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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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Relationship / Dating

Intimate Insights: Exploring Partner Sexual Desire Differences – Podcast

In this episode, Nicholette talks with clinician Stephanie Franzoni about partner sexual desire differences. Stephanie, who is ASEC certified (American Association for Sex Educators and Counseling Therapists), shares insights on normalizing desire discrepancies in relationships. The conversation explores common reasons for such differences, challenges couples face, and practical tips for navigating them. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of communication,...

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Therapy

Before The Vows: The Power of Premarital Counseling – Podcast

As we recognize Valentine’s month, we explore the diverse themes covered in premarital counseling sessions, from career aspirations to family dynamics and religious beliefs. LifeStance provider Megan Heniff emphasizes the impact of family backgrounds on relationship dynamics, providing a fascinating space for self-discovery and understanding.

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Self-Help & Wellness

Navigating the Future: Gen Z, Mental Health, and Workplace Dynamics – Podcast

Cloey Callahan, a senior reporter at Digiday Media’s WorkLife joins us for a discussion on trends in the modern workforce, including the impact of the pandemic on work attitudes and the emergence of “quiet trends” like quiet quitting. Cloey provides a Gen Z perspective, emphasizing the importance of transparency, work-life balance, and setting boundaries. The conversation touches on...

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Self-Help & Wellness

A Pathway to Authenticity – Podcast

This episode delves into understanding the concept of authenticity and its significant contribution to mental health. Joy Weigel, a LifeStance Health therapist with a personal interest in authenticity, shares her journey. From being born with congenital abnormalities and grappling with fitting in during her childhood, to helping her clients embrace genuine authenticity, she explains the...

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Therapy

Behind the Magnet: Understanding the Mechanisms of TMS Therapy – Podcast

Join us as we explore the world of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with experts Dr. Barry Jones and Dr. Shristi Shrestha. Discover how TMS, a non-invasive treatment, uses magnetic pulses to activate specific brain neurons, targeting conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Learn about the effectiveness of TMS compared to other therapies, the criteria for...

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Self-Help & Wellness

The Problem of Me: Tackling Narcissistic Abuse – Podcast

In today’s episode, LifeStance provider Amanda Plumb joins us for a discussion on healing from narcissistic abuse. Amanda unravels the complex characteristics of narcissistic individuals, shedding light on their lack of empathy, self-importance, entitlement, and grandiosity. Join us as we navigate the treacherous waters of identifying red flags in relationships, from the initial intense ‘love...

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Personality Disorders

Below the Surface: Understanding Personality Disorders – Podcast

In this episode, we are joined by therapist Chris Almy as he sheds light on the world of personality disorders. Chris dispels the myths surrounding these often-misunderstood conditions, providing a comprehensive understanding of their complexities. Chris navigates the landscape of personality disorders, untangling the diagnostic intricacies while highlighting the available treatment approaches. This episode offers...

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Self-Help & Wellness

The Couch and the Screen: “The Grinch” – Podcast

Join Nicholette Leanza, along with colleagues Angel Kramer and Laura McClure, in a heartfelt discussion about the 2018 animated film ‘The Grinch.’ Delving into the film’s colorful animation, catchy music, and endearing storyline, they unravel the layers of the Grinch’s character, examining his loneliness, trauma, and mental health. From the evolution of the Grinch’s portrayal...

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Self-Help & Wellness

Mental Health & The Muslim Community – Podcast

In this episode, Nicholette is joined by Samar Khan, a clinician at our LifeStance Columbus, Ohio office. Together, they explore the cultural values, stigmas, and barriers surrounding mental health within the Muslim community. Samar’s personal insights as a Muslim woman and licensed social worker shed light on the significance of faith, familial ties, and the...

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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.