Paperclips & Periods Podcast

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Burden of Being Reliable

Episode 10: The Burden of Being Reliable
In this episode, Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC and Katie Krych, MSN, RN, PMHNP(c) talk about what happens when being the dependable one stops feeling like a strength and starts feeling like a trap.
They explore how women often step into the role of the reliable friend, partner, parent, and colleague—not always by choice, but because someone had to, and they were the ones who showed up. Layered on top of that is the mental load—the invisible, relentless work of remembering, planning, organizing, and anticipating the needs of everyone around them, while their own needs quietly fall to the bottom of the list. From scheduling appointments and managing the household to making decisions at work and showing up emotionally for everyone in their circle, the mental load rarely gets acknowledged and almost never gets shared. Over time, that weight combined with the constant pressure to be the one with all the answers turns exhaustion into resentment. The hosts discuss how that slow burn shows up in relationships, parenting, and professional life, and why women so often suffer in silence before they ever say enough.
The episode includes honest conversation about naming the mental load for what it is, recognizing resentment before it reaches a breaking point, setting boundaries without guilt, asking for help without over-explaining, and giving yourself permission to put down what was never yours to carry alone. It closes with a box breathing exercise and a reminder that being reliable should never come at the cost of your own peace.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network and supports Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, promoting emotional well-being and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Episode 9: Decision Fatigue & The Empath Within

Episode 9: Decision Fatigue & The Empath Within
In this episode, Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC and Katie Krych, MSN, RN, PMHNP(c) talk about decision fatigue—what happens when the weight of constant choices leaves you running on empty.
They explore how women often become the default decision-makers at home, at work, and in relationships, and how that invisible load builds up over time. The hosts discuss how hunger, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm can push the brain into survival mode, leading to impulsive choices, overspending, and burnout. Real-life moments—like a chaotic grocery run, a six-hour visit from a friend, and a car with bad energy—bring the conversation to life. They also dive into what it means to be an empath, how absorbing the emotions of others magnifies fatigue, and how empaths may feel connected to energy and intuition in ways that are both a gift and a challenge.
The episode includes practical strategies such as setting firm boundaries, holding others accountable, prioritizing yourself, and recognizing when your body is sending warning signs. It closes with a box breathing exercise and a reminder that you are not anyone's supervisor—and your paperclip only stretches so far.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network and supports Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, promoting emotional well-being and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
 paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Understanding Rage Crying

Episode 8: Understanding Rage Crying
In this episode of Paperclips & Periods, hosts Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, PMHNP-BC, and Katharine "Katie" Krych, MSN, RN, talk about rage crying. This is the moment when anger and tears show up at the same time.
Emily and Katie explore why this happens and what it can mean. Anger is often a secondary emotion that protects deeper feelings such as hurt, exhaustion, or feeling unheard. When emotions build up for too long, the body may release that stress through tears. Emily explains how the brain and nervous system respond to strong emotions. When the body enters a fight or flight response, stress hormones increase and emotions can feel overwhelming. Crying can sometimes help the nervous system calm down and return to balance.
Throughout the conversation, they talk about everyday situations that can lead to emotional overload. Parenting stress, relationship conflict, work demands, and the mental load of daily life can all build over time. They also discuss how past experiences can shape how emotions appear in the present. When emotions are pushed down for too long, they may eventually come out in intense ways. The hosts share simple strategies for managing these moments. They discuss grounding, taking space when emotions rise, healthy outlets for stress, and the importance of communication and boundaries.
The episode closes with the podcast’s signature box breathing exercise, a 16 second practice to help calm the nervous system. This conversation reminds listeners that strong emotions are part of being human and deserve understanding and care.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network, a Boston-based syndicated internet radio station reaching listeners across 135 to 200+ countries through platforms including iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Stitcher, Spotify, and more. The podcast aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting conversations that promote emotional well-being, maternal mental health, and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Understanding Maternal Ambivalence

Episode 7: Understanding Maternal Ambivalence
In this episode of Paperclips & Periods, hosts Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, PMHNP-BC, and Katharine "Katie" Krych, MSN, RN, tackle a topic many mothers feel but rarely say out loud: maternal ambivalence—loving your children while longing for your pre-parent self.
Emily and Katie create a safe space to explore what maternal ambivalence actually means—and what it doesn't. Missing yourself, questioning decisions, or grieving your old life does not mean you regret your children or are a bad parent. These feelings reflect the profound identity shift that comes with caregiving. You weren't born "Mom"—you were born you.
The hosts explain that maternal ambivalence often stems from exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and the relentless mental load—not from wanting to undo parenthood. They distinguish between normal feelings and clinical concerns like postpartum depression, providing guidance on when to seek professional help. They also validate mothers who have experienced late-term miscarriage, emphasizing that grief and hormonal shifts require support even when a baby isn't physically present.
Throughout the episode, Katie and Emily challenge the cultural expectation that mothers should be superhuman and always put-together. They normalize the guilt of asking for help, the fear of judgment, and the difficulty of trusting others with your children. Using techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, they encourage listeners to reframe thoughts: replace "I shouldn't feel this way" with "I love my child, and it's okay that I miss my old life."
The hosts guide listeners through practical exercises: identify what you miss most, reclaim small rituals that reconnect you with yourself, and recognize when feelings cross into clinical depression. They share personal strategies—taking baths with the door locked, grounding in nature, finding moments of rest—demonstrating that self-care doesn't require grand gestures, just intentional moments.
The episode closes with the signature box breathing exercise—a 16-second nervous system reset. Reflective and validating, this conversation invites mothers to release the myth of perfection and embrace the truth: you can love your children fiercely and still miss parts of yourself. You don't have to carry everything alone.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network, a Boston-based syndicated internet radio station reaching listeners across 135 to 200+ countries through platforms including iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Stitcher, Spotify, and more. The podcast aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting conversations that promote emotional well-being, maternal mental health, and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: The Mental Load I Didn't Consent For

Episode 6: The Mental Load I Didn't Consent For – Paperclips & Periods Podcast
In this episode of Paperclips & Periods, hosts Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, PMHNP-BC, and Katharine "Katie" Krych, MSN, RN, dive into the invisible burden exhausting women everywhere: the mental load. This is the constant cognitive labor of remembering, planning, organizing, and managing every detail of household and family life without recognition or rest.
Emily and Katie unpack what the mental load actually looks like. It's not just doing the laundry. It's remembering the laundry needs to be done, noticing when detergent is running low, adding it to the shopping list, and keeping track of who needs clean uniforms tomorrow. It's being the household manager, the default parent, the one holding everyone's schedules while your own needs fall to the bottom.
The hosts explore why this burden falls disproportionately on women, even when partners "help." They discuss how helping is not the same as owning the responsibility, and why being asked to delegate tasks you never agreed to manage creates resentment and burnout. Katie and Emily validate the exhaustion of carrying invisible labor, the guilt of feeling ungrateful, and the anger of shouldering a load you never consented to carry alone.
This conversation extends beyond motherhood to nurses, first responders, and healthcare workers managing professional and personal lives simultaneously. The hosts explain how the mental load compounds stress, contributes to anxiety and depression, and often goes unrecognized until someone breaks.
Katie and Emily offer practical strategies: name the mental load out loud, have honest conversations with partners about shared ownership (not just shared tasks), and set boundaries. They discuss tools like shared calendars and the concept of letting go when others do things differently than you would.
The hosts also address when the mental load becomes a mental health crisis, providing guidance on recognizing burnout and caregiver fatigue. Emily explains how therapy can help process resentment, rebuild boundaries, and reclaim mental space.
The episode closes with the signature box breathing exercise. Honest and validating, this conversation gives permission to acknowledge the invisible work you do and challenges the expectation that you should carry it all. You deserve partnership, not help. You deserve rest, not just productivity. And you deserve to be seen.
Paperclips & Periods airs on Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network, a Boston-based syndicated internet radio station reaching listeners across 135 to 200+ countries through platforms including iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Stitcher, Spotify, and more. The podcast aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting conversations that promote emotional well-being, maternal mental health, and whole-person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: PMS, Hormones & the Emotional Realities of Womanhood

Episode 5: PMS, Hormones & the Emotional Realities of Womanhood 
In this episode of Paperclips & Periods, hosts Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP‑BC, and Katharine “Katie” Krych, MSN, RN, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, PEL‑CSN, open up an honest, unfiltered conversation about one of the most universal yet least openly discussed aspects of women’s lives: hormones—from first periods to perimenopause, and every emotional, physical, and psychological shift in between.
Together, they explore how hormonal changes shape women’s daily experiences, communication, relationships, and mental health across the lifespan. The discussion moves naturally from early puberty and helping young girls understand their bodies, to the complexities of PMS and unpredictable mood shifts, to the emotional impact of fertility struggles, pregnancy loss, and postpartum changes. With vulnerability and humor, they share their personal stories as mothers, clinicians, partners, and women navigating the evolution of their own cycles.
Drawing from their backgrounds in psychiatric mental health, nursing, and education, Emily and Katie unpack the emotional realities behind menstruation and reproductive transitions—how cycles sync, how hormones influence sensitivity and emotional regulation, how cultural messaging shapes young girls’ understanding of their bodies, and how women often carry the invisible weight of silence when navigating infertility, loss, or perimenopause. They also highlight the layered challenges nurses and caregivers face when balancing their clinical knowledge with their lived emotional experiences.
This episode explores the private struggles that often accompany womanhood, including the monthly disappointment of a period when trying to conceive, the loneliness of maintaining secrecy after pregnancy loss, the fear and anxiety during high‑risk pregnancies, and the unexpected emotional reactivity that can surface during perimenopause. The hosts examine how partners cope differently, how miscommunication can deepen isolation, and why many women feel unsupported during some of the most physically and emotionally demanding moments of their lives.
Grounded in lived experience, emotional honesty, and clinical insight, this episode reframes hormonal health as far more than a physical process—it is a deeply human journey that deserves openness, compassion, and community. Emily and Katie emphasize the need for generational change, encouraging listeners to speak truthfully about their experiences and to teach their children healthier ways to understand their bodies, emotions, and boundaries.
As always, the hosts offer grounding takeaways, including the importance of support networks, the value of speaking openly with trusted others, and the need for emotional follow‑up during fertility challenges and pregnancy loss—areas where the healthcare system often falls short. The episode closes with a calming moment of box breathing to help listeners regulate their nervous systems and reconnect to their bodies with gentleness.
Reflective, validating, and deeply real, this episode invites women to honor the full emotional landscape of their hormonal lives—and reminds every listener: you do not have to navigate these experiences in silence.
Paperclips & Periods airs on the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network, a Boston‑based syndicated internet radio station reaching listeners across 135–200+ countries through platforms including iHeartRadio, TuneIn, Stitcher, Spotify, and others. The podcast aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting conversations that promote emotional well‑being, personal growth, and whole‑person care.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: High‑Achieving Women Who Are Silently Struggling

Episode 4: High‑Achieving Women Who Are Silently Struggling
In this episode of Paperclips & Periods, hosts Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP‑BC, and Katharine “Katie” Krych, MSN, RN, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, PEL‑CSN, sit down with special guest Dr. Arlicia Miller, founder and Chief Transformation Officer of the Umbrella of Artistic Expression and life transformation coach with Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry.
Together, they dive into a topic so many women live with daily but rarely name out loud: the experience of being a high‑functioning woman who is quietly, persistently struggling beneath the surface.
Drawing from Dr. Miller’s transformational coaching work, Dr. Cabrera’s psychiatric mental health expertise, and Katie’s background in nursing and education, the conversation unpacks the hidden challenges that accompany competence, ambition, caregiving roles, and emotional labor. They explore why high‑functioning women often feel obligated to “push through,” how early conditioning reinforces silence, and why vulnerability can feel risky—even among friends, colleagues, and partners.
From motherhood and marriage, to career advancement, to the weight of societal expectations, this episode explores how women learn to hold everything together externally while internally battling exhaustion, depletion, and self‑doubt. The hosts also examine how gender norms, family roles, trauma histories, and cultural narratives shape women’s measurements of worthiness and success. With compassion and honesty, they discuss the “struggle bus,” the fear of judgment, the stigma around asking for help, and the labels women often carry without realizing how deeply they shape identity.
Grounded in lived experience, psychology, and integrative wellness, this episode reframes “high‑functioning” not as a badge of honor, but as a clue—an invitation to pause, rest, and reconnect with one’s authentic self.
As always, the hosts offer thoughtful takeaways and practical strategies, including the importance of small resets, the power of journaling, the need for safe relationships, and even a guided moment of box breathing to help listeners regulate their nervous systems in real time.
Reflective, relatable, and deeply human, this episode encourages women to release the myth of having it all together and replace it with a more compassionate truth: you don’t have to carry everything alone.
Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network syndicates content widely, partnering with dozens of platforms and directories (including TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Spotify, and more), giving Paperclips & Periods ongoing global exposure beyond traditional podcast outlets.Paperclips & Periods aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting whole-person care and conversations that promote emotional well-being, understanding, and growth.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Setting Boundaries Without Becoming the Villain

Episode 3: Setting Boundaries Without Becoming the Villain
In this episode of Paperclips & Periods, the conversation focuses on one of the most challenging and misunderstood topics for women: boundaries.
Hosted by Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC, and Katharine “Katie” Krych, MSN, RN, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, PEL-CSN, this episode features Dr. Jamy Gaynor, EdD, MS, RN, NCSN, MSN(c), a neuroscience-trained school nurse whose work centers on child development, emotional regulation, and nervous system awareness.
Drawing from Jamy’s experience working closely with children, families, and school systems, alongside Dr. Cabrera’s background in psychiatric mental health and Katie’s experience in nursing and education, the conversation explores how boundaries are shaped by caregiving roles, trauma, and social conditioning — and why women are often penalized for setting them.
This episode examines how boundary challenges show up across the lifespan, from childhood and adolescence to adult personal and professional relationships. Particular attention is given to how children, especially girls, internalize messages about compliance, emotional labor, and self-advocacy.
Grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience, the discussion reframes boundaries not as rejection or conflict, but as essential practices for safety, clarity, and self-respect.
Thoughtful, reflective, and intentionally human, this episode invites listeners to reconsider what it means to hold boundaries — and why doing so is an act of care for ourselves and future generations.
Paperclips & Periods is broadcast on the Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network, a Boston-based syndicated internet radio station with a global reach. The network streams shows locally, nationally, and internationally — with listeners in well over 135 countries around the world, and in some listings even 200+ countries across platforms and syndication partners.
Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network syndicates content widely, partnering with dozens of platforms and directories (including TuneIn, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Spotify, and more), giving Paperclips & Periods ongoing global exposure beyond traditional podcast outlets.Paperclips & Periods aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting whole-person care and conversations that promote emotional well-being, understanding, and growth.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
 paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Navigating Trauma

Episode 2: Navigating Trauma, Emotional Blunting, and Resilience
In Episode 2 of Paperclips & Periods, hosts Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC, and Katharine “Katie” Krych, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, dive into the real-life challenges of navigating past trauma as both moms and healthcare professionals.
This episode explores emotional blunting—the way our minds sometimes shut down feelings as a coping mechanism—and how it can affect personal and professional life. Emily and Katie share insights on building resilience, emphasizing the importance of continuing forward even when the weight of past experiences feels heavy.
Listeners are also introduced to box breathing, a practical tool to remain grounded during moments of stress and overwhelm. The conversation is candid, reflective, and deeply human, offering both professional perspectives and personal experiences that resonate with anyone balancing caregiving roles, motherhood, and the demands of high-pressure environments.
Episode 2 reinforces the podcast’s commitment to creating a space for honest, nuanced discussions around mental health, self-care, and growth. It invites listeners to explore coping strategies, acknowledge their experiences, and cultivate strength with intention and compassion.
New episodes of Paperclips & Periods air every Friday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Paperclips & Periods aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting whole-person care and conversations that promote emotional well-being, understanding, and growth.
Learn more: www.dualmindspsychiatry.com | Listen on Dream Visions 7 Radio

Paperclips & Periods Podcast with Dr. Emily Cabrera & Katie Krych: Step Into an Honest, Curiosity-driven Discussion

Episode 1: Step Into an Honest, Curiosity-driven Discussion
Paperclips & Periods Podcast officially launches with Episode 1, an introductory conversation that sets the tone and intention for the series. Hosted by Dr. Emily K. Cabrera, EdD, MSN, CAGS, PMHNP-BC, co-founder of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, and Katharine “Katie” Krych, MSN, RN, Graduate Certificate in Nursing Education, PEL-CSN, this inaugural episode focuses on why the podcast was created, who it is meant to serve, and the kinds of conversations listeners can expect going forward. Step into an honest, curiosity-driven discussion that introduces the heart of Paperclips & Periods – where mental health, mom-hood, women-hood, and real life intersect. Drawing from their combined backgrounds in nursing and education, Dr. Cabrera, PMHNP-BC and Katie, RN outline the intent behind the podcast and the values that will guide future conversations. Grounded, reflective, and intentionally human, Episode 1 invites listeners into a space designed for thoughtful dialogue rather than quick fixes. It serves as a foundation for exploring complex topics with nuance, compassion, and clarity.
New episodes of Paperclips & Periods will air Fridays at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. each week.
Paperclips & Periods aligns with the mission of Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry, supporting whole-person care and conversations that promote emotional well-being, understanding, and growth.
Paperclips & Periods Podcast
 paperclipsandperiods@gmail.com
Dual Minds Integrative Psychiatry
www.dualmindspsychiatry.com