Sleep: it’s the ultimate college luxury, the missing ingredient in most all-nighters, and—according to our guest—one of the biggest players in your mental health. In this episode, we catch some wisdom (and maybe a few zzz’s) with clinical psychologist Dr. Colleen Ehrnstrom, who unpacks why college students are chronically tired, what circadian rhythms actually do, and how to tell the difference between being fatigued and being sleepy (yes, they’re different!).

We talk about everything from late-night scrolling to the myth of “catching up” on sleep, and Colleen helps us rethink what “good sleep hygiene” really means—spoiler: it’s not a one-size-fits-all checklist. She also sheds light on how substances like CBD and marijuana can mess with your REM cycles, and why flexibility (not perfection) might just be the secret to better sleep.

Whether you’re a night owl, an over-caffeinated early riser, or somewhere in between, this episode is your wake-up call to take sleep seriously—and maybe, finally, make peace with your pillow.

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
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Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

From TikTok videos of organizing and cleaning content to everyday “I’m so OCD” comments, the term gets tossed around a lot, but what does OCD actually mean? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. John Guerry, a licensed clinical psychologist, who helps us break down the difference between personal quirks, perfectionism, and a true Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis. He explains how intrusive thoughts and compulsions create distressing cycles, why people with OCD often suffer in silence, and how symptoms can be hidden behind “high-functioning” appearances.

In this episode we explore:

• Why intrusive thoughts are common for everyone—but stick differently for people with OCD
• How compulsions bring short-term relief but reinforce the disorder over time
• The difference between OCD and OCPD (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder)
• Lesser-known themes beyond contamination, like morality (“scrupulosity”), harm, or “just right” OCD
• Why the college years can trigger worsening symptoms
• The role of family, peers, and environment in either accommodating or unintentionally feeding OCD
• Dr. Guerry also highlights why OCD tends to latch onto the things people value most—family, relationships, morality—and why people with OCD often have such “big hearts.”

Resources Mentioned:

• International OCD Foundation – trusted information, screeners, and a directory for finding evidence-based OCD therapists.

https://iocdf.org

About Our Guest:

Dr. John Guerry is a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and OCD. He practices at Harbor, a group practice in the Philadelphia area, dedicated to treating anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions.

https://www.harborpa.com

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner

In this episode we explore the therapeutic power of humor with comedian Amber Autry and therapist Melanie Reese. From using laughter to cope with stress and grief, to understanding how comedy can complement traditional therapy, this conversation highlights how joy and mental health intersect in unexpected ways.

Amber and Melanie share the origin of their podcast I’m Fine, It's Fine and how comedians often process deep emotions through humor. Melanie brings insight into how laughter impacts the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, and serves as a “reset button” for the brain. Together, they illustrate how humor can be both a coping strategy and a tool for connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Humor can be both a therapeutic tool and a form of comic relief that helps process difficult emotions.
• Comedy and laughter positively impact the nervous system, lowering stress and promoting connection.
• Therapy doesn’t have to be traditional; activities like storytelling, creative expression, or laughing with others can provide meaningful healing.
• Life’s hardest moments and funniest moments often coexist, and embracing both can be therapeutic.

Resources & Links:

• Amber Autry & Melanie Reese: I’m Fine Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/im-fine-its-fine/id1664241532

• Melanie Reese, Trauma Therapy of Nashville

https://integrativetherapynashville.com/

• Amber Autry (comedian)

https://www.amberautrycomedy.com/

Want to share your story, give us feedback or offer up an episode idea? Reach out! We'd love to hear from you.

Insta: @collegeisfinepodcast
Tik Tok: @collegeisfinepodcast
Email: collegeisfinepodcast@gmail.com

Music is Deadbeats by Rex Banner