Episodios

  • The Serious Person’s Guide To Getting Silly Again 🤪

    The Serious Person’s Guide To Getting Silly Again 🤪
    Nov 26 2025
    If you feel like adult life is just full of responsibilities, to-dos, meetings, and seriousness, you’re not alone. With busy schedules and the weight of the world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. In this episode of But For Real, Valerie and Emerson explore the relationship we have as play as adults, why it’s actually integral to your well-being and how to start inviting in joy again 🫶This episode covers:03:17 - Tea & Crumpets: Freaky Friday + Freakier Friday and Emerson’s screen free sauna/steam Sunday routine07:08 - Step Into My Office: How can I get over the fear of looking stupid so that I can find fun?12:57 - The DSM: The Serious Person’s Guide To Getting Silly Again36:33 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAY!38:11 - Em Pick: "Girl of Your Dreams" by Eli39:19 - Val Pick: "H.Y.C.Y.BH?" by Tom Cardy39:37 - Wait...What? - WTF does 67 mean?42:52 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Tiffany Haddish’s She Ready Foundation + Henry the 1200 lb polar bear eating a giant pumpkinResources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:Why We Play Jack PankseppEli, pop’s new stage girl, is living her teenage dream | The FADER"Girl of Your Dreams" by Eli"H.Y.C.Y.BH?" by Tom CardyTiffany Haddish’s She Ready FoundationHenry the 1200 lb polar bearConnect with Us:Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpodNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @valkaymartinThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized...
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    48 m
  • Existential-Humanistic Psychology— WTF actually is it? 🧐

    Existential-Humanistic Psychology— WTF actually is it? 🧐
    Nov 12 2025
    In a world full of uncertainty and pain, life can feel devoid of meaning and hope—but what if life could also feel incredibly rich by showing up for it fully? You don’t have to have it all figured out to live with depth, and existential humanistic psychology can help you reconnect with life meaningfully.This episode covers:03:33 - Tea & Crumpets: Rewatching Nashville + The Lowdown07:21 - Step Into My Office: Okay, I’ve learned to cope… but now what?11:25 - The DSM: Existential-Humanistic Psychology43:30 - Now That's What I Call....OKAAAAY!44:43 - Em’s Pick: "End of Beginning" by Djo45:22 - Val’s Pick: "What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie45:42 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: A 95 year old man started a Taylor Swift fan club + 80-Year-Old Grandma Who Learned to Swim at 59 Just Became Oldest Ever Female Ironman FinisherResources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:Nashville (TV Series 2012–2018) - IMDbThe Lowdown"End of Beginning" by Djo"What Sarah Said" by Death Cab for Cutie95 year old man started a Taylor Swift fan club80-Year-Old Grandma Who Learned to Swim at 59 Just Became Oldest Ever Female Ironman FinisherConnect with Us:Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpodNow That's What I Call... OKAAAAY PlaylistThe Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenterVal on IG: @valkaymartinThe Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize...
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    50 m
  • What to Do When the World Is on Fire (Literally) ☄️

    What to Do When the World Is on Fire (Literally) ☄️
    Oct 29 2025
    In a world that’s both metaphorically and literally on fire, it can feel nearly impossible to figure out how the hell to live without either feeling like you’re gaslighting yourself into “normalcy” or getting so paralyzed by eco-anxiety that you can’t function. In this episode, Valerie and Emerson dive into all things Eco-Anxiety & Planet Grief, as well as steps you can take to navigate a burning world without getting STUCK in the apathetic loop of grieving our Mother Earth.This episode covers:04:40 - Tea & Crumpets: Katrina: Come Hell and High Water + One Battle After Another09:04 - Step Into My Office: How do I care about the planet without drowning in guilt or apathy?17:01 - The DSM: Eco-Anxiety & Planet Grief43:11 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!45:21 - Valerie’s Pick: "Peace Train" by Cat Stephens 48:11 - Emerson’s Pick: "Send It On" by Disney's Friends for Change48:36 - Wait...What? The Great Lock In of 202553:09 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Man is Shocked to Find His Dog Giving a Baby Koala a Piggyback Ride and The triumphant return of Francine the catResources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:Katrina: Come Hell and High WaterOne Battle After AnotherYale Experts Explain Climate AnxietyHickman et al., 2021, The Lancet Planetary HealthChapman et al., 2021, The Journal of Climate Change and HealthClinical Ecopsychology: The Mental Health Impacts and Underlying Pathways of the Climate and Environmental Crisishttps://playingforchange.com "Peace Train" by Cat Stephens"Send It On" by Disney's Friends for ChangeThe triumphant return of Francine the catMan is Shocked to Find His Dog Giving a Baby Koala a Piggyback...
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    58 m
  • The Self-Growth Industrial Complex 🔍

    The Self-Growth Industrial Complex 🔍
    Oct 15 2025

    Conversations around self-growth are all over every media platform these days – and while introspection and commitment to growth and change is important, it’s easy for it to be an all consuming trap that’s actually the opposite of growth.

    In this episode, Valerie and Emerson take a deep dive into the history of the self-growth industrial complex, explore what’s useful, debunk what’s not, and give you real advice on how to tackle self-improvement without spiraling.


    This episode covers:

    • 05:26 - Tea & Crumpets: Bob Trevino Likes It + the Abbey Yung hair method
    • 10:42 - Step Into My Office: How do I know when self-growth is actually healthy vs. when it’s becoming too much?
    • 21:55 - The DSM: The Self-Growth Industrial Complex
    • 43:09 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!
    • 44:46 - Em Pick: "Love Myself" by Olivia O'Brien
    • 47:41 - Val Pick: "Adventures in Success" by Will Powers
    • 48:19 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: 9 year old aspiring pediatric neuro-surgeon Aiden Wilkins very well may become the youngest doctor in the world + The Greenagers group gets youths to love the outdoors


    Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Bob Trevino Likes It
    • Abbey Yung hair method
    • Love Myself by Olivia O’Brien
    • Adventures in Success by Will Powers
    • 9 year old aspiring pediatric neuro-surgeon Aiden Wilkins
    • The Greenagers group gets youths to love the outdoors


    Connect with Us:

    • Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com
    • But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
    • Now That's What I Call... OKAAAAY Playlist
    • The Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenter
    • Val on IG: @valkaymartin
    • The Gaia Center website:
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    55 m
  • The One About Eating Disorders + Body Image 🍽️

    The One About Eating Disorders + Body Image 🍽️
    Oct 1 2025
    In a time where it feels like 2000s diet culture is back in full force, this week’s episode about eating disorders and body image is important now more than ever. Whether you’re currently struggling with your body, have struggled in the past, love someone who struggles, or are just interested in a deep dive on these complex challenges, this episode is for you.This episode covers:02:32 - Tea & Crumpets: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album and The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg05:08 - Step Into My Office: Do I have an eating disorder or is just lifelong body shame?10:08 - The DSM: Eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image56:36 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!58:50 - Val Pick: "Ana's Song" by Silverchair1:00:38 - Em Pick: "Fat Funny Friend" by Maddie Zahm1:02:33 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: A man crossed 26 miles in a kayak made from mushrooms + a dog’s wholesome last mealResources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:Sabrina Carpenter’s new albumThe Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg"Ana's Song" by Silverchair"Fat Funny Friend" by Maddie ZahmHe crossed 26 miles in a kayak made from mushrooms – and lived to tell the taleA dog’s wholesome last mealThe Body Is Not An ApologyThe Center for Body TrustIntuitive EatingChristy HarrisonHealth At Every SizeASDAHConnect with Us:Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG:
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Sex Therapy & Kink with SanTasha Wright-Comer ⛓

    Sex Therapy & Kink with SanTasha Wright-Comer ⛓
    Sep 17 2025

    Today we have such an exciting episode and a special guest. Santasha Wright-Comer, LMSW, is a Sex-Informed Therapist here The Gaia Center who believes healing and pleasure go hand in hand. A proud wife and mom of two, Santasha brings both warmth and realness into her work, especially when supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities in finding safety, joy, and intimacy in their relationships. When she’s not in session, you can catch her in dance class, laughing with her family, or researching the latest mods for The Sims 4.

    In this episode, SanTasha shares so much wisdom related to sex therapy, sex positivity, and kink.


    This episode covers:

    • 03:13 - Tea & Crumpets: Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching - from Owen & Quentin Reiser, Unknown Number: The High School Catfish on Netflix, and The Sims
    • 09:10 - Step Into My Office: How do I bring up kink with my partner?
    • 13:57 - The DSM: Sex Therapy & Kink
    • 45:55 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!
    • 47:24 - SanTasha pick: "Persuasive:" by Doechii
    • 48:30 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Mile long table in Denver CO sat thousands of people who wanted to connect and be in community with one another, and Who Gives a Crap,
    • 52:49 - Rapid Fire Q&A


    Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching
    • Unknown Number: The High School Catfish
    • The Sims


    Connect with SanTasha:

    • gaiacenter.co/meet-santasha
    • instagram.com/santashawc


    Connect with Us:

    • Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com
    • But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
    • Now That's What I Call... OKAAAAY Playlist
    • The Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenter
    • Val on IG: @valkaymartin
    • The Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co


    DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are
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    58 m
  • Blame It On The Booze: Alcohol in 2025🍸

    Blame It On The Booze: Alcohol in 2025🍸
    Sep 3 2025
    Alcohol culture is pervasive—and while alcohol isn’t unhealthy for EVERYONE, the discourse can be pretty inescapable. Whether you’ve been alcohol free for years, curious about your relationship with alcohol, or trying to stop, this episode is for you!This episode covers:00:03:08 - Tea & Crumpets: All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata and delaying gratification by doing things slowly00:08:20 - Step Into My Office: How do I set boundaries with family related to alcohol?00:13:25 - The Lore: Val’s journey to an alcohol free life00:26:55 - The DSM: Alcohol in 202500:57:36 - Now That's What I Call....OKAAAAY!00:59:41 - Val Pick: "Reasons I Drink" by Alanis Morissette01:02:06 - Em Pick: "Escapism." by Raye01:03:24 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: Two 10 year old girls beat 2 chest grandmasters & the annual Gallup Life Evaluation indexResources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:Gallup poll studying American’s consumption habitsWhat Is a Standard Drink? Measurements of Alcohol Explained | LoveToKnowSunnysideReframeHello SomedayThe Killjoy AfterpartyCreative SobrietyThis Naked Mind PodcastThis Naked MindQuit Like a WomanTired of Thinking About DrinkingThe Unexpected Joy of Being SoberConnect with Us:Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Once a Cheater…? The One About Infidelity ❤️‍🩹

    Once a Cheater…? The One About Infidelity ❤️‍🩹
    Aug 20 2025

    In this episode, Valerie and Emerson dive into an always controversial topic: infidelity. They explore what infidelity actually is, statistics, why people cheat, cultural considerations, and the role therapy can play.

    This episode covers:

    • 03:28 - Tea & Crumpets: The Osbournes and Shrinking Season 2
    • 06:08 - Step Into My Office: HELP! My friend is cheating…
    • 10:04 - The DSM: THE hottest debate in all media ever and IRL relationships… let’s talk about INFIDELITY
    • 38:29 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!
    • 41:52 - Emerson’s Pick: "My Mind" by Yebba
    • 46:45 - Valerie’s Pick: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" by Panic! At the Disco
    • 47:53 - Fire Dumpster Phoenix: A former chef helping street dogs after they gave him hope in his darkest days & Dan Pelzer’s legacy

    Resources + Stuff Mentioned in This Episode:

    • Prolific reader, former Marine and social worker Dan Pelzer
    • Street dogs gave him hope during dark days. Now he’s returning the favor
    • "My Mind" by Yebba
    • "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" by Panic! At the Disco
    • https://what-dan-read.com/


    Connect with Us:

    • Send a story or ask for advice: butforrealpod@gmail.com
    • But For Real on IG: @butforrealpod
    • Now That's What I Call... OKAAAAY Playlist
    • The Gaia Center on IG: @thegaiacenter
    • Val on IG: @valkaymartin
    • The Gaia Center website: www.gaiacenter.co


    DISCLAIMER: But For Real Podcast is not a substitute for individualized mental health treatment or healthcare. This podcast is solely for entertainment and educational purposes. If you are in crisis, please utilize crisis support services, such as the Crisis Text Line (Text START to 741741 in the US) or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: (Call 988 in the US), or visit www.findahelpline.com for international resources.
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    56 m