Insights and Actions

Self-care has become one of those terms that can mean everything and nothing. We decided to actually examine it. In this episode, Matt, Johnny, and Craig do question it — where the concept came from, how it got commercialized, why it sometimes shames people more than it helps them, and what might actually be more useful: structure, honesty, and human connection. We dig into the real history of sel...

Our brains hate uncertainty. In times like these - war, division, violence, AI -  we can be stuck scanning for danger, filling in the blanks, and imaging worst case scenarios. Three therapists discuss how this plays out in the therapy office and beyond. "How we relate to uncertainty is a defining feature of our lives." Tips for how to respond to uncertainty, disillusionment, and anxiety....

Only 26% of men in therapy say they want to be understood. That stat stopped us in our tracks. Three male therapists react to a Wall Street Journal article about the state of men in therapy — and share what we see from the other side of the couch. We talk about the history of gender bias in psychology, how it shows up in couples therapy, what healing looks like outside the office, and what it's ac...

Go inside the recovery / addiction treatment industry: The good and bad of recovery homes, Kratom legislation, personal stories of recovery., loneliness of early sobriety, can psychology become cult-like? Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narcan, 12-steps, AA, NA, and therapy / counseling. Chrissy Chow is the executive director of Insight Recovery Centers, a c...

Practicing therapists tell stories of life transitions, discuss research on life-stages and happiness, and real fatherhood. Licensed mental health therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian host the Insights & Actions podcast. They take you behind the scenes to hear what practicing therapists talk about when they're out of session. Insights & Actions is for educational and e...

Therapists talk about when therapy might not be needed, powerful tools you can use now, therapy and dating, powerful questions to ask yourself, and much more! Therapy can be a powerful tool for change; we love therapy and have dedicated much of our life to providing these services, but is it always what's needed now? This show is educational and not therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.

Practicing therapists discuss how we project and blame others, stoicism, Buddhism, allowing kids to fail, courage, and much more. Licensed mental health therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian host the Insights & Actions podcast. They take you behind the scenes to hear what practicing therapists talk about when they're out of session. Insights & Actions is for educational...

The Insights & Actions podcast sits down with defense attorney Jeff Mangino for a powerful, real-world conversation about the intersection of mental health, therapy, and the criminal justice system. Jeff opens up about his personal experiences with therapy, how life events like divorce and family struggles shaped his perspective, and why he believes counseling is crucial — not just for his cli...

Alcohol moderation is controversial - but the science is clear. Tired of either alcoholic or not alcoholic? Alcohol moderation pioneer Cyndi Turner shows how to answer: "Can I Keep Drinking?" Learn how alcohol moderation works, who is a good candidate for moderation, how research was suppressed, common myths of alcohol moderation, and why Cyndi was once called a "criminal" for...

What is the history of mindfulness in Buddhism and how is it used (and misused) in Western Psychology? What does "neurodiversity" mean and what are the benefits and drawbacks of the term? Is psychological "safety" a myth that can actually do harm? Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk about buzzwords in psychology and culture. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you b...

Is college worth it? Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk about 'the college obsession', how parents' best intentions can go wrong, mental health, and stoic practices for wellbeing. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Insights & Actions is for educational and...

Narcissist, bipolar, gaslight, and "life coach." Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk about the history and misuse of psychology "buzzwords" that pop up in social media and pop culture. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Insights & Act...

Brain scans, psychedelics, not diagnosing normal behavior, and innovations in therapy. Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk about positive trends in mental health therapy (and much more)! The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Insights & Actions is for educat...

Excessive boundaries? Turning pain into an identity? Addiction programs taking advantage of clients for financial gain? Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk about negative trends in mental health therapy (and much more)! The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Ins...

What brings men into therapy and what is it like doing therapy with male clients? Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk about masculinity and vulnerability, male violence and bullying, men's mental health, relationships, and much more! The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when o...

Should I stay in this relationship? Are you seeing the same patterns show up in your relationships? Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian talk love, dating, marriage, and asking yourself the hard questions. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Insights & Actions...

Does therapy work? How do we change? Does the type of therapy (CBT, DBT, EFT) and diagnosis matter? Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian let you in on their observations from inside the therapy office. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Insights & Actions is f...

It's time to talk openly about men's mental health. Hear male therapists discuss what they see as the unique challenges facing men today. Therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce, and Matt Christian let you in on their observations from inside the therapy office. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about wh...

Sometimes good intentions go bad. What is overindulgence and how might it be creating issues for your kid? Licensed therapists Craig James, Johnny Pierce and Matt Christian let you in on their observations from inside the therapy office. The Insights & Actions podcast takes you behind the scenes with practicing therapists to hear what they're talking about when out of session. Insights &am...