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In this candid and deeply relatable episode, the hosts of Therapists Unhinged step into the emotional maze of the holiday season and the complicated realities of going “home.” With humor, honesty, and lived experience, they explore why returning to family can feel less like comfort and more like stepping back into old patterns, roles, and wounds you thought you’d outgrown.

This episode wrestles with the invisible pressures so many people carry during the holidays — the obligation to show up, the fear of judgment if you don’t, and the internal conflict of wanting connection while protecting your own peace. The hosts discuss generational dynamics, family systems, trauma triggers, and how deeply ingrained expectations can override our adult autonomy.

They also explore the paradox of longing for the warmth of family while simultaneously bracing for emotional landmines: passive-aggressive remarks, guilt trips, shame, or regression back into the “black sheep,” the “scapegoat,” or the “problem child,” regardless of who you’ve become since leaving home.

With vulnerability and humor, they challenge the idea that tradition should trump emotional safety, and offer permission — not just to set boundaries, but to create entirely new traditions that reflect who you are now, not who you were raised to be. They remind listeners that “home” is not automatically synonymous with “family,” and that peace, joy, and belonging can be built with the people you choose.

This episode is a compassionate invitation to rethink holiday expectations, question inherited obligations, and choose emotional well-being over performative perfection. It blends therapeutic insight with real talk, encouraging listeners to break cycles rather than repeat them — even if it means disappointing others to protect yourself.

⭐️ KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Returning home can trigger old emotional roles — even for highly functional adults.
• Obligation is not love; pressure is a red flag, not a family value.
• You are allowed to create new traditions that support your well-being.
• Boundaries protect not just you, but your partner and children.
• Nostalgia doesn't erase harm — and growth requires honest evaluation.
• Preparing emotionally for toxic environments may signal it’s time to opt out.
• You don’t owe anyone access to you just because you share DNA.
• Joy is not created through performance — but through authenticity, connection, and choice.

⭐️ BEST MOMENTS

00:03:40 — “Going home shouldn’t require psychological prep work just to survive it.”
00:06:05 — “Sometimes you change, but your family still sees you as who you used to be.”
00:09:20 — “Home is different than family — and sometimes love happens from a distance.”
00:14:15 — “If you feel pressure to go home, that’s a red flag — not a tradition.”
00:18:45 — “Why are you willing to sacrifice your peace for someone else’s comfort?”
00:22:30 — “People will talk whether you go or not — so choose what protects you.”
00:27:50 — “You don't have to pass chaos down to your kids just because you lived it.”
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Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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In this heartfelt episode of Therapists Unhinged, we dive into the pressures, expectations, and emotional rollercoaster of the holiday season. With humor, honesty, and a touch of rebellion, they introduce the concept of “No-vember”—a month dedicated to reclaiming peace by saying no to unnecessary stress and unrealistic expectations.

Together, they unpack how societal “shoulds” and self-imposed pressure can lead to burnout and disconnection, and how redefining boundaries can bring true joy back to the holidays. Through stories of self-awareness, gratitude, and the occasional burnt turkey, this episode reminds us that connection—not perfection—is what matters most.

Blending therapeutic insight with real-life wisdom, the hosts encourage listeners to trade guilt for gratitude, chaos for calm, and “should” for “self.”

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• “No-vember” is your permission to say no—and protect your peace.
• Burnout often starts with unrealistic expectations, not workload.
• Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential for emotional health.
• Gratitude reduces anxiety and increases happiness year-round.
• True connection comes from authenticity, not perfect hosting.
• Stop “should-ing” on yourself—define what really matters to you.
• Equilibrium, not balance, creates sustainable joy.
• The holidays don’t need perfection; they need presence.

BEST MOMENTS

00:02:10 — “It’s No-vember. Say no to those things you’ve always wanted to say no to.”
00:04:15 — “We grind, grind, grind—and then we have all these expectations until there’s no plate left.”
00:07:30 — “This year, I’m not doing what everyone else expects. I’m doing what I want to do.”
00:09:45 — “I’m not going to put more expectations on myself than I already have.”
00:11:35 — “Don’t ‘should’ on yourself. Should is the blame word.”
00:13:25 — “We’re tired. Everybody’s tired. Why create more stuff to then be tired about?”
00:14:30 — “The most grateful people are the happiest people—it’s all about mindset.”
00:15:40 — “Even if the turkey burns, we’ll figure it out. Eat around the burnt turkey.”
00:16:10 — “Connection is what matters—not who has the biggest spread.”
00:17:40 — “Be kind to people working through the holidays. They’re missing their families too.”
00:18:15 — “Your equilibrium might look different than mine—and that’s okay.”

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Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

📩 Get in touch or be a guest:
Email: therapistsunhingedpodcast@gmail.com

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by Podcast Fast Track https://www.podcastfasttrack.com

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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In this empowering episode of Therapists Unhinged, we welcome Dr. Kathryn Rudloff Executive Director of weVENTURE Women’s Business Center, to explore the realities of entrepreneurship, burnout, and the myth of work-life balance. Dr. Rudloff brings her experience in supporting women business owners to discuss how boundaries, systems, and accountability create the foundation for sustainable success. Together, they dismantle the illusion of “balance” and replace it with equilibrium—a more compassionate and practical approach to navigating life’s demands.
This conversation blends business insight with therapeutic wisdom, offering real strategies for entrepreneurs and professionals striving to grow without losing themselves in the process.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Work-life “balance” is a myth—focus instead on equilibrium, minimizing conflict through systems and boundaries.
• Burnout, not finances, is the leading reason most businesses fail.
• Managing expectations—both your own and your clients’—is crucial to reducing stress.
• Accountability and structure are essential for both therapy and business growth.
• Flexibility and the ability to pivot are signs of strength, not failure.
• Entrepreneurs must learn to ask for help and accept mentorship.
• Real relationships are built through authenticity, not perfection.
• Sustainable success means defining what “enough” looks like for you.
• Mentorship and collaboration create confidence and community.
• There is enough pie for everyone—collaboration beats competition.

BEST MOMENTS

00:00:00 — “Take the pressure off yourself. We put far more pressure on ourselves to be always available.”
00:04:33 — “The number one reason that most businesses fail isn’t finances—it’s burnout.”
00:10:15 — “We need to kill the myth of work-life balance. It’s unattainable.”
00:11:20 — “Equilibrium is about reducing conflict through systems and organization.”
00:12:00 — “Set expectations and boundaries—automate what you can and take the pressure off.”
00:18:10 — “Life and business are rarely straight lines; pivoting is part of growth.”
00:19:30 — “Some clients just want to vent—real growth requires accountability.”
00:23:15 — “Therapy and business coaching share the same truth: you must do the work.”
00:28:05 — “Most entrepreneurs underestimate how much capital they need to sustain growth.”
00:30:50 — “Sometimes the best advice is to get a job while building your dream.”
00:34:20 — “Confidence grows when you have a safe place to talk through challenges.”
00:39:00 — “Don’t reinvent the wheel—someone’s solved your problem before.”
00:40:25 — “Growth comes from being relatable and repeatable.”
00:41:40 — “There’s enough pie for everyone—collaboration helps us all thrive.”
00:42:45 — “Authenticity is being real enough to say ‘I’m not fine.’”
00:44:00 — “Leadership is about defining how you want to show up and living your values.”

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real.

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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How To Respond When Someone Discloses Suicidal Thoughts

In this deeply resonant episode of Therapists Unhinged, Tiffanie Trudeau, LMHC from Connected Thriving Counseling and Wellness joins the show during Suicide Prevention Month to discuss one of the most misunderstood and important topics in mental health. Tiffanie shares her expertise and lived experience around how to hold space when someone discloses suicidal thoughts. This is not about fixing or saving. It’s about listening with compassion, dropping the performance, and showing up in truth. Raw, wise, and totally unfiltered, this conversation is for anyone who wants to be a safe place for someone in pain.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Silence is not neutrality, it’s danger
• People disclosing suicidal thoughts do not expect you to fix it
• Listening and presence are more powerful than solutions
• Nonverbal empathy is a core part of holding space
• Not all signs of suicidality look like the checklist
• “I’m tired” or “I wish I could sleep forever” are often flags
• Asking directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant the idea
• Loved ones must resist the urge to personalize or panic
• Faith communities can sometimes shut down emotional honesty
• Safe spaces are built through consistent, authentic connection

BEST MOMENTS
00:00:03. “They’re not coming to you for a solution.”
00:00:58. “Silence is the real killer here and we need to talk about it.”
00:05:11. “I’m just so tired. I’m tired of doing this.”
00:09:31. “Thank you for trusting me with that part of your heart.”
00:14:47. “Secrets keep you sick. So we don’t keep anybody’s secrets.”
00:21:36. “Emotions are messengers. And even though they’re messy, they’re coming with a message.”
00:26:48. “Your siblings had a different experience in the same family.”
00:35:11. “They don’t feel like the world can withstand the messy wall behind the mask.”
00:40:05. “Silence increases the chances it will happen, not talking about it.”
00:50:14. “We don’t fear it so much that we push it away. We welcome it into the room.”

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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An Apology Without Change is Manipulation

In this raw and relatable episode, the Therapists Unhinged hosts, Robin and Nella, get real about relationships and emotional intelligence (or the lack thereof). They share personal stories and professional insights on navigating the complexities of modern dating, divorce, and the patterns we often repeat. From the dysregulated nervous system that mistakes attachment for love to the importance of self-awareness, they offer a candid conversation that’s more conversational than clinical and packed with wit and wisdom.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• An apology without change is manipulation.
• A lot of people are confused about what is actually real in dating and relationships.
• People who get divorced and jump right back into the dating game are looking for something to fill a void instead of sitting in the loneliness.
• It is not my job to babysit your emotions.
• You can use the three C's from Al-Anon classes (I did not create it, I cannot change it, and I cannot control it) to help in a relationship.
• A person who is constantly talking about themselves is a red flag in a relationship.
• A red flag can be a person who wants to get serious very quickly.
• There's a difference between lust and love.
• If you have a lot of red flags, you're going to get a circus.

BEST MOMENTS:

00:00:28. "We are at episode 1919."
00:02:31. "It was tough because what we have to deal with and how people present themselves in the beginning are not always who they are."
00:05:09. "And the catfishing stuff too, you know, people oh my gosh, I'm catfishing now."
00:08:40. "This is the way I am. Yeah. There are certain things about you and about everybody as an adult that may not change."
00:13:43. "But now it's me pouring into, you know, people who are starting off relationships, no matter if they're young, middle age or old."
00:17:24. "And it won't find you in the broken spaces that the other relationship left you in."
00:21:26. "Yeah, absolutely. Because you do have to know who you are."
00:25:27. "They go through that cycle and and it's sad to hear and to listen, but to understand it, to allow them to understand and dissect where that comes from, a lot of that is, you know, comes from like their childhood and experiences and stuff."
00:32:05. "You're going to sit there and eat it till it's done. Yeah. See, that's traumatizing."
00:37:49. "I had no right then here when you come back, they're telling you exactly who they are 100%."

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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Why Self-Care ISN'T Optional, It’s NECESSARY

In this honest and unfiltered episode of Therapists Unhinged, co-hosts Nella and TJ take the mic without Dr. Robin and dive deep into what self-care actually means. They call out how society has glamorized and twisted self-care into wine nights and massages while ignoring the deeper emotional, mental, and spiritual work it takes to truly show up for yourself. From burnout and boundaries to parenting guilt and season-of-life shifts, they keep it all the way real. If you’ve ever said “I don’t have time,” this episode is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Self-care is not a checklist
• Culture often turns self-care into a toxic cycle
• Saying “no” is one of the most powerful self-care tools
• Everyone’s self-care package looks different
• Comparison creates unnecessary pressure
• Burnout happens when you don’t refill your own cup
• Spiritual self-care is just as critical as physical and emotional
• It’s okay to shift your self-care with each life season
• Moms especially need to stop sacrificing themselves
• You don’t need permission to prioritize yourself

BEST MOMENTS

00:01:12. “We’re actually kind of debunking some of the myths and things that society has really taught us to do.”
00:02:15. “For me, self-care is a lifestyle. It's not checking boxes.”
00:03:11. “Self-care starts in the mind first, and then it manifests in other ways.”
00:04:23. “You have to kind of look at all four of those layers and incorporate what you want your self-care to look like.”
00:06:05. “Sometimes I have to be like, you know what? I need my time.”
00:10:07. “I’m so big on taking little mini vacations because I have to check out of work mode.”
00:12:14. “Part of self-care is saying no to.”
00:15:19. “Creating that self-care package for you, designed just for you.”
00:25:00. “You may be doing really good with your mind and body, but what about your spirit?”

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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On this episode of Therapists Unhinged, Nella, Dr. Robin, and TJ return from summer break with an honest and timely conversation about the realities of back-to-school season. With Dr. Robin’s decades of teaching experience and Nella’s raw parenting perspective, they explore how school success starts at home, what support teachers actually need, and how to reset expectations on all sides. This is the episode every overwhelmed parent and burned-out teacher needs before that first bell rings.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• Back-to-school season means more than buying supplies
• Teachers are facing burnout from overwork and lack of support
• Parents must mentally and emotionally prepare kids for the school year
• A strong parent-teacher relationship makes all the difference
• Clear communication prevents blame and builds trust
• Helicopter parenting can do more harm than good
• Parents must meet their kids where they are, not where they wish they were
• Teachers cannot do the parenting too
• Family structure and routines directly impact school success
• Success isn’t just straight A’s, it’s growth, maturity, and effort

BEST MOMENTS:
00:00:50. “The bell is going to start 8 a.m., but your parenting bell starts way before the bell.”
00:02:23. “Teachers are getting burnt out just like us, just like a lot of people in different fields.”
00:04:08. “Start talking to your children about the expectations.”
00:06:01. “Everybody’s kind of on a learning curve.”
00:08:15. “I’m worried that we’re going to burn them out too.”
00:09:48. “When you take the human factor out of a human experience, it doesn’t work.”
00:13:06. “We cannot keep pointing fingers at these teachers.”
00:20:09. “That would be a really good thing for teachers—to make sure they’re in contact with at least one parent in the home.”
00:25:19. “If I don’t know, I can’t help you.”
00:34:47. “People learn the most from failure. And your children will too.”

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com

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We Are Human Before We’re Therapists

In this episode of Therapists Unhinged, Nella, Dr. Robin, and TJ unpack what it means to be therapists who also happen to be human. From setting personal boundaries to dodging therapy questions at family barbecues, the hosts candidly share the very real, very human side of their professional lives. This unfiltered conversation dives deep into what happens when personal and professional lines blur, and why it’s essential for mental health professionals to disconnect, decompress, and just be.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Therapists are not on call outside the session room
• Boundaries are crucial for mental health professionals
• Family and friends often blur the line between personal and professional roles
• Being a therapist doesn’t mean being immune to life struggles
• Therapeutic relationships are not the same as therapy
• Travel and leisure can be therapeutic but aren’t substitutes for therapy
• TikTok is not a qualified therapist
• Therapy looks different now than it did 20 years ago
• Self-acceptance is the gateway to self-advocacy
• “Who we are” is not the same as “what we do”

BEST MOMENTS
00:00:01. “We're not always your therapists. We are human first.”
00:02:38. “It is a unhinged Friday today because once again, our beautiful boss lady... she's been, you know, siesta in.”
00:03:52. “Imagine me, your therapist.”
00:05:09. “Yeah, I'm a therapist, but I'm not yours.”
00:05:57. “No, I'm not on duty. You're not paying me by the hour.”
00:10:06. “We need to disconnect from our jobs... like we need to do that to be able to focus on our families.”
00:17:07. “Sometimes stuff hurts your feelings. Oh therapist we're not... we're supposed to tell you what is right.”
00:21:21. “What you think is your biggest weakness is actually your biggest strength, but you’ve got to understand it.”
00:25:00. “That's what I do. That's not who I am.”
00:36:00. “I just love to just like, look at trash TV... reality shows. Okay. That helps me. So therapeutic.”

Support the show

Therapists Unhinged is where mental health gets real. Hosted by licensed therapists who tell it like it is, this podcast dives deep into the messy, meaningful, and hilarious parts of being human. From mastering resilience to navigating the chaos of everyday life, we bring raw conversations, expert insights, and unfiltered honesty...no jargon, no BS.

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe, leave a review, and come unhinge with us.

This podcast has been brought to you by APodcastGeek. https://www.apodcastgeek.com