Nuance Needed

In this episode, we discuss our thoughts on a recent NYT article claiming a link between therapy culture and childlessness.In conversation, we explore:* Why the article misses the mark by focusing on "therapy culture" rather than addressing the real accountability crisis* The problematic suggestion that having children would fix estranged relationships with parents* How simple acknowledgment—not even apologies—is often all adult children are asking for* The critical communication skills many parents are missing that could prevent estrangement* The difference between explaining your perspective and invalidating someone's experience* What we really owe each other: listening, compassion, and willingness to take accountabilityWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In this rant-y episode, we dive into the intersection of wellness culture, toxic positivity, and women's reproductive health after a viral clip from Lauryn Bosstic claiming her positive mindset was the reason she got pregnant on her first try.In conversation, we tackle:* The harmful impact of telling women their fertility struggles are due to not being "positive enough"* How wellness influencers oversimplify complex medical issues and profit from women's desperation* The "wellness to MAHA pipeline" and how legitimate health concerns are being co-opted by conservative movements* The historical context of women's healthcare and how medicine has systematically dismissed women's concerns* The alarming connection between manifesting culture and blaming women for their health struggles* The evolutionary perspective on childbirth and why it's never been a "natural" or "health-neutral" eventWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Feeling exhausted despite your nightly "relaxation" routine? In this episode, Sam challenges our collective delusion about what true rest actually looks like in a world of constant stimulation.In conversation, we explore:Why your "cool girl summer" aesthetic might be missing the most important element: actual restThe uncomfortable truth about how scrolling TikTok is stimulation, not recoveryHow we've mistaken digital consumption for downtime and why it's depleting usThe critical difference between brain stimulation and genuine nervous system recoveryWhy even "self-care" can become another performance when it's aestheticized for social mediaPractical strategies for creating technology boundaries that actually workHow to identify activities that provide true restoration versus those that just look restfulSam's personal approach to balancing comfort shows with genuine disconnectionWhy reading a physical book might be the revolutionary act your brain is cravingThis episode invites you to consider a "soft girl self-care, non-technology based aesthetic" for summer—focusing on what nurtures you rather than what looks good online.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

What’s really happening behind the dreamy farmhouse aesthetic of tradwife content? In this episode with journalist Jo Piazza, we're exploring the complex reality behind the perfectly curated images of traditional womanhood.In conversation, we tackle:* Why tradwives are a "political branding machine designed to make women participate in their own oppression"* How many of these women are renting houses, staging content, and creating fake versions of their lives* Why conservative groups have been funding and boosting tradwife content for nearly a decade* The hypocrisy of tradwife influencers benefiting from feminist progress while trying to deny it to others* How Mormon women became some of the earliest and most successful mom influencers* What we can all do to combat these dangerous narratives while still respecting women's actual choicesJo Piazza is a journalist and author. Her new book, EVERYONE IS LYING TO YOU, is about Trad Wives and is out next month!WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Today we examine the explosion of "shadow work" content on social media and why psychological tools in untrained hands may do more harm than good.* The commercialization of shadow work through viral journals, courses, and TikTok content* How spiritual coaches adopt psychological concepts without proper training or oversight* The origins of shadow work in Jungian psychology and its connection to modern therapy* Why "opening wounds" without proper guidance for integration can leave people worse off* The powerful scalpel metaphor: "Just because you have a surgical tool doesn't mean you know how to use it"* How to approach self-help tools with appropriate caution while seeking proper supportWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Ever wanted a therapist's take on reality TV? In this episode, we're breaking down "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives”. We discuss-* The emotional immaturity masked as empowerment* The missed opportunity to explore the repressive religious culture these women were raised in* Why claiming to "change the world" while engaging in manufactured drama feels particularly hollow* How that barbecue scene with Taylor's family perfectly encapsulates Mormon toxicity and gender double standards* The problem with filming vulnerable moments (like therapy sessions) without proper context or follow-throughWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

How do we raise children who can navigate life's challenges when our instinct is to protect them from every discomfort? We are not parenting experts, but Amanda is a parent and together we come up with some ideas for how we may be able to parent without losing our minds and falling into intensive parenting.In this conversation, we tackle:* The "harbor and ship" metaphor: how parents can provide a safe port while allowing children to venture into the world* How our cultural fear of risk has limited children's independence and growth opportunities* Why parenting choices are so much more scrutinized and criminalized for mothers than fathers* How the erosion of community and third spaces has isolated parents and made raising children harder* The cruel irony of a society that claims to value families while providing minimal supportThis very nuanced episode offers a more balanced vision of parenting—one that acknowledges both the challenges of modern parenthood and the importance of allowing children to develop the skills they need to thrive.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

When did raising children become a high-stakes competitive sport? In this extremely nuanced conversation, we are examining the culture of intensive parenting from a parent (Amanda) and a non-parent (Sam). In this conversation, we tackle:* How social media algorithms reinforce parental anxiety by promoting rigid, conflicting approaches* The rise of intensive parenting and the pressure to optimize every aspect of childhood* The confusion around "gentle parenting" and why it often slides into permissive parenting* Amanda's experience navigating food choices with her toddler while healing from her own eating disorder* The suffocating pressure on mothers that begins during pregnancy and only intensifies after birth* How fear of judgment keeps parents from sharing their real experiences and decisionsWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of the stigma and oversimplification around BPD? In this episode with trauma therapist Britt Frank, we're diving into why this controversial diagnosis deserves a complete rethinking.In conversation, we tackle:* Why BPD may be better understood as a response to trauma rather than a "personality disorder"* How clinicians' fear of "difficult clients" perpetuates harmful stigmas* The problematic gender bias in BPD diagnosis (it's diagnosed predominantly in women)* The problem with social media creating identity around mental health diagnoses* Why suicidality needs to be discussed openly rather than feared* Why Britt believes recovery is possible, despite what clinical wisdom suggestsBritt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is a clinician, educator, and trauma specialist. She is the author of the bestselling book, “The Science of Stuck.” GET HER NEW BOOK, “Align Your Mind” anywhere you get books.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comSkip to minute 11 to get right into burnout contentTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Is the 'cool girl’ trope just a patriarchal trap designed to exhaust women? Amanda and Sam tackle this question while sharing their drastically different approaches to being unpopular in school. In conversation, we explore:The phenomenon of "coolness" and how it shapes our identitiesHow social media has created a never-ending popularity contest that extends far beyond high schoolBreaking down the iconic Gone Girl monologue that perfectly captured women's impossible balancing actHow maintaining "coolness" requires constant adaptation to rapidly shifting trendsFinding liberation in recognizing these systems and choosing what actually works for youThis revealing discussion examines how we internalize cultural pressures and the freedom that comes when we finally stop trying so hard to fit impossible standards.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In the second part of our conversation about Sam's Mormon deconstruction, we dive into her emotional journey leaving Utah and the church. In conversation, we explore:- The powerful moment of driving away from Utah and feeling unprecedented relief- The unexpected grief that followed - not about leaving, but about staying so long- The complicated process of deciding what beliefs and values to keep versus discard- How to rebuild trust with yourself after leaving a high-demand religious environment- Finding peace with being a "late bloomer" and embracing a more authentic lifeWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In this deeply personal episode, Sam shares her experience growing up Mormon in New York and her eventual move to Utah, where she spent 15 years navigating a much more intense religious culture. In conversation, we explore:- Sam's unique experience as a "non-Utah Mormon" and how her family's more relaxed approach differed from the mainstream- The cultural quirks of Mormonism that most people don't understand (like special undergarments and dating pressure)- How personal choices about substances (coffee, alcohol, cigarettes) are influenced by religious upbringing- The overwhelming pressure to marry young and have children in Mormon culture- What it's like trying to build a social life in Utah when you don't fit the traditional Mormon template- The gradual realization that trying to make it work wasn't serving her anymoreThis candid conversation sheds light on the subtle ways high-demand religious cultures can shape identity and limit personal growth, even when you're trying to carve your own path within them.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

In this preview episode of Sam's History Corner, Sam shares why she's launching this special series on Substack and gives us a deep dive into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt.In this episode, Sam explores:Eleanor Roosevelt's tragic childhood marked by parental loss and emotional abuse- Why Eleanor's lifelong insecurities never stopped her from taking meaningful action- How we can apply Eleanor's approach to making change in our own -lives- The importance of starting where you are—whether that's with family or community- Why concrete action matters more than online outrageThis monthly series is where Sam discusses inspiring people from history to use as inspiration, is available on the Nuance Needed Substack, along with weekly videos from Sam, bonus episodes, mental health guides and more. Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of hearing everyone labeled a "narcissist"? In this episode with therapist Britt Frank, we're diving into the nuanced reality of narcissism and why this term is both overused and misunderstood.In conversation, we tackle:* Why labeling everyone a "narcissist" gives too many people too much credit* The key difference between narcissism, being narcissistic, and actually having NPD* The "Narcissist Relationship Matrix" - how narcissists create distinct categories for people in their lives* Why confusion is the #1 sign you might be dealing with narcissism* The difference between lying and gaslighting* Why narcissists never truly discard their "primary source of supply"* The empowering truth: rather than asking "why did they do that?" ask "what am I tolerating?"Britt Frank, MSW, LSCSW, SEP, is a clinician, educator, and trauma specialist. She is the author of the bestselling book, “The Science of Stuck.” GET HER NEW BOOK , available for preorder, “Align Your Mind” anywhere you get books.WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

When you're completely depleted, even the smallest decisions feel impossible. In Part 2, we tackle your most pressing questions about recognizing, navigating, and recovering from burnout.In Part 2, we discuss:* The crucial difference between "cosmetic" changes and "structural" problems at work* Why adding self-care tasks can feel like poison when you're exhausted (but it's actually medicine)* How to support someone with burnout* The uncomfortable truth about making changes when you have no energy left to make them* Why we need to treat burnout like a physical injury* How setting boundaries with news and social media creates crucial breathing roomWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area. Now in Collingswood NJ!Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Is the world rigged for burnout or are we just not trying hard enough?In this episode, we unpack why we're collectively exhausted and how our connected world has created the perfect conditions for burnout to thrive - in ways our brains simply weren't designed to handle This is a two part episode- second one comes out tomorrow!In Part 1, we explore:* Why our brains aren't wired to process information about billions of people* How constant exposure to others' interpretations (not just facts) is draining our capacity* The vulnerability of living in uncertain times and what that does to our nervous systems* Sam's powerful story of trauma and burnout in hospital emergency settings* Why measuring your worth through productivity makes burnout an identity crisis* What happens when you've been running on empty for too longWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comSkip to minute 11 to get right into burnout content To learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

Tired of the oversimplified financial advice flooding social media? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why money management is 10% math and 90% emotional intelligence with Chelsea Fagan, founder of The Financial Diet.In conversation, we tackle:* How growing up in a low-income household surrounded by affluence shaped Chelsea's complicated relationship with money* Why you can't have stable mental health when you're financially unstable* The problem with analysis paralysis around money decisions and practical first steps for those feeling overwhelmed* How social media creates unrealistic timelines for financial milestones, making people feel they should be financially set by their 30s* Why "relatability" online often reinforces bad financial habits, even among high-earning content creators* Why understanding money is less about mathematical skills and more about emotional regulationWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!Guest Bio: Chelsea Fagan is the founder of The Financial Diet, a media company focused on money. She brings nuanced perspectives to personal finance, steering away from the oversimplifications common in financial advice. Find her on social media @faganchelsea and at thefinancialdiet.com.

We are here today with a bit of a last minute casual episode. We recorded this on Thursday April 3rd after watching panic and anxiety on social media and thought it may be helpful to hear Sam give Amanda a pep talk to calm her down about the current state of the country. Skip if you aren't interested in political content. WE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

IDK about you but we have THOUGHTS about SkinnyTok trend on Tiktok and how its infiltrating other social media platforms. In this episode, we're diving into the why this trend is problematic and how it's impacting our relationship with our bodies and food.In conversation, we tackle:- Why glorifying thinness as the ultimate goal is a dangerous path to self-hate- How phrases like "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels" are eating disorder dog whistles- The misrepresentation of body positivity and intuitive eating concepts- Some influencers behind this harmful trend and their tactics- Why basing happiness on appearance creates a foundation that inevitably crumbles- The connection between SkinnyTok and other conservative-rooted trends- Practical ways to approach content that inspires rather than influencesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!

What happens when the trendy concept of "manifesting" collides with real-life tragedy? In this vulnerable episode, we start discussing manifesting and end up deep in conversation about grief, caregiving, and finding meaning when life doesn't go as planned.In this episode, we explore:- The problem with manifesting coaches who claim "if something negative is happening to you, you're just not manifesting hard enough"- How easily manifesting can slip into harmful magical thinking, especially during crisis moments- Sam's experience with prayer and spirituality from her religious background and how it parallels manifesting concept- Amanda's current struggle with magical thinking as she has navigated her mom’s cancer diagnosis- The complex reality of being a lifelong caregiver for a disabled family member and the emotional toll it takes- Finding moments of joy and meaning even in life's darkest timesWE ARE NOW ON SUBSTACK with bonus episodes, pep talks, episodes guides, and so much more! Join us at nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? EMAIL- podcast@therapyforwomencenter.com or LEAVE US A MESSAGE at 813-444-8683. We’d love to hear what you think!