Before You Cut Bangs

In this inaugural "vindication episode," Laura and Claire are joined by Will's father, veteran radio host Bob Lochamy, to set the record straight on some of the show's most memorable family stories. With wit and warmth, Bob revisits tales involving a Michael Jackson joke gone wrong, a softball injury mix-up, and even a surprising run-in with Taylor Swift. Along the way, he shares heartfelt wisdom on parenting and the importance of cherishing everyday moments. A funny, revealing look at how family legends evolve—and what really happened behind the stories.

Laura got a frantic call to grab someone's kids... and couldn't remember their name. Yep. That actually happened. In this episode, we're talking about those awkward friendship moments when you realize you're not on the same page about how close you really are. We'll refresh you on our now-famous friendship tiers, play a revealing game of “Tier or Near,” and offer tips for recalibrating relationships without ghosting anyone. Spoiler: it's not about ditching people, it's about clarity. Let's talk adult friendship drama.

It's Will this time! He's the one with the issue! Well, it's also Laura and Claire... and probably you. It turns out passive aggressiveness isn't just about your one snarky friend. That disconnect between what we express and what we communicate lies at the heart of passive-aggressive behavior. 

"Co-parenting has nothing to do with your failed marriage," becomes our central theme as we explore the strategies that help children thrive despite family restructuring. We discuss the surprising value of rigid schedules, the importance of speaking positively about your ex-partner (or saying nothing at all), and why approaching difficult conversations with curiosity rather than accusation makes all the difference.

What if the chaos that keeps finding you isn't random at all? Laura and Claire tackle the uncomfortable question many of us face when drama seems to follow us everywhere: "Is it me or is it them?"

Small talk—love it or hate it, it's everywhere. We explore why it exists, how it shapes our daily lives, and why some thrive on it while others (Will) cringe. Through engaging stories and psychological insights, we unpack its cultural nuances and hidden impact on relationships. Join us as we reflect on the power of brief exchanges, from awkward encounters to meaningful connections. Subscribe and be part of the conversation!

Should you only travel with tier-one friends? How are you going to decide on who plays the music in the car? Most importantly, who will be there to talk Claire out of going to live with the monks? Those questions are answered this week on Before You Cut Bangs.

Ever look at someone and think, Wow, they really have it all figured out? Yeah… us neither. But a listener wrote in and asked about confidence—where it comes from, how to get it, and whether we just wake up feeling like we run the world (spoiler: we don't).In this episode, we're peeling back the layers of confidence—how it's less about knowing everything and more about surviving discomfort over and over again. We talk about imposter syndrome, faking it (until one day you're not), and the hard truth that confidence isn't something you get—it's something you build. Sometimes that means failing. Sometimes it just means doing something terrifying and pretending you're fine while you do it.So before you make any bold moves (like, say… cutting bangs), tune in for a real talk on what confidence actually takes—and why it's totally worth the discomfort.

We dig into the crucial differences between Licensed Professional Counselors (LCPs) and pastoral counselors, addressing how negative church experiences can deter people from seeking effective therapy. Inspired by a listener's traumatic encounter with an unlicensed "counselor" who imposed detrimental contractual agreements, we delve into avoiding harmful mental healthcare experiences. We discuss essential questions to ask and emphasize seeking appropriate care: just as you wouldn't consult a church for a broken leg, mental health concerns require qualified professionals.

Are you listening!? Will probably isn't. Laura and Claire explore the complexities of being a good listener, discussing different approaches to friends versus acquaintances, and the role personal boundaries play in these interactions. 

We are knocking on the doors of Christmas and trying to capture the magic, but not get sucked into the world of comparisons and feeling like we didn't do enough for our family, friends, and especially our kids.The holiday season ushers in lots of good stuff, like joy and memory making— but if we aren't careful it can all feel like insurmountable pressure. We hope as you listen wherever you are on your journey- you'll be reminded that the real magic of the holidays is spending time with your people. We hope you laugh with us this episode and are reminded— no one's kids are going to therapy later in life over what Santa or the damn elf brought— so relax, make some hot chocolate, play some games and love your people. 

The hardest thing in life is to be in a relationship with people that we hoped would change and then we wake up one day and realize maybe they won't… or can't. On this episode, we are diving into how to navigate those relationships and come to terms with the reality of what IS TRUE. 

