In this powerful continuation of our two-part series on mental health and Olympic athletes, we chat with Olympic sprinter Kendall Ellis and Olympic pentathlete Samantha Schultz for an honest, grounded conversation about what it truly means to perform at the highest level. Kendall and Samantha open up about the pressures that come with elite competition, the stigma they faced when seeking help, and the emotional toll of constantly striving to appear “strong.” They reflect on their early careers, share the strategies that helped them stay grounded, and explore why vulnerability and support systems are essential for athletes at any stage. The conversation also dives into identity, transitions, and the often‑overlooked mental health challenges that arise when injuries, retirement, or major life changes shift an athlete’s sense of self. Kendall and Samantha offer compassionate, hard-earned insights for young athletes, families, coaches, and anyone navigating big goals while protecting their well‑being. Join us for a thoughtful, encouraging discussion that reminds us that mental health is just as vital as physical health—on and off the field.

Convos from the Couch welcomes Olympic athletes Steve Mesler and Jeremy Dodson for a powerful, honest conversation about the mental health realities behind the world’s biggest stage. While fans see strength, precision, and glory, today’s episode pulls back the curtain on what elite competitors carry long before — and long after — they step onto the track or into the sled. We explore how early ambition, identity, vulnerability, and pressure shape athletes not just as competitors, but as human beings. Steve and Jeremy share openly about their journeys to the Olympics, the cultural norms that discouraged vulnerability, and the emotional—and sometimes isolating—experience of life after competition. From journaling and self-awareness to connection, purpose, and reframing inner dialogue, each offers deeply personal insights into what supports resilience and long-term wellbeing. Listeners will also learn about the efforts happening at the International Olympic Committee and through organizations like Classroom Champions to expand mental health resources and reimagine how athletes are supported throughout their careers. Join the conversation to hear two Olympians reflect on identity, purpose, and the importance of treating mental health with the same care and training as the physical body.

LifeStance marriage and family therapist Lawson Bost joins us for a thoughtful conversation about one of the most common (and most tender) questions people ask this time of year: “Why am I still single?” Drawing from his experience in experiential education and couples therapy, Lawson explores how our beliefs, personal histories, and cultural messages shape the way we view singleness—especially around Valentine’s Day. Together, we break down what genuine human connection looks like through a simple, powerful five-part framework: loving and being loved, knowing and being known, serving and being served, and celebrating and mourning with others. We discuss the narratives people often carry about being single—like “something is wrong with me,” “I’m too picky,” or “I’m broken”—and how reframing these thoughts with compassion can change everything. Lawson also shares practical strategies for navigating this season with intention, from setting healthy boundaries around social media to creating meaningful plans for the holiday, and even thoughtful approaches to meeting new people. Whether you're single, healing, or simply curious about how connection works, this episode offers warmth, validation, and real-world insights.

Athletes often carry an emotional load that isn’t always visible from the sidelines. Therapist and former athlete Kendrique Coats shares how stigma, performance anxiety, and identity struggles can shape an athlete’s mental health. The conversation explores practical ways to help athletes feel safe, regulate stress, and understand what their bodies are communicating. Kendrique also highlights the impact of rising demands around competition, injury, and name, image, and likeness on young athletes today. Learn how intentional care and understanding can help athletes thrive through every chapter of their journey.

In this episode, we speak with therapist Saba Suleman about the deeply rooted mental health stigma within the South Asian community. Saba shares her personal journey from growing up in Pakistan to becoming a therapist in the U.S., shedding light on the cultural expectations, silence, and fear of judgment that often prevent individuals from seeking support. The conversation explores the reliance on spiritual healing, the lack of acceptance around mental health struggles, and how these barriers impact individuals and families. Saba also discusses signs of progress—including the role of social media in shifting conversations—and why culturally responsive care, such as therapy offered in native languages, is essential to helping people feel seen, understood, and supported.

What’s normal childhood behavior—and what could be OCD? In this episode, we sit down with therapist Anthony Mason to unpack how obsessive-compulsive disorder shows up in kids. Together, we explore the early signs parents and caregivers should watch for, how childhood OCD differs from adult OCD, and the emotional toll it can take on a child’s everyday life at home, in school, and with friends. Anthony also breaks down common myths about OCD and shares what truly helps—including why reassurance can sometimes make symptoms worse, how gradual exposure supports long-term progress, and the critical role families play in treatment. It’s a practical, compassionate conversation designed to help parents better understand, support, and advocate for children navigating OCD.

What happens when technology meant to help starts to blur reality? In this episode, we are joined by LifeStance Regional Clinical Director Mikka McGee to explore the emerging and unsettling phenomenon often referred to as “AI psychosis.” Together, we unpack how interactions with AI chatbots may intensify delusions or psychotic symptoms in vulnerable individuals, why the term—while non-clinical—has gained traction, and how a lack of guardrails in some AI systems can unintentionally reinforce false beliefs or paranoia, creating “shared delusions.” Through real-world examples, the conversation examines the risks, ethical implications, and potential solutions, including stronger AI safeguards, thoughtful regulation, and the irreplaceable role of human connection in mental health care.

LifeStance therapist Victoria Benfer joins us in the new year for a thoughtful conversation on exercise as a powerful form of self-care. Together, we reframe movement beyond weight loss, focusing instead on its impact on mental health and overall well-being. Victoria shares both personal experiences and clinical insights on how exercise can regulate stress, improve emotional and physical health, and bring greater mental clarity. The episode explores a range of accessible movement options—from yoga and strength training to simple activities like walking—while addressing common barriers to getting started and offering practical, realistic tips to overcome them. The conversation closes with tailored advice for mental health professionals on using exercise to prevent and manage burnout.

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Bill Franklin-Cromwell to explore the emotional challenges the holiday season can bring and how group therapy can help. Bill shares his background in trauma therapy and the inspiration behind creating his trauma-focused group, highlighting the powerful sense of connection and shared healing it offers participants. The conversation touches on holiday stress and isolation, the ways group therapy complements individual therapy, and practical strategies for navigating emotionally charged gatherings—underscoring the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit.

The holidays can be a lonely time for many—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this episode we chat with Adaobi Innocent, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at LifeStance Health, to unpack why the season can feel especially heavy. We explore common triggers like loss, pressure to meet expectations, financial strain, and illness, while sharing practical, compassionate strategies to cope—from building connection and practicing self-care to embracing hobbies and self-compassion. The conversation also highlights how to spot signs of loneliness in loved ones and when to offer support or encourage professional help.