Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at Midlife

Hey friends! In today’s episode of Insights from the Couch , we’re exploring one of our favorite (and most handed-out!) psychological models—the Drama Triangle. If you've ever felt stuck in dysfunctional relationship dynamics, unsure why you're constantly the “rescuer,” “victim,” or “persecutor,” this one's for you. We break down how these roles silently fuel relational chaos and em...

Midlife weight gain feels like it sneaks up on us—and suddenly what used to work, doesn’t. In this episode, we sit down with our brilliant friend and fitness expert, Dena Pistor, for a no-BS conversation about what it actually takes to manage weight and feel better in perimenopause and beyond. Whether you're frustrated by belly fat that seems to appear overnight, curious about the truth behin...

What happens when the reflection staring back at you no longer matches the youthful image in your mind? In this episode, we peel back the layers of the “midlife mirror” to explore how aging intersects with body image, vanity, and the deep-seated need for validation. We get raw and real about the emotional shifts that come when our appearance begins to change—and how those shifts impact everything...

This week on Insights From the Couch , we sit down with the powerhouse attorney, author, and survivor, Alreen Haeggquist. From her deeply personal story of growing up in an abusive household to becoming a leading legal advocate for survivors of sexual harassment and assault, Alreen’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit—and the power of owning your story. We explore the long...

Hey everyone—We’re diving into a topic that gets tossed around a lot but rarely unpacked in a way that actually matters: self-care. If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by what self-care really is (and isn’t), this is for you. In this episode, we unpack the myths, call out the cultural noise, and get real about what it truly means to care for yourself, especially during midlife. We talk abo...

In this episode, we're taking a closer look at the science (and soul) of happiness—not that shiny, fake, “good vibes only” stuff, but the real-deal, research-backed version. After attending a powerful talk by Harvard professor and happiness expert Arthur C. Brooks, we came back buzzing with insights, and we couldn’t wait to break it all down for you. We’re exploring what happiness actually me...

How do we create deep, secure, and lasting relationships—not just in romance, but in parenting, friendships, and even with ourselves? In this episode, we sit down with Tara Boothby, psychologist, author of Love and Love’s Energy , and expert in attachment science. She takes us on a journey into the heart of connection, breaking down the complexities of attachment styles, emotional safety, and the...

Hey friends! We cannot believe we’re saying this—but it's officially been ONE YEAR since we launched Insights from the Couch ! Not only are we celebrating our podcast anniversary, but this is also our 50th episode, and we're taking a moment to reflect on the wild, messy, beautiful journey that brought us here. Spoiler alert: we had no idea what we were doing when we started, but we’re pr...

What actually works for healthy, vibrant skin—and what’s just hype? In this episode, we sit down with the brilliant and refreshingly honest Dr. Mary Alice Mina, Harvard-trained dermatologist and host of The Skin Real podcast. We dive deep into what midlife skin really needs, what treatments are worth the money, and how hormonal changes can shake up everything we thought we knew about our skincare...

What happens when you spend your whole life taking care of others, and suddenly realize you’ve lost yourself in the process? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Debbie R. Weiss, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and inspirational speaker, who shares how she spent decades as a family caregiver—first to her father, then to her son with autism, and later to her husband battling mental illness...

In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by our dear friend and fellow therapist, Helen Keeling-Neal, as she bravely shares her journey through grief after the sudden loss of her husband. Helen opens up about the profound and unexpected challenges that come with navigating life as a young widow and single mom, all while finding ways to heal, grow, and embrace a new path forward. Whether you’ve expe...

Do you find yourself saying “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Do you feel responsible for keeping the peace, even at your own expense? If any of that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. From childhood conditioning and gender expectations to how this behavior shows up in our adult relationships—romantic, professional, and personal—we’re talking about it all. In this episode, we get real...

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Nicole Swartz, a licensed therapist specializing in helping people heal from the damaging effects of diet culture and generational body-image trauma. Nicole shares her personal story of overcoming an eating disorder, offers insights into her revolutionary coaching program, and explains how shifting mindsets around food and body image can create lasting...

