Before You Cut Bangs

Botox, supplements, cold plunges, IV drips… The internet is screaming a million ways to stay young, but what actually works? We sat down with Dr. Steven Austad—America’s leading aging expert—to separate fact from fantasy. His answer? Unbelievably simple… and honestly refreshing. If you’ve ever chased the fountain of youth, don’t miss this episode. And buckle up to learn the truth from the guy who...

In this inaugural "vindication episode," Laura and Claire are joined by Will's father, veteran radio host Bob Lochamy, to set the record straight on some of the show’s most memorable family stories. With wit and warmth, Bob revisits tales involving a Michael Jackson joke gone wrong, a softball injury mix-up, and even a surprising run-in with Taylor Swift. Along the way, he shares he...

Laura got a frantic call to grab someone’s kids... and couldn’t remember their name. Yep. That actually happened. In this episode, we’re talking about those awkward friendship moments when you realize you’re not on the same page about how close you really are. We’ll refresh you on our now-famous friendship tiers, play a revealing game of “Tier or Near,” and offer tips for recalibrating relationshi...

It's Will this time! He's the one with the issue! Well, it's also Laura and Claire... and probably you.  It turns out passive aggressiveness isn't just about your one snarky friend. That disconnect between what we express and what we communicate lies at the heart of passive-aggressive behavior. 

"Co-parenting has nothing to do with your failed marriage," becomes our central theme as we explore the strategies that help children thrive despite family restructuring. We discuss the surprising value of rigid schedules, the importance of speaking positively about your ex-partner (or saying nothing at all), and why approaching difficult conversations with curiosity rather than accusati...

What if the chaos that keeps finding you isn't random at all? Laura and Claire tackle the uncomfortable question many of us face when drama seems to follow us everywhere: "Is it me or is it them?"

Small talk—love it or hate it, it’s everywhere. We explore why it exists, how it shapes our daily lives, and why some thrive on it while others (Will) cringe. Through engaging stories and psychological insights, we unpack its cultural nuances and hidden impact on relationships. Join us as we reflect on the power of brief exchanges, from awkward encounters to meaningful connections. Subscribe and b...

Should you only travel with tier-one friends? How are you going to decide on who plays the music in the car? Most importantly, who will be there to talk Claire out of going to live with the monks? Those questions are answered this week on Before You Cut Bangs.

Ever look at someone and think, Wow, they really have it all figured out? Yeah… us neither. But a listener wrote in and asked about confidence—where it comes from, how to get it, and whether we just wake up feeling like we run the world (spoiler: we don’t). In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers of confidence—how it’s less about knowing everything and more about surviving discomfort over a...

We dig into the crucial differences between Licensed Professional Counselors (LCPs) and pastoral counselors, addressing how negative church experiences can deter people from seeking effective therapy. Inspired by a listener's traumatic encounter with an unlicensed "counselor" who imposed detrimental contractual agreements, we delve into avoiding harmful mental healthcare experiences...

Are you listening!? Will probably isn't. Laura and Claire explore the complexities of being a good listener, discussing different approaches to friends versus acquaintances, and the role personal boundaries play in these interactions. 

We are knocking on the doors of Christmas and trying to capture the magic, but not get sucked into the world of comparisons and feeling like we didn’t do enough for our family, friends, and especially our kids. The holiday season ushers in lots of good stuff, like joy and memory making— but if we aren’t careful it can all feel like insurmountable pressure. We hope as you listen wherever you are on...

The hardest thing in life is to be in a relationship with people that we hoped would change and then we wake up one day and realize maybe they won’t… or can’t.  On this episode, we are diving into how to navigate those relationships and come to terms with the reality of what IS TRUE. 

We're all fascinated with true crime and documentaries in general, but why? Filmmaker Matthew Galkin joins us for a fascinating conversation about the incredible influence of documentaries, highlighting how they transform perspectives and ignite important discussions.  Matthew opens up about his shift into the true crime genre, a transition he never anticipated but found fascinating due to th...

Now that Halloween is over the real spooky season begins for some of us as we step into the holiday gathering season with our families. We are rolling out three ways to approach conversations you don’t want to have (again) and talking through the ones you want to avoid altogether. This episode is all about taking care of yourself and still showing up and enjoying even the most awkward of family ga...

Taking therapy beyond the traditional couch, Laura and Claire explore unconventional methods like somatic and movement-based therapies that might just unlock those traumas your body refuses to let go of.  Most importantly, how many times can Laura be scared by a fake spider, and what are our three hosts most afraid of (other than the fake spider)?

This week on "Before You Cut Bangs," we’re kicking off with our new segment, "Show and Tell." Claire shares the most scandalous gifts she received with Laura and Will, including "Clone a Willie" and "Clone a Lady Part" kits. Guess which one has batteries... We dive headfirst into the pressures of perfectionism on social media. Is the flawless life you see on...

Have you ever felt like your emotions are a tightly sealed bottle, ready to burst? Laura and Claire kick off this episode by examining the surprising consequences of suppressing your feelings, from irritability to serious issues like addiction. They offer insights into the delicate balance between over-processing emotions and shutting them down entirely, featuring Will's pragmatic approach as...

This is the second installment with Dr. Rachel Fargason, who demystifies ADHD in all its forms—from hyperactive and inattentive subtypes, to the lesser-known sluggish cognitive tempo. We also touch on the long-term safety of these medications and question if it's actually harmful for some people to not take them.

Ever wonder if your pile of unread texts and emails is more than just procrastination? Laura, Claire, and Will are joined by special guest, Dr. Rachel Fargason from UAB to answer listener questions concerning all things ADHD. Dr. Fargason brings her expert insights, debunks myths about ADHD, and sheds light on the relief and understanding that a proper diagnosis brings. 

Are we living in the most offended generation ever? Perhaps. We are unpacking why we feel offended by our close people (spouses, partners, kids, TEENAGERS, colleagues, friends) and what to do when it feels big! Laura talks about a lady who is still offended by her after an accidental "bird shooting" incident. Clair talks about silly sippy straws to help us understand our whacky brains, a...

ADHD isn't just a buzzword; it’s a complex condition that can impact every aspect of life. Have you ever wondered how ADHD truly affects daily functioning and what it takes to get an accurate diagnosis? Our stories not only highlight the myths surrounding ADHD, but also the emotional validation that comes with a diagnosis, offering a supportive perspective that breaks down stereotypes and mis...

Join us on this (Claire can't stop laughing out loud) episode of "Before You Cut Bangs," where Laura and Claire dissect all things embarrassment. We uncover the anatomy of those mortifying moments through listener stories like Amanda from Atlanta, whose dog left a little surprise in Home Depot, and Melissa from Nashville, who accidentally sent a cringe-worthy screenshot to her forme...

We get it. It's a BIG, huge buzz in culture... the narcissist, or the potential narcissist in your life that's taking up a lot of space.  In this episode, we're talking about all the steps that make up the narcissist cycle. From Love bombing to big criticism, we are breaking down Laura's version and Claire is coming in strong with the clinical truths we hope to come through. 

On this episode, Laura, Claire, and Will are taking a narcissist quiz while tip-toeing their way around the culturally buzzing subject of narcissism on the whole. You're going to find out, in a less than scientific way, how narcissistic the hosts of Before You Cut Bangs really are.  Our goal over the next two episodes is to shine some light on what makes a narcissist,  how to identify them, a...