The Nearly Normal Podcast

The holidays can be one of the most challenging times of the year for people in sobriety and recovery—and for the family and friends who want to support them without saying the wrong thing.

In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, licensed therapists Kate and Nina break down what actually helps when supporting someone in recovery during the holidays. We talk about navigating holiday parties, alcohol-centered traditions, family...

The holidays don’t have to feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we’re sharing practical, realistic, and totally doable mental health hacks to help you manage holiday anxiety, family expectations, grief triggers, time pressure, and emotional overload.

Learn how to safeguard your energy, create healthy limits, navigate difficult relationships, and find moments of joy—even during the most chaotic parts of t...

Step inside The Self-Compassion Lab—your weekly boost of mental wellness, emotional resilience, and self-improvement. In this episode, Kate and Nina unpack simple ways to practice self-compassion, challenge negative thinking, and finally become your own hype person. Whether you’re battling self-doubt, burnout, or low self-esteem, this episode gives you tools to build confidence, increase self-worth, and create a healthier mindset. ...

Feeling mentally exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained? In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we break down the most effective, research-backed strategies for reducing burnout, rebuilding your energy, and protecting your mental health. Learn practical tools for managing stress, setting boundaries, creating balance, and preventing long-term emotional fatigue. If you're looking for wellness tips, burnout recovery too...

Feeling overwhelmed by family gatherings, holiday expectations, and financial pressure? In this week’s episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we break down real-world mental health strategies to help you stay calm, confident, and emotionally grounded this holiday season. Join Kate and Nina as they share therapist-approved tips for managing holiday anxiety, setting healthy boundaries, reducing burnout, coping with sadness or loneline...

In this week’s episode of The Nearly Normal Podcast, Kate and Nina share quick, evidence-based mental health tips you can start using today to feel calmer, happier, and more in control. From simple mindset shifts to easy daily habits, learn how small changes can create powerful improvements in your mood and overall wellness. No complicated therapy talk—just realistic, relatable advice you can start applying right now. Tune in for a...

In this episode of The Nearly Normal Podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of introverts, extroverts, and social anxiety disorder. Have you ever wondered why some people feel energized in crowds while others feel drained—or even panicked? We break down what social anxiety really feels like, how it differs from being introverted, and share real-world techniques to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and thrive in social set...

Ever wonder why certain things make your anxiety spike while others barely faze you? Feeling your heart race, palms sweat, or mind spiral into overdrive? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we unpack the wide range of anxiety triggers—from everyday stressors that make you uneasy to full-blown moments that spark panic attacks. We’ll explore why certain situations cause anxiety and how your body reacts to ...

Feeling anxious, stressed, or just a little off lately? In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we share our favorite quirky but effective coping skills that help ease anxiety, lift your mood, and make life feel a little lighter. From unusual self-care tricks to mindset shifts that work, discover unique coping strategies that go beyond deep breathing and journaling, because your mental health deserves more than the basics. Pe...

Feeling stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed by your goals? We’ve all been there—staring at our to-do list, feeling totally unmotivated. In this week’s Nearly Normal Podcast, two therapists get real about the struggle of motivation. Discover how to set meaningful goals, create action plans that actually work, and manage the mental roadblocks that keep you from moving forward. If you’re ready to boost your focus, improve your mood, an...

In Part 2 of our menopause series, we dive deeper into the emotional, mental, and physical changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause. From brain fog and mood swings to sleep struggles, anxiety, and some more rare symptoms no one talks about. We explore how these transitions impact women’s overall well-being. Join us as we share expert insights, practical tools, and real talk about managing symptoms, protecting you...

Welcome to part one of our two-part Nearly Normal Podcast series on menopause. In this episode, we dive deep into the real experiences of perimenopause and menopause, breaking down the mental, emotional, and physical changes that women face during this transition. From hormonal shifts that affect mood and energy to the emotional toll of brain fog, anxiety, and sleep changes, we’re talking about it all—with honesty, humor, and compa...

Are your habits truly helping you, or are they just clever ways of avoiding the deeper issues you don’t want to face? In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we dive into the psychology of habits, coping skills, and daily routines. With a mix of humor and introspection, we explore whether your go-to strategies—like working out, overworking, scrolling social media, or even reading—are actually healthy coping mechanisms or subt...

In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we dive deep into the invisible mental and emotional load carried by women in today’s world. From career burnout and workplace gender bias to fertility struggles, motherhood pressures, and safety concerns, we explore how these hidden burdens impact women’s mental health and emotional well-being. Join us as we discuss practical coping strategies, ways to set boundaries, and how to challe...

Welcome back to the Nearly Normal Podcast—your go-to space for real, relatable, and sometimes hilarious conversations about mental health, mental wellness, and everyday life. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of the 5 Love Languages—a powerful framework that can completely transform the way you connect with your friends, partners, and even yourself.

We break down what each of the five love languages really means—words of...