Are you navigating the tricky world of dating after divorce? In this heartfelt and hilarious episode, we sit down with the incredible Andrea Baker, an actor, voiceover artist, and co-host of the pet-centric podcast Tales to Tell . Andrea opens up about her personal journey through divorce, the unexpected twists of dating midlife, and the surprising lessons learned along the way. Together, we explo...

Buckle up. In this episode, we get real about what it's like to raise kids between the ages of 10 to 18 in a world that looks nothing like the one we grew up in. From the emotional rollercoaster of middle school years to navigating social media, anxiety, and the constant pressure to be “on,” we break down the mental load parents are carrying—and what actually helps. Spoiler: It’s not control,...

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re joined by Dr. Kelly Kessler, a physical therapist and transformation coach, who’s on a mission to help high-achieving women break free from self-abandonment and stress. Kelly shares her own journey of moving from a life of chronic self-sacrifice to one of self-honor and balance, offering strategies that can help you find your way back to yourself....

We’re back for Season 4 of Insights From the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife , and we’re kicking things off with a juicy deep dive into the twisted psychological underpinnings of HBO’s The White Lotus . As therapists and mega-fans of the show, we couldn’t resist unpacking the layers of sex, power, betrayal, and just downright messed-up family dynamics in this season. From the uncomfortably intimat...

Let’s get into one of our favorite topics—creativity and life force. Have you ever felt stuck or disconnected from your true self? In this episode, we explore how creativity can be a powerful tool to reconnect with your life force and live your best life. Whether it's through artistic practices, engaging with nature, or simply tuning into your surroundings, we discuss practical ways to awaken...

Ever wondered how mindfulness, neuroscience, and therapy intersect to create profound healing? In this episode, we’re thrilled to chat with Natalie Baker, a licensed psychotherapist, meditation teacher, and Neurofeedback expert. Natalie shares how her unique blend of Eastern and Western psychology—alongside cutting-edge brain training techniques—helps people overcome anxiety, trauma, and other cha...

In this episode, we tackle the challenging topic of the Sandwich Generation – those caught between raising children and caring for aging parents while managing their own careers and lives. Let’s get into the emotional, financial, and physical toll this can take. We will offer practical advice on how to cope without losing oneself to help you navigate this demanding phase of life. We will discuss s...

In this episode, we’re inviting you into a conversation that might just change the way you think about sexuality, agency, and self-discovery. We’re joined by the incredible Dr. Juliana Hauser, a psychologist, sex educator, and thought leader in holistic sexuality. If you’re wondering what that means, you’re not alone! Dr. Juliana walks us through the nine pillars of holistic sexuality and why unde...

Hey everyone, Colette and Laura here! This week, we’re diving deep into one of the biggest, most emotionally loaded topics: What makes a good mother? If you’re a parent (or ever had one), you’ve likely asked yourself this question in some form—whether it’s self-reflection, societal pressure, or those internalized voices from childhood. We unpack the emotional complexities of motherhood, the impact...

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been misunderstood, especially in women and girls. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brady Bradshaw and Dr. Allison Brazendale, two experts in adolescent and adult mental health, to break down why ASD is often underdiagnosed in females. We dive into pink flags, the subtle signs that might indicate ASD, and discuss why so many girls and women go undiagnose...

In this week’s episode, we take a deep dive into anxiety—something that affects nearly 20% of the population and twice as many women as men. We chat about the different ways anxiety can show up in your life, the underlying causes, and the tools you can use to cope. Whether it’s hormonal fluctuations, past trauma, or just the demands of our fast-paced culture, anxiety can hit us all, but there’s ho...

Today we sit down with the incredible Cait Flanders to explore what it really means to live an intentional life. Cait, author of The Year of Less and Adventures in Opting Out , shares her journey of opting out of societal norms, creating life on her own terms, and learning how to navigate her way through sobriety, minimalism, and self-compassion. Cait opens up about her decision to quit drinking,...