The CareForBrains Podcast

🧠 What Are 3AM Thoughts? Those relentless nighttime mind-streams that transform your cozy bedroom into a “Greatest Hits of Your Embarrassing Moments” PowerPoint. You’re lying there ready to sleep, and suddenly you’re back in 7th grade, calling your teacher “mom,” or panicking about a forgotten email from 2021.

🎭 Storytime Moment Raheesh shares the legendary “Toothpaste Catastrophe”—that time he ate toothpaste at age 7, lied about ...

🧠 What Are Social Intrusive Thoughts? Those uninvited mental goblins that whisper, “They think you’re annoying,” or “Everyone hates your shirt,” the second you leave a conversation. You didn’t choose them—they just show up and hijack your confidence.

🎭 Storytime Moment Raheesh revisits the infamous ninth-grade choir solo where his voice cracked mid-note and a single laugh echoed through the auditorium. Cue the shame spiral that la...

🧠 What Are “Evil” Intrusive Thoughts? Those unbidden, unsettling brain pop-ups that make you wonder, “Do I secretly want to push my friend into the pool… with their phone?” or “What if I yelled during a funeral?” Spoiler: having the thought ≠ being the person.

🎭 Storytime Moment Raheesh recounts the infamous “Grandma Laugh” incident—sitting through a heartfelt birthday slideshow when his brain screamed, “Cackle like the Joker!” Cu...

🧠 What Are Intrusive Thoughts? Those random, bizarre brain pop-ups that crash into your day—like the urge to yell “VIVA LA CARAMEL FRAPPUCCINO” in Starbucks or swerve your car into a mailbox. You didn’t plan them, you definitely don’t want them, but there they are.

🎮 Storytime Moment Raheesh recounts the SAT showdown where, mid-question, his brain screamed “I FORGOT HOW TO READ”—and he nearly lost it in a silent exam hall. Cue the...

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this final episode, Tanmay reflects on the all-too-familiar habit of mentally rewatching conversations like they’re Netflix drama specials. Whether it’s rewriting awkward moments, reliving what-ifs, or rehearsing imaginary comebacks, this episode captures the exhausting loop of trying to get it all “just right” — even after it’s long over.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• Why our brains love to replay past conversations
• ...

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this episode, Tanmay explores the emotional confusion that comes after setting boundaries. Why does doing something healthy sometimes feel… mean? Through storytelling and self-reflection, this episode dives into how saying “no” can trigger guilt, even when it’s the right choice.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The guilt loop after setting boundaries
• The internal villain narrative we create
• Why people-pleasers struggle wi...

🎙️ Episode Summary: In this episode, Tanmay dives deep into the late-night spiral we all know too well: the fake conversations that live rent-free in our heads. Whether it’s rehashing old moments or preparing for imaginary debates that will never happen, this episode captures the chaos of overthinking with humor and honesty.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• The psychology behind imaginary conversations
• Why your brain loves replays and fake arg...

• Ever wonder if you’re overthinking, or just a genius at reading vibes? Tanmay dives into the blurry line between spiraling and high-level perception.
  • Starts with a simple text left on read, ends up with Olympic-level mental gymnastics and wild (but oddly accurate) social predictions.
  • Shares hilarious stories—like decoding a sibling’s silence for an hour, only to find out they just needed to pee.
  • Explores how overthinking can f...

CareForBrains Podcast – Episode: "The Fake Arguments I Win in the Shower"

Host: Tanmay Vasudeva Theme: Overthinking, inner monologue, and mental health

Summary:

Ever caught yourself replaying a conversation and absolutely destroying your imaginary opponent in the shower? Yeah… same. In this episode, Tanmay dives into the chaotic world of fake arguments, inner debates, and why our brains love to turn small moments into full-blown court...

In the final episode of the CareForBrains Podcast burnout series, Eric answers the question we’ve all been waiting for: “How do I actually recover?” Spoiler — it’s not just about naps or Netflix binges.

🛑 What Recovery Isn’t Distraction isn’t healing. Doomscrolling or oversleeping may feel like relief, but real recovery is about reconnection — with your body, your mind, and your sense of peace.

🧘 The 4 Types of Rest That Matter Mos...

In this episode of the CareForBrains Podcast, Eric dives into a burnout symptom that often flies under the radar: emotional fatigue — that strange numbness you feel even when life finally gives you a break.

🧠 What is Emotional Fatigue? It’s not sadness. It’s not stress. It’s that “meh” feeling that creeps in when your emotional battery is drained from school, family tension, social pressure, or just existing in overdrive for too lo...

In Episode 3, "The Always-On Problem – Can We Ever Really Disconnect?", Eric dives into the constant state of digital overstimulation we all face in today’s hyper-connected world. From the pressure to instantly reply to texts, to the way even our relaxation is tracked and optimized, he explores why true rest feels out of reach. Through a humorous (but painfully relatable) story of trying to unplug, Eric highlights how hard — and ho...

Host: Eric

Feeling guilty for doing nothing? Let’s talk. In this episode, we break down how hustle culture tricks us into thinking rest = failure. Spoiler: it doesn’t.

💭 Topics covered:

• Why “just chilling” isn’t lazy
• The lie of always needing to be productive
• Rest guilt and how to fight it
• Brianna Wiest’s 🔥 quote on real self-care
• A sloth-approved reminder to slow down

🧘‍♂️ Takeaway: You don’t need to earn rest. You need rest t...

Host: Eric

Length: ~10 minutes

Episode Summary: In this honest and relatable kickoff to the CareForBrains Podcast, Eric breaks down why so many of us feel constantly drained — and it’s deeper than just a lack of sleep. From silent burnout to the pressure of productivity and the lies social media feeds us, this episode explores the emotional toll of always "grinding" and the importance of reclaiming rest.

Key Topics:

• What burnout r...

Welcome back to the CareForBrains Podcast! I’m Eric, and today we’re talking about how sleep deprivation affects our relationships and social interactions.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• How lack of sleep impacts our mood and communication.
• Why sleep-deprived brains struggle with empathy.
• Tips to improve your social interactions through better sleep.

Sleep doesn’t just affect you—it affects the way you connect with others. Let...

Welcome back to the CareForBrains Podcast! I’m Eric, and today we’re diving into practical strategies for creating better sleep habits.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• How to set yourself up for a good night’s sleep.
• The role of a consistent routine in improving sleep quality.
• Tips to create a sleep-friendly environment.

Sleep isn’t just about how long you’re in bed—it’s about the quality of those hours. Let’s talk about how to...

Welcome to Week 4 of the CareForBrains Podcast! I’m Eric, and this week we’re diving into sleep deprivation—a struggle so many of us face—and its impact on mental health.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore:

• Why sleep is essential for mental health.
• How lack of sleep affects our emotions and cognitive abilities.
• Common causes of sleep deprivation in today’s world.

Sleep isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Let’s talk about why i...

Welcome to the final episode of Week 2! I’m Ezra, and today we’re talking about the power of self-compassion when it comes to managing anxiety.

In this episode, we’ll discuss:

• Why being kind to yourself is crucial for mental health.
• How self-compassion can reduce anxiety.
• Practical ways to cultivate self-kindness every day.

Anxiety is tough, but you don’t have to face it with harsh self-criticism. Let’s explore how a little sel...

Welcome back to the CareForBrains Podcast! I’m Ezra, and today we’re talking about long-term strategies and resources to help manage anxiety.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Proven techniques for reducing anxiety over time.
• Apps, books, and other tools you can use daily.
• How therapy and support systems can make a difference.

Whether you’re looking for actionable steps or helpful resources, this episode is packed with tips to supp...