Your Mental Breakdown

In this Roundtable episode, Doug and Meredith are joined by fellow therapist José Mata and psychiatrist Dr. Craig Heacock, both of whom work with the intersection of psychedelics and therapy. They look at current trends, research, and experiences of healing with the assistance of certain substances like MDMA, Ketamine, Ayahuasca, and Psilocybin. Join Doug and Mer for a unique conversation with the...

Mer Mer launches herself into another dimension with Oculus, and this reminds Doug of a time when he was immersed in a virtual reality Star Wars experience. The session begins with Drew feeling a little down that he hasn't lived up to the financial or material standard set by his father. He and Doug examine the anxiety he feels about his mother and his lack of trust from feeling that he has been b...

Mer Mer keeps her mind fresh and young by doing Sudoku. She and Doug give the update that they still have yet to shut down their computers at the end of each work day. Then, a very packed session with Drew uncovers a few big reasons why he has trust issues. Drew eases his burden by sharing some stories he's never told before. As Drew becomes more financially independent from his parents, more anxi...

At the top of the show this week, Doug busts himself and Meredith for not following through AGAIN on shutting down their computers at night! They swap teenage closet stories (including Doug's roaches!). The session begins with Drew sharing that he is moving back to a place in LA that he has lived before. He feels grateful for the comfort and familiarity of it,  rather than feeling like he is takin...

This week, Drew is realizing that sooner than later, his parents will no longer be financially supporting him. Not only is he nervous about being able to pay for everything, but he's also worried that once his parents no longer have an obligation to support him, they won't choose to be as connected to him. This leads Drew and Doug to have a discussion regarding being necessary and choosing love an...

*** Warning - this episode contains potentially triggering and sensitive topics, including sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-646-4673 or go to RAINN.org.  Drew shares his thoughts and feelings about an extremely disturbing and traumatic event.  The details are not 100% clear,  however his initial description was that his...

While we all start to come out of the pandemic lockdown, Drew and his girlfriend are starting to come out of the honeymoon phase. In their relationship reality, running out of toilet paper becomes a symbol for so much more. Drew and Doug talk about setting boundaries vs. giving rules. Drew is ready to have the tough conversations with his girlfriend, even if it means he ends up being alone. Doug a...

Doug and Meredith finally saw each other in person again! They break down what an "episode" means to Drew and what it can mean when a therapist hears that word. In the session, Drew is feeling down and out because of some issues with his girlfriend that leave him feeling misunderstood and underappreciated. He tells Doug about a trip to Malibu that didn't go as planned - and how her "passing out" t...

Meredith swims a mile then she and Doug talk about Justice League. And the superhero talk continues with Drew taking to a Superman analogy - balancing the daily grind of a day job with using his own time to focus on his passions. Drew shows vulnerability with his girlfriend. He and Doug explore ways to relieve stress and be mindful other than his go to of smoking weed. Meredith and Doug talk about...

Meredith loves daylight saving time! Restaurants and movie theatres are opening up in LA now, but Doug is still trying to hide out like a mountain man. In Drew's therapy session he talks about feeling burnt out and tired from his job. He is also using this time to define his boundaries and let people know when things aren't right or fair. He and Doug talk about two examples of Drew standing up for...

Meredith and Doug discuss their take on working with clients that have different political views and ideologies than their own. It's a great jumping-off point for this week's session. Drew is trying to be the bridge for people in his life dealing with racial injustice and prejudice. Drew talks about compartmentalizing when feeling overwhelmed and anxious. He and Doug use a house analogy to visuali...

Doug is back in LA and missing the mountains. Meredith realizes it may be time for all of us to get a car wash (especially Doug!). In the session, Drew and Doug get into a heavy conversation as Drew details how a party with his new girlfriend went way wrong. Drew shows major growth by choosing when to have and not have a "tough conversation" with people. Drew acknowledged that the fight at the par...

The podcast hits the one-year mark this week… and it's a twofer! Two sessions in one episode as life in the podcast timeline is starting to go virtual in the very beginning of the pandemic. Doug and Drew pack a lot into these two shorter sessions. In Session 1, Drew gets home from the funeral and is feeling sick and alone yet enjoying more independence and finding purpose in helping to produce mil...

