Join Maddy and Jen as they dive deep into the evolving nature of friendships across different stages of life. From sharing nostalgic stories about childhood friendships to exploring the challenges of maintaining connections as adults, they get real about what it means to sustain meaningful relationships. They discuss the significance of "quality over quantity," the reality of outgrowing some friendships, and why showing vulnerability can be a game-changer. Maddy and Jen also answer listener questions on balancing friendships and romantic relationships, managing friend-related insecurities, and navigating life when friends grow in different directions.

Key Takeaways:

• Friendships Need Flexibility: It’s natural for friendships to change as life moves forward. Embrace evolving connections, and work within the present reality of each person’s life.
• Vulnerability Builds Connection: Matching each other’s openness helps build trust and creates a foundation for deeper, more meaningful friendships.
• Quality Over Quantity: Friendships don’t have to be large in number to be valuable. Prioritizing a few meaningful relationships can lead to richer, more supportive connections.
• Mindful Effort is Key: Friendships in adulthood require conscious effort. Scheduling time to reconnect helps maintain strong bonds even in busy seasons of life.
• Managing Different Priorities: Whether it’s balancing friendships and romantic relationships or adjusting to a friend’s shifting focus, navigating these dynamics requires honesty, patience, and a willingness to adapt.

Resources & Links:

• Email us your questions at: hello@areweokay.com
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @manhattan.wellness
• Follow Maddy on Instagram: @downtownbehavioralwellness

Downtown Behavioral Wellness: Founded by Maddy Ellberger, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is a private therapy practice in NYC specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The practice focuses on providing evidence-based treatments for young adults and middle-aged clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, and the unique challenges of their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, career stress, or emotional regulation, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is there to support you every step of the way.

Manhattan Wellness: Led by Jennifer Teplin, Manhattan Wellness is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to helping young professionals in New York City. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and major life transitions like dating, engagements, and new motherhood, the team at Manhattan Wellness provides compassionate, individualized care to help clients navigate the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s.

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Co-Host: Maddy Ellberger

Co-Host: Jennifer Teplin

Executive Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Today Maddy and Jennifer dive into the evolving culture surrounding mental health, wellness, and the ways we talk about our struggles. Together, they examine how social media and influencer culture have fueled the trend of pathologizing everyday emotions and labeling discomfort as illness, often overshadowing the real challenges of mental health. From the rise of “trauma talk” to labeling normal feelings as conditions, Maddy and Jennifer question whether we're losing sight of resilience and self-compassion along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental Health Isn’t Always a Crisis: Not every uncomfortable emotion requires immediate intervention; sometimes, it's about learning to ride the wave.
• Labeling Pitfalls: The tendency to label everyday struggles as disorders can lead to a misunderstanding of what mental health treatment is really for.
• Social Media Influence: Understanding how influencer culture and viral trends impact our views on mental health and self-care practices.
• Coping Strategies vs. Wellness Overload: Why sticking to simple, sustainable routines can be more effective than following every wellness trend.

Resources & Links:

• Email us your questions at: hello@areweokay.com
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @manhattan.wellness
• Follow Maddy on Instagram: @downtownbehavioralwellness

Downtown Behavioral Wellness: Founded by Maddy Ellberger, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is a private therapy practice in NYC specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The practice focuses on providing evidence-based treatments for young adults and middle-aged clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, and the unique challenges of their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, career stress, or emotional regulation, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is there to support you every step of the way.

Manhattan Wellness: Led by Jennifer Teplin, Manhattan Wellness is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to helping young professionals in New York City. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and major life transitions like dating, engagements, and new motherhood, the team at Manhattan Wellness provides compassionate, individualized care to help clients navigate the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s.

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Co-Host: Maddy Ellberger

Co-Host: Jennifer Teplin

Executive Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

In this episode, Maddy and Jennifer, two therapists and best friends, dive deep into the male psyche, exploring dating patterns and common misconceptions around relationships.

They share insights from their own clinical experiences, reflecting on how men approach dating and relationships differently from women, while breaking down why communication gaps happen so frequently.

They chat about everything from societal expectations on men to the pressure women feel to settle down, and even offer tips for avoiding common dating pitfalls. Along the way, they also tackle some listener questions, including how to rebuild confidence after a breakup, whether it’s okay to ask to split the bill on dates, and navigating dating after weight loss.

Key topics:

• The male perspective on dating and the differences in urgency between men and women.
• How women often misinterpret men’s actions in dating due to assumptions or mind-reading.
• How societal pressures shape men’s and women’s dating behaviors.
• Real advice for women on how to stop overthinking, communicate better, and avoid sending mixed signals.
• Insightful listener Q&A: cheating, financial struggles while dating, and confidence after weight loss.

Resources & Links:

• Email us your questions at: hello@areweokay.com
• Follow Jennifer on Instagram: @manhattan.wellness
• Follow Maddy on Instagram: @downtownbehavioralwellness

Downtown Behavioral Wellness: Founded by Maddy Ellberger, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is a private therapy practice in NYC specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The practice focuses on providing evidence-based treatments for young adults and middle-aged clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, and the unique challenges of their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, career stress, or emotional regulation, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is there to support you every step of the way.

