The Science of Self-Care

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It feels like everything is self-care these days, so what actually works? Each week, comedians Steven Polletta and Sophie Yalkezian and neuroscientist Shannon Odell act as guinea pigs to a different self-care practice. They explore what it does and the science behind it with laughs along the way. You'll leave each episode with an expert opinion, new friends and a bounce in your step, guaranteed. Follow us on social media! Instagram: @thescienceofselfcare Twitter: @SOSCpodcast Have a question? Email Us! thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com

The Science of Self-Care


    • Jan 25, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 46m AVG DURATION
    • 50 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from The Science of Self-Care with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Science of Self-Care

    THC

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 43:24


    That's a wrap on Season 3! We're diving into the science behind Tetrahydrocannabinol, aka THC, aka cannabis, aka weed, aka all the other things we've ever called weed in an effort to be "subtle" and "cool". Steven and Sophie reminisce on anti-drug campaigns and insist on reading through Rachel Leigh Cook's filmography. Shannon explains how the drug impacts your body and the many different physical systems it can affect, from pain to memory to sleep. So, is THC self-care or self-square? We're taking a break and will be back soon with more episodes! Drop us a line with thoughts or requests anytime at thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com or on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare!

    Managing a move

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2023 45:02


    This week, the self-care gang talks through the impact that moving homes can have on your brain, and share advice on how to take care of yourself before, during, or after a move. Shannon and Sophie share their highs and lows from recent moving experiences, and everyone agrees Steven could easily be a real estate agent.

    Aging

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2022 40:00


    This week, we're exploring that thing we all obsess over, fear, and maybe even look forward to: aging! Shannon, Sophie, and Steven discuss the science of aging, what it really means, and how culture influences the way we feel about getting older.

    Wearables

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2022 39:14


    Does tracking your steps motivate you to walk more each day? Can monitoring your heart rate help you exercise more efficiently? Today, we're digging into all the science behind wearable technologies. That means everything from Fitbits to Smart Shoes to the everyday iPhone. Plus, the crew offers their best tips for when you want to get your body movin' and groovin'.

    Managing your finances

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2022 47:37


    Money is more emotional than we think! It can stress us out, give us joy, and all the feelings in between. Today we're diving into the topic of financial wellness with a look at the emotional side of money, raising your credit score, saving for retirement, and how to take care of yourself through financial ups and downs.

    Managing grief

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 41:53


    Grief is complicated, much like a myriad of metaphors the gang comes up with! Learn how grief is defined and researched in the scientific community, the physical symptoms it can come with, and how we can help take care of ourselves through this universal human experience. Steven, Sophie, and Shannon tackle common questions around how we process grief, how we give ourselves (and each other) permission to grieve, and the unexpected gifts it can offer us.

    Gossip

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 35:51


    Did you hear what happened? The gang talked about all the science of GOSSIP! Come spill the tea with us as we dig in deep on what defines gossip, how it can be good for you, and where it can slip too far into toxic territory.

    Bloodwork

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2022 44:01


    What does your blood say about your health? Let's find out! This week, the gang is joined by Taylor Odell, a registered critical care nurse (and Shannon's little sister) who dishes out all the details on how to know what's in your blood, what to look for, and why getting your bloodwork done can help you take care of yourself.

    Vitamins

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 36:58


    The vitamin episode is here! How necessary is it to take that daily multivitamin and how do you pick a brand? Shannon, Sophie, and Steven unload their vitamin baggage and find out if supplements are really just sawdust.

    Daydreaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 21, 2022 38:54


    Knock knock, it's season 3 at the door! We often think that daydreaming is a distraction, but the truth is, it can help us get creative, solve problems, and achieve our goals. Get all the science on why daydreaming is good for you, why scrolling your phone doesn't count, and why we should all be high-fiving each other more often. Join us on Patreon at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare, and follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. This episode was edited by John Purcell.

    Sensory deprivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2022 33:12


    Season 3 is almost here! Get ready for a new slate of self-care topics starting September 20th. Until then, let's kick back and learn all about sensory deprivation tanks. The gang hears a play-by-play of the experience from a special guest (and friend of the pod). Then, Shannon drops all the science gems. Is floating in a womb tank self-care, or self-square? Find out!

    Vacations

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 58:48


    Is a vacation *really* the cure for the winter blues? Or any blues, ever? We'll explore the answer by diving into the science. Hear how Sophie, Steven, and Shannon have taken care of themselves on vacations past—or forgotten to, and paid for it later. And we'll talk about how to build mini-vacations into your daily life for longer lasting joy. Got an idea for an ep? Email us at thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com or Instagram @thescienceofselfcare

    Psychedelics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2021 48:44


    We're taking a wacky trip into the science of psychedelics! Join us as Dr. Shannon uncovers the facts about psychedelic drugs like mushrooms and LSD as a form of self-care, therapy, and post-traumatic stress treatment.

    Video Games

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2021 52:10


    This week we're digging into the healing power of video games and whether they're good for us, bad for us, or somewhere in between! We're talking all the hits: from Animal Crossing to The Sims to Ballz (yes, Ballz). We also learn a lot (maybe too much?) about Steven, Shannon, and Sophie's upbringings, as always. Let us know what you think!

    TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2021 52:10


    We're back! And we're getting to the bottom of whether Netflix and chill-ing is really good for you. Steven and Sophie describe their television self-care routines of yesteryear (and this year). Shannon breaks down what our brains loves about our favorite TV shows—and what that says about us as humans. Tune in!

    Physical Touch

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 62:24


    We're back! Like, really, really back! To celebrate our first vaccinated, safe, in-person recording we're digging into the scientific benefits of what we missed most over the last year: HUMAN TOUCH! Shannon gives us all the touchy feely studies, and Steven and Sophie play a game guessing which emotion is behind specific forms of touch. We also land on the topic of robot dogs, somehow. Enjoy!

    Positive Thinking

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2021 56:33


    Today we're digging into the science behind positive thinking! Our conversation covers: bad improv shows, Sex and The City, The Secret, Octomom's kids, and, as always, yoga. We also talk about the difference between positive thinking and toxic positivity—and whether any study on the subject is truly unbiased. So say something nice to yourself and strap in! Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G.J. et al. Positive psychology interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. BMC Public Health 13, 119 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-119 White, C. A., Uttl, B., & Holder, M. D. (2019). Meta-analyses of positive psychology interventions: The effects are much smaller than previously reported. PloS one, 14(5), e0216588. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0216588 Bergsma, A., Buijt, I., & Veenhoven, R. (2020). Will Happiness-Trainings Make Us Happier? A Research Synthesis Using an Online Findings-Archive. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 1953. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01953 Andrade G. (2019). The ethics of positive thinking in healthcare. Journal of medical ethics and history of medicine, 12, 18. https://doi.org/10.18502/jmehm.v12i18.2148 Park, N., Peterson, C., Szvarca, D., Vander Molen, R. J., Kim, E. S., & Collon, K. (2014). Positive Psychology and Physical Health: Research and Applications. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 10(3), 200–206. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827614550277 Boehm, J. K., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2012). The heart's content: the association between positive psychological well-being and cardiovascular health. Psychological bulletin, 138(4), 655–691. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0027448 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950

    Light Therapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 47:33


    Today we're brightening up our knowledge of therapy lamps! Shannon dishes out all the science about how blue light therapy can improve your sleep, mood, and motor function, and help folks who live with seasonal affective disorder. Sophie and Steven share impromptu stories of a jaundiced baby, drinking tea, and why they're both convinced blue light therapy is a tool for the apocalypse. Pjrek, E., Friedrich, M. E., Cambioli, L., Dold, M., Jäger, F., Komorowski, A., Lanzenberger, R., Kasper, S., & Winkler, D. (2020). The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 89(1), 17–24. https://doi.org/10.1159/000502891 Pail, G., Huf, W., Pjrek, E., Winkler, D., Willeit, M., Praschak-Rieder, N., & Kasper, S. (2011). Bright-light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders. Neuropsychobiology, 64(3), 152–162. https://doi.org/10.1159/000328950 Nussbaumer, B., Kaminski-Hartenthaler, A., Forneris, C. A., Morgan, L. C., Sonis, J. H., Gaynes, B. N., Greenblatt, A., Wipplinger, J., Lux, L. J., Winkler, D., Van Noord, M. G., Hofmann, J., & Gartlehner, G. (2015). Light therapy for preventing seasonal affective disorder. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, (11), CD011269. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD011269.pub2 Zhao, X., Ma, J., Wu, S., Chi, I., & Bai, Z. (2018). Light therapy for older patients with non-seasonal depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 232, 291–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.02.041 Comtet, H., Geoffroy, P. A., Kobayashi Frisk, M., Hubbard, J., Robin-Choteau, L., Calvel, L., Hugueny, L., Viola, A. U., & Bourgin, P. (2019). Light therapy with boxes or glasses to counteract effects of acute sleep deprivation. Scientific reports, 9(1), 18073. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-54311-x Fifel, K., & Videnovic, A. (2018). Light Therapy in Parkinson's Disease: Towards Mechanism-Based Protocols. Trends in neurosciences, 41(5), 252–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2018.03.002 https://circulatingnow.nlm.nih.gov/2016/12/20/dont-be-sad-a-very-brief-history-of-light-therapy/

    Vaccines with Dr. Alex Dainis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2021 61:50


    This week on the pod we get all our vaccine questions answered by our special guest: geneticist and science communicator, Alex Dainis, PhD. Check it out, and send to any friends who may have lingering vaccine Qs! Public health is self-care, baby!

    Friendship

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 59:42


    Friends Shannon, Sophie, and Steven talk about the science behind, well, them. They discuss the data of friendships and how we perceive them, the science of what brings people together, and how seeing your pals could actually help you live longer. Ever wonder why you and your friend love the same song, movie, or fast casual salad? They get into that too. So tell a pal and join your virtual friends as we discuss everything friendship! Follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare, and if you like the show, support us through Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare. Episode citations: You Might Actually Be In Love With Your Best Friend, The Cut Podcast, February 10 2021 Zerubavel, N., Bearman, P. S., Weber, J., & Ochsner, K. N. (2015). Neural mechanisms tracking popularity in real-world social networks. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 112(49), 15072–15077. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1511477112 Parkinson, C., Kleinbaum, A.M. & Wheatley, T. Similar neural responses predict friendship. Nat Commun 9, 332 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-02722-7 The Future Friendship Machine, NPR: https://www.npr.org/2019/12/06/785523942/video-the-future-friendship-machine Ellen Peters, J. Marianne Riksen-Walraven, Antonius H. N. Cillessen, Carolina de Weerth. Peer Rejection and HPA Activity in Middle Childhood: Friendship Makes a Difference. Child Development, 2011; DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01647.x Trudel-Fitzgerald, C., Zevon, E. S., Kawachi, I., Tucker-Seeley, R. D., Grodstein, F., & Kubzansky, L. D. (2020). The Prospective Association of Social Integration With Life Span and Exceptional Longevity in Women. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, 75(10), 2132–2141. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbz116 Graham, A. L., Zhao, K., Papandonatos, G. D., Erar, B., Wang, X., Amato, M. S., Cha, S., Cohn, A. M., & Pearson, J. L. (2017). A prospective examination of online social network dynamics and smoking cessation. PloS one, 12(8), e0183655. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0183655 Fowler, J. H., & Christakis, N. A. (2008). Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network: longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham Heart Study. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 337, a2338. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a2338

    Improv with Gary Richardson and Patrick Keene

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2021 61:38


    Sophie, Steven and Shannon are going back to their roots, exploring the ins and outs of improv comedy! Comedians Gary Richardson and Patrick Keene join them as they discuss the science of creativity, the power of "yes and" and what happens in our brains when we make choices on the spot.

    The Microbiome with Dr. Ana Maria Porras

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2021 45:33


    We aren't just humans—we're walking, talking bags of bugs! This week we're chatting with biomedical engineer Dr. Ana Maria Porras about THE MICROBIOME! Grab a pen and paper and listen up as the doctor introduces us to what's living inside of us, our unique butt colonies, and how to treat our guts well. We promise it's actually not as gross as it sounds. Article reference: Bacteria on the Brain by Emily Eakin for The New Yorker

    Reading with Nicole Drespel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 57:52


