Self-Helpless

Delanie Fischer is joined by Founder of The Optimism Institute and host of Blue Sky Podcast, Bill Burke, to discuss what optimism is NOT, how we can become more optimistic about the future (and the impact of doing so), and taking simple action despite the noise of the modern age. Plus: + Are Our Brains Really Addicted To Negativity? + The Most Shocking Health Benefit of Optimism + 7 Seriously Deli...

Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, psychotherapist, American Mental Health Counselors Association Diplomate, and author of Gaslighting, shares the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs that you're in a cycle of emotional abuse —from dysfunctional behaviors that have been normalized in media, feeling trapped in a job where you're being mistreated, and insidious romantic relationships. Full episode with Dr. Sarkis: h...

Delanie Fischer chats with Host of The Losing 100 Pounds Podcast, Corinne Crabtree, about her experience with diets that don't work, what actually supported her weight loss (by losing weight the way she wants to live her life), and how to love yourself at any and every size. Full episode with Corinne Crabtree: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/19bbe1c5/no-bs-weight-loss-losing-1...

Delanie Fischer is joined by Athena Trombly, who shares about her experience with a brain tumor — how she discovered it, what her surgeries and recovery have been like, and the impact it's made on her life, including her relationships, beliefs, and how she chooses to spend her time. This episode is part of our series, "Subscriber Stories." Next round of submissions: spring 2025. Plus: + Navigating...

Delanie Fischer answers the question from a patron, "How Do You Organize Your Calendar As A Multi-Hyphenate?" She shares some tips that help keep her planner as clutter-free as possible, how she currently sets up her week in order to tend to 3 different streams of revenue as a writer and podcaster, and what has NOT worked in the past. Want your question answered on the next mini episode? Submit it...

Could you imagine your kid going from hating school to LOVING it so much they wish they even had it on weeknds? Delanie Fischer is joined by former public school teacher, mom, and Founder and Director of Fáilte Waldorf Microschool, Jennifer Kempin, to share her experience with homeschooling her son, the impact this transition made on him, and how it inspired her to help other kids who struggle in...

Certified Coach and HR Expert, Shelby McGuire Canlas, chats with Delanie about the importance of prioritizing your mental health and wellbeing during a job search, why taking a job "for the meantime" might be exactly the kind of breather you need (for your happiness and long-term success), and how to let go of the "dream job" pressure + tips for your next career move. Full episode with Shelby McGu...

Body-centered Collage Artist, Tatum Elizabeth, chats with Delanie about the creative process, imposter syndrome, embracing embarrassment, tips for getting started on a new project, and how we can all submit to be featured in Tatum's next collage! Full episode with Tatum Elizabeth: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/245a1122/how-a-collage-changed-my-life-with-tatum-elizabeth Get F...

Delanie Fischer is joined by board-certified psychologist and insomnia treatment specialist, Dr. Brian F. Licuanan, to discuss why insomnia happens, treatment options, and fascinating findings around the science of sleep. Dr. Brian shares how we can improve our sleep hygiene, information about sleep disorders, and the relationship between addiction and insomnia. Plus: + How Long Should It Really T...

Delanie's book, MockTales: 50+ Literary Mocktails Inspired by Classic Works, Banned Books, and More, is officially available for pre-order! Tune in for information about exclusive pre-order gifts, where Delanie will be popping up for book signings and events, how to submit questions for a special episode of the podcast coming up, and a spur-of-the-moment competition that can get you featured as a...

Delanie Fischer is joined by Sav Clements, who shares about experiencing depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and attempts over a decade ago — including invaluable insights for parents and other loved ones who may not be aware that their friend or family member is struggling. This episode is part of our series, "Subscriber Stories," and listener discretion is advised. Plus: + How 1 Conversati...

Indian-American writer, Nishima Gupta, shares her experience witnessing her parents' divorce (that they kept secret from her for 3 years), how culture impacted their decisions, and what it's taught her about love and relationships. Full episode with Nishima Gupta: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/29b0fba4/my-parents-kept-their-divorce-a-secret-for-3-years-with-nishima-gupta Wha...

Delanie Fischer is joined by friends and activists, Jamie Logan and Justina Adorno, to discuss how they've integrated activism into their daily lives and careers, how they each approach criticism, burnout, and self-care, and the importance of finding community as an activist. Whether you want to get more involved in a cause you care about but don't know where to start, you feel stuck and need some...

Licensed marriage and family therapist and doctor of psychology, Dr. Sahar Martinez, shares fascinating scientific findings regarding generational trauma and offers guidance for parents who fear they may pass their own trauma down to their kids. Full episode with Dr. Sahar Martinez: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/2132563d/healing-generational-trauma-with-dr-sahar-martinez Wha...

Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and former President of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, Dr. Luana Marquez, shares the function of both our "emotional" and "critical" brain, why we should try to approach vs. avoid our anxiety, and how to apply your values to your weekly schedule. Full episode with Dr. Luana Marquez: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/...

Delanie Fischer is joined by Sharon Okun, who shares about her experience with Lyme Disease and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome— the symptoms she's experienced over the years, why it took so long to diagnose, and what's helped her feel better, manage daily responsibilities, and pursue passion projects. If you, or someone you love, is experiencing a chronic illness, this episode has so much to offer, and is...

Social justice activist and founder of "The Body is Not An Apology" movement, Sonya Renee Taylor, shares the reality behind "cancel culture" and how we can all become more compassionate and empathetic towards each other while navigating harm. Full episode with Sonya Renee Taylor: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/327baacc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-with-licensed-therapi...

Delanie Fischer is joined by Dr. Samantha Harte, author of Breaking The Circuit: How to Rewire Your Mind for Hope, Resilience and Joy in the Face of Trauma, to discuss perfectionism, addiction, and recovery. Dr. Harte shares how her accomplishments masked her struggle with addiction (like getting accepted into a postdoctoral program the very same day she overdosed on cocaine), why her rock bottom...

Licensed marriage and family therapist, Nadirah Habeebullah, provides an overview of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a treatment that can help, and how we can talk to a loved one who is experiencing this disorder. Full episode with Licensed Therapist, Nadirah Habeebullah: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/327baacc/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-with-licensed-therapis...

Delanie Fischer is joined by her dad, Ron Fischer, to chat about his experience growing up in "the poor family" in his community. He shares how this impacted his relationship with work and money, any fears around finances he experienced as he grew his career and started a business, and the mark it's made on his values around family and friendship. Whether you're fearful around finances, starting a...

Urologist and sexual health expert, Dr. Rena Malik, demystifies misconceptions around pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary tract infections, and Kegel exercises —including which tests to request from your doctor, surprising symptoms to be mindful of, and instances where Kegels do more harm than good. Full episode with Dr. Rena Malik: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/1c573a89/utis-...

Delanie Fischer is joined by psychotherapists, Katie McKenna and Helen Villiers, to discuss the impact of being raised by a narcissistic parent, and how it affects the entire family system. Katie and Helen provide everyday examples of what these dynamics can look like, why it can be extremely challenging for a survivor of this type of abuse to acknowledge their own experience (and why there's no s...

Intimacy expert and counselor, Michaela Boehm, shares a variety of simple ways to reconnect with a partner (and prevent future plateaus) when the demands of daily life get in the way of emotional and physical intimacy. Plus, one exercise that can help all of us get out of our head, and into our body, within minutes. Full episode with Michaela Boehm: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/epi...

Delanie Fischer is joined by Erika Martin, who shares about her dad’s diagnosis with Lewy Body Dementia — how it’s impacting her family, resources and logistics for immediate and long-term care, and how she’s grieving and coping. If someone you love has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, this episode has so much to offer, and is part of our series, "Subscriber Stories." Plus: + Finding The Ri...

Forensic psychiatrist of over 20 years, Dr. Tracey Marks, gives us some exciting and hopeful insights into cutting-edge clinical trials, which approach is working best, and what the future of depression treatment may look like. Full episode with Dr. Tracey Marks: https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/episodes/episode/36a8f408/depression-and-serotonin-syndrome-with-dr-tracey-marks You can join our Pa...