But Why? Real talk on messy minds, and messier systems

In this follow-up to our general burnout episode, Kristin and Laura explore what burnout looks like through a neurodivergent lens — and why it so often goes unrecognised, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. Between chaotic mornings, ADHD hyperfocus, executive dysfunction, and autistic masking, we unpack: • What autistic and ADHD burnout really feel like • The difference between executive dysfunction a...

We were going to do something light and fun. But then… we remembered we’re burnt out. In this episode, Kristin and Laura explore the complex emotional, physical, and political layers of burnout — not just as a personal feeling, but as a symptom of the systems we live in. Between rainbow sightings, chaotic dog farts, and some very real science, we unpack: • What burnout really is (and why most peop...

Why do we blame ourselves for things that aren’t really our fault? In this deeply human (and deeply caffeinated) episode, Kristin and Laura explore the socioecological model — a powerful psychological framework that explains how our personal struggles are shaped by the people, places, and politics around us. With stories about concussion panic, dog therapy, sport sexism, and burnout, we unpack: •...

Is it anxiety? Is it burnout? Or are you just human in a broken world? In this vulnerable and wide-ranging episode, Kristin and Laura dive deep into what mental health really means — and why it’s often confused with mental illness. Through personal stories, psychology frameworks, and way too many Twilight references, they unpack: • The difference between mental health, mental illness & comprom...

From silent meetings to shouty comment sections, what makes some spaces feel safe — and others, like you can’t speak at all? In this episode, Kristin and Laura unpack the concept of psychological safety — not just as a corporate buzzword, but as a critical piece of being human. Rooted in decades of research and personal experience, they explore: • What psychological safety really means (and what i...

In Part 2 of our Halloween series, we move from broomsticks to boardrooms — exploring how the witch trials never truly ended. Kristin and Laura dive into how the image of the witch morphed into modern misogyny, media tropes, and political smear campaigns. From Sabrina the Teenage Witch to Hillary Clinton, we unpack: • How "witch" became a slur for powerful women • Why women still fear being seen •...

TW: This episode contains mentions/discussions around difficult topics such as death, sexual assault, and assault more broadly. Why were witches really hunted — and why does it still matter today? In this Halloween special of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, psychologists Kristin and Laura explore the history of witch trials through a feminist and socio-political lens. From m...

TW: This episode discusses potentially distressing topics such as sexism and related topics (e.g., harassment or assault)   Why does sexism still feel so damn relentless in 2024? In this episode of But Why: Real talk on messy minds and messier systems, psychologists Kristin and Laura unpack ambivalent sexism — the sneaky blend of benevolent and hostile sexism that keeps gender roles tightly in pla...

From band t-shirts to burnout, Kristin and Laura ask a deceptively simple question: why is it so hard to just be ourselves? In this honest and often hilarious episode, they unpack the psychology of identity — how it’s formed, how it’s performed, and what happens when it doesn’t match our sense of self. Together, they explore: • The difference between identity and sense of self • Why performance is...