Manhattan Wellness: Led by Jennifer Teplin, Manhattan Wellness is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to helping young professionals in New York City. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and major life transitions like dating, engagements, and new motherhood, the team at Manhattan Wellness provides compassionate, individualized care to help clients navigate the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s.

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Co-Host: Maddy Ellberger

Co-Host: Jennifer Teplin

Executive Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

In this episode of Are We Okay?, Jennifer and Maddy dive deep into the tricky topics of insecurity, jealousy, and doubt in relationships. Drawing from their personal experiences and extensive work with young professionals in their 20s and 30s, they break down how these emotions can quietly sabotage relationships if left unchecked.

From discussing the unique struggles faced by men and women in therapy to how insecurities manifest differently across genders, Jennifer and Maddy explore the underlying fears that drive relationship insecurities. They highlight the importance of open communication, the dangers of making assumptions, and how jealousy often serves as a red flag, pointing to deeper issues.

This episode isn't just about addressing the ugly side of relationships—it’s also about finding solutions. The hosts offer practical advice on how to manage these feelings, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and how to shift mindsets. They also touch on the delicate balance of vulnerability, why it's key to building lasting connections, and how to stop insecurities from taking control.

Key Takeaways:

• The therapists share personal anecdotes and common themes from their clients’ experiences with jealousy, insecurity, and self-doubt.
• A discussion on why men feel pressure to hide vulnerability and how this impacts relationships.
• Jen and Maddy talk about the fear of vulnerability in the early stages of dating and how both men and women experience insecurities.
• The duo offers practical strategies on how to address insecurity before it destroys relationships.

Downtown Behavioral Wellness: Founded by Maddy Ellberger, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is a private therapy practice in NYC specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The practice focuses on providing evidence-based treatments for young adults and middle-aged clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, and the unique challenges of their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, career stress, or emotional regulation, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is there to support you every step of the way.

Manhattan Wellness: Led by Jennifer Teplin, Manhattan Wellness is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to helping young professionals in New York City. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and major life transitions like dating, engagements, and new motherhood, the team at Manhattan Wellness provides compassionate, individualized care to help clients navigate the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s.

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Co-Host: Maddy Ellberger

Co-Host: Jennifer Teplin

Executive Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

In this episode, Maddy and Jen dive deep into a concept they’ve coined as “Nostalgia for the Present.” Ever feel like you’re living in a moment so good, you’re already missing it? That’s exactly what they explore. From personal stories about big life changes—like Jen expecting her second child and Maddy navigating her relationship—to the challenges of staying present, this episode is packed with insights.

They discuss how the fear of losing what we have can sometimes overshadow our ability to truly enjoy it. Whether it’s in relationships, parenting, or personal achievements, this anxiety of "what’s next" often leads to a strange kind of nostalgia for moments we’re still living. Jen and Maddy also answer listener questions about longing for the past, dealing with life transitions, and finding balance between savoring the present and looking toward the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Nostalgia for the Present: The idea of anticipating a loss of something great while still in the moment.
• Balancing Relationships: How to enjoy meaningful relationships while also acknowledging that life changes and evolves.
• Mindfulness & Emotional Regulation: Techniques from DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) to stay present and avoid spiraling into anxiety.
• Listener Questions: Tips on moving in with a partner, maintaining friendships, and dealing with post-wedding blues.

Downtown Behavioral Wellness: Founded by Maddy Ellberger, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is a private therapy practice in NYC specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The practice focuses on providing evidence-based treatments for young adults and middle-aged clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, and the unique challenges of their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, career stress, or emotional regulation, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is there to support you every step of the way.

Manhattan Wellness: Led by Jennifer Teplin, Manhattan Wellness is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to helping young professionals in New York City. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and major life transitions like dating, engagements, and new motherhood, the team at Manhattan Wellness provides compassionate, individualized care to help clients navigate the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s.

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Co-Host: Maddy Ellberger

Co-Host: Jennifer Teplin

Executive Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Welcome to the first episode of Are We Okay? hosted by licensed clinicians (and besties), Maddy Ellberger and Jennifer Teplin.

In their first ever episode, we get to know the duo behind the mic as they share personal stories, reflect on their journeys, and ask each other some deep, funny, and even embarrassing questions.

With over a decade of friendship and years of clinical experience, Maddy and Jen bring real, unfiltered conversations to the table. Whether you're navigating the chaos of your 20s and 30s or just looking for a lighthearted chat between best friends, this podcast will make you feel seen, heard, and maybe even a little better about your own "are we okay?" moments.

Downtown Behavioral Wellness: Founded by Maddy Ellberger, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is a private therapy practice in NYC specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The practice focuses on providing evidence-based treatments for young adults and middle-aged clients dealing with life transitions, anxiety, and the unique challenges of their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Whether you're grappling with relationship issues, career stress, or emotional regulation, Downtown Behavioral Wellness is there to support you every step of the way.

Manhattan Wellness: Led by Jennifer Teplin, Manhattan Wellness is a boutique therapy practice dedicated to helping young professionals in New York City. Specializing in issues such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and major life transitions like dating, engagements, and new motherhood, the team at Manhattan Wellness provides compassionate, individualized care to help clients navigate the ups and downs of their 20s and 30s.

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Co-Host: Maddy Ellberger

Co-Host: Jennifer Teplin

Executive Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach