Convos from the Couch by LifeStance Health

Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic: Why Connection Matters

Feeling disconnected—even when you’re not alone? You’re not the only one.
In this episode, we chat with therapist Lauren Corsillo to unpack the growing loneliness epidemic—and why it’s affecting people of all ages. Drawing on research, clinical insight, and real-world experiences, Lauren explores how loneliness shows up in our lives and what’s driving its rise.
Together, we break down what loneliness really means, who it impacts most, and why building meaningful connections can feel so challenging today. Lauren also shares practical, compassionate strategies for strengthening relationships—from setting healthy boundaries to embracing vulnerability and improving communication.
Whether you’re navigating disconnection or looking to deepen your relationships, this conversation offers thoughtful, actionable ways to reconnect and feel more supported. 

Supporting Ourselves Through Political Stress

In a time when the headlines feel relentless and conversations can quickly turn charged, we sit down with therapist Eva Tukuafu for a thoughtful, grounding conversation on navigating political stress.
Eva shares practical guidance for staying present, maintaining psychological flexibility, and navigating challenging conversations without losing sight of our values or our relationships. From understanding the difference between healthy boundaries and avoidance, to recognizing how social media overstimulation impacts our nervous systems, the discussion offers approaches rooted in compassion and curiosity.
 
Listeners will also hear real‑world examples of how to engage meaningfully — whether that’s limiting content consumption, staying open to nuanced viewpoints, or taking value‑aligned action in your community. This episode reminds us that while we can’t control the world around us, we can choose how we show up in it.
 
Join the conversation to learn supportive ways to care for yourself, hold space for others, and move toward humanity — even when things feel hard.
 
 

How Better Sleep Supports Better Mental Health

LifeStance psychiatrist Dr. Kenya Windley and psychologist and author Dr. Eugene Carroccia join us for a grounded, eye‑opening conversation about one of the most overlooked mental health tools: sleep.
Together, they explore why sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice and how deeply it influences emotional regulation, focus, mood, and overall well‑being. Dr. Windley shares her clinical perspective on the role sleep plays in conditions like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, while Dr. Carroccia breaks down research showing how even small increases in sleep duration can improve attention, learning, and day‑to‑day functioning.
 
The discussion also includes practical, realistic ways to help patients build sustainable sleep hygiene habits, from creating a consistent wind‑down routine to reducing screen time and understanding how melatonin and circadian rhythms work. Whether you're a clinician, a parent, or someone trying to improve your own sleep, this conversation offers compassionate guidance you can start using today.
 
Join the conversation and learn how prioritizing rest can be a simple but powerful step toward better mental health.

Why “Heated Rivalry” Hit Us So Hard

In this episode, host Nicholette Leanza is joined by co-host and Public Relations Manager Samantha Miller, along with LifeStance therapists Harley Rubin and Khannah (Han) Wetmore, to unpack the emotional impact of the HBO Max series Heated Rivalry—and why it has struck such a chord with viewers.
Together, the group explores the complex relationship between characters Shane and Ilya, examining how the series portrays queer love with nuance, vulnerability, and emotional depth. The conversation touches on themes such as internalized homophobia, toxic masculinity in sports culture, and the importance of authentic representation—including discussions around autistic identity and the power of seeing intimacy and connection depicted with honesty and care.
The team also reflects on the passionate fan community that has formed around the show and why certain storylines feel so relatable and meaningful to audiences. From communication and emotional safety to identity and belonging, this episode highlights how storytelling can mirror real-life experiences and open the door to deeper conversations about mental health and relationships.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Heated Rivalry or simply curious about the psychology behind stories that resonate deeply, tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the emotional themes, character dynamics, and moments that have made this series so compelling.

Navigating Life’s Big Transitions: A Conversation with Olympian Cassidy Krug

In this special episode of Convos from the Couch, we chat with Olympic diver and author Cassidy Krug to explore what really happens after life’s biggest moments. Joined by former fellow diver and Senior Growth Marketing Manager McKenze Rogers, Cassidy opens up about her journey from elite athlete to writer, parent, and someone continually learning to navigate change.
Together, they talk about the emotional realities of transition — the uncertainty and the “murk” that often follows major milestones. Cassidy shares insights from her book Resurface, including what she discovered while interviewing dozens of people about the turning points in their own lives. From Olympians and cancer survivors to those redefining themselves after career shifts, she explains how shared themes emerge across very different experiences.
Listeners will hear practical ways to move through change with compassion, from embracing vulnerability to giving yourself permission to grieve what you’ve left behind. Cassidy also offers approachable tools — like novelty weeks, reframing failure, and seeking connection through informational conversations — that can help anyone feel less alone in their next chapter.
 
Learn more about Cassidy's book Resurface: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761752/resurface-by-cassidy-krug/ 

More Than an Athlete: Olympians on Mental Health, Pressure, and Finding Balance

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.

The Weight of the Games: Olympians on Pressure, Identity, and Healing

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.

Why Am I Still Single? Rethinking Connection on Valentine’s Day

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.