Baggage Check: Mental Health Talk and Advice
Dr. Andrea Bonior
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We've all got baggage. But what do we choose to do with it?
Every Tuesday and Friday, licensed clinical psychologist, best-selling author and popular psychology professor Dr. Andrea Bonior takes your mental health questions, and makes you part of the conversation. Join her and other voices as they translate research into real life, and talk about relationships, emotions, health, psychological disorders, stress, finding meaning, work, and occasionally-- just occasionally-- the most obscure dance crazes of 1997.
All are welcome, and nothing is off limits. With science, compassion, and humor, she's here to help.
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Available episodes
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Oldest first
13 hours ago
5 Relationship Behaviors That Could Spell Trouble Over Time
We've talked some about relationship violence and emotional abuse (check out our recent episode with Dr. Carolyn West!), and Dr. Andrea has written a lot about controlling behaviors. But what about those subtle relationship behaviors that might not necessarily spell doom, that you should keep an eye on? Perhaps those things that it's easy for us to convince ourselves are nothing, and yet they can most definitely turn into something?
Join us today as we dig in.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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4 days ago
8 Signs Your Anxiety Is Becoming An Issue
We talk a lot about anxiety on Baggage Check, and how all of us struggle with it to some extent. Today we're focusing on how to know that maybe it's gotten to the point where it's problematic. How do you know when it's time to seek help? What everyday behaviors might be hiding anxiety beneath? For some surprising ways that excessive stress might affect your behavior to a really hurtful extent, tune in to today's Baggage Check.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Mar 21, 2023
The Ultimate Shame: The Tragedy and Trauma of Causing Accidental Death
Today, as always, we want to shine a light in the darkness-- and so we're going where civil, "polite" discussions often don't.
We're talking about the traumatic, tragic shame of accidentally killing someone.
Dr. Maryann Gray is the founder of The Hyacinth Fellowship, a support network for those who are living in the darkness of having unintentionally caused death or serious injury. Having traveled that path with a heartbreaking accident of her own, it took her decades to recover-- but she's offering hope for those who are ready to break the silence.
Join us for a sensitive, compassionate, and sometimes difficult but ultimately enlightening conversation.
Check out The Hyacinth Fellowship here.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Mar 17, 2023
5 Questions to Help You Find Your Sense of Purpose
We've talked about how the truest, deepest forms of happiness and well-being don't necessarily come just from pleasure, comfort, or ease. They come from a deeper sense of meaning-- which is often very connected to your sense of purpose.
But how can we think about our sense of purpose? What can we ask ourselves to help us find it? And is all hope lost if we have absolutely no clue what that sense of purpose could be? (Nope, all is not lost. But you knew that already.)
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Mar 14, 2023
8 Overlooked Signs of Depression in Men
Do men and women have the same depression symptoms? Certainly, there's much overlap. But there are often times when our classic visual of what depression looks like tends to miss men altogether. And there are ways that their most common symptoms might not look like depression at first glance at all.
Join us today to talk about all things depression-- and especially to bust some stereotypes of how it comes across.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Mar 9, 2023
"I Want Kids and She Doesn't": Hard Truths in This Listener Q&A
Today we're taking a listener question-- and wrestling with the common but potentially heartbreaking dilemma of what happens when an otherwise happy and committed couple differs about whether or not to have children. Is there any hope?
Let's dig deep about parenting ambivalence, in today's Baggage Check.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Mar 6, 2023
Uncomfortable Truths About Modern Relationship Violence: Welcoming Dr. Carolyn West
There are many stereotypes about what relationship violence looks like-- and there are many ways that survivors and perpetrators of it defy those stereotypes. Today we sat down with Dr. Carolyn West, professor of psychology at the University of Washington and leading authority on relationship violence, to learn the realities of this difficult topic. From the way that technology increases a partner's ability to be controlling, to surprising warning signs, to thinking about how to break the cycle for future generations and how the cycle of violence affects all of us in society, today's discussion is not one to miss.
Find out more about Dr. West and her work here.
In the US, the National Domestic Violence Hotline phone number is 1-800-799-7233. They have services available in multiple languages, and their website is https://thehotline.org. Please reach out to them if you have concerns about you or someone else being involved in an abusive relationship.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Mar 2, 2023
6 Things Not to Do During An Apology
Apologies are something we all have experience with-- and baggage about-- that probably began from the time we first learned to communicate. But as frequently as the need to apologize comes up in life, it can be a hard thing to get right. And in fact, sometimes our apologies are disastrous and do more harm than good.
On today's show, we're discussing six common things that make apologies worse-- and urging you very strongly (ahem!) to use our tips to avoid them.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Feb 27, 2023
5 Visualizations to Help Lessen Anxiety
There are many visualizations out there, and many people who find the concept of them to be trite. But with anxiety rising and some solid evidence behind visualization as a relaxation technique, we think they're worth a try. Learn what visualizations can-- and cannot-- do, and get five solid examples of ones you can try today, perhaps even without rolling your eyes, in today's Baggage Check.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Feb 23, 2023
It's ALL Health: A Conversation About Psychological Support for Medical Concerns with Dr. Marni Amsellem
Today we're talking with Marni Amsellem, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in health-related issues. With more and more individuals predicted to suffer from physical health problems in the coming years, and with many already suffering mightily, we thought it was high time for a conversation about the role of psychological support in medical treatment. From new uses of technology to individual differences, from tools to beat insomnia, to whether journaling really helps, to the way the medical field may discriminate against certain groups and how the pandemic has affected all of this, we dive deep in today's Baggage Check.
Learn more about Dr. Amsellem here.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Feb 20, 2023
10 Quick Ways to Strengthen Friendships
The health benefits of friendship are immense-- and you've likely heard us nagging you about it in the past. Today we wanted to get down and dirty-- or not so dirty, these are just friends we're talking about!-- and discuss some realistic, fast, and actionable things you can do to give your friendships a boost.
Nothing grandiose, nothing long-term, and nothing too intimidating is on the docket today-- just some surprisingly simple but meaningful ways for you to get a bit more connected to your platonic loves. Join us!
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Feb 16, 2023
5 Ways We Self-Sabotage, and How to Stop Them
We all get in our own way sometimes-- and there are certain important patterns about how, and why, we tend to do it. Today we're leaving judgment and shame at the door (let's hope we do that every episode!) and having a frank talk about common patterns of self-sabotage, and how we can try to adjust them.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Feb 13, 2023
Is That Chewing Sound Making You Rage? The Truth About Misophonia
Today we're welcoming podcast host Adeel Ahmad to talk about misophonia-- which can be misery for those who suffer from it, and yet they may not even know that it's a "thing." Misophonia involves being hypersensitive to certain types of sounds, commonly noises like slurps, chewing, and crunching-- and it can wreak havoc on families, emotional health, and relationships. But there is hope!
Join us for a remarkable discussion about Adeel's own story of misophonia, the way he's brought sufferers together, the surprising childhood factors that may contribute to it, and how people can have hope to ease their suffering. From thinking about evolution to childhood drama, we go deep-- with empathy and compassion, and absolutely no crunching sounds-- we promise.
Check out Adeel's podcast, The Misophonia Podcast, with stories of people from all walks of life who are living with misophonia.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your…
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Feb 9, 2023
Is There Someone You Can't Stand Dealing With? Here are 8 Tips to Make It Easier
Today we're talking not just about difficult people, but the difficulties that they bring out in you. We wanted to talk about how to manage your own anger, anxiety, and frustration when it comes to interactions that you can't quite avoid, but certainly don't relish.
Join us for eight tools you can use to make it just a little bit easier to be the type of person you want to be when dealing with people you can't stand... rather than being the person that goes viral, or curls up in a ball of regret.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Feb 6, 2023
Breakups, Love Addiction, and Relationship Science: Welcoming Dr. Cortney Warren
Have you ever had trouble letting go after a breakup, even if you initiated it? Why does society make you feel like you are less-than if you are not in a relationship? Is love addiction a thing? And how can psychological science, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, help shed light on how all of us can be better in regard to relationships?
Today we're talking with psychologist Dr. Cortney Warren, author of the new book "Letting Go of Your Ex." We go way past the trite cliches of love and breakups and get real about dating, falling in love, breaking up, and how to heal-- and what we all can be doing to think about relationships a little differently.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (than…
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Feb 2, 2023
8 Ways to Combat a Sense of Helplessness
Have world events gotten you down? Or maybe just events in your own life? A sense of helplessness is a common response when problems seem bigger than we can manage. Today we go over eight ways to help feel more in control of your life, get more energy, and have more hope. And while we can't solve all of the world's ills (or even get those car warranty scams to stop spamming your phone), we can change our mindset just a bit to give us more autonomy, one small step at a time.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Jan 30, 2023
Real Talk About Postpartum Depression: A Conversation with Comedian and Activist Angelina Spicer
Beloved comedian Angelina Spicer didn't set out to become a spokesperson for the realities of postpartum depression. In fact, she calls herself an "accidental activist" speaking out about it. But having lived through a terrifying case herself which resulted in hospitalization, she decided she needed to help spread the word and help other mothers. In the years since, Angelina has lobbied for legislative action to support mothers and other birthing persons, helped those across the world who struggle with postpartum depression, and is preparing for an upcoming national tour. Did we tell you she also makes millions of people laugh on a regular basis?
So, we can't imagine a better person to go deep with about postpartum depression. Join us for today's episode-- from Angelina's personal story and the surprising thing that crossed her mind when she prepared to be hospitalized, to the cultural pressures on mothers and parents, the power of community and laughter, the joys and pains of real pa…
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Jan 26, 2023
Feeling "Frustration"? These 5 Emotions Might Be What's Really Going On
Today we're talking about frustration. It's ubiquitous in modern life, and it's a natural reaction to so many situations. It doesn't always have to be a bad thing. But sometimes, it's a copout-- because something much deeper is going on.
Join us for a deep dive into five emotions that often are at the root of frustration-- and learn how much better off you will be if you address your authentic emotional experience, rather than the superficial frustration that might just be the upper layer of it.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Jan 23, 2023
10 Signs Couples Therapy Can Really Help Your Relationship
Couples therapy: it can be a cliche, it can feel like defeat, and it can even be a cause for conflict in and of itself. But we wanted to get real and talk about some surprising ways it can help your relationship. Have you thought about going for a while? Or does your partner think it's a good idea, but you have major doubts? Today we break down the ten most common reasons people decide to go-- and what it can do for them.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Jan 19, 2023
Yes, We'll Say "Pyramid Scheme": The Psych Tactics and Damage of MLMs, with Roberta Blevins
My, we can already smell the angry emails.
But this is worth it. We have seen MLMs damage finances, and relationships, and lives-- and we thought it was time to get real about the psychological principles involved in trapping people into them, and shaming them into remaining silent when they're harmed.
We went straight to the source, having a no-holds-barred conversation with Roberta Blevins, former LuLaRoe success story turned anti-MLM advocate. You may have seen her on the hit documentary LulaRich, or heard her podcast "Life After MLM." Join us for an enlightening, compassionate, and often funny conversation with someone who's been in the trenches and emerged as an expert advocating for real change, knowing all the MLM secrets. There's pain, wisdom, and quite a lot of courage in today's episode.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and sen…
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Jan 16, 2023
Q&A: Meditation Stinks for Me. Can I Get Its Benefits in Other Ways?
Today we're taking a listener question from someone who just doesn't like to meditate. They've heard nonstop about its benefits, but when they've tried it, meditation actually makes them feel more stressed. Does everyone have to meditate? Is there a cheat code to avoid the act itself, but still get the benefits? In today's show, we get real about mindfulness, meditation, and how our cultural messages about what both of those mean may be a little out of whack. Join us for some specific ways to incorporate all that's good about mindfulness into your life without once having to 'clear your mind."
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Meri…
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Jan 12, 2023
Real Life with OCD: A Conversation with David Adam
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is one of the most misunderstood disorders in modern culture. Whether it's using the word "OCD" as slang, assuming it's about being neat and tidy or trivializing the suffering of those who have it, misconceptions abound. That's why it was an honor to hear directly from someone who has lived it-- journalist and best-selling author David Adam. Join us in understanding the human behind the disorder, on today's Baggage Check.
You can learn more about David Adam, including his book "The Man Who Couldn't Stop: OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought," here.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity,…
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Jan 9, 2023
All About Cognitive Defusion: 7 Ways To Think Differently About Your Thoughts
What is cognitive defusion? Both simple and profound, its the process of separating from your thoughts, gaining distance from them as a nonjudgmental, gentle and curious observer.
It's at the heart of mindfulness-- and relief from many aspects of anxiety and rumination. Want to get started thinking differently about your thoughts? Join us for today's episode.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Jan 5, 2023
Listener Q&A: What If The Pandemic Has Made Me Hate People?
ALERT! A tech glitch caused an issue in the first minute of the show when it first dropped-- and the issue has now been corrected. Clearly we annoyed the audio gods somehow, but all is well now. So if you were one of the early birds who heard it first, our apologies. We appreciate your patience!
Has the pandemic changed your view of other people-- and maybe, you feel, not for the better? In today's show, Dr. Andrea tackles a question from a listener who is concerned about a shift they've seen in themselves. A combination of working from home permanently, becoming more reclusive, and not liking what they see in humanity has made them maybe.... hate people? Dr. Andrea tackles what might be going on, with some actionable advice and a good bit of hope in this episode of Baggage Check.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your question…
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Jan 2, 2023
Cutting Through the Nonsense of "Self-Care" with Anna Borges
"Self-care" lives in infamy in mental health terminology, and has a ton of baggage in its own right. Today we get real about it, cutting through the consumerism and cliches-- in a funny, genuine, and insightful conversation with Anna Borges. Anna has long been writing, researching, and exploring self-care, and currently hosts the Mood Ring: A Practical Guide to Self-Care podcast. She is also the author of "The More or Less Definitive Guide to Self-Care" and has known Dr. Andrea long enough that their individual allergies to BS are maximized when they get together.
Learn more about Anna's work here!
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Daniell…
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Dec 29, 2022
Aphantasia, When Your Mind Doesn't "See": A Conversation with Serena Puang
Do you visualize things in your head? How good is your "mind's eye?" Today we dive deep into aphantasia-- a condition that many people have without even knowing it's a thing. In this episode, we welcome Serena Puang, a Yale student and journalist with aphantasia-- and talk about the surprising ways it affects her life. If you've ever wondered (even outside of the holiday season!) "Do you see what I see?" then you'll want to join us for today's Baggage Check.
See Serena Puang's NY Times piece on aphantasia here.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Dec 26, 2022
7 New Year's Resolutions Bound to Be Abandoned-- and How to Fix Them
New Year's resolutions are such a powerful cultural construct that even those of use who say we don't make them sometimes secretly find ourselves, come January 1st, vowing to floss more. Today, we're talking about what the science says about how to get resolutions-- or any goals-- to stick. We'll pick apart seven of the most common dud resolutions that are typically abandoned by February, and let you know how to make them more meet-able.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Dec 22, 2022
A Gloriously Bizarre Dive Into the Meaning of Holidays with Bestselling Author Jason Pargin
How do we describe this episode? We don't really know where to begin, to be honest. Does "going deep about the meaning of Christmas with a beloved sci-fi/horror writer whose latest book involves inter-dimensional parasites feeding on human hosts" make any sense to you? We promise it will, after you listen.
For years, Dr. Andrea has thought back to a piece that bestselling author Jason Pargin wrote about the deeper human truths underlying the holiday season. So, she invited him for a conversation about it-- and what we get is a funny, poignant and thought-provoking discussion about everything from gratitude, loss, fame, loneliness, and technology, to what the idea of "church" can mean to atheists.
Join us.
Read Jason's piece in Cracked.com here.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonio…
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Dec 19, 2022
6 Things We Get Wrong About Gratitude
Cultivating gratitude is widely known as being great for us. So why does it feel so hard at times, and sometimes that it doesn't seem to help? Might it be because we go about it in dysfunctional ways?
On today's show, we get real about gratitude-- what it is, and what it most certainly isn't. We discuss what the research shows is helpful about it, and what we might as well stop doing. The good news is, getting gratitude right really is good for our minds, bodies, and relationships. And on this episode, we give you some actionable steps to start on that path today. (Or tomorrow-- we're not about perfectionism here.)
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cov…
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Dec 15, 2022
Getting Real about the Myths, Risk Factors, and Warning Signs of Suicide
Listener discretion note: this episode contains a discussion of the issue of suicide, specifically in terms of warning signs and risk factors, and the noting of a high-profile loss.
Tragic events this week have put suicide front and center in the headlines once again. We wanted to put together, as immediately as we could, a clear, honest and open discussion about suicide-- its risks, its warning signs, its myths, and what to do when you're concerned about yourself or someone you love.
Shame and stigma lead to silence-- which leads to people not getting the help they need.
You are not alone. And there is help.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.
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Dec 12, 2022
Listener Q&A: I'm Worried About My Widowed, Isolated Dad. How Can I Get Him Some Friends?
Today's listener question is from someone who lost their beloved Mom two years ago, and their father has gotten more and more isolated-- because Mom was the social heart of the marriage. What can you do when you're worried about an isolated parent, but you live hundreds of miles away? If you've ever had your heart break not only from your own loss, but from watching your loved one go through it in their own way, we've got some support for you in this episode of Baggage Check.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Dec 8, 2022
It's Awkward, But: 18 Questions to Ask Before Getting Married
The issues that tear long-term couples apart are anything but fun and sexy, and so few people want to talk about them when they're excitedly making plans for how they'll announce their engagement on Instagram (let's get that sunset just right!). But it pays to anticipate challenges before you make a commitment-- whether marriage, living together, having a child, or otherwise getting on the "relationship escalator." Today we go through 18 specific and often surprising problems that commonly wreck marriages, and we give you ways to think them through before letting your relationship suffer the same fate. Know a couple who might be getting engaged, or taking the step to move in together? We promise it's not passive-aggressive to send them this episode-- it will make for a stronger marriage, not break one up.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, a…
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Dec 5, 2022
DNA Surprises, Biological Roots, and the Meaning of "Family": A Conversation with Genealogist Jennifer Mendelsohn
The number of people doing DNA tests and charting their family trees online has skyrocketed over recent years. And it can be an incredibly meaningful journey-- and also one that is shocking and upsetting. This week we speak with renowned genealogist and journalist Jennifer Mendelsohn about all kinds of stories, from the heartwarming to the stomach-churning, and explore what to keep in mind if you start on the search yourself. What's the meaning of "family"? Does our DNA tell us anything about who we really are? Why is the draw toward finding out our ancestry so powerful? We talk about all of it, in today's Baggage Check.
For more on Jennifer Mendelsohn's recently announced collaboration with the Center for Jewish History, to provide free DNA kits to Holocaust survivors and their children, check out the DNA Reunion Project.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good bo…
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Dec 1, 2022
Listener Q&A: A Showdown with a Toxic Boss
We've talked about signs of toxic workplaces before. But sometimes, it all boils down to one person-- and what happens when that person is your boss? In today's Baggage Check, we take a question from a listener who finally has an opportunity, through an HR complaint, to speak out about their boss's misbehavior. So why are they losing their nerve-- and how can they get it back? If you've ever wondered how to keep up your courage when speaking truth to power, you'll want to tune in.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 28, 2022
Good Grief, It's Dark! 11 Tips for Tackling Winter Blues
As clocks get turned back and evenings grow cold and dark, many people struggle with a dip in their mood. Even if you don't quite suffer from diagnosable Seasonal Affective Disorder, you may feel your energy, motivation, and mood dip significantly. Today we discuss 11 research-backed actions you can take to make things feel a little better.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 24, 2022
Masculinity, Race, and Mental Health: Welcoming Dr. Harold "Woody" Neighbors
They told him that a program encouraging Black men to gather and talk about their mental health would be a total bust. And guess what? Man Up, Man Down was anything but. In today's episode, we welcome Dr. Neighbors, professor emeritus at University of Michigan and professor of Public Health at Tulane University, for an in-depth look at his Man Up, Man Down program, Tough Guy Syndrome, racism versus "color-blindness" in the therapy room, socioeconomic factors in mental health access, social isolation, gender differences in friendship, and how mental health and health are one and the same. Join us for a conversation that gets real about what a white female psychologist-- and all of us-- can be doing to make positive societal changes.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, and gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Her…
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Nov 21, 2022
Listener Q&A: My Husband Hid The Fact He's On Antidepressants. Why Do I Feel So Upset?
In today's show, we answer a listener question about the struggle that happens when you find out your partner has been keeping something from you about their emotional health. The listener found her husband's antidepressants and wonders, why was he keeping his depression from her? Join us as we tackle the deeper question: how much right do you have to know about your partner's mental health? When is depression treatment just not that big of a big deal? And how do you move forward when you feel betrayed-- and your partner doesn't see it that way?
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!
Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.
Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)
Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan…
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Nov 17, 2022
8 Tips to Deal with Family Drama, Because Let's Be Honest, It's Not Going Anywhere
Our stomachs are doing flip-flops just thinking about it: family drama can take up so much mental and emotional space that it makes you physically ill. But while we can't totally control other people's behavior (we're looking at you, Guy Who Shouted Into His Phone For The Entire Train Ride!), we can use some principles of psychology to manage our own responses, deescalate difficult situations, and be more likely to find our own calm. If you've ever needed help keeping stress about family drama from ruining your day-- or your mental health-- you'll want to take a listen to today's episode.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 14, 2022
Your Brain on Sugar: Dr. Nicole Avena on a Not-So-Sweet Problem
We all know that sugar isn't exactly the tip-top of nutrition. But when it comes to mental health, how does it truly affect our mood and behavior? Is sugar addiction real? And if we want to make genuine changes in our intake of it, where do we start-- and why is it so hard? Today we're joined by Dr. Nicole Avena, a neuroscientist at Princeton University whose groundbreaking research on sugar's effects on the brain raises serious questions about what we're up against, psychologically, in a world where sugar is everywhere.
For more information on Dr. Nicole Avena, her research, and her upcoming book, check out her website and follow her on Twitter.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 10, 2022
Listener Q&A: I Always Want More. How Can I Overcome Jealousy?
Today, we're getting real about jealousy. Dr. Andrea takes a question from a listener who feels like she's never really happy for the successes of friends and family, and she can't ever stop comparing herself to others. She hates that she feels this way, and yet she can't really figure out where it came from. While jealousy hits all of us from time to time, for others it's a constant struggle. How do the seeds of envy get planted? When you have an otherwise happy life, why might you constantly want more? If you've ever wished you could be a little more secure with what you have, this episode is for you.
