College Is Fine, Everything's Fine

Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler

College can be...really social, and pretty lonely. A time of amazing freedom, and a total pressure cooker. The best years of your life, except when it's not. We're Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler, two clinical psychologists who've helped students navigate the highs and lows of college for over a decade. In this podcast, we listen to your stories and use them as our guide. Hear us give actionable advice to students just like you who are trying to balance work and fun, manage the pressures of school, and feel at home in the dorm. This podcast is a reminder that you're not alone. We all need a bit of help tuning out the noise, finding humor in the struggle, and doing the hard work of living "the best four years of your life."Follow us for episode announcements on Tik Tok and Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast

  1. 7 THG 10

    #73 Beyond the ‘I’m So OCD’ Meme: Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Dr. John Guerry

    From TikTok videos of organizing and cleaning content to everyday “I’m so OCD” comments, the term gets tossed around a lot, but what does OCD actually mean? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Guerry, a licensed clinical psychologist, who helps us break down the difference between personal quirks, perfectionism, and a true Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis. He explains how intrusive thoughts and compulsions create distressing cycles, why people with OCD often suffer in silence, and how symptoms can be hidden behind “high-functioning” appearances. In this episode we explore: Why intrusive thoughts are common for everyone—but stick differently for people with OCDHow compulsions bring short-term relief but reinforce the disorder over timeThe difference between OCD and OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder)Lesser-known themes beyond contamination, like morality (“scrupulosity”), harm, or “just right” OCDWhy the college years can trigger worsening symptomsThe role of family, peers, and environment in either accommodating or unintentionally feeding OCDDr. Guerry also highlights why OCD tends to latch onto the things people value most—family, relationships, morality—and why people with OCD often have such “big hearts.”Resources Mentioned: International OCD Foundation – trusted information, screeners, and a directory for finding evidence-based OCD therapists.https://iocdf.org About Our Guest: Dr. John Guerry is a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and OCD. He practices at Harbor, a group practice in the Philadelphia area, dedicated to treating anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. https://www.harborpa.com Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

    29 phút
  2. #72 How Laughter Lifts Us Up: Exploring Comedy, Coping, and Connection with Comedy/Therapy Duo Amber Autry & Melanie Reese, LMFT

    25 THG 9

    #72 How Laughter Lifts Us Up: Exploring Comedy, Coping, and Connection with Comedy/Therapy Duo Amber Autry & Melanie Reese, LMFT

    In this episode we explore the therapeutic power of humor with comedian Amber Autry and therapist Melanie Reese. From using laughter to cope with stress and grief, to understanding how comedy can complement traditional therapy, this conversation highlights how joy and mental health intersect in unexpected ways. Amber and Melanie share the origin of their podcast I’m Fine, It's Fine and how comedians often process deep emotions through humor. Melanie brings insight into how laughter impacts the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and serves as a “reset button” for the brain. Together, they illustrate how humor can be both a coping strategy and a tool for connection. Key Takeaways: Humor can be both a therapeutic tool and a form of comic relief that helps process difficult emotions.Comedy and laughter positively impact the nervous system, lowering stress and promoting connection.Therapy doesn’t have to be traditional; activities like storytelling, creative expression, or laughing with others can provide meaningful healing.Life’s hardest moments and funniest moments often coexist, and embracing both can be therapeutic.Resources & Links: Amber Autry & Melanie Reese: I’m Fine Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/im-fine-its-fine/id1664241532 Melanie Reese, Trauma Therapy of Nashvillehttps://integrativetherapynashville.com/ Amber Autry (comedian)https://www.amberautrycomedy.com/ Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

    34 phút
  3. #71 I Procrastinate Therefore I Cram: How to Break the Procrastination Cycle with Dr. Shannon Bennet

    12 THG 9

    #71 I Procrastinate Therefore I Cram: How to Break the Procrastination Cycle with Dr. Shannon Bennet

    Everyone procrastinates—especially in college—but what’s really going on when you keep pushing things off? In this episode, Dr. Shannon Bennett (Weill Cornell Medicine) joins us to unpack why procrastination is so common, how it connects to emotions like anxiety, self-doubt, and perfectionism, and what you can do to get unstuck. We cover: Why procrastination isn’t about lazinessThe emotional roots of putting things off (fear of failure, perfectionism, boredom, self-doubt)Why college is a perfect storm for procrastination (so much freedom, so many distractions)Simple but powerful strategies to get moving (breaking tasks into small steps, writing messy drafts, starting with “just one mark on the page”)How reflecting on your “why” can help you stay motivated when the work feels overwhelmingThis conversation is all about normalizing procrastination (you’re not alone!) while also giving you tools to shift your mindset and habits. Takeaways for Students Procrastination is usually about avoiding uncomfortable feelings—not laziness.Start small: sometimes just one sentence, one bullet point, or one messy draft is enough to get rolling.Connect your tasks to your values—remembering your “why” can turn busywork into meaningful steps toward your bigger goals.Pride and relief come after the work—cramming might get the grade, but it won’t give you that same long-term payoff.Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

    22 phút
  4. #70 From Overwhelmed to In Control: How to Handle Hard Things Wisely with the R.E.A.C.H. Guide

    29 THG 8

    #70 From Overwhelmed to In Control: How to Handle Hard Things Wisely with the R.E.A.C.H. Guide

    College isn’t all highlight reels and coffee-fueled study sessions—it’s also about handling the hard stuff. From failing a test to making a social misstep, these moments can trigger strong emotional reactions and leave students feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we break down how stress shows up in the body and mind, and how students can respond wisely instead of getting stuck. We review practical skills like P.O.I.S.E. and T.I.P.P., and break down how to cultivate more willingness when we get stuck through techniques such as the half-smile and willing hands. Lastly, we chat about the importance of knowing when and where to get help on campus.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How our natural stress responses (fight, flight, freeze) can backfireThe difference between willfulness (resisting reality) and willingness (accepting reality)Practical skills from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to help you cope, including:Willing Hands & Half-Smile – simple body-based shifts to open yourself up to acceptancePOISE – Pause, Observe, Inhale/Exhale, Stretch out your options, Engage in effective actionTIPP skills – quick ways to reset your body when emotions feel overwhelming:Temperature Intense exercisePaced breathing Progressive muscle relaxationFor more resources on mental fitness skills, as well as the other R.E.A.C.H. skills, head to our website:  https://www.collegeisfinepodcast.com/tipsheets Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

    27 phút
  5. #69 Building College Connections That Last: Using the R.E.A.C.H. Approach to Strengthen Your Support System

    28 THG 8

    #69 Building College Connections That Last: Using the R.E.A.C.H. Approach to Strengthen Your Support System

    The people you build connections with in college can be the difference between just surviving college and truly thriving. The episode delves into the importance of having a balanced friendship matrix, recognizing different roles friends can play, and the necessity of seeking out both emotional and practical support. Additionally, we discuss the often-overlooked value of building relationships with professors and mentors. Listeners will gain tips on attending office hours and the benefits of professional relationships in their academic journey. The episode wraps up with actionable advice on managing social and academic pressures effectively. What You’ll Learn: How to evaluate your friend groups using the “Friendship Matrix”The importance of editing and curating your social circle for happinessWhy building relationships with professors and mentors is crucialTips for navigating office hours, academic help, and professional connectionsReal stories from college students to illustrate what works and what doesn’tFor more resources on mental fitness skills, as well as the other R.E.A.C.H. skills, head to our website:  https://www.collegeisfinepodcast.com/tipsheets Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

    9 phút
  6. #66 Purpose Over Pressure: How the R.E.A.C.H. Approach Builds Values, Not "Shoulds"

    25 THG 8

    #66 Purpose Over Pressure: How the R.E.A.C.H. Approach Builds Values, Not "Shoulds"

    In this rebooted episode, we sit down with college students Patrick (Villanova), Ali (University of Richmond), and Paul (Providence College) to talk about the reality of transitioning into college life. Together, we unpack the gap between expectations and reality—covering everything from forming friendships to handling loneliness, navigating independence, and balancing academic and personal pressures. We also introduce the R.E.A.C.H. toolkit, which holds the key skills students need to survive and thrive in college: Realizing Your ValuesElevating Mental FitnessActing with PurposeCreating Healthy RelationshipsHandling Hard Things WiselyThis part one episode focuses on values—how they guide decisions, how they shift in college, and how you can use them to feel grounded through change. What You’ll Learn: Why it's normal for college to be different from your expectationsThe difference between values and “shoulds”How values can shift and grow during the college yearsPractical examples of staying true to values—even when it’s hardWant to do a values check-in? Check out our resources page, where you can find the "What's Your Why?" tip sheet and other R.E.A.C.H. resources.  https://www.collegeisfinepodcast.com/worksheets Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you. Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

    20 phút
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Giới Thiệu

College can be...really social, and pretty lonely. A time of amazing freedom, and a total pressure cooker. The best years of your life, except when it's not. We're Dr. Sarah Olivo and Dr. Liz Seidler, two clinical psychologists who've helped students navigate the highs and lows of college for over a decade. In this podcast, we listen to your stories and use them as our guide. Hear us give actionable advice to students just like you who are trying to balance work and fun, manage the pressures of school, and feel at home in the dorm. This podcast is a reminder that you're not alone. We all need a bit of help tuning out the noise, finding humor in the struggle, and doing the hard work of living "the best four years of your life."Follow us for episode announcements on Tik Tok and Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast

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