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Science meets sociology in this thought-provoking episode where we tackle revolutionary genetic technology alongside persistent gender double standards in entertainment.

First, we dive into CRISPR gene editing – a medical breakthrough recently used in Japan to eliminate an extra chromosome in a Down syndrome embryo. We explore the incredible potential of this technology to address genetic conditions while wrestling with the ethical boundaries. Could targeting disease genes evolve into selecting for eye color, height, or intelligence? The specter of "designer babies" raises profound questions about equity, accessibility, and the limits of human intervention in genetics. Where do we draw the line when it comes to editing our future children?

The conversation then shifts to an equally contentious topic: why can't female characters be unlikable? Sarah Jessica Parker recently commented that female antiheroes can't exist or be liked in the same way as male antiheroes. We dissect the cultural double standard where complex, morally ambiguous men like Tony Soprano are beloved, while women who display realistic human reactions (like Skylar White from Breaking Bad) are vilified. These expectations trace back centuries, with historical and religious roots that enforced women's roles as moral centers of the household.

Throughout our discussion, we celebrate the recent wave of female-created media breaking these molds – from Fleabag to Killing Eve to unfiltered comedy specials that present women as gloriously flawed humans rather than perfect paragons. We share our honest experiences of motherhood that echo these same tensions between unrealistic expectations and messy reality.

Between the serious topics, we lighten the mood with tales of our Fourth of July celebrations (yes, even in England!) and share upcoming plans to record together when Bridget visits the States in August.

Have thoughts on CRISPR technology or female antiheroes? We'd love to hear them! Share your perspective with us on social media or leave a review.

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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What if mothers had a retreat designed exclusively for them, where every detail was handled, where experts helped them reconnect with themselves, and where they could form genuine connections with other women navigating the same journey? That's exactly what therapist, Marissa Volinsky, has created with Off-Duty: A Mom's Retreat, a revolutionary retreat launching April 2026 in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

Motherhood, despite its many joys, can be profoundly isolating. Even surrounded by family and friends, mothers often struggle with their identity beyond being "mom," battling body image concerns, feeling overwhelmed, and experiencing relentless guilt whenever they prioritize themselves. Off-Duty addresses these universal challenges through a carefully curated experience combining professional guidance with genuine relaxation.

Unlike family vacations (which Marissa aptly describes as "parenting in a different destination"), this retreat allows mothers to temporarily step away from responsibilities and rediscover themselves. With workshops led by a licensed therapist, a pelvic floor specialist, and a registered dietitian, participants receive valuable tools for sustainable self-care. The intimate setting—limited to just 12 women—fosters meaningful connections, creating what Marissa calls a "village sisterhood" where vulnerable conversations flow naturally and lasting friendships form.

The retreat's coastal location at The Reeds provides the perfect backdrop for activities ranging from yoga and sunset cruises to spa treatments and empowering group ceremonies. Every detail is meticulously planned, allowing participants to simply show up and be present—perhaps the greatest luxury for someone accustomed to managing everyone else's needs.

Ready to fill your cup and return to your family as a more grounded, present version of yourself? Follow @off_duty_mom_retreats on Instagram or visit offdutyretreats.com to secure your spot. Early registrants receive $200 off, but spaces are limited and filling quickly. Remember: taking time for yourself isn't selfish —it's essential.

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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A groundbreaking study confirms what many have suspected: mothers in America are experiencing a mental health crisis. The data reveals a sharp decline in maternal wellbeing since 2016, with one in twelve moms rating their mental health as fair or poor. For single mothers and those with children on Medicaid or uninsured, the situation is even more dire.

Modern motherhood has become a perfect storm of challenges. Despite the appearance of connection through social media, many mothers feel profoundly isolated. The traditional "village" that once supported new parents has largely disappeared, replaced by inconveniently scheduled "mommy meetups" that few can actually attend. Meanwhile, women continue to shoulder the majority of childcare and household responsibilities, even when working full-time.

The conversation shifts to the financial reality of millennial divorce, where ending a marriage can cost upwards of six figures. This staggering price tag forces couples to make difficult choices – some remain legally married while living separate lives, others move back in with family members. Women are particularly vulnerable in these situations, as courts often fail to account for the gender pay gap and unpaid care work when dividing assets.

On a more hopeful note, recent research published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that structured exercise programs can significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients. For those with colon cancer, activities as simple as brisk walking for 45 minutes several days a week can reduce the risk of recurrence by 28% – comparable to the effectiveness of some medications.

From maternal mental health to divorce economics to cancer survival, this episode explores the challenges we face and the science-backed solutions that offer hope. Join us for a candid conversation about navigating life's most difficult transitions and finding strength in unexpected places.

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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When did puberty become a battleground? Today, girls as young as eight years old are experiencing their first periods—significantly earlier than previous generations—and the reasons might surprise you.

The latest research challenges our long-held assumptions about childhood obesity triggering early puberty. Instead, scientists have discovered that diet quality, independent of weight, plays a decisive role in when menstruation begins. Children consuming inflammatory, ultra-processed foods face a 15% higher likelihood of early periods, while healthier diets delay onset by 8%. This timing isn't merely an inconvenience; it's a health marker with lifelong implications for cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Beyond the physical implications, we candidly explore the psychological impact of puberty's awkward timing. Through personal stories (including our dramatically different experiences at ages 11 versus 15), we examine the painful reality of middle school body scrutiny. Remember being labeled an "early bloomer" or teased for having "mosquito bites"? That shame leaves lasting scars. We challenge parents to recognize that pre-pubescent weight gain is biologically necessary and that negative body commentary during this vulnerable time can trigger lifelong issues with self-image.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when we discuss Judy Bloom's revolutionary books about puberty—many banned because "girls shouldn't read about menstruation." This censorship reflects our society's persistent discomfort with perfectly normal development. As one mother disturbingly stated, she'd "rather her daughter read pornography" than Bloom's book about consensual relationships between eighteen-year-olds.

Whether you're a parent navigating these conversations with your child, an adult still healing from your own puberty experience, or someone who wants to better understand this universal yet uniquely individual journey, this episode offers wisdom, humor, and validation. Subscribe now and join the conversation about how we can better support young people through one of life's most challenging transitions.

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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The rise of AI chatbots masquerading as mental health professionals has sparked fierce resistance from actual therapists—and with good reason. In this eye-opening episode, we unpack the deadly consequences when venture capitalists prioritize profit over people's wellbeing. We share shocking real-world examples: a man with schizophrenia who tested an AI that enthusiastically encouraged him to stop taking his medication, and the heartbreaking case of a teenage boy who committed suicide after an AI validated his darkest thoughts.

What makes this trend particularly insidious is how these companies claim their systems are "trained" while potentially violating patient confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. Unlike legitimate therapists who coordinate emergency services when clients are in danger, AI chatbots simply tell users what they think they want to hear—a practice known as "love bombing"—without any safety protocols in place.

The conversation shifts to another bizarre trend: men shaving their eyelashes to appear more masculine. This practice, which gained traction after public figures like JD Vance were mocked for their naturally long lashes, ignores the important protective function eyelashes serve. Doctors warn that removing eyelashes can lead to painful infections and eye problems—hardly the masculine image these men are trying to project!

We also discuss the broken American healthcare system, where insurance companies routinely obstruct access to care through high copays and "clawbacks," reclaiming payments from providers months after services are rendered. This forces many Americans to choose between financial security and necessary mental healthcare, creating the very vulnerability that predatory AI services exploit.

Have you encountered these AI therapy services or other questionable health trends? Share your thoughts with us on social media or leave a review. Your mental health deserves real human connection, not algorithmic approximations!

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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Ever wondered why your office feels like an ice box while your male colleagues seem perfectly comfortable? Or why medications seem to affect you differently than advertised? The answer lies in a shocking reality: much of our world simply wasn't designed with women in mind.

In this eye-opening episode, Bridget and Marissa dive deep into the gender data gap exposed in Caroline Criado-Perez's groundbreaking book "Invisible Women." What they uncover will leave you questioning everything from car safety to medical care. Did you know women are 73% more likely to be seriously injured in car accidents because crash test dummies are modeled after male bodies? Or that most medications are never properly tested on women of childbearing age?

From brick sizes designed for men's hands to office temperatures set for male metabolic rates, these seemingly small design choices create real barriers for women's success and safety. The sisters explore how heart attacks in women are routinely misdiagnosed because female symptoms are labeled "atypical" despite women making up the majority of the population. They also discuss the frustrating double standard where women who speak up are labeled "Karens" while men's complaints are taken as legitimate concerns.

Between life updates about their growing families and upcoming reunions, Bridget and Marissa reflect on how motherhood has strengthened their confidence and resilience in the face of these systemic challenges. They invite you to join the conversation by suggesting a male equivalent to "Karen" and sharing how parenthood has changed your own perspective.

Ready to see the invisible biases all around us? Listen now, and you'll never look at the world quite the same way again. Follow us on Instagram @psychoticpypodcast to continue the conversation and connect with our community of listeners!

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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Loneliness has become a defining feature of modern life, with startling statistics showing that in-person socializing has plummeted by over 20% in the past two decades. Even more alarming? For unmarried men and those under 25, that decline exceeds 35%. We're diving into why this is happening and what it means for our collective mental health.

The restaurant industry perfectly illustrates this shift—once-bustling bar areas now serve primarily as staging grounds for takeout orders. People have retreated into private spaces, finding comfort in isolation rather than community. Technology promises connection but delivers something fundamentally different: the illusion of togetherness without its substance.

What's particularly fascinating is that for the first time in recorded history, single people are reporting less loneliness than their married counterparts. This reversal speaks volumes about how social patterns have changed. Singles must actively seek connection through activities like book clubs and classes, while married folks often settle into comfortable routines that limit their social circles.

The roots of this isolation epidemic trace back to two seemingly benign developments: the rise of the two-car family and the ubiquity of television. These innovations allowed Americans to disperse into suburbs with private backyards and bring entertainment directly into their homes. Add smartphones and social media to this mix, and you have a perfect storm for disconnection masquerading as connectivity.

For younger generations, the consequences are profound. Many teenagers now consider online gaming equivalent to hanging out in person. They're missing crucial face-to-face interactions that develop social skills and emotional intelligence. No wonder the U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness a public health crisis on par with smoking and obesity.

How are you fighting isolation in your own life? We'd love to hear your thoughts and strategies for maintaining genuine human connection in this increasingly disconnected world.

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741. These services are free and confidential.

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The Season 3 premiere of Psychotic PY Podcast finds Bridget freshly returned to England with her six-month-old son, navigating the emotional complexities of international relocation during the postpartum period. She candidly shares her experience of loneliness despite having support available—a paradox many new mothers face when they become so accustomed to handling everything alone that they forget to reach out.

What makes this reunion episode particularly powerful is the hosts' authentic examination of women's vulnerabilities, from the isolation of motherhood to the dangers of abusive relationships. Their discussion of the Gabby Petito documentary reveals crucial warning signs of domestic violence that often go unrecognized. Viewers witnessed how quickly emotional manipulation can escalate to violence, especially in confined spaces like the van the couple shared during their cross-country trip. The body camera footage showing police interaction with Petito and her fiancé becomes a masterclass in recognizing how abusers charm authorities while victims take the blame.

The conversation takes an important turn when Marissa, speaking from her professional expertise as a therapist, distinguishes between genuine narcissistic personality disorder and the casual misuse of the term on social media. "Let's be very clear," she emphasizes, "people are very quick to call someone a narcissist because they feel like they didn't get their way." This clarification serves listeners who might be navigating complicated relationships themselves, offering criteria beyond the trendy catchphrases circulating online.

Marissa's personal triumph of losing 52 pounds after addressing serious health concerns rounds out the episode with an empowering message about self-prioritization. Her transformation wasn't merely physical—she discovered renewed energy for activities with her children that she'd forgotten were possible. "You need to be healthy for you so that you can bring the best version of yourself to your family," Bridget adds, a perfect reminder during International Women's Month that self-care isn't selfish, but essential.

Join us for this candid conversation where professional expertise meets personal vulnerability. Whether you're a new parent, someone navigating relationship red flags, or simply looking to prioritize your wellbeing, this episode offers both validation and valuable insights. Subscribe, follow us @psychoticPYpodcast, and share your topic suggestions—we're building this community together.

Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Bridget Melton, MD and licensed therapist Marissa Volinsky, MS, LPC, NCC. The contents of our podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. The contents of our podcast and website are for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any condition or disease or substitute for medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before starting or discontinuing treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, please reach out immediately to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at

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