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That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

By: That Hoarder
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 Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives.© 2023 Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with @ThatHoarder Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • #201 The myth of being prepared for every eventuality: how hoarding can make us less ready for emergencies

    #201 The myth of being prepared for every eventuality: how hoarding can make us less ready for emergencies
    Oct 17 2025
    Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Many of us hoard because we believe we’re making ourselves ready for anything life throws at us, but the reality is that no amount of “just in case” clutter can truly prepare us for every scenario. In this episode, I break down the myth of preparedness, explore how hoarding can actually make us less equipped for real emergencies, and talk about why resourcefulness matters much more than having piles of stuff. The Myth of Being Prepared for Every EventualityExploration of the comforting idea behind keeping possessions to be “ready” for anything.Recognition that life is unpredictable and impossible to fully prepare for.Infinite Possibilities vs. RealitiesDiscussion of how each item is kept for imagined infinite scenarios.The logical impossibility of keeping items for every scenario (need for infinite space and money).Emotional and anxiety-driven decision-making despite logical understanding.Specificity of Items and Mismatched PreparationExample of items with specific uses that don’t match actual needs when situations arise.The paradox of saving more items not solving the mismatch issue.Emphasis that saving more increases clutter but doesn’t increase preparedness.Sensible Preparation vs. Over-PreparationDifferentiation between healthy, reasonable preparation (e.g., first aid kit) and hoarding excess.The importance of context when deciding what to keep.The Role of ResourcefulnessReal-life anecdotes (tampon as nosebleed fix, ballpoint pen tracheotomy) illustrating resourcefulness over mere possession.Recognition of creativity and adaptability as coping strategies.Importance of improvisation and problem-solving in handling emergencies.Asking for Help and Community SupportDiscussion of the difficulty and value in seeking help from others.Mention of the podcast’s accountability sessions as a supportive community resource.Irony of Over-Preparedness: How Hoarding Reduces Actual PreparednessAnalysis of how clutter inhibits effective response to emergencies (e.g., inability to locate items, blocked exits).Emotional and mental burden caused by excessive possessions.Emotional Drivers of Hoarding and Over-PreparednessExploration of the underlying anxieties and emotional needs that drive hoarding.Misconception that acquiring more will eventually soothe anxiety.Discussion about the lack of true satisfaction or security from excessive possessions.The Illusion of VindicationOccasional moments when a hoarded item becomes useful, creating a sense of justification.Cost-benefit analysis: space, annoyance, energy, and opportunity cost versus occasional convenience.Distinguishing Between Convenience and NecessityRecognition that the vast majority of saved items are never useful.Importance of resourcefulness and adaptability over keeping every possible item.Everyday Adaptation and CopingExamples of daily improvisation and making do (e.g., using coins as screwdrivers, managing without umbrellas).Emphasis on resilience and ability to cope with small inconveniences.The Trap of Occasional JustificationAnalogy to gambling: occasional “wins” reinforce maladaptive habits.Warning against letting rare vindications justify continued hoarding.Embracing “Good Enough” and Trusting Future CapabilitiesAcceptance that total preparedness is impossible.Focus on nourishment, present needs, and trusting future resilience and creativity.The freeing power of letting go of the need for complete preparedness.True security and preparedness come from adaptability and trust, not material accumulation. Links Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking FormWebsite: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBecome a Dehoarding DarlingSubmit a topic for the podcast to coverQuestions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestionsInstagram: @thathoarderpodcastTwitter: @ThatHoarderMastodon: @ThatHoarder@mastodon.onlineTikTok: @thathoarderpodcastFacebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderPinterest: That HoarderYouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderReddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subredditHelp out: Support this projectSponsor the podcast Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to the podcast here
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    33 mins
  • REMIX: Overcome overspending and compulsive shopping with Paige Pritchard

    REMIX: Overcome overspending and compulsive shopping with Paige Pritchard
    Oct 10 2025
    • Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
    • Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
    • Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

    This week, let's revisit a brilliant conversation I had with money coach Paige Pritchard all about overspending, compulsive shopping, and resisting the urge to binge buy.

    Get the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-127-overcoming-overspending-with-paige-pritchard-money-coach/

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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • #200 Things I wish I'd known: a letter to Episode One Me

    #200 Things I wish I'd known: a letter to Episode One Me
    Oct 3 2025
    Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Reflecting on the journey from my terrified first recording to episode 200, I am talking today how speaking out brought connection, understanding, and a community I never thought possible. This episode is a letter to my past self, and it’s also to you. It’s honest about what’s changed, what’s still hard, and the unexpected power of not being alone. If you’re struggling too, know you’re part of something bigger here. Letter to Episode One SelfEmotional state during the podcast's inception (fear, isolation, shame)Misconceptions about being alone with hoarding disorderThe unexpected journey and growth started by publishing the first episodeEarly Understanding of Hoarding DisorderLack of knowledge about hoarding at the startPain of isolation and confusionLimited exposure to terminology, research, and causesLearning and Personal Growth Through the PodcastGained understanding about the science and psychology of hoardingInsight into links with trauma, grief, ADHD, autism, and anxietyStruggles and gradual improvements in managing inner criticRealities of RecoveryNo “quick fix” for hoarding disorder; non-linear progressImportance of learningLearning to discuss hard issues before they are resolvedBuilding a CommunityRealisation of not being alone — over 400,000 playsListeners’ responses and the impact of shared storiesThe growth of a supportive community, accountability calls, and new friendshipsChallenging Shame and SecrecyConfronting and gradually reducing shame through connectionThe belief that shame was deserved begins to changeDisclosure of hoarding disorder to three real-life people and their supportive reactionsHelping Others Through Honest SharingHelps others feel less aloneListeners gain courage, understanding, and the will to seek helpGained Wisdom & ToolsIncreased confidence, self-trust, and knowledgeAction, however small, is key to progressUnderstanding that worth is not tied to cleanliness or orderlinessRecognition that recovery is more than just declutteringAccepting Ongoing StrugglesOpen acknowledgment that challenges persistEmphasis on wisdom and resilience, not just resultsEvolution as a PodcasterRecognition of the podcast’s impact on the host and the communityGratitude for guests and listenersEncouragement to continue the journey, highlighting non-linearity and hopeThanking podcast guestsAppreciation for both long-time and new listeners Links Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking FormWebsite: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBecome a Dehoarding DarlingSubmit a topic for the podcast to coverQuestions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestionsInstagram: @thathoarderpodcastTwitter: @ThatHoarderMastodon: @ThatHoarder@mastodon.onlineTikTok: @thathoarderpodcastFacebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderPinterest: That HoarderYouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderReddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subredditHelp out: Support this projectSponsor the podcast Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to the podcast here
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    19 mins
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