All The Hard Things

#110 - OCD and Comorbid Eating Disorders, Panic, and Bipolar with Brooke Miller

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talked with Brooke Miller, a mental health/OCD advocate, registered nurse, wife, and mom who opens up about her struggles with OCD,...

#109 - Religious Scrupulosity and Moral OCD with Maddy Furgiuele

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talked with Maddy Furgiuele, a mental health/OCD advocate and student who struggled with OCD and anxiety since elementary school. W...

#108 - Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts with Shaun Flores

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talked with Shaun Flores, OCD advocate, model, actor, and 2x Tedx Speaker to discuss his story as a black man with OCD.  We ta...

#107 - Perfectionism and Depression with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Margaret Rutherford, a psychologist, author, and host of The SelfWork Podcast. In this episode, we discuss.. - how p...

#106 - Panic and Fear of Fear with Shannon Jackson

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Shannon Jackson (IG: @ahealthypush), an anxiety coach, wife, mom, and podcaster - roles she never thought she'd play due ...

#105 - Parenting a Child with OCD with Kim Vincenty

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Kim Vincenty, a mom, wife, advocate, speaker, and support group facilitator who has spent the past 10 years fostering com...

#104 - Perfectionism and Decision Making with Madina Alam

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Madina Alam, aka @mentalhealth_madina_ on Instagram and Clinical Director at NOCD (plus one of my dearest friends!). We d...

#103 - Health Anxiety and OCD with Rachel Ehrenberg

25 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Rachel Ehrenberg, aka @rachelsocdgrotto on Instagram and an OCD advocate, to discuss health anxiety and OCD.  We dis...

#102 - How to Stop Ruminating and Getting Absorbed in Obsessional Doubts with Kristina Orlova, LMFT

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Kristina Orlova, aka @ocdwhisperer on Instagram, host of The OCD Whisperer podcast, and OCD and anxiety specialist at KOR...

#101 - Taking The Leap of Faith in OCD Treatment with Kelli Walker

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Kelli Walker, a Certified Health and Wellness Coach and host of "Not Another Anxiety Show".  As someone who struggle...

#100 - OCD, ADHD, and Anxiety with Jak Levine-Pritzker (@authenticallyadhd)

18 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Jak Levine-Pritzker AKA @authenticallyadhd, an ADHD and mental health advocate who aims to break stereotypes associated w...

#99 - Postpartum OCD and Scary Thoughts with Jenn Holmes

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Jenn Holmes, a mom who struggled with anxiety that turned into intrusive, unwanted thoughts once she had her baby.  In t...

#98 - Understanding Rumination and Worry with Abby Green

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Abby Green, a UWCPC Certified Personal and Business Coach and co-owner of the Herself Podcast and Pursuing Her Purpose, t...

#97 - Intrusive Thoughts, Doubt, and Shame with Collin Strajack aka Modern Day Overthinker

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Collin Strajack, otherwise known as Modern Day Overthinker.  We talk about... - examples of intrusive thoughts incl...

#96 - All About Sleep for OCD/Anxiety with Dr. Jennifer Reid

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Dr. Jennifer Reid, otherwise known as The Reflective Doc - a psychiatrist, podcast host, and writer.  We talk about....

#95 - Braving the Uncomfortable with Emily and Lindsay from Presently

19 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I meet with Emily and Lindsay from Presently, an OCD and anxiety advocacy company that reminds us to embrace all of ourselves - the g...

#94 - Trauma, Anorexia, OCD, and more Impacting Motherhood with @mallorylikecalorie

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Mallory, an anorexia and trauma survivor, OCD warrior, military spouse, and one and done mother.  We talk about .. -...

#93 - Dads Struggle, Too: Postpartum OCD in Fathers/Partners with Ben Eckstein, LCSW

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Ben Eckstein, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating OCD and related conditions at his private pra...

#92 - A Spiritual Journey Through Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Chiara, a spiritual coach and mom who struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety.  We talk about .. - how pos...

#91 - Perinatal and Postpartum OCD with "Jane"

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with "Jane", a mom of two and a nurse who experienced perinatal and postpartum OCD.  We talk about .. - how her symptoms ...

#90 - "How Do I Do Exposures for Intrusive Thoughts?"

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share my thoughts about a commonly asked question, which is," How do I do exposures for intrusive thoughts?"  I talk abo...

#89 - Why "Just Pay More Attention" is Bad Advice for OCD Recovery

28 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about some poor advice I saw on social media, encouraging people to "just pay more attention" when they ritualize th...

#88 - What Does NOT Work For OCD Treatment - Part III

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about therapies, techniques, and interventions that could be harmful or detrimental to OCD treatment.  I discuss... - mistak...

#87 - What Does NOT Work For OCD Treatment - Part II

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about therapies, techniques, and interventions that could be harmful or detrimental to OCD treatment.  I discuss...  - ice ...

#86 - What Does NOT Work for OCD Treatment - Part I

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about therapies, techniques, and interventions that could be harmful or detrimental to OCD treatment.  I discuss... - psychoa...

#85 - What OCD Recovery Looks Like with Mollie Albanese

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by Mollie Albanese, OCD advocate and NOCD Peer Advisor. We talk about.. - her experience with finding out she had OCD...

#84 - "Pure O" and Mental Compulsions in OCD - Part III

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In part three of this (unexpected!) three part episode, I talk about mental compulsions, the term "pure O", and more.  Specifically, I get into.....

#83 - "Pure O" and Mental Compulsions in OCD - Part II

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In part two of this two-part episode, I talk about mental compulsions, the term "pure O", and more.  Specifically, I get into.. - examples of me...

#82 - "Pure O" and Mental Compulsions in OCD - Part I

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In part one of this two-part episode, I talked about mental compulsions, the term "pure O", and more.  Specifically, I get into.. - whether the t...

#81 - Thought Stopping in OCD and Anxiety with Elise Petronzio

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by Elise Petronzio, owner of the OCD advocacy shop "The OCDopus". We talk about.. - thought stopping, what it is, and...

#80 - Navigating Mom Mental Health with The Matrescence

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by Megan and Lauren from The Matrescence, an online platform designed to help moms fill in the gaps to support their m...

#79 - Generalized Anxiety Disorder or OCD - Does It Matter? PT II

09 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Note: This is part 2 of a 2 part episode.  If you haven't already, go back and listen to part 1 - episode #78.  In this episode, I talk about th...

#78 - Generalized Anxiety or OCD - Does It Matter? PT I

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about the differences and similarities between Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).  I...

#77 - Rumination in Postpartum OCD

28 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features Kaci, a mom who experienced harm intrusive thoughts with compulsive rumination as a mother.  We talk about... - her experience ...

#76 - Handling Rumination and Fear of Relapse with Kristina Orlova

20 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by Kristina Orlova, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in the treatment of OCD.  We talk about .....

#75 - OCD, Treatment, and Advocacy with Zach Westerbeck

16 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'm joined by Zach Westerbeck who is an OCD warrior, mental health public speaker, and author of the book "You're Not Al...

#74 - How to Sit With Uncertainty for OCD with Nathan Peterson

12 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Nathan Peterson and I go through our health scares and talk about what to do when the "what if's" actually happen. We g...

#73 - Postpartum Harm OCD and Treatment (Anonymom series)

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult...

#72 - OCD Therapists: Not Your Average Therapist with Madina Alam

28 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Madina Alam, fellow NOCD therapist and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) lover.  We discuss... - why OCD therapist...

#71 - The OCD/Eating Disorder Overlap with Emily Feldman

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Emily Feldman, OCD and eating disorder warrior and advocate, about the overlap between OCD and eating disorders.  Here, ...

#70 - "Pure O" Question and Answer from Instagram

22 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I answer questions from my Instagram on rumination.  You'll hear about... - my thoughts on how to "stop ruminating" - ...

#69 - What is "Pure O" and Does it Exist?

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - what the term "pure o" means  - my thoughts on whether "pure o" exists - why the...

#68 - OCD Question and Answer from Jenna's Instagram

09 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll hear me answer questions like ..... - "Can moms have relationship OCD with their baby?"  - "How do I dea...

#67 - Why Aren't My Exposures Getting Easier? (Habituation vs Inhibitory Learning Model)

01 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - 7 reasons why you might not be habituating to exposure (i.e, getting used to them)  - the habituation ...

#66 - What Do I Think/Do During Exposures?

21 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - the difference between attention and awareness, and why you can't control your thoughts but you can ...

#65 - Relationship OCD - Presentations and Treatment

14 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - common symptom presentations of relationship OCD - ideas for treatment of relationship OCD - information on ...

#64 - The Different Levels of Care in Mental Health Treatment

07 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - the various levels of care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatien...

#63 - Postpartum Rage and How the Health System Fails Moms

15 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview Casey, an OCD warrior, advocate, and mom.  She talks to us about.. - her personal struggles with postpartum depress...

#62 - Handling OCD, Treatment, and Chronic Pain as a Mom

10 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview Stephanie, an OCD warrior, advocate, and mom.  She also runs @navigate_ocd on Instagram.  She talks to us about...

#61 - When The Anxiety Rating Scale Makes You Anxious

01 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - what is a SUDS scale (subjective unit of distress scale) - ways that a SUDS/rating scale might make people ...

#60 - Can You Do Too Much ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention)?

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - what's problematic about doing too much exposure and response prevention work  - four topics to address...

#59 - Prenatal and Postpartum Depression with NotMotherGoose

27 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features Cierra, also known on Instagram as @notmothergoose, who talks to us about her experience with prenatal and postpartum depression...

#58 - Mental Health Advocacy with Elise Petronzio

20 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I interview Elise Petronzio, an OCD warrior and advocate.  Elise also runs "The OCDopus", an OCD advocacy and recovery shop. She ta...

#57 - Postpartum Depression and Constantly Being Needed (Anonymom series)

19 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#56 - 10 Ways to Open Up More in Therapy

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - for clients: strategies you can use to open up more in therapy - for therapists: tools and resources to give...

#55 - Parenting with COVID-19

12 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - challenges faced by preferred/default parents who have COVID-19 - the mental, physical, and emotional toll ...

#54 - Trauma, Grief, and the Maternal Mental Health System with Tracy Gilmour-Nimoy

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features Tracy Gilmour-Nimoy, a licensed marriage and family therapist and also a certified perinatal mental health professional.  S...

#53 - Why It's Hard to Open Up in Therapy

29 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - reasons why clients find it hard to open up in therapy - my thoughts as a therapist to some of these fears/...

#52 - Fear of Developing Postpartum Mental Health Issues

26 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - risk factors for postpartum mental health issues - protective factors for postpartum mental health issues ...

#51 - What Your Triggers Say About You and How to Overcome Them

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - triggers and trigger warnings - the reasons for and against trigger warnings - functional vs dysfunctional wa...

#50 - Easing Mom Guilt Around Sleep Training with Erin Meinel

19 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features Erin Meinel, an infant and child sleep consultant who is also a mom to two young children.  In this episode, we discuss... ...

#49 - Sleep Tips for Baby and Mom's Mental Health with Erin Meinel

16 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features Erin Meinel, an infant and child sleep consultant who is also a mom to two young children.  In this episode, we discuss...&...

#48 - Therapy for Adult Children of Narcissists and Disordered Eating with Alisa Stamps

14 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This episode features Alisa Stamps, a licensed clinical social worker.  Alisa specializes in helping adult children of narcissists and those stru...

#47 - Trauma After Birth and the Importance of Getting Help (Anonymom series)

12 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#46 - Confessions of a Therapist

09 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - how a therapist can experience compassion fatigue and/or burnout - how therapists are people, too, with thei...

#45 - Coping with COVID19 Anxiety and OCD (Part II)

08 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - what you can/can't control as it relates to COVID19 - how people with OCD/anxiety "hold the key" for how to ...

#44 - Coping with COVID19 Anxiety and OCD (Part I)

08 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode (part 1 of 2), you'll learn about... - whether COVID19 can "cause" anxiety and/or OCD - what to do with questions related to how clea...

#43 - Harm Intrusive Thoughts and Recovering from a Difficult Childhood (Anonymom series)

08 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult...

#42 - Postpartum Depression, Shame, and Releasing Ideal Motherhood Expectations (Anonymom series)

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#41 - Handling the Halloween Candy Hangover with Intuitive Eating

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - toxic messages you've been given about sugar and candy - how to eat more mindfully and intuitively vs with di...

#40 - Become A Master Problem Solver in Four Simple Steps

01 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - things that you're doing that you probably think are problem solving, but are NOT problem solving - four simp...

#39 - How to See Problems as an Opportunity for Growth

30 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - negative vs positive problem orientation - the consequences of perceiving problems as threatening, dangerous,...

#38 - Looking Back on Postpartum Depression and Rage (Anonymom series)

26 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#37 - Finding Balance, Confidence, and Your Identity After Kids (Anonymom series)

25 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#36 - Coping with Election Anxiety and Uncertainty

24 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about...  - how to deal with worry and anxiety about the upcoming election - what to do if the person you didn't vo...

#35 - Finding Strength and Confidence After Depression and a Divorce (Anonymom series)

23 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#34 - Finding Hope and Peace During Infertility with Monika Friedman

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

For this episode, I'm joined by Monika Friedman, a 4 time IVF warrior and now a working mom who owns Monika Friedman Coaching.  She focuses on a ...

#33 - The "Must Haves" of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about...  - the rules and "must haves" of exposure and response prevention (ERP) for OCD/anxiety  - what to ex...

#32 - Understanding Perinatal OCD and Anxiety

19 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - what is perinatal OCD, some day to day examples, and how it affects pregnancy and the early weeks of motherho...

#31 - How to Be Okay Having an Okay Day

18 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - 9 ways you can reinterpret your bad or "okay" days - how to feel less judgment and more acceptance about thes...

#30 - From Teen Pregnancy and Single Mom to Empty Nester (Anonymom series)

16 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#29 - The Relationship Between Performance and Anxiety

13 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - the Yerkes-Dodson curve and what it means for your anxiety/performance - why you have poor performance in bot...

#28 - Preeclampsia, OCD, and Parenting During A Pandemic (Anonymom series)

11 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#27 - Going Home Without Your Baby - A NICU Journey (Anonymom series)

10 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#26 - Postpartum OCD and Harm Intrusive Thoughts About Self/Baby (Anonymom series)

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#25 - Anxiety Related Accommodations in Schools

08 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, you'll learn about... - why anxiety related accommodations in the school setting may actually make anxiety worse - considerations fo...

#24 - The (Dog) Mom Guilt No One Talks About

05 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share my experience with the type of mom guilt no one really talks about - DOG MOM GUILT.  You'll learn how my relationship wi...

#23 - Why Things Get Worse Before They Get Better

04 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I describe why things seem to get worse before they get better.  Whether you're dealing with anxiety or OCD, quitting smoking/dr...

#22 - Overcoming Anxiety with the Habituation Curve

02 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I describe what happens to your anxiety when you give into it with safety behaviors and compulsions/rituals.  I also go over the...

#21 - The Darkness of Postpartum Anxiety (Anonymom series)

30 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#20 - Parenting as a Trauma Survivor (Anonymom series)

29 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#19 - Why Talk Therapy Isn't Helpful for OCD/Anxiety

27 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I go over why talk or "supportive" therapy isn't helpful for OCD/anxiety and, moreso, how these therapy approaches can actually be ha...

#18 - A Miscarriage and Mom Guilt (Anonymom series)

27 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#17 - Single Parenting After a Toxic Relationship (Anonymom Series)

26 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#16 - Anxiety or Anxiety Disorder? How to Tell When Anxiety Becomes a Problem

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I go over some ways that symptoms of various psychological "disorders", such as anxiety, OCD, and depression, can actually be normal ...

#15 - The Exhaustion of Breastfeeding and How Hard It Is to Ask For Help (Anonymom series)

21 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#14 - Law of Attraction and Mental Health - Contradictory or Complementary?

19 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss the battle between spirituality (e.g. law of attraction) and mental health (e.g, thought action fusion/magical thinking) co...

#13 - Single Parenting, Speech Delays, and Borderline Personality Disorder (Anonymom series)

17 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of d...

#12 - Miscarriage, Bedrest, and Postpartum Anxiety (Anonymom series)

14 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to my Anonymom series.  Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously.  Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult...

#11 - Move to a Better Feeling Mood Using the Emotional Guidance Scale

13 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'll teach you some basic spiritual concepts and discuss the law of attraction, Abraham Hicks, and The Emotional Guidance Scale. &nbs...