip phone, and how our nervous systems are begging for boundaries. From nostalgic phone memories to the psychology of being “always on,” we’re asking: can we ever...

In this episode, we have our first installment of a special new mini series titled Living Your Activism. In this series, we're talking to activists and advocates across a wide variety of missions and passions about how they found their thing, what they do to stay grounded and connected with joy amidst all the chaos in the world, and what it means to truly live their activism, not just as a checkbo...

While the thought of telling a group of strangers about your inner feelings can be scary for many people, group therapy can actually be incredibly powerful. In this episode, we explore the roots of group therapy, the different types of groups, the benefits, times when group therapy is and isn’t a good fit, and resources for finding a group appropriate for your healing journey. This episode covers:...

Spirituality, religion, and being “woo-woo” are all hot topics these days – especially here in Nashville! In this episode, Val and Emerson tackle WTF spirituality actually means, how it differs from religion, how it intertwines with existentialism, and low-stakes ways to engage with it while also avoiding spiritual bypassing. And, as always, we get into other good stuff, including a spooky airBNB...

For many people, hearing “couples therapy” brings up the idea of a relationship being in crisis or on the brink of ending – and while couples therapy can be impactful in those cases, there is so much more to it and so many other circumstances where it can be beneficial. In this episode, Valerie and Emerson get into what couples therapy really is, when it’s helpful, when it’s not helpful, and sugge...

Despite misinformed pop culture statements, OCD isn’t a punchline—it’s a chronic brain loop that can be incredibly challenging for individuals to receive the care they need. In this episode, Val and Em get into the ins-and-outs of OCD, including suggestions for folks who are struggling with it, as well as folks who have a friend or loved one who is struggling. And, as always, we get into plenty of...

If you’ve ever struggled with a rough inner critic, you’re not alone. While the judgments of the world can certainly get in the way of living your best life, we’re often our own worst enemies. But the good news is that Valerie and Emerson have you covered with a deep dive into the psychology of self-criticism and tips for how to navigate it. And, as always, we get into plenty of other fun stuff, l...

If you’ve struggled to build or maintain friendships as an adult, you’re not alone – and in this episode, we’ve got you covered! This episode covers: 02:20 - Tea & Crumpets: Adolescence on Netflix + Lights On audio documentary 07:44 - Step Into My Office: Tips for a fizzling friendship 12:41 - The DSM: Seeking/Building Adult Friendships in these trying times 32:41 - Now That's What I Call...OK...

Today’s episode is so exciting as we have our first guest external to The Gaia Center – the phenomenal Jayne Mattingly. JAYNE MATTINGLY is a disability advocate and eating disorder helping professional. She is also the Founder of the non-for-profit The AND Initiative, which aims to provide inspiration, advocacy, resources, support, and the gifting mobility aids to those with chronic illness and ph...

In this week’s episode, Valerie and Emerson are coming at ya live from the corner of a hotel by the Nashville airport thanks to some less than stellar weather before they head to a hypnotherapy training 🤓 The main event in this episode is all things parasocial relationships – the good, the bad, and the ugly. And as always, we get into plenty more fun stuff, including what having “the ick” means a...

Conversations about ADHD (some helpful, some the complete opposite) are practically everywhere in our current world. In this episode, Val and Emerson take a deep dive into what ADHD really is, beyond what short form content often misses. Whether you have ADHD, think you might have ADHD, love someone with ADHD, or are just curious about WTF it is, this episode is for you! This episode covers: 01:17...

Ahhhh, sleep. The thing we spend a third of our life doing and that many people don’t get enough of – grab those jammies and eye masks and let’s talk about sleep! This episode covers: 01:59 - Tea & Crumpets: From Here to the Great Unknown + Activations App 06:25 - Step Into My Office: When work struggles seep into our personal lives 11:13 - The DSM: Talking about all things sleep 40:48 - Now T...

Whether you’re currently in therapy or have been exploring finding a therapist, you’ve probably wondered, “How do I get the most out of therapy?” In this episode, Valerie and Emerson share their top tips for making the most out of your sessions…and Emerson also shares a real therapist moment of ripping her pants at the office 🫣 As always, there’s so much more, including great song recommendations...

2025 is officially here, and in this week’s episode, Val and Emerson are talking all about how to kick off the new year with compassionate self-discipline, instead of the often toxic #newyearnewme mentality.  This episode covers: 03:42 - Tea & Crumpets: Emerson is getting creative with her iPad and Val finally started watching Nobody Wants This . 08:03 - The Lore: After extreme stress due...

In this week’s episode, Val and Em take a deep dive into two topics that are relatable for pretty much everyone in today’s society – anxiety and stress 😅 From basic definitions, to stats, to practical tips for how to actually manage anxiety and stress, this episode is a must listen. And, as always, we get into so much more – including some of Val’s lore 🤪 This episode covers: 1:00 - Thoughts on...

This week’s episode is very timely – from exploring how influencer culture and hyperconsumerism intertwine (we’re lookin’ at you, post-Black-Friday-buyer’s-remorse 😅), to the wild ride that was Emerson acquiring her new “happy light”, the sweet story of two friends that met through an accidental text message, and so much more – this episode has something for everyone! This episode covers: 03:34 -...

Ah, nostalgia… What is it about this slippery little beastie that can simultaneously turn on all the good feels of reminiscing on the good ole’ days, while also making you compare your current self to your past self in a way that makes you want to crawl into a hole and never come out?  We are diving deep into the good, bad, and ugly of nostalgia in this episode— and a lot more! In this episod...

While this week’s episode is airing in a post-2024 election world, it was recorded prior to the election – so you’ll get to hear Val & Emerson’s thoughts + advice for their future selves…which is now advice for their current selves. 😵‍💫🤪 This episode runs the gamut from Dancing With The Stars & Bad Monkey, some of Emerson’s lore, whatever TF touching grass means, and our main event – na...

You can’t watch more than 10 minutes of news these days without hearing some reference to AI (our bff, artificial intelligence)— and it’s popping up everywhere from celebrities and politics to music, shopping, and healthcare. In this ep, we’re breaking down the pros and cons, ethical considerations, and future directions of AI specifically within mental healthcare and therapy— and it is a JUICY on...

Today’s guest, The Gaia Center’s very own resident grief-expert Kalaway Voss , shares wisdom and tangible ways that we can move through grief, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a more ambiguous loss such as the ending of a relationship, or anything in between. About Kalaway Voss Kalaway Voss is a mental health therapist at The Gaia Center in Nashville, TN. She completed her Masters in Clinica...

Today’s episode is once again a wild ride – and whether you’re struggling with sexual desire, obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, or trying to wade through the wild west of Pop Psychology, we’ve got something for you. This episode covers: [1:00] Weekend recap – Emerson’s adventures of cat sitting & Val’s piano karaoke bar date night [3:18] Emerson’s Tea & Crumpets for the week – S...

Welcome to the FIRST EPISODE of But For Real! In this episode, you get to know both Valerie and Emerson a bit more, as well as getting acquainted with all of the segments of the show – and of course, as the title says, dive into the rabbit hole 🐇 This episode covers: [02:00] Emerson’s experience growing up abroad, her US citizenship journey, what being Gen Z means to her, and her favorite thing a...

In this trailer, we cover everything you need to know about But For Real ✨ ....and stay tuned for the first two episodes dropping 9.25.24 🤩 Connect with Us: Send a story or ask for advice:  butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG:  @butforrealpod The Gaia Center on IG:  @thegaiacenter Val on IG:  @valkaymartin The Gaia Center website:  Authentic Therapy in Nashville -...