Choosing Help: The Mental Health Podcast with Tracy Stecker, PhD

In this insightful episode of the Choosing Help podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Amanda Raines to explore the often overlooked topic of "safety aids"—behaviors and cognitive strategies people use to reduce anxiety in the moment but that can paradoxically increase anxiety over time. From everyday examples like drinking alcohol or a child’s security blanket...

Why are mental health treatment rates lower in racial and ethnic minority groups, and how can we bridge the gap? In this episode, Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with clinical psychologist and help-seeking expert Dr. Taylor Rodriguez to dismantle the barriers facing minoritized communities. From the "one-size-fits-all" approach of traditional therapy to the cultural value of "staying st...

Many people who clearly struggle with mental health or substance use still say, “I don’t need help.” In this conversation, Dr. Tracy Stecker and longtime teacher/prison educator Ronald Pendley unpack what “I’m good” can really mean—mistrust, fear, learned survival strategies—and how honest, empathetic, non‑judgmental conversations can open the door to support. You’ll hear stories from classrooms a...

In this impactful episode of the Choosing Help podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker is joined by Tedra Cobb and Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun to explore the pervasive stigma surrounding substance use disorders and addiction. Through heartfelt stories—including Dr. Stecker’s personal account of her elderly mother’s struggle with pain management and addiction—this conversation sheds light on how stigma complicates re...

In this insightful episode of the Choosing Help podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker is joined by Tyler Webb, a therapist and social worker specializing in substance use disorder treatment. Together, they explore the profound impact addiction has on relationships, examining how substance use can create patterns of isolation, shame, and behavioral changes that strain connections between loved ones. They disc...

In this episode of Choosing Help , Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with Michael Dennis—pastor, storyteller, comedian, and longtime Austin community leader—about the deep connections between spirituality, mental health, and the search for meaning. Drawing from his 25 years in ministry, personal experiences with his mother’s schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s, and his work with people facing depression, lonelin...

In this powerful and compassionate episode of Choosing Help , Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jay Baffa for an honest conversation about suicidal thoughts—how common they actually are, what drives them, and, most importantly, how people can find help and hope. Together they break down the stigma around talking about suicide, explore the emotional pain that often underlie...

Welcome to this episode of the Choosing Help podcast with Dr. Tracy Stecker and Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun, where we dive deep into the art of active listening—an essential skill for meaningful connection, especially in emotionally charged or difficult conversations. Although listening may seem simple because we do it every day, being a truly effective listener requires intentional effort and practice....

Hosted by Dr. Tracy Stecker, Choosing Help is a podcast about courage, connection, and the transformative power of asking for support. Through candid conversations, expert insights, and real-world stories, we break down stigma and open doors to understanding—because when we choose help, we choose life. In this episode, Dr. Stecker welcomes retired Army Colonel and psychiatrist Dr. Charles Hoge, au...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Stecker and Dr. Nicholas Allen dive deep into the science of anxiety and its many forms. They unpack the concept of anxiety sensitivity —a heightened fear of bodily sensations—and explore how it drives avoidance behaviors that disrupt daily life. Dr. Allen shares evidence-based treatments, including exercise programs  and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)  techniques li...

Chronic pain affects nearly 20% of adults in the U.S., but its impact goes far beyond physical discomfort. In this episode of Choosing Help , Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between chronic pain and social disconnection. Together, they unpack how loneliness and isolation influence brain chemistry, worsen health outcomes...