Before Drew's session this week, Meredith and Doug give a wrap-up of their Valentine's Day experiences, Drew talks about going home for his friend's funeral; and he walks through both the horror movie version and Disney version of how the weekend could go. Doug helps Drew identify how he can show up authentically rather than trying to match his online persona or a more people-pleasing version of h...

Doug took Meredith's pillow washing challenge and he took her movie recommendation! They figure out why we call a podcast a podcast. The session begins with Drew dealing with emotions that are stirred up as he prepares to go home for a friend's funeral. He works with Doug on sticking with his personal boundaries, dealing with the feeling of betrayal from his mother, and learning how to disappoint...

It's a busy and eventful show this week, kicking off with Doug's second mountain lion sighting - this time it's a baby! Meredith gives her thoughts on outdoor dining reopening in Los Angeles. The session begins with Drew telling Doug about the three main motivating factors in life that he heard about in church. They explore how this can lead us to find our purpose in life. Doug and Drew also talk...

Doug and Meredith roar into this week with a recount of Doug's mountain lion visitor while Mer has been washing her dishes and feeling soooo good and accomplished. Drew's session comes at the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death, which stirs up emotions for Drew about loss. Drew gives an update on seeing his longtime ex-girlfriend. Doug helps Drew explore having tough conversations with peo...

Drew picks up where he left off last week, back from the holidays and feeling somewhat unmotivated and withdrawn. In the session, Drew and Doug discuss the difference between feeling depressed and a depressive episode.  They talk about Drew's need to withdraw and how it might be exactly what he needs at this moment, as he works on being okay with himself, instead of trying to please others. Doug u...

Living in LA during a pandemic almost feels like a zombie movie. Doug and Mer touch on how lack of good sleep can affect us. In the session, Drew talks about the loss of his friend and questions how he can better cope with grief. Drew acknowledges feeling detached and afraid of confronting his own emotions. Doug helps Drew focus on the small wins in life rather than focusing on what's lacking.   D...

Broken toes, wind chimes, and a discussion about maintaining confidentiality even when a client shares a crime they committed. Drew is back from his brother's wedding and preparing to head home for a visit. Drew is noticing some major changes in himself, such as being scared as well as excited for the unknown. He talks with Doug about the positive impact a new puppy has had on his life. He shares...

This week was already going to be special with the wedding, but the fact that it's Meredith's birthday makes it even more fun! Meredith talks running and putt-putt golf while Doug reveals that he went to the Junior Olympics! In the session, Drew is back from his brother's wedding. He shares some awkward family moments that weren't so awkward to him now. Aaaannnnd he tells us the most important inf...

Cute cows, amaaaaazing smelling wreaths, and giant Christmas trees! The session begins with Drew's literal worst fear coming true - his mother relapsing. He and Doug talk about how he is coping and making big strides in taking care of himself first by practicing compassionate detachment. Doug tells a fantastic prom story, Drew drops a second exciting bomb about getting a new puppy, and they discus...

Mer loves dogs wearing boots and Doug has been keeping busy with audiobooks on the Colorado trails. Drew focuses on getting ready for his brother's upcoming wedding. He talks about his new possible love interest and some of the patterns that he notices coming up. He and Doug explore if it's really the thought that counts when it comes to gift-giving, highlighted by a cool pair of sneakers. Sit bac...

This Thanksgiving episode has a new spin on gratitude - Doug and Mer name some things they are both Grateful and Hateful for right now. One thing Doug is certainly grateful for is how self-aware Drew is in this episode. Drew's learning to just be present for all of life's adventures, even the boring ones. Doug and Drew discuss his brother's upcoming wedding and his new role as an usher. Drew exami...

This week, Doug shares an update on his Colorado trip and names his top three pet peeves about snowy weather. Meredith gears up for a ski trip and wonders how rushed her hot toddy time will be. In the session, Doug and Drew talk about the Adventure vs. Challenge mentality, and how Drew can benefit by softening up and enjoying the experience of his brother's wedding without any expectations. In the...