

The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Robert Duff, Ph.D.
Hey, friends! My name is Robert. I am a neuropsychologist and self-help author. In this podcast, I interview fascinating individuals and provide information about psychology, mental health, neuroscience, relationships, and more. I have been told that I ask amazing questions and that I am talented at breaking down complex science into digestible information. Come have a listen and let me know if you agree!
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 26, 2023 • 51min
Episode 352: How to Stay Focused - 20 Tips
Hello, friends! It's been an interesting week for me, which I address at the start of the episode. From there, I share with you a previous episode of the show that I wanted to make sure that you've heard! This is all about staying focused. It's a great episode for anyone that might struggle with ADHD or simply has trouble concentrating from time to time. Here are the tips I cover: Limit distractions Adjust your space - physical and digital Do NOT multitask Practice mindfulness meditation frequently Journal/Plan every day Check your planner at least 3x per day Set yourself up with an outline before leaving a task Keep a notebook nearby for impulsive thoughts that can wait Force yourself to prioritize If you take it out, put it back Don't procrastinate - if it takes less than a minute do it (unless you're in the middle of something else) Keep a place for your small things Make a mise en place for your workplaces Use neutral inputs to satisfy your attention hunger (white noise etc) Take breaks for movement Abort when you're in to deep Work in shifts Don't use your partner as a coach Use the solution that works, whether it's perfect or not Study yourself This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Don't forget to take care of yourself, so that you can keep being a great support for others. Try online therapy and get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/duff As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode352

May 19, 2023 • 23min
Episode 351: Preemptive Grief & Triggered by Anger
In this episode, Duff the Psych addresses preemptive grief in relationships and how to cope with the feelings that arise. He also offers advice on managing anger triggers in relationships and setting healthy boundaries. Tune in for practical tips and personal anecdotes!

May 12, 2023 • 33min
Episode 350: Daddy Issues & Severe Social Anxiety
Hello, friends! I hope you are all doing well. Special shout out to the moms out there this week! In this episode, I two awesome listener questions. Our first question comes from a listener who has been enjoying the podcast and requests an episode focused on "daddy issues." They express curiosity about the causes and potential solutions surrounding this concept. In response to this inquiry, we will delve into the complexities of "daddy issues," examining various contributing factors and discussing potential strategies for healing and personal development. Moving on to our second question, a long-time listener writes in for the first time, sharing their ongoing struggle with severe social anxiety. They describe how their anxiety often leads to dissociation during conversations, causing them to make impulsive decisions to end interactions prematurely. Despite trying conventional treatments such as CBT, exposure therapy, medication, and group therapy, the listener feels disheartened by the lack of progress and wonders if there are other options available. We'll explore alternative approaches and offer insights on how to navigate social anxiety in a more empowering way. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode350 ----- Today's episode is brought to you by Mindbloom, the leader in at-home ketamine therapy for depression and anxiety. You can get $100 off your first treatment at http://mindbloom.com/duff with the code "duff".

May 5, 2023 • 33min
Episode 349: Compulsive Lying and Protecting My Sister From Our Mom
Hello, friends! In this episode, I answer two listener questions. The first question is from a listener who has been with her boyfriend for over 10 years, but suspects he is a narcissist and compulsive liar. She believes that a car accident at 17, which resulted in physical injuries as well as a TBI, may have stunted his development. The listener is struggling with her boyfriend's lying behavior and wonders if he's lying about their relationship too. She asks how to deal with the lying and gaslighting, and how to tell if her boyfriend's love for her is genuine. In the second question, a listener shares her concerns about her younger sister's emotional development, given their mother's unpredictable and intense reactions to normal child behavior. The listener worries about her sister's mental health and emotional growth, and wants her mother to be more gentle and understanding towards her. However, the listener is struggling with confronting her mother due to past fear of her reactions. She asks for advice on how to approach the situation. As always, you can send your questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com, and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode349. ----- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Don't lose yourself in the shuffle. Get linked up with a licensed therapist completely online and get 10% off your first month at http://betterhelp.com/duff

