

Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin
Amy Morin
Growing mentally stronger will change your life and therapist Amy Morin wants to show you how to make it happen.Whether you want to improve your mental health, boost your resilience, gain emotional intelligence, or gain a competitive edge that will help you reach your greatest potential, this show is for you. Mentally Stronger provides therapist-approved strategies for tackling the biggest battle we all face--the one in our minds.Webby Award-Winning Host Amy Morin is a psychotherapist and the bestselling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. Every episode dives into science-backed strategies for building the mental strength you need to handle whatever life throws this way.No one understands the importance of having mental strength more than Amy. Her personal journey surrounding grief and loss has led to her to take a deep dive into mental strength. And now, she's sharing what she learned along the way. Her TEDx talk, The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong, is one of the most viewed talks of all time with 25 million views and she's sold over 1 million books. She's a speaker and a consulted who teaches companies like Google, Under Armour, and NBC how to grow mentally stronger. Unlike other shows, Mentally Stronger provides a unique blend of research-backed tips, stories of mental strength, and therapist-approved strategies that will empower you to thrive. Join Amy on the transformative journey to mastering your mind. And the fun part is, she records the show from a sailboat in the Florida Keys.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 15, 2025 • 51min
247 — The Hidden Prisons We All Live In and How to Escape Them with Resilience Expert Shaka Senghor
Do you ever feel trapped by shame, guilt, or the stories you tell yourself about your past? Those are some of the hidden prisons that can keep us stuck in life.
In today’s episode, I’m talking to Shaka Senghor. He spent 19 years in prison, including 7 in solitary confinement. But his story isn’t just about survival—it’s about how he transformed his life. And now, he’s a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and inspiration to millions.
Some of the things we talk about are:
How to identify the hidden prisons of shame, grief, and fear that keep you stuck
How reading and journaling can set your mind free
Why forgiveness is tricky—and how to truly let go
How to change the story you've been telling yourself about who you are and what you're capable of accomplishing
The small, everyday joys that can transform your mindset
Why your past doesn’t define you—and how to stop punishing yourself for it
How Shaka went from solitary confinement to teaching executives about leadership and culture
If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your past, this episode will inspire you to take the first step toward freedom.
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.
Links & Resources
ShakaSenghor.com
How to Be Free
Follow Shaka on Instagram - @shakasenghor
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
Cowboy Colostrum - Get 25% Off @CowboyColostrum with code STRONGER at cowboycolostrum.com. #CowboyColostrumPod
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince - Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at AmyMorinLCSW.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 23min
246 — 5 Red Flags of Emotional Manipulation and How to Stay Mentally Strong When You Spot It
Whether you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around someone or someone tries to guilt you into things you don't want to do, emotional manipulation can drain you of mental strength.
The good news is, once you know how to spot the red flags, you can take back your power and stay mentally strong.
Some of the things I talk about today are:
The 5 red flags that are signs of emotional manipulation
The damage you may experience on the receiving end of it
Why it's important to note why it happens without excusing it
The psychology behind why people use emotional manipulation
Five strategies to protect yourself and the responses that are most effective
How to set boundaries with emotionally manipulative people
How to recognize when it may be time to walk away
Mentally Strong App
Get mental strength coaching (subscribers only) — Episode 246 Exercise
Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 2025 • 49min
245 — Christine Brown Woolley on Redefining Strength, Leaving a 25-Year Marriage, and Finding the Courage to Start Over
What if the life you’ve been living no longer aligns with your values? Would you have the courage to reinvent yourself and start over?
Mental strength isn’t just about enduring a painful situation—it’s about knowing when to let go and create a life that truly fulfills you.
In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I sit down with Christine Brown Woolley, star of TLC’s Sister Wives and author of the new book Sister Wife. Christine shares what helped her find the courage to leave a 25-year polygamous marriage and build a new life.
From navigating complex family dynamics to embracing a new definition of mental strength, Christine’s story is a powerful reminder that change is possible at any stage of life.
Some of the things we talk about are:
How Christine's values and beliefs changed.
How she found the courage to leave a 25-year marriage and start over.
How Christine's definition of strength changed over time.
How she started building confidence.
The role of faith, family, and personal values in her transformation.
Why hard conversations and setting boundaries are essential for growth.
The daily habits and strategies she uses to stay grounded, creative, and mentally strong.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that no longer serves you, this episode will inspire you to take charge, embrace change, and build a life that aligns with your values.
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.
Links & Resources
Sister Wife
Follow Christine on Instagram - christine_brownsw
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince - Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at AmyMorinLCSW.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2025 • 20min
244 — The Science of Motivation: How to Get Things Done When You Feel Stuck
Whether you struggle to stick to your work out routine or you have a hard time staying motivated to write a book, one small shift in your mindset could make all the difference. Motivation isn't something you either have or you don't. It's something you can create.
One of the best ways to maintain motivation involves the way you describe yourself. Instead of looking at what you want to achieve, consider the person you want to become.
Some of the things I share include:
Why focusing on your identity, not just your goals, is the key to lasting motivation.
How to reframe your goals to align with the person you want to become.
The surprising science behind identity-based motivation — and how it rewires your brain.
Four steps to put this strategy into action — and one common mistake to avoid.
How small changes in your language can transform your mindset and behavior.
Mentally Strong App
Get free mental strength coaching — Episode 244 Exercise
Get mental strength coaching with voice (subscribers only) - Episode 244 Voice Exercise
Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns!
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 1, 2025 • 41min
243 — What Are You Avoiding? How to Stop Running and Start Living with Dr. Robyn Walser
Join Dr. Robyn Walser, a renowned clinical psychologist and author of 'You Are Not Your Trauma', as she discusses the stark relationship between avoidance and anxiety. She explains how sidestepping difficult situations may provide temporary relief, but ultimately traps you. Dr. Walser shares practical steps for confronting uncomfortable emotions, reconnecting with personal values, and taking manageable actions to reclaim your life. Learn why facing discomfort is essential for fostering mental strength and living more authentically.

Aug 29, 2025 • 23min
242 — Feeling Off-Balance? Here's How to Take Back Control of Your Life
Feeling out of balance? Discover how to make intentional trade-offs that align with your values. Explore the seven key areas of life needing attention, and learn why prioritizing your mental health is essential. Uncover the surprising link between happiness and not overcommitting. Hear real-life strategies to create harmony in relationships, health, and personal goals. Join in on personal stories, like a fitness challenge, to inspire thoughtful decisions for a more fulfilling life.

Aug 25, 2025 • 45min
241 — How to Solve Family Drama Without Losing Your Mind with Dr. Bobby Parmar
Do you ever feel stuck in the middle of family drama while trying to make the "right" decision? Maybe you’ve been asked to take sides in a family feud or you want to help someone but you're afraid you might enable their poor choices. These kinds of dilemmas can leave you feeling stressed out and anxious--unless you have a strategy for dealing with family drama.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bobby Parmar, professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and author of Radical Doubt. Dr. Parmar is an expert in decision-making, ethics, and navigating uncertainty. Together, we tackle common real-life family dilemmas that I often hear about in my therapy office and explore how to make the best decisions.
Some of the things we talk about are:
How to reframe family feuds so you’re not stuck choosing sides
Why your character doesn’t determine your decisions (and what does)
The surprising link between uncertainty and mental strength
How to set boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish
What to do when you know information you wish you didn’t
How to handle family drama, like wedding conflicts or sibling rivalries
Why your gut instinct might not always be the best guide (and how to use it wisely)
How to make decisions when you’re caught between your values and relationships
The key to avoiding regret when making tough choices
Why small, actionable steps are the secret to solving big problems
Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.
Links & Resources
Radical Doubt
University of Virginia Faculty Page
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit my website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 22, 2025 • 28min
240 — 7 Therapist-Approved Tips to Create an Incredible Life After a Difficult Childhood
Do you ever feel like having a less than ideal childhood somehow holds you back? Maybe you grew up in a chaotic household or you just weren't taught the skills other kids learned. As an adult, you might find yourself feeling stunted by the adversity you faced.
On today's episode, we’re diving into science-backed strategies to overcome a difficult childhood. And don't worry, you don't have to rehash the past to overcome it. Instead, you can use these tools to grow stronger, and create the adulthood you want to have.
Some of the things I share are:
How childhood adversity impacts mental strength.
Why you don’t have to talk about your past to heal from it.
The surprising benefits of having a rough start in life(and how to unlock them).
7 actionable strategies to help you move forward.
How to develop a growth mindset and learn the skills you didn’t get as a kid.
Mentally Strong App
Get free mental strength coaching — Episode 240 Exercise
Get mental strength coaching via voice (subscribers only) - Episode 240 Voice Exercise
Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai
Connect with the Show
Buy a copy of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do
Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor
Visit Amy's website — AmyMorinLCSW.com
Sponsors
Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/STRONGER #honeylovepod
BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong
CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com.
OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/
ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!
AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!
Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger
Life Kit — Listen to the Life Kit podcast from NPR.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 18, 2025 • 46min
239 — You’re Being Brainwashed Every Day—Here’s How to Stay Mentally Strong in a World of Hidden Influence with Professor Rebecca Lemov
Rebecca Lemov, a historian and author with a focus on mind control, dives into the subtle mechanics of brainwashing and its impact on our daily lives. She discusses why people might confess to crimes they didn’t commit and the psychology behind cults. Lemov highlights how social media algorithms can manipulate our emotions and perceptions, revealing the hidden influences shaping our behavior. She offers practical strategies to stay resilient and self-aware, helping listeners guard against manipulation in an increasingly complex world.

Aug 15, 2025 • 19min
238 — Stuck in a Rut? How to Break Free with DSD
Feeling stuck in a routine? Discover how to break free with the concept of DSD—Do Something Different! Learn why our brains cling to comfort zones and the importance of psychological flexibility. Uncover the power of small, intentional changes to rewire your mind and avoid common pitfalls when seeking change. Get practical steps to identify what's holding you back and brainstorm creative solutions. It's time to shake things up and embrace personal growth!