To kick off the New Year, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into one of the most talked-about and controversial topics in modern psychology: artificial intelligence. As conversations around using AI in therapy continue to grow, opinions remain divided. Some clinicians view AI as a threat to traditional practice, while others see promising opportunities to support mental health and personal growth. In this episode, the doctors explore both the potential benefits and the ethical concerns surrounding AI-assisted therapy. As technology continues to evolve, so does the field of psychology and this thought-provoking, entertaining discussion is one you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re curious about innovative approaches to mental well-being.

As 2026 approaches, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down for an unscripted conversation about something we all have strong feelings about: New Year’s resolutions. Love them or avoid them, they’re hard to ignore. Together, they explore why the journey and process matters more than the end result, and how shifting your focus from perfection to progress can make all the difference. Along the way, familiar themes of self-compassion and resilience naturally surface. If you’re starting to think about the year ahead, or feeling unsure about how to approach it, this episode is a thoughtful and encouraging listen.

In part two of our conversation on the treatment of depression, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave welcome psychiatrist Dr. Michael Martyna back to the Taking Good Care podcast. Responding to listener requests, Dr. Martyna joins the discussion to explore novel and innovative approaches to treatment-resistant depression. Recent advances in science and technology have expanded the options available to clinicians, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and other emerging therapies. If you’re interested in cutting-edge medical science or if you or someone you know is living with treatment-resistant depression, this episode is a must-listen.

A major topic in psychology that this podcast has not yet covered is depression. In the first of a two-part series, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave finally dive in. The episode explores three key areas: how major depressive disorder is diagnosed, practical strategies that can help lift low mood in the short term, and ways to begin addressing the inner self-critic that so often stands in the way of recovery. Whether you are a psychology student or someone navigating depressive symptoms yourself, this is a thoughtful and practical conversation you won’t want to miss.

While the holidays are often filled with excitement and cheer, they can also be overwhelming or emotionally difficult. Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave dive into how communication, self-kindness, and clear boundaries can make this season more manageable. They talk openly about coping with grief, navigating loss, and supporting neurodivergent children who may struggle with sensory overload. Throughout the episode, they share helpful tools to care for your mental well-being. It’s a meaningful conversation you’ll want to tune into this season!

Borderline personality disorder is often viewed as one of the most challenging mental health conditions to understand and treat. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with registered psychologist Dr. Mark Nicoll for a compelling conversation that separates fact from myth when it comes to borderline personality disorder in adolescents and teens. Together, they explore intense emotions, turbulent relationships, self-harm, and the many experiences that shape this diagnosis. Most importantly, Dr. Nicoll offers a clear, practical introduction to mentalization-based treatment — an evidence-based therapeutic approach that is making a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.

Here are some helpful resources:

1) Expert Education Series - The Sashbear Foundation

2) Mentalizing: What it is and How to Do it with Carla Sharp, Ph.D.

3) FAMILY EDUCATION WORKSHOP VIDEOS | National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

Many people experience addiction in silence, and while substances like alcohol, nicotine, and drugs are commonly recognized, they are far from the only forms addiction can take. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave break down the diverse pathways that can lead someone into addictive behaviours and discuss why the journey toward recovery is often so challenging. They also explore the mental health conditions that frequently occur alongside addiction, shedding light on how interconnected and complex these struggles can be.

Brain injury rehabilitation is anything but straightforward and often deeply challenging. In this episode, Dr. Andrew and Dr. Dave sit down with Dr. Martin Logan, a registered neuropsychologist with decades of experience supporting people recovering from traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Together, they dive into an insightful discussion about the profound changes individuals and their families face after injury, the remarkable power of neuroplasticity, and why having a sense of purpose can be a game-changer during recovery. If you’ve ever taken a hit to the head, even a mild one, you won’t want to miss this conversation!