Is this all there is? Turning your existential dread into a clear path forward

552. Have you ever felt a sudden wave of dread and wondered, "Is this it?" If you’re wrestling with big questions about your purpose, you aren’t broken—you’re experiencing a universal part of being human.In this episode, Dr. Judy Ho explains that existential anxiety isn't a malfunction; it's a message from your brain to pay attention to your life. Whether you are navigating a quarter-life crisis, a midlife transition, or a major identity shift, learn how to turn that discomfort into a values-driven path forward.Key insights include:Meaning over pleasure: Why humans are driven by meaning and how "eudaimonic" flourishing is more protective against distress than temporary pleasure.The paradox of choice: How social media and infinite options can paralyze our ability to choose a meaningful life.Values as a compass: Why you should live by your values—which are inexhaustible directions—rather than your fleeting moods or temporary goals. Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Ho at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SavvyPsychologistMore from Dr. Ho on her other channels:Dr. Ho's website, Substack, LinkedIn.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Find a transcript at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

551. In this special "passing of the baton" episode, founding host Dr. Ellen Hendriksen welcomes the newest voice of Savvy Psychologist, Dr. Judy Ho. Dr. Ho is a triple board-certified clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, a tenured professor at Pepperdine University, and the author of "Stop Self-Sabotage" and "The New Rules of Attachment".Together, they dive into the fascinating world of forensic psychology and the critical importance of making mental health research accessible to everyone. Highlights from the conversation include:Behind the scenes in the courtroom: Dr. Ho explains her role as an expert witness and how law and psychology intersect during high-stakes trials.The science of self-sabotage: Discover why self-sabotage is actually rooted in evolutionary biology and protective instincts rather than a desire to fail.Modernizing attachment theory: An exploration of how attachment styles impact adults under stress and the importance of co-regulation.Busting mental health myths: The duo discusses the dangers of toxic positivity and why it is essential to allow space for normal negative emotions like sadness or boredom.The generation gap: Dr. Ho shares her observations on the next generation of thinkers and the trend of over-introspection that can inadvertently lead to negative self-focus.Join us for this insightful transition as Dr. Ho prepares to lead the show into its next chapter.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Ho at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Watch on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SavvyPsychologistMore from Dr. Ho on her other channels:Dr. Ho's website, Substack, LinkedIn.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips. Find a transcript at QuickandDirtyTips.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meet Dr. Judy Ho, your new host of Savvy Psychologist!A clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, tenured professor, and published author, Dr. Ho brings an evidence-based, judgment-free approach to everyday mental health, pop culture, and true crime through a forensic psychology lens.First episode drops on Tuesday!!! Follow or subscribe now so you don't miss the premiere!Watch the official trailer on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyPsychologist Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

242. Whether your graduation is coming up this spring or twenty years behind you, we all have moments when we wonder if we’re cut out for this adulthood thing. This week, based on the questions of many college seniors over many graduations, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen brings you the 5 biggest gems in the psychological crown of adulting.Find a transcript at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

300. Every human feels inadequate sometimes. Whether the whispers of “You’re not good enough” come from someone in your life or from inside your own head, these seven tips will help you feel more self-assured.Find Dr. Jade Wu here.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Almost everybody struggles with it. But no one talks about it. What is it? How to discreetly sniff your own armpits in public? How not to buy the free sample after you just ate three of them? Not quite; it’s the mysterious process of making friends as an adult. This week, in a twist on the usual episode, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen presents an audio excerpt from her debut book, How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety.Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

218. Are you harder on yourself than 40-grit sandpaper? Do you feel like you’re falling short, no matter how high you’ve climbed? Are you tough as nails on yourself, but soft as mashed potatoes with others? Welcome to the esteemed yet insecure club of the highly self-critical.Find a transcript at QuickandDirtyTips.com.Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

228. Hold on to your handbasket! Every day, the headlines push our buttons of alarm, despair, and fury all at once. What’s a thinking, feeling human to do, besides invest in a Hunger Games-style bow and arrow? This week, in an episode that originally ran in January 2019, Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 4 tips to be happy in a world that can feel like a Mad Max chase through the headlines. As true today as the day this episode first dropped!Find a transcript here. Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

192. Whatever you call it—self-doubt, insecurity, inadequacy—it’s a universal phenomenon. We can all relate to feeling as insecure as a newly-launched cryptocurrency. Luckily, there is lots we can do. This week, Savvy Psychologist Dr. Ellen Hendriksen covers how to feel better about yourself in the moment (plus what NOT to do). Find a transcript here. Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. When all that’s left of the fa-la-las is rock-hard fruitcake, the winter blahs creep up, settle in, and hang around until spring. In this episode from the very early days of the podcast (2014!), Dr. Ellen Hendriksen offers 8 tips to deal with the blahs and their more serious cousin, Seasonal Affective Disorder. This classic feels as timely as ever. We hope you enjoy!Find Dr. Ellen Hendriksen on Substack.Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected] Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links:https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.