Real Over Ideal
Function, not perfection.
Hosted by occupational therapist and executive coach Vanessa Gorelkin, Real over Ideal cuts through the noise to bring you practical strategies for life in a stressful world.
Episodes
68 episodes
The Hot Girl Walk Episode
Hey Listeners: You'll notice some new music starting with this episode. Our editing software updated ownership of some of the tracks-- so we're trying some new things. Let us know what you think!The Power of Walking: Beyond Trademark ...
GLP-1's- A Weight Loss Meds Episode
Understanding the Cultural Shift Around Body Image and GLP-1s In this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and their complex impact on body image, health perceptions, and societal norms....
Imposter syndrome -updated
If you ever feel crushing doubts about yourself- especially in circumstances that baffle you, this episode is for you.Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Personal Reflection and Practical GuideIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin candi...
The Anxiety of ‘What If’
Overcoming the "What-Ifery": How to Tame Your Brain's Catastrophic ThinkingIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin discusses the fascinating phenomenon of "what-ifery" — the mental habit of imagining every potential disaster. She explor...
Summertime Blues- Remastered
Here's a great episode published a little over a year ago that always matters in the summertime.If you're a person who knows the summertime blues or have a loved one who feels this way-- help is on the way in this updated episode....
Your Emotional "HOA"
Uncover and Rewrite Your Emotional Homeowners Association RulesIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin explores how subconscious "rules"—much like HOA bylaws—govern our emotions and behaviors, often causing stress and guilt. She offers practic...
Imposter Syndrome
Embracing Imposter Syndrome: A Personal Reflection with Vanessa GorelkinIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin openly shares her recent struggles with procrastination and imposter syndrome, providing a candid behind-the-scenes look at confron...
Ariana Grande & (Energy) Receipts like Phone Numbers
Understanding the Bounce Back Tax: Why High-Functioning Days Leave You DrainedEver had a day where everything seems to go perfectly, only to crash the next morning? This episode breaks down the concept of the "bounce back tax" — the invi...
Relapse and Recovery
Understanding and Navigating Mental Health Relapses with Vanessa Gorelkin.In this episode, your host, Vanessa Gorelkin, a licensed occupational therapist with 30 years of experience, discusses the often misunderstood nature of mental hea...
Life Skills Toolbox: Body Doubling
Struggling with household tasks due to overwhelm or ADHD? Vanessa Gorelkin shares a compassionate, step-by-step body doubling approach to help you initiate and complete chores with less stress. This episode offers practical exercises to tackle ...
Fear of being Perceived
Embracing Visibility: Overcoming Fear of Being PerceivedWhat is the fear of being perceived?Discover practical ways to navigate the universal fear of being perceived in a world obsessed with visibility. Vanessa ...
The Second Wind Phenomenon
In this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin dives into the science behind the second wind phenomenon and how understanding your circadian rhythms can help you harness your natural energy peaks. Learn practical strategies to create earlier moments of safe...
Doubt as a super power: Motivational Interviewing
In this episode, host Vanessa Gorelkin describes how doubt can be harnessed to create a powerful path towards reaching our most important goals.As a follow up to the Motivation episode: learn about a technique that is used to help people...
Is Internal Family Systems Bullsh*t ?
Title: Unpacking Internal Family Systems: Benefits, Critiques, and Practical InsightsIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the therapeutic model of Internal Family Systems (IFS), sharing her personal experiences, scientific findings...
How to Handle a Panic Attack like a boss
How to Truly Handle a Panic Attack--Practical Neuroscience-Based StrategiesIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin debunks common misconceptions about panic attacks and anxiety, sharing evidence-based techniques rooted in ...
The Chihuaha Effect
The Tiny Moments That Make a Big Difference: The Chihuahua EffectIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin explores how simple acts of kindness and moments of silliness can create ripple effects of joy and connection. She shares personal stories...
The Self-Esteem Episode
Embracing Good Enough: Redefining Self-Worth and Self-CompassionIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the pervasive pressure to be perfect and the transformative power of embracing "good enough." She shares insights from scientific ...
The Motivation Secret
Rethinking Motivation: How to Make Change Without Waiting for Feelings to AlignIn this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Garelkin challenges the myth that motivation is the secret to lasting change. Instead, she provides pract...
Texts to a Therapist: Volume I
The Power of Reaching Out: Why Support in Moments of Need MattersIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the importance of reaching out for support between therapy sessions, debunking common fears and highlighting research-backed bene...
ADHD Tool Kit: The Nightwatchman Hypothesis
Exploring the Night Watchman Hypothesis and Human Sleep PatternsIn this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa delves into the intriguing science behind why some people naturally wake at night and how this ancient survival strategy shapes o...
Good Bodies—with Pam Moore
Content warning:Discussions of weight loss, disordered eating, obesity (medical term vs. medical slur) and body image, body positivity narratives.The word ‘fat’ -is used as a neutral descriptor when it appears in ...
Remember when the world shut down?
In this episode of Real Over Ideal, host Vanessa Gorelkin delves into the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic as we mark its six-year anniversary.Through a blend of personal anecdotes and expert insights, Vanessa examines the emotio...
Understanding Disappointment: Neuroscience & Resilience
Have you ever felt the sting of a disappointment? Welcome to being a human being.In this episode of Real Over Ideal- Vanessa Gorelkin talks about the brain science of disappointment and how to manage it in your own life. She addresses a ...
The Ultimate Deep Dive into Apple TV's Severance (and Plur1bus): with Allen Stare
Exploring Severance and Beyond: A Deep Dive with Allen StareIn this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin and Allen Stare, creator of the acclaimed Severed: The Ultimate Severance Podcast and host of the brand new (as of February 2026)...