    We're back for season two! Today we're talking about reading—an activity you may be doing more or less of in these pandemic times. We bring on one of our most literary-minded pals, comedian and writer Nicole Drespel, to discuss the science behind what makes reading a form of self-care. Special shout outs to Scholastic Book Fairs, Dawson's Creek, and your aunt's favorite, Danielle Steel. *TW: brief mention of sexual assault* Books we referenced: The Overstory by Richard Powers Little Weirds by Jenny Slate The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell  In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado Dog Songs by Mary Oliver Muggie Maggie by Beverly Cleary  Study References: Kidd, David Comer, and Emanuele Castano. “Reading literary fiction improves theory of mind.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 342,6156 (2013): 377-80. doi:10.1126/science.1239918 Berns, Gregory S et al. “Short- and long-term effects of a novel on connectivity in the brain.” Brain connectivity vol. 3,6 (2013): 590-600. doi:10.1089/brain.2013.0166 Cain, Kate, and Jane Oakhill. “Matthew effects in young readers: reading comprehension and reading experience aid vocabulary development.” Journal of learning disabilities vol. 44,5 (2011): 431-43. doi:10.1177/0022219411410042 Gualano, M R et al. “The long-term effects of bibliotherapy in depression treatment: Systematic review of randomized clinical trials.” Clinical psychology review vol. 58 (2017): 49-58. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2017.09.006

    Season 2 Coming Soon!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2021 1:45


    New year, new us! We're coming back for a second season filled with even more self-care practices and the science behind them. Plus, we're bringing on guests to help join the conversation—experts, scientists, comedians and more. Our new season begins January 12th so subscribe now! And join our Patreon to help support the show at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    Self-Care Mini: Plants

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2020 39:21


    We're hitting a stride (kind of) with our recordings from home! Today is all about nature, aka house plants for all the isolators out there. Steven tells us about his herbs, Sophie about her prayer plant, and Shannon about her Excel docs. We discover a lot of ways that plants are metaphors for life, and children and pets. But without all the poop, thank god. Send us pictures of your plants @thescienceofselfcare on Instagram or thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com.

    Self-Care Mini: Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2020 42:06


    This week we made ourselves listen to a lot more music, and learned how our listening habits affected our quarantine lifestyles. For Steven, it helped him sleep. For Sophie, it eased her mood. For Shannon, it did absolutely nothing. We want to hear how music is helping YOU cope (or not) with the stress of isolation, so hit us up! We're on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. Deets and boops xo

    Self-Care Mini: Meditation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2020 29:51


    Hope you're all staying safe and socially distanced out there! We're coming to you live (not really) from a zoom call in our respective homes. Each week we'll be experimenting with a different practice to help us stay sane amid the covid chaos. First up, we have meditation—specifically the goal of 3x daily for a week. Results were mixed! Hear how we did and let us know if you've tried meditating on your own and how it went. We're at @SOSCpodcast on Twitter and @thescienceofselfcare on Instagram. We love you!

    Kombucha

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2020 38:51


    Sip sip! Today we're discussing the highs and lows and middles of kombucha, everyone's favorite fermented tea. Shannon explains the drink's benefits, like blood sugar regulation and good gut bacteria, and Steven recounts how Greg has been making his own flavorful kombucha for years. Sophie decides she'll take it on as her next “focus project” and the trio agrees we all want to see your scoby! #showusyourscoby on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. This is our last episode of the season! Thank you for listening along the way, and we'll see you soon for season two. In the meantime, if you'd like to help support the show check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    Face Masks

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2020 59:20


    Prep your skin (and your ears) because we're exploring the science of face masks! Shannon walks Steven and Sophie through the components of our skin and what the most popular skincare ingredients do for it. We also get the final word on whether that fancy gold sheet mask is worth the price tag. Steven and Sophie dish about their favorite products and tell us how they got through years of teen acne—even though our good friend the zit never really goes away. To support the show, check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare or follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare and Twitter @SOSCpodcast!

    The Self-Care Quizmaster

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2020 31:01


    Today we're trying something new: offering up an exclusive episode from our Patreon page! Listen and partake in three different games that Steven, Sophie and Shannon each offer up, on topics ranging from seasonal affective disorder to coffee to why grocery stores are all about your attitude. If you like what you hear, check out our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare for more!

    Sex

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2020 58:20


    We're getting spicy and exploring the benefits and research behind the self-care of sex! We cover a wide range of topics which include math, the pope, birth control, whether Steven can sing, the Parent Trap ear piercing scene, and the pope again. Happy sexing! Support our show by contributing to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare and reach out to us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast to tell us your experience with sex as self-care.

    Aromatherapy

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2020 53:12


    Sniff sniff, it's aromatherapy time! Steven and Sophie detail their usage of essential oils in self-care, from aromatic showers to skincare. Shannon gives a thorough science break down that explains not only how essential oils affect our brain, but how they can be used for focusing, feeling calm, and even soothing menstrual cramps. We also get hungry for chicken piccata, and we'd love your recipe. Follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare, Twitter @SOSCpodcast and support the show through our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare!

    Chocolate

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2020 42:45


    Today's episode is a sweet treat! Shannon breaks down the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and all-around beneficial properties of delicious dark chocolate. Sophie acts like a dirty baby, and Steven tells us about the time his brother ate something yellow at Hershey Park. Overall, we highly recommend some artisanal “house chocolate” for your self-care! If you have ideas/Qs/suggestions for the show send us an email at thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com. And if you like what you hear, show your support by becoming a patron at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    ASMR

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 45:58


    Snuggle up and get cozy, it's ASMR time. Shannon explains what it is, how it works in your brain, and how it could help you take care of yourself in a few different ways. Steven tells us about his experiences of ASMR, which include going to the eye doctor, watching people bake, and getting his hair cut. Sophie admits she's never felt “the tingles” but refuses to believe it's not sexual. Let us know what you think of ASMR on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. And check out our Patreon at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    Pets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2020 52:20


    Your pets are more than just companions—they're self-care! Steven, Sophie and Shannon heat up the age-old debate of cats versus dogs, and add on versus fish and versus squirrels too. Shannon explains the ways that pets are pretty much our babies (literally) and what happens in our brains when we're around them. We highly suggest pairing this episode with the bouncy puppy meme. Follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare and Twitter @SOSCpodcast, and support the show by going to patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    Yoga

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2020 53:58


    This week we chat about the science-backed benefits of yoga! Steven tells us about his favorite “shop” and teacher, Sophie tells us about her yoga years in college, and Shannon continues living in a box practicing zero self-care. We learn about why and how yoga may help you with depression or anxiety, and offer tips for people just starting out. Tell us about your yoga experience on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. Namaste! We're also excited to offer a special discount for FEALS, a premium CBD oil delivered straight to you. Become a member and get 50% off your first order with free shipping at feals.com/sosc.

    Gift-Giving

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2019 45:56


    In honor of the holiday season, we're taking time to dive into how giving gifts can be a form of self-care. Steven shocks us with his organic, freestyle card-writing, and Sophie tells us about the best gift she's ever given someone. Shannon thinks she's bad at giving gifts but certainly knows her way around a personalized mug. Happy listening and happy holidays! To support the show and hear our new, exclusive game-filled episode, join our Patreon at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare!

    Wine

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2019 48:27


    Cheers! It's our wine episode! Steven reminds us that like Lady Gaga, he is Italian, and his family has the homemade wine to prove it. Sophie pairs her wine with a pizza as all grown women should. Shannon tells us about the ancient drink's polyphenols and why it's linked to preventing lots of "big ole diseases." Then we each choose our wine mantras but agree: everything in moderation! Send us your wine mantras at thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com! Or on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare, or Twitter @SOSCpodcast. To become a patron, check out patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    Acupuncture

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2019 45:07


    Shannon is back from the lab, so the gang's all here! Today we're talking about acupuncture. Steven tells us about his first acupuncture appointment where he twerked on a desk, and Sophie recalls multiple pro-needle stories. Shannon offers up the research on meridians, Qi, and everything in between. We also reminisce on the year 2007—the year of Britney's Blackout album.

    Self-Care Chats: EMDR

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2019 52:55


    ***Trigger warning: our discussion and explanation of EMDR therapy includes mention of sexual assault*** Toot toot, all aboard! We're riding our train of self-care chats again this week and it's a special MOM episode! Sophie and Steven speak with therapist and EMDR specialist (and Sophie's mom) Helen Orton. EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment for anyone who may be dealing with trauma of any kind in their lives—you are not alone! Helen gives us the dish on what it is, how it works, and how it might help you take care of yourself. Let us know what you think of the episode via thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com and donate to our Patreon at www.patreon.com/scienceofselfcare.

    Self-Care Chats: Alex Song

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2019 52:05


    Today Sophie and Steven helm the pod without Shannon, and lean hard into the self-care side of things (sorry Shan!). We welcome our first-ever podcast guest, comedian and writer Alex Song, to discuss the ways we take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally. We cover the ups and downs of therapy, the ocean as a metaphor for life, and how to best support the people around you. #jumpwhenthewavescome Follow us on Instagram @thescienceofselfcare and if you want to reach out, send us an email at thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com

    Coffee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2019 38:29


    Hold onto your dunkaccinos—it's the coffee episode! Shannon embraces her maternal instincts and guides us through the science-backed pros and cons of caffeine as self-care. Steven brags about his work's coffee provisions and Sophie brags about finally being able to stomach it without...repercussions. We also fall in love with whatever "cafestol" is and do surprisingly well at guessing coffee facts. Donate to our patreon! It's patreon.com/scienceofselfcare, and if you've got a self-care question you want answered on the pod, shoot us an email at thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com.

    CBD

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2019 42:07


    You've asked and we've answered: all things CBD you need to know! It's Sophie's favorite desk buddy at work and Steven's go-to for "straight-to-mouth" time ;) Shannon gives us the lowdown plus some sage words of advice for all the CBD heads out there. Chill out with us and donate to our Patreon at patreon.com/scienceofselfcare for just $1 a month! Then hit follow on Instagram, we're @thescienceofselfcare.

    Crystals

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2019 55:54


    It's finally here—our crystals episode! We learn all the science-backed reasons why we're attracted to crystals, what they do for us, and how many ways we encounter them every day. Shannon and Steven's friendship is tested, Sophie searches for confidence, and we all fight over the validity of a saltine-themed study (but like, in a fun way). Get sparkly with us at our Patreon page, patreon.com/scienceofselfcare and we'll reward you with extra episodes!

    Music

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2019 52:03


    Music — ever heard of it? This week we learn all about the ways music can regulate our emotions, physically affect our bodies, and yes, arouse us. Steven gives us some incredible Madonna recommendations, Sophie tells a story about a woman in a hat, and Shannon makes us question whether playing music = being *into* music. We also conclude hospitals should come with sound booths for pumping up the jams (if that's what people want) and "Extreme Country" is a very real yet unofficial music genre. Check out the Spotify playlist that comes with this episode! And while you're there, follow us!

    Cupping

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2019 45:14


    We learn SO much in this episode! Shannon offers a deep dive on cupping—its types, benefits, nuances, and surprising connection to bloodletting (yikes!). Then we cup ourselves LIVE on the air for you! Don't worry, we offer a running commentary and hear even more about Steven's pain tolerance. Other things we learn: Sophie is related to Meredith Brooks and Shannon once had a "mealy" upper lip.

    Nature

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2019 52:12


    In this episode, we consider all the different parts of nature, from plants to sun to trees—and learn about how and why they affect us. Steven the plant king tends to his plants, Sophie the nature girl walks through the woods, and Shannon works undercover for big forest (or is it big highways?). We also create our own catchphrase and continue to refuse to Google anything.

    Water

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2019 39:07


    What does our skin have in common with bagels? Listen to find out! Sophie and Steven discuss their forays into hydration with Shannon, who gives the 411 on the effect water has on everything from weight to wrinkles. We also chat about what you can do at home to stay #hydrated 24/7 without going overboard. Splish splash!

    Meditation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 57:03


    Was child-aged Shannon correct in thinking meditation was just drugs? Honestly, YEAH 100%. In this episode we learn about the effects of meditation on our brains and Steven and Sophie experiment with apps and in-person classes. Bottom line: get thicc (telomeres)!

    Sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2019 47:04


    Do we *really* need to sleep as much as we think? The answer is YES! Neuroscientist (and hardboiled egg) Shannon Odell joins wellness-obsessed comedians Steven Polletta and Sophie Yalkezian to crack open the science behind our sleep and the many reasons why we find ourselves awake at night. We also reveal the truth that Pixar's Inside Out is actually a documentary. Follow us on social media! Instagram: @thescienceofselfcare Twitter: @SOSCpodcast Have a question? Email Us! thescienceofselfcare@gmail.com

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