WANTcast: The Women Against Negative Talk Podcast

Katie Horwitch
undefined
Oct 15, 2025 • 49min

OCD + SELF-TALK: The Truth About Obsessive Compulsive Disorder w/ Dr. Patrick McGrath

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) affects an estimated 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children in the U.S. — yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed mental health conditions. Too often portrayed as a “quirk” or a preference for cleanliness, OCD is actually a complex and often debilitating disorder rooted in anxiety and doubt. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD, for a candid, deeply practical conversation about what OCD really is, how it shows up (far beyond stereotypes), and what actually helps. We dig into the “OCD × news cycle” spiral, break down flavors/subtypes and internal compulsions, and get specific about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): what it looks like, why the response prevention part matters most, and how to know if you’re getting the right care. You’ll also hear how to find a qualified clinician, what treatment “afters” feel like, and the empowering mindset of living the life you want — not the one OCD dictates. IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT... The OCD–news cycle Venn diagram: why constant headlines can supercharge doubt and rumination What OCD actually is (and isn’t) and why logic alone won’t cut it Flavors, subtypes, and themes plus how themes can “double scoop.” ERP in real life: the safety behaviors to drop, and why response prevention is the unlock Getting help + what recovery feels like: how to vet specialists, levels of care, virtual options/insurance, and building a supportive “mental-health team” for long-term wins and more! Links Find care, learn about ERP, and explore resources: https://www.treatmyocd.com NOCD App (free) — Community + tools on iOS/Android: https://www.treatmyocd.com/app International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) — Education and “Find Help” directory: https://iocdf.org Postpartum OCD episode mentioned: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-postpartum-struggle-no-one-talks-about-ocd/id1753682951?i=1000726285060 Katie on Patrick’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-inner-critic-to-inner-ally-transforming-ocd-and/id1753682951?i=1000682417350 ~ Subscribe to SELF-TALK SUNDAYS on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get WANT YOUR SELF!: http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com ~ IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON’T FORGET TO: Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and your favorite podcast platform!
undefined
Oct 8, 2025 • 57min

INTENTIONAL AMATEURISM: In Defense Of Dabbling with Karen Walrond

After a short micro-break, Katie returns with author, lawyer, leadership coach, and all-around light-maker Karen Walrond to celebrate the joy of being an INTENTIONAL AMATEUR. Instead of hustling every interest into a side-gig, Karen invites us to dabble for the love of it — no end game required. They unpack why hobbies matter, how to find ones that actually feel like relief, and the seven attributes that make play a true self-care practice.  IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: Why Karen resists the “be better” subtext of self-help when it comes to hobbies Reclaiming the word “amateur” The 7 attributes of intentional amateurism  Why it’s okay (and healthy) to stay mediocre and never become an "expert" Dabbling vs. committing, and how to notice when something is life-giving hard (stretch) vs. depleting hard (pressure/perfectionism). and more! ~ SHOW NOTES: Get the book: https://www.chookooloonks.com/in-defense-of-dabbling Karen's website: https://www.chookooloonks.com/  THE MAKE LIGHT JOURNAL on Substack: https://chookooloonks.substack.com/  Join us in NYC on 10/14!  ~ Karen on the WANTcast talking RADIANT REBELLION Karen on the WANTcast talking about THE POWER OF NOT KNOWING Karen on the WANTcast talking about BEING YOURSELF NO MATTER WHAT ~ Subscribe to SELF-TALK SUNDAYS on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get WANT YOUR SELF! http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT at: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com ~ IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON'T FORGET TO:  Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and your favorite podcast platform. Now get dabbling!
undefined
Jul 29, 2025 • 44min

MILLENNIAL MENOPAUSE: The Care And Keeping Of YOU with Lauren A. Tetenbaum

What if you had a guidebook for the next big hormonal transition...The Care and Keeping of You for grownup women?  In today's episode, we’re talking about the next ~period~ of your life (literally and figuratively :)) with therapist and women’s health advocate Lauren Tetenbaum. Her new book MILLENNIAL MENOPAUSE is part education, part empowerment, and full of real-talk about prepping for perimenopause. IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: What makes this generation uniquely suited to talk about menopause and perimenopause Common early signs of perimenopause How to self-advocate with doctors, plus red flags to look out for The link between reproductive health, mental health, and burnout How trauma, privilege, and systemic bias play a role in menopause care Lauren’s top personal tips for preparing your mind and body NOW What she wants the next generation to say about how Millennials paved the way How to build body literacy and normalize the conversation, no matter your age and so much more! ~ ABOUT LAUREN: Lauren A. Tetenbaum, LCSW, JD, PMH-C is an advocate and therapist who supports millennial and young women through life transitions. She specializes in professional and personal identity shifts, including the perinatal period and perimenopause. Lauren is a go-to resource for women seeking counsel, empowerment, and connection. Her book, MILLENNIAL MENOPAUSE, is out now. ~ SHOW NOTES: Website: thecounselaur.com Millennial Menopause book: thecounselaur.com/millennialmenopausebook Alloy Health: myalloy.com  Electra Health: electrahealth.com Midi Health: joinmidi.com  Fuchsia Tent: fuchsiatent.com Hot Pause Health: hotpawhealth.com The Menopause Society: menopause.org Subscribe to WANT on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get the book! Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth the Strength in Who You Were All Along: http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT at: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com ~ IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON'T FORGET TO:  Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and your favorite podcast platform! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wantcast-the-women-against-negative-talk-podcast/id1031793292 
undefined
May 30, 2025 • 24min

COMPLIMENTS: How To Give and Receive Compliments (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

When was the last time you received a compliment without brushing it off? How about GAVE a compliment that you really, really meant...without prefacing it with "I hope this isn't weird, but..." ?? In this episode of the WANTcast, we’re talking about something that seems simple on the surface but can have a huge impact on your self-talk, relationships, and confidence: COMPLIMENTS. Whether you're great at giving them, awkward at receiving them, or somewhere in between, this episode breaks down WHY compliments actually matter a lot — and how to make compliments feel natural and meaningful (instead of weird or forced). IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS: Why we struggle with compliments in the first place The importance of compliments when it comes to shifting your negative self-talk + creating a more just, kind, and equitable world The anatomy of a great compliment: the three categories, and the Three "S" Equation How to take a compliment: EXACTLY what to say without deflecting or minimizing and more! ~ SHOW NOTES: Subscribe to WANT on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get the book! Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth the Strength in Who You Were All Along: http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT at: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com ~ IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON'T FORGET TO:  Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform! And share this episode with a friend who needs a motivation boost (or total reframe) ~ WHERE TO TUNE IN: Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX_-N9mS0zU1kE_sgALl_6H_RU10BqIit  Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wantcast-the-women-against-negative-talk-podcast/id1031793292 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/712oPDfF7ual3EsaerJeMz?si=f524aa9bb00a475c  As always, move forward fearlessly, spread the good word, and be the you you know you’re meant to be 💛
undefined
May 14, 2025 • 56min

NO NEW THINGS: How to Rethink Your Relationship with Stuff with Ashlee Piper

Today on the WANTcast, we're sitting down with sustainability expert, bestselling author, and award-winning changemaker Ashlee Piper to explore her latest movement and book: No New Things. Ashlee — whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Vogue, CNN, and Good Morning America — breaks down how a personal challenge to stop buying new stuff became a lifestyle shift, viral movement, and 30-day guide to help you save money, reduce overwhelm, and create meaningful impact. This isn’t a no-buy challenge or a guilt trip: it's an invitation to investigate how your stuff makes you feel, how to reset your consumer habits, and how to reconnect with your values in a culture of overconsumption.  IN THIS EPISODE WE TALK ABOUT: The true meaning of "No New Things" How your stuff affects your time, money, and mental load What to do when you feel the urge to shop Reframing gift-giving, borrowing, and community care The psychology of consumption, and why shopping isn’t the self-care we think it is and more!! Whether you're eco-conscious, overwhelmed by clutter, or just looking to live with more intention, this episode will empower you to take simple, meaningful steps starting now. ~ SHOW NOTES: Ready to try the challenge? Grab Ashlee’s book No New Things wherever books are sold, and follow her journey on Instagram @ashleepiper The Ethical Edit on Substack AshleePiper.com Subscribe to WANT on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get the book! Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth the Strength in Who You Were All Along: http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT at: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON'T FORGET TO:  Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform! And share this episode with a friend who needs a motivation boost (or total reframe) WHERE TO TUNE IN: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6UQ3hu0RtlI Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wantcast-the-women-against-negative-talk-podcast/id1031793292 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/03yZ3QHCksjm0HpEUldWrn?si=s6BhZwGwRAamGBag6lRtsw  As always, move forward fearlessly, spread the good word, and be the you you know you’re meant to be 💛
undefined
Apr 2, 2025 • 15min

