This episode felt like a deep exhale. Margaret runs solo today, as she sat down with Dr. Hillary McBride—psychologist, author, and researcher—to talk about embodiment, trauma, and the radical act of tuning back into ourselves. We talked about what it means to feel your feelings in your body, why…
This is the episode I wish we never had to make—and also the one I wish I’d had from the beginning. Margaret and I talk about suicide from inside the profession: what it’s like to lose a patient, how we carry that grief (or numbness), and why the aftermath is rarely as clear-cut as people think. …
It’s Part 2 of our deep dive into eating disorders—and this time, we’re going even deeper. We kick off by unpacking our mock therapy session with Dr. Helen Liljenwall, which unexpectedly hit close to home for all of us. Then we take a sharp turn into the medical realities of starvation, including r…
In this episode, Margaret and I take on burnout—what it actually is, where the term came from, and how to tell when you’re not just tired, but something deeper is cracking. We dig into the history, the Maslach Inventory, moral injury, and why burnout isn’t in the DSM (yet). We also share our own un…
Season 1: complete! In this wrap-up episode, Margaret and I reflect on what it’s been like building this show from scratch—while also being full-time psychiatry residents. We talk about favorite episodes, unexpected challenges, what we’re still figuring out, and what’s ahead for Season 2. We also a…
In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Nikki Haddad, we went from couples therapy theory to Simpsons cosplay, and yes—it was as chaotic and illuminating as it sounds. Margaret and I roleplay Homer and Marge in a fictional session while Nikki breaks down what’s actually happening between us (emotion…
In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Nikki Haddad —Margaret's residency best friend, couples and sex therapist, and one of the most thoughtful psychiatrists I know—to break down what makes romantic relationships so damn hard. We get into myths we’ve carried (and tried to shake), how sexual issues …
In the last episode, Preston demonstrated to Margaret how to properly conduct a mindfulness meditation session. Due to popular demand, the sage spiritual guide is back.
In Episode 16, Preston and Margaret dive into the chaos of overnight residency, the reality of sleep deprivation, and how mindfulness can backfire when your brain just won’t sit still. From ruined meditations to hot girl walks through hospital hallways, they unpack what real-world coping actually l…
In Episode 15, Preston and Margaret open a bottle—of questions, stories, and science—about alcohol use disorder. What do we get wrong about “moderate” drinking? Why is detox more dangerous than most people realize? And how does alcohol quietly reshape identity, relationships, and the brain itself? …
In Episode 14, Preston and Margaret dive into social anxiety disorder and the loneliness epidemic. From embarrassing childhood memories to awkward club encounters, they explore how social anxiety shows up in everyday life and how it differs from normal nerves. They also discuss the surgeon general’…
In this episode Margaret takes the lead as she welcomes art therapist, psychotherapist, and author Amelia Knott to discuss the ethics of being online, parasocial relationships, and the impact of social media on mental health. We explore the blurred lines between personal and professional identities…
In this episode Preston and Margaret explore the endocannabinoid system, cannabis, and its impact on mental health. They break down the science behind CB1 and CB2 receptors, explain why marijuana affects people so differently, and discuss the complex relationship between THC, CBD, and dopamine. Alo…
In this episode Preston and Margaret are joined by Dr. David Roberts to explore the fascinating world of motivational interviewing (MI)—a counseling technique designed to help patients navigate ambivalence and commit to meaningful change. Dr. Roberts shares insights from his years of experience tra…
In this episode Preston and Margaret welcome their first guest, neurosurgeon and content creator Dr. Betsy Grunch (aka Lady Spine Doc), for a deep dive into pain — how we treat it, how we misunderstand it, and how the system often fails those who experience it.
In this episode Preston and Margaret take a deep dive into the complex relationship between exercise, nutrition and mental health. They discuss the science behind how movement impacts the brain, debunk common myths about fitness, and explore the psychological barriers that prevent people from incor…
In this episode Preston and Margaret embrace the season with a deep dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). From the science behind melatonin and serotonin to the cultural and emotional frameworks that shape how we experience winter, this episode covers the biopsychosocial dynamics of seasonal…
In this episode Preston and Margaret dive into the science and personal experiences surrounding attachment theory. They discuss its origins, its modern-day interpretations, and how it shows up in everyday relationships.
In this debut episode of How to Be Patient, psychiatry residents Preston Roche and Margaret Duncan open up about their personal journeys into medicine and the challenges they’ve faced in connecting with patients—and themselves. From navigating early patient interactions to grappling with their own …
It’s finally time to address our professional relationships with mental health treatment in a clear, calm, and professional manner. It’s time that practitioners start to better understand ourselves, our patients, and our para...