Savvy Psychologist

Episoder

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  Imposter Syndrome: why the most competent people doubt themselves most 28.07.2026 17min

  566. You got the promotion, the degree, the recognition — and still you're waiting for someone to figure out you don't actually belong there. That feeling has a name, a neuroscience, and — surprisingly — a silver lining. This week Dr. Judy Ho unpacks imposter syndrome: why even the most confident people feel it, where it shows up beyond the workplace, how it presents differently across genders, and why it might secretly be one of the engines behind your best work. Plus three tools to stop it from running the show.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Adult ADHD: Why so many people are diagnosed late and what actually helps 21.07.2026 19min

  565. You've always been this way. You've just gotten better at hiding it. Adult ADHD is one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions in mental health — particularly in women, high-achievers, and anyone who learned to compensate before anyone noticed. This week, Dr. Judy Ho cuts through the myths, explains how adult ADHD differs from the childhood version, clarifies what the diagnostic criteria actually require, and offers three evidence-based attention-training tools you can start using today.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Which attachment style is running your life? The self-talk that gives it away 14.07.2026 20min

  564. You already know attachment styles exist. But do you know what yours sounds like? In this episode, Dr. Judy Ho goes beyond the quiz results and into the actual self-talk running beneath the surface — the quiet inner monologue that drives your relationship patterns, your emotional reactions, and the way you see yourself. Drawing from her book The New Rules of Attachment, Dr. Judy introduces four renamed attachment styles, their signature self-statements, and three evidence-based tools to start rewriting the operating system.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  What true crime gets wrong about psychopathy — and what you actually need to know 07.07.2026 17min

  563. True crime has made 'psychopath' one of the most recognized — and most misunderstood — words in popular culture. This week, Dr. Judy Ho brings her forensic psychology lens to what psychopathy actually is, the critical distinctions between psychopathy, sociopathy, and antisocial personality disorder, why psychopaths may be hiding in plain sight in corporate boardrooms, and what neuroscientist Dr. James Fallon's accidental self-discovery tells us about the brain behind the behavior.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  You're fine. you're succeeding. you're exhausted. The psychology of high-functioning anxiety 30.06.2026 18min

  562. You're hitting your goals. You're showing up. You're making it look easy. And you haven't had a full night's sleep in months. High-functioning anxiety is one of the most common — and most invisible — experiences in modern adult life. This week, Dr. Judy Ho unpacks what it actually is (and what it isn't), why the people who have it are often the last to get help, and three evidence-based tools to start treating the root rather than just managing the output.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  The psychology of slow living: Why slowing down is actually good for your brain 23.06.2026 18min

  561. People are baking sourdough, taking up needlepoint, going on phone-free walks, and joining knitting circles — and experts say it's one of the healthiest things they could be doing. This week, Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the neuroscience behind the slow living trend: why tactile, analog hobbies are a clinically meaningful antidote to urgency culture and digital burnout, what 'flow state' actually is and how it heals the brain, and how to build your own version of a slower life starting today.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Daddy issues are real: The psychology of father wounds and how they shape us 16.06.2026 16min

  560. 'Daddy issues' gets thrown around as a punchline — but the psychology underneath it is serious, well-researched, and affects people of every gender. This Father's Day week, Dr. Judy Ho reclaims the term and unpacks what paternal attachment wounds actually are, how they shape adult relationships and self-worth across all genders, what 'good enough' fathering looks like neurologically, and three tools for healing — whether your father is still in your life or not.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Life after graduation: The psychology of failure to launch — and how to actually get unstuck 09.06.2026 17min

  559. The diploma is in hand. Now what? For millions of new graduates — and the parents watching from the sidelines — what comes next isn't a launch. It's a stall. This week, Dr. Judy Ho unpacks the psychology of 'failure to launch': what it actually is, why it's happening more than ever, and why the answer isn't pressure or tough love — it's understanding what's really getting in the way. Plus: practical tools for both the young adults who feel stuck and the parents trying to help without making it worse.Expert advice for navigating life after graduation — for new grads and the people cheering them on. From finances and freelancing to nutrition and knowing when to ask for help, find it all in our "Life After Graduation" playlist on Spotify.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  The comparison trap: Why your brain ranks everything — and how to make it stop 02.06.2026 14min

  559. You scroll past a photo of someone's vacation, someone's promotion, someone's body — and something in you quietly deflates. That's not weakness. That's your brain doing exactly what it evolved to do. This week, Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the neuroscience of social comparison — why we do it, why social media has made it exponentially harder to resist, and three evidence-based tools to break the ranking cycle and find your way back to yourself.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Stressflation: What economic anxiety does to your brain — and what to do about it 26.05.2026 15min

  557. Financial stress isn't just about money — it's rewiring your brain. A new term is capturing what 83% of Americans are living right now: stressflation. This week, Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the neuroscience of economic anxiety, why financial stress makes you literally less capable of solving the problem, and three evidence-based tools for protecting your mental health when the economic climate feels out of your control.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  You keep calling everyone a narcissist: What it means vs. just being toxic 19.05.2026 15min

  556. "Narcissist" has become one of the most overused words in pop psychology — applied to anyone selfish, difficult, or emotionally unavailable. This week, Dr. Judy Ho brings her clinical and forensic lens to provide a science-backed take on narcissism. We look at what it actually is, what it isn't, what it looks like in real life and in legal settings, and what to do if you think you're dealing with someone high in narcissistic traits.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  What Bieberchella teaches us about our own views on healing 12.05.2026 19min

  555. When Justin Bieber confronted his past on the Coachella 2026 stage, it did more than just go viral—it acted as a mirror for our own needs. This week, Dr. Judy Ho explores what our reactions to "healing moments" reveal about our own complex emotions. We get into the science-backed difference between a public performance and private progress, offering actionable insights into building emotional fitness without the pressure of a "perfect" comeback.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Why you can't stop people-pleasing (and it's not because you're too nice) 05.05.2026 18min

  554. This week, Dr. Ho reveals that people-pleasing isn't a personality trait—it’s a survival strategy. If you constantly say "yes" while feeling a quiet sense of self-betrayal, you’re likely stuck in the fawn response, a nervous system reflex designed to keep you safe by keeping others happy.Dr. Judy breaks down:Kindness vs. Compulsion: Why true generosity feels good, but people-pleasing feels like fear.The "Social Pain" Connection: How your brain processes rejection exactly like physical injury.The High Cost of Silence: Why "keeping the peace" actually destroys intimacy and fuels resentment.Take Action: Learn three practical tools to break the cycle, including the "Pause Practice" to stop the automatic yes and how to name the specific fears driving your behavior.Stop performing and start being known.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Why you keep getting in your own way: A guide to stopping self-sabotage 28.04.2026 14min

  553. Ever wonder why you stall out just when things are going well? It’s not laziness—it’s your brain’s ancient survival system misfiring. This week, neuropsychologist Dr. Judy Ho breaks down the science of self-sabotage.You’ll learn:The L.I.F.E. Factors: The four core reasons we hold ourselves back.The 6 Thought Triggers: How to spot the mental shortcuts that lead to "misfires."3 Practical Tools: Simple techniques to "rewind the tape" and break the cycle today.Self-Sabotage Assessment QuizStop being your own worst enemy and start turning insight into action.Have a mental health question? Email Dr. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Is this all there is? Turning your existential dread into a clear path forward 21.04.2026 18min

  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. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Passing the baton: Introducing our newest host, Dr. Judy Ho 14.04.2026 19min

  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. Judy's team at at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  Meet Dr. Judy Ho | Official Trailer 10.04.2026

  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.
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  5 Psychological secrets of adulting (Reissue) 08.04.2026 12min

  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 psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  How to stop feeling inadequate (Reissue) 01.04.2026 12min

  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 psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.
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  How to make friends as an adult (Reissue) 25.03.2026 40min

  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 psychologist@quickanddirtytips.comFind 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.