Call Me Katie

Why constant fight-or-flight is damaging your body — and how to break free.

Are you constantly “on,” overwhelmed, or running on adrenaline? In this episode of Call Me Katie, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Katie Stirling sits down with nutritional biochemist and bestselling author Dr. Libby Weaver to explore what it really means to live in the red zone — and how to break the cycle.

You’ll learn:

- Signs you’re living in fight-or-flight -...

Are we over-labeling normal relationship struggles — and what actually separates a psychopath, a narcissist, and an avoidant partner?

Clinical and educational psychologist Dr. Maika Steinborn joins Dr. Katie Stirling to clarify the most confused terms online and offer a practical, compassionate lens you can use in real life.

In this episode: - Psychopath vs. Narcissist: Antisocial PD vs. NPD — motives, behaviors, and myths - Avoida...

Why do some relationships thrive while others fall apart?

In this episode, Family Lawyer and author (Live, Laugh, Find True Love) Sarah Intelligator shares the 6 Fail Factors she’s seen again and again in nearly two decades of divorce cases. From fundamental values and fear to foundation, family, fairy tales, and fixing, Sarah reveals the hidden patterns that cause couples to break down — and what it takes to build a relationship t...

Can the food on your plate transform your hormones, gut health, and even your mental wellbeing? 🌿

In this episode, I sit down with Brigid Titgemeier, MS, RDN, LD, IFNCP — Functional Medicine Registered Dietitian and founder of BeingBrigid. We explore the interconnectedness of blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and gut health, and how these elements influence women’s overall wellbeing.

You’ll hear us unpack: •        Why wom...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Rachel Samson and Dr. Jessie Stern, we explore how these patterns play out in relationships and what to do about them.

Inside this episode:

• Why schemas and coping modes develop in childhood
• The classic anxious–avoidant pursue/withdraw loop and why it feels so stuck
• How to recognize flooding and use structured breaks that protect both partners
• The difference between boundaries and ultimatums ...

Why do two people experience the same situation so differently? And why does one person’s behavior feel “difficult” while another’s doesn’t?

In this episode of Call Me Katie, I’m joined by psychologists Rachel Samson (@australianpsychologist) and Dr. Jessie Stern (@drjessiestern), co-authors of Beyond Difficult. Together, we explore the unique ingredients that make us who we are — and why understanding these factors is key to trans...

What happens when wellness becomes just another pressure to perform?

In this episode, I’m joined by nutritionist, mental health advocate, and Live Well, Be Well podcast host Sarah Ann Macklin for a powerful conversation about the ways the wellness industry may be doing more harm than good. We explore the line between health and obsession, how social media shapes our view of wellbeing, and what it actually looks like to live a life ...

Ever felt like you and your partner are on different pages when it comes to sex?

You’re not alone — and you’re not doing it wrong.

In this episode, Licensed Psychologists and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists Dr. Jennifer Vencill and Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy help us rethink everything we’ve been told about sexual desire. Whether you're the one who wants more sex, less sex, or just better sex — this conversation is for you.

We explore: ...

What’s the one thing the world needs most?

This season, I asked every guest the same closing question:

“If you had a magic wand and could gift everyone on the planet one skill or piece of knowledge — what would it be?”

The answers were profound — sometimes simple, sometimes surprising, but always full of heart. In this special reflection episode, I bring together their wishes for a better world.

From therapists and psychologists to...

“You’ll be happy once you’re successful.” “Men want sex more than women.” “Addiction is forever.” “If you’re not doing more, you’re doing it wrong.”

We’ve all heard these ideas — and probably internalized more of them than we realize. But what happens when we actually examine the research?

In this Mythbusters Compilation episode, I sit down with psychologists, sexologists, addiction experts, and behavioral scientists to break down ...

In Part 2  Dr. Katie and Dr. Maike Neuhaus go deeper — exploring midlife transitions, how to honor your values and the internal blocks that stop you from designing the life you actually want. From personal stories of transformation to the science of self-compassion, this episode invites you to stop chasing success that doesn’t feel like your own and start redefining your life from the inside out.  

You’ll hear:

- The truth about “m...

What if the version of success you’re chasing isn't the pathway to your happiness? In this episode, Dr Maike Neuhaus joins Dr Katie to explore how you can unhook from cultural myths about success and redefine success and happiness on your own terms. We discuss hedonic vs. eudaimonic happiness, the trap of “miss wanting,” and how gratitude can reconnect you with what actually matters. 

If you're ready to break free from the barriers...

In part two of my conversation with Dr. Adi Jaffe, we dive into what recovery actually looks like.

From the harmful power of labels like “addict” to the myth of the “addictive personality,” we unpack what helps people change—and what holds them back. Dr. Jaffe shares powerful personal stories, breaks down the role of shame, and offers a compassionate yet practical roadmap for anyone navigating recovery, trauma, or support for a lov...

Addiction treatment models have failed to reach 99% of people who need help. In this episode, Dr. Adi Jaffe joins me to explore why—and what we can do instead. We unpack how addiction is often misunderstood, the dangers of shame-based labels, and why the real issue is often unaddressed emotional pain.

Dr. Jaffe shares his SPARO Model, offering a clear, compassionate framework for understanding addiction, behavior, and sustainable c...

Why does your partner shut down, react defensively, or seem like a completely different person when things get emotional?

In this insightful episode, Dr. Katie Stirling sits down with Behavior Analyst Chelsea Troutman to explore what your partner’s behavior really means. 

If you've ever felt confused by your partner's reactions — or your own — this conversation will help you move from frustration to clarity.

Are you tired of trying...

Why do we shut down in meetings, overreact to emails, or spiral after feedback?

In this episode, I’m joined by Behavior Analyst Chelsea Troutman to explore how our past experiences and the current context shape present behaviour — especially in high-pressure environments like the workplace.

We unpack how:

• Adult behaviour isn’t random
• Early experiences influence how we experience workplace contexts
• Creating the right context ca...

When your nervous system is activated, your fight flight freeze response significantly shapes the way you communicate in your relationship. Learn about the concept of emotional flooding and discover how it may be influencing your relationships!

Did you know that your nervous system plays a crucial role in shaping your interactions with others? From anxiety and stress to emotional regulation and empathy, your nervous system is const...

Learn how to support your kids to love their body, by learning how to love yours. In this podcast episode, Dr Charlotte Ord- author of Body Confident You, Body Confident Kid shares 7 essential steps to break free from societies body image pressures! 

This podcast highlights the societal impacts of weight stigma on health and the importance of fostering a culture of body appreciation for future generations. In this conversation, we ...

In this Episode, Dr. Charlotte Ord shares her transformative journey from being a gym owner and trainer on 'The Biggest Loser' to becoming a psychologist specializing in eating disorders and body image. She discusses the importance of self-acceptance over societal ideals of beauty, the prevalence of body dissatisfaction, how to increase self esteem in a world focused on body shaming, and the unique challenges faced by men regarding...