Ask Dr. Jodi - Mental Health & Relationship Advice

Facing Your Fears: How to Decide, How to Cope, and Why It Matters: Fear is a normal part of life, but not every fear needs to be conquered. This week, Lily and I explore how to tell when a challenge is worth it and when it is perfectly fine to give yourself a break. We share personal stories, like Lily’s recent blood test and my own flying anxiety, and dig into why having a choice and an exit plan...

Dealing with TOXIC Parents: How to deSet Boundaries and Reclaim Your Peace Dealing with toxic parents can leave you feeling confused, exhausted, and doubting your own worth. Whether you’re still living under their roof or navigating adult relationships, the impact of toxic parenting can be lifelong, but you are not powerless. In this episode of Ask Dr. Jodi, we’ll explore what makes a parent “toxi...

Break Free from Trauma Bonding | Take Back Your Power  Trauma bonding can keep us stuck in relationships that drain our self-worth, confidence, and happiness. The cycle of hope, hurt, and confusion makes it incredibly difficult to walk away—even when we know it’s not healthy. If you recognise yourself in this, you are not alone. Trauma bonds are powerful, but you CAN break free and reclaim your in...

Do you ever feel disconnected in your relationships or struggle to truly understand others? Empathy is the key to bridging those gaps. It’s not just a trait, it’s your superpower. Empathy allows us to connect deeply, foster understanding, and create meaningful change in our lives and communities. In this week’s episode of Ask Dr. Jodi , we explore how empathy can transform the way you interact wit...

What to Do When You’re Sad: Practical Ways to Shift Your Mood Have you ever wondered why some days you just feel off, even when nothing seems wrong? Maybe you wake up feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply low on energy. You are not alone. In a world that expects constant happiness, it is easy to judge yourself for having negative emotions. The truth is, feeling down is a normal part of being hum...

In this transformative episode, I break down the psychology behind seeking validation and share actionable strategies to reclaim your inner power. We explore: Why we’re hardwired to seek validation and how societal pressures amplify this need. The unsustainable nature of external validation and how it keeps you feeling unworthy. The connection between self-doubt, anxiety, and the need for approval...

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the biology of anxiety, the lies it tells, and practical ways to reclaim your calm. You’ll learn: Why anxiety feels so overwhelming and persistent. How anxiety traps you in a cycle of fear, avoidance, and frustration. The role of adrenaline in fueling anxiety and how to work with it. Why anxiety thrives on keeping you “bothered” and how to stop it. How to sh...

Stop Self-Sabotaging: Get out of your own way and grab the success you deserve Are you standing in your own way? Self-sabotage can show up in our lives in subtle but powerful ways, keeping us stuck, frustrated, and disconnected from our goals. Whether it’s procrastination, perfectionism, or negative self-talk, these behaviors block us from reaching our full potential. The good news? You CAN break...

In this empowering and insightful episode, I break down the science and psychology behind negative thinking and share actionable tips to help you move forward. Along with Tom’s story, we cover: Why our brains are wired for overthinking and how modern culture amplifies this. The role of unrealistic expectations and comparison culture in creating feelings of inadequacy. How negative thinking impacts...

In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with James to discuss limiting beliefs and their impact on our lives. Together, we cover: What are limiting beliefs, and how do they form from past experiences? The role of self-sabotage and how it keeps us from achieving our goals. How hesitation and overthinking are rooted in our brain’s natural mechanisms to protect us. Practical strategies t...

In this episode, I sit down with Lily to talk about toxic self-relationships and how they shape our lives. We discuss: The signs of a toxic relationship with yourself, including negative self-talk, guilt, and lack of boundaries. How cultural and societal pressures contribute to toxic self-perceptions. Practical steps to heal, like self-compassion, boundary-setting, and gratitude practices. The rol...

Burnout, overwhelm, and exhaustion are all too common in today’s fast-paced world, but they don’t have to hold you back. In this episode, I share practical strategies to help you build grit, hone emotional resilience, and find balance between self-care and action. We’ll explore how reflecting on what matters most can help you align your actions with your priorities and renew your commitments to th...

Abusive relationships leave lasting effects—emotional, psychological, and even physical. In this episode, I discuss what defines an abusive relationship and the invisible scars it can leave behind. I explain how guided meditations allow you to access your subconscious, create space for healing, and reframe your experiences in a safe and empowering way. You’ll also learn practical tips for starting...

The youth mental health crisis has been building for decades, and the modern world has amplified its effects. From the impact of social media and screens to the overwhelming messages of inadequacy and fear, young people are navigating an increasingly complex mental health landscape. I explore how these factors erode their executive functioning skills and self-trust, leading to higher rates of anxi...

Does your heart race when you get an unexpected text? Do you find yourself jumping at small noises or feeling constantly on edge? Your amygdala - your brain's built-in alarm system - might be working overtime. It is trying to protect you from danger, even when there isn't any. That's its job. Not to decide when there is danger, but to be ready- in case there is some. While this ancient protective...

Join me and my daughter Lily as we unpack the layers of problems created by our "buy now" culture. From the psychological impact of constant advertising to the environmental consequences of our throwaway society, we explore how this pandemic of consumption affects every aspect of our lives. We share personal insights about our own shopping habits and discuss the challenges of resisting manipulativ...

In this episode, I sit down with Asha, a modern priestess and founder of the Modern Priestess School, to talk about the significance of sacred spaces. Whether it’s a dedicated room, a small altar, or a special shelf, these spaces hold energy that can help us feel more grounded, supported, and connected. Asha shares how her childhood home was filled with intentional sacred objects and how that shap...

We all have a hostile inner critic; it’s part of how our brains evolved to keep us safe. But in today’s world, that survival instinct can turn into a constant pressure to be better, do more, and never slow down. We use it to judge if we are worthy enough, smart enough, happy enough, successful enough, pretty enough, etc, etc. And when we start measuring our worth by productivity? That’s when burno...

Welcome to another episode of Ask Dr. Jodi ! In this special conversation, I’m joined by my husband of 27 years, Ted, to share our best dating advice for building a strong, lasting relationship. Whether you’re navigating modern dating or deepening an existing connection, we break down the key qualities of a healthy partnership and the intentional choices that have helped us sustain our love over n...

Ready to breathe a sigh of relief? Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi, where you get trauma-informed mental health and parenting advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Today, we’re exploring how shifting education policies impact neurodiverse children and what parents can do to advocate for their needs.  Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Dr. Jodi Aman sits down with Genie Dawkins , a family special edu...

Hi everyone, and welcome to another episode of Ask Dr. Jodi ! Tonight, I have the privilege of sitting down with my dear friend and vocal coach extraordinaire, Deborah Conquest, to unpack the topic of imposter syndrome. If you’ve ever felt like a fraud, doubted your abilities, or feared not being enough, this episode is for you. Together, we explore what imposter syndrome is, why it happens, and h...

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi Aman! High-functioning anxiety is today's topic. We'll discuss what it means, how it shows up, and why it’s often misunderstood. Dr. Jodi explores the invisible struggles behind a high-performance exterior and shares actionable strategies to navigate the challenges. Plus, we’re joined by Thom, a teacher who shares his firsthand experience with newfound anxiety after a traum...

Welcome to Ask Dr. Jodi with Dr. Jodi Aman and Lily! In this episode, we explore how to embrace change, reclaim your personal power, and recharge for the year ahead. Whether you're starting fresh, tackling resolutions, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is filled with practical advice and encouragement for embracing "newness" at any point in the year. Episode Summary Dr. Jodi and...

Hi everyone, it’s Dr. Jodi. Welcome back to  Ask Dr. Jod i! As we wrap up 2024 and look ahead to a new year, I’m so excited to explore the topic of stepping outside your comfort zone. Together with my daughter Lily, we’ll share our personal experiences, reflect on challenges we faced this year, and talk about how we can all push past our limits in 2025—one small, brave step at a time. Let’s dive i...

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Jodi Aman welcomes guests Adrienne and Alenka to explore the often-overlooked habit of self-silencing . Whether rooted in childhood patterns, family dynamics, or a fear of upsetting others, self-silencing can erode self-worth and lead to resentment or burnout. Adrienne shares her experience of prioritizing others’ needs over her own, tracing it back to growing up i...