Stay ConnectedTune in each week for a deep dive into all things OCD with host Dr. Patrick McGrath, NOCD’s Chief Clinical Officer. We’ll be sharing inspiring real-life stories of people who’ve faced OCD and came out the other side, as well as practical tips for understanding and tackling OCD. We hope you enjoy the podcast and it helps you get to know OCD.
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Stanford researcher Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez is at the forefront of OCD treatment and care. In this episode of the Get to Know Podcast, Dr. Rodriguez gives us a look at new treatments for OCD. She tells us what’s still the gold-standard treatment but also new research areas to treat OCD, including improv and psychedelics. If you want a look into the future of OCD treatment, you’re in the right place!
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:14 Carolyn’s background
2:11 What Carolyn’ superpower is
4:07 Being a role model for others
6:40 Helping those with OCD is Carolyn’s passion
9:25 Could MDMA help with OCD?
12:29 Mentors paved the path for Carolyn
15:20 Latest psychedelics research on OCD
19:50 What Patrick learned from a comedy class
21:19 What’s next for Carolyn’s lab and research
24:51 Surgical therapy for OCD
25:43 Overlap between OCD and hoarding disorder
30:02 What Carolyn wants her legacy to be
31:10 Treatment resistance
34:35 Medication for OCD
35:31 Advice from Carolyn
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Chris Trondsen is an OCD advocate in every sense of the word. Not only is he a therapist, but he also serves on the Board of Directors for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). He’s been remarkably open about his lifelong battle with OCD — a journey marked by severe challenges that nearly led to tragedy.
In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, recorded live at the 2024 IOCDF Conference in Orlando, Chris shares a candid, unfiltered look at his struggles and ultimate recovery. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone that feels their OCD is unmanageable.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:50 Chris’ background
3:25 Emergence of OCD and body dysmorphic disorder in Chris
6:27 The OCD subtype that dominated Chris’ early life
9:55 Chris’ compulsions lead to his lowest point
18:04 Recovery wasn’t easy
21:02 Finding out he had OCD
24:01 Why evidence-based care is so important
29:28 Treating OCD as a career
33:01 Chris involvement with OCD SoCal
34:46 Mom saved Chris’ life
40:24 Recognizing Chris’ old self
44:00 A question Patrick has never asked a guest
47:47 Advice to those looking for treatment
50:40 What Chris wants to be remembered for
53:42 Chris’ message to you
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OCD-specialized treatment can make all the difference in recovery, but these days, the word "specialized" gets tossed around way too often. In this special episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we sit down with OCD researcher Uma Chatterjee and NOCD's Tia Wilson to dig into what truly counts as specialized care — and what doesn’t. Hear their candid convo as both share their personal experiences with effective and ineffective treatments for their OCD. This is an eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
2:03 Treatments that didn’t work
8:53 What is specialized treatment
13:14 First line treatment for OCD
21:25 Treatment resistance
28:15 The proven link between OCD and the brain
34:59 Therapist red flags
42:56 Therapist green flag
45:45 What makes the OCD community so unique
54:11 Remembering why you became an advocate
59:54 Favorite therapists
1:11:48 Uma’s message about hope
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Gold medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman spent much of her life chasing perfection. Reflecting on her career as an elite athlete, she now recognizes the impact of undiagnosed OCD: ruminating over mistakes, constantly seeking reassurance, and putting the opinions of coaches, judges, and others above her own.
In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Aly shares the intertwined journey of her athletic career and her journey with OCD. Whether you're a fan of sports, someone navigating the challenges of OCD, or just in need of inspiration, Aly’s story serves as a powerful reminder: OCD does not define your worth or limit what you can accomplish.
Listen in to discover how Aly learned to manage these challenges and become an advocate for the OCD community.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:30 Becoming an OCD advocate
3:10 Aly’s new children’s book
5:33 Aly’s personal OCD experience
11:05 Having OCD while in the public eye
16:50 OCD is not always what’s depicted in the media
20:46 Setting boundaries for yourself
28:58 Having the right therapist for OCD
36:50 OCD is a sneaky condition
40:51 How OCD affected Aly’s gymnastics career
44:20 Talking to medical professionals
49:45 Athletes embracing mental health
51:04 Aly’s advice
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OCD Awareness Month is here, and we’re excited to join forces with the International OCD Foundation to shine a light on what it really means to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In this video, we dive into the myths, the struggles, and the toll OCD takes on people’s lives — and why it’s so important to break the stigma. This month, let’s take the first step together and support those affected by OCD in finding the help they need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Raising awareness for OCD
1:27 OCD myths
3:06 Media portrayals of OCD are wrong
4:27 OCD treatment is available
5:37 Lets break the stigma
6:08 Gold standard of treatment for OCD
6:36 Take the first step
7:24 How do you "get rid" of OCD?
