In this episode, host Dustin sits down with therapist Lauren Larkin to unpack the complex relationship between disordered eating, diet culture, and mental health. Together, they explore how societal pressures, personal history, and media influence body image and eating behaviors, especially in the age of social media and virtual therapy. Lauren shares her journey from a career in media to becoming a clinician, offering insights into how her background shapes her approach to treating eating disorders. The conversation also touches on the challenges of remote therapy, the importance of curiosity in the healing process, and how therapists can create safe, supportive environments for recovery. If you're navigating disordered eating, interested in the intersection of media and mental health, or curious about therapy in the digital era, this episode is for you.

Connect with Lauren Larkin:

Instagram: @leltherapy

TikTok: @leltherapy

Website: www.leltherapy.com

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Welcome to New York: First Impressions

02:07 Journey from Media to Therapy

05:01 Understanding Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating

09:00 The Impact of Diet Culture on Men

12:01 The Dangers of Social Media and Body Image

14:54 Treatment Approaches and Personal Experiences

20:13 Integrating Recovery into Daily Life

21:18 Navigating the Healing Journey

24:41 Understanding Eating Disorders and Therapy

28:07 The Impact of Food Noise on Mental Health

31:50 Uncovering Deeper Issues in Therapy

35:05 Coping Mechanisms and Client Engagement

38:57 Inspiration and Personal Growth

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this episode, therapist and former Broadway performer Brian Spitulnik joins Dustin to explore the intersections of shame, identity, and healing within the gay and broader queer community. Together, they unpack themes like internalized homophobia, social hierarchies among gay men, and the emotional toll of self-sabotage and rejection.

Brian opens up about his personal transformation, from life on the stage to becoming a clinician, and how embracing authenticity and vulnerability changed his path. The conversation delves into how race, body image, and trauma show up in therapy spaces, as well as the unique challenges queer people face in finding belonging and self-acceptance.

Whether you're a therapist, LGBTQ+ person, or ally, this episode offers a compassionate, insightful look into the emotional and relational landscape of queer identity, and how therapy can support deeper connection and growth.

Connect with Brian Spitulnik

TikTok: @spitulnik

Instagram: @spitulnik

Website: www.brianspitulnik.com/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Identity Exploration

03:04 Understanding Shame in Gay Men

06:02 Self-Sabotage in Relationships

09:01 Social Hierarchy in Gay Culture

12:11 The Role of Therapy in Building Connections

14:52 Personal Journey and Professional Focus

17:54 Authenticity and Defense Mechanisms

29:28 The Journey to Authenticity

30:46 Vulnerability and Connection

33:14 The Weight of Shame

35:41 Navigating Identity in Different Environments

39:36 Coming Out and Acceptance

41:36 Rejection in the Queer Community

43:38 Therapeutic Dynamics and Race

48:47 The Complexity of Conversations

51:52 Lessons from Tragedy

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this episode, Dustin Oliver sits down with Karley, a therapist who specializes in treating Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and co-occurring substance use disorders. Together, they explore the complex relationship between emotional dysregulation, trauma, and addiction, highlighting how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers hope and structure for individuals navigating these challenges.

Karley shares her journey into the counseling field, the realities of working with high-acuity clients, and the importance of compassion and boundaries in clinical work. This conversation offers valuable insights for therapists, students, and anyone curious about the inner world of BPD, the path to recovery, and how therapy can help rebuild lives.

Connect with Karley Chickness

https://systemstherapy.org/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Borderline Personality Disorder

03:02 Karley's Background and Journey into Counseling

05:55 Early Career Experiences and Specializations

08:35 Understanding Substance Use and Co-occurring Conditions

11:26 The Role of Trauma in Mental Health

14:17 Defining Borderline Personality Disorder

17:24 Dialectical Behavior Therapy Explained

20:17 The Impact of Trauma on BPD

22:35 Emotional Dysregulation in BPD

23:34 Understanding Emotional Intensity in BPD

26:15 The Role of DBT in Treatment

29:36 Modeling Secure Relationships

34:25 Active Passivity and Communication Challenges

35:05 Substance Use and BPD Treatment

38:47 Assessing Risks and Treatment Approaches

42:30 Internal Experience of BPD

44:37 Challenges in Treating BPD

47:15 Success Stories in BPD Recovery

50:06 Reflections on Being a Therapist

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver