The Nutcracker Syndrome podcast

Simone Erdner, PhD, CMPC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MEDICINE

Hi, I’m Simone! Welcome to The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast! This show is a labor of love. After receiving countless DMs as I navigated my own NCS journey, I realized a podcast would be the best way to connect. While it’s a solo-hosted show where I will share my personal story, I will bring in guests like doctors or fellow NCS warriors to help share other lived experiences. My goal is to offer insights into procedures & ease anxiety around scans. I suggest starting with episodes 1 & 2 for context regarding my specific journey. After that, you can choose episodes based on where you are in your NCS process. I hope this show helps you feel less alone as you navigate this space for either yourself or a loved one. Outside of hosting this show, I am a Clinical Associate Professor of Sport Psychology and the CEO and Founder of The Center for Optimal Psychological Education in Injury & Rehabilitation (The COPE Center). The COPE Center began as a passion project, which was created not only to psychologically support injured clients but also to advocate for those navigating the broader injury and illness landscape. All of which can deeply impact our ability to perform and function in daily life. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to advocacy for both the self and for others. Sending you all so much love from behind my podcasting microphone. Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer The content shared on The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared, including my own and those of guests, reflect personal lived experiences and professional perspectives, not individualized medical or mental health guidance. This podcast is not intended to provide psychotherapy, counseling, mental health treatment, or crisis intervention. Listening to this podcast does not establish a patient–provider, therapist–client, or therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, mental health symptoms, or thoughts of harming yourself or others, please seek immediate support from a licensed mental health professional, your national (call 988) or local emergency services, or a trusted crisis resource in your area. Always seek the advice of your physician, licensed mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition, symptoms, procedures, or treatment options. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard on this podcast.

  1. JAN 28

    S2E7, Ketamine Therapy Series, Session Two.Two

    After recording my last episode on session two, something shifted in a way I didn’t expect. In this episode, I share what happened during the integration that followed, the moment my “scared self” surfaced, the tension that rose between Kyle and me, and what it felt like to finally be held in the middle of grief I’ve carried for years. I talk openly about fear, loss, and the layers of pain connected to my brother, my father, and my mother, and how this release felt different from anything I’ve experienced before. Instead of days of emotional rebalancing, I found myself grounded almost instantly, as if something I’d been holding onto for far too long finally let go. This episode reflects on what it means to feel safe in your body with another person, to lean into grief without being consumed by it, and to notice the quiet, powerful shift that happens when you begin to truly process and release what you’ve been carrying. Listener discretion advised: This episode includes discussion of grief, family loss, and emotional processing.

    25 min

  2. JAN 22

    S2E6, Ketamine Therapy Series, Session Two

    In this second installment of my ketamine-assisted therapy series, I walk listeners through what my second session felt like from the moments leading up to the infusion to the psychological and emotional “downloads” that emerged once the ketamine took effect. I begin by reflecting on how this session differed from my first, including subtle but meaningful changes in the pre-session environment and the clinical check-in process. I share the follow-up questions my care team asked based on what I experienced in the days between sessions. This session also marked a dosage increase, moving from 45mg to 55mg, which opened the door to a noticeably different internal landscape. I describe what surfaced once the ketamine was administered: the themes, sensations, and insights that emerged, and how they connected to my ongoing work with medical trauma, grief, and nervous-system regulation. As always, this episode is offered through both a personal and professional lens, bridging lived experience with clinical and performance-psychology perspectives for practitioners, patients, and anyone curious about how ketamine-assisted therapy can support healing in the context of injury, illness, and loss. This episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

    42 min

  3. JAN 19

    S2E5, Ketamine Therapy Series, Session One

    In this episode, I share my experience from the first session of my ketamine-assisted therapy journey. I walk listeners through what the session looked like from a nervous-system and emotional perspective—what surprised me, what felt challenging, and what I noticed in the hours and days that followed. This conversation is rooted in honest reflection and gentle processing, offering insight into what a first session can feel like for those navigating medical trauma, chronic illness, or the emotional weight of long-term care. This episode is intended for educational and storytelling purposes only and does not replace professional medical or mental health care. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any treatment decisions.

    1h 8m

  4. JAN 19

    S2E4, Ketamine Therapy Series, Introduction

    In this episode, I introduce a new mini-series within The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast focused on ketamine-assisted therapy and its role in navigating medical trauma, chronic illness, and the emotional weight of long-term health journeys. I share why I chose to explore this modality, what led me to begin my own therapeutic process, my goals with this therapy, and what listeners can expect throughout this series. This conversation is rooted in curiosity, compassion, and transparency, offering both personal reflection and educational context for those who may be considering or simply wanting to better understand ketamine-assisted therapy as part of a broader mental health and healing landscape. Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared reflect personal perspectives and do not replace consultation with a licensed physician, mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, mental health concern, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical or mental health advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.

    25 min

  5. JAN 4

    S2E3: Caretaker Series with Shay & Clancey

    I’m excited to continue sharing stories as part of our Caretaker Series, a space dedicated to expanding our understanding of the vital role social support systems play throughout the NCS journey. In this episode, you’ll hear from Shay and Clancey as they share their lived experiences navigating the complex and often evolving dynamics of caregiving and support. Their conversation offers valuable insights into building and sustaining an effective support system, including the importance of well-organized medical documentation, establishing clear and consistent communication channels, and engaging in difficult but necessary discussions surrounding power of attorney and shared decision-making.

    1h 31m

  6. JAN 4

    S2E2: Caretaker Series with Heather & Danny

    In this episode, we kick off our Caretaker Series, which a true passion project created to better support those who take care of us. You’ll hear Heather and Danny’s story as they share how they worked to understand what was medically happening, how they navigated their NCS journey, and what helped them along the way. They also offer meaningful insights into what supported them both as a couple and as individuals, ensuring that Heather received the care she needed while Danny, as a caretaker, was supported as well.

    1h 30m

  7. JAN 4

    S2E1: Welcome to Season Two!

    In this episode, I offer a brief introduction to what you can expect this season, along with heartfelt gratitude to those who have been here since the very beginning, and to those who found their way here after receiving a difficult, life-altering diagnosis. I truly wish you all the very best as you navigate this journey. I’m deeply grateful to be able to curate and share this information with you, and I’m excited for all that this season of the podcast will bring to our community. As always, if there are topics or episodes you’d like to hear, please don’t hesitate to reach out; I’d love to hear from you. Medical Disclaimer The content shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views, experiences, and opinions expressed are based on personal experience and research and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical care. I am not a medical doctor, and nothing shared on this podcast should be interpreted as medical guidance. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something you heard on this podcast. Listening to this podcast does not establish a patient–provider relationship. Any decisions regarding your health should be made in collaboration with your medical team. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact emergency services immediately.

    7 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    EP28, One Year Kidney Autotransplant Update!

    Happy one-year kidney autotransplant anniversary to me! It’s been a whirlwind of a year, and I wanted to take some time to share an honest update: the good, the hard, the healing, and the ongoing. In this episode, I reflect on what recovery has really looked like, what I’ve learned about my body, resilience, vulnerability, and community, and how this experience has reshaped my perspective on health, work, and life. Whether you’ve followed this journey from the beginning or are just tuning in, thank you for being here and for walking alongside me this past year.

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hi, I’m Simone! Welcome to The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast! This show is a labor of love. After receiving countless DMs as I navigated my own NCS journey, I realized a podcast would be the best way to connect. While it’s a solo-hosted show where I will share my personal story, I will bring in guests like doctors or fellow NCS warriors to help share other lived experiences. My goal is to offer insights into procedures & ease anxiety around scans. I suggest starting with episodes 1 & 2 for context regarding my specific journey. After that, you can choose episodes based on where you are in your NCS process. I hope this show helps you feel less alone as you navigate this space for either yourself or a loved one. Outside of hosting this show, I am a Clinical Associate Professor of Sport Psychology and the CEO and Founder of The Center for Optimal Psychological Education in Injury & Rehabilitation (The COPE Center). The COPE Center began as a passion project, which was created not only to psychologically support injured clients but also to advocate for those navigating the broader injury and illness landscape. All of which can deeply impact our ability to perform and function in daily life. At the heart of everything I do is a commitment to advocacy for both the self and for others. Sending you all so much love from behind my podcasting microphone. Medical & Mental Health Disclaimer The content shared on The Nutcracker Syndrome Podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views and experiences shared, including my own and those of guests, reflect personal lived experiences and professional perspectives, not individualized medical or mental health guidance. This podcast is not intended to provide psychotherapy, counseling, mental health treatment, or crisis intervention. Listening to this podcast does not establish a patient–provider, therapist–client, or therapeutic relationship. If you are experiencing significant emotional distress, mental health symptoms, or thoughts of harming yourself or others, please seek immediate support from a licensed mental health professional, your national (call 988) or local emergency services, or a trusted crisis resource in your area. Always seek the advice of your physician, licensed mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition, symptoms, procedures, or treatment options. Never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you have heard on this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Simone Erdner, PhD, CMPC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Simone Erdner, PhD, CMPC
  • Show Website
    The Nutcracker Syndrome podcast