Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Latest Episodes:

Redefining Mental Health Support for Young Women with Elyse Fox Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Depression is a very real situation, and we all need a safe space where we can go, speak honestly about what we may be going through, and get the healing and coping tools we deserve. Young people, including young women, are finding themselves in need of support, direction, and guidance. Having access to these tools can be the difference between living and just existing … and there is a difference.

“If you look at the wellness space as a whole, how many wellness spaces or communities can you name for men?” (Elyse), 4:28

My guest today is Elyse Fox, a woman blessed with many talents. From directing to activism to being a recognized tastemaker, to say her plate is full would truly be an understatement; it’s running over! Elyse is also the Founder of Sad Girls Club: an online platform and real-life platform designed to help young women facing mental illnesses. It’s an amazing undertaking and one that helps those suffering throughout the world find the support they so desperately desire. Today, we get deep with Elyse on a number of different topics as she shares her amazing journey.

“Delivery is really key too; especially in the moment.” – (Elyse), 12:59

It’s a challenging world out there, but Elyse wants young women who are struggling with mental health issues to know that they don’t have to go it alone. If you’re a young woman traveling this road or you know one who is, this is an episode that has to be experienced. The conversation is equal parts broad and informative and guaranteed to give listeners the push they need to move toward the healing they deserve! Don’t miss out on this life-enhancing discussion!

“When people see numbers/statistics on mental health it’s easy for them to digest.” – (Elyse), 38:29

In this episode:

(1:45) – The importance of branding and fonts on her website.
(3:10) – Comedy and mental health go hand in hand.
(3:33) – Danny tells of his therapist and the volume of comedians she treats.
(4:09) – Danny explains why he started the show.
(4:27) – Gender wellness states are compared.
(4:48) – Elyse shares her views on men and mental health.
(5:49) – Men and the lack of true support systems.
(6:11) – Elyse relays the myth that men can’t cry.
(7:04) – Danny discusses the danger of self-diagnosis.
(7:14) – The fad of mental health being sexy.
(7:55) – The troublesome reality is that mental health is viewed as trendy.
(8:54) – Danny discusses the pain of hearing a friend disclose their depression.
(9:47) – Elyse says acting with depression is a must.
(10:40) – Sometimes it’s about being listened to, not solving the problem.
(11:10) – Danny speaks about how he handles problems his wife brings to him.
(12:20) – Knowing how to address a woman when she’s being challenged matters.
(13:04) – Delivery makes all the difference according to Elyse.
(14:40) – Elyse opens up and says motherhood was scary.
(18:00) – Motherhood was not the plan, but she wouldn’t change a thing.
(18:44) – Postpartum depression on top of her depression for Elyse.
(19:35) – Therapy was her saving grace.
(20:29) – Danny moves the conversation to Conversations With Friends.
(23:15) – The impact of feedback on her film is discussed.
(24:20) – Elyse discusses how she handles her son when he’s having a moment.
(25:40) – Elyse teaches her son to communicate anxiety and express his feelings.
(26:15) – The ‘being black in America' conversation Elyse will have with her son.
(28:31) – Danny and Elyse discuss her abusive past relationships.
(29:02) – When Elyse knew she was tired of being in abusive relationships.
(31:03) – Danny discloses why men stay in bad relationships.
(31:31) – Sad Girls Club isn’t just for females.
(33:41) – The difference being in nature can make on your mental state.
(36:25) – The importance of having resources on the Sad Girls website.
(37:17) – The candles on the website and Elyse discusses her favorite.
(39:31) – Relationship advice from Elyse.
(40:41) – The power of “I” statements.
(40:50) – The value of friends who can check in on you.
(45:31) – Mental health wasn’t discussed when Elyse was a child.

Our Guest

Elyse Fox is a director, activist, and tastemaker living in New York City. She’s been featured in a number of publications including Vogue Magazine, Forbes, and Broadly to name a few. Through her efforts to create access and community within the mental health world, Elyse has partnered with Nike, Harvard University, The U.S. Intelligence Community, Instagram, and many more. Her mission is to connect communities, spread awareness, and provide access to resources through vulnerability, gathering, and storytelling.

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Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

Elyse Fox

Finding Support and Healing in Difficult Times with Dr. Ali Mattu Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Life can be a challenging space to navigate. With all of the ups and downs, twists, and turns, sometimes it’s hard to figure out whether you’re coming or going. Here’s the thing to remember when you find yourself trying to find your way through one of those situations; you’re not alone.