We're all fascinated with true crime and documentaries in general, but why? Filmmaker Matthew Galkin joins us for a fascinating conversation about the incredible influence of documentaries, highlighting how they transform perspectives and ignite important discussions. Matthew opens up about his shift into the true crime genre, a transition he never anticipated but found fascinating due to the genre's combination of mystery, voyeurism, and the pursuit of justice. 

Now that Halloween is over the real spooky season begins for some of us as we step into the holiday gathering season with our families. We are rolling out three ways to approach conversations you don't want to have (again) and talking through the ones you want to avoid altogether. This episode is all about taking care of yourself and still showing up and enjoying even the most awkward of family gatherings. Let's eat the turkey, kiss the babies, and avoid the drama! 

Taking therapy beyond the traditional couch, Laura and Claire explore unconventional methods like somatic and movement-based therapies that might just unlock those traumas your body refuses to let go of. Most importantly, how many times can Laura be scared by a fake spider, and what are our three hosts most afraid of (other than the fake spider)?

This week on "Before You Cut Bangs," we're kicking off with our new segment, "Show and Tell." Claire shares the most scandalous gifts she received with Laura and Will, including "Clone a Willie" and "Clone a Lady Part" kits. Guess which one has batteries...We dive headfirst into the pressures of perfectionism on social media. Is the flawless life you see online really as perfect as it seems? Join us as we explore the contrast between meticulously curated posts and the chaotic reality behind the scenes. From our personal tales of perfectionism to the concept of "fake it till you make it," we even throw in an AI roast of an Instagram feed for good measure. Let's tackle the authenticity issues head-on and question the real motives behind those idealized snapshots.

Have you ever felt like your emotions are a tightly sealed bottle, ready to burst? Laura and Claire kick off this episode by examining the surprising consequences of suppressing your feelings, from irritability to serious issues like addiction. They offer insights into the delicate balance between over-processing emotions and shutting them down entirely, featuring Will's pragmatic approach as a case study. They also delve into how childhood conditioning impacts our ability to manage emotions in adulthood and the struggle to find a healthy middle ground.

This is the second installment with Dr. Rachel Fargason, who demystifies ADHD in all its forms—from hyperactive and inattentive subtypes, to the lesser-known sluggish cognitive tempo. We also touch on the long-term safety of these medications and question if it's actually harmful for some people to not take them.

Ever wonder if your pile of unread texts and emails is more than just procrastination? Laura, Claire, and Will are joined by special guest, Dr. Rachel Fargason from UAB to answer listener questions concerning all things ADHD. Dr. Fargason brings her expert insights, debunks myths about ADHD, and sheds light on the relief and understanding that a proper diagnosis brings. 

Are we living in the most offended generation ever? Perhaps. We are unpacking why we feel offended by our close people (spouses, partners, kids, TEENAGERS, colleagues, friends) and what to do when it feels big!Laura talks about a lady who is still offended by her after an accidental "bird shooting" incident. Clair talks about silly sippy straws to help us understand our whacky brains, and well... Will isn't offended ever. Surprise, surprise. Listen in and don't be offended! :)

ADHD isn't just a buzzword; it's a complex condition that can impact every aspect of life. Have you ever wondered how ADHD truly affects daily functioning and what it takes to get an accurate diagnosis? Our stories not only highlight the myths surrounding ADHD, but also the emotional validation that comes with a diagnosis, offering a supportive perspective that breaks down stereotypes and misconceptions.

Join us on this (Claire can't stop laughing out loud) episode of "Before You Cut Bangs," where Laura and Claire dissect all things embarrassment. We uncover the anatomy of those mortifying moments through listener stories like Amanda from Atlanta, whose dog left a little surprise in Home Depot, and Melissa from Nashville, who accidentally sent a cringe-worthy screenshot to her former boss. Laura and Claire discuss the fleeting nature of embarrassment and how these moments often turn into the funniest stories to share later on.Laura and Claire dive into the power of humor as a coping tool, sharing their hilarious mishaps, including unblended bronzer and Will's inappropriate family dinner jokes. All while highlighting the strength of self-deprecating humor in diffusing awkward situations and building stronger connections. 

We get it. It's a BIG, huge buzz in culture... the narcissist, or the potential narcissist in your life that's taking up a lot of space. In this episode, we're talking about all the steps that make up the narcissist cycle. From Love bombing to big criticism, we are breaking down Laura's version and Claire is coming in strong with the clinical truths we hope to come through. 

On this episode, Laura, Claire, and Will are taking a narcissist quiz while tip-toeing their way around the culturally buzzing subject of narcissism on the whole. You're going to find out, in a less than scientific way, how narcissistic the hosts of Before You Cut Bangs really are. Our goal over the next two episodes is to shine some light on what makes a narcissist,  how to identify them, and what to do if you find yourself in an unhealthy dynamic with one. If you find yourself Googling the word "narcissistic" often, these are the episodes for you!

Breaking up is hard, but breaking up with a friend is the worst. Life happens and sometimes we wake up and realize we are in an unhealthy place with a "friend." In this episode, we accidentally created a tier system for friendship and talked about the different ways to step out of an unhealthy friendship. From ghosting (highly do not recommend) to face-to-face awkward conversations. This episode might be for you if you're rebuilding adult friendships or realize you have some unhealthy ones still hanging around!

Disclaimer: This episode contains subjects that might not be suitable for children or those suffering from sexual traumaPorn is a very controversial topic, and it will come as no surprise that you'll hear three different opinions about the good, the bad, and the ugly.  This episode does what we said we would do... talk about topics people don't always discuss. We'll do it with levity, funny stories, and hopefully spark healthy conversations with your people. 

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks, but only if they want to learn, folks. On this episode, Claire got a new pup named Glenda, Laura had a psycho moment over a customer service issue, and no one likes a negative-Nancy. We talk about why change is hard AND good, and how we can get better over time. We also talk about what to do with the people in your life who aren't changing or growing (or maybe just have a really shitty attitude). Plus, Will accidentally teaches us about radical acceptance. 

On this episode, we are spring break and family vacation traditions. We are telling stories of Clark Griswold moments in Europe with Laura and prompt dinner times with Claire at the beach... and the idea of throwing all of your expectations out the window and maybe just trying to enjoy yourself!!! But if you don't enjoy yourself, it might be because you convinced yourself to do a hike because Oprah did it. Oh, and no surprise, Will has never had any drama on a vacation. 

Miscommunication can be hilarious, embarrassingly hilarious, hilariously insulting, or just flat-out problematic.  Morticia Addams, BBL, and Willy Two-Tone show you examples of each in this episode. 

EVERYONE is beautiful (on Instagram) and EVERYONE has the best kids (on Facebook). Laura and Claire look at the dangers of comparison fueled by social media, illuminating societal myths and the need for critical thinking. Plus, Will learns about Sephora kids and Maxxinistas!

ALMOST every single person has intrusive thoughts. Claire tells us about the most common ones, she and Laura are honest about theirs, and Will lives in happy Chantix dreamland. 

There are good reasons to apologize, but what are the bad ones? More importantly, we'll find out who cries the most between Laura, Claire, and Will, who has been in a fight, and who is the real therapist on the podcast. 

What are healthy ways to set New Year's resolutions, and more importantly, what resolutions should you avoid? Plus, enjoy a trip down Laura's memory lane and play "Guess the Bleeped Word!" on this episode of Before You Cut Bangs!

Gather around the proverbial campfire, all our fellow YES PEOPLE, while Laura and Claire unpack the differences between codependency and people-pleasing. They'll share tools that could help you overcome (or not) your people-pleasing ways.

On this episode, Will asks Laura and Claire all of the get-to-know-you questions, well, you want to know. Tell us what questions you want Will to ask next time!

On this episode, Laura, Claire, and Will dive into why the holidays can be stressful through their own stories and ones submitted by you, the listeners. If you thought your family was a mess, we've got great news! 

On this episode, Laura, Claire, and Will break down listener-submitted breakup stories.  Unfortunately for Laura and Will, we hear theirs too. 

This episode was MEANT to talk about making friends in your thirties... Claire and Laura walk through gastric issues, define "askhole," and how we can all swing and miss in a connection. So, buckle up for a good chuckle and mediocre advice on connection.

On this episode, Laura, Claire, and Will look at all things boundaries.  When to apply them, how to use them in a healthy way, and when to just stop hanging out with family members. 

On this episode, Laura, Claire, and Will explore the dating world, all things apps, girls about town, and share stories that made Will (finally) bring out the bleep button. 

In this episode, Claire and Laura confess to breakup methods and catching lizards in Alabama. Find out how to regulate your nervous system without cutting bangs or leaving a boy at the bar.

In the second episode Laura and Claire dissect what's underneath "he makes me so happy" and why we get lip injections instead of taking a look at what's really going on.

Episode One breaks the bummer and benefit of the apology. Claire and Laura dive into everything from why it's so easy to say "sorry" to a stranger and gut-wrenching to apologize to a relative, to being overly apologetic in the worst of times.