Struggle Care

Nat Vikitsreth, a licensed clinical social worker and social justice organizer from Thailand, shares powerful insights on balancing self-care and community engagement. She emphasizes the importance of being your own ally and addresses the systemic roots of suffering like white supremacy and capitalism. Nat discusses the need for compassionate accountability and leads a compelling conversation on collective action versus individual burnout. Parents will find her practical advice on navigating personal joy while addressing community needs particularly enlightening.

Dr. Alec Pollard, a seasoned clinical psychologist and co-author of a book on aiding families with resistant loved ones, shares invaluable insights. He discusses the 'Family Well-Being Approach' and how appropriate support can foster recovery. Pollard highlights the dangers of enabling behaviors versus healthy accommodations and emphasizes the importance of creating incentives for treatment engagement. He also touches on self-care for caregivers, illustrating the delicate balance between aiding loved ones and maintaining one's own mental health.

Franchesca Ramsey, an actor, writer, and longtime content creator known for MTV Decoded, shares invaluable insights on managing mental health in the digital landscape. She discusses the importance of authenticity, the need for empathy in online interactions, and the struggle between personal integrity and external validation. Franchesca emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries, handling criticism gracefully, and knowing your 'WHY' for creating content. With her hard-earned wisdom, she explores how to thrive without losing oneself in the chaotic world of social media.

Franchesca Ramsey, an actor, writer, and public speaker, shares her journey as a longtime content creator known for MTV Decoded. She emphasizes the prevalence of burnout in the content creation world and discusses the importance of mental health and setting boundaries. The conversation dives into social media's impulsive nature and the need to prioritize joy in content. Ramsey also reflects on the challenges of cancel culture and managing public perception, offering valuable insights for staying authentic without sacrificing well-being.

Join Ellie Rushton, an expert in creating inclusive artistic spaces and a vocal advocate on TikTok, as she explores the intricate dynamics of bullying and accountability. She defines bullying and discusses its intentionality, contrasting it with the need for accountability. Ellie delves into the ethical nuances of online behavior, challenging the black-and-white notions of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ people. The conversation highlights the role of compassion and the importance of boundaries in fostering constructive dialogue, urging listeners to reflect on their own online interactions.

In this engaging discussion, Rachel Coler Mulholland, a therapist renowned for her impactful sex education content for children, sheds light on the critical gaps in traditional sex ed. She explores how purity culture adversely affects teens and emphasizes the importance of ongoing conversations about consent and emotional health. Rachel's Four Pillars of Safe Sex—confirmation, communication, lubrication, and enthusiastic participation—are key takeaways. She also shares practical insights for parents on when and how to introduce these vital topics to their children.

Danita Platt, an influential voice in care tasks, shares her insights on the historical implications of caregiving, particularly for Black women. She discusses the concept of "invisible labor" and how societal views on domesticity have evolved, stressing the need to rethink these narratives. Danita highlights the impact of the Great Migration and industrial shifts on family roles. She emphasizes the importance of honoring the contributions of women in care tasks while advocating for personal liberation and community support in redefining identity and care responsibilities.

Dr. Lesley Cook, a psychologist specializing in ADHD and neurodivergence, dives deep into the concept of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). She clarifies how RSD manifests and its emotional impact, especially for those with ADHD. The conversation explores personal narratives around feeling 'too sensitive' and the challenges of communicating these nuances. Additionally, they discuss effective regulatory strategies and the need for better understanding within interpersonal dynamics, shedding light on the lasting effects of criticism in childhood.

Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneering self-compassion researcher, discusses the transformative power of self-compassion versus self-esteem. She explains how self-compassion fosters authenticity and resilience, allowing us to embrace our flaws without the burden of shame. Neff highlights the three components of self-compassion: mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness. She shares insights on how to manage negative self-talk and emphasizes that practicing self-compassion can lead to deeper emotional healing and a healthier relationship with oneself.

Dr. Robin Roscigno, a recent Ph.D. graduate focusing on disability studies and DEI, dives into the complexities of ABA therapy and its controversies. She shares her personal experiences navigating autism therapies as both a sibling and a parent. The discussion critiques outdated approaches that prioritize conformity over authenticity, emphasizing the need for compassionate, individualized treatment. Dr. Roscigno advocates for a balance between behavioral interventions and respecting neurodiverse identities, urging parents to prioritize their children's emotional needs in therapy choices.