Two Therapists At A Bar

Prompted by the recent loss of Dale’s beloved dog of 14 years, this episode explores the role animals play in our emotional lives. We sit down with a veterinarian to talk about why pets matter so much to our mental health, what pet grief can teach us, and why the veterinary profession carries such a heavy emotional burden. We also get into a quick-fire round of pet hot takes, from pet insurance to...

In this episode, we explore how to navigate difficult parent relationships before opting for estrangement. We talk about the struggles between generations, and how adult children and their parents can hold empathy and understanding for each other while still respecting boundaries.

How much is too much to share with your spouse? In this episode, we explore why this question is important to answer for the health of your relationship, the difference between protecting your partner and deciding for them, what belongs between just the two of you, and why the things left unsaid tend to accumulate in ways we don't always see coming.

Dr. Michael Shceeringa is back with us to continue the conversation from our earlier episode, where we challenged the idea that “the body keeps the score.” In this episode, we go deeper into trauma and unpack common myths. Does everyone have trauma? How is trauma actually defined? Why do some people with trauma not develop PTSD? We explore these questions and much more. Guest Bio Dr. Michael S. Sc...

We’re back — first episode of 2026. In this episode, we catch up on what we’ve been up to during the break before diving into a topic that affects all of us: how to receive critical feedback. Why is it so hard to hear? How do you know when criticism is worth receiving — and when it’s not? And once you decide to take it seriously, how do you process it in a way that actually helps you grow instead...

For the month of December, we’re replaying our top 5 episodes of the year—this one comes in at number 3: In this episode, we talk about the kind of grief that shatters a life—and what comes after. We’re joined by our very first guest, Gene Fought, who shares his story of unimaginable loss: the death of his daughter to suicide. Through his story, we explore what it means to grieve, whether there’s...

For the month of December, we’re replaying our top 5 episodes of the year—this one comes in at number 4: In this episode, we discuss the unfiltered truth about marriage and why it’s not for the faint of heart. We challenge the fairy tale narratives, explore why real love often feels like a battle, and reveal what makes it all worth it. Whether you're in the trenches of commitment or preparing...

For the month of December, we’re replaying our top five episodes of the year—this episode one comes in at number five. Is masculinity under attack, evolving, or just misunderstood? What does it mean to be a man in the 21st century? In this episode, we break down masculinity, exploring how men have embodied manhood in the past, the role of rites of passage, and why masculinity vs. femininity is a f...

In this episode, we sit down with Chachi Avirett , a wilderness guide and men’s mentor with more than 4,000 days spent leading men through the backcountry—physically and spiritually. We talk about why the wilderness has a unique power to shape men, what today’s culture gets wrong about masculine formation, and why most men’s retreats barely scratch the surface. Chachi shares the heart behind Train...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tim Casias, an anesthesiologist whose training spans pediatrics, anesthesia, pediatric anesthesia, and pediatric chronic pain. Now the Director of Anesthesia at Aiken Regional Medical Center, Dr. Casias shares how his clinical experience led him into one of the most complex ethical debates in modern medicine: the use of anesthesia in gender transition surgerie...

In this follow-up , we continue unpacking the unique relationship between therapist and client—why it can feel so personal, even deeper than friendship, and what makes it distinct. We talk about the qualities that make therapy such a powerful connection, and why clear boundaries don’t necessarily mean emotional distance. We also shift the conversation toward values in therapy—how they shape the pr...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common—and complicated—questions in therapy: Can you be friends with your therapist? We explore the importance of professional boundaries, what happens when therapy relationships get too personal, and why connection and boundaries both matter. We also talk about the unique challenges of living in a small town, where therapists and clients often cross p...

In this episode, Dale and I sit down with Dale’s former graduate school professor, Dr. Tron Wilder , to explore the intersections of faith, education, and psychology in the age of AI. Tron shares his journey into academia and the challenges professors face as artificial intelligence reshapes the learning landscape. We also talk about his faith journey and how he reconciles his Christian worldview...

In this episode, we unpack a tricky question: Is it selfishness, or is it narcissism? We explore where narcissism comes from, how it differs from ordinary self-interest, and why the word gets thrown around so loosely today. We also talk about how to recognize the difference in ourselves and others—and what can be done about it. Are you a therapist or clergy? Upgrade your toolkit and earn 3.5 CE ho...

In this episode, we sit down with Chris George—founder and CEO of Sproutly —to trace the arc of his story, from growing up as a homeschooled missionary kid in the jungles of the Philippines, to his transition back to life and studies in the U.S., to building a successful software company. Today, Chris is facing terminal brain cancer, and he reflects with honesty and depth on what this diagnosis ha...

In Part Two of our reflection on Charlie Kirk’s death, we shift to the bigger question of whether we can still agree to disagree—and what it would take to bring back civil conversation. From there, we explore forgiveness through the lens of Erika Kirk’s response—asking whether forgiveness can be genuine, performative, or something in between. Are you a therapist or clergy? Upgrade your toolkit and...

In this episode, we sit with the reactions—our own and others’—to Charlie Kirk’s death. Social media has made it possible for people to share thoughts and feelings publicly that once would have stayed private, and we talk about the impact of that, especially the harmful implications. Are you a therapist or clergy? Upgrade your toolkit and earn 3.5 CE hours with our $99 course on providing ⁠ethical...

In this episode, David and Dale sit down with David’s childhood friend, Chris Mureithi, our first international guest, to explore the cultural contrasts between Kenya and the United States. Chris shares his perspective on parenting, leadership, and romantic relationships, offering both critique and appreciation for each culture’s unique strengths and blind spots. With humor, energy, and insight, C...

In recent years, a surge of work—from best-selling books like The Body Keeps the Score to documentaries, podcasts, and professional trainings— have shaped how the public and mental health profession think about trauma and the body. But what if the science isn’t as settled as we think? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Michael Scheeringa, a leading child and adolescent trauma psychiatrist, rese...

In this episode, we explore the curse of knowledge —how knowing something can sometimes hold us back instead of helping us move forward. From the illusion of mastery to the gap between what we know and what we actually live out, we talk about how knowledge can create blind spots in relationships, work, and personal growth—and what we can do to break free from it. Are you a therapist or clergy? Upg...

In this powerful episode, we sit with Sabrina Dorman‑Andrew, founder of New Creation VA , to explore how one broken building—a former adult store—became a beacon of hope. We dive into the extraordinary journey of transforming darkness into dignity, creating dignified work for survivors, and building a nonprofit that combines prevention education, survivor restoration, and global partnerships. Sabr...

In this episode, we unpack why “sorry” so often falls flat after a grievance. We talk how real repair requires more than trying to “pay for your sins” with acts of guilt or obsequiousness. We also explore forgiveness on the part of the hurt partner, making amends, and what it takes to rebuild trust after hurting your partner. Are you a therapist or clergy? Upgrade your toolkit and earn 3.5 CE hour...

In this heartfelt conversation, we reconnect with Carrie Landis—an early-career friend of Dale’s and now the founder and director of Riverside Family Support . Carrie opens up about building her private therapeutic practice and the unique joys and challenges of parenting as a therapist. Together we discuss the journey of discovering ADHD in adulthood, parenting through the lens of attachment, and...

What happens when you’ve poured in all the effort you think you have… but it still doesn’t feel like enough? In this episode, we take inspiration from Kate Hall’s article Maybe You’re Not Actually Trying and dive deeper into the layered realities of effort. We talk about the different ways “trying” can show up, why we sometimes mistake exhaustion for progress, and how to identify the hidden opport...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jon Van Ornam—an emergency medicine physician. We talk about his experience on the front lines of the ER, how he navigates mental health crises in patients, and why many doctors avoid getting help themselves. We also dive into personality traits in medicine, the link between narcissism and leadership in healthcare, and the supplement protocol he personally uses...