Episodes

  • 262 — You Don’t Need Closure to Heal: 4 Steps to Move Forward

    262 — You Don’t Need Closure to Heal: 4 Steps to Move Forward
    Nov 7 2025
    What if you didn’t have to wait for an apology, an explanation, or that perfect last conversation to feel at peace with your past? You don’t need closure from someone else to move forward. You can create it for yourself. The good news is there’s a practical, research-backed strategy you can use starting today. So instead of chasing one final conversation or piece of information that you think would give you closure, reclaim your energy, and writing your own ending. Some of the things I share are: What closure really is — and why your brain craves it after breakups, ghosting, or rejection The science of unfinished stories and why rumination keeps us stuck Why chasing “just one more conversation” almost always leads to more questions, not answers The simple four-step plan to create your own sense of closure The biggest mistake people make and how to avoid it How to cope with unfinished business The one time it makes sense to seek closure Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! AquaTru — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AquaTru.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • 261 - The Small Social Risks That Spark New Connections and Deepen Your Relationships With Ben Swire

    261 - The Small Social Risks That Spark New Connections and Deepen Your Relationships With Ben Swire
    Nov 3 2025
    Do you struggle to share what you're really thinking or feeling due to fear that you might be judged or rejected? Or, do you worry that someone might use your personal information against you if you put yourself out there? If you've ever struggled to take social risks, this episode is for you. I'm talking to Ben Swire, a top thought leader on human connection and authentic living, Some of the things we discuss are: What "safe danger" is and why it's the key to meaningful growth How to take micro risks (like admitting you don’t know something or giving honest feedback) The crucial difference between comfort and true safety Using playful and creative tasks to lower defenses and build trust How to practice vulnerability without taking reckless, all-or-nothing leaps The specific activities that will deepen your connections in fun ways How to create safety in groups so people feel safe enough to share their real ideas The art of sharing things you love (like poetry or a creative project) without fearing judgment Why even small risks feel harder when you care deeply—and how to push through the fear Turning your hardest struggles into your greatest emotional “superpowers” Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources BenjaminSwire.com Safe Danger Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠⁠AquaTru.com⁠⁠⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to ⁠⁠⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠⁠⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • 260 - Temptation Bundling: The Science-Backed Trick to Make Habits Stick

    260 - Temptation Bundling: The Science-Backed Trick to Make Habits Stick
    Oct 31 2025
    What if you could make your hardest habits feel easier—without relying on willpower? There’s a simple, science-backed strategy that pairs what you “should” do with something you “want” to do, so you actually look forward to it. The good news is, you don’t need more motivation. Instead, can create instant gratification that makes you want to keep engaging in a habit like going to the gym or doing chores. Some of the things I share are: What “temptation bundling” is—and why it works in your brain The dopamine-based reason this makes good habits stick One strict rule that transforms chores into treats (and why cheating ruins it) How temptation bundling differs from habit stacking and commitment devices Real-life examples you can copy for the gym, cleaning, travel, and taxes The mistake that makes bundles fail (competing attention) and how to avoid it Mentally Strong App ⁠Get Free Mental Strength Coaching for This Episode — ⁠⁠Episode 260 Exercise⁠⁠ Try this exercise hands-free — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 260 Exercise Voice (Subscribers only) ⁠Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp — This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠ AquaTru — Go to ⁠⁠⁠AquaTru.com⁠⁠⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods — Go to ⁠⁠⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠⁠⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    17 mins
  • 259 - Feel Hopeless? 5 Habits That Bring Hope Back Fast with Dr. Julia Garcia

    259 - Feel Hopeless? 5 Habits That Bring Hope Back Fast with Dr. Julia Garcia
    Oct 27 2025
    Do you feel hopeless—like you’re stuck in a dark place with no way out? If you’ve ever thought your struggles are too big to overcome or that the world is falling apart, this episode is for you. Hope isn't something you either have or don’t—it’s a skill you can build. My guest today is Dr. Julia Garcia, a psychologist and author of The Five Habits of Hope. Some of the things we discuss are: What hope actually is The biggest myth about hopelessness (and the mindset shift that helps you find a way out) How social media quietly drains hope—and a simple way to reclaim it How to reflect without ruminating The micro social risks that build real connection (even if you’re shy) How to release the things that are keeping you stuck Why receiving compliments and support is harder than it seems—and how to practice it Turning pain into purpose—how to repurpose hard experiences so they work for you, not against you A five-question “feeling framework” to get unstuck fast and take meaningful action Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources DrJuliaGarcia.com ⁠The 5 Habits of Hope Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠ AquaTru - Go to ⁠⁠AquaTru.com⁠⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to ⁠⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • 258 - 7 Sneaky Mindset Traps Draining Your Mental Strength (And How to Stop Them)

