Choosing Help: The Mental Health Podcast with Tracy Stecker, PhD
Welcome to Choosing Help: The Mental Health Podcast hosted by Dr. Tracy Stecker. Here, we examine what the research tells us about mental health, why stigma persists, how treatment works, and what supports real recovery. Through expert interviews, evidence‑based discussions, and accessible explanations, this podcast helps listeners understand the evolving world of mental health care. If you’re looking for clarity, knowledge, and grounded guidance, you’re in the right place.
Episodes
Trauma and addiction are often deeply connected, yet many people never learn how one can fuel the other.
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker welcomes trauma psychologist Dr. Tanya Saraiya for an insightful conversation about PTSD, trauma-informed care, opioid use disorder, and the path to recovery. Together they explore how traumatic experiences shape behavior, why substances can become a way to cope with emotional p...
How does someone living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome complete seven marathons on seven continents in seven days?
In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with ultramarathoner and author Ellen Hunter Gans about resilience, chronic pain, mental toughness, and the stories we tell ourselves about what is possible. From navigating a connective tissue disorder to experiencing the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing, El...
When does helping become enabling?
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with psychiatrist and Mindful Care CEO Dr. Tamir Aldad about the themes explored in his book Too Close for Comfort. Together they discuss emotional dependency, codependency, guilt, boundary-setting, caregiving, parenting, and the difficult decisions people face when relationships become unhealthy.
Dr. Aldad offers practical strategies for se...
Divorce can leave fathers feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their children. In this episode, psychologist Dr. Eran Magen joins Dr. Tracy Stecker to discuss the unique mental health challenges facing dads during and after divorce, including identity loss, loneliness, depression, and suicide risk.
They also explore practical strategies for recovery, maintaining strong relationships with children, building support n...
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with retired New Jersey State Trooper, first responder, therapist, and poet John Muccino.
John reflects on responding to the World Trade Center attacks, serving during Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy, supporting fellow officers through trauma, and his own journey with PTSD, burnout, and recovery.
Together they discuss resilience, community service, mental health in law ...
Why do so many people struggle to seek help for alcohol use disorder, even when effective treatment is available?
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker is joined by two leading experts in addiction research and treatment:
Dr. Stephen Maisto, Professor at Syracuse University and expert in the assessment and treatment of substance use disorders.
Dr. Ken Conner, Professor at the University of Rochester Medical Center and e...
In this episode of the Choosing Help Podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker welcomes clinical social worker and author Amber Jewell to discuss her book Finding Hope. Amber shares insights from her own journey through childhood trauma, foster care, epilepsy, and healing while exploring practical principles that help people navigate adversity.
Together, they discuss accepting life's challenges, building resilience, finding supportive relationship...
Fear of the dentist is more common than most people realize. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with dental professionals Angie Thomas, Lisa Bishimi, and Amanda Pendley to explore the causes of dental anxiety and what patients can do to overcome it.
The conversation covers fear of pain, embarrassment, financial concerns, traumatic experiences, sensory sensitivities, and the important connection between oral health and over...
What if grief isn't something we "get over," but something we learn to carry?
In this episode of Choosing Help , Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with internationally recognized grief expert Dr. Robert Neimeyer about the realities of loss, resilience, and healing.
Together they explore how grief extends far beyond death, why loss changes our identity, how attachment influences mourning, and what it means to maintain a healthy connection with...
What does it mean to truly grieve?
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Stecker welcomes community doula, death literacy advocate, and author Francesca Arnoldy for a powerful discussion about grief, loss, mourning, and healing.
Francesca shares why grief is "boundless and wild," how everyday losses can prepare us for life's most profound heartbreaks, and what it really means to support someone who is grieving. From practical tools and grief ri...
Retired Navy SEAL, endurance athlete, and author Don Mann returns to the Choosing Help Podcast for a powerful conversation about pain, resilience, and personal growth.
Together, Dr. Tracy Stecker and Don explore why discomfort is often a prerequisite for growth, how purpose can sustain us through hardship, and the mental strategies that help people overcome adversity. Drawing from Navy SEAL training, endurance sports, survival stori...
Many people experience suicidal thoughts, but only a small percentage act on them. Why?
In this episode of the Choosing Hope Podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker interviews clinical psychologist and researcher Dr. Keyne Law about the science of suicide, why asking directly about suicidal thoughts is essential, and how decision-making processes influence suicidal crises.
Dr. Law shares her innovative research using game theory and behavioral ec...
In this heartfelt episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker welcomes author Nigel Roberts to discuss his memoir, The Leopard in the Moon.
After losing both his wife and daughter to the devastating effects of bipolar disorder and substance use, Nigel embarked on a 450-mile trek through Nepal—an experience that became the foundation for a profound exploration of grief, caregiving, guilt, resilience, and healing.
Together, Tracy...
What if anxiety isn’t just emotional—but biological?
In this episode of the Choosing Help Podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker talks with neuroscientist and author Dr. Troy Rohn about the science of anxiety and what’s really happening in the brain.
They explore how anxiety functions as a fear-based neural circuit, why current treatments like SSRIs have limitations, and how emerging gene therapy approaches could revolutionize ...
What does it take to develop the mindset of a Navy SEAL—and how can those lessons help us in everyday life?
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with retired Navy SEAL Don Mann about the principles behind elite performance, resilience, and mental strength.
They explore topics like commitment, accountability, growth through discomfort, and the importance of connection in overcoming mental health challenges....
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect.
In this bonus episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Autumn Gallegos leads a short, guided mindfulness exercise designed to help you settle your nervous system and return to the present moment.
This simple practice invites you to notice your breath, become aware of your body, and gently observe your thoughts without judgment. Whether you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need a res...
What happens to us after trauma—and how do we begin to feel safe again?
In this episode, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with Dr. Autumn Gallegos, a psychologist specializing in trauma and mind-body interventions. Together, they unpack how trauma reshapes our nervous system, why self-blame is so common, and how mindfulness can help restore a sense of safety.
You’ll learn:
- How trauma affects both body and mind
- The difference be...
Loneliness isn’t just a feeling—it’s a biological condition that can impact everything from your immune system to your ability to heal.
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker and Dr. Teresa Kelechi explore groundbreaking findings linking loneliness to gene expression, inflammation, and chronic illness. You’ll learn why some people don’t heal despite receiving the best medical care—and...
Laughter isn’t just a reaction—it’s a powerful tool for healing.
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker explores the science and soul of laughter with storyteller and former comedian Dee Kennedy. Together, they dive into how humor lowers stress, strengthens connection, and helps us navigate even the most difficult experiences.
Through candid stories about family dynamics, recovery, caregiving, and grief...
Trauma and addiction often go hand in hand—but recovery is possible.
In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with Dr. Sudie Back, a leading expert in PTSD and substance use disorders, about how trauma affects the brain, why people turn to substances, and what real, effective treatment looks like.
They explore:
- The difference between trauma and PTSD
- Why avoidance keeps people stuck
- How substance use becomes ...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.