Get to know OCD

Howie Mandel and Marc Summers both carved out long-standing careers for themselves in the limelight and on TV screens. But behind the laughter and success lies a shared struggle with OCD — a challenge they faced during a time when the disorder was deeply misunderstood in Hollywood. For Marc, misinformation about OCD cost him a high-profile hosting job, while Howie quietly battled the fear that his own diagnosis might jeopardize everything he’d built in show business.In this episode, Howie and Marc come together to reflect on how OCD has shaped their careers and lives — then and now. They get real about what it was like to navigate an industry that often lacked compassion or understanding, and how those experiences continue to influence them today. Their stories offer not only insight into their remarkable resilience but also invaluable advice for anyone confronting their own fears, self-doubt, or the sting of being misunderstood.Are you or a loved one struggling with OCD? We’re here to help. Visit us at  https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living in the face of uncertainty is no small feat — especially when navigating life with a chronic condition or OCD. Dr. Ashley Smith, a psychologist and author of The Way I See It: A Psychologist’s Guide to a Happier Life, knows this journey intimately. In this episode of Get to Know OCD, she shares how she turned her own uncertain experience with vision loss into a powerful lesson in resilience and acceptance.Through her blend of professional expertise and personal insight, Ashley explores the science of happiness, the myth of toxic positivity, and why understanding your mind’s quirks is a key to thriving. If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt because of OCD or another condition, Ashley’s perspective will inspire you to embrace the hard stuff and find joy along the way.Need help with OCD and the uncertainty it creates in your life? We’re here to help. Visit us at  https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro2:02 Ashley’s background5:53 What is happiness 10:16 Patrick gets personal too13:23 Nothing is good or bad15:10 Accepting thoughts, images, and urges18:26 A thought is not a fact21:20 What “I feel like” actually means 24:46 Ashley’s book27:42 Misconceptions around happiness 29:01 The importance of sleep30:00 Overactive nervous system34:47 Are we overworked in the United States?39:40 What Ashley wants people to get out of the book40:48 It’s not your fault44:28 What’s next for Ashley48:37 How to get more from AshleyFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The holidays can be a time of joy, but they’re also a stressor — perfect conditions for OCD to flare up. From intrusive thoughts to compulsions promising false relief, the Christmas season can feel overwhelming. In this video, we dive into practical strategies for managing OCD during the holidays, including setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and facing triggers with confidence.Join us as we explore how to navigate family gatherings, maintain healthy routines, and approach therapy proactively to keep OCD from ruining the holiday fun.Are you or a loved one struggling with OCD? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more about our best-in-care treatment options. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scrupulosity, or religious OCD, twists faith into fear, trapping individuals in relentless cycles of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. Intrusive thoughts like “am I a sinner?” or “did I commit an unforgivable act?” fuel compulsions — endless prayers, confessions, or mental checks — that only tighten OCD’s grip.In this episode, Dr. Ted Witzig — a psychologist and ordained minister — joins us to unpack this complex and often misunderstood OCD subtype. Through his unique blend of clinical expertise and spiritual insight, Dr. Witzig offers compassion, clarity, and practical guidance to help untangle faith from fear and reclaim a life of peace.Struggling with scrupulosity? Have questions? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:39 Ted’s unique background 5:49 Understanding scrupulosity8:15 Scrupulosity is NOT a faith problem 17:43 Ted treats all faiths21:05 The role of ERP when treating scrupulosity27:38 Anxiety hierarchies 34:24 Opportunity for clinicians and families to work together 39:02 The problem with online checking 41:03 The tricks OCD likes playing46:42 Ted’s parting advice50:43 How to reach TedFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does OCD impact your relationships with friends, family, or romantic partners? In this episode of Get to Know OCD, Dr. Amy Mariaskin joins us to unpack the ways OCD can infiltrate relationships, from creating distance to amplifying shame. Drawing from her book Thriving in Relationships When You Have OCD, she offers insights, practical tools, and a message of hope for anyone living with OCD or supporting a loved one who is.Is OCD negatively affecting your relationships? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to explore treatment options or book a free consultation with one of our experts.Show notes:0:00 Intro2:36 Amy’s background3:50 Amy’s book about OCD and relationships 6:48 How OCD becomes a third wheel in a relationship10:51 Talking about OCD with a partner14:37 Redefining OCD18:10 How to thrive in spite of OCD20:58 How OCD convinces you it’s good for relationships  27:02 Being playful with your OCD28:30 Attachment theory explained36:19 What to do when OCD feels too real41:22 Changes after treating relationship OCD44:17 Amy’s advice if you’re struggling through OCD46:12 OutroFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting is hard enough without OCD steering the ship. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath dives into perinatal and postpartum OCD, breaking down what it is, who it affects (hint: it’s not just moms), and how it can disrupt your life. From intrusive fears to compulsive behaviors, OCD has a way of turning the joys of parenthood into constant anxiety.But here’s the good news: help is available. Dr. McGrath shares practical insights and offers a message of hope for parents navigating this tough journey. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by guilt, paralyzed by what-ifs, or just unsure of what’s going on, this guide is here to remind you—you’re not alone, and you can take back control.Are you a parent struggling with OCD? We think we can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation with us.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special Thanksgiving Day episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, the tables turn as Dr. Patrick McGrath takes the spotlight — but not as the interviewer. Tia Wilson steps in to ask the questions, giving listeners a rare glimpse into Patrick’s personal and professional journey.For the next 45 minutes, Patrick opens up about his early struggles with childhood anxiety, the rejections that ultimately shaped his path to psychology, his decision to make OCD his life’s mission, and the profound loss of his wife to cancer. Though he doesn’t have OCD himself, Patrick’s deep understanding of the disorder has earned him the trust of countless individuals seeking help. This heartfelt conversation offers a deeper connection to the man behind the mission at NOCD.Want help for OCD from Patrick and our top-of-the-line therapists? Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:38 Patrick gets “bamboozled” 2:10 Patrick’s upbringing 10:30 How Patrick ended up in field of psychology 13:31 How Patrick understands OCD despite not having 15:19 Patrick applies own therapy techniques while his wife was cancer-stricken 18:48 The difficulty of being a caregiver22:02 Being open about grief24:18 “Good” days and “bad” days30:45 How Patrick summarizes OCD to others34:53 What Patrick does for NOCD36:20 How OCD treatment has improved since Patrick began his career43:30 Patrick’s parting advice if you have OCDFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Trondsen doesn’t have OCD, but her son, Chris, does — and as is often the case, the disorder didn’t just affect him; it rippled through the entire family. Liz shares her deeply personal story in this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, opening up about the moment her son’s struggles nearly claimed his life and how that single event became a turning point for their entire family.Liz talks candidly about the guilt and helplessness she felt as a parent, realizing she missed the signs of her son’s suffering. She also reflects on the steep learning curve of understanding OCD and the role she had to play in Chris’s recovery — one that he credits for saving his life.This is a story of shock, guilt, hope, resilience, and breakthrough — a raw and inspiring conversation about what it takes to support a loved one with OCD. Struggling to support someone with OCD? Need professional help? Consider visiting  https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn about our best-in-care treatment options. Show notes: 0:00 Intro1:39 How Liz became an OCD advocate 4:04 The role families play in OCD treatment 8:35 Feeling guilt as a parent13:06 When Liz realized her son had a problem15:05 The turning point in Chris’ recovery 16:29 Making a short film17:57 OCD advocacy as a life’s purpose19:04 Treating OCD takes time away from the whole family23:36 Life after “recovery”26:33 Watching a child go through therapy 31:04 Liz’s own therapy experience34:22 Liz advice for parents feeling regret38:09 Co-parenting a child with OCD41:37 Educating others about OCD42:48 Liz’ advice for parentsFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supporting someone with OCD can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t fully understand their experience. In this episode of Get to know OCD, Dr. Patrick McGrath breaks down the complexities of OCD and shares practical tips for starting meaningful conversations — whether you’re living with OCD or supporting someone who is. You'll walk away from this talk with insights to foster understanding, build connection, and navigate the challenges OCD brings together.If you are or a loved one is experiencing OCD, there is external help available. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more about effective, evidence-based treatment. Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When intrusive thoughts took over his life, Jesse Katches felt isolated, hopeless, and afraid to share his struggles — even with his roommate. Fast-forward to today, and Jesse has transformed his pain into purpose as a mental health advocate reaching millions online.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Dr. Patrick McGrath sits down with Jesse to discuss his journey through anxiety and OCD, the power of vulnerability, and why taking one small step at a time can change everything. They explore the courage it takes to live authentically, the challenges of sharing personal stories online, and the surprising ways advocacy helps erase the stigma of mental health struggles.If you are or a loved one is experiencing OCD, there is hope. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about effective, evidence-based treatment. Show notes:0:00 Intro 1:44 Why Jesse began posting online about mental health and OCD 7:39 Dealing with online trolls  11:03 Living life in spite of OCD 14:57 The importance of having nerves 17:15 Dating with OCD22:37 Changing the narrative around mental health 27:00 Remember why you’re doing it29:51 Know you’re not alone31:51 Future of content 34:51 Decreasing the stigma 36:54 Risk of reaching out for help 43:45 Being nice to yourself 47:26 Jesse’s advice to content creators thinking of opening up about struggles Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.