Chapter From My NEW BOOK - Bipolar Answers
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Release Date: 03/14/2025
437: Multicultural Identity, Somatic Healing, and Embodied Code Switching w/ Marcia Bonato Warren
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
In this insightful interview, I’m joined by Marcia Bonato Warren, a trauma-informed body therapist, somatic counselor, interculturalist, and author. Marcia brings over 30 years of experience working with cross-cultural mental health, and she shares a powerful lens on how identity, culture, and trauma intersect in the body. Together, we explore the concept of embodied code switching, how our bodies carry cultural and ancestral imprints, and how healing often involves not just the mind, but movement, sensation, and deep awareness of the self. Marcia discusses her personal journey as a...
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436: Facing Horrific Family Trauma & Finding Joy After Divorce
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
In this episode, Dr. Duff takes on two powerful listener questions in a raw and compassionate Q&A format. The first question comes from a survivor of extensive childhood abuse, religious trauma, and complex family dynamics, who is wrestling with the decision of whether or not to publish a deeply personal memoir. Dr. Duff dives into the emotional, psychological, and ethical layers of this situation, offering validation, insight, and a heartfelt reminder that healing and storytelling can be acts of empowerment. The second question comes from a newly single parent facing feelings of...
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435: Moving Past infidelity & Coping with Sudden Medication Changes
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
In this episode, I address two deeply personal listener questions that highlight the complex nature of anxiety and emotional healing in relationships. The first question comes from a listener who has struggled with anxiety for most of their life, recently facing severe limitations due to Generalized Anxiety Disorder and medication changes. We talk about the genetic components of anxiety, the risks of benzodiazepines in older adults, and the importance of advocating for the right care—even if that means seeking new providers or considering higher levels of treatment. The second question dives...
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An Update From Robert
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Just a quick update! Back to regularly scheduled programming next week!
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Chapter From My NEW BOOK - Bipolar Answers
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Pre-Order Bipolar Answers In this special episode, Dr. Robert Duff announces the pre-order launch of his latest book, Bipolar Answers: Questions from Real People Answered by a Real Psychologist. To celebrate, he provides listeners with an exclusive reading of the book’s introduction and one full chapter, giving a firsthand look at what to expect. This book is built from real questions asked on The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, expanded with deeper insights, case studies, and practical strategies for managing bipolar disorder. Dr. Duff shares details about the book’s structure, how it...
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433: Stuck in Trauma & Embarrassed by Emotional Reactions
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Episode 433: Navigating PTSD Triggers & Overcoming Shame In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I tackle two listener questions related to PTSD, trauma, and the emotional challenges that come with them. The first question is from someone who is deeply affected by their environment, living in a house that serves as a constant PTSD trigger. They want to move forward but feel completely stuck. The second question is about dealing with strong emotional reactions in public and the embarrassment that follows. I offer compassionate, practical advice to help both listeners begin taking...
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432: What is High-Functioning Codependency? Terri Cole
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with the incredible psychotherapist and author, Terri Cole, to discuss high-functioning codependency, boundaries, and how we can break free from people-pleasing tendencies. Terri shares her own journey from working in the entertainment industry to becoming a therapist and how her personal struggles with boundaries led her to specialize in this area. We dive deep into the traits of high-functioning codependency, where it comes from, and actionable steps you can take to create healthier relationships and reclaim your inner peace. What...
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431: Pathological Demand Avoidance & Persistent Low-Grade Depression
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Episode 431: Pathological Demand Avoidance in Coaching & Persistent Depression Welcome to another episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Dr. Robert Duff! In this Q&A episode, Dr. Duff tackles two insightful listener questions on very different but equally important mental health topics. Question 1: Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) in Coaching A listener working as an individual sports coach seeks advice on how to best support a talented but highly resistant student who displays signs of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA). Dr. Duff dives into: What PDA is and how it...
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430: The Truth About Recovery with Dr. Mala
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Episode 430: Integrative Approaches to Recovery with Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri, also known as Dr. Mala, to discuss her integrative approach to addiction recovery, rehabilitation, and mental health treatment. Dr. Mala shares her personal journey that led her into the field, the importance of holistic and individualized treatment, and how she has worked to break down barriers in accessing quality care. What We Cover in This Episode: Dr. Mala’s personal journey into psychology and addiction...
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429: Coping with the Cruel World & Enduring Heartbreak
The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
In this solo Q&A episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I answer two deeply personal and important listener questions. The first comes from a trans man struggling with the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, fear for his safety, and overwhelming feelings of hopelessness. We talk about tangible ways to navigate the stress of doomscrolling, finding community, and taking back control in uncertain times. The second question dives into the pain of heartbreak—specifically, the loss of a best friend after unrequited love. I discuss how to process grief, handle regret, and move forward when a...
info_outlinePre-Order Bipolar Answers https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Answers-Questions-Answered-Psychologist-ebook/dp/B0F1DW5WQZ/
In this special episode, Dr. Robert Duff announces the pre-order launch of his latest book, Bipolar Answers: Questions from Real People Answered by a Real Psychologist. To celebrate, he provides listeners with an exclusive reading of the book’s introduction and one full chapter, giving a firsthand look at what to expect. This book is built from real questions asked on The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, expanded with deeper insights, case studies, and practical strategies for managing bipolar disorder.
Dr. Duff shares details about the book’s structure, how it tackles common misconceptions, and why he felt compelled to write it. He also reads a powerful chapter about navigating college after a bipolar episode, offering valuable guidance on advocacy, accommodations, and resilience.
Timestamps:
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[00:00] – Introduction and book announcement: Bipolar Answers is now available for pre-order on Amazon!
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[02:00] – What the book covers: real questions, practical answers, case studies, and clear explanations.
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[03:00] – Full reading of the book’s introduction, covering the basics of bipolar disorder, diagnostic criteria, and case study of Olivia, a professional managing bipolar I.
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[18:00] – Full chapter reading: Navigating college after a bipolar episode.
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[24:00] – The importance of self-advocacy, understanding accommodations, and legal rights for students and employees with bipolar disorder.
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[37:00] – Encouragement and final thoughts: Pre-order now and stay tuned for updates on the print and audiobook releases.
Key Takeaways:
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Bipolar Answers is designed to cut through misinformation and offer real, actionable advice.
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Bipolar disorder is complex and often misunderstood—this book provides a clear and stigma-free breakdown.
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Returning to school or work after a bipolar episode can be daunting, but knowing your rights and advocating for yourself can make all the difference.
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The book includes real-life examples, diagnostic clarifications, and practical tools for individuals living with bipolar and those supporting them.
Connect with Dr. Robert Duff:
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Website: https://www.duffthepsych.com
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Email: [email protected]
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Instagram: https://instagram.com/duffthepsych
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