Ask Kati Anything

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton sits down with Tone It Up co-founder and New York Times bestselling author Karena Dawn for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, resilience, and reclaiming one's narrative. Karena opens up to Kati about her "decade of darkness," sharing what it was like growing up with a mother living with paranoid schizophrenia and the emotional toll of a childhood marked by missing persons reports and family chaos. She reveals the pivotal moment in her 20s when she realized she wasn't "destined" to repeat her mother's path and how fitness became the catalyst for her healing.  *** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers:  • MasterClass | Get up to 50% off at https://www.masterclass.com/KATI  • Fabletics | Sign up as a VIP and get eighty percent off at https://www.fabletics.com/kati  • Aura | Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/KATI. Promo Code KATI  • Remi | Go to shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your nightguard  We also dive into: Reclaiming Tone It Up: Karena discusses the "full circle" journey of buying back her company 100% to lead it with freedom and joy once again. The Big Silence Podcast: Why she started her foundation to break the stigma surrounding mental health in honor of her late mother. Building Mastery: How finishing a triathlon proved to her that she could follow through on her dreams and build a life she loved. Women’s Health: A candid look at perimenopause, brain fog, and the lifestyle shifts like using creatine that help navigate new stages of life.  Connect with Karena Dawn:  https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup https://www.youtube.com/@the.big.silence My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ  If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.  ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati  PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co  Disclaimer The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Ask Kati Anything ep. 293 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, we dive deep into the complex and often unspoken corners of mental health recovery. We explore the psychology behind why some individuals experience persistent suicidal thoughts without the intent to act and discuss strategies for navigating friendships that inadvertently trigger eating disorder relapses or competition. I also open up about the ethics of plastic surgery when dealing with body dysmorphia , the "push-pull" dynamic in therapy often associated with BPD and attachment wounds , and share my professional perspective on gender-affirming care and the importance of therapeutic support. Finally, we analyze a shocking listener story about a therapist allowing a date in their office, breaking down the major red flags of blurred boundaries. My new book is in stores now! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Get Yours For The Holiday - If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 00:00 – Intro 00:19 – Why do I have suicidal thoughts but can't act on them?  06:00 – When a friend's passion triggers your Eating Disorder relapse  12:21 – Navigating Anorexia recovery when treatment is denied (NHS & Weight Stigma)  20:06 – CrowdHealth message 21:53 – Plastic Surgery: Confidence booster or Body Dysmorphia?  27:35 – Envisioning suicidal scenarios & struggles with Lithium medication  33:02 – Why do I push my therapist away? (Fear of Abandonment & BPD)  36:36 – OneSkin message 38:13 – AuraFrames message 43:44 – My honest opinion on Gender Affirming Care & the "Affirm First" approach  52:37 – Red Flags: My therapist let me have a date in her office?!  Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • CrowdHealth: get started today for $99 for your first three months using code ASKKATI at https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/ • OneSkin: For a limited time, try OneSkin for 15% off using code KATI at https://www.oneskin.co/Kati • Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://www.auraframes.com/KATI Promo Code KATI  Ask Kati Anything ep. 292 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT  MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton  #podcast #psychology #katimorton  MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ  Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j  Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY  ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati  PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co  Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barbara Dunkelman is here to chat about her incredible journey from being a fan to being the voice of Rooster Teeth’s Yang Xiao Long on RWBY. She opens up about the company's unexpected closure, dealing with planning a wedding, and finding relief in a major life change. This deep-dive covers the pressure of chasing trends and the truth about self-worth outside of analytics. We also explore profound personal philosophies, including the 10% vs. 90% rule of reaction , the power of the "Main Character Complex", and the anxiety around personal choices. Barbara and Kati get candid about their shared decision to be childfree, battling societal pressure, and the freedom that comes with fully committing to a life without regret. Plus, learn about her new product line and her D&D podcast, Tales from the Stinky Dragon. My new book is available for pre-order! Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Book Tour: https://katimorton.com/wdikdt-book-tour If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: Aura Frames - use the promo code: KATI at https://auraframes.com/ for $35 off Carver Matte frames Fabletics - 80% off everything for new VIP sign-ups at https://www.fabletics.com/Kati One Skin - use the promo code: KATI for 15% off at https://www.oneskin.co/Kati ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01:32 Moving to Austin: Joining Rooster Teeth and the stressful work visa process. 00:04:14 The early days of RT: Starting as Community Manager when the company was tiny. 00:18:54 Barbara's Anxiety: Starting Always Open and her interest in mental health. 00:23:22 The 10/90 Rule: You have control over how you react to things. 00:25:04 The Main Character Complex: Why everyone is thinking about themselves, not you. 00:28:23 Therapy Search: The challenge of finding the right fit for counseling. 00:44:49 The Scariest Standard: How being exposed to "the best of the best" online affects self-image. 00:46:35 Phone Addiction: Strategies Barbara uses to put her phone in "timeout". 00:47:44 Choosing Childfree: Why Barbara decided against having kids and the pressure to procreate. 00:50:02 Ending the Regret Cycle: Making the decision and committing to it fully. 00:53:01 The "Selfish" Argument: Why choosing your own happiness isn't truly selfish. 01:04:11 The Next Chapter: Retaining the IP for Tales from the Stinky Dragon. 01:06:02 New Venture: Developing her own hair styling cream. 01:08:29 Intentional Travel: Living out their Childfree plans with a trip to Japan More Barbara! Tales from the Stinky Dragon https://www.youtube.com/@stinkydragonpod Barbara's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bdunkelman All Good. No Worries https://www.instagram.com/allgood.noworries Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Ask Kati Anything episodes every week Ask Kati Anything ep. 291 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY While I do not currently offer online therapy, our sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist. Receive 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Kati Morton tackles the core question: Why Do I Feel So Behind? when it seems Everyone Else Seems to Have It Together. We dive deep into the psychological struggles of comparison, isolation, and overcoming trauma.We also address the debilitating internal experience: Are You Experiencing Complex PTSD? and provide clarity on What to Do When Your Brain Relates Everything to Trauma. Finally, we cover motivation loss, asking: Do You Have Anhedonia? and share strategies for Finding Motivation When Everything Feels Boring.‌ Don't forget to Like and Subscribe for more Ask Kati Anything episodes every week! Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • MasterClass always has great offers during the holidays, sometimes up to as much as 50% off. Head over to http://MASTERCLASS.com/KATI for the current offer. • Go to Remi (Custom Night Guards & Dental Solutions) http://shopremi.com/KATI and use code KATI at checkout for 55% off a new night guard plus a FREE foam gift that whitens your teeth and cleans your night guard. • Visit https://on.auraframes.com/KATI for an exclusive $45-off Carver Mat - Use promo code KATI at checkout Audience questions & timestamps: 0:00:39 (Q1) Dealing with Friendship Envy. Kati reframes friendship envy as an indicator of what you truly want in life. 0:06:59 (Q2) Recovering from Burnout. The Effort vs. Reward Strategy The key to recovery is assessing where your time and energy go, and then placing boundaries in areas where... My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQIf you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 0:14:12 (Q3) Moving On After Divorce. Rediscovery of Self Divorce is a huge loss, and therapy is a must. The core focus should be on figuring out who you are again through journaling (like The Artist's Way) and taking solo dates. 0:23:48 (Q4) Ego Death & Transformation. Ego vs. Connection Ego is a protective defense mechanism that, when overactive, can cause resistance, sabotage progress, and impede true connection. 0:30:10 (Q5) Why Everything is a Trigger (Complex PTSD) The listener is triggered by everyday items (like Vaseline) and experiences dissociation due to past sexual abuse by their mother. Kati emphasizes the brain is trying to protect the listener. 0:40:29 (Q6) In Crisis But Don’t Want to 'Bug' Therapist. It's common for crisis feelings and body memories to intensify at night due to fewer distractions. Advice includes using crisis lines (988, 741741) 0:45:34 (Q7) Loss of Motivation (Approaching 70) Anhedonia and Behavioral Activation Lacking enthusiasm (anhedonia) and motivation is a common sign of depression in older adults, often linked to loss of purpose and isolation. 0:50:29 (Q8) Finding the Right Dose The feeling of being "numbed out" or lacking motivation on an SSRI is often due to blunted affect from a dose that is too high, or the wrong medication entirely. Ask Kati Anything ep. 290 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply honest episode of Ask Kati Anything, guest Jared Craft shares valuable insights into overcoming his ego, financial fears, and the lifelong work of surrendering control. Jared opens up about his journey through addiction and recovery - He details how growing up closeted in a conservative town fostered a deep-seated need for external validation and people-pleasing. He discusses his corporate career at Google and YouTube and the subsequent struggles with exercise addiction and substance abuse, which ultimately led to a dramatic family intervention. This is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand the true gift of recovery and how to finally let go of control for personal and professional growth. Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • Fabletics • https://www.fabletics.com/Kati 80% OFF everything for new VIP members • OneSkin • http://oneskin.co/ use the code KATI for 15% OFF • Crowd Health • http://joincrowdhealth.com/ use the code ASKKATI to get your first three months for just $99 • Remi • https://shopremi.com/kati use the code KATI for 55% OFF plus a FREE gift! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction: Jared Craft 01:42 - Living for external validation in his 20s 02:20 - Growing up closeted in a conservative Minnesota town 03:36 - The early desire for external success and people-pleasing 04:44 - The unexpected process of coming out 07:06 - Moving to LA and the start of deeper addiction struggles 10:29 - The Lance Bass photos 11:09 - The conversation with his sister and parents about his sexuality 18:37 - The Intervention that forced him into his first rehab stint at 24 20:09 - The misconception about what recovery was 23:40 - Sobriety, relapse, and the key difference the second time around My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. 26:46 - What is an Inventory? (Self-check for resentment, fear, and harm) 29:29 - The deep-rooted fear of financial trauma and scarcity 32:39 - The Set Aside Prayer for walking into conflict or anxiety 33:58 - Getting over prejudices about the word 'God' and finding a Higher Power 40:32 - The 'Whack-a-Mole' nature of control and addiction 41:49 - Advice for someone who is Day One Sober 42:53 - The Gifts of Recovery 44:48 - How fear of losing clients resulted in poor boundaries 48:03 - Intimate relationships as the current area for growth 51:37 - Jared's next steps: Overcoming the fear of change Ask Kati Anything ep. 289 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Jared is on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@jcraft MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL www.youtube.com/@Katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Dark Side of Inclusivity: OG YouTuber Arielle Scarcella joins us to discuss the toxic political shift and intolerance of difference of thought in the LGBTQ+ community. Arielle opens up about being canceled 5 times and why she's labeled transphobic for applying common sense. We cover everything from voting for Trump and Gen Z's emotional regulation to how she deals with hate and intolerance. My new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This? comes out on December 9th & you can PRE-ORDER here: https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. ** Shopping with our sponsors helps support the show and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • 15% OFF at OneSkin http://ONESKIN.CO/KATI use code: KATI • 30% OFF at Blissy http://blissy.com/askkatipod Timestamps: 1:31 - Arielle's YouTube Start in 2009: After an abusive relationship 3:37 - Why she started: There was no LGB education online 5:25 - Opinion on trans women in sports 6:44 - First video title: "Lesbian Cougar" 9:24 - Being Canceled 5 Times 12:48 - The Left Left Me: Staying a classic liberal 14:42 - Drag shows for children are creepy and hurt the gay community 15:39 - Dating pool is horrible: Everyone is non-binary 17:34 - Wearing a Rainbow MAGA hat at Pride 18:17 - The most hateful people interviewed were white (White Guilt) 18:59 - People of color listened because they "know what it's like not being heard" 19:46 - Gen Z lacks socialization and social development skills 20:51 - We need debate classes to learn how to disagree and still get along 21:39 - The left loves diversity, except diversity of thought 23:23 - The shift was people publicly ostracizing her for disagreement 30:11 - Confronting haters: They "don't say sh!t" because they lack the social skills 31:18 - Voting for Trump as a lesbian 36:01 - Content is now a moderate/classic liberal view 36:45 - Queer activists converting to Islam 38:59 - Gen Z has lost the plot and doesn't know how to deal with emotions 40:46 - Nostalgia reminds you of "who you are before the world f*cked you up" 42:09 - Street interviews: Confronting haters who "talk sh!t" 43:22 - Today's definition of transphobia: Disagreeing with anything they say 43:57 - You don't need gender dysphoria to be trans in NYC now45:54 - Managing the hate: Knowing who you are makes you manipulation-proof 48:11 - The "Duper’s Delight" Smirk (Smug, powerful, specific to woke activists)‌ 52:02 - They tried to prevent her from entering Australia in 2020‌‌‌ Ask Kati Anything ep. 287 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MAIN YOUTUBE CHANNEL http://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0jAre u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, Kati navigates the confusing paths of trauma healing, dissociation, and eating disorder recovery. Learn what happens when your coping skills become a dissociative disorder, how to handle medical trauma, the truth about countertransference in therapy, and essential steps for overcoming OCD and self-sabotage. This episode covers recovery setbacks, exercise addiction, feeling lost, and what to do when therapy feels confusing or unsafe. Shopping with our sponsors helps support Ask Kati Anything and allows us to continue bringing you these important conversations about mental health. Please check out this week's special offers: • Blissy - Get better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy - use code ASKKATIPOD to get an additional 30% off at http://blissy.com/ASKKATIPOD • CrowdHealth - Get your first three months for just $99 CrowdHealth - Healthcare Crowdfunding at http://joincrowdhealth.com/ use code ASKKATI 📚 My new book is available for pre-order! Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Timestamps 00:41 | Dissociation: Symptom vs. Disorder? When does dissociation as a coping mechanism turn into a diagnosable dissociative disorder (like DPD/DPDR or DID), and how can one bring this up in therapy without sounding "attention seeking"? ‌ 07:58 | Medical Trauma and Abuse: Can suppositories or enemas, administered for painful constipation, be considered traumatizing or abusive, especially when compounded by a history of abuse from a babysitter? ‌ 14:29 | Dissociation While Healing: Struggling with worsening dissociation (mostly DPDR) and existential thoughts after starting to unpack complex PTSD and an eating disorder in therapy. What helps someone feel "real" and grounded again? 19:55 | Countertransference in Therapy: Discussing transference and countertransference, specifically concerning a therapist who shared the patient is "very like her daughter" and seems to be struggling to refer the patient out to an eating disorder specialist. ‌ 30:00 | New OCD Diagnosis & Treatment: Newly diagnosed with OCD after previously being told they didn't have it, and unsure how to fit OCD treatment into their current therapy plan which is focused on suicidal ideation (CBT-S). Also, how to differentiate OCD tendencies from "normal" tendencies. ‌ 38:44 | Anorexia Recovery in an Unhealthy Environment: How to navigate recovery from anorexia nervosa when living in an unhealthy environment that seems to cause recovery setbacks and a "total mind switch." 45:20 | The Cycle of Self-Sabotage: Why self-sabotage is a continuous cycle, why it's so hard to break, and what steps can be taken to change the pattern. ‌ 54:14 | Exercise Addiction & Mood Swings: Struggling with massive mood changes and fatigue, feeling depressed when missing a workout, and considering resting a "waste of time." Seeking insight on a therapist's suggestion of "dopamine addiction." ‌ 01:02:29 | Feeling Life is Pointless: How to stop feeling like one's entire life is pointless, and what strategies can combat these feelings of meaninglessness. 📚 PUBLISHED BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY 🧠 NEED THERAPY? While I don't offer online therapy, get connected with a licensed therapist through my sponsor BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/kati (Get 10% OFF your first month) 💼 BUSINESS INQUIRIES: Contact Nick Freeman nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exploring the impact of emotions on healing, the discussion reveals when talking too much can hinder progress. It dives into feelings of meaninglessness and the struggle of navigating forced therapy. Kati addresses the pain of therapist abandonment and emphasizes the importance of finding support. The episode sheds light on the dynamics of narcissistic abuse, offering insights on recognizing and overcoming its effects. Tips on breaking free from self-sabotage and embracing vulnerability round out this enlightening conversation.

Explore the fascinating intersection of menopause and mental health, including its impact on mood and ADHD medication effectiveness. Learn strategies to combat nail biting and perfectionism, as well as the effects of identity shifts in diagnosis. Discover insights on improving communication with partners and the unique challenges women face when diagnosed with ADHD later in life. This episode offers real-world advice and thought-provoking discussions on mental well-being.

Today, Kati sits down with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, to dive into the social connection and the growing loneliness epidemic. Dr. Rein, author of Why Brains Need Friends, explains how your brain is fundamentally wired for interaction, why isolation is a biological stressor, and what you can do to improve your social health. In this must-watch episode, Dr. Rein explains the mechanical changes happening in your brain during isolation and clarifies why the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a loneliness epidemic. You'll learn the surprising truth about isolation and physical health—it can cause stress hormones like cortisol to rise within days and is associated with more adverse health outcomes. Dr. Rein also reveals the science behind why isolation can make people more irritable and even angry, linking it to the body's natural stress response. Kati and Dr. Rein discuss the difference between in-person and digital interactions, noting that less "lifelike" communication strips away vital social cues like eye contact, body language, and even smell, leading to fewer mood benefits. Dr. Rein introduces the concept of a "Social Diet" and social journaling—practical tools to help you identify which interactions energize you ("breath in" relationships) versus those that leave you depleted. The conversation takes fascinating turns into the role of brain chemicals like oxytocin and serotonin in social reward and the development of empathy. Plus, discover the incredible, innate ability of dogs to detect physiological stress signals and the science of how pets help children develop crucial social skills. By shopping with our sponsors, you help support our podcast: Green Chef https://www.greenchef.com/50ASKKATI HeadSpace https://www.headspace.com/ASKKATI Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Ben Rein, neuroscientist and author of Why Brains Need Friends. 02:54 - The neuroscience behind loneliness-induced anger and why isolation is treated as a stressor by the body. 05:57 - Debunking the myth: Do introverts benefit from social interaction, and in what dose? 10:48 - The evolutionary reason we are wired for social reward, and the key brain chemicals involved: dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. 15:40 - A discussion on MDMA, serotonin depletion, and the severity of the drug's comedown. 21:11 - The shocking statistics on increasing time spent alone in modern society (36 hours more per month). 28:22 - What is "inter brain synchrony," and can it happen over a text message?. 35:47 - The power of social smells: how tears can reduce aggression and how a mother's scent affects a baby's brain synchrony. 41:51 - Why growing up with dogs helps children develop empathy and fewer conduct problems. 48:53 - The powerful therapeutic properties of oxytocin (anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective) beyond just social connection. Ask Kati Anything ep. 284 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Today's guest is Dr. Ben Rein https://www.youtube.com/@dr.benrein Order Ben's new book Why Brains Need Friends → https://geni.us/WhyBrainsNeedFriends My new book Why Do I Keep Doing This? is available for pre-order! https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices