The Psych with a Mic Podcast

Relationships are supposed to be sources of joy and support, but what happens when they become a drain on your mental and emotional health? In this powerful episode, we're pulling back the curtain on toxic relationships and giving you the tools you need to break free. Join us as we dive into the subtle—and not so subtle—red flags of toxic behavior, from constant criticism and belittling to the ins...

Are you tired of carrying the weight of the past? Do old hurts, lingering resentments or paralyzing fears keep you from living your best life? In "Unburden Yourself: The Art of Letting Go," we tackle one of life's most challenging yet rewarding feats: releasing the anchors that hold us back. Drawing inspiration from a surprising source – the classic British sitcom Are You Being Serv...

Tired of knowing what to do but struggling to actually do it for consistent business success? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Jen tackles a listener's burning question about the primary ingredient for achieving your goals, beyond just confidence. Dr. Jen dives deep into the trap of overthinking and how it fuels negativity like fear of failure, perfectionism and self-doubt. Be read...

Tired of self-help books collecting dust? Feeling like you're spinning your wheels despite all the courses and coaching? You're not alone. In this potentially game-changing episode, Dr. Jen discusses how traditional personal development often falls short because it frequently overlooks the deeply ingrained, subconscious beliefs that sabotage our best intentions. It's not about a lac...

Feeling frazzled and overwhelmed by the daily grind? You're not alone. Life throws a lot our way, and finding time for lengthy stress relief practices can feel impossible. But what if you could tap into calm in the tiny pockets of your day, without needing a special studio or hours of free time? Join Dr. Jen on Pocketfuls of Peace as we explore simple, effective stress-busting techniques you...

Have you ever found yourself grappling with the lingering impact of a difficult childhood? As a psychologist, I regularly speak with individuals whose lives have been shaped by parental abuse, neglect, abandonment or betrayal. Whether we consciously acknowledge it or not, our upbringing profoundly influences our present-day well-being. Perhaps you've even worried about repeating patterns from...

Do you find yourself nodding along with the idea of gratitude but struggling to make it a meaningful practice? If so, this podcast is for you. Simply listing things you're thankful for can feel uninspired or even forced. This podcast introduces a structured approach to daily reflection that goes beyond surface-level gratitude to foster resilience, celebrate learning and accomplishments and re...

Tired of feeling overlooked or dismissed? Ready to step into your power and earn the respect you deserve? Listen in as we unpack the crucial difference between demanding and commanding respect, exploring why one breeds resentment and the other fosters genuine admiration. We'll delve into the core qualities that naturally inspire respect and discuss actionable steps you can implement immediate...

Are you caught in a cycle of one-sided, emotionally draining relationships? In this episode, we dissect relationship addiction, also known as codependency, and explore its deep-seated roots. We'll clarify the crucial distinctions between dependence, codependence and interdependence, emphasizing the vital role of a healthy sense of self. We'll delve into the origins of codependency, traci...

Tired of feeling overwhelmed by "shoulds" and "musts"? In this episode, we're tackling the most insidious four-letter word that's not a curse: "need." We'll explore why using "need" instead of "want," "choose," or "prefer" is causing you unnecessary stress and limiting your perspective. Discover the crucial differ...

Feeling down? You're not alone. With nearly 30% of Americans experiencing depression, it's a widespread challenge. In this episode, we're diving into practical strategies to boost your mood and combat depressive symptoms. Drawing from over 20 years of clinical experience, we'll explore 12 powerful antidotes for low mood that can help you reclaim your well-being. Learn the actio...

What does "normal" really mean? Normal isn't a particularly descriptive word, other than being a setting on the dryer. From the idyllic world of "Leave It to Beaver" to the chaotic reality of "Shameless," this episode explores how our personal experiences shape our understanding of what's typical.  In this episode, we unpack the subjective nature of "no...

Are you reinforcing your child's bad behavior without realizing it? In this episode, we're diving deep into the psychology of reinforcement and how inconsistent parenting can actually strengthen unwanted behaviors. Discover the powerful, yet problematic, "intermittent variable" reinforcement schedule and why it's the secret behind the addictive nature of slot machines – an...

Ever found yourself boiling with anger behind the wheel? You're not alone. Road rage is a real and dangerous phenomenon, with incidents on the rise. In this episode, we're diving deep into the psychology behind why we lose our cool on the road and how to regain control. We'll explore the common triggers, from perceived personal attacks to simple impatience, and break down the scienc...

Are you your own worst critic? Do you constantly second-guess yourself, replaying mistakes and fueling self-doubt? You might be gaslighting yourself. In this episode, we're tackling the insidious habit of internal gaslighting and providing you with 7 powerful strategies to cut yourself some much-needed slack. Get ready to get out of your head and into your life!  We'll delve into the ori...

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong or that everyone is going to find out that you don’t deserve your achievements? Do you ever get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach because you’re worried you’ll be “found out”? If you can relate to those feelings of chronic self-doubt, you’ve probably experienced imposter syndrome.  Imposter syndrome is a mental process wherein a person feels i...

Are you often told you're too sensitive? Do you take things personally? If so, you're not alone. You're overreacting because of the way you process information and the vulnerabilities poppin' off while you're doing it--and it's not doing you any freaking favors!  Learn how to identify your personal triggers and understand the role of the amygdala in your emotional rea...

Ever feel like the world will crumble if you take a day off? You're not a 2x4, and it's time to embrace your dispensability. In this episode, we're flipping the script on dispensability and revealing why it's a powerful tool for self-care and boundary setting. We'll explore how the Army's lesson in dispensability can translate to your work and personal life. Discover...

Do you find yourself compulsively pulling your hair or picking at your skin? If so, you might be experiencing a pulling or picking disorder. In this episode, we're diving into the world of trichotillomania and excoriation, exploring the underlying causes and offering practical strategies to regain control. We'll discuss how these disorders are often rooted in anxiety and serve as self-so...

Ever wondered why some people seem to thrive on drama? In this episode, we're diving into the psychology of "dramamongers" and exploring the various reasons behind their behavior. From seeking familiarity and avoiding self-reflection to craving attention or maintaining a victim narrative, we'll uncover the motivations that drive these dramatic patterns. We'll examine how p...

Full disclosure: Losing your house is definitely a serving of humble pie. But get a load of what we learned and what we're doing differently now that we will NEVER change! Listen in for the real story on tithing and something you may have never heard regarding giving money to the church. Join us for a deeply personal episode as we delve into the power of faith, doubt and financial blessings....

Ready for a year of transformation? In this episode, we're tackling the often-daunting task of making real, lasting changes. Forget fleeting New Year's resolutions; we're diving deep into the psychology of change, exploring practical strategies to help you achieve your goals. We'll start by debunking the myth of instant change and emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. L...

In this episode, Pastor Mark Grochocki of Palm Valley Church in Goodyear, AZ asks me questions about entitlement: what is it, how it develops, how to prevent it in your children and how to avoid it in yourself.  Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingrodt, Psy. D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Website: https://www.doctorbellingrodt.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jen.bellingrodt Instagram: https://www.in...

Are you curious about mental health treatment but unsure what to believe? This episode tackles common myths and misconceptions that can prevent people from seeking the help they need. We're debunking the lies and revealing the truths about therapy, medication and mental well-being. From concerns about weakness and privacy to fears about judgment and endless therapy sessions, we'll addres...

Listen in to my first podcast EVER as I talk with Mark Grochocki, another licensed therapist, about trauma and its tentacles, the way it reaches into the physical and mental fabric of our lives, whether we want it to or not. You'll also hear a message of hope in terms of healing and the specific type of treatment that can be done to overcome the wounds of the past. Jennifer Paweleck-Bellingro...