Get to know OCD

When Zane Gonzalez lined up for a game-winning field goal on national television, he had no idea millions would be talking about what happened before the ball barely snuck inside the upright to send the Commanders to the NFC Championship. The video went viral not because of the kick itself, but because of Zane’s “strange” pre-kick rituals — fixing his socks, adjusting his helmet, smoothing his hair. What the world saw as quirky or nervous habits were actually deeply ingrained OCD patterns he’s been navigating since childhood.In this powerful interview, Zane opens up about what it felt like to go viral for something so personal, how he’s learned to perform under pressure while managing OCD, and why he’s done hiding it. From being misunderstood by commentators to finding support in the locker room, he shares the unfiltered story of living with OCD in the spotlight — and how choosing to own that moment is inspiring others to do the same.If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brenna Posey didn’t expect a night of binge-watching White Lotus would turn into a lightbulb moment about her mental health. But somewhere between episodes, sleep deprivation, and the familiar pull of “just one more,” she realized she was caught in a pattern that looked a lot like her experience with OCD.Giving in felt good for a moment — but the next day, she was exhausted, frustrated, and asking herself the same question many people with OCD face: Why do I keep doing what I know makes me feel worse? In this episode, Brenna shares how that moment helped her reframe the OCD cycle, and how doing the opposite — resisting compulsions, sitting with discomfort, and letting the anxiety be there — is what finally gave her freedom.If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They said she was beyond help. After 29 hospitalizations, no one had any answers. Tracie Ibrahim was just 10 years old when a single question from a doctor spiraled her into nearly a decade of psychiatric holds, misdiagnoses, and overmedication. They labeled her with everything from depression to schizophrenia, but no one stopped to consider the truth behind her thoughts — behind the compulsions, behind the fear.In this episode of Get to Know OCD, Tracie shares the raw, powerful story of how untreated OCD shaped her childhood, how she eventually uncovered the therapy that finally worked, and how she now uses that same method to help others heal as NOCD's Chief Compliance Officer.Struggling with OCD? At NOCD, we offer specialized treatment for the disorder. Book a free 15-minute call with one of our experts at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocdFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ally Duncan built a career most people dream about. As a full-time content creator in the food space, she’s known for her intricate cakes, playful tiny baking videos, and a vibrant online presence. What her audience didn’t see, for years, was how much work it took to succeed while quietly managing OCD.OCD shows up in her kitchen in ways most people wouldn’t notice — counting food coloring drops, checking for perfect symmetry on cupcakes, or feeling the urge to fix every imperfection. It’s exhausting, and it never fully turns off. But Ally’s learned to live with it, work through it, and keep showing up for what she loves.After years of staying quiet about her mental health, Ally started sharing her story. What she found wasn’t judgment — it was community. That response is what pushed her to keep speaking up. Because if talking about OCD helps even one person feel less alone, it’s worth it, she tells us.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:12 Ally’s background4:16 How OCD has affected Ally’s life8:07 Symmetry OCD is present when Ally bakes10:28 Ally’s therapy experience12:42 Ally has a phrase to combat OCD13:47 Being open about OCD struggles16:11 How Ally’s OCD has changed throughout her life19:07 How hormones affect Ally’s OCD21:29 OCD-themed cake?23:05 Ally’s partner is very supportive25:29 The difficulties of getting specialized OCD treatment28:58 Virtual mental healthcare is just as effective as in-person31:50 Biggest breakthroughs Ally experienced33:42 Why Ally became an OCD advocate35:15 How Ally got into baking and content39:38 OCD flareups happen42:00 The shock of learning a behavior is a compulsion44:45 Advice from AllyWant to try ERP therapy like Ally? NOCD offers proven, specialized treatment for OCD. Start your journey by visiting https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For years, Chrissie Hodges lived a double life— on the outside, everything looked fine. But inside, she was battling nonstop intrusive thoughts she didn’t understand and couldn’t share with anyone. Thoughts so taboo and terrifying, she assumed they made her a bad person.It wasn’t until a suicide attempt and a lucky diagnosis that Chrissie discovered what she’d been living with all along: OCD. In this raw and revealing interview, Chrissie shares the reality of surviving taboo intrusive thoughts, the shame that kept her silent for decades, and the moment she realized she wasn’t alone—and never had been.If you’ve ever been afraid to talk about what’s really going on in your mind, this conversation will remind you there’s nothing wrong with who you are — and there IS help available.Chapters:0:00 Intro2:17 When Chrissie first noticed she had OCD7:32 Made-up narratives to justify OCD9:50 Sexual orientation OCD14:53 Getting on medication and going to therapy16:15 Finally discovering pure OCD18:47 Trying therapy can be scary22:05 How Chrissie dealt with feelings of shame26:52 Other taboo-intrusive thoughts32:53 The exact taboo thoughts Chrissie experienced38:30 You’re not aloneNeed help treating OCD? Our specially-trained therapists can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free 15-minute consultation and explore options most suited for you. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Brenna Posey first learned of her OCD, she kept it to herself for years — afraid no one would understand what she was going through. She worried people would either dismiss it or get scared by how deeply it affected her. And as the oldest sibling, she wasn’t used to people worrying about her. But everything started to change the moment Brenna opened up to her family. What she found wasn’t judgment — it was support.In this video, Brenna shares the turning points that helped her go from silence to honesty, how she talks about OCD with loved ones now, and the steps that made those conversations easier.If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan Stewart was a high-level executive with big dreams for her family — but nothing prepared her for what came next. Both of her children were diagnosed with serious mental health conditions, including OCD, ADHD, autism, Tourette syndrome, and more.In this powerful conversation, Jan opens up about what it’s really like to raise two kids with serious mental health struggles. From misdiagnoses and meltdowns to stigma, sleepless nights, and small wins that meant everything, she shares what she wishes she had known early on — and what she hopes every parent facing similar challenges can take away from her story.Need help treating OCD? Our specially-trained therapists can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free 15-minute consultation and explore options most suited for you. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocdFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Zach Kornfeld was one of the Try Guys — before millions knew his name — he was a kid quietly fighting battles in his own mind. With no words for what was happening, he just knew something felt off. A drawer left slightly open, a railing brushing the wrong arm, and his whole body would spark with discomfort. He didn’t know it was OCD yet. And when he finally found a name for it, it didn’t come with a map. Just more questions, more trial and error, and a long road toward learning how to live with it.Now he’s a full-time creator running a media company, making people laugh, and still closing drawers behind coworkers. Not because he’s cured. Not because the thoughts are gone. But because he’s figured out how to live with the disorder. As he told us on this episode of the Get to know OCD podcast, "my life is dope as hell and I have OCD."Need help treating OCD? Our specially-trained therapists can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to book a free 15-minute consultation and explore options most suited for you. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Brenna Posey started dating her boyfriend, everything felt right — he was kind, emotionally mature, and genuinely cared about mental health. But even in the middle of a good relationship, OCD found a way in. She started spiraling with thoughts like “What if I don’t love him enough?” or “What if this relationship isn’t right and I’m just too scared to admit it?” The scariest part wasn’t anything he did — it was the uncertainty. And for someone with OCD, uncertainty feels unbearable. In this personal video, Brenna shares what it was really like to open up about OCD for the first time, how her partner responded, and how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy helped her stop needing impossible guarantees.ERP therapy helped Brenna repair her relationships. If you're struggling, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daily panic attacks. Anxiety so crippling he could barely function. The fear that if he told anyone what was happening in his mind, they’d think he was crazy. That was Sean Patton’s reality growing up. OCD wasn’t just about organizing things or washing hands — it was a relentless loop of intrusive thoughts and compulsions that dictated his life. It got so bad he dropped out of high school, avoided doorways, people, places, and conversations that might expose his struggles. But what Sean didn’t realize at the time was that the very thing causing his pain would eventually become the foundation of his greatest strength.Comedy became Sean’s way of fighting back. What started as a defense mechanism— using humor to mask the chaos inside — turned into a career where he could be unapologetically honest about his experiences. On stage, he found power in telling the stories he once tried to hide, turning his most terrifying thoughts into punchlines that resonated with audiences who had their own hidden battles. In this sit-down interview, Sean opens up about his journey with OCD, the misconceptions about mental health, and how laughter became his therapy. Chapters:0:00 Intro2:05 Meet Sean Patton4:03 How OCD affected Sean early in his life9:42 How Sean dealt with his OCD11:08 Is psychedelics good for OCD?16:25 Misrepresentation of OCD in movies and shows20:45 Is OCD beneficial?23:15 Sean’s comedic act about OCD26:47 Fear that OCD will evolve27:50 “It’s Okay”29:36 OCD ebbs and flows32:13 Why Sean talks about OCD in his comedy39:21 Facing OCD fears head-on42:39 The best compliment Patrick gets46:26 Destigmatize OCD and other mental health struggles49:21 Sean’s comedic act about OCD superstitions54:09 Why does OCD have to feel so real?58:05 How to find SeanStruggling with OCD? NOCD may be able to help. We specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy — the gold standard in OCD care. To learn about treatment,  book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.