Life's Dirty Little Secrets Podcast | Breaking Silence Around the Secrets We All Carry

Christopher McCurry & Emma Waddington
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Monthly

We often find ourselves comparing our internal struggles to the flawless images others project, leaving us feeling isolated and misunderstood. But here’s the truth: you are not alone. Join psychologists Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry as they delve into the little-discussed yet incredibly common challenges that come with striving to be your best self. In each episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," you'll find thoughtful conversations filled with insights, humor, and compassion that reflect the beautiful complexity of being human. Together, we’ll explore the raw realities of issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, and the nuanced journey of growing up. Whether it's confronting the pressures of modern life or unpacking emotional baggage, we provide a safe space for you to resonate with these experiences. Our intriguing discussions with expert guests will illuminate your path toward understanding and healing. Tune in for practical answers to your pressing questions, such as: How can I better manage anxiety and stress?What can help me overcome self-doubt?How do I navigate grief and find solace?How does self-compassion play a role in my journey?What steps can I take towards greater emotional clarity?Join us weekly as we embrace the messiness of life and uncover the secrets that bind us together. With every episode, you’ll feel empowered, understood, and reminded that it’s perfectly okay to not have it all figured out. Together, let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and compassion—because we all have secrets, and it’s time to share them.

  1. 1d ago

    Secret #83: Sleep Myths with Dr. Sue McCurry

    Recommended EpisodesSecret #80: The Anxiety Advantage with Dr. Tracy Dennis-TiwarySecret #65: The Self-Help Paradox with Joe OliverSecret #79: Fierce Compassion with Dr. Dennis TirchWhy do we put so much pressure on ourselves to sleep? From sleep trackers and wellness trends to headlines warning us about the dangers of poor sleep, many of us have come to believe that sleep is something we should be able to control. But according to behavioral sleep medicine expert Dr. Sue McCurry, that's one of the biggest myths about sleep. Chris and Emma sit down with Dr. McCurry to explore what actually drives healthy sleep, why waking up during the night isn't always a problem, and how anxiety about sleep often becomes the very thing that keeps us awake. They discuss the history of human sleep, common misconceptions about insomnia, the science behind Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), and practical ways to create the conditions for better rest without trying to force it. Whether you're struggling with insomnia, navigating menopause, parenting young children, or simply wondering if you're getting enough sleep, this episode offers a reassuring and evidence-based perspective that may completely change the way you think about sleep. Key Takeaways Sleep cannot be forced, only supported.  Waking during the night is more common than many people realize.  Anxiety about sleep often becomes the biggest barrier to sleeping well.  Consistency is more important than chasing a perfect number of hours.  Sleep trackers can sometimes increase stress rather than improve sleep.  Good sleepers still have occasional bad nights.  CBT-I focuses on changing habits, thoughts, and behaviors rather than forcing sleep.View extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    1h 1m

  2. Jun 18

    Secret #82: Why We're So Mean to Ourselves with Holly Yates & Shawn Costello Woolley

    Recommended Episodes Secret #72: Transforming Guilt and Shame with Carolyn AllardSecret #79: Fierce Compassion with Dr. Dennis TirchSecret #65: The Self-Help Paradox with Joe OliverWhy are we so much harsher with ourselves than we are with the people we love? In this episode, Holly Yates and Shawn Costello-Whooley join Chris and Emma to explore the powerful role of the inner critic. Together, they unpack where self-critical thoughts come from, why they often masquerade as protection, and how they can quietly shape our relationships, confidence, and sense of self-worth. Drawing from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), compassion-focused approaches, and their new book The Inner Critic Workbook, Holly and Shawn explain how self-criticism often develops as an attempt to keep us safe, connected, and accepted. The conversation explores shame, belonging, perfectionism, social comparison, parenting, and the courage required to respond to ourselves with kindness rather than cruelty. This episode offers practical tools for recognizing your inner critic, understanding its function, and developing a healthier relationship with the thoughts that tell you you're not enough. Key Takeaways  The inner critic often develops as a misguided attempt to protect us.  Shame thrives in secrecy and disconnection.  Self-compassion is not self-indulgence or letting yourself off the hook.  Values can help distinguish between a helpful coach and a harmful critic.  Responding is different from reacting.  Connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to shame.  We can learn to relate differently to self-critical thoughts without eliminating them.View extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    50 min

  3. Jun 4

    Secret #81: The Help You Won't Ask For with Dr. Jill Stoddard

    Recommended Episodes Secret #12: Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Jill StoddardSecret #73: Confidence with Michael HeroldSecret #80: The Anxiety Advantage with Dr. Tracy Dennis-TiwaryWhy is asking for help so hard? For many people, needing support feels like failure. Whether it's therapy, medication, weight loss surgery, or asking others for assistance, we often carry the belief that we should be able to do everything on our own. In this candid conversation, Dr. Jill Stoddard shares her lifelong struggle with body image, dieting, and shame. She discusses the decision to pursue weight loss surgery, the judgment she faced afterward, and why society often labels support as "cheating." Together, Chris, Emma, and Jill unpack the complicated intersection of weight, identity, appearance, values, and cultural expectations. They explore the role of uncertainty, discomfort, self-compassion, and psychological flexibility in creating lasting change. Ultimately, this conversation isn't really about weight loss—it's about giving ourselves permission to ask for help, challenge shame, and pursue the life we want without needing anyone else's approval. Key Takeaways  Asking for help is not weakness—it is often wisdom.  Weight loss tools, medications, and surgery are not "cheating."  Shame often drives unhealthy relationships with food and body image.  Values provide a more sustainable path than willpower alone.  Learning to tolerate discomfort is essential for long-term change.  The goal isn't perfection—it's psychological flexibility.  We can support others without judging the choices they make for their bodies. View extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    47 min

  4. May 21

    Secret #80: The Anxiety Advantage with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary

    Recommended Episodes Secret #50: Happy High Achievers with Dr. Mary AndersonSecret #57: Conflict Resilience with Bob Bordone and Dr. Joel SalinasSecret #73: Confidence with Michael HeroldWhat if anxiety isn’t the enemy we think it is? In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary challenges the modern belief that anxiety is something to eliminate, suppress, or “fix.” Instead, she reframes anxiety as an essential human emotion that helps us prepare for uncertainty, pursue meaningful goals, and navigate life with courage and hope. Chris and Emma explore why we’ve become increasingly intolerant of discomfort, how avoidance fuels chronic anxiety, and why emotional resilience requires learning how to move through difficult feelings rather than around them. The conversation also explores parenting anxious children, performance anxiety in athletes, social support, and the powerful difference between fear and anxiety. This episode offers a compassionate and practical framework for understanding anxiety differently and for building a healthier relationship with discomfort, uncertainty, and emotional struggle. Key Takeaways Why anxiety is essential for growth and resilienceThe difference between fear and anxietyHow avoidance fuels chronic anxietyWhy emotional discomfort builds psychological flexibilityHow the “3Ls” framework helps manage anxietyView extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    45 min

  5. May 7

    Secret #79: Fierce Compassion with Dr. Dennis Tirch

    Recommended Episodes: Secret #56: Spirituality with Dr. Matthieu Villatte Secret #65: The Self-Help Paradox with Joe Oliver Secret #72: Transforming Guilt and Shame with Carolyn AllardWhat if compassion isn’t about being kind or soft, but about becoming stronger and more courageous? In this episode, Dr. Dennis Tirch challenges common misconceptions about compassion and introduces a more powerful and grounded understanding. Compassion is not about avoiding discomfort or being agreeable. It is about developing the strength to face suffering, set boundaries, and act in alignment with what truly matters. This conversation explores how compassion relates to fear, threat, and safety, and why it can be so difficult to embody in everyday life. From parenting and relationships to therapy and cultural divides, this episode offers a deeper, more honest look at what it really means to live with compassion. Key Takeaways Why compassion is often misunderstood as weaknessThe connection between compassion, courage, and psychological flexibilityHow the threat system limits empathy and perspective-takingWhy real compassion includes boundaries and strengthHow to train compassion through perspective-taking and awarenessView extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    54 min

  6. Apr 24

    Secret #78: The Healing in Horror Films with Dr. Amy Beddows

    Recommended Episodes Secret #26: Victim Blame with Dr. Amy Beddows Secret #74: The Cost of Pretending with Jonathan Kanter Secret #72: Transforming Guilt and Shame with Carolyn AllardWhy are people drawn to horror, especially those who have experienced trauma? In this episode, Dr. Amy Beddows explores the surprising connection between horror films and healing. What seems counterintuitive at first actually reveals something deeply human. Horror can provide language for the unspeakable, offer a sense of control, and create space to process experiences that are otherwise difficult to articulate. This conversation challenges the stigma around horror and reframes it as a meaningful psychological and cultural tool. From catharsis and metaphor to social connection and survivor validation, this episode opens up a new way of understanding both trauma and the stories we tell about it. Key Takeaways Why horror can help process trauma and difficult emotionsHow horror provides language for the unspeakableThe role of metaphor and representation in healingWhy horror can create validation for survivorsHow culture and society shape the horror we createView extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    54 min

  7. Apr 9

    Secret #77: The Paradox of the Overwhelmed with Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd

    Recommended Episodes Secret #76: AgeismSecret #75: Impossible MasculinitySecret #72: Transforming Guilt and ShameWhy does it feel like no matter how much we do, it’s never enough? In this episode, Kerry Makin-Byrd breaks down the paradox of overwhelm and why so many of us feel stuck between doing too much and still feeling like we’re falling behind. We explore the difference between stress, burnout, and overwhelm, and why overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do. Kerry introduces a practical framework to navigate overwhelm in real time, helping us understand how our nervous system, environment, and expectations all contribute to feeling overloaded. This conversation is both deeply validating and immediately actionable for anyone feeling stretched too thin. Key Takeaways What overwhelm actually feels like in the body and mindThe difference between overwhelm, burnout, and stressWhy burnout is often driven by systems not individualsHow to soothe, transcend, and move through overwhelmWhy doing more is often the trap that keeps us stuckView extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    45 min

  8. Mar 26

    Secret #76: Ageism wtih Claudia Drossel

    Recommended Episodes Secret #72: Transforming Guilt and ShameSecret #74: The Cost of PretendingSecret #75: Impossible MasculinityWhat if aging isn’t the problem—but our beliefs about aging are? In this episode, we discuss ageism with Dr. Claudia Drossel. Together, we explore how aging is often misunderstood as decline, when in reality many of the challenges we associate with aging are shaped by cultural bias, environment, and access to support. This conversation reframes aging as a form of diversity, challenges common myths about loneliness, health, and capability, and explores how our environments, relationships, and societal structures influence quality of life across the lifespan. We also examine how subtle forms of ageism show up in everyday language, healthcare, and social systems—and what we can do to change them. Key Takeaways Why ageism is one of the most overlooked forms of biasThe difference between aging and diseaseHow culture shapes our experience of getting olderWhy quality of relationships matters more than quantityHow to create more inclusive, intergenerational communitiesView extended shownotes here ORDER Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook series for kids)ORDER Justin Case Sits with Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)ORDER The Glumm Twins Unhook from Sadness: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12 (ACT Workbook Series for Kids)

    48 min
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About

We often find ourselves comparing our internal struggles to the flawless images others project, leaving us feeling isolated and misunderstood. But here’s the truth: you are not alone. Join psychologists Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry as they delve into the little-discussed yet incredibly common challenges that come with striving to be your best self. In each episode of "Life's Dirty Little Secrets," you'll find thoughtful conversations filled with insights, humor, and compassion that reflect the beautiful complexity of being human. Together, we’ll explore the raw realities of issues like anxiety, depression, self-esteem, grief, and the nuanced journey of growing up. Whether it's confronting the pressures of modern life or unpacking emotional baggage, we provide a safe space for you to resonate with these experiences. Our intriguing discussions with expert guests will illuminate your path toward understanding and healing. Tune in for practical answers to your pressing questions, such as: How can I better manage anxiety and stress?What can help me overcome self-doubt?How do I navigate grief and find solace?How does self-compassion play a role in my journey?What steps can I take towards greater emotional clarity?Join us weekly as we embrace the messiness of life and uncover the secrets that bind us together. With every episode, you’ll feel empowered, understood, and reminded that it’s perfectly okay to not have it all figured out. Together, let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery and compassion—because we all have secrets, and it’s time to share them.

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