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This episode gives parents of adults with borderline personality disorder insights into the experience of parenting someone with BPD and strategies for supporting their children. When your child struggles with intense emotions, it's heartbreaking for any parent. But when you're a parent of an adult child with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you're walking on eggshells trying not to make things worse. In this episode, Dr. Kibby shares powerful, research-backed strategies for parents of grown children with intense emotions, revealing how your approach can prevent crises from escalating and rebuild vital connections. You’ll discover why family dynamics often reinforce emotional storms, and how shifting your perspective can de-escalate fights before they explode. Dr. Kibby breaks down practical, compassionate tools like validation, boundary-setting, and safety planning—skills that empower you to stay calm and present, even when your loved one is in chaos. Plus, she reveals why involving the whole family system is essential, not just the individual with BPD, and how to handle crisis moments like threats or self-harm without reinforcing harmful behaviors. We’ll also explore the impact of trauma, shame, and guilt that parents carry and how your own mental health is intertwined with theirs. If you’re exhausted by cycles of overwhelm, blame, or hopelessness, this episode is your guide to navigating the unthinkable with clarity and kindness. Perfect for parents, partners, or anyone supporting someone with borderline or emotional dysregulation. Resources: Join KulaMind, Dr. Kibby's support program for parents and partners of people with BPD Book: Stop Walking on Eggshells for Parents: How to Help Your Child (of Any Age) with Borderline Personality Disorder without Losing Yourself

This episode explores the psychology of why we chase emotionally unavailable partners. Are you caught in a cycle of pursuing those who seem just out of reach? In this episode, Dr. Kibby delves into the psychology behind why we chase those who are hard to get. She talks about to main principles that drive this behavior, from behavioral economics to the neurobiology of attachment. She unpacks the attachment patterns that lead to the "pursuit-withdrawal" cycle, where anxious and avoidant attachments clash, creating a loop of emotional highs and lows. Through personal anecdotes and scientific insights, Dr. Kibby reveals how these patterns are rooted in our upbringing and survival mechanisms. Learn strategies to break free from this cycle, including emotion regulation techniques and the importance of secure attachments. Resources: Johnson, S. (2008). Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love. Tatkin, S. (2012). Wired for Love: How Understanding Your Partner's Brain and Attachment Style Can Help You Defuse Conflict and Build a Secure Relationship.

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Cam Caswell, "The Teen Translator," about how to actually connect to your teen who's struggling. Most parents feel powerless when it comes to connecting with their teens (or a loved one that ACTS like a teen), especially when they struggle with anxiety, depression, or other intense pain. In this episode, Dr. Kibby gets golden insights from Dr. Cam, an adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast. The conversation delves into how can you actually support someone who can't handle their emotions, is in distress, but shuts you out? Parents of teens are all too familiar with this dynamic, but so are loved ones of grown adults who have the emotion regulation of a teenager. Dr. Cam reveals that the key to guiding teens isn’t what most of us believe. Instead of controlling or punishing, she advocates for understanding, respect, and building trust, even when your teenager buries their face in their phone. Dr. Cam challenges your assumptions about parenting and equip you with practical, compassionate strategies to foster a secure, trusting relationship with your teen before the storm hits. Imagine transforming the typical power struggle into a partnership based on empathy and understanding. Dr. Cam shares her journey from a communications background to becoming a leading expert in adolescent psychology, and how her insights can help any parent navigate the turbulent teen years. You'll discover how the brain’s development during adolescence makes traditional discipline ineffective, and why connection (rather than control) is the secret to cultivating resilience, independence, and open communication. From setting compassionate boundaries to understanding social media’s role, this episode is packed with actionable advice to foster emotional safety and trust at every stage. This conversation breaks down: Why fear and control undermine your influence and how to replace them with connectionPractical ways to build trust that encourages your teen to share honestly - even during crisesHow to set clear boundaries without punishing, and why respect is the foundation of safetyThe truth about mental health struggles in teens today and how societal stigma and technology impact themSimple daily habits to foster emotional regulation, resilience, and autonomy in your loved onesIn a world full of digital distractions, social pressures, and fears about safety, this episode offers a new blueprint: meet your teen where they are, understand them deeply, and lead with love, not fear. Resources: Dr. Cam's websiteFind her on Instagram: @drcamcaswellPodcast: Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam

This episode explains what schizotypal and schizoid personality disorders are, how they're diagnosed, and what treatments may work. Do you know anyone who marches to the beat of their own drum?...Even drums that no one else can hear? Most people with schizoid or schizotypal personality disorder are misunderstood, yet their unique traits can be seen as adaptive or even vital in the right context. Dr. Kibby challenges the negative stereotypes around these "odd" personalities. In this episode, she delves into the subtle yet profound distinctions between schizoid and schizotypal personalities. She breaks down how schizoid individuals thrive off solitude, resembling the iconic Sherlock Holmes or Mr. Robot. Conversely, schizotypal personalities are more open to connection yet remain anxious and eccentric, exemplified by Luna Lovegood from "Harry Potter." Dr. Kibby walks through key diagnostic traits like ideas of reference, magical thinking, unusual perceptual experiences, and social withdrawal. She discusses how these traits, often misunderstood, are shaped by early trauma, cultural influences, and evolutionary roles.You'll also learn about emerging, promising therapies that focus on social cognition and compassion, offering hope for better integration and self-understanding for those with schizotypal traits. With stories from clinical practice and insights into neurodiversity, this episode invites you to rethink what it means to be "different." Resources: Cheli, S., Cavalletti, V., Lysaker, P. H., Dimaggio, G., Petrocchi, N., Chiarello, F., ... & Goldzweig, G. (2023). A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing a novel compassion and metacognition approach for schizotypal personality disorder with a combination of cognitive therapy and psychopharmacological treatment. BMC psychiatry, 23(1), 113.

This episode describes Paranoid Personality Disorder including how it's diagnosed, how it develops and how its treated. Most people don’t realize how deeply paranoia can shape a person's entire world and how misunderstood this silent struggle really is. In this episode, Dr. Kibby unpacks the complexity of paranoid personality disorder, revealing why so many suffer in silence, feeling unseen and alone. Dr. Kibby dives into real stories, research, and the trauma roots behind paranoia, showing how childhood neglect and trauma can ignite a persistent fear that fuels distrust. She discusses how these traits develop, why they often co-occur with other disorders like borderline or narcissistic personality disorder, and the biological underpinnings (like hyperarousal systems and genetic factors) that drive paranoia. Based on the small literature, Dr. Kibby suggests practical approaches for managing paranoia, emphasizing the power of awareness, small behavioral experiments, and trauma-informed therapies. She shares evidence-based cognitive-behavioral strategies that anyone with paranoid traits can use to challenge their fears, build trust, and slowly open up to connection. This episode highlights that even severe personality traits are malleable and that healing is possible with the right support and understanding. Paranoia isn’t just about distrust- it’s a protective response rooted in trauma and biology. Understanding this can unlock a path toward more connection, more safety, and less loneliness. Resources: Lee, R. J. (2017). Mistrustful and misunderstood: a review of paranoid personality disorder. Current behavioral neuroscience reports, 4(2), 151-165.

This episode explores the psychology behind the manosphere, online communities that promote men's power over women and resources. Most men today feel more disempowered and lonely than ever, despite the world’s vast commitments of power and wealth. In this episode, Dr. Kibby exposes the psychological roots of the Manosphere- a shadowy online movement that preys on young men’s humiliation, disconnection, and search for purpose. If you’re confused by how communities like incels and influencer figures like Andrew Tate manipulate masculinity, Dr. Kibby reveals the compelling truth behind their rise and the real power structures they serve. She uncovers the emotional and societal forces fueling the Manosphere, from the deep shame of rejection and emasculation to misguided evolutionary ideas that frame women as deceivers. This discussion breaks down how online communities exploit feelings of helplessness, offering false promises of dominance, wealth, and instant respect, which are all driven by a culture of humiliation and rage. Dr. Kibby shares eye-opening examples from her own life, including the notorious Neil Strauss “pickup artist” movement to today’s high-profile social media figures, revealing the hypocrisy and hierarchy beneath the chaos. In this episode, you'll discover: The psychological triggers behind men joining the Manosphere, especially humiliation and lonelinessHow these communities distort evolutionary psychology to justify misogyny and power fantasiesWhy top male influencers maintain their dominance while most followers remain stuck in disempowermentPractical strategies for loved ones to support men in leaving these harmful narratives behindThe broader societal implications of online misogyny, from mass shootings to ongoing abuseThe dangers of the manosphere creates a call to action for anyone invested in healthy masculinity and equal relationships. The real power lies in consciousness, community, and genuine respect - tune in to learn how to foster that in yourself and others. Resources: Franklin-Paddock, B., Platow, M. J., & Ryan, M. K. (2025). From privilege to threat: unraveling psychological pathways to the manosphere. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 54(4), 1325-1340.

This episode delves into the silent struggle behind avoidant personality disorder, the crippling fear of rejection, and how treatment is finally making progress. Are you or someone you love trapped in a cycle of loneliness and fear of rejection? Recent research and real-life case studies reveal powerful new insights about avoidant personality disorder, this deeply misunderstood disorder that’s likely more common than you think. Social avoidance is especially common now, as social media and remote life intensify those feelings of inferiority and rejection. In this episode, Dr. Kibby dives into what avoidant personality disorder is, how it’s different from social anxiety, and how core beliefs of inferiority shape every aspect of life and relationships. She discusses how avoidant personality disorder stems from beliefs originating from unmet childhood needs, and how misguided coping mechanisms (e.g. withdrawing, self-criticism, and overthinking) perpetuate emotional pain. Dr. Kibby breaks down the latest research, including a groundbreaking 2024 clinical trial testing cognitive behavioral therapy and schema therapy for this disorder. She shares compelling case examples, illustrating how understanding and gentle, sustained therapy can help individuals slowly soften their defenses, confront their fears, and build genuine connections. If social rejection, shame, and feelings of worthlessness dominate your life or the life of someone you care about, this episode might explain why. Learn about innovative treatment strategies that target the core beliefs fueling avoidant traits and why patience and persistence are essential for lasting change. Resources: Balje, A. E., Greeven, A., Deen, M., van Giezen, A. E., Arntz, A., & Spinhoven, P. (2024). Group schema therapy versus group cognitive behavioral therapy for patients with social anxiety disorder and comorbid avoidant personality disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 104, 102860.Kohli, T. K., Manjula, M., Arntz, A., & Reddy, Y. J. (2026). Schema Therapy for Avoidant Personality Disorder: Working with Dysfunctional Coping Modes. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 02537176261418993.

This episode explains what it means to be diagnosed with a "personality disorder," including how psychologists understand what personality is, when it's pathological, and how clinicians diagnose it. Is "borderline personality disorder" or "narcissistic personality disorder" a fancy term for "toxic"? In this episode, Dr. Kibby dives deeper into the nuanced way psychologists understand personality pathology. She gives an overview of the history of personality disorders and their diagnostic criteria, peeling back the stigma to reveal what’s really happening when someone gets diagnosed. She talks about why these conditions are about persistent, pervasive patterns that impact daily life, not character flaws or moral failures. In this episode, you'll hear: How clinicians differentiate between personality disorders and other mental health issuesThe evolution from categorical to dimensional models in modern diagnostics like the DSM-5The key features that make these patterns impairing and how they develop over timeWhy some people develop personality disordersWhy flexibility and adaptation are crucial for changePersonality disorders are not about being a bad person who can't change- they’re about understanding how complex patterns shape us and learning how to rewire them. Resources: Krueger, R. F., & Hobbs, K. A. (2020). An overview of the DSM-5 alternative model of personality disorders. Psychopathology, 53(3-4), 126-132.Personality Inventory for DSM-5 If you're close to someone with a personality disorder and need support, book a free call with Dr. Kibby to learn more about KulaMind

This episode is a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Avery about why addiction has so much stigma and how that has stopped patients and families from getting real help. Most people still view addiction through a lens of shame and judgment, yet experts like Dr. Jonathan Avery are transforming how we understand and support those struggling. Dr. Avery is Vice Chair for Addiction Psychiatry and Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine, known for pioneering efforts to reduce stigma and elevate evidence-based care. His work has transformed lives and inspired a new approach to addiction globally.He also founded the SAFE Program (Support, Advocacy, and Family Education) to provide evidence-based support to families affected by addiction. Dr. Kibby sits down with Dr. Avery to talk about how his personal experience with family addiction led him to develop groundbreaking programs and research to dismantle stigma, empower families, and open new pathways to recovery. In this episode, we break down: How addiction affects the brain and why stigma persists despite medical advancesThe innovative SAFE program supporting families affected by addictionDr. Avery’s insights on challenging societal judgment and fostering compassionThe role of advocacy, policy, and personal understanding in changing the narrative around substance useHis upcoming book "Thriving with Addiction" and what it reveals about resilience and hope Whether you’re supporting a loved one or seeking deep understanding, this episode is essential listening. This is your chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in addiction psychiatry who shares insights that could change the way you see and support those affected by addiction. Resources: Thriving with Addiction book and podcast with Dr. Jonathan Avery

In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Kibby shares her transformative experience at a healing retreat for breast cancer survivors, centered around a special plant medicine. Can alternative forms of mental health treatment heal wounds that even therapy can't touch? In this episode, Dr. Kibby recounts journey of deep healing through plant medicine, facilitated by a supportive community of women and guided by expert facilitators. Alternative treatments like plant medicine (of all different types) offer new ways of addressing deep trauma. Dr. Kibby participated in a plant medicine healing retreat for breast cancer survivors, organized by The Survivorship Collective. What she thought was going to be just a fun week turned into a life-changing experience. Dr. Kibby talks about the insights she gained about trauma, self-compassion, and the power of collective healing. She delves into the emotional aftermath of her cancer treatment, the unexpected connections between past traumas, and the unique healing potential of plant medicine within a sacred tradition practiced for generations. Dr. Kibby reflects on the importance of setting intentions, embracing vulnerability, and trusting the body's innate ability to heal. Of course, as the field of psychiatry and clinical psychology are excited about the new treatment options- Dr. Kibby also discusses the need for caution. It's important to only engage in treatments that are legal, safe, regulated, evidence-based and monitored by careful medical supervision. Consult with your doctor or other medical provider before making treatment decisions for yourself. Resources: The Survivorship Collective

This episode describes what complex Post Traumatic Stress disorder (cPTSD) is, how it's diagnosed, and how it's different to similar disorders like PTSD and borderline personality disorder. This episode was inspired by the angry comments on Dr. Kibby's latest reel on spotting emotion dysregulation in borderline personality disorder. When someone has a history of childhood trauma and they struggle with intense emotions, self-esteem issues, and relationship problems- what disorder do they have? In this episode, Dr. Kibby delves into the criteria for complex PTSD, which is still not an official disorder in the DSM-V. Yet, so many people struggle with symptoms from long, painful histories of trauma that has shaped their entire lives and personalities. Dr. Kibby also discusses the nuanced differences between Complex PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder, revealing how trauma shapes self-esteem, relationships, and emotional regulation in surprising ways. If you've ever wondered why these disorders often overlap—and how understanding their distinctions can transform healing—you’ll want to hear this. Dr. Kibby shares her own experiences with online criticism around trauma representation, sparking a deeper conversation about stigma and bias in mental health. She dives into the hidden intricacies of CPTSD, explaining why it’s often overlooked in the DSM-5 but recognized worldwide, and how prolonged trauma affects the brain’s ability to process memories, dissociate, and regulate emotions. She also talks about how how trauma, whether overt or subtle, can lead to complex self-protection mechanisms that impact every aspect of life. Then she finishes with listing the best evidence-based treatments, from prolonged exposure to cognitive processing therapy and DBT, tailored for each disorder’s unique challenges. She emphasizes the power of compassion and personalized treatment over stigma, advocating for a mental health field that treats all disorders with empathy and respect. Why diagnosis isn’t about labels- it's a pathway to personalized healing and recovery. Resources: Sarr, R., Quinton, A., Spain, D., & Rumball, F. (2024). A Systematic Review of the Assessment of ICD‐11 Complex Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) in Young People and Adults. Clinical psychology & psychotherapy, 31(3), e3012. Simon, J. J., Spiegler, K., Coulibaly, K., Stopyra, M. A., Friederich, H. C., Gruber, O., & Nikendei, C. (2025). Beyond diagnosis: symptom patterns across complex PTSD and borderline personality disorder. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1668821.

This episode is an interview with Mike Meaney, CEO and founder of One Small Step that provides peer support to people with mental health and addiction crises. He discusses his own personal recovery journey that inspired him to become a certified peer. Most of us underestimate how critical peer support can be in mental health and addiction recovery- until we hear stories like Mike’s, who turned his personal struggles into a groundbreaking platform that saves lives during nights and weekends when traditional help is scarce. In this powerful episode, Mike Meaney shares his deeply personal journey from blackout drinking at 16 to building a platform for certified peer support that’s transforming mental health care. Dr. Kibby and Mike discuss how lived experience combined with innovative technology is closing gaps in access, especially when emergency services aren’t the right answer. Failing to recognize the power of peer support leaves millions vulnerable in their darkest hours, missing out on an accessible, stigma-reducing lifeline. For anyone battling addiction, mental health challenges, or supporting someone who is, this episode reveals a hopeful path forward, grounded in authenticity and innovation. If you’re tired of the same old approaches and want to see how empathy combined with tech can revolutionize mental health care, this conversation is essential listening. Mike Meaney is CEO of One Small Step, a platform dedicated to on-demand peer support supported by clinical supervision, revolutionizing how people access help in their most vulnerable moments. Resources: One Small Step website

In this episode, Dr. Kibby breaks down the psychology behind the "Man-Child Syndrome," when men stay emotionally immature and avoid real responsibility. Do you know a grown man who clearly wants to stay a boy forever? Maybe he's fun, charismatic, adventurous and creative but...he runs away from adulthood. He's afraid of commitment, avoids responsibilities, and expects everyone else to take care of him. If so, you're familiar with the Man-Child Syndrome. Dr. Kibby analyzes the "Man-Child" (also called the "Peter Pan Syndrome") and discusses the tell-tale signs of a man-child, what's underneath the boyish behavior, and how psychological theories explain why he refuses to grow up. At the core of this type of toxic immaturity is the avoidance of the hardships of adult life: the tedious work of building a career, the mundane problems of a serious relationship, and the pain of going out of our comfort zones. The Man-Child runs away from any limitations to his freedom and fun, but that usually means he's taking advantage of someone in the process. This episode also discusses how the Man-Child syndrome is a growing form of narcissism: Men lost in fantasies, too special to suffer like ordinary people, and avoidant of accountability. All of these tendencies point to traits of narcissistic personality disorder, even if it's hard to spot at first. If you're struggling with a man-child and need support, check out KulaMind for real skills and community for dealing with this toxic relationship. Tell us in the comments what you think of the "Man-Child Syndrome"!

This episode shares five mindset shifts that helped Dr. Kibby stop chasing toxic relationships and finally find a real life partner. How do you know when you've found "the one"? Disney movies and rom coms aside, how do we even figure out who should we spend the rest of our lives with? Dr. Kibby breaks down the five giant shifts in perspective that led her to the right husband: choosing a partner who can truly care for you “in sickness and in health,” ending the urge to heal childhood wounds by repeating old patterns, prioritizing someone who will be a strong co-parent, and valuing a partner who can reliably handle life’s logistics. If you’ve felt like you’re parenting a grown adult, walking on eggshells, or stuck in the same exhausting cycle, these shifts offer a practical path out- grounded in therapy breakthroughs, grief work, and different choices from day one. Dr. Kibby shares stories about how and when she made those mindset shifts (including navigating cancer with a supportive partner) and clear criteria to follow in dating. Notice when despair after a fight is really an old wound asking for care- not another round of fixing someone else.

This episode is an interview with Erin Lin, the director of the movie "Rosemead" starring Lucy Liu and Lawrence Shou. How do you turn a haunting true story about family mental illness into a national conversation about stigma? This is the third and final episode of the series diving into the movie "Rosemead," a moving true story about how a Chinese immigrant mother (played by Lucy Liu) faces schizophrenia, stigma, and the fear of becoming a burden. In this episode, director Eric Lin shares how he was able to create such a honest, complex portrait of mental illness in a marginalized family. Eric opens up about seeing his own family dynamics reflected in the script: the pressure to appear strong, the instinct to hide hard truths, and the painful isolation that grows when a community doesn’t have the language or resources to help. We go behind the camera to explore how the team built an honest, human portrayal of psychosis. Eric drew from first-person accounts and documentaries to shape psychotic episodes that feel present yet accessible. That craft choice keeps Joe grounded in our empathy rather than lost in stereotype. We also confront the delicate thread tying public fear of mass shootings to mental illness, and why the film refuses sensational shortcuts while acknowledging a parent’s very real terror. The finale gets the care it deserves: Lucy Liu’s performance arrives in a single, shattering take for the devastating ending. The result is not shock for its own sake, but a moment that honors love, loss, and the cost of silence.  If you care about mental health, immigrant family dynamics, or the ethics of portraying schizophrenia on screen, you’ll find a lot to resonate with. Go see "Rosemead" in theaters so you don't miss being part of the conversation. Resources: Rosemead on IG: @rosemeadfilmErin Lin on IG: @holdtheframeSupport the show If you're navigating someone's mental health or emotional issues, join KulaMind, our community and support platform. In KulaMind, we'll help you set healthy boundaries, advocate for yourself, and support your loved one. Follow @kulamind on Instagram for podcast updates and science-backed insights on staying sane while loving someone emotionally explosive. For more info about this podcast, check out: www.alittlehelpforourfriends.com