In this raw and real episode, Stephen and Dr. Kailey tackle one of the trickiest parts of parenting and caregiving: having honest conversations with kids and teens about death, sex, and everything in between. From the dangers of euphemisms to the importance of consent, grief literacy, and pleasure, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, stats, and hard truths. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, caregiver, or just someone who wants to break the cycle of secrecy and shame—you’ll find validation, insight, and a whole lot of permission here.

What makes a post-apocalyptic zombie game one of the most profound meditations on grief, love, and revenge? In this episode, Stephen Thomas (LPPC-S) and Dr. Kailey Bradley (Ph.D, LPCC-S, CFT) are joined by neuroscientist and gamer Dr. Matthew Stratton for a deep dive into The Last of Us — from the brutality of Joel’s choices to the tragedy of Ellie’s loss.

They unpack themes of unprocessed grief, attachment theory, consent, religious trauma, and how the game forces players into complicity. They also explore why the game’s violence isn’t just gratuitous — it’s the point.

This episode is about more than just a video game. It’s about what we do with our pain, and how sometimes the most human stories are told through the most unlikely mediums.

In this episode, Stephen (LPPC-S) and Dr. Kailey (Ph.D, LPCC-S, CFT) get real about neurodiversity, late diagnoses, and the superpowers that come with being neuro-spicy. From ADHD and ASD to masking, meltdowns, and masturbation as regulation—this conversation peels back the layers of living (and loving) with a neurodivergent brain. They reflect on how their diagnoses shaped their identities, relationships, and careers—and how validation, self-compassion, and accessibility can change lives.

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