Sober Psychology

In this episode, we’re tackling a psychological showdown for the ages: Compliance vs. Surrender . Ever wonder why you say "yes" when your soul’s screaming "no"? Or how letting go might just be the secret weapon in your recovery arsenal? As your resident psychology nerd (with a dash of humor to keep it real), I’m diving deep into the mind’s tightrope—breaking down Milgram’s shocks, Jung’s shadows,...

Ever wonder why you’re a mess at 35 over a burnt bagel? Spoiler: it’s not just you—it’s that invisible backpack of crap you’ve been hauling since you were a kid. In this 35-minute dive, we’re getting real about where this trauma train starts (thanks, Mom and Dad!), how it rewires your brain to freak out at fireworks, and why it keeps screwing with your relationships, health, and sanity. Plus, some...

Welcome to "The Art of Conflict Resolution: Facing the Chaos Head-On," where we don’t mess around with fluffy nonsense. This 30-minute episode dives deep into the gritty reality of human conflict. Forget the polite chit-chat—conflict is a battlefield, and we’re here to arm you with real psychology-backed tools to dominate it. From why your brain turns you into a caveman mid-argument to practical s...

Do you check your phone 10 times a minute for likes? Feel uneasy when no one compliments your new haircut? Wonder why you need everyone’s approval—even from your dog? 🤔 In this episode of Sober Psychology , Michael dives into the deep (and slightly embarrassing) truth about why we seek validation. From childhood conditioning to the dopamine-fueled trap of social media, we break down the science b...

Are you truly honest with yourself? In this episode of Sober Psychology , we dive deep into the psychology of honesty and vulnerability —why we lie, how it affects our mental well-being, and how embracing the truth can transform your life. We explore the neuroscience behind deception, the power of authentic relationships, and practical steps to start living with radical honesty. If you’ve ever str...

Ever wonder why you rehearse conversations in the shower or lie awake remembering that weird laugh you did 3 years ago? In this episode, I'm diving deep into the psychology of insecurity - and yes, I definitely felt insecure while recording it. Using my questionably obtained psychology knowledge and years of personal experience being anxious in public, I break down: - Why your cave-person brain th...

Ever met someone with an ego the size of a small planet? Or maybe you secretly suspect you’re that person? 😏 Either way, ego is shaping your life more than you think. It can make you confident—or completely delusional. It can push you toward success—or straight into self-destruction. In this mind-blowing deep dive , we explore: ✅ What ego actually is (hint: it’s not just arrogance) ✅ The two wa...

Are you constantly comparing yourself to others? Scrolling through social media only to feel like your life is meh while everyone else is thriving? You’re not alone! In this episode of Sober Psychology , host Michael breaks down why we compare , how it messes with our mental health , and what we can do to stop it before we spiral into a self-worth crisis. We’ll dive into Social Comparison Theory ,...

Is everyone a narcissist these days, or are we just throwing the term around too loosely? In this episode of Sober Psychology , we break down what narcissism really is , the difference between healthy confidence and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) , and how to spot the red flags of narcissistic behavior . We also dive into social media myths, toxic relationships, love bombing, gaslighting...

If you're listening to this because you're my friend and you feel obligated, you're codependent and this episode is for you. If you're the one who always plans the office Christmas party "because everyone else is too busy", you're codependent. If you constantly put the pressure on yourself to be all things to all people, you're more than likely codependent. We are all codependent on some level. Bu...

If you're reading this, it's probably on some electronic device that has more computing power than NASA had when they first sent people into space. If you're listening to this, you have the ability to hear the world around you. These are two quick things to be very grateful for, despite all the bad that has happened in your life. In this episode, we're diving in to what gratitude is, how it change...

In this episode we talk about a universal emotion...fear. Fear encompasses everything, even excitement. We'll do a psychological breakdown, explain what fear is, different types of fear, why we have it, and what to do when it becomes a problem. Jump in and get ready, if you aren't too scared. Feel free to reach out on socials: FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564447151316 Instagram:...

We all have them. They have made up do crazy things, act out of character, reach out to that ex, and constantly tell ourselves we aren't good enough. I'm talking about emotions. The feelings we get that alert us to our situation can also be our emotional, mental, and even physical downfall. But there's hope! In this episode, we are going to talk about what emotions are, why we have them, and how w...

Evolving emotionally and physically are natural elements of a human's life. As we progress and experience change, our friendships change as well. In this episode, we're talking about the psychological reasoning for outgrowing others: why we do it, how to recognize it, and what to do when it happens. Feel free to reach out on socials: FB - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564447151316 Inst...

Prepare to be triggered! Or, at least that's how you'll feel if you have victim mentality. In this episode, we're talking about something that runs rampant in our culture today...victim mentality. We'll define what this is, how it develops, the cost of holding on to the victim mentality, and then we'll talk about how to break free from this sick way of thinking. Buckle up, strap in, and get ready...

In this episode we dive in to the art and difficulty of setting boundaries. This can be beneficial for work/ life balance or even to benefit your mental health by establishing healthy distance from family/ friends. Wherever you are in your life, knowing what space you need, or how you want others to treat you is essential for your overall wellbeing. Let's break down what setting boundaries looks l...

In this episode we delve in to one of the most common origins of trauma, "The Dad Wound". Regardless of whether our fathers stayed in our lives or not, there are traumatic triggers, emotional repercussions, and much confusions that can stem from the relationship with a father. We'll attempt to identify what this looks like, how it manifests into relationships and everyday life, as well as finding...

In this episode, we dive into the treacherous aspect of resentment. We'll see how resentment looks in different situations, how it can be poisonous to the mind and body, and what to do with the resentment you may have. Resentment is a response mechanism for when we perceive that we have been wronged. When one develops a resentment, there are two options: accept accountability and act, or let it fe...

In this episode we continue to dive into the complex and often times confusing nature of the concept of a higher power. I'll give you a brief overview of the Psychological approach to a higher power followed by an in-depth lesson from the Big Book about accepting a being greater than ourselves. This is part three of a three part series.

In this episode we continue to dive into the complex and often times confusing nature of the concept of a higher power. I'll give you a brief overview of the Psychological approach to a higher power followed by an in-depth lesson from the Big Book about accepting a being greater than ourselves. This is part two of a three part series.

In this episode we dive into the complex and often times confusing nature of the concept of a higher power. I'll give you a brief overview of the Psychological approach to a higher power followed by an in-depth lesson from the Big Book about accepting a being greater than ourselves. This is part one of a two or three part series.

In this episode, we dive into the art of setting realistic expectations for a healthier, more balanced life. From relationships and career ambitions to personal growth, we’ll explore how setting manageable goals can reduce anxiety, boost self-confidence, and improve overall mental well-being. Tune in as we discuss practical strategies for finding that balance between ambition and self-compassion.

In this episode, we dive into the complex nature of addiction, exploring how it affects the brain, behavior, and emotions. We break down common misconceptions and discuss the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the development and persistence of addictive behaviors. Whether you're looking to understand the science behind addiction or seeking ways to support those strug...

Welcome to Sober Psychology! In this episode, we dive into what exactly is Sober Psychology.