The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych

In this Q&A episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I address two insightful listener questions. The first explores coping with the end of a therapeutic relationship, while the second delves into the physical manifestations of depression and strategies to manage them. This episode offers practical advice and empathetic understanding for those navigating these challenges. Chapters: 00:15 — Intro...

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Manu Kapur, a professor of learning sciences, to delve into his unique approach to education: productive failure. Dr. Kapur explains how intentionally designing failure within the learning process can lead to deeper understanding and greater knowledge retention. We discuss the science behind productive failure and how it differs from traditional methods, whi...

In today's episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast , I'm thrilled to sit down with marketing guru and best-selling author Seth Godin. Seth shares his near-death experience off the coast of San Clemente—a moment that became a powerful reminder of his mission to teach and contribute. We explore his philosophy of "strategy as a philosophy of becoming" and discuss practical ways to craft personal li...

In this episode, I sit down with Anna Runkle, better known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, to explore her journey of healing from childhood PTSD and the unique methods she has developed to help others do the same. Anna has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide re-regulate their nervous systems and recover from deep emotional wounds using simple but powerful techniques. We dive deep into...

In this laid-back check-in episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I take you through a series of updates and random musings. I discuss the current state of the podcast, why I decided to fire my ad agency, and the recent revival of interviews. I also share some personal projects, from working on my bipolar disorder book to collaborating with my kids on a creative game inspired by Minecraft. Thr...

In today's episode, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Dr. David Burns, a true legend in the field of mental health. Dr. Burns is not only a pioneer of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but he's also the best-selling author of Feeling Good and Feeling Great , which have collectively sold millions of copies worldwide. Spending so much time with him was a real treat, as he shared his in...

Breaking Boundaries: Dr. Paul Rivera on Redefining Success and Masculinity In this episode, Dr. Paul Rivera, a first-generation Latino American, shares his inspiring journey navigating cultural expectations and his pursuit of a fulfilling life. From his early challenges growing up in a Latino neighborhood in Los Angeles to his prestigious roles as a professor and diplomat, Dr. Rivera discusses the...

Managing ADHD and Long COVID: Strategies for Cognitive Challenges In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff addresses a listener's question about the impact of COVID-19 on ADHD symptoms. The listener shares their struggles with ADHD and how contracting long COVID has exacerbated their cognitive difficulties, impacting their academic performance and daily life. Dr. Duff del...

Revolutionizing Therapy: Colleen Marshall on Two Chairs' Matching Process   In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff interviews Colleen Marshall, Chief Clinical Officer at Two Chairs, a company dedicated to improving the therapy experience through innovative matching processes and measurement-based care. They discuss the current challenges in finding a suitable therapist,...

In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I address two intense and relatable listener questions. The first question comes from a listener who feels abandoned by their spouse after a traumatic car accident left them with PTSD and potential brain injury. I provide insights on the possible brain injuries they might have sustained, while also discussing the complexities of their strained rel...

Breaking Cycles: How Attachment Shapes Our Lives with Dr. Judy Ho In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, host Dr. Duff interviews neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University and author of 'The New Rules of Attachment.' They discuss why people often find themselves stuck in repetitive cycles despite different strategies and self-care routines. Dr. Ho expl...

In this episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, Dr. Robert Duff chats with Tony Weaver Jr., an award-winning author and educator dedicated to mental health advocacy and better representation in media. Tony shares his personal journey from feeling like an outcast in his teenage years, including a suicide attempt, to becoming a force for positivity and change. He discusses how his upbringing in A...

In this episode, Dr. Duff shares personal experiences and discusses the concept of being afraid of breathing. He highlights how anxiety and overthinking can lead to the sensation of not breathing properly. Dr. Duff explains how exposure therapy can be applied using breathing exercises to help alleviate these fears. He provides detailed instructions on different challenging breathing exercises like...

In episode 408 of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I'm joined by grief educator and author Christina Rasmussen. We delve deep into the concept of invisible loss, a unique form of grief that stems from unacknowledged experiences. Christina opens up about her personal grief journey, introduces the Life Reentry Process, and shares insights from her book, 'Invisible Loss.' We also explore how early chi...

Navigating Intense Anxiety and Career Changes Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Managing Severe Anxiety: A listener is struggling with intense daily anxiety and dissociation, impacting their ability to function in daily tasks like going to work or shopping. We discuss immediate tips, potential medical checks, and thera...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD and a leading expert in OCD treatment. We dive deep into understanding OCD, debunking common misconceptions, and exploring the most effective treatment approaches. Dr. McGrath shares practical advice for managing OCD and introduces an amazing new tool that's helping people across the country manage OCD from the co...

Does Joe Biden Have Dementia? A Neuropsychologist's Perspective   In this episode, I discuss the current political climate in the United States and my concerns as a neuropsychologist regarding the cognitive abilities of President Joe Biden. I explain the difference between normal aging, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia, and provide analysis of Biden's speech abilities from various clips ove...

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we delve into the transformative potential of ketamine therapy for mental health with Dr. Chantalle Thomas, a leading expert in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Thomas is a trainer in Fluence's Advanced Certificate in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as well as Executive Clinical Director at Windrose Recovery. Dr. Thomas discusses the complexities of ketamine...

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: How Do You Feel About Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications? A listener asks about the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, expressing concerns about addiction and the potential difficulty of getting off these meds. Dr. Duff shares his positive personal experienc...

Guest: Jenn Harris, Award-Winning Director, Writer, Actor, and Producer Host: Dr. Robert Duff Episode Description: In this episode, Dr. Robert Duff welcomes the incredibly talented Jenn Harris to the show. Jenn Harris is an award-winning director, writer, actor, and producer known for her diverse and impactful work in film and theater. Jenn discusses her latest short film, "She's Clean," which del...

In this episdoe, I sit down with Jennie Ketcham-Crooks, a licensed therapist, anxiety specialist, and author of the upcoming book "Look Up: The 30-Day Path to Digital Minimalism and Real Life Maximalism." Jennie shares her compelling journey from an adult film performer to a transformative therapist, opening up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path. They delve deep into the challenges of...

Hello, everyone! Thank you SO much for joining me for episode 400. I can't believe it's been 400 episodes already. Blows my mind. In this episode, I have a (creepy) mystery question that I share, and I also go through some rapid fire questions from the Hardcore Self Help Facebook group. A special shout out to everyone who has been with me from the start. Here is to the next 100 episodes!  As alway...

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle two profound listener questions that may resonate with many of you: Navigating Dating with a Stutter: A 38-year-old listener shares their struggles with stuttering, particularly how it impacts their dating life. They often need months to work up the courage to ask someone out and lose confidence if they stutter while doing so. We explore the nature of...

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we tackle three insightful listener questions that many of you might relate to: Choosing Not to Have Biological Children Due to Mental Illness: A listener shares their decision to not have biological children to avoid passing on their mental health struggles. They feel confident in this choice but encounter surprise and judgment from others. We discuss the valid...

Hello, friends! In today's episode, we dive deep into a listener's question about finding the right therapy for a variety of complex mental health issues. This 29-year-old woman is struggling with childhood trauma, mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression, and relationship issues. She is also seeking guidance on possible autism/ADHD symptoms and needs help navigating the overwhelmin...