7:54 Join us this month
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Alegra Kastens' world was turned upside down at 19 when a single taboo thought —pedophilic in nature — triggered the onset of her OCD. That one thought spiraled into thousands each day, overwhelming her to the point where she avoided sleep, fearing the torment her dreams might bring.
Now, a decade later, Alegra is 97% better and isn’t shy about sharing her incredible story. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Alegra details her transformation from silent suffering to outspoken advocate. As a therapist and social media voice, she’s breaking the stigma around taboo thoughts, offering hope and insight for those navigating similar struggles.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
2:24 Alegra’s OCD started suddenly at 19
7:31 Alegra didn’t want to treat other’s OCD initially
8:53 Treating taboo thoughts remains touchy
11:03 Link between OCD and eating disorders
14:04 Doubting whether it’s OCD or you’re actually a bad person
16:22 Alegra lived a “double life” with OCD
17:08 Not all OCD is created equal
23:55 OCD makes you question your character
24:45 Why OCD feels so real
30:28 Treating OCD with personal experience
32:29 Lifestyle habits to help with OCD
35:59 Difference from when Algeria’s started to now
37:25 “I have a little OCD too”
38:11 Correcting Dax Shepard on his podcast
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While obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can never truly be healed, it CAN be combated and managed. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath will break down the very top tools for OCD, from therapy to medication to lifestyle choices. He also covers what types of treatments to NOT do if you have OCD.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:04 Exposure and Response Therapy
3:14 Life habits that help
5:05 Medication
7:11 Other types of therapy
10:00 Treatments to avoid
13:39 Get help for OCD
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YouTuber Nicole Rafiee has built a community of over a million subscribers by sharing her life experiences in the only way she can: honestly and with pop-culture references galore. But when she was diagnosed with OCD in 2021, Nicole initially vowed to keep it private. In this interview, she opens up about why she decided to break her silence, the challenges of living with OCD, and how sharing her journey has helped both herself and others feel less alone.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:53 Where Nicole's passion for YouTube started
4:27 When Nicole found out she had OCD
11:05 Lack of a great portrayal of OCD in media
12:38 How cultural identity influenced Nicole’s OCD diagnosis
16:42 OCD “manifesting” worldwide issues
22:16 “What if” ruling Nicole’s life
26:00 Life post-ERP therapy
28:24 No compulsion is ever enough
31:49 Nicole's thoughts have become passing moments
34:09 Being open about OCD on YouTube
39:00 OCD mental compulsions go unnoticed by others
43:18 OCD will never give us the answers we want
43:51 Nicole’s advice for those with OCD
46:51 Outro
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In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we dive into the topic of "autumn anxiety" and how it impacts individuals with OCD. As the year comes to a close, many of us start reflecting on unmet goals and unfinished plans, but OCD has a way of amplifying these feelings. We discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the seasonal changes that affect mood, and offer practical tips for managing OCD during this time of year.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
0:49 Fall-time anxiety
1:41 Unmet goals
2:33 Get outside
3:06 Think about next year's plans
3:55 Mental trick for treating yourself
5:31 Don't use OCD as a motivator
6:22 Celebrate yearly achievements
7:43 A big reminder
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Stuart Ralph is the host of the The OCD Stories podcast — a series that broke ground when it debuted in 2015. Stuart has interviewed almost 500 people for his show, but now we turn the tables and interview him. He talks about having his first intrusive thoughts at the age of 7, almost quitting the podcast, specializing in therapy for adolescents, and more. Don't miss this deep dive into Stuart’s personal journey and professional insights!
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more.
Note: This interview was filmed at the 29th Annual OCD Conference in Orlando.
Show notes:
0:00 Intro
1:39 Stuart’s lived with OCD since he was 7
4:10 OCD Stories podcast broke ground
6:57 What Stuart is up to now
8:05 Treating young people with OCD
9:26 How Stuart uses his own experience to help those with OCD
11:50 How Stuart developed his podcast
15:56 What’s next for the OCD Stories podcast
16:56 Balancing a career and everyday life while having OCD
19:28 Recurring OCD themes Stuart hears on the podcast and while treating others
21:56 Stuart returning to the location where his OCD started
23:16 What people say to Stuart when they meet him
24:33 How Stuart found treatment for himself
26:48 OCD usually doesn’t travel by itself
28:26 Managing crises with OCD
30:50 How Stuart wants to be seen in 25 years
32:49 What does Stuart’s “billboard” say?
33:59 How does OCD affect someone’s ability to love?
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