The Nearly Normal Podcast

Episode 23: Habits or Hiding? Are Your Habits Helping or Holding You Back?

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 subtle avoidance tactics.
This fun and insightful conversation will help you reflect on your own behaviors, uncover the difference between healing habits and hiding habits, and give you tools to create healthier patterns for mental wellness.
Perfect for anyone curious about self-awareness, emotional health, or building stronger coping skills.

Episode 22: Women’s Emotional Load: Careers, Burnout, Fertility, Motherhood, and Mental Health Challenges

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 challenge societal expectations. Perfect for working mothers, women navigating infertility, or anyone seeking balance and self-care, this conversation sheds light on the realities women face while offering supportive tools for resilience and growth.

Episode 21: The 5 Love Languages Explained: Strengthen Relationships, Communication and Emotional Wellness

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 affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch—and explore how understanding them can improve your relationships, reduce conflict, and increase emotional intimacy. We’ll also share our own love languages (spoiler: they’re not the same!) and talk about the funny, awkward, and meaningful ways they show up in our everyday lives.
Whether you’re trying to strengthen your romantic relationship, build deeper friendships, or simply improve your overall emotional and mental wellness, this episode will give you the insight and laughs you need to feel a little more nearly normal.

Mental Health Grab Bag: Weird, Wonderful & Nearly Normal Questions

Join us for a rapid-fire round of mental health Q&A in this fun and insightful episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast! We tackle the weird, the random, and the surprisingly important mental wellness questions that don’t always come up in therapy—but probably should. Whether you’re here for a laugh or a lightbulb moment, we’ve got mental health tips, mindset tools, and relatable real talk just for you.

Microshame: Tiny Shame, Big Feelings: Coping with Everyday Guilt

Ever said "I'm so stupid" after forgetting a name or felt guilty for taking a break? You're not alone. In this episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we dive into the world of micro-shame—those small, everyday moments that stir up guilt, embarrassment, or self-doubt. Learn how to recognize these emotional patterns, why they show up, and how to accept or challenge them using simple mental health tools.

Everyday Moments That Make You Go Hmmm: Mental Health in the Mundane

In this fun and insightful episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, we explore the everyday situations, strange habits, and random interactions that make you stop and think — “Seriously?” From awkward social encounters to bizarre daily rituals, Kate and Nina unpack these "hmmm?" moments with a humorous twist and a mental health perspective.
Tune in for laughs, therapeutic tips, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling weird about life’s little oddities.

Say This, Not That: How to De-Escalate Conflict in Relationships

Do you find yourself repeating the same fights or shutting down during disagreements? In this episode of The Nearly Normal Podcast, we dive into the most common phrases people say during conflict—like “You never listen to me” or “whatever”—and offer practical, therapist-approved ways to reframe and respond with clarity and compassion.
Whether you're in a romantic relationship, navigating family drama, or dealing with a difficult friend, this episode is packed with tools for healthy communication, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution strategies that actually work.
You’ll learn:
How to avoid defensiveness and blame
What to say when you're feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood
How to express your needs without starting a fight
Easy-to-use language swaps that can improve any relationship
Perfect for anyone looking to improve emotional intelligence, build stronger connections, and experience more peaceful communication in everyday life.

Sober Summer Tips: Our Favorite Fun & Easy Mocktails for Mental Clarity and Self-Care

Ready to raise your glass without the buzz? In this lively episode of The Nearly Normal Podcast, we're taste-testing our favorite summer mocktails that are perfect for anyone embracing a sober curious lifestyle, practicing alcohol-free self-care, or just looking to support mental clarity and wellness this season.
Join us as we sample and rate delicious, easy-to-make non-alcoholic drinks that are big on flavor and fun—but gentle on your mental health. Whether you're exploring sobriety, trying a dry July, or creating new rituals for healthy habits, this episode is packed with laughter, real talk, and refreshing ideas for your sober summer.

Reframe Your Brain: How to Stop Negative Self-Talk and Build a Healthier Mindset

Tired of that inner critic dragging you down? In this powerful episode of the Nearly Normal Podcast, licensed therapists Kate and Nina break down the science and psychology behind negative self-talk—and teach you how to reframe those toxic thought patterns into empowering, positive self-statements.
You’ll learn:
Therapist-approved strategies to challenge negative thinking
Real-life examples of cognitive reframing techniques
Why mindset matters for mental health, anxiety, and confidence
Whether you're struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, or chronic anxiety, this episode is packed with practical tips that will help you shift from self-criticism to self-compassion. Hit play to transform your inner dialogue and take the first step toward emotional wellness.

Therapist Reacts: Viral Mental Health Tips — Helpful or Harmful?

Are the latest mental health tips trending on TikTok and Instagram actually helping your well-being—or hurting it? In this episode of The Nearly Normal Podcast, licensed therapists Kate and Nina dive into the most popular self-care hacks and wellness advice spreading across social media. From “dopamine detoxes” to affirmations, mental reset routines, and emotional check-in hacks, we break down what’s therapist-approved and what’s just digital fluff.
We’ll talk about:
How to tell the difference between evidence-based therapy techniques and social media myths
The mental health trends that actually work (according to science)
The risks of following unverified advice for anxiety, depression, and trauma
How to use social media safely to support your emotional wellness
If you're curious about what’s legit in the world of online mental health, this episode is your must-listen guide.