Podcast · Health

Savvy Psychologist

by QuickAndDirtyTips.com · English · Health

Seeking a healthier emotional life? It’s time to bring a trained psychologist and mental health expert along for the ride. Dr. Judy Ho explains the why behind complex emotions, helps you form better relationships, and guides you down the path of self-understanding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 18 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 17 minNew

Beyond the screens: Regulating your emotions when the world feels heavy

577. You know doomscrolling is bad for you. You do it anyway. And if you're honest — in the moment, it kind of feels like it's helping. Today Dr. Judy Ho explains why that feeling is real, why it's also making everything worse, and three genuinely practical ways to interrupt the cycle that have nothing to do with deleting your apps. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SavvyPsychologist More from Dr. Ho on her…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E576 · 6 Oct 2026 · 12 min
Brain rot is real. What scrolling is actually doing to your brain
576. You pick up your phone to check one thing and 45 minutes disappear. You try to read a book and can't get through a page. You sit in a meeting and your mind keeps reaching for something it can't name. Brain rot isn't just a meme — it's Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year and a now well-documented neurological phenomenon. This week Dr. Judy Ho breaks down what scrolling is actually doing to your brain, why the usual advice doesn't work, and three genuinely surprising ways to retrain your attention. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at [email protected] Find…
E575 · 29 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Existential Depression: Why do I feel empty when nothing is wrong?
575. You’re functioning. You’re achieving. Nothing has gone dramatically wrong. And you wake up one morning and realize you genuinely can’t remember the last time something felt worth doing. A lot of people describe this as a feeling of emptiness. This week Dr. Judy Ho unpacks existential depression — the kind with no obvious cause, rooted in the collision with life’s biggest questions — what it is, why it hits the most thoughtful and high-achieving people hardest, and three ACT-based tools for moving toward meaning even when meaning feels absent. Have a mental health question? Email Dr.…
E574 · 22 Sep 2026 · 25 min
The love that controls you: Understanding coercive control
574. It doesn't start with a bruise. It starts with devotion that slowly becomes suffocation. The Netflix documentary Death of the Pastor's Wife, released August 26, 2026, has put coercive control back into the national conversation — a pattern of behavior that is now more commonly reported than physical abuse in many contexts and that carries some of the most severe mental health consequences in the intimate partner violence literature. This week Dr. Judy Ho unpacks what coercive control actually is, what drives someone to do it, how trauma bonding keeps people in it, and three…
E573 · 15 Sep 2026 · 19 min
Why do I feel lonely even when my life is full?
573. You have a full life. People who love you. A calendar that barely has room to breathe. And somehow, underneath all of it, you still feel alone. Today Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the loneliness that nobody talks about — the kind that lives inside a full life — why it happens, what it's actually doing to your body, and three simple, evidence-based things you can start doing today to feel genuinely more connected. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.…
E572 · 8 Sep 2026 · 18 min
Have you always been "a lot"? You might be a highly sensitive person
572. If you were ever told you were too sensitive, too intense, or that you feel things too much — this episode is for you. The Highly Sensitive Person trait affects 15–30% of the population, shows up in over 100 animal species, and has measurable differences on brain scans. It is not a flaw. This week Dr. Judy Ho breaks down what HSP actually is, what makes the HSP brain genuinely different, the strengths that almost never get named, and three tools for thriving as an HSP rather than just surviving. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at [email protected]…
E571 · 1 Sep 2026 · 18 min
What the Lindsay Clancy trial gets wrong about postpartum psychosis — and what every parent needs to know
571. The trial of Lindsay Clancy — the Massachusetts mother who allegedly strangled her three young children and says she was in the grip of postpartum psychosis — has reopened a conversation the public has been getting wrong for years. Baby blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis are three completely different conditions. Only one is a psychiatric emergency. This week Dr. Judy Ho explains the clinical distinctions, the warning signs that loved ones and clinicians miss, the systemic failures that allow this illness to go untreated, and the forensic question at the center of…
E570 · 25 Aug 2026 · 34 min
Billy Eichner on how to be fearless without trauma or shame
570. People constantly tell Billy Eichner he's fearless, and they always want to know how he does it. In Savvy Psychologist's first-ever interview episode, Dr. Judy Ho sits down with the comedian behind "Billy on the Street" and "Parks and Recreation" to trace that boldness back to its source, and it isn't the one you'd expect. There's a stubborn myth that artists have to suffer to be great, but Billy's story is the opposite: two middle-class parents in a small Queens apartment who never instilled an ounce of shame in him and leaned all the way into who he was. His new audio memoir, "Billy…
E569 · 18 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Why you stay up way too late even when you’re exhausted: The psychology of revenge bedtime procrastination
569. It's midnight. You're exhausted. You have to be up in six hours. And you are absolutely not going to bed yet. Sound familiar? There's a name for it — and it's not laziness. Revenge bedtime procrastination is what happens when your brain decides that staying up is the only way to get something back after a day that felt completely out of your control. This week Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the psychology and neuroscience behind why we do this, including the surprising cortisol effect that means ignoring your first wave of tiredness can keep you awake an extra 60 to 90 minutes, and how to…
E568 · 11 Aug 2026 · 18 min
Why do certain people leave you completely drained?
568. You know that feeling. Five minutes with a certain person and you need a three-hour nap. You leave the conversation and realize you've given everything while receiving nothing. Energy vampires are real — and the science behind why they drain you is more interesting than the term suggests. This week Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the psychology of emotionally depleting relationships: what's actually happening in your brain and body during these interactions, why some people are far more vulnerable than others, what distinguishes the unconscious drainer from the deliberate one, and three tools to…
E567 · 4 Aug 2026 · 20 min
Why your inner critic is so loud (and three ways to change that)
567. There’s a voice in your head that has opinions about everything you do — and most of them are unkind. It replays your mistakes. It pre-edits your ideas before you even say them. It tells you that you’re too much, not enough, or both at once. This week Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the inner critic: where it comes from, why it’s louder for some people than others, what the neuroscience says about why it’s so hard to shut up — and three evidence-based tools to change your relationship with it for good. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at [email protected] Find…
E566 · 28 Jul 2026 · 18 min
Imposter Syndrome: why the most competent people doubt themselves most
566. You got the promotion, the degree, the recognition — and still you're waiting for someone to figure out you don't actually belong there. That feeling has a name, a neuroscience, and — surprisingly — a silver lining. This week Dr. Judy Ho unpacks imposter syndrome: why even the most confident people feel it, where it shows up beyond the workplace, how it presents differently across genders, and why it might secretly be one of the engines behind your best work. Plus three tools to stop it from running the show. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at…
E565 · 21 Jul 2026 · 20 min
Adult ADHD: Why so many people are diagnosed late and what actually helps
565. You've always been this way. You've just gotten better at hiding it. Adult ADHD is one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in mental health — particularly in women, high-achievers, and anyone who learned to compensate before anyone noticed. This week, Dr. Judy Ho cuts through the myths, explains how adult ADHD differs from the childhood version, clarifies what the diagnostic criteria actually require, and offers three evidence-based attention-training tools you can start using today. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at…
E564 · 14 Jul 2026 · 20 min
Which attachment style is running your life? The self-talk that gives it away
564. You already know attachment styles exist. But do you know what yours sounds like? In this episode, Dr. Judy Ho goes beyond the quiz results and into the actual self-talk running beneath the surface — the quiet inner monologue that drives your relationship patterns, your emotional reactions, and the way you see yourself. Drawing from her book The New Rules of Attachment, Dr. Judy introduces four renamed attachment styles, their signature self-statements, and three evidence-based tools to start rewriting the operating system. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at…
E563 · 7 Jul 2026 · 17 min
What true crime gets wrong about psychopathy — and what you actually need to know
563. True crime has made 'psychopath' one of the most recognized — and most misunderstood — words in popular culture. This week, Dr. Judy Ho brings her forensic psychology lens to what psychopathy actually is, the critical distinctions between psychopathy, sociopathy, and antisocial personality disorder, why psychopaths may be hiding in plain sight in corporate boardrooms, and what neuroscientist Dr. James Fallon's accidental self-discovery tells us about the brain behind the behavior. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy…
E562 · 30 Jun 2026 · 19 min
You're fine. you're succeeding. you're exhausted. The psychology of high-functioning anxiety
562. You're hitting your goals. You're showing up. You're making it look easy. And you haven't had a full night's sleep in months. High-functioning anxiety is one of the most common — and most invisible — experiences in modern adult life. This week, Dr. Judy Ho unpacks what it actually is (and what it isn't), why the people who have it are often the last to get help, and three evidence-based tools to start treating the root rather than just managing the output. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook…
E561 · 23 Jun 2026 · 18 min
The psychology of slow living: Why slowing down is actually good for your brain
561. People are baking sourdough, taking up needlepoint, going on phone-free walks, and joining knitting circles — and experts say it's one of the healthiest things they could be doing. This week, Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the neuroscience behind the slow living trend: why tactile, analog hobbies are a clinically meaningful antidote to urgency culture and digital burnout, what 'flow state' actually is and how it heals the brain, and how to build your own version of a slower life starting today. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy…
E560 · 16 Jun 2026 · 17 min
Daddy issues are real: The psychology of father wounds and how they shape us
560. 'Daddy issues' gets thrown around as a punchline — but the psychology underneath it is serious, well-researched, and affects people of every gender. This Father's Day week, Dr. Judy Ho reclaims the term and unpacks what paternal attachment wounds actually are, how they shape adult relationships and self-worth across all genders, what 'good enough' fathering looks like neurologically, and three tools for healing — whether your father is still in your life or not. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on…
E559 · 9 Jun 2026 · 18 min
Life after graduation: The psychology of failure to launch — and how to actually get unstuck
559. The diploma is in hand. Now what? For millions of new graduates — and the parents watching from the sidelines — what comes next isn't a launch. It's a stall. This week, Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the psychology of 'failure to launch': what it actually is, why it's happening more than ever, and why the answer isn't pressure or tough love — it's understanding what's really getting in the way. Plus: practical tools for both the young adults who feel stuck and the parents trying to help without making it worse. Expert advice for navigating life after graduation — for new grads and the people…
E558 · 2 Jun 2026 · 15 min
The comparison trap: Why your brain ranks everything — and how to make it stop
559. You scroll past a photo of someone's vacation, someone's promotion, someone's body — and something in you quietly deflates. That's not weakness. That's your brain doing exactly what it evolved to do. This week, Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the neuroscience of social comparison — why we do it, why social media has made it exponentially harder to resist, and three evidence-based tools to break the ranking cycle and find your way back to yourself. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to…
E557 · 26 May 2026 · 16 min
Stressflation: What economic anxiety does to your brain — and what to do about it
557. Financial stress isn't just about money — it's rewiring your brain. A new term is capturing what 83% of Americans are living right now: stressflation. This week, Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the neuroscience of economic anxiety, why financial stress makes you literally less capable of solving the problem, and three evidence-based tools for protecting your mental health when the economic climate feels out of your control. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more…
E556 · 19 May 2026 · 15 min
You keep calling everyone a narcissist: What it means vs. just being toxic
556. "Narcissist" has become one of the most overused words in pop psychology — applied to anyone selfish, difficult, or emotionally unavailable. This week, Dr. Judy Ho brings her clinical and forensic lens to provide a science-backed take on narcissism. We look at what it actually is, what it isn't, what it looks like in real life and in legal settings, and what to do if you think you're dealing with someone high in narcissistic traits. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the…
E555 · 12 May 2026 · 20 min
What Bieberchella teaches us about our own views on healing
555. When Justin Bieber confronted his past on the Coachella 2026 stage, it did more than just go viral—it acted as a mirror for our own needs. This week, Dr. Judy Ho explores what our reactions to "healing moments" reveal about our own complex emotions. We get into the science-backed difference between a public performance and private progress, offering actionable insights into building emotional fitness without the pressure of a "perfect" comeback. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe…
E554 · 5 May 2026 · 19 min
Why you can't stop people-pleasing (and it's not because you're too nice)
554. This week, Dr. Ho reveals that people-pleasing isn't a personality trait—it’s a survival strategy. If you constantly say "yes" while feeling a quiet sense of self-betrayal, you’re likely stuck in the fawn response, a nervous system reflex designed to keep you safe by keeping others happy. Dr. Judy breaks down: Kindness vs. Compulsion: Why true generosity feels good, but people-pleasing feels like fear. The "Social Pain" Connection: How your brain processes rejection exactly like physical injury. The High Cost of Silence: Why "keeping the peace" actually destroys intimacy and fuels…
E553 · 28 Apr 2026 · 14 min
Why you keep getting in your own way: A guide to stopping self-sabotage
553. Ever wonder why you stall out just when things are going well? It’s not laziness—it’s your brain’s ancient survival system misfiring. This week, neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the science of self-sabotage. You’ll learn: The L.I.F.E. Factors: The four core reasons we hold ourselves back. The 6 Thought Triggers: How to spot the mental shortcuts that lead to "misfires." 3 Practical Tools: Simple techniques to "rewind the tape" and break the cycle today. Self-Sabotage Assessment Quiz Stop being your own worst enemy and start turning insight into action. Have a mental health…
E552 · 21 Apr 2026 · 18 min
Is this all there is? Turning your existential dread into a clear path forward
552. Have you ever felt a sudden wave of dread and wondered, "Is this it?" If you’re wrestling with big questions about your purpose, you aren’t broken—you’re experiencing a universal part of being human. In this episode, Dr. Judy Ho explains that existential anxiety isn't a malfunction; it's a message from your brain to pay attention to your life. Whether you are navigating a quarter-life crisis, a midlife transition, or a major identity shift, learn how to turn that discomfort into a values-driven path forward. Key insights include: Meaning over pleasure: Why humans are driven by meaning…
E551 · 14 Apr 2026 · 20 min
Passing the baton: Introducing our newest host, Dr. Judy Ho
551. In this special "passing of the baton" episode, founding host Dr. Ellen Hendriksen welcomes the newest voice of Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Judy Ho. Dr. Ho is a triple board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University, and the author of "Stop Self-Sabotage" and "The New Rules of Attachment". Together, they dive into the fascinating world of forensic psychology and the critical importance of making mental health research accessible to everyone. Highlights from the conversation include: Behind the scenes in the courtroom : Dr. Ho explains…
10 Apr 2026 · 1 min
Meet Dr. Judy Ho | Official Trailer
Meet Dr. Judy Ho, your new host of Savvy Psychologist! A clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, tenured professor, and published author, Dr. Ho brings an evidence-based, judgment-free approach to everyday mental health, pop culture, and true crime through a forensic psychology lens. First episode drops on Tuesday!!! Follow or subscribe now so you don't miss the premiere! Watch the official trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyPsychologist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
E242 · 8 Apr 2026 · 12 min
5 Psychological secrets of adulting (Reissue)
242. Whether your graduation is coming up this spring or twenty years behind you, we all have moments when we wonder if we’re cut out for this adulthood thing. This week, based on the questions of many college seniors over many graduations, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen brings you the 5 biggest gems in the psychological crown of adulting. Find a transcript at QuickandDirtyTips.com . Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack . Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for…
E300 · 1 Apr 2026 · 12 min
How to stop feeling inadequate (Reissue)
300. Every human feels inadequate sometimes. Whether the whispers of “You’re not good enough” come from someone in your life or from inside your own head, these seven tips will help you feel more self-assured. Find Dr. Jade Wu here . Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter , or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips. Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist…

About Savvy Psychologist

Savvy Psychologist is a English health podcast from QuickAndDirtyTips.com. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: QuickAndDirtyTips.com
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 18 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id803978236
Rights: Macmillan Holdings, LLC

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