If you’ve ever tried to make a change in yourself, you’ve probably noticed that it’s not so easy. Change isn’t just hard; our bodies and mind actively resist it. Actually, there are lots of good reasons to resist change, from an evolutionary standpoint. Change means taking a risk. Change means using more resources than maintaining the status quo. Safer to keep things as they are.

Of course, the human part of our minds, the pre-frontal cortex, the part of us that solves problems, writes Games of Thrones and send us to the Moon, knows that change is sometimes necessary.

Which does nothing to soften the resistance. So what to do?

Take small steps. Make the steps fun and feel good. Take them over and over and over.

One place I have found a bucketful of fun and laughter over the years is through pop culture fandom with my friends, particularly with my long-time friend and fellow psychologist, Dr. Stacy Watnick. So much so, that we decided to take it on the road, so to speak, and start a podcast focusing on fun, pop culture and mental health. We want to send out some fun, some laughter, and some support to the world.

If you are interested in sharing the joy of storytelling and understanding pop culture a little more deeply, come join us! You can find Free the Squee everywhere podcasts are caught.

*Please note, this podcast is not intended to provide professional psychological advice or to replace therapy; it is only for fun and education. If you are interested in help and support from me, please click on the orange “Request and Appointment ” button to the left to schedule a short, no-fee consultation.