    258 - 7 Sneaky Mindset Traps Draining Your Mental Strength (And How to Stop Them)
    Oct 24 2025
    What if your mind is setting small traps for you that are draining your mental strength without you noticing? Your thoughts don’t just live in your head. They shape your emotions, your choices, and even how your body responds. The good news is anything learned can be unlearned. When you spot these unhealthy thinking patterns, you can apply some simple fixes that will help you put your brain power toward the things that matter most. Some of the things I share are: The 7 mindset traps that quietly sabotage your mental strength Why your automatic thoughts aren’t the problem—how you respond is Why emotional reasoning will hold you back How to reality-check catastrophic thoughts and get back to problem-solving The two-column control audit that lowers anxiety fast A quick test to escape the rumination loop How to turn those labels you put on yourself into helpful behavior that sticks Mentally Strong App ⁠Get Mental Strength for This Episode — ⁠Episode 258 Exercise⁠ Get Free Mental Strength Training — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Talk to the Tough Circumstances Coach ⁠Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp — This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠ AquaTru — Go to ⁠⁠AquaTru.com⁠⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods — Go to ⁠⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
  • 257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman

    257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman
    Oct 20 2025
    Do you think play is just for kids? When life feels serious and productive, play might be the furthest thing from your mind. But a more playful mindset is a science-backed way to boost resilience, problem-solving, and connection. In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel less stressed, and do what matters with more joy. Some of the things we talk about today are: What “free play” actually is—and how it differs from structured games and competition The research-backed benefits of play for adults Three keys to re-learning play as an adult Practical ways to make ordinary moments playful How play strengthens relationships and dissolves unhelpful hierarchies at work and at home Why boredom is not the enemy How to tune into your “play voice” and quiet the self-critical “adult voice” How to redefine success so you enjoy the experience, not just the outcome Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources CasHolman.com Playful Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠ AquaTru - Go to ⁠AquaTru.com⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to ⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • 256 - Build Self-Awareness Fast: 3 Tools Therapists Swear By

    256 - Build Self-Awareness Fast: 3 Tools Therapists Swear By
    Oct 17 2025
    Self-awareness can help you understand yourself as well as get a clearer picture of how others see you. It can also close the gap between who you think you are and how you actually show up. Today, I’m sharing science-backed strategies to build real self-awareness—so you can make better decisions, align your behavior with your values, and become the person you mean to be. Some of the things I share are: Why self-serving bias and limited data create blind spots How to build a “personal board of reality” and ask for actionable feedback A simple script to solicit input without getting defensive Why turning your values into verbs makes them measurable and real The 3-column pattern journal to spot triggers and upgrade your responses The difference between healthy reflection and unhelpful rumination Mentally Strong App ⁠Get Mental Strength for Free⁠ - Episode 254 Exercise Go Hands-Free with Voice Option — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 254 Exercise⁠ (subscribers only) ⁠Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp — This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠ AquaTru — Go to ⁠AquaTru.com⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods — Go to ⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • 255 — Stop Rehashing, Start Healing: Skills to Move On from a Tough Past with Author Anna Runkle

    255 — Stop Rehashing, Start Healing: Skills to Move On from a Tough Past with Author Anna Runkle
    Oct 13 2025
    Do you ever wonder why some people thrive after a tough childhood while others stay stuck in patterns they can’t break? A difficult childhood can impact how you connect with others, set boundaries, and see yourself—but there are practical ways to heal and build a better life. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, who has helped millions recover from the effects of childhood trauma. We talk about what actually works (and what doesn’t) and the skills that help you heal—without having to rehash every detail of the past. Some of the things we talk about are: How childhood trauma shapes connection, boundaries, and self-worth Why traditional talk-only approaches don’t work for everyone (and what to try instead) Daily practices that calm emotional dysregulation How to spot the survival skills that once saved you but now hold you back Practical social and connection skills you can learn as an adult The “Acts of Connection” that build confidence in small steps Why you might be drawn to unavailable or troubled people—and how to break the pattern How to tell “Is it me or are they mistreating me?” when your radar is off The path from isolation to genuine support—and why healing requires other people Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources CrappyChildhoodFairy.com Connectability Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠ AquaTru - Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins