Psychologists Off the Clock

If you’ve been dragging some of last year around with you, or you’ve been feeling that strange mix of excitement and pressure that shows up every January, this episode is calling your name. Closing out the year, the POTC cohosts are bringing you a conversation about how creativity can be a lifeline, a mindset shift, and a really enjoyable way to start 2026 feeling more like yourself.Walking you through simple ways to reflect on the past year, we share some creative exercises that spark real insight and explore how tuning into your creative side can help you make meaning, connect with people, and better handle the tough stuff life throws at you. If you’re craving more joy, connection, or just a new angle on the year ahead, you’re bound to find something that resonates.So settle in, and join us in starting the year with intention, curiosity, and a little touch of creativity.Listen and Learn: Reflection Exercises, including: Finding Meaning: Reflecting on the past year, where were you last New Year’s, and what were your biggest highs and lows since thenMeaningful Moments: Reflecting on two or three meaningful moments from the past year and vividly recalling the sights, sounds, and feelings of each experienceLessons, Wins and Moving Forward: Reflecting on your past year to uncover lessons from mistakes, celebrate achievements, and clarify what truly matters to you as you move into 2026Vision for the Year Ahead: Reflecting on what you truly want, the areas you’ve neglected, and the values you want to prioritize in the year aheadHow incorporating creative, life-affirming activities can boost your well-being and help you navigate life’s challengesPractical exercises and tips to spark more creativity in your life in the new yearResources: Access the New Year’s Reflection Questions from this episode (.pdf or editable MS Word versions available) Debbie’s Guided Journaling Substack with writing prompts and a 30-day journaling challengeYear Compass worksheets: https://yearcompass.com/Word of the Year and Unravel Your Year worksheets by Susannah Conway: https://www.susannahconway.com/unravel Creative Mornings: https://creativemornings.com/ Jill | Betrayal Weekly: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jill-betrayal-weekly/id1615637724?i=1000726003078 If you have a story connected to trauma, crime, or someone who’s caused harm—and you feel ready to share it—Jill would love to hear from you. You can book a free 30-minute consult at:https://jillstoddard.com/contact-us About the POTC CoHosts: Debbie Sorensen, PhD, Co-hostDebbie (she/her) is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Denver, Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Anthropology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Harvard University. She is author of the book ACT for Burnout: Recharge, Reconnect, and Transform Burnout with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and co-author of ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She loves living in Colorado, her home state, with her husband, two daughters, and dog. When she’s not busy working or podcasting, she enjoys reading fiction, cooking, traveling, and getting outdoors in the beautiful Rocky Mountains! You can learn more about Debbie, read her blog, and find out about upcoming presentations and training events at her webpage, drdebbiesorensen.com.Jill Stoddard, PhD, Co-hostJill Stoddard is passionate about sharing science-backed ideas from psychology to help people thrive. She is a psychologist, writer, TEDx speaker, award-winning teacher, peer-reviewed ACT trainer, bariatric coach, and co-host of the popular Psychologists Off the Clock podcast. Dr. Stoddard is the founder and director of The Center for Stress and Anxiety Management, an outpatient practice specializing in evidence-based therapies for anxiety and related issues. She is the author of three books: The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; Be Mighty: A Woman’s Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance; and Imposter No More: Overcome Self-doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career. Her writing has also appeared in The Washington Post, Psychology Today, Scary Mommy, Thrive Global, The Good Men Project, and Mindful Return. She regularly appears on podcasts and as an expert source for various media outlets. She lives in Newburyport, MA with her husband, two kids, and disobedient French Bulldog. Michael Herold, Co-HostMichael (he/him) is a confidence trainer and social skills coach, based in Vienna, Austria. He’s helping his clients overcome their social anxiety through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and fun exposure exercises. (Though the jury is still out on whether they’re mostly fun for him). He is also a certified therapeutic game master, utilizing the Dungeons&Dragons tabletop roleplaying game to train communication, assertiveness, and teamwork with young adults. Or actually, anyone ready to roll some dice and battle goblins in a supportive group where players want to level up (pun!) their social skills. Michael is the head coach of the L.A. based company The Art of Charm, running their confidence-building program “Unstoppable” as well as workshops on small talk, storytelling, vulnerability, and more. He is the scientific advisor and co-producer of their large podcast with more than 250 million downloads. As a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), Michael is the current President of the ACT Coaching Special Interest Group with nearly 1,000 coaches worldwide, and the co-founder of the ACT in Austria Affiliate of ACBS, a nationwide meetup for ACT practitioners in Austria. He’s a public speaker who has spoken at TEDx, in front of members of parliament, universities, and once in a cinema full of 500 kids high on sugary popcorn. In a previous life, he was a character animator working on award-winning movies and TV shows such as “The Penguins of Madagascar” and “Kung Fu Panda”. That was before he realized that helping people live a meaningful life is much more rewarding than working in the film business – even though the long nights in the studio allowed him to brew his own beer in the office closet, an activity he highly recommends. Michael grew up with five foster kids who were all taken out of abusive families. His foster sisters showed him how much positive change is possible in a person if they have the love and support they need.Emily Edlynn, PhD, Co-HostEmily (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pediatric health psychology who works in private practice with children, teens, and adults. She has a BA in English from Smith College, a PhD in clinical psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and completed postgraduate training at Stanford and Children’s Hospital Orange County. Emily spent almost ten years working in children’s hospitals before pivoting to private practice, which allowed her to start a writing career. Emily has written her blog, The Art and Science of Mom, since 2017 and a parenting advice column for Parents.com since 2019. Emily’s writing has also appeared in the Washington Post, Scary Mommy, Good Housekeeping, Motherly, and more. She recently added author to her bio with her book, Autonomy-Supportive Parenting: Reduce Parental Burnout and Raise Competent Confident Children and has a Substack newsletter. Emily lives with her husband, three children, and two rescue dogs in Oak Park, IL where she can see Chicago’s skyline from her attic window. Yael Schonbrun, PhD, Co-hostYael (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist who wears a number of professional hats: She has a small private practice specializing in evidence-based relationship therapy, she’s an assistant professor at Brown University, and she writes for nonacademic audiences about working parenthood. She has a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and completed her postgraduate training at Brown University. In all areas of her work, Yael draws on scientific research, her clinical experience, ancient wisdom (with an emphasis on Taoism), and real life experiences with her three little boys. You can find out more about Yael’s writing, including her book, Work, Parent, Thrive, and about her research by clicking the links. You can follow Yael on Linkedin and Instagram where she posts about relationship science or subscribe to her newsletter, Relational, to get the science of relationships in your email inbox!Related Episodes: 410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty345. Writing for Personal Growth with Maureen Murdock211. Subtract with Leidy Klotz73. Essentialism with Greg McKeown257. The Gift of Being Ordinary with Ron Siegel 37. Post-Traumatic Growth with Diana and Debbie375. Midlife: From Crisis to Curiosity with Meg McKelvie and Debbie Sorensen 285. What Do You Want Out of Life? Values Fulfillment Theory with Valerie Tiberius 351. You Only Die Once with Jodi Wellman 138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser 329. The Power of Curiosity with Scott ShigeokaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve all rolled our eyes at someone's behavior, only to realize, uncomfortably, that we’ve done the same. Join Yael in this conversation discussing this very common human experience with Michael Hallsworth, the author of The Hypocrisy Trap. Michael breaks down the nature of hypocrisy, including its historical origin and why it is such a prevalent issue in our lives and in politics. You’ll also hear how societal norms and personal biases can play into our confrontations with hypocrisy and take away effective strategies to minimize it in your daily interactions. Check it out if you want a new take on this age-old problem and why understanding it can lead to more authentic and trusting relationships. Listen and Learn:Understanding hypocrisy as a judgment we make about inconsistencies The surprising origin of the word “hypocrite” and how its meaning evolvedWhy hypocrisy isn’t always bad and how to balance consistency and context in our actionsHow calling out hypocrisy can backfire, creating more of it, and making the term lose meaning, while revealing surprising insights about human behaviorWhy we’re often blind to our own double standards in relationships and how our perception of intentions gives us more leniency for ourselves than for othersWhy a level of hypocrisy is inevitable in democratic politicsIs tolerating some political and personal hypocrisy necessary, even when it feels uncomfortable to do so?Strategies to understand, reduce, and respond to hypocrisy, and learning why shifting how we view inconsistency can lead to less cynicism and more meaningful changeResourcesMichael’s Website: https://www.michaelhallsworth.com/The Hypocrisy Trap: How Changing What We Criticize Can Improve Our Lives on Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780262050944 The Hypocrisy Trap on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hypocrisy-Trap-Changing-Criticize-Improve Practical Wisdom by Kenneth Sharpe and Barry Schwartz: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781594485435 About Michael HallsworthDr. Michael Hallsworth, author of The Hypocrisy Trap. Michael has spent two decades applying behavioral science to real-world problems, teaching at places like UPenn, Princeton, and Columbia. And he's taken all that academic knowhow to help design better policies and services for governments and organizations around the world.Related Episodes:Episode 48. Practical WisdomEpisode 51. The Psychology of Political DivisionEpisode 362. Adult Bullies and High Conflict PeopleEpisode 392. Outraged with Kurt GrayHow to Change with Katy MilkmanSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you wisely using your genius energy? In this episode, Michael reconnects with Diana Hill, a therapist and author who has recently explored the concept of focusing your genius energy on what matters most through her book Wise Effort.Their discussion spans from insights from ancient Buddhist wisdom to the application of commitment therapy to the practice of finding one's unique 'genius energy.' If you’re interested in practical ways to maximize your strengths, handle emotional challenges, and cultivate a meaningful and balanced life, you’ll want to join them to unearth actionable tips and exercises for making the most out of your efforts and ultimately enhancing your well-being.Listen and Learn: What is “Wise Effort” and how can this practice reshape your energy, choices, and well-being?Identifying and using your unique “genius energy” while also recognizing how overusing those strengths can become a stumbling block, and how cultivating awareness, curiosity, and context helps direct those strengths with wisdomPractical self-reflection questions to uncover your geniusA simple four-question “energy audit” for knowing when to dial your genius up or downWhere true wisdom really comes from, and what if rethinking how growth happensAdopting “Wise Effort” helps you understand your struggles in context, align your actions with your values, and transform both self-judgment and relationshipsBringing mindful intention to even mundane tasks to transform how you use your time, connect with yourself, and balance structure with flexibility in a meaningful lifeResources: Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9781649633361 Diana’s Website: drdianahill.comConnect with Diana on Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdianahillhttps://www.facebook.com/drdianahill/https://www.youtube.com/drdianahillhttps://www.instagram.com/drdianahill/https://insighttimer.com/drdianahill FREE Energy Audit guide: https://drdianahill.com/energy Wise Effort: The Business Of Therapy Program: https://drdianahill.com/wise-effort-the-business-of-therapy Michael’s Real Play Episode on The Wise Effort Podcast: https://wiseeffortshow.com/episode/living-life-on-your-own-terms-with-michael-herold-real-play About Diana HillDr. Diana Hill, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, international trainer, and recognized expert in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-based interventions, and psychological flexibility. With a background that bridges neuroscience, mindfulness, and behavioral science, she is known for making complex psychological concepts both practical and inspiring.A summa cum laude graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she majored in Biopsychology, Dr. Hill earned her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She later collaborated with Dr. Debra Safer at Stanford University, researching Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Appetite Awareness Training (AAT) for bulimia nervosa. She completed her clinical internship at the University of California, Davis, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at La Luna Intensive Outpatient Center, where she later served as Clinical Director and developed their ACT- and AAT-based treatment program.A leading voice in the evolution of ACT and Process-Based Therapy, Dr. Hill works closely with pioneers in the field. She co-leads ACT BootCamp Training for Therapists with ACT founder Dr. Steven Hayes and is actively involved in shaping the future of therapy—including applications of AI, advances in diagnostic systems, network modeling, and process-based approaches. She serves as a senior meditation teacher and curriculum developer for the University of California’s Climate Resilience Initiative, integrating ACT and mindfulness into interdisciplinary environmental education.Dr. Hill has contributed to publications in the International Journal of Eating Disorders and co-authored a seminal article on Process-Based Therapy, advancing evidence-based clinical practice. She is a contributor to PsychFlex, a digital platform that helps clinicians incorporate ACT into their work and track client outcomes in real time through ecological measurements. She also speaks regularly at global conferences including the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) World Conference, Innovations in Psychotherapy, and the Evolution of Psychotherapy Conference.In addition to her clinical and academic work, Dr. Hill teaches at organizations and retreat centers such as InsightLA, Blue Spirit Costa Rica, PESI, and PraxisCET. She serves on the clinical advisory board of Lightfully Behavioral Health and is a board member of the Institute for Better Health.She is the author of Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most (Sounds True, 2025), The Self-Compassion Daily Journal, I Know I Should Exercise But…, and ACT Daily Journal. Her insights have been featured in NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, Mindful, Prevention, Real Simple, Woman’s Day, and other leading media outlets. She is also the host of the Wise Effort podcast.With more than 20 years of study and practice in yoga and meditation—including training in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh—Dr. Hill integrates contemplative practice into her approach to healing and growth. She lives in California, where she raises two sons, cares for bees, and embodies the Wise Effort principles she teaches—living a life guided by presence, purpose, and compassion.Related Episodes:48. Practical Wisdom with Barry Schwartz349. The Hunger Habit with Judson Brewer188. Unwinding Anxiety with Judson Brewer122. Taking in the Good with Rick Hanson138. Exploring Existence and Purpose: Existentialism with Robyn Walser320. Anger and Forgiveness with Robyn Walser346. Self-compassion Daily Journal with Diana Hill301. Seven Daily ACT Practices for Living Fully with Diana Hill and Debbie SorensenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How can we reshape the understanding of consent and more effectively address the widespread problem of sexual violence? Start by joining Jill for a conversation with award-winning activist Chanel Contos, who is bringing attention to the complexities of consent, sexual coercion, and rape culture through her book Consent Laid Bare. Chanel’s pioneering work in making consent education mandatory in Australia shows what’s possible and what could be achieved worldwide.We invite you to listen in to broaden your knowledge about gender norms, the dangers of low empathy and high entitlement, practical steps to foster empathy in young people, and much more. This is a crucial conversation that has the potential to make a huge difference in everyone's lives.Listen to POTC ad-free for just $5 a month by becoming a Mega Supporter on Patreon! Or, support the podcast with a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee!Listen and Learn: Chanel’s personal experiences with early consent education and witnessing systemic injustice that led to the creation of Teach Us Consent?Why clear, affirmative consent is understood as the active seeking of an enthusiastic “yes,” rather than simply the absence of a “no” Distinguishing between different categories of rapeDoes the normalization of misogyny and the lack of social consequences contribute to rape culture and make sexual assault socially acceptable within peer groups and broader society?How language and metaphors, like the “blueberry” analogy, reveal the hidden social dynamics where men benefit from gendered power structuresHow language shapes recognition of sexual assault and why survivors of coercion or subtle rape struggle to label their experience as “rape”The classification of sexual violence and shifting from focusing on the victim’s response to examining the perpetrator’s intentHow trauma responses like fawning and hypersexuality can explain why survivors continue contact with perpetrators and challenge misconceptions about consentHow can parents and adults support young people in navigating online sexual content and consent by having open, shame-free conversations early, rather than relying on abstinence messagesRaising boys’ empathy to match girls’ and reduce entitlement, creating a culture where consent and respect are normalizedResources: Chanel’s Book, Consent Laid Bare: Sex, Entitlement, and the Distortion of Desire: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780063449381 For More About Chanel’s Work, Visit: https://www.teachusconsent.com/https://www.teachusconsent.com/resources#PodcastsTeach Us Consent Podcast Series: https://www.teachusconsent.com/resources#Podcasts Connect with Chanel on Social Media:https://x.com/Chanelcontoshttps://www.instagram.com/chanelc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-contoshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chanazc About Chanel ContosChanel Contos is an international award-winning activist and the founder of Teach Us Consent, a campaign that successfully mandated consent education across Australia and led to the criminalisation of stealthing in multiple states. She holds a Master’s in Education, Gender, and International Development from University College London and is currently completing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford.In 2022, Chanel was named by the BBC as one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women worldwide. Her work has received global attention, with coverage from the BBC, The New York Times, France24, and numerous other international outlets.Related Episodes19. Keeping Children Safe from Sexual Abuse with Feather Berkower84. Courageous Conversations to Prevent Childhood Sexual Abuse with Feather Berkower163. The Likeability Trap with Alicia Menendez198. Break the Good Girl Myth with Majo Molfino272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell305. The Power of Saying No with Vanessa Patrick390. Raising Empowered Girls in a Sexist World with Jo-Ann Finkelstein421. Defy with Sunita SahSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you shudder when Daylight Saving Time ends and the colder months settle in, or if winter leaves you feeling stuck in a funk, we’re here to present a different way to look at this stretch of the year.In this episode, Kari Leibowitz, a health psychologist and author of 'How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days,' joins Debbie to talk about her journey from being a self-proclaimed winter hater to a winter embracer. Kari shows us the impact of mindsets on our well-being, particularly during the cold, dark months, and offers practical strategies drawn from global research. You’ll also learn about the power of wintertime mindsets, adaptations for enjoying the season, and how to turn winter's perceived limitations into opportunities. Whether you love or loathe winter, this conversation will provide many tips to help you find joy and thrive during this often challenging season.Listen and Learn: How Kari’s accidental deep dive into Arctic life launched her decade-long exploration into winter mindsets and human flourishingHow adopting a positive winter mindset can transform the season from something to endure into a source of enjoyment, opportunity, and greater well-beingThe ways mindsets shape your attention, motivation, behavior, and well-being, and how you can thrive during winter instead of merely enduring itEmbracing a nuanced wintertime mindset to recognize both the challenges and pleasures of winter, stay present with your actual experiences, and develop a balanced, resilient, and practical approach to the seasonHow seasonal changes naturally affect your energy and mood, and why embracing rest and adjusting expectations in winter can be healthyEvidence-based strategies to manage seasonal affective disorder that improve mood, resilience, and long-term well-being.Resources: Kari’s Website: https://www.karileibowitz.com/How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780593653753 Kari’s Substack, Wintery Mix: https://wintrymix.substack.com/ About Kari LeibowitzKari Leibowitz is a health psychologist, speaker, and writer, and the author of How to Winter: Harness Your Mindset to Thrive on Cold, Dark, or Difficult Days. She received her PhD in Psychology from Stanford University, served as a US-Norway Fulbright Scholar, and taught the ‘Mindsets Matter’ Stanford Continuing Studies Course. Leibowitz combines scholarly expertise with practical strategies to help people understand and harness the power of their mindsets and find joy in winter. Her writing on the power of wintertime mindset has appeared in the Atlantic, the New York Times, and the Washington Post. She has taught winter workshops to businesses, universities, non-profits, and organizations around the world. Kari lives in Amsterdam with her husband, son, and dog, where she is learning to love biking in the rain. Related Episodes: 2. Hygge – Happiness and the Danish Art of Cozy Connection 6. Holiday Stress with Stephanie Smith115. Creating Meaningful Gatherings with Debbie and Diana132. The Joy Of Movement With Kelly McGonigal 348. Sustainable Exercise with Michelle Segar 410. Creativity and Making Things with Kelly Corrigan and Claire Corrigan Lichty 431. Ordinary Magic: Social Psychology for Big Change with Gregory WaltonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.