Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

112 episodes

What an Autism Diagnosis Taught This Father and Son – Harry and Gus Psaros
08/05/2026 | 20 mins.
An autism diagnosis changed everything for Harry and Gus Psaros—but not in the way they expected.

Together, this father and son share an honest conversation about fear, hope, parenting, and what happens when you stop focusing on limitations and start looking for possibility.

ABOUT GUESTS
Harry Psaros is the author of “From Struggle to Strength”, a memoir about raising his son Gus after he was diagnosed with autism at age 3 (https://www.harrypsaros.com/).
Gus Psaros is a recent Kent State University graduate pursuing a career in physical therapy.

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:41) Diagnosis Drive Home
(3:21) Early Signs and Denial
(5:06) Gus on Being Different
(6:49) Kindness as Superpower
(7:55) Setbacks
(9:24) Brain Balance Breakthrough
(11:07) Finding Balance and Burnout
(11:58) Senior Year and College Leap
(14:38) Gus’ Vision Board and Big Goals
(15:24) Calling on Dads to Step Up
(18:27) Conclusion
What Happens When You Lose Something You Can't Replace? – Elizabeth Gruebel
07/29/2026 | 16 mins.
What would you do if something that connected you to someone you loved disappeared forever?

Marriage and family therapist Elizabeth Gruebel shares the heartbreaking story of returning home to discover she'd been robbed and that the one item she treasured above everything else, her late father's Bronze Star, was gone forever.

At first, the loss felt unbearable. But over time, Elizabeth discovered something unexpected: the values, courage, and integrity she associated with her father had never lived in the medal—they had become part of her.

ABOUT GUEST
Elizabeth Gruebel is a marriage and family therapist and a professor of human development and family science at the University of Rhode Island (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grz8axNdgOg).

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:47) Meet Elizabeth Gruebel
(1:17) The Robbery
(3:25) Losing Dad So Young
(4:21) Finding the Treasure Trunk
(6:28) What the Star Meant
(7:52) Grief and Letting Go
(9:21) Narrative Therapy and Re-storying
(11:35) Avoiding Villains and Victims
(13:24) Integrating the Lesson
(15:07) Conclusion
The Secret to Getting More Done (Without Burning Out) – Elizabeth Svoboda
07/22/2026 | 16 mins.
If you've ever felt guilty for resting, struggled with burnout, or wondered how to sustain meaningful work without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, award-winning science writer Elizabeth Svoboda shares how years of overwork, anxiety, and burnout led her to rethink everything she believed about productivity. Drawing on the research behind her book, “The Art of Pacing,” she explains why elite athletes rest and recover as intentionally as they train and why the rest of us should, too.

ABOUT GUEST
Elizabeth Svoboda is an award-winning science writer and the author of “The Art of Pacing,” a guide to building a more sustainable, fulfilling approach to work and life (https://elizabethsvoboda.com/).

Hero's Journey Restorying Intervention - https://bostoncollege.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_724BzzxcIUzIEku

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(1:21) College Burnout Spiral
(2:36) The Do More Mindset
(3:40) Anxiety and the Quick Fix
(6:18) From Time Management to Pacing
(8:19) Energy Management Rhythms
(9:44) Athletes and Recovery Lessons
(11:27) Re-storying
(13:14) Advice to Younger Self
(14:21) Conclusion
How to Love and Support a First Responder – Erin Nugent
07/15/2026 | 18 mins.
First responders care for people on the worst days of their lives, but they can carry those experiences with them long after the call is over.

As both the spouse of a firefighter and a former police detective, Erin Nugent has experienced the realities of first responder life from two sides. She shares about the time she got the late-night text every first responder's spouse fears, why more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty, and how loved ones can best support them.

ABOUT GUEST
Erin Nugent is a former Australian police detective and certified life and wellness coach who helps first responders and their families navigate trauma, resilience, and mental health. She is the host of the podcast “I Will Hold Space for Your Darkness” and the radio show “Holding Space” on the Thin Line Rock Station (https://www.erinjanecoaching.com/).

CHAPTERs
(0:00) Introduction
(0:51) Meet Erin Nugent
(1:33) The Text
(5:31) What Others Miss
(7:49) Trauma and Coping
(10:42) Three Ps Practices
(12:06) Supporting at Home
(15:04) Why She Served
(16:56) Conclusion
Former First Lady of Iceland on How to Trust Yourself When There's No Rulebook - Eliza Reid
07/08/2026 | 21 mins.
When Eliza Reid’s husband unexpectedly became president of Iceland, she found herself in a role with no instruction manual—forcing her to confront self-doubt, challenge outdated expectations, and learn how to trust her own voice.

In this conversation, Eliza reflects on why being a lifelong rule follower made the job unexpectedly difficult, why she embraced secondhand clothing and spoke Icelandic despite her accent, and how leaning into discomfort ultimately helped her grow into the role.

ABOUT GUEST
Eliza Reid is a Canadian-born writer, gender equality advocate, and the former First Lady of Iceland, where she served from 2016–2024 alongside her husband, President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson. Her latest book is, “The First Lady Next Door: A Memoir of Iceland, Identity, and Unexpected Adventure” (https://elizareid.com/).

CHAPTERS
(0:00) Introduction
(0:49) Meet Eliza Reid
(1:40) The Handshake Snub
(3:19) From Canada to Iceland
(5:11) Iceland President Explained
(7:44) No Rulebook
(9:44) Style Spotlight Pressure
(12:16) Immigrant Identity Voice
(13:47) Speaking Out NYT Op-Ed
(16:40) Taking Up Space
(17:11) What She’s Proud Of
(19:28) Conclusion

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments That Challenge Us

Real stories from guests who dared to get uncomfortable in a moment that challenged their worldview. In the thick of intense emotions, they chose to stay curious and open, rather than lash out or shy away, and came out the other side with stronger relationships, clearer beliefs, and increased confidence. And you can do it too! So, if you: • Want to engage with others on important topics but aren’t sure how, OR • Are burned out on social media and wish you could bring the humanity back into discussions online or in real life, Look no further! Whether you're a seasoned seeker of new ideas or just dipping your toes into the uncomfy waters, this podcast is your go-to destination for learning how to improve your communication, disagree more productively, and be a more inspired leader. In such a polarized world, we believe learning how to stick with moments that challenge us, without getting defensive or shutting down, is a direct antidote for division. Are you ready to lean in, listen up, and get uncomfy with us? Let's dive in together! Uncomfy: Sticking with Moments that Challenge Us is hosted by journalist Julie Rose and is a BYUradio production. #reallifestories #communication #polarization #relationshipskills #communicationskills #leadershipskills #leadershiptraining #community #communitybuilding #disagreebetter #buildingbridges #perspectives #worldview #resilience #emotionalresiliance #mentalhealth #training #mindfulness #conflictresolution #growthmindset #empowerment #problemsolving #respect #curiosity #activelistening #collaboration

Podcast website

Education News Personal Journals Politics Relationships Self-Improvement Society & Culture