
Nuance Needed
In a world obsessed with quick fixes, licensed therapists Amanda White and Sam Dalton cut through black-and-white thinking to explore the messy reality of mental health. Drawing from both evidence-based practices and personal struggles, we have candid conversations about perfectionism, burnout, relationships, and cultural trends. No oversimplified advice—just honest dialogue about what healing actually looks like in our complicated human lives.
For more information check out therapyforwomencenter.com
Latest episodes

Apr 9, 2025 • 54min
35. Why Money Issues Are Mental Health Issues with Chelsea Fagan
Tired of the oversimplified financial advice flooding social media? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why money management is 10% math and 90% emotional intelligence with Chelsea Fagan, founder of The Financial Diet.In conversation, we tackle:* How growing up in a low-income household surrounded by affluence shaped Chelsea's complicated relationship with money* Why you can't have stable mental health when you're financially unstable* The problem with analysis paralysis around money decisions and practical first steps for those feeling overwhelmed* How social media creates unrealistic timelines for financial milestones, making people feel they should be financially set by their 30s* Why "relatability" online often reinforces bad financial habits, even among high-earning content creators* Why understanding money is less about mathematical skills and more about emotional regulationWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Guest Bio: Chelsea Fagan is the founder of The Financial Diet, a media company focused on money. She brings nuanced perspectives to personal finance, steering away from the oversimplifications common in financial advice. Find her on social media @faganchelsea and at thefinancialdiet.com.

Apr 4, 2025 • 35min
34. BONUS: Pep Talk About Economic & Political Uncertainty
We are here today with a bit of a last minute casual episode. We recorded this on Thursday April 3rd after watching panic and anxiety on social media and thought it may be helpful to hear Sam give Amanda a pep talk to calm her down about the current state of the country. Skip if you aren't interested in political content. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Apr 2, 2025 • 59min
33. We Need to Talk About SkinnyTok
IDK about you but we have THOUGHTS about SkinnyTok trend on Tiktok and how its infiltrating other social media platforms. In this episode, we're diving into the why this trend is problematic and how it's impacting our relationship with our bodies and food.In conversation, we tackle:- Why glorifying thinness as the ultimate goal is a dangerous path to self-hate- How phrases like "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" are eating disorder dog whistles- The misrepresentation of body positivity and intuitive eating concepts- Some influencers behind this harmful trend and their tactics- Why basing happiness on appearance creates a foundation that inevitably crumbles- The connection between SkinnyTok and other conservative-rooted trends- Practical ways to approach content that inspires rather than influencesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Mar 26, 2025 • 48min
32. Manifesting, Magical Thinking & Grief: Coping When Things Fall Apart
What happens when the trendy concept of "manifesting" collides with real-life tragedy? In this vulnerable episode, we start discussing manifesting and end up deep in conversation about grief, caregiving, and finding meaning when life doesn't go as planned.In this episode, we explore:- The problem with manifesting coaches who claim "if something negative is happening to you, you're just not manifesting hard enough"- How easily manifesting can slip into harmful magical thinking, especially during crisis moments- Sam's experience with prayer and spirituality from her religious background and how it parallels manifesting concept- Amanda's current struggle with magical thinking as she has navigated her mom’s cancer diagnosis- The complex reality of being a lifelong caregiver for a disabled family member and the emotional toll it takes- Finding moments of joy and meaning even in life's darkest timesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Mar 19, 2025 • 47min
31. Not Everything is "Trauma Dumping"How Therapy Speak is Killing Friendships
Is it 'trauma dumping' or just sharing a tough moment? The hosts dissect the misuse of therapy terms that can obstruct genuine friendships. They explore how social media distorts our understanding of mental health language and emphasize the importance of mutual vulnerability. Finding balance in friendships, especially through life changes, is key. Plus, a refreshing reminder that connection can thrive on simple moments and a little annoyance is part of community life. Tune in for insightful takes on emotional support!

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 6min
30. Millennial Friendship and Parenting with Kate Kennedy
Kate Kennedy, author of One in a Millenial and host of Be There in Five Podcast, is here (!!) for a deep dive into how friendship has fundamentally changed since our own childhoods, and what that means for the next generation. In conversation, we explore:- The lost art of unstructured playtime and being bored- The "no sleepovers" trend - How social media has changed the experience of being left out- What happens when every moment needs to be "enriching"-What its like being a millenial content creator in the age of clickbait And so much more!!WE STARTED A SUBSTACK!! FIND BONUS EPISODES & MORE BEHIND THE SCENES CONTENT ON OUR SUBSTACK! Nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Kate Kennedy is the author of the NYT Bestselling Book, One in a Millennial, now available in paperback. She is also the host of the Be There in Five Podcast!

16 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 47min
29. The Problem with the 'Let Them' Theory & Why Overly Simplistic Advice Fails Us
This discussion challenges the allure of oversimplified self-help advice, particularly critiquing the 'Let Them' theory. The hosts emphasize the dangers of shallow solutions and the importance of deeper emotional engagement. They explore the complexity of sustaining real change, especially in recovery contexts. Listeners are encouraged to seek professional therapy for meaningful personal development. The conversation navigates the pitfalls of simplistic advice and advocates for a nuanced approach to personal growth.

Feb 27, 2025 • 35min
28. Why People Pleasing Makes You Angry & How to Stop Part 2
Ready to get uncomfortably honest about why being "the nice one" is leaving you feeling resentful? This is part 2 of our people pleasing episode. Go listen to the first episode before diving into this one!In conversation, we tackle:* The exhausting cycle of expecting people to read your mind* How avoiding conflict actually creates MORE conflict* Why assertiveness feels like aggression when you're used to people pleasing* Sam’s experience learning to stop apologizing for existing* How resentment builds when you don't express your needs* Why your passive aggression isn't as subtle as you think* The freedom that comes from letting people be upset with you* Amanda's story of making amends at WawaWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Feb 26, 2025 • 34min
27. Why People Pleasing Can Be Manipulative Part 1
Buckle up! We get radically candid about our own (very different) journeys with people-pleasing. We share:* How Amanda discovered her "thoughtful gift-giving" was actually manipulation to avoid accountability* Why Sam's role as a childhood caregiver shaped her people-pleasing patterns* How Sam learned to stop apologizing for existing* Their personal struggles with being "the nice one"* Why they both ended up becoming therapists for the "wrong" reasons* The uncomfortable truth about using "niceness" as control* What happens when your whole identity is built on being agreeableUse code NUANCE for 40% off of Cozy Earth. Check out www.cozyearth.comWant to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.

Feb 19, 2025 • 52min
26. Your Fear of Discomfort is Keeping You Stuck
Tired of understanding all your patterns but still feeling stuck? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why all that self-help content and therapy insight isn't actually changing your life.In conversation, we tackle:Why being "the self-aware friend" might be your newest form of avoidanceHow instant access to information is making us worse at solving our own problemsWhy validation without action is just spicy procrastinationThe uncomfortable truth about why therapy isn't just about feeling seenWhat your endless TikTok scrolling says about your fear of changeHow technology is teaching us to avoid sitting with hard emotionsWhy waiting to feel "ready" means waiting foreverThe difference between productive discomfort and tolerating what needs to changePractical steps for moving from understanding to action Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- info@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Follow us on Instagram or Tiktok- Sam (@Sam.the.therapist) Amanda (@Therapyforwomen) To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.