Episodios

  • Is Trauma Stuck in My Hips?

    Is Trauma Stuck in My Hips?
    Apr 28 2025
    This week, I learned I have a pelvic floor. And yes, I realize I’m a doctor and should’ve known that already. Margaret and I talk with pelvic floor physical therapist and viral educator Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, who somehow made me breathe through my butt on mic. We cover everything from incontinence and pelvic pain to TikTok fame, trauma-informed care, and the surprisingly emotional world of core stability. Alicia breaks down the science and the stigma behind one of the most misunderstood parts of the body—and I try to keep up while sitting on a pillow and trying not to Kegel too hard. Takeaways: I didn’t know I had a pelvic floor until this episode. Spoiler: everyone has one. Yes, even you. Turns out, anxiety might live in your hips. Alicia explains how mental health and physical tension are way more connected than I realized. We talk about peeing “just in case” more than I ever expected to on this podcast. And it’s weirdly important. Margaret brought the neuroscience, Alicia brought the pelvic models, and I brought... confusion and curiosity. It actually worked. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your body, this one’s for you. And if you haven’t—congrats on being a floating brain, I guess. -- Want more Dr. Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas: IG / TT: @thepelvicdancefloor Website: http://www.thepelvicdancefloor.com Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 17 m
  • Trying to Meditate: Part II

    Trying to Meditate: Part II
    Apr 24 2025
    In the last episode, Preston demonstrated to Margaret how to properly conduct a mindfulness meditation session. Due to popular demand, the sage spiritual guide is back. Takeaways: Preston can’t lead a meditation Margaret shouldn’t let him try — Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Music: “Peaceful, Reiki, Meditation, Calm, Healing Music [ NO COPYRIGHT ]” by Moon Meditation Music // License: Creative Commons Attribution License Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 m
  • Our Favorite Coping Skills for Working in Stressful Times

    Our Favorite Coping Skills for Working in Stressful Times
    Apr 21 2025
    In Episode 16, Preston and Margaret dive into the chaos of overnight residency, the reality of sleep deprivation, and how mindfulness can backfire when your brain just won’t sit still. From ruined meditations to hot girl walks through hospital hallways, they unpack what real-world coping actually looks like—before, during, and after the hardest moments. Takeaways: Coping doesn’t always look like calm. Sometimes it looks like sour gummy worms, a midnight hospital lap, or an espresso ritual that holds your brain together. Mindfulness is hard—especially when you need it most. Preston and Margaret explore why stillness can feel unbearable and what that reveals. The ‘right’ tool at the wrong time can make things worse. They break down when distraction works, when it doesn’t, and why guilt shouldn’t be part of the equation. Safety plans might be broken. What happens when you’re just checking boxes—and how can we make them matter again? Sometimes the coping skill is just surviving. This episode redefines success as doing what you can with what you’ve got, even if it's messy. Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 18 m
  • Alcohol: Examining Alcohol culture, history, and use disorder

    Alcohol: Examining Alcohol culture, history, and use disorder
    Apr 14 2025
    In Episode 15, Preston and Margaret open a bottle—of questions, stories, and science—about alcohol use disorder. What do we get wrong about “moderate” drinking? Why is detox more dangerous than most people realize? And how does alcohol quietly reshape identity, relationships, and the brain itself? With their signature blend of honesty and humor, they explore the unexpected ways drinking shows up in medicine, the myths that keep us stuck, and the messy, meaningful path to redefining recovery. Takeaways: What if “just a drink” isn’t so simple? Preston and Margaret explore how subtle patterns can blur the line between social drinking and something more. Could quitting be more dangerous than drinking? There’s a reason detox needs to be taken seriously—and it’s not what you think. What does alcohol really do to your brain? Let’s just say it’s a little more complicated than relaxation and red wine. Why don’t we talk about medication for alcohol use disorder? The answers are as cultural as they are clinical. Is recovery a destination—or something else entirely? Margaret and Preston unpack a version of success that doesn’t always fit the script. Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 34 m
  • Social Anxiety & the Loneliness Epidemic

    Social Anxiety & the Loneliness Epidemic
    Apr 7 2025
    In Episode 14, Preston and Margaret dive into social anxiety disorder and the loneliness epidemic. From embarrassing childhood memories to awkward club encounters, they explore how social anxiety shows up in everyday life and how it differs from normal nerves. They also discuss the surgeon general’s definition of loneliness, the role of social media in increasing perceived judgment, and the neuroscience behind facial recognition, fear responses, and serotonin's impact on the amygdala. Takeaways: Social Anxiety Is More Than Shyness: It becomes a disorder when it causes persistent distress, distorted perceptions of judgment, and leads to avoidance of meaningful activities. Loneliness Is Subjective—and Epidemic: According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness stems not just from solitude but from perceived lack of meaningful connection, and it has major mental and physical health consequences. Social Media Can Amplify Anxiety: Being constantly seen—and judged—online may intensify social anxiety, even for those who appear confident or well-known. Your Brain Is Wired to Care: Structures like the amygdala, insula, and anterior cingulate cortex play key roles in social fear, facial recognition, and rejection sensitivity—and they’re all modifiable with therapy and medication. Healing Is Gradual and Personal: CBT, SSRIs, and compassionate exposure therapy can retrain the brain’s fear circuits—but treatment must match the individual’s goals, beliefs, and readiness for change. Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 24 m
  • Marathoning and Mental Health

    Marathoning and Mental Health
    Mar 31 2025
    In this episode, Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the science of running, exercise culture, and its impact on mental health. They explore the history of running, how it went from an obscure activity to a cultural phenomenon, and the physiological and psychological mechanisms that make it such a powerful mental health tool. They also unpack the identity crisis that can come with being an athlete, how running became the millennial version of church, and why dance might actually be a better form of exercise for mental health than running (gasp!). Takeaways: Running Changes the Brain: It increases BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), neuroplasticity, and ketone metabolism, all of which may protect against depression and cognitive decline. The History of Running is Wild: Running wasn’t always a mainstream activity—it went from being a niche Olympic event to one of the most popular fitness trends of the modern era. Exercise Culture Shapes Identity: Many athletes struggle to transition after competitive sports, often searching for structure, purpose, and a new relationship with movement. Dance Might Actually Be Better for Mental Health: Research suggests dancing has stronger effects on mood and cognition than running, likely due to its social, rhythmic, and sensory components. The Best Exercise is the One You’ll Do: While running has profound mental health benefits, the most effective workout is one that is enjoyable and sustainable for the long term. Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 28 m
  • Parasocial Relationships, Social Media, & How Art Can Help Mental Health

    Parasocial Relationships, Social Media, & How Art Can Help Mental Health
    Mar 24 2025
    In this episode Margaret takes the lead as she welcomes art therapist, psychotherapist, and author Amelia Knott to discuss the ethics of being online, parasocial relationships, and the impact of social media on mental health. We explore the blurred lines between personal and professional identities in digital spaces, the therapeutic power of art, and how social media fosters both connection and disconnection. Takeaways: Parasocial Relationships Feel Real—But Aren’t Always Balanced: The one-sided intimacy we form with online figures can create expectations that don’t match reality. Art Can Be a Pathway to Self-Discovery: Engaging in creative expression helps process emotions in a way that words alone sometimes can’t. The Internet Blurs Professional Boundaries: Therapists, doctors, and other professionals must carefully navigate how much of themselves to share online while maintaining ethical standards. Social Media Shapes How We See Ourselves: Being constantly observed—even by an imagined audience—can change how we experience our lives and make choices. Digital Well-Being Requires Intentionality: There’s no perfect fix for screen overuse, but being mindful of why and how we engage with digital spaces can help create a healthier relationship with technology. — Want more Amelia Knott: Instagram and TikTok: @art_therapy_irl Facebook: @art.therapy.irl Website: https://www.arttherapyinreallife.com/ Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 31 m
  • ADHD, Misinformation, and the Chaos of Online Mental Health

    ADHD, Misinformation, and the Chaos of Online Mental Health
    Mar 17 2025
    In this episode we are joined by Priyanka Patel, a pharmacist, content creator, and soon-to-be author, to discuss mental health misinformation, ADHD, and the challenges of navigating online discourse about mental health. Priyanka shares her personal journey with ADHD, the barriers she faced in getting a diagnosis, and how social media both helps and harms conversations about neurodivergence. Takeaways: Not All Mental Health Content is Created Equal: Social media is full of both helpful education and misleading oversimplifications, making media literacy crucial when consuming mental health content. ADHD in Women is Still Underdiagnosed: Many women with ADHD don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, often being dismissed as “lazy” or “disorganized” instead of receiving the support they need. Pharmacogenetics and Gender Differences Matter: Research suggests that women may metabolize ADHD medications differently, yet most treatment guidelines are based on studies conducted on men. ADHD is Not Just a "Quirk": While humor can help destigmatize neurodivergence, romanticizing ADHD as a personality trait can overshadow the serious struggles people with the condition face. Online Conversations Need More Nuance: Creators should balance authenticity with responsibility, ensuring that personal experiences are clearly distinguished from clinical advice to prevent misinformation. — Want more Priyanka Patel: Instagram & Tik Tok: @littlemiss_adhd Watch on YouTube: @itspresro Listen Anywhere You Podcast: Apple, Spotify, PodChaser, etc. — Produced by Dr Glaucomflecken & Human Content Get in Touch: howtobepatientpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 h y 24 m
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