Apr 28, 2023 • 52min
Episode 348: ChatGPT for Mental Health and Productivity - My Best Tips
Like most of the world, I have been obsessed with AI tools such as ChatGPT. However, I think they are more than a gimmick. I have been using them every single day to help improve my work and personal life. In this episode, I walk you through the ways that I use ChatGPT and other AI models and I also provide you with some ideas about how you can use them to improve your own life and mental health. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode348 This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp - if you are in a position where you put yourself last and other first, you may be at risk of burnout. Get the help and perspective that you need from a licensed professional at betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off.

Apr 21, 2023 • 33min
Episode 347: Contamination OCD vs COVID Safety & Violated Consent in a Relationship
Hello, friends! This one is a bit of a doozy. Please be aware that the subject matter is somewhat more intense than other episodes recently. In this one, I tackle the following listener questions: Should I get treatment for my excessive concerns about germs and contamination? How can I re-engage socially with the continuing concerns about COVID-19? My partner violated my consent and sexual boundaries repeatedly, but they seem sorry and I still love them. What can I do? As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode347 --- Sponsors: This episode is brought to you by Mindbloom - try at-home Ketamine therapy on your terms and get $100 off your first treatment at mindbloom.com/duff with the promo code duff. This episode is also brought to you by Air Doctor. If you are in the market for an amazing air purifier, check out airdoctorpro.com and use the promo code duff for a whopping 40% off!

Apr 14, 2023 • 28min
Episode 346: Electroconvulsive Therapy vs Ketamine. Which is better?
Hello, friends! In this episode, I tackle one awesome question from a listener. This person has treatment resistant depression and bipolar. Their mania is well-controlled, but they need a higher level of treatment for the depression. Their psychiatrist suggested either ketamine of electroconvulsive therapy, so in this episode, I break down everything you need to know about these treatments. As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com.

Apr 7, 2023 • 38min
Episode 345: Bipolar Meds for Life & CBT Is Not Working
Hello, friends! I hope that you are taking good care of yourselves. We are back to the Q&A format this week with the following amazing listener questions: I am stable on bipolar medications, but I hate the side effects. What can I do? My CBT therapy just seems to worsen my mood. How can I make it more helpful? As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com ---- This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get affordable counseling from a licensed therapist completely online at http://betterhelp.com/duff

Mar 31, 2023 • 30min
Episode 344: My Self-Therapy Protocol
Hey, friends! This episode is a little different. Rather than taking listener questions, I decided to share something that is working really well for me. I take you through a five-step process for doing what I like to call "self-therapy." This is usually done while I am in the car or walking the dog. I highly suggest you also talk out loud to yourself like a weirdo. FYI: The website is still under construction. It broke badly and we need to rebuild it. It should be up and runing again soon. In the meantime, if you'd like to send me a question for an upcoming episode of the show, please shoot an email to duffthepsych@gmail.com --- This episode is brought to you by AirDoctor. AirDoctor is an amazing air purifier that works quickly enough to circulate the air in an average room four times per hour. It also traps particles as small as 0.003 microns in size. Head over to http://airdoctorpro.com and use the promo code DUFF for up to 40% off (A value of up to $300).

Mar 24, 2023 • 34min
Episode 343: Communicating While Dissociated & Masturbation Causing Bad Things
Hello, friends! Huge apologies - the website is currently down. I hope that it is up again soon! In this episode, I answer the following questions: I dissociate whenever I try to talk about my feelings. How can I overcome this? Bad things seem to happen after I masturbate. Am I causing bad things to happen? As always, you can send me questions to duffthepsych@gmail.com and find the show notes for this episode at http://duffthepsych.com/episode343 (once the website is back up). ---- Sponsor for this episode is Betterhelp. If you are like the individuals in this episode and could use some help with personal exploration, try professional therapy done completely online. Head over to betterhelp.com/duff for 10% off your first month. I mention a resource for looking at spurious correlations in the episode. You can find that at https://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations


