Think Good Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC explore influential figures shaping their perspectives on mental health, community, and social connection. They discuss Dr. Vivek Murthy's work on social health and loneliness, and Dr. Gabor Maté's insights on trauma, disconnection, and holistic healing, emphasizing the importance of emotional competence and societal change.

In this special episode, Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC , take a trip down memory lane to share the "origin story" of their friendship, their careers, and the birth of Think Good Therapy. From growing up as some of the only Brown kids in a predominantly white Cincinnati suburb to navigating the challenges of being Muslim and Hindu in a post-9/11 world, Tayeba and Ankur discuss h...

In this episode of the Think Good podcast, Ankur Varma, LCPC, and Dr. Tayeba Shaikh explore the complex integration of AI into the mental health landscape. They examine how technology is reshaping the therapeutic experience, from clients using chatbots for 2:00 AM panic attacks to the administrative "heavy lifting" for practitioners. The hosts dive deep into the critical balance between...

In this episode of the Think Good Podcast, Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC discuss the HBO show 'Heated Rivalry,' which explores the complex love story between two queer hockey players. They delve into themes of identity, representation, and the impact of family dynamics on the characters' lives. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability and emotional connection in relati...

In their first episode of 2026 of the ThinkGoodPodcast, hosts Ankur Varma, LCPC and Dr. Tayeba Shaikh delve into the beloved series 'Stranger Things,' reflecting on its themes and the psychological undertones that resonate with viewers. They explore how the show has impacted their lives over the past decade, emphasizing nostalgia and the portrayal of childhood friendships. The conversation...

Join Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC, as they dive into the pervasive TikTok diagnosis epidemic and the trend of individuals, particularly Gen Zers (aged 18-28), coming into therapy with self-diagnosed mental health conditions like OCD, autism, or borderline personality disorder, often based on content from TikTok and other social media. Learn about the complex nature of this phenomenon: T...

Welcome back to the Think Good Podcast ! In this powerful episode, hosts Ankur Varma, LCPC, and Dr. Tayeba Shaikh dive into the intense, high-stakes world of the HBO medical drama, "The Pitt" . If you've watched the show—which follows a single, grueling 15-hour shift in an underfunded ER—you know it's a raw and realistic portrayal of frontline medicine. But what is the true psych...

Can a standup special change the conversation around men's mental health ? We think so. Join clinical psychologist Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and men's mental health specialist Ankur Varma, LCPC as they review Bill Burr's latest special. They break down the comedian's surprising evolution and his honest revelations about grief, trauma, and depression —all while keeping his signature East Co...

The NFL is a multi-billion dollar business, but what is the true cost to the players? Clinical psychologist Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC dive into the complicated relationship Americans have with their favorite sport. From the emotional toll of being a loyal (and often disappointed) Bengals fan, to the deep psychological and physical damage of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) . Th...

Join Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC, on the ThinkGoodPodcast as they explore the transformative power of positive psychology, drawing insights from Martin Seligman's influential book, Flourish . This episode delves beyond the superficial idea of "being happy" to uncover the scientific study of human strengths, positive emotions, and virtues. Discover how Seligman's PERMA...

Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and Ankur Varma, LCPC, dive into the Apple TV show "Shrinking," created by Bill Lawrence (known for "Scrubs" and "Ted Lasso"). They explore how "Shrinking" portrays therapy, focusing on lead character Jimmy's unconventional "psychological vigilante" approach to his clients, which deviates from traditional therapeutic practices. Dr. Shaikh and Ankur Varma delve into the ethical co...

The "ThinkGoodPodcast" is hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Tayeba Shaikh and clinical counselor Ankur Varma. In this episode, they dive into the timely topic of airplane anxiety, exploring how recent plane incidents and widespread media coverage have heightened fears around flying. Dr. Shaikh and Varma explain anxiety as a combination of physiological changes and intrusive "what...

Tayeba Shaikh, PsyD, and Ankur Varma, LCPC, unpack Severance Season 2 on the ThinkGoodPodcast! We dive into Adam Scott’s Mark Scout, exploring the psychological layers of grief, trauma, and the ethics of severing work from personal life. From Lumen Industries’ mysteries to Ben Stiller and Dan Erickson’s brilliant storytelling, we discuss why this sci-fi thriller captivates. Spoiler alert: we touch...