Welcome to the Table

Welcome to the Table
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Mental Health

Welcome to the Table is a podcast where honest conversations about mental health, relationships, personal growth, and life's messy moments all have a seat. Hosted by mental health professionals, each episode blends evidence-based insight with real-life stories, practical tools, humor, and unfiltered conversations. From burnout and boundaries to grief, healing, and everything in between, we explore the topics that shape how we live, connect, and grow. Whether you're looking for practical takeaways, fresh perspectives, or simply a space where you feel understood, pull up a chair... you're always welcome at our table. 

Episodes

  1. 3h ago

    Episode 11: Working Out

    In Episode 11, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis are getting into the psychology of working out and the powerful connection between the brain and the body. They share their personal experiences with exercise over the years, how their relationships with working out have changed, and the role that movement has played in their lives. Dr. Stacey brings the psychology into the conversation as they explore why physical activity can be so beneficial for our mental health, including its impact on mood, stress, energy, confidence, and overall well-being. They also talk about motivation, consistency, and finding ways to move your body that actually work for you rather than chasing the idea of the “perfect” workout routine. This conversation is about much more than exercise. It's about recognizing that mental health and physical health aren't separate and that taking care of one can have a meaningful impact on the other. And honestly, this episode is just scratching the surface. Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis could talk about working out, wellness, and the brain-body connection for hours, so consider this the beginning of a much bigger conversation. So pull up a chair, get moving, and join us at the table for a conversation about why taking care of your body can be such an important part of taking care of your mind!

    Episode 11: Working Out

  2. Sep 28

    Episode 10: Humor

    In Episode 10, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis are talking about one of our favorite ways to connect, cope, and occasionally make questionable jokes: humor. What makes something funny? Why do we use humor when life gets difficult? And can laughter actually be good for us? Dr. Stacey brings some psychology into the conversation as they explore the different purposes humor can serve, from strengthening relationships and reducing tension to helping us cope with stress and navigate difficult experiences. They discuss some of the psychology behind why we laugh, the different ways people use humor, and why what one person finds hilarious might leave someone else completely confused. The conversation also explores when humor can be helpful, how it can create connection, and why context and relationships matter when it comes to using humor with others. They talk about the benefits of laughter and the ways humor can become a valuable tool for communication, coping, and simply making everyday life a little more enjoyable. And, naturally, they don't spend the entire episode talking about humor—they put it into practice. Expect a few jokes, some questionable comedic choices, plenty of laughter, and the kind of conversation that reminds us that mental health discussions don't always have to be serious. So pull up a chair, bring your sense of humor, and join Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis as they explore the psychology of laughter, the purpose behind the punchline, and why sometimes a good laugh really is exactly what we need.

    Episode 10: Humor

  3. Sep 21

    Episode 9: Life of a Big City Lawyer

    What happens when you take a small-town girl, send her to a big city for law school, and put her on the path to building her own law firm? In Episode 9, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis sit down with Attorney Hannah Blackwell, from Blackwell Law, for an honest conversation about life in a high-pressure profession... and the very human experience behind the career. Hannah shares her journey from growing up and completing her education through undergrad in a small-town environment to moving to Chicago for law school and navigating the challenges and opportunities that came with stepping into a completely different world. She talks about the transition from small-town life to big-city living, adapting to new environments, and finding your footing when everything around you feels unfamiliar. The conversation also follows Hannah's professional journey, from working in group practice, to nonprofit work, and ultimately opening her own law firm. Along the way, they explore the realities of working in a demanding, high-pressure field, including expectations, responsibility, stress, and the pressure to continually perform at a high level. But this episode isn't just about law. It's about being human while building a career. Dr. Stacey, Regular Travis, and Hannah discuss the importance of boundaries, self-care, recognizing when you need to step back, and finding ways to take care of yourself when your work requires so much of you. They explore the tension between ambition and balance, the reality that meaningful careers can still be exhausting, and why taking care of yourself isn't something you earn after you've accomplished everything on your list. This is a conversation about career transitions, growth, resilience, small-town roots, big-city experiences, entrepreneurship, and learning how to show up professionally without losing yourself in the process. So pull up a chair and join us at the table for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a demanding career while remembering you're a person first.

    Episode 9: Life of a Big City Lawyer

  4. Sep 7

    Episode 8: Identity Shifts

    In Episode 8, we’re diving into the ever-changing question of identity. Is identity something we build over time, or something we discover along the way? Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis explore what it means to know who we are, how our sense of self develops, and why the answer to “Who am I?” can look very different at different points in our lives. From childhood and adolescence to adulthood, career changes, relationships, parenthood, and retirement, our identities are constantly influenced by the people, experiences, roles, and environments around us. Together, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis unpack how major life transitions can challenge the way we see ourselves and sometimes leave us asking whether we've outgrown an old version of who we thought we were. Dr. Stacey brings Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory into the conversation, using his stages of development to explore how identity formation doesn't simply end when we become adults. They discuss the tension between identity and role confusion, the ways we develop a sense of self through different life stages, and how our identities can continue to evolve throughout the lifespan. Along the way, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis share personal perspectives, challenge each other's ideas, and debate whether our identities are something we intentionally create, something we uncover, or maybe a little bit of both. So pull up a chair as we explore the question behind so many of our life transitions: Who are we, and how did we become this version of ourselves?

    Episode 8: Identity Shifts

  5. Aug 31

    Episode 7: Procrastination

    In Episode 7, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis are diving into something we've all done at some point: procrastination. Whether it's putting off a dreaded task, waiting until the last possible minute, or convincing yourself that cleaning the entire kitchen is suddenly more important than the thing you actually need to do, procrastination is a surprisingly complex part of human behavior. Together, they explore the different types of procrastination, why we procrastinate in the first place, and what may be happening beneath the surface when we avoid getting started. Is it laziness? Lack of motivation? Perfectionism? Anxiety? Overwhelm? Or something else entirely? But this conversation isn't about simply telling you to “stop procrastinating.” Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis also explore how procrastination can sometimes serve a purpose and when putting something off may actually be helpful. They discuss the difference between intentional delay and avoidance, while sharing personal experiences and relatable examples along the way. And, of course, they get practical. The episode wraps up with strategies for understanding your own procrastination patterns and making it easier to get started, follow through, and break the cycle when procrastination starts getting in the way. So pull up a chair, put off whatever you're supposed to be doing for just a few more minutes, and join us at the table as we ask: Why do we procrastinate, and what can we actually do about it?

    Episode 7: Procrastination

  6. Aug 24

    Episode 6: Friendship

    Friendship is one of the most important parts of our lives, yet maintaining friendships as adults can sometimes feel surprisingly complicated. In this episode, Dr. Stacey, Regular Travis, and Tamara sit down for an honest, relatable, and research-informed conversation about the F word: friendship. From childhood best friends to the relationships we build in adulthood, the people we surround ourselves with can change significantly as we move through different seasons of life. Together, they explore why friendships often evolve over time, what happens when priorities, values, or circumstances change, and why growing apart doesn't necessarily mean a friendship was unsuccessful. They also dive into the differences between introverts and extroverts, how personality and social needs can influence the way we approach friendship, and why some people thrive with a large social circle while others prefer a few close connections. Along the way, they share personal experiences, relatable stories, and research-based insights into what makes friendships meaningful and why maintaining connection matters for our overall well-being. The conversation also tackles some of the harder parts of adult friendship: making new friends, navigating changing relationships, recognizing when a friendship may no longer be healthy, and figuring out how to invest in the friendships that truly matter. Whether you have a lifelong best friend, a rotating cast of people in your life, or are currently wondering, “Where did all my friends go?”, this episode is a reminder that friendship doesn't have to look the way it did when we were younger. Sometimes, the best friendships are the ones that grow and change right alongside us. Pull up a chair, grab your favorite friend, and join us at the table for a conversation about the F word: friendship.

    Episode 6: Friendship

  7. Aug 17

    Episode 5: Lived Experience: Grief with Tammie Brenton

    Grief is something we will all encounter, but no two experiences of grief are exactly alike. In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Dr. Stacey sits down with Tammie Brenton, a therapist with extensive training and experience in grief, trauma, and the intersection of the two: traumatic grief. Tammie begins by sharing her own personal experience with traumatic grief, offering an honest look at the realities of navigating loss when grief is complicated by trauma. Together, they explore how traumatic experiences can shape the grieving process, why grief doesn't always follow the stages or timelines we expect, and how loss can affect us emotionally, physically, relationally, and even in the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. The conversation then shifts from lived experience to professional insight as Tammie shares what she has learned through her work with individuals navigating grief and trauma. Dr. Stacey and Tammie discuss how therapists and loved ones can better support someone who is grieving, what helpful support can actually look like, and some of the things we often say or do with good intentions that may not be as helpful as we think. This episode is a conversation about loss, resilience, healing, and the importance of making space for grief in all of its forms. Whether you've experienced a significant loss, support someone who is grieving, work in mental health, or simply want to better understand what grief can look like, this episode offers both professional perspective and the powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful support begins with simply being willing to sit with someone in their pain. Pull up a chair... you're always welcome at the table.

    Episode 5: Lived Experience: Grief with Tammie Brenton

  8. Aug 10

    Episode 4: Behind the Scenes of the Mental Health Field

    What really happens behind the closed doors of the mental health profession? In this episode, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis pull back the curtain on a field that is often misunderstood, offering an honest, insightful, and occasionally humorous look at what it's really like to work in mental health. From private practice and community agencies to hospitals, schools, and crisis settings, they explore some of the career paths available within the profession and the unique roles that mental health professionals play. Along the way, they discuss the realities of the work... including the emotional demands, paperwork, ethical responsibilities, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Together, they also tackle common misconceptions about therapists and counseling, explain why the mental health system can sometimes feel difficult to navigate, and discuss the importance of supporting both those seeking care and the professionals providing it. Through personal stories, professional insights, and candid conversation, they highlight the resilience, dedication, and humanity that often go unseen. Whether you're thinking about pursuing a career in mental health, currently work in the field, are receiving services yourself, or are simply curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode provides a thoughtful and authentic perspective on the people committed to improving the well-being of others. Pull up a chair - you're always welcome at the table.

    Episode 4: Behind the Scenes of the Mental Health Field

  9. Aug 3

    Episode 3: Burnout

    Burnout is more than just feeling stressed or needing a vacation. In this episode, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis unpack what burnout really is by exploring formal definitions, common misconceptions, and why it's often misunderstood. Through personal experiences, real-world client presentations (with confidentiality protected), and evidence-based discussion, they examine how burnout can impact work, relationships, motivation, and overall well-being. They also debunk common myths, discuss the warning signs to watch for, and share practical, sustainable strategies to reduce and prevent burnout before it reaches a breaking point. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this increasingly common experience, this conversation offers education, relatable stories, and actionable takeaways to help you move toward a healthier, more balanced life. Pull up a chair... you're always welcome at the table.

    Episode 3: Burnout

  10. Jul 26

    Self Care with Tamara Robinson

    In this episode of Welcome to the Table, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis are joined by a special member of the Welcome to the Table community, Tamara Robinson. Tamara is introduced as someone who helps bring the vision of Welcome to the Table to life both on and off the microphone. While she’ll be joining conversations from time to time, Tamara also plays an important role behind the scenes through community outreach, connection, and helping create opportunities for meaningful conversations. Listeners get to know Tamara through a fun game of “This or That,” where the hosts learn more about her personality, preferences, and the experiences that make her such a great addition to the table. Throughout the episode, the conversation naturally explores the topic of self care, including the ways we each define and experience it differently. Stacey, Travis, and Tamara discuss the idea that self care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and what feels restorative or meaningful for one person may not be the right fit for someone else. They share thoughts on self care trends, practical approaches, and the importance of finding strategies that truly align with your own needs, season of life, and personal wellness. With a mix of humor, personal stories, and a little research along the way, this episode reminds listeners that caring for yourself doesn’t have to look a certain way. Sometimes it’s about small, intentional choices that help you reconnect with what matters most. Grab a seat and join the conversation. There’s always room for you at the table!

    Self Care with Tamara Robinson

  11. Jul 26

    Introducing Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis

    Pull up a chair and get to know the people behind the conversations! In this introductory episode, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis are sharing a little about who they are, how their paths led them to the mental health field, and the experiences that shaped their passion for meaningful conversations around wellness, resilience, and the human experience. This episode keeps things light with a fun Q&A between the hosts, giving listeners a glimpse into their personalities, perspectives, and the dynamic that makes this podcast what it is. They also set the stage for what’s ahead, including conversations with mental health professionals, wellness experts, and resilient individuals who are willing to share their stories, lessons learned, and lived experiences. Listeners will get their first introduction to one of the podcast’s original segments, “Healing and Hot Takes,” where thoughtful conversations meet honest opinions about the topics we all have feelings about (and maybe don’t always talk about). To wrap things up, Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis leave listeners with a simple challenge: keep an eye out for your own “Drop of Joy.” Whether it’s a small moment, a meaningful connection, or something that makes you smile, sometimes the little things are what help us stay grounded. Welcome to the table. There’s always room for you here!

    Introducing Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis

  12. Season 1 Trailer

    So... What is it?

    Welcome to the table is exactly what it sounds like a... seat at the table. A place where conversations happen; the kind of conversations that make you think, make you laugh, challenge your perspective, help you heal, and remind you that you are not alone. Every week we're coming together to talk about wellness, life, relationships, growth, challenges, and everything in between. Some days it'll just be us sharing thoughts and experiences. Other days we'll be joined by experts, professionals, and people with incredible stories of resilience and lived experience. Sometimes we hand the conversation over to you and answer the questions that you are bringing to the table. We believe some of the best conversations don't necessarily happen in a classroom, a boardroom, or a therapist office. They happen around a table with a cup of coffee, a trusted friend and the space to be honest. Pull up a chair and join hosts Dr. Stacey and Regular Travis as we get started. We are so happy you are here!

  • 1 Trailer
    11 Episodes

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Table is a podcast where honest conversations about mental health, relationships, personal growth, and life's messy moments all have a seat. Hosted by mental health professionals, each episode blends evidence-based insight with real-life stories, practical tools, humor, and unfiltered conversations. From burnout and boundaries to grief, healing, and everything in between, we explore the topics that shape how we live, connect, and grow. Whether you're looking for practical takeaways, fresh perspectives, or simply a space where you feel understood, pull up a chair... you're always welcome at our table. 

Information

  • Creator
    Welcome to the Table
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Welcome to the Table
  • Show Website
    Welcome to the Table