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

In this conversation, Dustin Oliver and Sara discuss the intricacies of dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), anxiety management, and borderline personality disorder (BPD).

Sara shares her personal journey into therapy, the challenges and rewards of working with individuals with BPD, and the importance of understanding emotional regulation. They explore the techniques used in DBT, including distress tolerance and mindfulness, and emphasize the need for compassion and acceptance in therapeutic relationships.

The discussion also highlights the misconceptions surrounding BPD and offers advice for friends and family members of those affected.

Connect with Sara Weand:

www.saraweandlpc.com/

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Therapy and Personal Journey

09:37 Understanding Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

19:23 Anxiety and DBT Techniques

24:45 Practical Techniques for Calming Anxiety

26:59 Understanding Panic and Distress Tolerance

29:26 Self-Awareness in Anxiety Management

31:03 The Role of Trauma in Anxiety

34:59 The Purpose of Emotions and Anxiety

36:54 Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

42:47 Advice for Friends and Family of BPD Individuals

45:48 Hope and Recovery from BPD

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this eye-opening conversation, host Dustin Oliver speaks with Dr. Eric Van Der Voort, a licensed psychologist and certified sex therapist, about the many misconceptions and complexities surrounding human sexuality. They explore how performance anxiety can disrupt intimacy, the importance of open communication in sexual relationships, and the ways societal norms shape, and often distort, our expectations around sex.

Dr. Van Der Voort offers a non-pathologizing approach to sexual behavior, distinguishing between sexual behaviors and addiction while encouraging a more compassionate understanding of kinks, fantasies, and the obsession with orgasm. He emphasizes the need to challenge internalized shame, redefine what “good sex” really means, and foster deeper connection through vulnerability and honest conversation.

Whether you’re a clinician, someone exploring your own sexuality, or simply curious, this episode offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections to support healthier, more fulfilling sexual relationships.

Connect with Dr. van der Voort:

Therapy

Website

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection

02:07 Exploring Clinical Work and Background

09:00 Transition to Sex Therapy

11:00 Understanding Sexuality and Addiction

17:27 Societal Attitudes Towards Sex

18:52 Performance Anxiety in Sexual Relationships

26:25 Navigating Sexual Performance Issues

31:16 The Importance of Open Communication in Sexual Relationships

32:09 Understanding Performance Anxiety and Its Impact

34:57 Challenging Societal Norms Around Sex

38:29 Redefining What Good Sex Means

42:56 The Obsession with Orgasm in Sexual Encounters

46:36 Navigating Kinks and Overcoming Shame

52:28 Fantasy vs. Reality in Sexual Desires

54:31 Key Takeaways for Healthy Sexual Practices

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this episode, hosts Dustin Oliver and Ryan Austin, a licensed professional counselor, dive deep into the world of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Together, they explore how IFS helps individuals understand their inner parts, navigate emotional trauma, and reconnect with their core Self-energy for lasting healing.

Ryan shares insights from his clinical work, including his experience with accountability courts, and discusses how childhood patterns, coping mechanisms, and numbing behaviors like addiction impact adult relationships and mental health.

The conversation also touches on the privilege of setting boundaries, cultural views of therapy, and the critical role of trust in the therapeutic process. Whether you're a therapist, someone in therapy, or curious about how IFS can help you heal, this episode offers a thoughtful, accessible introduction to one of today’s most transformative therapeutic modalities.

Connect with Ryan Austin:

Ryan Austin Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: ⁠boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Name Struggles

01:49 Ryan's Journey as a Licensed Professional Counselor

05:22 Understanding Accountability Court

10:04 Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy

17:23 The Deeper Meaning of Therapy and Self-Care

22:46 Navigating Financial Fears and Self-Validation

24:32 The Impact of Cultural Perspectives on Therapy

26:13 The Privilege of Setting Boundaries

28:21 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships

30:29 Understanding Core Self-Energy

36:05 Using IFS to Treat Trauma

40:25 Patterns from Childhood and Relationship Dynamics

45:28 Breaking Patterns: The Journey of Self-Discovery

51:06 Numbing and Addiction: Coping Mechanisms Explored

56:24 Listening to Our Parts: A Path to Self-Understanding

01:00:14 The Importance of Trust in Therapy

01:05:32 Sitting in the Slow: Embracing the Journey

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver

In this episode, Dustin Oliver sits down with counseling graduate student Bailey McFadden to talk about the real-life journey through psychology education—from undergrad to grad school and beyond. They discuss why they both chose to pursue master’s degrees over PhDs, how to evaluate faith-integrated counseling programs, and what it’s really like working in internship settings. Bailey shares her experiences navigating clinical training, community support, and the pressure to “do it all” in grad school. Whether you're exploring mental health careers, considering a graduate degree, or already deep in your training, this candid conversation offers insight, encouragement, and practical advice.

Connect with Bailey McFadden:

Instagram: @genzcounselorb

TikTok: @genzcounselorb

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

TikTok: ⁠@boymeetstherapy⁠

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:07 Undergraduate Experience in Psychology

06:04 Transitioning to Graduate School

09:01 Working in a Psychiatric Unit

12:09 Advice for Aspiring Psychologists

15:11 Study Abroad Experiences

17:47 Choosing a Graduate Program

20:51 Faith Integration in Counseling

24:05 The Role of Spirituality in Therapy

28:00 Navigating Faith Integration in Counseling Programs

29:51 The PhD Dilemma: To Pursue or Not?

35:48 Internship Insights: What to Expect

43:55 Finding Support and Community in Grad School

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.

In this episode, host Dustin Oliver sits down with child and adolescent therapist Chandler Donny to explore the unique challenges and breakthroughs in therapy with young clients. They dive into topics like OCD in children, the emotional impact of divorce, and how to build trust with resistant or withdrawn kids. Chandler shares clinical insights on the importance of confidentiality, psychoeducation, and engaging parents in the therapeutic process. The conversation also touches on Relational Cultural Theory, LGBTQ-affirming care, and the role of cultural understanding in effective mental health treatment. Whether you're a therapist, parent, or mental health professional, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating the complex world of child and teen therapy.

Each week, we talk with clinicians about their areas of expertise, their connections to therapy, and how they use their tools in session.

Connect with Chandler Donny:

Therapy

Connect with boy meets therapy:

Instagram: @boymeetstherapy

TikTok: @boymeetstherapy

Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com

Episode Guide & Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Connection

01:46 Chandler's Journey into Therapy

07:28 Specialization in Working with Teens

09:40 Common Issues in Child Therapy

10:32 Navigating Divorce and Its Impact on Children

11:50 Integrating Parents in Child Therapy

17:01 Confidentiality and Trust in Therapy

19:57 Building Rapport with Resistant Clients

23:18 Understanding Relational Cultural Theory

30:40 Exploring Client Relationships and Dynamics

37:41 Navigating Childhood Therapy and Accountability

42:54 Understanding OCD in Children

49:20 The Importance of the Therapeutic Relationship

Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver.