Are you truly resting when you scroll—or is your brain still working overtime?

In this episode of Deciphering Growth, Tiffany and Eric explore the complicated relationship between social media and mental health. They discuss social comparison, infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven content, targeted advertising, influencer culture, digital overstimulation, and the dopamine loops that can make putting down your phone surprisingly difficult.

The conversation also examines when scrolling functions as a coping skill, when it may resemble a process addiction, and why abruptly eliminating a coping strategy without understanding the need it fulfills can create additional challenges.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about creating healthier boundaries with technology, becoming more aware of what you consume, and distinguishing physical stillness from genuine mental restoration.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or establish a therapist-client relationship.

Can anime, gaming, Dungeons & Dragons, and other forms of geek culture help us better understand our mental health?

In this episode ofDeciphering Growth, Tiffany and Eric continue exploring the Geek Therapy Card Deck through conversations about anime protagonists, relatable characters, empathetic villains, intergalactic adventures, meaningful RPG items, and theNPCs they would—or definitely would not—want beside them in real life.

Along the way, they examine how fandom can open conversations about identity, trauma, emotional regulation, relationships, personal values, neurodivergence, and mindfulness. They also discuss why traditional mindfulness practices do not work for everyone, how pausing before responding can feel like “rerolling” a decision, and what D&D characters may reveal about the ideal, wounded, chaotic, andconflicted parts of ourselves.

Whether you love Castlevania, Star Wars, Skyrim, Dark Souls, anime, tabletop roleplaying games, or simply want a more creative approach to self-reflection, this episode explores how play and storytelling can make mental health conversations more accessible, personal, and engaging.