“People see ‘Doctor’ in front of your name and forget that you guys have feelings too.” – (Danny), 3:14

My guest today is a man who felt so knew so many were suffering, feeling alone and as if they had no way to cope … so through the power of social media, he gave them one. On this episode, I sit down and talk with renowned psychologist and content creator, the one and only Dr. Ali Mattu. Dr. Mattu specializes in mental health disorders and his online presence has become a beacon of light for many sufferers around the world who simply can’t afford to get the help they need. He’s an amazing man with a heart for people that comes through from the moment you first hear his voice. Our conversation runs the gamut and touches on suicide, a topic so many of us fear, but so many of us need to discuss.

“The hardest thing about being a therapist is how lonely it can get.” – (Dr. Mattu), 16:57

If you’ve been looking for a way to cope and get answers to some of the pressing questions that have for far too long kept you awake at night, this episode will speak directly to you. This is an episode that was designed with you in mind and one you won’t want to miss.

“One person cannot and should not be your sole source of support for everything.” (Dr. Mattu), 37:02

“People who are suicidal aren’t just suicidal once.” – (Dr. Mattu), 50:45

“You never know in a conversation when you stumble upon someone’s trauma.” – (Dr. Mattu), 1:05:22

In This Episode:

(3:30) – Dr. Mattu discusses how he balances patient challenges with his own emotions.
(5:00) – No matter what the profession is, people bring issues, and we have to figure out how to manage them and their issues.
(6:11) – Self-care is part of his practice as it allows him to take care of his patients.
(9:40) – The beauty and value of community colleges.
(10:10) – Dr. Mattu found himself after transferring to a 4-year university.
(11:34) – The balancing act of being a doctor and content creator.
(12:42) – Dr. Mattu shares why he began making content.
(13:02) – How the higher-ups felt about his content creation mechanism.
(14:27) – The importance of putting yourself out there becomes apparent.
(16:57) – The loneliness of being a therapist.
(18:45) – A day in the life of a therapist.
(20:58) – Striking the balance between what to share and what not to share with your partner.
(21:52) – Danny asks when and where to share his daily challenges with his spouse.
(26:37) – Being brave in relationships is important according to Danny.
(27:20) – The importance of checking in when you’re sharing panic experiences with your significant other.
(33:47) – Learning to lean on his professional colleagues during tough times.
(35:25) – There’s trial and error involved with finding your support system.
(38:45) – Sometimes you just need your feelings validated.
(40:00) – The conversation moves to the topic of suicide.
(41:12) – Danny discusses in-patient suicide and how it impacted his life.
(41:44) – Dr. Mattu and losing his brother to suicide.
(44:00) – No matter what you’re going through, Danny expresses the importance of finding levity.
(45:00) – The range of emotions a person goes through when death happens.
(47:45) – Dr. Mattu goes back and remembers incidents with his brother.
(50:34) – The times Dr. Mattu saved his brother but had no idea he was actually saving him.
(53:15) – Dr. Mattu shares the dream he had about his brother.
(55:56) – Sorrow will always be present, but guilt isn’t necessary.
(1:01:58) – The complicated grief process that comes with losing a loved one to suicide.
(1:05:20) – When parents lose children, what happens in the aftermath?
(1:07:12) – Dr. Mattu shares grounding methods.
(1:11:12) – Patient experiences with grounding.
(1:17:00) – Comparing yourself to people who are on the next level.

Our Guest

Dr. Ali Mattu became an expert at treating anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and body-focused repetitive behavior disorders using cognitive behavioral therapy. He was trained as a child clinical psychologist and specialized in adolescent and young mental health. In 2020, Dr Mattu shifted his focus to creating media for those who cannot afford effective mental health care. He received his B.A. from UCLA where he majored in psychology and minored in Asian American Studies. Dr Mattu received his PhD in clinical psychology from The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. and completed a doctoral internship at the Bellevue Hospital Center and a post-doctoral fellowship at the NYU Langone Medical Center’s Child Study Center. He is a loving father and husband who resides in the Bay Area.

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Ali Mattu

The Road to Overcoming OCD with Amanda Petrik-Gardner Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

There’s a lot of conversation about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), some real and some of it is just talk. But no matter where the conversation falls or the parties involved, OCD is a very real situation. It can take over your days, limit your existence, and have a profound impact on your overall quality of life.

“My professional opinion is that OCD is under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed all the time.” (Amanda), 1:38

My guest today is Amanda Petrik-Gardner. Amanda knows a lot about OCD, how to detect it, and most importantly, how to help victims build strategies to overcome it. Her practice spans the nation and over the course of her career, she’s seen, heard, and helped with it all. Today, she stops by to discuss OCD, debunk myths surrounding it, and talk to us about why the time has come for our world to begin opening up and getting real about our mental health.

“One of the beauties of mental health is that it does not discriminate.” (Amanda), 6:08

OCD is real, but so are the treatments that help sufferers overcome it. If you’ve been diagnosed with OCD or any other condition that falls on the spectrum, this show is for you. If you think you may have this disorder, listen to it, make an appointment with a specialist, and boldly seek the help you deserve. This is an amazing conversation that focuses on a truly debilitating condition and one that will help you become your best version! Amanda Petrik-Gardner … today on Off the Cuff!

“When we start living in this imagined story that’s not even happening, we start acting on it.” (Amanda), 14:17

“Don’t rely so much on what everybody tells you to do. Find out what works for you.” (Danny), 33:03

In This Episode:

(1:30) – Is OCD over or under-diagnosed?
(2:10) – Amanda debunks stereotypes surrounding OCD.
(2:32) – Danny discusses his classmate who had OCD/Repetitive Behavior as a child.
(3:22) – Amanda reveals that clinicians often have trouble understanding the concept.
(4:18) – There is no link between OCD and violence.
(4:50) – A person with OCD is the least likely to harm someone because the thought actually scares them.
(6:30) – Amanda discusses her childhood and knowing what she wanted.
(6:53) – Understanding that some therapists go into a field because they didn’t get the help they needed.

(9:30) – Everybody has intrusive thoughts, but not everybody has OCD.
(10:35) – Amanda discusses the two OCD models.
(11:57) – Your brain creates stories, and they happen rather quickly.
(14:47) - Amanda assures listeners doubts aren’t concerns.
(15:02) – The percentage of people born with OCD and the genetics of it.
(17:09) – Danny opens the floor to traumatic brain injuries and OCD.
(18:33) – Athletes are among the most OCD diagnoses.
(19:13) – The Nomar Garciaparra Experience.
(19:43) – Routines can become OCD.
(20:21) – No direct correlation between addiction and OCD.
(21:25) – Amanada discusses the hierarchy of disorders.
(23:52) – Danny gets blunt about OCPD’s.
(25:30) – Amanda goes deeper into her childhood and early story and how the family doesn’t talk about mental health.
(28:00) – Amanda reveals that OCD can be mental or physical.
(29:13) – Thoughts on people who self-diagnose.
(30:33) – The idea of treating OCD without therapy is discussed.
(32:40) – The importance of OCD homework.
(34:03) – Can OCD be a positive?
(37:54) – Exposure Therapy for OCD
(40:50) – Danny discusses the increased popularity of CBT.
(41:40) – The topic of Harm Obsession is discussed.
(43:00) – Amanda offers listeners guidance on how to work through Harm Obsessions.
(43:52) – How OCD looks in children.
(44:54) – When should you seek treatment for OCD?

Our Guest

Amanda Petrik-Gardner is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who works with individuals throughout the nation to uncover and help them live through their conditions. She specializes in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. Her approach helps those struggling with intrusive, unwanted thoughts by engaging in compulsions to help alleviate whatever anxiety is causing them to struggle. Her hands-on philosophy helps her patients get to the heart of their disorder in a manner that empowers them to live richer, fuller lives. If you’re stuck, Amanda will work to get you unstuck, and moving in the right direction.

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Amanda Petrik-Gardner

Danny Opens Up: A Mental Health Journal Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

Fresh off his European trip, Danny sits down and takes listeners through what can best be described as a mental health journal. He shares some of the challenges and fears he faced while on the road and strategies he used to reset upon return.

“I think I have a love/hate relationship with the word influencer.” – (Danny), 1:43

As is always the case, Danny gets very transparent with the listeners in a way that is cleansing for him and healthy for all of them. He opens up about rehab and how it unfortunately has been stigmatized as a place you can only go when you’ve hit rock bottom, the need for each of us to put our needs first at certain points along with the incredible healing power of video games.

“I just enjoy the smaller things in life. I think it’s because I’ve been through so much with anxiety and panic.” – (Danny), 6:03

This episode also touches on health as Danny reveals that one of his goals is to get his under control so that he can live longer and live better. Speaking of life, he reminds us that one day in our lives, every person on this planet will leave this one at some point which is why it’s important to live it to the fullest! ‘Don’t wait, start now’ is his life mantra and he implores listeners to adopt this same approach. Resetting, understanding the power of now and so much more are all here in this powerful episode that you simply can’t afford to miss!

“Life is all about resets; resetting life.” (Danny), 7:58

“If I go out of my way to get as healthy as possible, those trips to the doctor will be cut in half.” (Danny). 10:29

“Anything in this life worth going for requires work.” (Danny), 12:24)

In this episode:

(1:06) – Danny on his European trip.
(1:29) – Danny discusses coming to grips as an influencer.
(2:04) – The difficult times of being away from home are discussed in a very transparent moment.
(2:43) – Danny reveals the loneliness of his profession.
(3:25) – The alone time in London was even more challenging as Danny fell ill.
(4:08) – He was sick off his feet in Northern Ireland, but the show had to go on.
(5:00) – How video games impact his mental health.
(5:20) – The escape video games offer can’t be beaten.
(6:10) – Dreaming about going back to rehab when he was in Europe.
(6:31) – Danny shares that he thinks rehab gets a bad rap.
(6:50) – Rehab can be a great recalibration tool.
(8:07) – Sometimes life calls for you to be selfish.
(8:36) – Danny reveals that his eating habits must change.
(9:00) – He has to get his life and body back within the next few months.
(9:30) – The sad goal of losing weight.
(10:13) – The Health Anxiety Monster.
(10:40) – It’s okay to admit you don’t have control over certain parts of your life.
(11:47) – Danny shares that we’re all works in progress.
(12:02) – Seeing the fruits of labor makes it all worthwhile.
(13:00) – Death is inevitable so why not give it your all?
(14:08) – Don’t wait for whatever you want, do it now.
(14:40) – Danny wishes he wasn’t a procrastinator.
(14:58) – The power of now and the power it wields are discussed.
(16:00) – Concerns about his body and the need to exercise.
(16:44) – The curse of being an athlete.
(18:13) – The mystery of BMI.
(19:00) – Danny shares his reasons for wanting to get into shape.
(19:46) – Seeing the elderly having a quality of life and how it makes Danny feel.

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The Best of Off The Cuff Part 4 Oct 18, 2023

Show notes

A true gift is the best way to describe Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore. The show is a gift to the listeners with each guest playing a pivotal role in the success of the podcast and the many ways it has helped to shape people’s lives.

As we review the many people and places we’ve gone, we’re featuring clips with Tristan Mack Wilds of The Wire on the challenges he faced playing the seminal role of Michael and how that role shaped his career. We’ll hear from the amazing Peter Ruppert on certainty, making decisions, and understanding how to navigate anxiety. We catch up with Ben Nemtin as he shares perspectives on life, death, and the importance of being around people who inspire him and The Bucket List Journal. Dr. Sasha Hamdani offers insights into the struggles of living with ADHD, treatment options, and how it impacts each individual differently. Nick Thompson comes through and provides insights into the real-life rigors of being a reality television star and life after. JB Copeland opens up about his journey from star athlete to a youth pastor, struggling with addiction. Kati Morton shares views on narcissism, BPD (borderline personality disorder), and the truth behind people pleasing.

This is just a glimpse of what you can expect from this groundbreaking offering, designed to help listeners like you become the best version of yourselves. If you’re a long-time listener, thank you, because you’re the fuel that keeps us going. If you’re new, buckle up; the fun is just beginning and you’re in for one incredible ride!

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The Unseen Battle: Mental Health in Sports and Society with Eric Kussin Oct 11, 2023

Show notes

We’ve all got something going on inside, a silent battle that rages that we must deal with at some point. It makes no difference what a person looks like on the surface, or the mask they wear, everyone, even the person who looks, acts, and speaks like there’s nothing, has something, if we’re ever honest with one another, that’s the one thing that brings us closer.

“It’s kind of like a club that everyone in the world is a member of they just don’t know it yet.” – Eric, (4:04)

My guest today is Eric Kussin and he’s one of the most fascinating men I’ve ever met. Eric is the founder of #SameHere Global, a non-profit that champions addressing mental health challenges in a strategic manner. In this episode, Eric sits down, and we have a very real conversation about his bouts with mental health, how the system gets it all wrong, and why athletes move past the stigma that keeps them from getting the peace they deserve.

“Emotional pain is cumulative.” – Eric, (8:43)

If you’ve been struggling or fighting a battle that you feel like you can seem to defeat on your own, understand there are solutions to assist you. Listen as Eric candidly speaks about his struggles and the ones he’s seen in others and how these experiences can help you overcome yours!

“Your love of what you do every single day is an escape.” – Eric, (27:24)

“When you’re taught at a young age that there’s this escapism type of tool that you pop that just makes things better, you’re never asked to develop the skill set that allows you to develop the skill set to deal with challenging events.” Eric, (45:11)

In this Episode:

(1:40) – Eric talks about where he is now.
(2:11) – He started the organization as an obligation after he learned about mental health system flaws.
(2:30) – Lessons learned about the non-profit work world.
(3:35) – Eric discusses navigating the different pieces of the business.
(4:40) – Understanding the commonality we all share.
(6:39) – Eric delves into why athletes ignore mental health.
(6:50) – What society told us about mental health and who it’s for.
(8:13) – Eric discloses how athletes mistakenly use on-the-field hurt to mirror off-the-field mental hurts.
(9:07) – The cumulative build of mental health.
(9:52) – Eric discusses the hidden costs of the routines that coaches put players through.
(10:15) – Danny discusses the one thing sports never taught him.
(11:30) – Why athletes can’t be vulnerable about real-life challenges.
(12:40) – Sports documentaries are actually mental health stories.
(13:28) – Insights on Johnny Manziel.
(16:34) – Danny describes the curious case of Jon Jones.
(21:35) – The misses of the Netflix documentary and how they mirror the life of an athlete.
(23:30) – Holding Netflix accountable is something Eric thinks needs to be done with sports documentaries.
(25:33) – Danny discusses how a loss by a favorite team can impact the week.
(26:44) – Understanding the importance or lack thereof of using sports as a release.
(27:55) – Athletes and dealing with the things that really matter.
(29:48) – Eric discusses the addiction to Dopamine and the need to address it.
(32:00) – The need to work on the things you’ve lived through.
(32:30) – The hidden pain of nicknames.
(34:00) – Eric gives his opinion on medication.
(35:15) – The 52 medications Eric tried.
(38:12) – How medication works.
(39:00) – The danger of marketing medication as a cure.
(40:10) – Mental health drugs are not fixers.
(41:41) – Eric talks about why people go to gyms and the cause and effect of it.
(43:22) – Danny believes children of today are overmedicated.
(46:30) – Eric says we’re treating mental health and physical health the same way which is wrong.
(47:10) – Danny says it takes more than just medicine; it takes actual work.
(48:35) – It’s not about being ripped; it’s about being functional.
(55:40) – Eric brings steroids into the conversation.
(56:46) – Stem cells, athletes, and advances in technology.
(58:35) – A theory on why people bully.
(59:32) – The brilliance of Royce White.
(1:00:26) – How the NBA actually talks out of both sides of their mouth.
(1:03:00) – The pros and cons of TMS therapy.
(1:07:33) – The Singlet and repetitive thought patterns.
(1:08:57) – STAR, healing your nervous system through self-healing.
(1:10:36) – Happy isn’t a binary place.

Our Guest

Eric Kussin is the founder of #SameHere Global which brings athletes, celebrities, and expert practitioners together. After a successful career that started at the NBA League Office and led to senior management positions with a number of professional sports teams, Eric’s mental health took a sudden and rapid decline. Due to unresolved personal life traumas, he failed to appropriately address at a younger age – life experiences he was unaware were affecting his mental health – Eric developed a severe bout of PTSD, along with symptoms of anxiety and depression. This fall came essentially “out of nowhere” and left him almost permanently in bed, and with severe cognitive impairment, for just over two and a half years. Once he found a way to climb out of his abyss, he vowed to spend the rest of his life focused on changing the global conversation through mental health advocacy.

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Eric Kussin

Six Rules to Become Your Healthiest Self with Kim Shapira Oct 04, 2023

Show notes

How many times a day do you think about food? For most of us, our next meal is always at the forefront of our minds. It’s true that we need food to live, but what if we found out that we’ve been handling our relationship with food all wrong? Taking it a step further, many of us equate food intake with weight loss. But when it comes to weight loss, what if we found out the amount of sleep we get has as much of an impact as the foods we eat?

“The whole premise of my entire practice is how’s the relationship you have with your body?” – Kim, (10:24)

My guest today is a woman who knows a lot about food, sleep, and how they play off one another when it comes to weight loss and creating the body and life you deserve. She’s Kim Shapira, and over the years she has become one of the most trusted names in the world when it comes to diet and nutrition. In her new book entitled, This is What You’re Really Hungry For: Six Simple Rules to Transform Your Relationship with Food to Become Your Healthiest Self, Kim discusses how to develop a healthy relationship with food that will take your life to another level.

“It’s really hard to lose weight when you’re stressed”. – Kim, (10:51)

Food is our fuel, but understanding how to manage food intake and the emotions behind it is how you become the best version of yourself. If you’ve been navigating this food landscape by yourself all this time and haven’t seen the results you desire, have a seat, listen to Kim, and get the answers you need, and deserve!

“We have to know what’s healthy for your body”. – Kim, (17:04)

“What people are really hungry for is peace.” – (17:54)

In this episode:

(2:45) – Kim discusses her Jewish upbringing.
(3:29) – The importance of sleep is discussed.
(3:55) – Danny reveals his challenges with fatigue and sleep.
(4:40) – The conversation turns to a health session for Danny.
(6:00) – A1C is discussed in-depth, and Danny reveals he was in a bad place.
(7:00) – Danny reveals his lifestyle change.
(8:15) – Kim reveals we need at least 7 hours of sleep and consistent rest to operate at our best.
(8:56) – Sleep corrects everything.
(9:27) – Melatonin is the most powerful antioxidant in our body.
(10:20) – The importance of sleep and weight loss.
(10:57) – Even if you’re not feeling stress, your body can still feel it.
(14:12) – Stress and true hunger.
(14:32) – Debunking food myths.
(14:45) – Kim reveals that people are actually afraid of hunger.
(15:44) – There is no “best” diet for diabetes.
(16:57) – The importance of having your body and mind in the same place.
(17:40) – Eat every 2.5 to 3 hours to balance your blood sugar.
(19:01) – Kim discusses her Six Simple Rules.
(20:01) – Be hungry when you eat and only eat half of what you would normally eat.
(22:24) – No need to wait, we have everything we need right here in front of us.
(22:33) – Eat less, sleep more, exercise more.
(25:00) – Eat what you love, but only eat foods that make you feel well.
(26:47) – Food is fuel, not fun.
(27:50) – Be with the food and enjoy what’s going into your mouth.
(30:39) – Don’t label or sensationalize food.
(32:25) – Weight is important, but body fat percentage is the most important thing.
(33:04) – 10K steps every single day.
(34:23) – The value of walking before and after you eat.
(36:36) – A gallon of water is too much to drink per day.
(37:16) – Drink water and get seven hours of sleep.
(37:44) – The snooze button is your enemy.

Our Guest

Kim Shapira M.S., R.D. is a celebrity dietitian, nutritional therapist, and author, with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Tulane University and a master’s degree in human Metabolism and Clinical Nutrition from Boston University. Kim has spent over 25 years helping people lose weight and keep it off (with a giant emphasis on keeping it off), both in her private Los Angeles practice, in hospitals, sports clinics, addiction centers and universities. When she's not helping her clients take back their relationship with food, she is a wife and mother of three children and three pups. Kim often appears as a guest expert for Yahoo!, Just Jenny, Sky News, Vanity Fair, Pop Sugar, Podcasts, and more.

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Kim Shapira

The Trauma Behind True Crime with Collier Landry Sep 27, 2023

Show notes

When it comes to children, mothers are considered their north star. No matter how old that child gets when times get hard or the waters get rough, that child will always look to their mother to guide them to a safe place. But what happens when your mother is no longer there? What makes matters even worse, what do you do when the person who took your mother … is your father, the one sworn to protect her?

“Something has happened to her. She’s either locked away in a shed somewhere or he’s killed her.” (8:07), Collier

My guest today is Collier Landry. Collier has an amazing story of resilience and perseverance that will inspire you no matter what stage of life you’re in. At the tender age of 11, his father murdered his mother. As a result, the lives of Collier and his younger sister were thrown into disarray. He reveals this amazing story in the 2017 film, A Murder In Mansfield. Today, Collier discusses how he made it through this turbulent time and how others can find a light at the end of any dark tunnel.

“The grass is always greener on the other side, but that doesn’t make it true.” – (49:59), Collier

It makes no difference what you’re going through, there’s always hope if you just keep moving forward. Pull up a chair and listen to this amazing testimony of the human spirit, compassion, and forgiveness, that will help you persevere and find your better place!

“I am grateful for what I went through because it's made me the person I am today. And I genuinely like that person.” – Collier

In this episode:

(2:22) – Collier walks listeners through the murder of his mother by his father in 1989.
(3:18) – Collier confronts his father about the absence of his mother.
(4:31) – The coverup of the crime begins.
(5:38) – His father introduces Collier to his girlfriend who is pregnant.
(6:19) – His mother knew of his father and his philandering but didn’t want Collier involved.
(6:30) – The violation that led to the situation worsening.
(7:00) – The conversation Collier had with his mother about possibly going missing.
(8:27) – Detectives enter the situation and things begin to turn.
(10:20) – Collier begins surveilling his father.
(10:40) – The behavior of his father begins to shift.
(11:21) – Two weeks alone with his father was a living hell.
(13:00) – The two photographs Collier discovers.
(13:51) – The father-son trip to Florida that Collier fears.
(14:50) – Collier realizes his father is on to him.
(17:41) – Guilt begins to creep into the mind of Collier.
(18:28) – The worst asthma attack occurs, and he can’t go home.
(19:34) – Collier hears of his mother’s death.
(20:12) – Collier wishes he was wrong, and discusses the pain of being right.
(20:42) – The grief of knowing his worst thoughts were true.
(21:25) – Collier discusses not knowing what his future will be and testifying against his father.
(22:40) – The pain of being a foster child and poor treatment from his foster family.
(24:45) – Collier reveals where his mother’s body is found under the house where his father and mistress will live.
(26:54) – Collier discusses the miracle of him remaining functional.
(28:10) – The common bond of children who grow up seemingly overnight.
(28:46) – The Murder in Mansfield Documentary is discussed.
(30:55) – Collier pursues filmmaking because he wants the answer as to why his father murdered his mother.
(35:42) – The gift and the curse of discussing his childhood.
(40:00) – The fallacy of true crime podcasts.
(42:12) – Mental illness sufferers often suffer in silence.
(43:06) – You don’t always see the people you impact.
(43:24) – The lessons people receive from Collier reading his father’s letters.
(44:28) – Getting over it just doesn’t work.
(46:28) – The three seconds of the film that earned Collier's respect.
(47:20) – Money doesn’t solve problems.
(48:27) – Collier reviews the true source of being happy.
(50:30) – Possibly writing letters to his mother down the line.
(54:02) – Trauma treatment becomes the topic.
(55:47) – Collier reveals that he still gets triggered.

Our Guest

Collier Landry is a multifaceted artist known for his work as a cinematographer, podcast host, and award-winning documentary filmmaker. He gained widespread recognition as the creator and subject of A Murder in Mansfield, a film directed by two-time Oscar winner Barbara Kopple. Collier's passion for storytelling was sparked by his own traumatic childhood experience: the pre-meditated murder of his mother by his psychopath father. He uses film and podcasting to creatively express and deal with this trauma and as a platform to give a voice to others who have faced similar circumstances. Collier hosts the award-winning Moving Past Murder podcast, which offers his unique perspective on surviving true crime and overcoming adversity. He interviews guests who have experienced or overcome tremendous life challenges and hopes the show serves as a form of therapy and reconciliation for himself and his listeners.

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Off The Cuff

Collier Landry

The Truth about Therapy with Kati Morton Sep 20, 2023

Show notes

There are a lot of stigmas out there and nowhere is there more than when the topic comes to therapy. Over the years, therapy has gotten a bad rap, but here’s the reality of it all. One of the strongest, most empowering things a person can do is recognizing they need help. And, without question, the most powerful thing is reaching out and getting the help they need.

“Bedside manner should definitely be more prioritized in medical school.” – (4:31), Kati

My guest today is Kati Morton. Kati is the author of, Are U Ok?” A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health, and one of the leading voices and most trusted therapists in the nation. Today, we sit down to talk about a host of things including marriage, relationships, friendships, disorders and how our past can impact our present. Kati has seen and done a lot with patients and today, she graciously opens up to help listeners move closer to healing.

“The thing about being a therapist is that it’s not about me.” – (15:06), Kati

Regardless of what it might look like on the outside, none of us have this thing called life all figured out. Clear your mind and open your ears and have a listen to this amazing conversation that will help you get closer to becoming the person you’ve always longed to become!

“A lot of times the problems that we’re having with our partner are problems that we had because of our childhood.” – (18:38), Kati

In this episode:

(1:30) – Katis’ career begins, and she admits she’s still learning.
(2:12) – Imposter syndrome in the beginning of her career.
(3:04) – Being willing to refer someone out is something Kati says is important.
(5:06) – Kati reinforces the importance of having a doctor who cares.
(5:51) – Why doctor’s visits can be challenging for some patients and how to take control of them.
(6:52) – The need to translate medical language into everyday vernacular.
(8:44) – Kati and Danny discuss the bipolar spectrum and the different levels and layers.
(11:16) – Kati defines the so-called, high functioning depressive.
(12:40) – Breakup advice in the therapist kind of way.
(13:42) – Giving couples homework.
(14:41) – When patients break up with a therapist.
(15:37) – Patients and therapists don’t have to be best friends, but they do need to click.
(16:44) – Biggest changes Kati has seen in the mental health space.
(17:45) – The silver lining of COVID as it relates to those in need of therapy.
(19:28) – Earning power friction and insecurities for men.
(19:55) – Admitting to family members that the relationship failed is hard.
(20:33) – The stigmatization of divorce.
(22:34) – Articulating mental health to the layperson.
(23:28) – Views on treating men who have mental health issues.
(30:00) – Challenges with TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injuries).
(31:45) – Exploring the dangers of collision sports, (football, hockey, MMA).
(32:19) – Being able to spot a narcissist.
(35:52) – The exhaustion of people pleasing.
(36:08) – Therapists also need therapy.
(36:23) - The origins of people pleasing.
(37:33) – How men can become better communicators.
(38:23) – Men should check in with their partners daily including calls and touches.
(39:17) – Couples must listen and ask real questions.
(41:59) – Can men cheat and still be in love with his partner?
(43:27) – Ways to regain trust after infidelity.
(45:54) – Why therapists allow you to tell lies.
(46:48) – Being jealous in a relationship, is it normal?
(47:20) – Selfishness in a relationship and how to balance.
(48:01) – Verbal altercations are different than healthy discussions.
(49:05) – Your partner shouldn’t know everything about you.
(49:40) – Your mate shouldn’t be your everything.
(50:45) – Different people to meet different needs is how you build a support system.
(53:01) – Therapists can be human lie detectors.
(57:03) – How to break-up with a friend.

Our Guest

Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after speaker in the field of mental health. With a master’s in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University, Kati has delivered impactful talks at prestigious events and platforms worldwide. Her influential YouTube channel - with over 1.3 million subscribers and 120 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Through her dynamic presence on social media and appearances on top-rated shows such as Dr. Phil, E! News, CBS The Doctors, and The Dr. Drew Show, Kati has successfully spread awareness, reduced stigma, and empowered individuals to prioritize their mental well-being.

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Off The Cuff

Kati Morton

Surviving the Social Media Death Hoax with Josh Seiter Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

Social media is the gift that keeps on giving, but on the other side, social media can also be a curse. It’s addictive and once it sucks you in it can be hard, often impossible to get out. In many cases, it’s how you react to the plethora of platforms at our disposal that determines how well you’re able to navigate this new element of life that looks as if it’s definitely here to stay and not a fad as many would’ve wanted us to believe years ago.

“Is it productive? Is it beneficial to my mental health to obsess about things that happened in the past?” – (2:45), Josh

My guest today is Josh Seiter. Josh is a man who knows a little something about the media, and social media. He recently went through a media storm with stories of his passing making headlines. Lucky for us, and the world at large, he’s still alive, kicking, and championing the virtues of mental health. His struggle is one that will inspire everyone and call you to focus on what, and who really matters in life, even if that person is you: Someone so many of us forget to value.

“Just because people are momentarily interested in you, it doesn't make you better than anyone.” – (7:57), Josh

We’re all going through something and at some point, we all need someone to listen and show us that we matter. Pull up a chair and take a listen as Josh takes us inside his journey to healing, family, finding purpose, and unlocking the incredible man that lives within!

“My self-worth isn’t based on what other people think of me, good or bad.” – (8:40), Josh

“I think the only reason you would want to leave the world is because you feel unloved.” – (21:47), Josh

In This Episode

(1:43) – Josh discusses the social media prank that he was dead.
(3:19) – Putting the social media hack behind him is the best thing for his mental state.
(4:22) – The media onslaught due to the rumors of his passing.
(5:40) – In spite of it all, Josh has chosen to focus on the positive.
(6:11) – The false sense of importance is discussed.
(7:26) – The transition back to relative anonymity.
(8:21) – How humans are always seeking approval from others.
(9:21) – The reality that you’re not going to make everybody happy.
(10:33) – Josh choosing to focus on the good regardless of what others say about him.
(12:49) – Mental challenges began at 15 and he lived in silence.
(13:26) – Three years of law school, but Josh found purpose in mental health.
(14:10) – Josh feels confirmation about his choices when he sees them in writing.
(17:16) – The conversation moves to how he always focuses on negativity.
(18:20) – Restructuring your thoughts and becoming more emotionally mature.
(19:25) – The prospects of celebrity therapists.
(21:00) – Being more receptive of people who don’t meet our norm.
(21:31) – Mental health and suicide common traits.
(21:55) – What led Josh to two suicide attempts.
(22:51) – The importance of having a therapist.
(24:00) – What the future for Josh holds.
(25:00) – Josh says he needs to find purpose daily.
(27:00) – The relationship with God and his past experiences with religion are discussed.
(31:25) – Josh takes everyday as it comes and being bipolar mandates this.

Our Guest

Josh Seiter is a former contestant on The Bachelorette and a reality TV star. He appeared on shows like 90 Day Fiancé and Love After Lockup, becoming known for his TV appearances. In 2015, he joined The Bachelorette but was eliminated early. He’s also an internet personality and cares about mental health. Recently, during Pride Month, Josh shared his true side and came out as homosexual. He told everyone about his new relationship with David, who is an amazing dancer. Josh had some tough relationships with women before, but now he’s happy to be in a healthy and fulfilling partnership with David.

Resources & Links

Off The Cuff

Josh Seiter

https://www.instagram.com/josh_seiter_official/

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