5D AGO

Topic 9: The Friendship Drift Why We Lose Friends & How to Cope

Are your friendships changing as you grow older? In this episode of Breaking Formation, we dive deep into the evolving nature of friendships and how to figure out who your true friends really are. Join retired Air Force Colonel Merryl Tengesdal and child psychotherapist Shea Phinney as they explore the complexities of relationships across different stages of life. From the playground to adulthood, friendships flow like water with tides that come and go. Merryl and Shea share relatable stories and expert insights on helping kids and young adults understand their personal values, set healthy boundaries, and figure out who belongs in their inner circle. Watch the full episode for actionable advice on dealing with changing friend groups, protecting your peace, and learning when to let kids navigate their own relationship battles. Subscribe to the channel so you never miss a conversation, and let us know your thoughts on true friendship in the comments below. Table of Contents: 00:00 - Navigating a rapidly changing world 03:02 - The evolving tides of friendships 09:02 - Aligning values and setting boundaries 18:10 - Acquaintances vs. true friends 23:51 - Letting kids figure out their own battles Connect with Breaking Formation: Subscribe to our channel on YouTube: Breaking Formation - YouTube for more weekly episodes. Follow us on social media to join the community conversation. #BreakingFormation #Friendships #TrueFriends #Relationships #Boundaries Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 min

MAR 27

Topic 8: The College Question

The traditional path of going to school, getting a degree, and working for 30 years before retiring is rapidly shifting. In this episode of Breaking Formation, we explore the profound impact of AI on traditional career paths and how young adults can navigate unprecedented workforce changes. Merryl Tengesdal and child psychotherapist Shea Phinney sit down to discuss why flexibility and creativity are now essential components of modern career planning. They examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and share strategies to help young people prepare for an unpredictable future. From developing primary, secondary, and tertiary career backup plans to understanding the massive value of junior colleges and trade certifications, this conversation provides a roadmap for adapting to tomorrow's job market. Discover how to build a resilient career strategy and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that can withstand technological disruptions. How are you and your family preparing for these shifts in the job market? Share your thoughts and pivot plans in the comments below! Watch the full video for actionable advice and tips on future-proofing your career, and subscribe to Breaking Formation for more weekly discussions on navigating life's biggest transitions. Table of Contents: 00:00 - The shift in traditional career paths 02:10 - AI's impact on the future workforce 08:49 - Building your career pivot plan 13:05 - The hidden value of junior colleges and trades 19:22 - Cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset Connect with Breaking Formation: Subscribe to our channel to never miss an episode. Follow us on social media to join the conversation and access more resources. #breakingformation #careers #college #teens #youthdevelopment #subscribe #future #mindset #trades #juniorcollege Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 min

MAR 25

Topic 7: Classroom Under Pressure

Dive into the reality of school safety, mental health, and digital identity in this episode of Breaking Formation. "Classroom Under Pressure" explores how shifting societal norms and active shooter drills impact the daily lives and focus of students. We sit down with retired Air Force colonel Merryl Tengesdal and resident child psychotherapist Shea Phinney to unpack the heavy burden placed on today's youth. They share expert insights on navigating modern educational environments safely and effectively. You will learn practical stress management techniques, including deep breathing and grounding exercises, to help regulate the nervous system after highly stressful events. We also cover the importance of establishing a clear safety plan and how to build muscle memory for handling tough situations. Watch the full video to discover actionable tools and tips to help you and your family navigate these complex challenges. Subscribe to the channel to join us as we continue breaking free from conventional thinking, and tune in next time when we discuss the transition to college. Table of Contents: 00:00 - Introduction to the topic 01:51 - Discussion on active shooter drills 28:37 - Techniques for nervous system regulation Connect with Breaking Formation: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more video podcasts. Breaking Formation - YouTube Follow us on social media to join the conversation. #MentalHealth #SchoolSafety #BreakingFormation #StressManagement #DigitalIdentity Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

36 min

FEB 20

Topic 6: Brain Spotting

In this episode of Breaking Formation, co-host Merryl Tengesdal becomes the "guinea pig" as licensed psychotherapist Shea Phinney demonstrates the powerful trauma technique known as Brain Spotting. We explore the fascinating science behind how our brains process information and why "where you look affects how you feel." Shea breaks down how trauma can get stuck in the subcortical brain—the survival center—and how using your field of vision can access and release unprocessed emotional pain. Merryl shares her personal experience during a live demo, opening up about the unique ability of pilots and first responders to compartmentalize and dissociate in high-stress environments. Whether you are struggling with past trauma or just curious about how your mind works, this episode offers a fascinating look into the body's ability to heal itself. Hit that subscribe button and turn on notifications to join us as we break formation and forge new perspectives. In This Episode: 0:00 - Intro: Merryl Becomes the Guinea Pig 1:45 - Understanding How the Brain Processes Trauma 5:20 - What is Brain spotting? (The Science) 10:15 - Live Demo: Merryl Tries Brain spotting 18:30 - Merryl’s Reaction: From Anger to Relief 22:40 - The "Super Skill" of Dissociation in First Responders 27:00 - Why You Should Process Trauma Sooner Than Later Disclaimer: The content in this podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. #breakingformation #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #teens #brainspotting #youthdevelopment #subscribe #subscribetomychannel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

37 min

FEB 6

Topic 5: The Reality Bubble...Who is Controlling Your Feed?

Ever feel like your social media feed knows exactly what you're thinking? It’s not magic—it’s math. In this episode of Breaking Formation, we dive deep into the invisible algorithms that curate your digital life and create what we call "reality bubbles." Join hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, as they uncover how these digital feedback loops shape your opinions, reinforce biases, and distort your perception of the world. Are you seeing the whole picture, or just what the algorithm wants you to see? We discuss the psychological impact of echo chambers on teens and young adults and share real-life stories about getting trapped in the scroll. Most importantly, we provide a flight plan for breaking out. Learn practical strategies to diversify your feed, spot algorithmic manipulation, and reclaim control over your online experience. Whether you're a parent worried about your child's digital diet or a young adult looking for clarity, this episode is your guide to staying grounded in a curated world. What’s the weirdest thing an algorithm has recommended to you? Let us know in the comments! 👍 Like this video, subscribe to our channel, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode. In This Episode: 0:00 - Intro: Is Your Phone Reading Your Mind? 2:13 - How Algorithms Actually Work 5:35 - The Impact on Young Adults & Teens 8:06 - Understanding Echo Chambers & Reality Bubbles 11:18 - Personal Stories: Trapped in the Feed 22:15 - How Algorithms Influence Our Beliefs 26:11 - Expert Advice: Maintaining Perspective 30:31 - Strategies for Parents & Teens to Break the Bubble 33:51 - Taking Back Control of Your Digital Life #breakingformation #socialmedia #mentalhealth #echochamber #techpsycology #parenting #teens #onlinesafety Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

35 min

JAN 23

Topic 4: The Fear of Being Canceled

Have you ever typed out a comment online, only to delete it out of fear of saying the wrong thing? In a world of online shaming and instant judgment, the fear of being "canceled" is real, especially for young adults. This episode of Breaking Formation tackles the pervasive anxiety surrounding cancel culture and its deep impact on our digital lives. Join hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, as they explore how this constant scrutiny affects self-expression and mental health. They discuss why the threat of being "canceled" can feel like a physical injury and how it silences authentic conversation. Through personal stories and professional insights, Merryl and Shea offer a flight plan for navigating these turbulent digital skies. Learn practical strategies for handling online criticism, including the "ACT" method: Acknowledge, Correct, and Transform. Discover how to respond to mistakes with accountability, give yourself and others grace, and build resilience against online mobs. This is an essential guide for anyone who feels the pressure to be perfect online and wants to learn how to engage with confidence and integrity. Don't let the fear of judgment hold you back. Subscribe and follow Breaking Formation for more tools to navigate modern life. #breakingformation #meantalhealth #youthdevelopment #cancelculture #fear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 min

JAN 9

Topic 3: My Life as A Hashtag

From the moment a child is born, their life is often documented and shared online. But what happens when that digital footprint starts to shape their reality? In this eye-opening episode of Breaking Formation, hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney, MFT, dive deep into the phenomenon of "sharenting"—parents sharing their children's lives on social media. This conversation goes beyond just embarrassing baby photos. Shea breaks down the psychological impact of growing up online, explaining how a parent's relationship with their phone can affect a child's brain development and attachment style. From the "secure" to the "anxious" attachment, discover how digital distractions might be rewiring the way the next generation connects with the world. Merryl and Shea also tackle the tough questions: How does constant documentation affect a teenager's identity formation?What are the safety risks of sharing too much information online?How can parents respect their child's privacy while still celebrating memories?What practical steps can kids take to assert their boundaries respectfully? Whether you're a parent navigating the digital age or a young person trying to reclaim your narrative, this episode offers vital insights into maintaining healthy relationships offline. Don't miss this crucial discussion on navigating life in the digital era. Subscribe and follow Breaking Formation today for more insights on YouTube https://youtube.com/@breakingformationpodcast?si=ZJayGz8cXkwy1X69 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

26 min

JAN 2

Topic 2: Shatter the Sky

Ever wondered what it takes to bring a 30-year-old dream to life? In this special episode of Breaking Formation, the tables are turned as co-host Shea Phinney, MFT, interviews Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), about her incredible journey creating the graphic novella, "Shatter the Sky." Join them for an inspiring conversation that peels back the curtain on the creative process. Merryl shares the story behind the story—from a long-held idea to finding the right collaborators and navigating the challenges of independent publishing. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, the power of community, and trusting your vision against all odds. Discover the lessons Merryl learned about patience, building a team, and the emotional journey of reliving her experiences to create something new. If you've ever had a passion project you've wanted to pursue, this discussion will give you the motivation to take the next step. Don't miss out on more inspiring stories. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

23 min

12/26/2025

Topic 1: The Profile and The Person

In a world of filters and carefully crafted captions, who are you really? Welcome to "The Profile and The Person," an episode that dives deep into the growing divide between our digital selves and our authentic selves. Join co-hosts Merryl Tengesdal, Col, USAF (ret.), and Shea Phinney MFT, a child development and psychology expert, as they explore the pressures of maintaining a perfect online image. They discuss the psychological strain this creates, especially for teenagers navigating identity formation in the age of social media. This episode unpacks the importance of understanding your personal value system—your internal GPS—and how it can guide you toward genuine self-expression. Merryl and Shea share personal stories and offer practical advice on how to shift your focus from chasing likes to building authentic connections. Learn how to embrace your true self, imperfections and all, and use social media as a tool for creativity and connection rather than comparison. If you've ever questioned the reality behind the screen, this conversation is for you. Don't miss out on future discussions. Subscribe and follow "Breaking Formation" for more insights on navigating our ever-changing world. In This Episode: 0:00 - The Perfect Selfie vs. Reality 2:40 - Defining the Digital Self vs. The Real Self 4:07 - How Social Media Impacts Teenage Brain Development 6:43 - When Does Presenting "Wins" Become Damaging? 7:13 - Using Your Personal Value System as a GPS 10:58 - Practical Advice for Staying Authentic Online 15:30 - Finding Who You Are By Finding Who You're Not 18:14 - Why Our Brains are Wired for Authentic Connection 20:34 - Next Episode Teaser Check out the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mlnHvgCH0q0 #BreakingFormation #Authenticity #DigitalSelf #MentalHealth #youth #subscribe #subscribetoourchannel #youthmentalhealth #controlyourdestiny #emotionalintelligence #socialmedia #parenttips #mft #childdevelopment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 min

Breaking Formation

Episodes

Topic 9: The Friendship Drift Why We Lose Friends & How to Cope

Topic 8: The College Question

Topic 7: Classroom Under Pressure

Topic 6: Brain Spotting

Topic 5: The Reality Bubble...Who is Controlling Your Feed?

Topic 4: The Fear of Being Canceled

Topic 3: My Life as A Hashtag

Topic 2: Shatter the Sky

Topic 1: The Profile and The Person

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