Are We Okay? with licensed therapists, Maddy & Jennifer

Today Maddy and Jen talk about the relationship we have with our phones. Are we just using them, or are we addicted? From mindless scrolling to compulsive texting, Maddy and Jen explore the psychology behind our screen addiction and what it means for our mental health.  Tips for setting healthier phone boundaries:  Do Not Disturb is your BFF – Keep notifications off to avoid constant interruptions...

Today Maddy and Jen are diving into time management—why we struggle with it, and how we can reclaim control of our schedules (and more importantly - our lives). From learning to say no without guilt to navigating the pressures of always being “busy,” the gals explore the tricky, tricky balance between productivity and rest.  Key Takeaways:  Saying No is a Skill – It's okay to decline plans wi...

This week Maddy and Jen take a break from deep dives and just… catch up. And the big news? Jen set Maddy up on a date! They break down how the setup happened and why good old-fashioned matchmaking might be the best way to meet someone these days.  A note from Producer Hailey: Oops! If you noticed the first upload of this episode was a little too unfiltered, that's because the wrong version wa...

It’s Valentine’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a breakup episode? Whether you're single, in a situationship, or plotting your great escape, Maddy and Jen have you covered. Breaking up is never easy, but doing it like an actual adult? That’s a whole other level.  Your 5 Step Guide to Breaking Up Like an Adult...  1. Are you ready? Are you reacting to a temporary issue or is t...

Did ya miss us? We're back!  This week, Maddy and Jen tackle the dreaded “F” word—fired—and break down everything you need to know if you find yourself in this situation. Whether you’ve been let go, fear losing your job, or just want to be prepared, this episode is your survival guide. 5 Steps to Survive Getting Fired or Laid Off Step 1: Give yourself time to process.  Getting fired or laid o...

Coming off the holidays, you might find yourself reflecting on those tricky in-law dynamics—whether it’s navigating family gatherings, balancing expectations, or handling unsolicited advice. In this episode, Maddy and Jen dive headfirst into the complexities of in-law relationships. Join us!  Key Takeaways:  Assume Good Intentions: During and after the holidays, it’s helpful to approach in-law rel...

Happy New Year! this week Maddy and Jen dive into the ever-elusive world of New Year’s resolutions. From societal pressures to personal accountability, they share practical insights and tangible tips on how to make meaningful changes that actually stick—without falling into guilt, shame, or perfectionism traps. Your roadmap to creating meaningful change in the new year:  Ditch the "New Year,...

BIRTHDAY TWINS Maddy and Jen take listeners through a candid review of their past year. With humor, vulnerability, and plenty of relatable insights, they share their personal highs and lows, their obsessions of the year, and their hopes for what’s to come... adios 2024.  💌 A Note to Our Are We Okay? Listeners 💌 Thank you, thank you, thank you—for tuning in, for showing up, and for being part of...

Today Maddy and Jennifer lay out the ultimate roadmap for finding a partner in one year or less. With a mix of LOLs and practical advise they break down everything you need to know to make it happen—without losing sight of who you are. The Roadmap:  Define Your Needs: Create an exhaustive list of "non-negotiables" and "nice-to-haves" to clarify what you're looking for in a...

Today Maddy and Jen dive into the complex and colorful world of mother-daughter relationships. From Jen’s close bond with her mom to Maddy’s reflections on her own, the duo explores how their relationships with their mothers shape what they’ll carry forward—or leave behind—as parents. Key Takeaways:  Mother-daughter relationships are dynamic: They evolve over time, shaped by shared experiences, in...

Welcome back! Today, Maddy and Jennifer tackle the tricky terrain of expectations versus reality. Have you ever caught yourself wondering if your friends hate you since you're always the first one to make plans? or wrestled with the string of high hopes meeting not-so-perfect outcomes? Maddy and Jennifer share their most relatable client stories and personal insights... Key Takeaways:  Refram...

Today Maddy and Jen dive into the psychology of manifesting... What does it mean to manifest? Is it just another buzzword, or does it hold genuine psychological merit? From vision boards and intention setting to actionable goal-making, Maddy and Jen explores the balance between dreaming big and staying grounded.  Key Takeaways: Defining Manifestation: It's about clarifying what you want and a...

It's tiiiiime! Maddy and Jennifer tackle the perennial holiday struggle: managing family dynamics, setting boundaries, and finding joy amidst the chaos of the holidays.  Key Takeaways:  The Power of Preparation: Reflect on past holiday challenges to prepare for what’s ahead. Set Boundaries Without Guilt: Use humor or redirection to pivot away from uncomfortable topics. Interpersonal Effective...

Today Maddy and Jen dive deep into shopping addiction, exploring its roots, personal experiences, and helpful strategies for managing impulsive buying habits. Key Takeaways:  The Psychology of Shopping: Shopping often provides a dopamine boost, especially online. It can serve as a quick fix during stressful times but may lead to overspending. Mindfulness Techniques: Using tools like DBT, Maddy exp...

Maddy and Jennifer dive into the topic of avoidance and how it shows up in everyday life. From dodging text messages and delaying difficult conversations to steering clear of responsibilities like paying bills, they explore why we all avoid certain things and what it says about us. The duo shares their own experiences while offering insights on how to manage avoidance without letting it control ou...

Join Maddy and Jen as they dive deep into the evolving nature of friendships across different stages of life. From sharing nostalgic stories about childhood friendships to exploring the challenges of maintaining connections as adults, they get real about what it means to sustain meaningful relationships. They discuss the significance of "quality over quantity," the reality of outgrowing...

Today Maddy and Jennifer dive into the evolving culture surrounding mental health, wellness, and the ways we talk about our struggles. Together, they examine how social media and influencer culture have fueled the trend of pathologizing everyday emotions and labeling discomfort as illness, often overshadowing the real challenges of mental health. From the rise of “trauma talk” to labeling normal f...

In this episode, Maddy and Jennifer, two therapists and best friends, dive deep into the male psyche, exploring dating patterns and common misconceptions around relationships.  They share insights from their own clinical experiences, reflecting on how men approach dating and relationships differently from women, while breaking down why communication gaps happen so frequently. They chat about every...

In this episode of Are We Okay? , Jennifer and Maddy dive deep into the tricky topics of insecurity, jealousy, and doubt in relationships. Drawing from their personal experiences and extensive work with young professionals in their 20s and 30s, they break down how these emotions can quietly sabotage relationships if left unchecked. From discussing the unique struggles faced by men and women in the...

In this episode, Maddy and Jen dive deep into a concept they’ve coined as “Nostalgia for the Present.” Ever feel like you’re living in a moment so good, you’re already missing it? That’s exactly what they explore. From personal stories about big life changes—like Jen expecting her second child and Maddy navigating her relationship—to the challenges of staying present, this episode is packed with i...

Welcome to the first episode of Are We Okay? hosted by licensed clinicians (and besties), Maddy Ellberger and Jennifer Teplin.  In their first ever episode, we get to know the duo behind the mic as they share personal stories, reflect on their journeys, and ask each other some deep, funny, and even embarrassing questions.  With over a decade of friendship and years of clinical experience, Maddy an...