WHERE DID MY MOTIVATION GO: What to Do When You Have ZERO Drive To Keep Going (or even start)

We ALL hit moments where motivation feels completely out of reach. Sometimes, it just...disappears. Whether you're struggling to start something new, feeling stuck in a rut, or just can’t seem to get going, this episode is for you. In this episode, we're doing a no-bs deep dive into not just how to spark motivation when it’s barely there, but what to do when your drive to keep going is nowhere to be found (and nothing you see, hear, read, or think seems to change that). We'll discuss: Why motivation isn’t always necessary to make progress How to spark motivation when you feel stuck The power of zooming out Why your feelings about motivation might actually be irrelevant (and what to focus on instead)  ...and more! ~ SHOW NOTES: Subscribe to WANT on Substack: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com Follow Katie on Instagram: http://instagram.com/katiehorwitch Get the book! Want Your Self: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth the Strength in Who You Were All Along: http://wantyourself.com Learn more about Katie: http://katiehorwitch.com Learn more about WANT at: http://womenagainstnegativetalk.com IF YOU LOVED THIS EPISODE, DON'T FORGET TO:  Subscribe, rate, and review on your favorite podcast platform! And share this episode with a friend who needs a motivation boost (or total reframe) WHERE TO TUNE IN: Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s8BM518rSNM Listen on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wantcast-the-women-against-negative-talk-podcast/id1031793292 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/00F0QCsgrrYkioiehDY21x As always, move forward fearlessly, spread the good word, and be the you you know you’re meant to be 💛
undefined
Mar 19, 2025 • 18min

FEAR OF STARTING: Why I Waited 10 Years to Start a Video Podcast (And What FINALLY Pushed Me Forward)

Big news: after nearly a decade of podcasting, we're finally taking the leap into video — and it’s TERRIFYING. In this solo episode, Katie gets real about what’s held her back, why exactly comparison and (ironically) experience have been her biggest roadblocks, and how she's embracing beginner mode *publicly* to break free from perfectionism. If you’ve ever felt stuck because you don’t have it all figured out, this episode is for you. We talk about: The hidden fears that keep us from starting something new Why “manageable” can sometimes stunt our growth How comparison sneaks in — even when we think we’re over it The power of taking imperfect action and leading your own life ...and more! ~ SHOW NOTES:  Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@katiehorwitch  Listen & Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wantcast-the-women-against-negative-talk-podcast/id1031793292  Subscribe to WANT on Substack: https://womenagainstnegativetalk.substack.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiehorwitch/ and https://www.instagram.com/womenagainstnegativetalk/  Get Katie's book, WANT YOUR SELF: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth The Strength In Who You Were All Along: http://wantyourself.com (Reading WYS for the new year in your book club? Email Katie at katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com and let us know!) Love the WANTcast? We would be so grateful if you would LEAVE 5 STARS and A REVIEW the pod on iTunes!  
undefined
Feb 19, 2025 • 53min

EMOTIONAL MATURITY: Becoming A Better Leader with Christie Smith

What does it take to lead — REALLY lead — in today's world? What makes an excellent leader, and how can you become one? And in the midst of social, geopolitical, and economic crisis, what does leadership look like? Today's guest is Dr. Christie Smith, founder of The Humanity Studio and author of the new book, ESSENTIAL. In this episode we talk about: Building trust at work and beyond Human Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence, and the future of A.I. at work Understanding the current state of DEI and what it means to live your values What is the difference between emotional intelligence and emotional maturity Why it's actually IMPORTANT to practice small talk (even if you say you hate it!!) How to be a leader in the middle of uncertainty and chaos How to be more human in an increasingly digital, fast-paced world and more!   ABOUT CHRISTIE: Dr. Christie Smith is the founder of The Humanity Studio™, a multi-media leadership advisory company that works to improve the way we live by revolutionizing the way we work. She has over 35 years of experience advising the C-Suite of Fortune 500 companies, and has held global leadership positions at Deloitte, Apple, and Accenture as a highly respected expert in leadership, talent management, organizational design, workforce management, change management, and executive team performance. She is a highly sought-after speaker on business strategy, leadership and culture, DEI, people analytics, and the impact of workforce technologies and AI. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Forbes, and CNN; and she has been recognized as a Top 50 Diversity Leader and on Fast Company’s Queer 50 list. Christie received her doctorate in Clinical Social Work with a focus on leadership and culture from New York University. Her new book, ESSENTIAL: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership (with Kelly Monahan; Wiley, 2025) is out now. ~ SHOW NOTES: The Humanity Studio Read ESSENTIAL LinkedIn Instagram ~ Subscribe to WANT on Substack Join THE WANT COMMUNITY Get Katie's book, WANT YOUR SELF: Shift Your Self-Talk and Unearth The Strength In Who You Were All Along (Reading WYS for the new year in your book club? Email Katie at katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com and let us know!) Follow Katie on Instagram Love the WANTcast? We would be so grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW the pod on iTunes!    
undefined
Feb 4, 2025 • 55min

