Shrinks on the Brink

Austin and Kellie
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Shrinks on the Brink is a mental health podcast where Kellie and Austin talk life, burnout, and the beautifully messy in-between - all with a dash of humor, a heap or honesty, and the occasional "wait, should we be saying this?" Because yes, we're licensed... but we're also low key losing it.

  1. 2d ago

    Same Parents, Different Childhoods

    What happens when four sisters who grew up in the same family sit down and compare notes? In this special girls' weekend episode, Austin and Kellie bring their sisters along for an unfiltered conversation about growing up together, remembering things differently, sibling dynamics, family roles, and the ways our childhood experiences can shape who we become. It's lighter than our usual episodes, but there's still a little psychology sprinkled in - because we are therapists, after all. Expect stories, disagreements, laughter, and probably a few revelations along the way. Same parents. Same family. Completely different experiences.

  2. Aug 11

    When Everyone said this would be the Happiest Time: The Postpartum Experience

    CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses postpartum mental illness, postpartum psychosis, suicide, and the deaths of children. In this episode of Shrinks on the Brink, we’re having a difficult but incredibly important conversation about postpartum mental health, inspired by the Lindsay Clancy case. We’re not here to diagnose Lindsay, determine her mental state, or debate her legal responsibility. Instead, we’re using the public conversation surrounding this tragedy as an opportunity to talk about something that affects far more families than we realize: what happens when postpartum mental health struggles become a psychiatric crisis? We discuss postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts, postpartum psychosis, sleep deprivation, warning signs, treatment, family involvement, and what loved ones can do when they recognize that something isn’t right. We also talk about the stigma surrounding motherhood and mental illness—and the dangerous pressure mothers can feel to appear happy, grateful, and completely in control. Because everyone is watching the baby. But who is watching the mother? If you or someone you love is struggling postpartum, please know that asking for help does not make you a bad parent. Resources: Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 Text HELP to 800-944-4773 postpartum.net National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-852-6262 — available 24/7. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 or go to the nearest emergency department. You are not alone. You are not to blame.

  3. Aug 4

    My Therapist Made Me Cut Off My Family... But Did They?

    Are therapists really responsible for the rise in adult children cutting off their parents? Lately, there's been a growing conversation blaming therapy for family estrangement... accusing therapists of labeling parents as "toxic," encouraging no-contact, and tearing families apart. But is that what's actually happening? In this episode, we're diving into the complicated intersection of therapy, boundaries, family relationships, and accountability. We'll talk about the difference between validating someone's experience and simply agreeing with their interpretation, the difference between setting boundaries and ending relationships, and why estrangement is rarely as simple as "the therapist told me to leave." Because the truth is... relationships are messy. Parents can love their children and still cause harm. Adult children can feel deeply hurt and still have complicated feelings about walking away. And therapists have a responsibility to help clients explore their choices - not decide who the villain is. Let's talk about it.

  4. Jul 28

    Happy First Birthday, Shrinks on the Brink

    WE'RE ONE! And honestly... we can't believe it either. For our one year anniversary, we're kicking the usual format to the curb and celebrating the only way we know how: laughing, spiraling, fact-checking, getting completely off track, and letting you get to know the shrinks behind the mics a little better. No big topic. No perfect answers. Just Austin and Kellie hanging out, celebrating one wild year of being licensed, laughing, and low key losing it. Thank you for listening, sharing, laughing with us, and spiraling with us for the past year. We couldn't have done it without our breakdown buddies! Here's to year two! Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy or professional mental health care.

  5. Jul 21

    The Weight of Loving Someone Who's Struggling

    When someone you love is struggling with mental illness or substance use, it's easy to lose yourself while trying to help them. You may feel responsible for their happiness, their recovery, or preventing the next crisis - but where does support end and self-sacrifice begin? In this episode, we break down the emotional toll of loving someone who's struggling, the difference between supporting and enabling, why boundaries are an act of compassion (not abandonment), and how to care for someone without carrying the weight of their healing. If you've ever found yourself exhausted, guilty, or wondering if you're doing enough, this conversation is for you. Because you can love someone deeply... without losing yourself in the process.

  6. Jul 14

    Understanding the Fawn Response | Featuring Kayla Martinez, LPC

    Most people have heard of fight, flight, and freeze - but what about fawn? This week, we're joined by Kayla Martinez, LPC, to unpack the trauma response that often hides behind people pleasing, perfectionism, and codependency. If you've ever struggled to say no, felt responsible for everyone else's emotions, or found yourself constantly putting others first, this conversation might explain why.

  7. Jul 7

    The Men's Mental Health Debate: Part II

    Part One sparked big conversations - so we're back for Part Two. While our guest Jason Dougherty wasn't able to join us this time, Kellie and Austin pick up where the conversation left off, diving deeper into men's mental heath, why so many men struggle to ask for help, what helps them open up, and what partners, friends, and families should know. We explore the messages boys often receive growing up, why emotional vulnerability can feel risky, and how those early experiences shape the way many men cope with stress, conflict, and relationships as adults. Whether you joined us for Part One or you're jumping in here, welcome! This episode is an honest, thoughtful conversation about understanding men's mental health and what's often hiding beneath the surface. Let's talk about it! Listen in, and let us know what resonated the most with you.

  8. Jun 30

    The Men's Mental Health Debate: Boys v. Girls (Part One) Featuring Jason Dougherty

    We sat down to talk about men's mental health... and the conversation took an unexpected turn. In this episode of Shrinks on the Brink, we're joined by Jason Dougherty for a raw, honest conversation about the experiences that shape how men handle emotions, relationships, and struggles. We talk about vulnerability, "man up" culture, emotional expression, conflict, asking for help, and the ways men and women may experience mental health differently. Have thoughts? We want to hear them - this conversation isn't over.

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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Shrinks on the Brink is a mental health podcast where Kellie and Austin talk life, burnout, and the beautifully messy in-between - all with a dash of humor, a heap or honesty, and the occasional "wait, should we be saying this?" Because yes, we're licensed... but we're also low key losing it.

Information

  • Creator
    Austin and Kellie
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Austin and Kellie
  • Show Website
    Shrinks on the Brink

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