Follow us on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 7, 2022
13 Ways to Counteract Toxic Positivity and Embrace a More Fulfilling Version of Happiness
Yes, we chose 13. Why? Because today Dr. Andrea is talking about embracing discomfort, with specific tips on how to do that-- and many other ways to counteract toxic positivity. If you listened to Baggage Check's premiere (Episode 1), you understand how harmful toxic positivity can be to our mental health. But what can you do about it? In this episode, she discusses 13 realistic daily steps that you can take to help get out of toxic positivity's grip. From changing your vocabulary about emotion to rejecting dysfunctional perfectionism, today's show covers all the ways that you can begin to develop a more functional relationship with your emotions-- and yourself.
Didn't yet listen to the premiere? Catch up here!
Follow us on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 4, 2022
Is It Social Anxiety? Or Something Far Deeper?
Today Dr. Andrea dives deep into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), a set of symptoms that many people struggle immensely with—without realizing there’s even a name for it. For people with RSD, the fear of rejection dominates their life, and often guides their behavior in ways that can sabotage them, and there's a startling connection to ADHD. Discussing in detail what it's like to live with this, or to love someone who experiences this, and how it can affect everything from romantic relationships to office interactions, she also explores the symptoms, causes, and treatment for this condition. This episode is a must-listen for anyone whose fear of rejection is holding them back.
Follow us on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
Resources Mentioned:
Signs of Controlling Relationships
Resources for Those in Controlling or Abusive Relation…
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Nov 1, 2022
20 Signs Your Workplace Has... Issues
With so much talk about burnout, why are so many workplaces still sailing ahead with practices that the research definitively tells us make their employees unwell? Today Dr. Andrea lists twenty job characteristics that are empirically shown to heighten stress, decrease morale and productivity, increase the risk of burnout, and lead to deteriorating mental and physical health in employees. If you’re a worker, a job searcher, or a manager who thinks that offering a yoga class makes you a workplace wellness hero (it doesn’t!), you’ll want to take a listen.
Follow us on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 1, 2022
Welcoming Lori Gottlieb for Q&A: When Therapy Feels "Meh," Is It Still Worth Going?
Today we enlist psychotherapist and NY Times best-selling author of "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" Lori Gottlieb to help answer a listener question: if you’ve finally found a therapist, but things feel pretty mediocre, should you still hang in there and keep trying? In a surprisingly moving conversation about people-pleasing, the courage to face awkwardness, and truly showing up through your fear, Lori and Dr. Andrea get real about the situation that-- in this age of every therapist seeming to be overbooked-- all too many people find themselves dealing with.
For more information on Lori Gottlieb, check out her Instagram and Twitter.
Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Nov 1, 2022
Toxic Positivity and Our Miserable Pursuit of Happiness
In the Baggage Check series premiere, we dive into the concept of toxic positivity—and how we live in a global culture where happiness is both grossly misunderstood and constantly obsessed over. Getting real about the research on two very different conceptualizations of happiness—eudaimonic versus hedonic—and how one of them is associated with vastly improved mental health and fulfillment, Dr. Andrea discusses the serious cultural changes that seem directly to impact our moment-to-moment experiences of emotion. If you’ve ever wondered what “happiness” even means, and why the search for it can feel so futile as depression and anxiety rates continue to rise, this episode is for you.
Follow us on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and send us your questions!
https://baggagecheckpodcast.com
https://detoxyourthoughts.com
Cover art by Danielle Merity
Music by Jordan Cooper
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Oct 9, 2022
Introducing Baggage Check: Mental Health Talk and Advice with Dr. Andrea Bonior
Welcome to Baggage Check, premiering November 1st with new episodes every Tuesday and Friday. With special guests, listener questions, and surprisingly actionable techniques to improve your mental health, Baggage Check brings psychology to life and makes you part of the conversation. Licensed clinical psychologist, Georgetown professor, and "Detox Your Thoughts" author Dr. Andrea Bonior is here to help, with science, compassion, and humor-- and absolutely nothing is off limits.
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