CALLING IN: Making Change With People You'd Rather Cancel with Loretta J Ross

How do you start to make change happen with people when you'd rather call them out or cancel them altogether? Are calling out or cancelling ever effective? And...is there a different way to actually make change happen (that minimizes the chances of burning out or losing your mind in the process)? Today on the WANTcast we are talking to LEGENDARY human rights activist Loretta J. Ross, author of the new book CALLING IN: How To Start Making Change With Those You'd Rather Cancel. In this groundbreaking conversation, we'll talk about: The 5-C continuum of Calling In, Calling Out, Calling On, Cancelling, and Calling it Off How to do better "threat assesments"  Loretta's pivotal moment and first "calling in" experience with people who seemed the most unlikely to want to change How to turn potential conflict into conversation and more!! **CW: this conversation contains mention of rape **Want to read along? Check the "transcript" option in your podcast player! BIO: Loretta J. Ross is an activist, professor, and public intellectual. In her five decades in the human rights movement, she’s deprogramed white supremacists, taught convicted rapists the principles of feminism, and organized the second-largest march on Washington (surpassed only by the 2017 Women’s March). A cofounder of the National Center for Human Rights Education and the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, her many accolades and honors include a 2022 MacArthur Fellowship and a 2024 induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Today, Ross is an associate professor at Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a partner with 14th Strategies Consultants, with which she runs “Calling In” training sessions at organizations around the country. Loretta has co-written three books on reproductive justice: Undivided Rights: Women of Color Organize for Reproductive Justice in 2004; Reproductive Justice: An Introduction in March 2017; and Radical Reproductive Justice: Foundations, Theory, Practice, Critique in October 2017. Her newest book, Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You'd Rather Cancel is available TODAY, wherever books are sold. ~ SHOW NOTES: Website Loretta's TED Talk Get your copy of CALLING IN Calling In courses + education Instagram ~ Subscribe to WANT on Substack Join THE WANT COMMUNITY Buy your copy of WANT YOUR SELF here  (Reading WYS for the new year in your book club? Email me at katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com and let me know! Follow Katie on Instagram Love the WANTcast? We would be so grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW the pod on iTunes!
undefined
Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 9min

MEDICAL GASLIGHTING: How To Advocate For Yourself with Ilana Jaqueline

"Medical gaslighting" is  the act of a healthcare provider dismissing or ignoring your concerns — and can lead to delayed or even missed diagnoses and opportunities for treatment. But what's the difference between medical gaslighting and a heathcare system not set up as effectively and efficiently as it could/should be? And more importantly: what can YOU do about it? In this episode with Ilana Jaqueline, patient advocacy strategist and author of the new book MEDICAL GASLIGHTING: How to Get the Care You Deserve in a System that Makes You Fight for Your Life, we talk about: How to be a proactive patient The difference between medical gaslighting vs the American healthcare system Specific tools and strategies to bring with you to the doctor’s office Ilana's journey with chronic illness, from symptoms to diagnosis to treatment How to build trust with the medical community, especially if you’ve been burned before How to help your doctors check their biases (and you check yours!) What makes a great doctor, and what SPECIFICALLY you should look for What makes a great patent, and the SPECIFIC line-by-line script of how to be one Copay assistance programs and little-known financial tips and more! ~ SHOW NOTES: Buy your copy of Medical Gaslighting here IlanaJaqueline.com Instagram TikTok ~ Subscribe to WANT on Substack Join THE WANT COMMUNITY Buy your copy of WANT YOUR SELF here  (Reading WYS for the new year in your book club? Email me at katie@womenagainstnegativetalk.com and let me know! Follow Katie on Instagram Love the WANTcast? We would be so grateful if you would SUBSCRIBE, RATE, and REVIEW the pod on iTunes!

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app