Nate and Jeff reflect on taking loved ones and dreams for granted, holding grudges, and needing to verbalize problems—often through “rants”—to process emotions and find solutions. Using a Patch Adams analogy, they discuss getting stuck on problems, nostalgia for freer childhoods, and the challenge of helping kids become independent thinkers amid media influence and borrowed dreams. They note that role models like Mr. Beast can inspire giving and work ethic, while emphasizing that helping professionals often absorb clients’ failures and secondary trauma, learning to care without owning outcomes. One shares his son’s nightmare about finding him with a gun, which prompted an honest talk about feeling disconnected, reassurance, and a plan to meet regularly, highlighting mutual fears about losing connection as children grow. #MentalHealth #TherapistLife #Parenting #Resilience #Communication

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Nate and Jeff discuss the rare challenge of maintaining a strong friendship while working together professionally, including keeping clear boundaries when supervisory responsibilities require accountability. They reflect on their two years working closely, Nate’s recent departure from the organization where Jeff was his boss, and the emotional difficulty of leaving a place and relationships behind, comparing it to the closure of TPC. Nate shares that a past podcast episode revealed how much pain he was in during a previous transition, and they note the risk and value of being raw and honest publicly. They describe the podcast as a fun, cathartic “dream” they want to continue, consider inviting guests, and joke about having several unusable “blockbuster” episodes due to bad audio as they close the series.

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In a rambling, humorous podcast-style conversation, the speakers discuss feeling sick, ADHD-driven tangents, and viral laughing videos before returning to a core idea from Dan Mayer: “the way you do one thing, you do all things.” One speaker reflects on recent self-assessment, recognizing a pattern of going through motions “head down,” starting but not finishing, and wanting to stop doing things half-assed despite the emotional toll of helping others in dark places. They acknowledge using work to avoid their own issues and how personal “stuff” shapes perceptions, insecurity, and fear of failure. Referencing Carnegie and Napoleon Hill’s “mastermind” concept, they emphasize surrounding themselves with ethical, service-oriented people with integrity, praising their fathers as examples of honest, caring professionals. They also discuss how nonverbal demeanor can be misread and end by teasing a next episode about leaving a job and what the podcast means.

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Nate records a short, raw episode of Left Unplugged after feeling “off,” reflecting on what to do when barely hanging on and how his perfectionism and unmet aspirations fuel frustration, especially when alone at night and overthinking others’ intentions. He describes being 45, single, and conflicted about dating, yet learning to be himself and finding relief through laughter and connection, including a recent podcast with Tyler Lovell. He shares concern for people struggling with loneliness and suicide, emphasizing the need for someone to listen rather than fix problems. After 24 years in mental health, he questions staying a therapist, noting burnout, boundaries, and his podcast as both outreach and personal therapy. He discusses fears about providing, regrets as a father, the pain of children moving out, and a moment when his youngest said, “All I need is your love.”

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Nate records a short, raw Left Unplugged episode for Cognate Soul Podcasts after feeling “off,” reflecting on what to do when you’re just hanging on and how his perfectionism and unmet dreams fuel frustration and overthinking at night. He shares being 45, single, often alone, missing laughter and closeness, and finding relief through connection—like recording a recent podcast with Tyler Lovell—and through using the podcast as his own therapy to laugh, cry, and reset. Drawing on 24 years in mental health, he discusses burnout, boundaries, and why he started the platform to help others share stories, while also expressing empathy for people who feel so lonely they consider unaliving themselves. He worries about bills, being a provider, and whether he’s failed as a man and father, then recalls his youngest telling him, “All I need is your love.” #CognateSoul @CognateSoul special thanks ‪@iluvnoh8‬

#mentalhealth  #therapy  #realtalk  #LeftUnplugged #mensmentalhealth  #youarenotalone  #podcastclips  #personalgrowth  #healingjourney  #emotionalhealth

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