Best Amanda E. White, LPC and Sam Dalton, LCSW Podcasts (2025)

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59. Coping with OCD with Kimberly Quinlan 48:02

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20h ago48:02

48:02

Licensed therapist and OCD expert Kimberly Quinlan joins us for a raw, honest conversation about what OCD really is. In a vulnerable discussion, both Kimberly and Amanda share their personal experiences with OCD and intrusive thoughts, breaking down the walls between expert and experiencer. We dive deep into the difference between the intrusive tho…

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58: Living with Chronic Suicidal Thoughts: Suicide FAQ 18:42

6d ago18:42

18:42

Your questions about suicide answered with honesty and nuance. In this follow-up episode, we're tackling the questions you were brave enough to ask - from living with chronic suicidal thoughts to the impossible task of explaining suicide to children. CW- This episode discusses suicide, and suicidal thoughts. Questions we answer: * "I've had chronic…

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57: The Suicide Conversation Nobody's Having 49:40

8d ago49:40

49:40

In this deeply personal episode, we're getting real about the topic nobody wants to discuss - suicide and suicidality. Drawing from both our professional training and Amanda's raw personal experiences, we're breaking down what it actually feels like, why it happens, and what truly helps (spoiler: it's not telling someone how selfish they are). CW- …

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56. Princess Treatment & Feminine Energy 59:30

15d ago59:30

59:30

From "feminine energy" dating tips to refusing to tie your own shoes - we're unpacking how Princess Treatment content is actually political messaging in a pretty package. In conversation, we tackle: * The TikTok video that sent us over the edge: a woman who won't speak to waitstaff or check in for reservations * How "feminine energy" morphed from d…

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55. No Isn't Always a Complete Sentence: Boundaries Part 2 25:23

20d ago25:23

25:23

When did "no is a complete sentence" become the ultimate boundary flex? In this episode, we're unpacking why this oversimplified advice might actually be hurting your relationships. In conversation, we tackle: * Why "no is a complete sentence" works for sexual boundaries but not for declining dinner plans * The uncomfortable truth that closer relat…

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54. How to Combat Misinformation with Matthew Facciani 1:00:25

22d ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Today we chat with misinformation researcher Matthew Facciani, PhD to explore the psychological factors behind how we process information in our increasingly polarized world. From social media algorithms to the comfort of echo chambers, we dive into why challenging our beliefs feels so threatening and what we can do about it. In conversation, we di…

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53. Q+A- My Therapist Won’t Confirm my CPTSD & more! 20:17

27d ago20:17

20:17

In this follow-up episode, we dive into your most pressing questions about navigating the complicated world of mental health labels. When is a diagnosis helpful? When might it be limiting? And what should you do when you're convinced you (or someone else) has a specific condition? In conversation, we tackle: * Why your therapist might hesitate to c…

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52. The Pros & Cons of Self Diagnosis 39:59

29d ago39:59

39:59

In this very NUANCED episode, we're diving into the the pros and cons of self-diagnosis and why that moment of clarity might be both helpful and misleading. In conversation, we tackle: - The fine line between empowering self-awareness and misdiagnosis in the age of mental health social media - Why mental health symptoms are like horoscopes – specif…

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51. Is "Therapy Culture" Really to Blame for Estrangement & Child Free Adults? 31:45

1M ago31:45

31:45

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 relati…

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50. How Wellness Culture Weaponizes Women's Health & Ferility 48:21

1M ago48:21

48:21

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…

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49. Resting Girl Summer 12:28

1M ago12:28

12:28

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 rest The uncomfortable truth about ho…

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48. The Truth About Tradwives with Jo Piazza 59:28

1M ago59:28

59:28

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 …

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47. The Problem with #ShadowWork 51:59

2M ago51:59

51:59

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 shado…

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46. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

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 …

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45. Raising Resilient Kids: Finding Balance in an Anxious World (Pt 2) 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

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 "h…

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44. Are We All Just Intensive & Anxious Parenting? (Pt 1) 34:31

2M ago34:31

34:31

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 o…

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43. Rethinking Borderline Personality Disorder with Britt Frank 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

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 …

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42. The Illusion of Being Cool & Exhaustion of Pretending Not to Care 58:50

2M ago58:50

58:50

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 identities How social media has created a never-ending popularity contest t…

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41. Sam's Reflections on Starting Over (Pt 2) 41:30

3M ago41:30

41:30

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 …

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40. Mormon Culture & Utah Life: Sam's Journey of Deconstruction (Pt 1) 35:47

3M ago35:47

35:47

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…

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39. Finding Hope in History: What Eleanor Roosevelt Taught Sam About Taking Action 17:32

3M ago17:32

17:32

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 taki…

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38. Stop Calling Everyone a Narcissist with Britt Frank 57:34

3M ago57:34

57:34

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, bein…

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37. Your Vacation Won't Fix Your Burnout : FAQ (Pt 2) 31:17

3M ago31:17

31:17

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 whe…

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36. Burnout: Stop Stealing From Tomorrow To Fix Today (Pt 1) 45:25

3M ago45:25

45:25

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 explor…

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35. Why Money Issues Are Mental Health Issues with Chelsea Fagan 54:10

3M ago54:10

54:10

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 …

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34. BONUS: Pep Talk About Economic & Political Uncertainty 34:32

3M ago34:32

34:32

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 wit…

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33. We Need to Talk About SkinnyTok 59:12

3M ago59:12

59:12

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 pat…

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32. Manifesting, Magical Thinking & Grief: Coping When Things Fall Apart 47:52

4M ago47:52

47:52

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 n…

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31. Not Everything is "Trauma Dumping"How Therapy Speak is Killing Friendships 46:41

4M ago46:41

46:41

When did telling a friend about a tough time become "trauma dumping"? In this episode, we dissect how misusing therapy concepts is creating barriers to authentic friendship. In conversation, we tackle: The viral text where someone got accused of "trauma dumping" for simply mentioning their grandmother died What trauma dumping ACTUALLY is vs. how it…

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30. Millennial Friendship and Parenting with Kate Kennedy 1:05:50

4M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

Kate Kennedy, author of One in a Millenial and host of Be There in Five Podcast, is here (!!) for a deep dive into how friendship has fundamentally changed since our own childhoods, and what that means for the next generation. In conversation, we explore: - The lost art of unstructured playtime and being bored - The "no sleepovers" trend - How soci…

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29. The Problem with the 'Let Them' Theory & Why Overly Simplistic Advice Fails Us 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

Tired of oversimplified self help advice? US TOO! Today we are diving into our controversial take on why we don't like the "Let Them" theory by Mel Robbins. Listen to hear... - The problematic oversimplification in viral mental health theories - Why the original "Let Them" poem by Cassie Phillips carries more depth and nuance - The problem with sha…

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28. Why People Pleasing Makes You Angry & How to Stop Part 2 34:30

5M ago34:30

34:30

Ready to get uncomfortably honest about why being "the nice one" is leaving you feeling resentful? This is part 2 of our people pleasing episode. Go listen to the first episode before diving into this one! In conversation, we tackle: * The exhausting cycle of expecting people to read your mind * How avoiding conflict actually creates MORE conflict …

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27. Why People Pleasing Can Be Manipulative Part 1 34:01

5M ago34:01

34:01

Buckle up! We get radically candid about our own (very different) journeys with people-pleasing. We share: * How Amanda discovered her "thoughtful gift-giving" was actually manipulation to avoid accountability * Why Sam's role as a childhood caregiver shaped her people-pleasing patterns * How Sam learned to stop apologizing for existing * Their per…

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26. Your Fear of Discomfort is Keeping You Stuck 51:43

5M ago51:43

51:43

Tired of understanding all your patterns but still feeling stuck? In this episode, we're diving into the uncomfortable truth about why all that self-help content and therapy insight isn't actually changing your life. In conversation, we tackle: Why being "the self-aware friend" might be your newest form of avoidance How instant access to informatio…

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25. How to Break Free from Perfectionism & Live Your Values 51:59

5M ago51:59

51:59

Is your commitment to being perfect or good actually the enemy of your growth? In this episode we discuss: - The subtle ways perfectionism masquerades as preparation and protection - How perfectionism can become a form of self-harm and procrastination - The connection (and important differences) between perfectionism and people-pleasing - Why letti…

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24. How to Prevent Parental Estrangement with Whitney Goodman, LMFT 29:01

5M ago29:01

29:01

Want to prevent estrangement in your kids? This is the second part of our conversation with Whitney Goodman, LMFT. For the first part, please listen to the "Calling Home" podcast. In the first part of this conversation, we cover, what social media gets wrong about parental estrangement and what the nuance is that is missing online. In this second p…

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23. You Do Owe People Things: The Myth of Zero Obligations 44:57

6M ago44:57

44:57

Has "setting boundaries" turned into an excuse for treating people like they're disposable? We're seeing a concerning trend in our therapy rooms: people are using self-care language to justify ghosting, dishonesty, and basic human decency. In conversation, we tackle: The wild disconnect between how we treat strangers IRL vs. potential partners onli…

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22. BONUS: Post- Inauguration Processing & Pep Talk 39:21

6M ago39:21

39:21

In this raw and personal bonus episode, Sam and Amanda process their feelings on Inauguration Day, sharing a candid conversation about: Dealing with political anxiety and finding hope amid uncertainty Sam's experiences working in healthcare during COVID-19, including confronting conspiracy theorists and managing the hospital's COVID response The im…

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21. Stop Flaking On Your Friends! 49:33

6M ago49:33

49:33

In this candid episode, therapists Sam and Amanda discuss Sam's recent experience with a TikTok going viral. After posting about friendship and flaking culture, Sam faced unexpected backlash leading to a broader conversation about social media, nuance, and connection in today's world. The hosts explore: How legitimate concerns about accessibility a…

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20. Mental Health Advice That Changed Our Lives Part 2 38:42

6M ago38:42

38:42

In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda and Sam delve into their favorite mental health advice and life lessons. They explore the concept of numbing emotions, the importance of yoga and mindfulness in personal growth, and the significance of understanding one's emotions through interoception. The conversation emphasizes the need for se…

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19. Mental Health Advice That Changed Our Lives Part 1 44:00

6M ago44:00

44:00

In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda and Sam share their best mental health tips, focusing on the importance of understanding emotions, accountability, and self-reflection. They discuss how current feelings can distort perceptions of the past and future, and emphasize the need for personal responsibility in navigating life's challen…

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18: Why We Hate Resolutions: What to do Instead 37:36

7M ago37:36

37:36

We hate resolutions, but we love setting realistic goals. In this episode, we discuss their thoughts on the New Year, resolutions, and explore the difference between resolutions and goals, emphasizing the need for planning and the impact of shame on personal progress. The conversation also touches on the significance of specificity in goal setting …

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17. Holiday Pep Talk! 7:54

7M ago7:54

7:54

In this holiday episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda and Sam discuss the emotional complexities of the holiday season, offering insights on how to navigate feelings of pressure and sadness. They emphasize the importance of self-care, finding comfort in traditions, and the freedom to enjoy the holidays in a way that feels right for each indi…

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16. Taylor Swift Therapy: The End of The Eras Tour 46:09

7M ago46:09

46:09

How are we feeling post Eras Tour? Amanda and Sam delve into the aftermath of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, discussing the mixed reactions from fans, the overwhelming conspiracy theories, and the pressures of celebrity culture. We explore the expectations set by Taylor's performances, the marketing strategies surrounding her music releases, and the nee…

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15. How to Actually Change: The Messy Truth No One Talks About 44:28

7M ago44:28

44:28

How exactly do people change? In this episode we dive deep into the messy reality of personal change, sharing Sam's recent cross-country move from Utah to Florida as a launching point to explore how real transformation happens. We discuss our professional and personal experiences with change, challenging the common misconception that change should …

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14. How to Break free from All-or-Nothing Thinking & Find Joy Online 39:33

7M ago39:33

39:33

In this episode, licensed therapists Amanda White and Sam Dalton, we explore the pervasive impact of all-or-nothing thinking in our digital world and how to find balance amidst the extremes. Through personal stories (including Sam's endearing confession about her fear of whales), we dive into how social media algorithms reward black-and-white think…

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13. How to Decide If You Want To Have Kids & Why It's Okay to Question It 43:20

8M ago43:20

43:20

In this conversation, Amanda and Sam discuss the topic of whether or not to have children. They explore their own experiences and Amanda shares her perspective on being someone who was not sure if she wanted children and how she decided she wanted one. Now she shares her experience form the other side-- specifically the challenges and joys that com…

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12. How to Be Happy Being Single (Even If You Want a Partner) 56:21

8M ago56:21

56:21

In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda White, LPC and Sam Dalton, LCSW delve into the complexities of being single in today's society. We discuss the cultural shift towards women choosing to remain single, the empowerment that comes with financial independence, and the challenges of navigating relationships while maintaining personal …

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11. Parental Estrangement: Trend or Necessity? 53:56

8M ago53:56

53:56

In this episode of the Nuance Needed podcast, Amanda White, LPC and Sam Dalton, LCSW delve into the complex topic of family estrangement, exploring its rising prevalence among younger generations and its seeming trend on social media. We discuss the generational differences in parenting styles, the impact of trauma, and the importance of accountabi…

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10. Post Election Processing: Grief & Hope In Hard Times 47:59

8M ago47:59

47:59

In this emergency episode of the Nuance Needed Podcast, Amanda and Sam discuss their emotional responses to the recent election results, exploring themes of grief, coping strategies, and the impact of social media on mental health. We answer your questions that you submitted such as "how do I tell my kids what happened?", "what do I do about people…

Amanda E. White, LPC And Sam Dalton, LCSW Podcasts