In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Duff returns to the mic after a hiatus to share what’s been going on behind the scenes with The Hardcore Self Help Podcast. He opens up about an almost-acquisition of the show by a larger mental health organization—a deal that initially looked promising but ultimately fell through. With transparency and vulnerability, Dr. Duff reflects on the emotional and professional impact of that experience, explains why the podcast paused, and announces the exciting new direction it’s headed in.

• Why the podcast went quiet for a while

• A behind-the-scenes look at the attempted acquisition of the show

• The emotional and logistical toll of being let down by a potential deal

• Reflections on past professional disappointments outside of clinical work

• What’s next: rebranding, new episode formats, and a stronger emphasis on interviews

• Why connection and personal stories will be the heart of the podcast moving forward

• Dr. Duff’s renewed commitment to amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences

• Updates on the “Bipolar Answers” audiobook and Substack content

• Thoughts on staying consistent while prioritizing quality over quantity

• 00:00 – 00:52 — Welcome back! What this episode is about

• 00:52 – 02:00 — The podcast was almost sold—here's how it started

• 02:00 – 03:26 — Meeting the company, expectations, and initial excitement

• 03:26 – 06:04 — Multiple meetings and flying out to pitch in person

• 06:04 – 08:00 — In-person meetings and positive vibes, but no details yet

• 08:00 – 10:24 — Delays, excuses, and finally: the deal falls through

• 10:24 – 12:25 — Processing the disappointment and reflecting on past letdowns

• 12:25 – 13:21 — Token compensation offered, but trust was broken

• 13:21 – 14:00 — What’s next: staying open to future partnerships

• 14:00 – 15:22 — New focus: interviews over general Q&A

• 15:22 – 16:48 — The unique value of human connection in storytelling

• 16:48 – 17:15 — Rebranding plans and more diverse guest features

• 17:15 – 18:17 — Finishing the audiobook, editing, and prepping new interviews

• 18:17 – 19:05 — Where to find Dr. Duff in the meantime and the new YouTube direction

• Website: https://duffthepsych.com

• Email: duffthepsych@gmail.com

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@duffthepsych

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/duffthepsych

• Substack: https://robertduff.substack.com

If you’re excited about the return of the podcast, be sure to subscribe, share the new episodes with your community, and leave a review wherever you listen. Every bit of support helps relaunch this phoenix from the ashes.

In this episode, Dr. Duff takes on two powerful listener questions in a raw and compassionate Q&A format.

The first question comes from a survivor of extensive childhood abuse, religious trauma, and complex family dynamics, who is wrestling with the decision of whether or not to publish a deeply personal memoir. Dr. Duff dives into the emotional, psychological, and ethical layers of this situation, offering validation, insight, and a heartfelt reminder that healing and storytelling can be acts of empowerment.

The second question comes from a newly single parent facing feelings of loneliness and hopelessness after a recent divorce. After a disappointing family trip, they wonder if happiness is still possible in this new chapter of life. Dr. Duff breaks down the process of emotional adjustment, the importance of realistic expectations, and how small steps can lead to renewed hope and connection.

As always, this episode is filled with empathy, nuance, and practical encouragement for anyone going through dark or uncertain times.

• The complexities of publishing a memoir about trauma and abuse

• Understanding the impact of complex PTSD and generational trauma

• Navigating family threats and estrangement with personal boundaries

• Grieving the loss of an idealized future after divorce

• Why happiness doesn’t have to look how you thought it would

• Tips for finding support and resilience as a single parent

• The value of community, therapy, and chosen family

00:00 – Intro and personal update
03:00 – Content warning for the first question
04:05 – Listener story: Surviving severe childhood abuse and family rejection
07:00 – Dr. Duff reflects on complex PTSD and trauma recovery
08:30 – The power of isolation in abusive systems
10:00 – Complicated dynamics with the listener’s mother
11:30 – Should I publish my book about my trauma?
13:00 – Weighing the risks and benefits of publishing under a pseudonym
14:30 – Standing in your truth despite family pushback
15:00 – Listener story: Facing loneliness and doubt after divorce
16:30 – Grieving the version of life you hoped for
18:00 – Family disappointment and changing dynamics
19:30 – The importance of time and realistic expectations
21:00 – Children often remember things differently than we expect
22:00 – Challenging fatalistic thoughts about the future
23:30 – Modeling resilience and authenticity for your kids
24:30 – Final thoughts and encouragement

• Episode 130: Complex PTSD – What It Is and How to Recover

• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@duffthepsych

• More mental health content at: https://www.duffthepsych.com

Have a question you'd like answered on the show? Reach out any time:

📧 Email: duffthepsych@gmail.com
🌐 Website: duffthepsych.com
📷 Instagram: instagram.com/duffthepsych
📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@duffthepsych

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