x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

But For Real

Valerie Martin & Emerson Ryder

Welcome to But For Real: the podcast where all your swirling thoughts about mental health, pop culture, and how to human are blended into one delicious variety show, co-hosted by therapists Valerie Martin (resident elder millennial ✌️) and Emerson Ryder (resident Gen Z 🫶).

health & fitness mental health

All Episodes

58:01

What to Do When the World Is on Fire (Literally) ☄️

But For Real ·

2025/10/29

In a world that’s both metaphorically and literally on fire, it can feel nearly impossible to figure out how the hell to live without either feeling like you’re gaslighting yourself into “normalcy” or getting so paralyzed by eco-anxiety that you can’t function.In this episode, Valerie and Emerson dive into all things Eco-Anxiety & Planet Grief, as well as steps you can take to navigate a burning world without getting STUCK in the apathetic loop of grieving our Mother Earth.This episode

en

54:41

The Self-Growth Industrial Complex 🔍

But For Real ·

2025/10/15

Conversations around self-growth are all over every media platform these days – and while introspection and commitment to growth and change is important, it’s easy for it to be an all consuming trap that’s actually the opposite of growth.In this episode, Valerie and Emerson take a deep dive into the history of the self-growth industrial complex, explore what’s useful, debunk what’s not, and give you real advice on how to tackle self-improvement without spiraling.This episode covers:05:26 - Tea &

en

01:07:29

The One About Eating Disorders + Body Image 🍽️

But For Real ·

2025/10/01

In a time where it feels like 2000s diet culture is back in full force, this week’s episode about eating disorders and body image is important now more than ever. Whether you’re currently struggling with your body, have struggled in the past, love someone who struggles, or are just interested in a deep dive on these complex challenges, this episode is for you.This episode covers:02:32 - Tea & Crumpets: Sabrina Carpenter’s new album and The Practice of Groundedness by Brad Stulberg05:08 - Step

en

58:05

Sex Therapy & Kink with SanTasha Wright-Comer ⛓

But For Real ·

2025/09/17

Today we have such an exciting episode and a special guest. Santasha Wright-Comer, LMSW, is a Sex-Informed Therapist here The Gaia Center who believes healing and pleasure go hand in hand. A proud wife and mom of two, Santasha brings both warmth and realness into her work, especially when supporting LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities in finding safety, joy, and intimacy in their relationships. When she’s not in session, you can catch her in dance class, laughing with her family, or researching the

en

01:10:09

Blame It On The Booze: Alcohol in 2025🍸

But For Real ·

2025/09/03

Alcohol culture is pervasive—and while alcohol isn’t unhealthy for EVERYONE, the discourse can be pretty inescapable. Whether you’ve been alcohol free for years, curious about your relationship with alcohol, or trying to stop, this episode is for you!This episode covers:00:03:08 - Tea & Crumpets: All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata and delaying gratification by doing things slowly00:08:20 - Step Into My Office: How do I set boundaries with family related to alcohol?00:13:25 - The Lore: Val’s

en

55:30

Once a Cheater…? The One About Infidelity ❤️‍🩹

But For Real ·

2025/08/20

In this episode, Valerie and Emerson dive into an always controversial topic: infidelity. They explore what infidelity actually is, statistics, why people cheat, cultural considerations, and the role therapy can play.This episode covers:03:28 - Tea & Crumpets: The Osbournes and Shrinking Season 206:08 - Step Into My Office: HELP! My friend is cheating…10:04 - The DSM: THE hottest debate in all media ever and IRL relationships… let’s talk about INFIDELITY38:29 - Now That's What I

en

01:04:43

Men’s Mental Health & The Power of Gaming with Sam...

But For Real ·

2025/08/06

In this episode, we are excited to dive into all things men’s mental health & the power of gaming with one of The Gaia Center’s team members, Sam DiMartino!In his clinical work, Sam supports individuals and couples through an array of topics like grief, trauma, toxic masculinity + men’s issues, systemic oppression, identity exploration etc and also leads our men’s group Tearing Down The Walls! As our Client Journey Liaison he assists our leadership team with ensuring excellent client care and

en

54:11

Bougie, Broke, and on a Budget - The Psychology of...

But For Real ·

2025/07/23

Today’s episode is allllll about MONEY HUNNY – how we are influenced to think about the construct of money, financial wellbeing, and balancing all of this in the modern landscape of capitalism and consumerism.This episode covers:06:59 - Tea & Crumpets: Stretching in the pool + Courtney Carver11:27 - Step Into My Office: Navigating financial boundaries with friends18:04 - The DSM: The Psychology of Money44:17 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!45:41 - Emerson Pick: "Seven Rings" by Ariana

en

51:51

Unplugging, Digital Detox, and the Overwhelming Urge...

But For Real ·

2025/07/09

In today’s world, there’s an interesting juxtaposition between constant (and often necessary) use of technology coupled with conversations around unplugging. In this episode, we dive into digital detoxing, why everyone suddenly wants a flip phone, and how our nervous systems are begging for boundaries. From nostalgic phone memories to the psychology of being “always on,” we’re asking: can we ever truly unplug? (Spoiler: you don’t have to throw your phone in the ocean… but we get it.)This episode

en

45:51

Living Your Activism Series: Ella Magers is a Voice...

But For Real ·

2025/06/25

In this episode, we have our first installment of a special new mini series titled Living Your Activism. In this series, we're talking to activists and advocates across a wide variety of missions and passions about how they found their thing, what they do to stay grounded and connected with joy amidst all the chaos in the world, and what it means to truly live their activism, not just as a checkbox or some burnout inducing giant commitment, but as something that's interwoven throughout their life in

en

01:03:23

Turns Out, Talking To Strangers is Healing: The Power...

But For Real ·

2025/06/11

While the thought of telling a group of strangers about your inner feelings can be scary for many people, group therapy can actually be incredibly powerful. In this episode, we explore the roots of group therapy, the different types of groups, the benefits, times when group therapy is and isn’t a good fit, and resources for finding a group appropriate for your healing journey.This episode covers:06:21 - Tea & Crumpets: Handmaid’s Tale Season 6 and Flow12:46 - Step Into My Office: Group therapy

en

01:00:17

Help, I’m Spiritually Curious But Existentially...

But For Real ·

2025/05/28

Spirituality, religion, and being “woo-woo” are all hot topics these days – especially here in Nashville!In this episode, Val and Emerson tackle WTF spirituality actually means, how it differs from religion, how it intertwines with existentialism, and low-stakes ways to engage with it while also avoiding spiritual bypassing.And, as always, we get into other good stuff, including a spooky airBNB story from Val’s cousin (and The Gaia Center’s Director of Operations) Rebecca 👻This episode covers:06:04

en

01:03:40

The Couples Therapy Episode

But For Real ·

2025/05/14

For many people, hearing “couples therapy” brings up the idea of a relationship being in crisis or on the brink of ending – and while couples therapy can be impactful in those cases, there is so much more to it and so many other circumstances where it can be beneficial. In this episode, Valerie and Emerson get into what couples therapy really is, when it’s helpful, when it’s not helpful, and suggestions for what to look for if you’re interested in couples therapy.This episode covers:00:03:23 - Tea

en

50:48

Why OCD Is NOT Just Being “So Organized” 🙅

But For Real ·

2025/04/30

Despite misinformed pop culture statements, OCD isn’t a punchline—it’s a chronic brain loop that can be incredibly challenging for individuals to receive the care they need. In this episode, Val and Em get into the ins-and-outs of OCD, including suggestions for folks who are struggling with it, as well as folks who have a friend or loved one who is struggling. And, as always, we get into plenty of other fun stuff including TV recs and some hopeful headlines – like a rancher’s dog rescuing an infant

en

52:57

Help! The Voice in My Head Is… Kind Of a B*tch

But For Real ·

2025/04/16

If you’ve ever struggled with a rough inner critic, you’re not alone. While the judgments of the world can certainly get in the way of living your best life, we’re often our own worst enemies. But the good news is that Valerie and Emerson have you covered with a deep dive into the psychology of self-criticism and tips for how to navigate it. And, as always, we get into plenty of other fun stuff, like what “Queening Out” means 💁🏻‍♀️This episode covers:04:21 - Tea & Crumpets: Book Lovers by

en

40:10

The One About Adult Friendship 🫂

But For Real ·

2025/04/02

If you’ve struggled to build or maintain friendships as an adult, you’re not alone – and in this episode, we’ve got you covered!This episode covers:02:20 - Tea & Crumpets: Adolescence on Netflix + Lights On audio documentary07:44 - Step Into My Office: Tips for a fizzling friendship12:41 - The DSM: Seeking/Building Adult Friendships in these trying times32:41 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAY!34:16 - Val’s Pick: "Graduation (Friends Forever)" by Vitamin C35:03 - Em’s Pick: "Count on Me" by

en

01:00:15

Body Grief & Disability Advocacy with Jayne Mattingly

But For Real ·

2025/03/19

Today’s episode is so exciting as we have our first guest external to The Gaia Center – the phenomenal Jayne Mattingly.JAYNE MATTINGLY is a disability advocate and eating disorder helping professional. She is also the Founder of the non-for-profit The AND Initiative, which aims to provide inspiration, advocacy, resources, support, and the gifting mobility aids to those with chronic illness and physical disabilities. Jayne lives in South Carolina with her husband and pets.Through her personal

en

54:35

Parasocial Relationships, AKA The Lopsided Bestie...

But For Real ·

2025/03/05

In this week’s episode, Valerie and Emerson are coming at ya live from the corner of a hotel by the Nashville airport thanks to some less than stellar weather before they head to a hypnotherapy training 🤓The main event in this episode is all things parasocial relationships – the good, the bad, and the ugly. And as always, we get into plenty more fun stuff, including what having “the ick” means and some hopeful headlines.This episode covers:05:29 - Tea & Crumpets: Nashville Public Library’s Out

en

58:09

TOO MANY TABS 😶‍🌫️ The ADHD Episode

But For Real ·

2025/02/19

Conversations about ADHD (some helpful, some the complete opposite) are practically everywhere in our current world. In this episode, Val and Emerson take a deep dive into what ADHD really is, beyond what short form content often misses. Whether you have ADHD, think you might have ADHD, love someone with ADHD, or are just curious about WTF it is, this episode is for you!This episode covers:01:17 - Random recent hyperfixations03:30 - Tea & Crumpets - Reading ambience music on YouTube + technology

en

51:55

The Sleep Episode

But For Real ·

2025/02/05

Ahhhh, sleep. The thing we spend a third of our life doing and that many people don’t get enough of – grab those jammies and eye masks and let’s talk about sleep!This episode covers:01:59 - Tea & Crumpets: From Here to the Great Unknown + Activations App06:25 - Step Into My Office: When work struggles seep into our personal lives11:13 - The DSM: Talking about all things sleep40:48 - Now That's What I Call...OKAAAAAY!41:50 - Em Pick: "Adore You" by Miley Cyrus43:58 - Val Pick: "Dante's Prayer" by

en

30 results

Similar Podcasts

Доктор Тройняшкин

Доктор Тройняшкин

The Dry Eye Treatment PODCAST

Dry Eye Treatment

Différent et alors ?

PATRICK SULAY

Kyle Kingsbury Podcast

Kyle Kingsbury

The Real Weight Loss Coach

Matty Lansdown