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Podcast

On the Convos From The Couch podcast, you’ll hear engaging, informative conversations with leading mental health care professionals that will help guide you on your journey to leading a healthier, more fulfilling life.

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LATEST EPISODE

June 24, 2026

with Jerry Lawson, M.A. LPC/MHSP, LMHCQS, NCC

LATEST EPISODE

LGBTQ+

What It Really Means to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally

As we recognize Pride month, Tennessee-based therapist Jerry Lawson joins us to explore what it truly means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from both personal experience and clinical perspective, Jerry shares how connection, empathy, and presence can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Together, we discuss why allyship matters, the real impact of loneliness...

Featured Episodes

EPISODE 174 / March 28, 2025

with Robert Herman, MD and Joseph Fondriest, MD

Psychiatry

Bipolar Disorder: A Dialogue with Psychiatric Experts – Podcast

In honor of World Bipolar Day, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychiatrists Dr. Robert Herman and Dr. Joe Foundriest to explore the complexities of Bipolar disorder. Dr. Herman shares how personal experiences shaped his passion for the field, his research on Lamotrigine, and his work with the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. Dr. Foundriest provides insights into the psychodynamics of the...

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EPISODE 172 / March 18, 2025

Photo of Episode Guest Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons

with Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons

Personality Disorders

Borderline Personality Disorder: Debunking Myths and Navigating Treatment – Podcast

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often surrounded by myths and stigma. In this episode of Convos from the Couch, host Nicholette Leanza sits down with psychologist Dr. Aaliyah Gibbons to break down the truth about BPD, its connection to trauma, and how it’s often misrepresented. Dr. Gibbons...

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EPISODE 177 / April 14, 2025

Photo of Episode Guest Leanna Stockard, MA, LMFT

with Leanna Stockard, MA, LMFT

Self-Help & Wellness

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health – Podcast

Host Nicholette Leanza sits down with LifeStance therapist Leanna Stockard to unpack the complex relationship between social media and mental health. Leanna explores how social media can both normalize conversations about mental health and contribute to challenges like misinformation and self-diagnosis. They dive into:How online stories can reduce stigma. The risks of overusing terms like “narcissism” or...

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Anxiety

Anxiety and Uncertainty – Podcast

LifeStance clinician Clayton Crozier sheds light on how uncertainty about the future can trigger anxiety and shares valuable insights into recognizing and coping with this common form of anxiety. From signs and symptoms to common traps and coping mechanisms, Clayton provides practical strategies for navigating uncertainty and managing anxiety effectively. Join us for an enlightening...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Teen Stress and Mental Health – Podcast

An alarming 40% of teenagers report feeling inundated by stress. LifeStance clinician Dr. Deeba Khumar-Chadha dissects the many stressors confronting today’s youth, ranging from academic pressures to the complexities of social dynamics. Discover techniques to identify signs of stress in adolescents and actionable ways to provide support during their developmental journey. Learn more about Stress

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Self-Help & Wellness

Unleashing Comfort: The Role of Emotional Support Animals – Podcast

MK Clarkin, a LifeStance Regional Clinical Director joins us for a detailed and enlightening discussion on Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), Therapy Animals, and Service Animals, discussing their roles, benefits, and distinctions. Explore the enigmatic world of ESAs, comfort companions that profoundly benefit those struggling with mental wellness issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Discover common...

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Mood Disorders

A Nurse Practitioner’s Personal Journey with Bipolar Disorder – Podcast

LifeStance Health nurse practitioner Margaret Beymer courageously opens up about her personal journey with bipolar disorder, striving to dispel commonly held misconceptions and misinformation about this often misinterpreted mental health condition. Her experiences exposed her to noteworthy shortcomings within mental health services that made her recovery more challenging. Determined to imbue change, she continues to actively fight...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Beyond Baby Blues: Recognizing and Addressing Perinatal Mental Health- Podcast

Renowned for their work in women’s mental health and perinatal psychiatry, Dr. Dalthorp and Dr. Barrett deep dive into the monumental role expert care plays in adequately treating perinatal mental conditions. This episode uncovers the myriad conditions and their unique presentations during pregnancy and postpartum, emphasizing that the field extends beyond postpartum depression alone. The discussion concludes with experts...

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Psychiatry | Therapy

Between Dream and Reality: Understanding Sleep Paralysis – Podcast

Unearth the scary but crucially important world of sleep paralysis with LifeStance Health’s Regional Clinical Director, Angel Kramer. Delve into one of life’s fascinating and mystifying phenomena of sleep paralysis, known since the late 1700s and widely depicted in art and music. Angel provides insights into the common triggers of sleep paralysis and shares effective coping...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Balancing Acts and Breaking Stereotypes in Women’s Mental Health – Podcast

As we recognize Women’s Mental Health month, we are joined by LifeStance provider Rachel Mertens, who shares her expertise on the importance of maternal mental health and perinatal well-being. We explore the challenges women face, from societal stereotypes to the intricate balancing act of wearing multiple hats—wife, caretaker, homemaker, parent, and employee. Rachel emphasizes the...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Polyamory and Mental Health: Breaking Down Stigmas – Podcast

In today’s episode, we unravel the intricacies of polyamory with Angel Kramer. Join us as we explore the roots of plural love, the various forms it takes, and debunk common misconceptions surrounding this age-old practice.

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Self-Help & Wellness

Meaningful Moments: What is True Intimacy? – Podcast

Couples Counselor Brian Cass joins us to discuss the intricacies of true intimacy. We explore traditional notions, emphasizing that intimacy is not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather a deeply personal and evolving experience unique to each couple. Brian and Nicholette explore the misconceptions perpetuated by media and societal expectations, shedding light on the importance of...

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MEET THE HOST

Nicholette Leanza, M.Ed, LPCC

Nicholette possesses nearly 30 years of experience working with individuals to improve their lives through thought-provoking and creative therapy techniques. She is a licensed professional clinical counselor and an award-winning university instructor with several media interviews related to psychological health and well-being.