May Podcasts!
Written by-Helena Lorenz, LCSW
Hey, y’all! This is a new installment of my ongoing series where I get to share my love of podcasts and mental health awareness!
Periodically, I’ll share 3 episodes from a variety of my favorite shows; sometimes an episode is from a whole series that revolves around psychology or counseling, and sometimes it’s just a one-off mental health-focused episode in a series about something totally different! Either way, my sincere hope is that these stories can provide you with some mix of comfort, validation, enlightenment, and enjoyment.
Happy listening!
Feel free to check out these episodes via the links in the titles or through your favorite podcast app.
1. Is it time to break up the band? - Proxy with Yowei Shaw
I was immediately turned on to this podcast when I read that the host, Yowei Shaw, is practicing what she calls “emotional investigative journalism”. Does that or does that not sound right up a therapist’s alley?? In this episode, Yowei talks with some close friends about a relationship issue that they have been having for years, but avoiding confronting for fear that being honest about it might cause an irreparable rift. She pairs them with a truly unexpected guest (a former international rock star turned therapist) who helps them navigate the issue with vulnerability and compassion. It touches on unexpected loss, grief, anxiety, disability, ADHD, and more with sensitivity and humor. This podcast is in its infancy, and I am already a huge fan.
2. Secrets from the Vagina Whisperer - The Longest Shortest Time
If you have ever seen one of our sex therapists, odds are you may have heard them mention the many virtues of pelvic floor therapists! These specialized physical therapists help people with vaginas navigate the complicated inner workings of their pelvises, which can be radically affected by aging, hormonal changes, pregnancy, birth, chronic illness, and more. In this episode, host Hillary Frank interviews Sara Reardon, one of the internet’s favorite pelvic floor specialists, diving into all the questions people might be afraid to ask about their most intimate parts. Sara is a sparkling fountain of knowledge and is fantastic at demystifying and normalizing the human body. Even if you don’t have a vagina, it is worth a listen!
The Test - Search EngineDigital technology is an inescapable part of our daily lives. We can’t get up in the morning (iPhone alarm goes off), get a glass of water (smart fridge lets us know it’s time to change the filter), or clean our teeth (our electric toothbrushes have apps to track brushing habits now) without interacting with the digital world. This is becoming more and more true for modern generations, as digital technology is integrated into their lives before they are even born. In this episode, journalist Amanda Hess discusses her personal journey with modern pregnancy, and how pre-natal testing and pregnancy tracking are changing the way we view and interact with our babies prior to birth. She discussed how our very human desire for the “perfect” baby is fueling an uncomfortable and unproductive conversation around disability and what we think of as “healthy” for our children. A truly thought-provoking conversation.