Toxic Cooking Show

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Have you ever witnessed the struggle many men face when it comes to sharing their deepest emotions, even with those they hold dear? This week we have a revelatory discussion that peels back the layers of why men often bottle up their feelings of sadness or depression. We take a look at factors that set up the stage to repressing men's emotions, from childhood conditioning that equates vulnerability with weakness, to sports and ingrained gender roles reinforcing the facade of stoicism.
Together, we navigate the complex landscape of gendered expectations and emotional expression, examining how these societal norms uniquely challenge both men and women. While women are discouraged from showing anger, men face a reality where sadness is often only recognized when it reaches a breaking point, a conditioning that undeniably contributes to the rising problem of men not seeking help for emotional issues. The evolution of therapy and its growing acceptance emerges as a beacon of hope in our conversation, underscoring the critical importance of addressing and maintaining emotional health for all.
Wrapping up our deep dive, we critique the damaging stereotypes that shape modern masculinity, including the extreme views of public figures who dismiss men's emotional needs. The stark reality of gendered expectations and their impact on mental health is laid bare as we unpack the ideologies that contribute to a society in which emotional suppression is often mistaken for strength. The episode concludes with a resounding call to action: it's time to dismantle toxic norms and foster an environment where emotional honesty isn't just allowed, but encouraged, for everyone, regardless of gender. Join us in this critical exploration of what it means to be emotionally expressive in a world still grappling with outdated definitions of strength.

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What if the perfect lives you see on Instagram are just a facade? On this eye-opening episode of the Toxic Cooking Show, we promise to help you uncover the truth behind social media's glamour and the unrealistic standards it sets. Join us, Christopher Patchet LCSW and Lindsay McClane, as we dissect how social media, particularly platforms like Instagram and Facebook, can warp our sense of reality. Together, we'll explore the psychological effects of constantly comparing ourselves to curated online personas and the isolation that can follow.
Our conversation takes a sobering turn as we highlight the pressures of adhering to fleeting trends and the pervasive influence of influencers on body image and personal expectations. With stories of seemingly glamorous lifestyles fueled by sponsorships, we reflect on the hidden financial stressors and sacrifices that may lie beneath. Drawing parallels between influencers and movie stars, we encourage listeners to keep a healthy perspective and avoid being swept away by the unattainable ideals that saturate their feeds.
As we navigate these murky waters, we touch on the implications of recent regulatory measures, like Australia's ban on social media for those under 16. Through personal anecdotes, we reminisce about life before the omnipresence of smartphones and stress the importance of educating both the young and the old about the potential pitfalls of excessive social media use. By promoting authentic content and healthier usage habits, we aim to foster a more grounded sense of self-worth and reality among our listeners.

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What if the grand spectacle of gender reveal parties is more than just a harmless celebration? Join us on the Toxic Cooking Show as we dissect this modern phenomenon, born in the late 2000s and fueled by the social media frenzy. From quaint cake and balloon reveals to hazardous explosions and wrestling matches, we scrutinize the bizarre lengths people go to for that viral moment. Let's talk about the logistical nightmares these events create, where even the baby's gender is kept secret from the parents, all for a dramatic reveal.
Gender reveal parties aren't just about pink and blue decorations; they're a breeding ground for enforcing outdated stereotypes and rigid gender norms. We discuss how these events can spiral into dangerous realms, sometimes even igniting forest fires. The societal pressures these reveals place on families are immense, often resulting in harmful expectations and extreme reactions. Remember Jenna Karvunidis, the woman credited with starting this trend? We reflect on her regrets and the broader impact of these celebrations in a world increasingly aware of diverse gender identities.
So, why do these parties persist? We're here to critique and question the necessity of such extravagant displays, often driven by the thirst for social media attention. We explore the cultural and historical contexts of gender preference and how these norms can burden expectant parents. Highlighting the biological complexities of gender, we advocate for a shift toward simpler, more meaningful celebrations that honor a child's individuality. Let's embrace a parenting approach that allows children the freedom to explore their identities without being shackled by stereotypes.

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We've all seen the ads - BetterHelp promises convenient therapy at your fingertips. But behind the slick marketing lies a company with deeply troubling business practices that every therapy-seeker should know about.
When Christopher Patchet, a licensed therapist, along with Lindsay McClane, looks on how BetterHelp operates. From selling sensitive user data to Facebook (resulting in a $7.8 million FTC fine) to allegedly creating fake profiles for real therapists without their consent, the revelations are genuinely shocking.
The toxic ingredients are plentiful: until 2017, BetterHelp didn't even require therapists to be licensed. The platform allegedly directed potential clients away from therapists they specifically sought out. Most disturbing is the revelation that BetterHelp notified Facebook each time users logged into their accounts or attended therapy sessions, creating a pipeline for targeted ads at vulnerable moments.
Despite knowing all this, many mental health influencers continue promoting BetterHelp to their followers. Even more telling: the company spent $8 million on podcast advertising in a single month - more than they paid in fines for violating user privacy.
This episode is just part one of our investigation. Next week, we'll explore how BetterHelp's practices harm both therapists and the clients who trust them with their mental health. If you've used online therapy services or considered them, this two-part series is essential listening that might change how you view digital mental healthcare forever.

https://www.socialworkers.org/News/News-Releases/ID/2613/Online-therapy-referral-company-that-used-deceptive-marketing-practices-is-no-longer-in-business

https://www.faithfulmind.org/listing/203185-Christopher-Patchet

https://www.hipaajournal.com/betterhelp-settlement-ftc-health-data-privacy/

https://vator.tv/2020-11-11-when-betterhelp-was-young-the-early-years/

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Ever wondered if your favorite fitness influencer is more interested in your wallet than your well-being? Join us as we humorously dissect the world of "fitfluencers" with your hosts, Lindsay McClain and Christopher Patchet, LCSW. Our mission? To help you sift through the glossy promises and algorithm-driven content that bombard our screens. We're taking a historical stroll to uncover how fitness went from being a natural part of life to the marketing behemoth it is today. Spoiler alert: It's not all kale smoothies and yoga selfies!
Our exploration kicks off with a little history lesson, tracing back to the early fitness gurus like Bernard McFadden and Charles Atlas. These trailblazers were selling supplements and advice long before Instagram's filters were even a twinkle in a developer's eye. Fast forward to today, and many modern "fitfluencers" continue this tradition, often promoting products without much regulation. By reflecting on the past, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to question the legitimacy and safety of what we're being sold in the name of health.
Manipulation isn't just for magicians and politicians—it's a staple in the fitfluencing world. We'll unravel the art of visual trickery, from strategic angles and lighting to more sophisticated filters and editing tools. Whether it's the iconic MySpace angles or Chloe Ting's catchy workout titles, there's a method to the madness. But fear not! With a touch of humor and a dash of skepticism, we're here to arm you with critical thinking skills to navigate the often deceptive landscape of fitness advice. So, buckle up and prepare for a lively ride through the world of fitness fads, scams, and everything in between!