The Podcast is Coming Back.

The Podcast is Coming Back.

Author: Robert Duff, Ph.D. October 1, 2025 Duration: 19:06

Episode Summary:

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Duff returns to the mic after a hiatus to share what's been going on behind the scenes with The Hardcore Self Help Podcast. He opens up about an almost-acquisition of the show by a larger mental health organization—a deal that initially looked promising but ultimately fell through. With transparency and vulnerability, Dr. Duff reflects on the emotional and professional impact of that experience, explains why the podcast paused, and announces the exciting new direction it's headed in.

What You'll Hear In This Episode:

  • Why the podcast went quiet for a while

  • A behind-the-scenes look at the attempted acquisition of the show

  • The emotional and logistical toll of being let down by a potential deal

  • Reflections on past professional disappointments outside of clinical work

  • What's next: rebranding, new episode formats, and a stronger emphasis on interviews

  • Why connection and personal stories will be the heart of the podcast moving forward

  • Dr. Duff's renewed commitment to amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences

  • Updates on the "Bipolar Answers" audiobook and Substack content

  • Thoughts on staying consistent while prioritizing quality over quantity

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 – 00:52 — Welcome back! What this episode is about

  • 00:52 – 02:00 — The podcast was almost sold—here's how it started

  • 02:00 – 03:26 — Meeting the company, expectations, and initial excitement

  • 03:26 – 06:04 — Multiple meetings and flying out to pitch in person

  • 06:04 – 08:00 — In-person meetings and positive vibes, but no details yet

  • 08:00 – 10:24 — Delays, excuses, and finally: the deal falls through

  • 10:24 – 12:25 — Processing the disappointment and reflecting on past letdowns

  • 12:25 – 13:21 — Token compensation offered, but trust was broken

  • 13:21 – 14:00 — What's next: staying open to future partnerships

  • 14:00 – 15:22 — New focus: interviews over general Q&A

  • 15:22 – 16:48 — The unique value of human connection in storytelling

  • 16:48 – 17:15 — Rebranding plans and more diverse guest features

  • 17:15 – 18:17 — Finishing the audiobook, editing, and prepping new interviews

  • 18:17 – 19:05 — Where to find Dr. Duff in the meantime and the new YouTube direction

Links & Resources:


Want to Help Relaunch the Show?

If you're excited about the return of the podcast, be sure to subscribe, share the new episodes with your community, and leave a review wherever you listen. Every bit of support helps relaunch this phoenix from the ashes.


Robert Duff, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist who finds most self-help advice too sanitized to be useful. On The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych, he cuts through the fluff with a direct, science-backed approach. Each episode is built on the premise that real improvement requires honest, sometimes uncomfortable conversations. Duff brings his background in neuroscience and clinical psychology to interviews with a wide range of fascinating guests, dissecting topics from mental health struggles and relationship dynamics to the latest brain research. Listeners consistently note his skill at asking pointed questions that get to the heart of an issue, then translating complex psychological concepts into language anyone can apply. This isn't about quick fixes or vague positivity; it's a practical, evidence-based look at how our minds work and how we can work with them better. The tone is conversational and grounded, like getting actionable advice from a knowledgeable friend who isn't afraid to tell it like it is. Whether exploring anxiety, habits, or the science of motivation, this podcast delivers substance without the jargon, making professional insights accessible for everyday life. You'll find the discussions are both deeply informative and surprisingly relatable, a combination that has built a dedicated audience for Duff's unique perspective.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Hardcore Self-Help Podcast with Duff the Psych
Podcast Episodes
An Update From Robert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28
Just a quick update! Back to regularly scheduled programming next week!
Chapter From My NEW BOOK - Bipolar Answers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:58
Pre-Order Bipolar Answers https://www.amazon.com/Bipolar-Answers-Questions-Answered-Psychologist-ebook/dp/B0F1DW5WQZ/ In this special episode, Dr. Robert Duff announces the pre-order launch of his latest book, Bipolar An…
433: Stuck in Trauma & Embarrassed by Emotional Reactions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:47
Episode 433: Navigating PTSD Triggers & Overcoming Shame In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I tackle two listener questions related to PTSD, trauma, and the emotional challenges that come with them. The f…
432: What is High-Functioning Codependency? Terri Cole [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:21
In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with the incredible psychotherapist and author, Terri Cole, to discuss high-functioning codependency, boundaries, and how we can break free from people-pleasi…
431: Pathological Demand Avoidance & Persistent Low-Grade Depression [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:35
Episode 431: Pathological Demand Avoidance in Coaching & Persistent Depression Welcome to another episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Dr. Robert Duff! In this Q&A episode, Dr. Duff tackles two insightful liste…
430: The Truth About Recovery with Dr. Mala [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:37
Episode 430: Integrative Approaches to Recovery with Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri In this episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri, also known as Dr. Mala, to discuss her…
429: Coping with the Cruel World & Enduring Heartbreak [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:27
In this solo Q&A episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I answer two deeply personal and important listener questions. The first comes from a trans man struggling with the impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, fear for…
428: Overcoming Self-Hatred with Dr. Blaise Aguirre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:33
In today's episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with world-renowned psychiatrist, author, and DBT expert Dr. Blaise Aguirre to tackle the complex topic of self-hatred. As a pioneer in the treatment of bo…
427: THE Guided Meditation you need for 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:58
In this special episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I lead you through a guided meditation designed to help you let go of mental burdens and find focus in an overwhelming world. Using visualization techniques and…
426: How to Find Purpose and Not Regret Your Life with Jordan Grumet [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
In this inspiring episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice director, author, and podcast host, to explore how we can transform our lives by embracing the concept of "little…