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
58 episodes
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)...
ADHD Toolkit: The Default Mode Network
SummaryIn this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the Default Mode Network (DMN) of the brain, its role in neurodivergence, and how it influences rumination and creativity. She discusses the importance of understa...
The Secret Sabotage of Perfection
In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the subtle ways perfectionism sabotages our efforts and shares practical strategies to shift from perfection-driven habits to more flexible, compassionate approaches. Learn ...
Taboos: Coping with Pet Grief with Diana Magallon Romero
Vanessa and Diana share a frank discussion of pet grief, with a few laughs because life allows us a range of emotions. Diana and Vanessa delve into the complex emotions surrounding pet grief and the broader topic of loss. They discu...
Yin and Yang: Balance for Neurodivergents and Normals
In this episode of Real Over Ideal, host Vanessa Gorelkin explores the concepts of yin and yang as they relate to self-care, balance, and personal growth. She discusses the importance of recognizing one's tendencies towards action (yang) or rec...
To Mask or Not to Mask: that is the question (for neurodivergent people)
SummaryIn this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the complex topic of masking neurodivergent traits. She discusses the pros and cons of masking, its impact on mental health, and the importance of context and sa...
Taboos: Bringing Grief into the conversation with Diana Magallón Romero
In this episode, Vanessa Gorelkin and guest, Diana Magallon Romero, Licensed Clinical Counselor, delve into the complex topic of grief, exploring its many facets and surprise- grief goes way beyond the loss of life. Vanessa and Dian...
The Comfort and Danger of Denial
In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin explores the concept of denial as a psychological defense mechanism. She discusses how denial can provide temporary comfort but ultimately leads to greater issues if not confronted. Through p...
Loneliness- A self care guide
It's the holiday season, and it's a time when people feel many things. Sometimes it's not all cheer or all good.This time of year can be hard on people because of stress, loneliness or real life pressure. The intensity of everything bein...
Save the crash out: DBT is here
In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin delves into the intricacies of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), exploring its unique approach and why it often gets misunderstood. She highlights the therapy's blend of cognitive techniq...
About the time I recorded with Kate Moryoussef of ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast
Hello Listener:If you’re enjoying this show: Please don’t forget to subscribe, rate the podcast and share with friends. Thank you for listening, wherever you are, around the globe.In this episode, Vanessa discusses her recording w...