• From Overwhelmed to Empowered-Building Our Coping Skills Toolbox
    Feb 23 2026

    Summary

    Justin explore the essential components of a coping skills toolbox, offering practical strategies to boost mood, identify and express emotions, problem-solve, and seek help. This episode provides actionable tips to enhance mental resilience and emotional well-being.

    Key Topics

    -Categories of coping skills: mood boosters, emotion identification, problem-solving, grounding, hobbies, asking for help

    -Practical strategies for mood enhancement and emotional regulation

    -The importance of a support system and professional help

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Coping Skills Toolbox

    00:38 Mood Boosters and Happiness Strategies

    01:44 Using Positive Affirmations Effectively

    03:03 Finding Joy During Stressful Times

    04:05 Identifying and Expressing Emotions

    05:52 The HALT Technique: Basic Needs and Emotions

    07:01 Problem Solving and Brain Dump Techniques

    08:50 Leveraging Strengths and Skills

    09:37 Acts of Kindness and Community Connection

    10:20 Grounding Techniques and Mindfulness

    12:44 Hobbies, Relaxation, and Self-Care

    14:54 Seeking Help and Building Support Systems

    16:37 Empowerment Through a Coping Skills Toolbox

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    18 mins
  • One Tool at a Time: Creating Your Coping Skills Toolbox
    Feb 16 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Justin introduces the concept of a coping skills toolbox, emphasizing its importance in managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. He discusses the benefits of having a personalized toolbox, including building emotional resilience and providing immediate stress relief. The conversation covers various techniques such as grounding, mindfulness, distraction, and self-soothing methods. Justin highlights the significance of continuous development and adaptation of coping skills to meet changing life circumstances, encouraging listeners to embrace progress over perfection.

    Takeaways

    -A coping skills toolbox is a mental or written list of strategies.

    -It empowers individuals to take control of their emotions.

    -Building emotional resilience helps manage challenging times.

    -Grounding techniques can include breath work and sensory activities.

    -Distraction techniques can be healthy alternatives to negative coping skills.

    -Music and exercise can serve as effective coping strategies.

    -Tracking emotions can help reflect on progress.

    -Coping skills should be adaptable to changing life situations.

    -Practicing coping skills can lead to more effective emotional responses.

    -The goal is to make progress, not achieve perfection.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Coping Skills Toolbox

    05:28 Building Emotional Resilience

    10:08 Healthy Distractions and Coping Strategies

    14:50 Adapting the Toolbox Over Time

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    20 mins
  • When Values Meet Real Life
    Feb 9 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Justin and Challee delve into the Social Work Code of Ethics, discussing its significance and the ethical values that guide social work practice. They explore themes such as service, dignity and worth of a person, the importance of human relationships, social justice, competency, integrity, and the challenges of navigating ethical dilemmas in the field. The conversation emphasizes the need for social workers to maintain professional boundaries while advocating for their clients and highlights the importance of being transparent and trustworthy in practice.

    Takeaways

    -The Social Work Code of Ethics is essential for guiding practice.

    -Service is the primary goal of social work, focusing on helping those in need.

    -Respecting the dignity and worth of every individual is crucial.

    -Human relationships are central to effective social work practice.

    -Social justice involves advocating for marginalized individuals and communities.

    -Competency in practice requires ongoing professional development and learning.

    -Integrity and trustworthiness are foundational to building client relationships.

    -Navigating ethical dilemmas requires careful consideration of boundaries and transparency.

    -Ethical principles can be applied in both social work and everyday life.

    -Being a genuinely good person aligns with the values of social work.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Ethics in Social Work

    02:17 Exploring the Six Ethical Values

    04:32 Service: Helping Others and Maintaining Boundaries

    06:45 Dignity and Worth of a Person

    09:03 Importance of Human Relationships

    11:13 Social Justice and Advocacy

    13:24 Competency and Professional Growth

    14:35 Integrity in Social Work

    16:52 Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

    21:24 Conclusion and Reflections on Ethics

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    26 mins
  • Beyond the Rose-Colored Glasses: Recognizing Red Flags
    Feb 2 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Justin and Challee discuss the importance of recognizing early red flags in relationships, particularly as Valentine's Day approaches. They explore various themes such as communication skills, control, manipulation, and the significance of respecting boundaries. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability in past relationships and the role of social media in modern dating. The hosts provide insights on how to identify these red flags and encourage listeners to trust their instincts when navigating relationships.

    Takeaways

    -Early red flags can be hard to identify due to the excitement of new relationships.

    -Communication skills are crucial; pay attention to how conflicts are handled.

    -Control in a relationship, especially early on, is a significant red flag.

    -Manipulation often manifests through guilt; recognize when it's happening.

    -Respecting boundaries is essential for a healthy relationship.

    -How someone talks about their past relationships can reveal their accountability.

    -Social media behavior can indicate a lack of transparency in a relationship.

    -It's important to have mutual respect for privacy in a relationship.

    -Guilt should never be a tool used in a healthy relationship.

    -Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.

    Chapters

    00:00 Identifying Early Red Flags in Relationships

    07:10 Communication: The Key to Healthy Relationships

    19:33 Control and Boundaries: Recognizing Manipulative Behaviors

    26:34 Understanding Past Relationships: Red Flags in History

    30:29 Navigating Red Flags: Seeking Clarity and Support

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    34 mins
  • From Nerves to Nailed It
    Jan 26 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Justin and Challee discuss essential strategies for acing job interviews. They cover everything from the importance of first impressions, appropriate dress codes, and how to effectively answer common interview questions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of showcasing strengths and weaknesses, understanding motivations, and preparing for salary discussions. They also highlight the importance of asking insightful questions at the end of the interview and remind listeners that interviews are a two-way street, where candidates should assess the company as well.

    Takeaways

    -Get a professional email address for job applications.

    -Dress for the job you want, or one step up.

    -Be prepared for common interview questions.

    -Showcase your strengths confidently during the interview.

    -Understand the trick questions and how to navigate them.

    -Always have a question ready for the interviewer.

    -Research salary ranges before the interview.

    -Be mindful of how you discuss leaving your current job.

    -Remember that interviews are a two-way street.

    -Give yourself grace; it's okay to be nervous.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Interview Anxiety

    12:32 Common Interview Questions

    37:28 Managing Interview Nerves and Closing Thoughts

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    40 mins
  • Taking the Test Without Losing Yourself
    Jan 19 2026

    Summary

    Justin and Challee delve into the topic of test anxiety, a shared experience as they both prepare for their social work board exams. They discuss the emotional toll that test anxiety can take, emphasizing that such feelings are common and not a reflection of one's worth or abilities. They share personal insights on how they have been coping with the anxiety, including the importance of understanding one's learning style and the psychological barriers that can arise during preparation. They also touch on practical strategies for managing anxiety, such as grounding techniques, deep breathing, and the significance of self-care leading up to the test day.

    The conversation highlights the pressures associated with high-stakes testing, including financial implications and the fear of failure. Justin and Challee explore the importance of support systems, both in-person and online, while cautioning against negative influences in online groups. They conclude with a reminder that tests are assessments of knowledge and skills, not measures of personal worth, and encourage listeners to be kind to themselves throughout the preparation process. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone facing similar challenges, offering both empathy and practical advice.

    Takeaways

    -"This test does not define me and it's not connected to my worth as a person."

    -Being kind to ourselves is something we don't think about a lot with this.

    -Self-care is not a waste of time, people. It's good for you.

    -The test is assessing your problem-solving ability, not your worth as a person.

    -We need to listen to ourselves in the ways that we need to show up for ourselves.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Test Anxiety

    05:01 Coping Strategies for Test Anxiety

    17:11 Preparing for Test Day

    25:56 Identifying and Managing Anxiety Symptoms

    34:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    Gain a better understanding of your learning style here!

    https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/

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    37 mins
  • Self-Sabotage Isn’t Self-Hatred—It’s Self-Protection
    Jan 12 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Justin and Challee explore the concept of self-sabotage, discussing its definition, causes, and manifestations in various aspects of life, including relationships and mental health. They delve into the fear of success and change, the impact of self-worth on behavior, and strategies for overcoming self-sabotage. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and kindness towards oneself in the journey of personal growth.

    Takeaways

    -Self-sabotage is acting against our own goals.

    -Fear of success can lead to self-sabotage.

    -Change is uncomfortable and can trigger self-sabotage.

    -Self-sabotage often appears in relationships.

    -Low self-worth can prevent us from pursuing opportunities.

    -Mental health can be sabotaged by anxiety and avoidance.

    -Accountability is crucial in overcoming self-sabotage.

    -Being kinder to ourselves helps combat self-sabotage.

    -Journaling can aid in recognizing self-sabotaging behaviors.

    -Discussing self-sabotage with trusted individuals can provide support.

    Chapters

    00:00 Understanding Self-Sabotage

    04:21 Examples of Self-Sabotage

    08:13 The Psychology Behind Self-Sabotage

    12:32 Self-Sabotage in Relationships

    16:41 Challenging Self-Sabotage

    19:37 Strategies for Overcoming Self-Sabotage

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    21 mins
  • Rethinking What We Believe About Mental Health
    Jan 5 2026

    Summary

    In this episode, Justin and Challee explore various myths surrounding mental health, discussing the prevalence of mental health conditions, the impact of stress and trauma, and the importance of therapy. They debunk common misconceptions about violence and mental illness, emphasize the significance of mental health care, and address the unique challenges faced by teenagers today. The conversation highlights the need to reduce stigma and normalize discussions about mental health, while also clarifying that mental health conditions can improve with proper treatment and support.

    Takeaways

    -Mental health conditions are more common than perceived.

    -Stress, trauma, and genetics significantly impact mental health.

    -The myth that people with mental health conditions are violent is false.

    -Therapy can benefit anyone, regardless of their current mental health status.

    -Teenagers today face unique mental health challenges due to social media.

    -Mental health is equally important as physical health.

    -Recovery from mental health conditions is possible with support.

    -Willpower alone does not cause or cure mental illness.

    -Open conversations about mental health can reduce stigma.

    -Seeking help should be a stress-free process.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Myths

    02:01 Understanding Mental Health Conditions

    05:25 The Impact of Genetics and Environment

    07:19 Debunking Violence Myths

    07:26 Therapy: A Tool for Everyone

    11:40 Mental Health in Children and Teens

    15:11 The Importance of Treatment and Support

    15:19 Understanding Anxiety Management

    18:39 The Importance of Mental Health

    20:57 The Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

    23:23 Normalizing Mental Health Conversations

    25:59 Navigating Mental Health Support

    26:19 Debunking Myths About Mental Illness

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    30 mins