Pause The Noise Podcast

About Pause The Noise Podcast

If you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or tired of surface level advice, this podcast is for you. Pause the Noise brings real, unfiltered conversations from a psychologist, therapist, and transition coach on mental health, relationships, identity, and growth. You will hear honest insights, relatable moments, and practical tools you can actually use. This is where you come to feel seen, challenged, and understood while learning how to move forward with clarity and intention.

Publisher

Dr. Saarah Nicolas, Psychologist; Brian Lamar Stokes, Therapist; Lena Wilson, Transition Coach

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Mar 2026

Latest episode

8 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Jul 2026

   Emotional Safety in Relationships: Signs You’re Safe, Trauma Bonds, Red Flags & When to Leave

   In this episode of Pause the Noise: Permission to Reset and Reflect, Brian Lamar Stokes, Dr. Saarah Nicolas, and Coach Lena Wilson explore the importance of emotional safety, psychological safety, and physical safety in relationships. Many people say they want a safe relationship, but what happens when your nervous system has become familiar with chaos, conflict, or unpredictability? In this powerful conversation, we discuss why some people feel more comfortable in relationships that are unhealthy, how childhood experiences can shape attachment patterns, and why peace can sometimes feel unfamiliar. Topics discussed: What emotional safety means in relationships Signs you may not feel emotionally safe Walking on eggshells and constantly over-explaining yourself How trauma responses impact relationships Attachment patterns and relationship dynamics Why people stay in unhealthy relationships The connection between childhood experiences and adult relationships Psychological safety, control, manipulation, and isolation How to support someone experiencing abuse Creating a safe plan when leaving an unsafe relationship A healthy relationship does not mean there is no conflict. Conflict is normal. Emotional safety means you can have disagreements while still feeling respected, valued, heard, and protected. If this episode resonates with you, remember: you deserve relationships where you can be yourself, express your emotions, and feel safe. 00:00 Emotional Safety in Relationships 01:36 Welcome to Pause the Noise 01:50 What Makes a Relationship Safe? 03:45 Healthy Conflict vs Unsafe Conflict 05:15 Physical Safety & Relationship Red Flags 06:30 Psychological Safety & Manipulation 08:38 Why Chaos Can Feel Like Love 09:53 Childhood Trauma & Adult Relationships 13:15 Losing Yourself in Relationships 16:21 Choosing the Right Partner 20:20 Signs You Don’t Feel Safe 22:08 How to Safely Leave an Unsafe Relationship 24:38 Faith, Abuse & Relationship Advice 28:16 Final Thoughts on Emotional Safety

2. 

   25 Jun 2026

   Marriage Won't Fix Loneliness: The Truth About Dating, Relationships & Commitment

   Many people say they want marriage, but do they truly want the reality of it? In this episode of Pause the Noise, Brian Lamar Stokes, Lena Wilson, and Dr. Saarah Nicolas explore the growing tension between loneliness, societal pressure, dating, and the desire for long-term commitment. The conversation covers attachment wounds, relationship red flags, boundaries, dating after divorce, healthy conflict, self-worth, and what it actually takes to build a lasting partnership. One of the biggest takeaways: Marriage is not the goal. A healthy relationship is. If you've ever questioned whether you're ready for marriage, struggled with loneliness, or wondered what makes a relationship truly healthy, this episode is for you. 🎧 Pause the Noise is a podcast where we give you permission to reflect, reset, and move forward with intention.

3. 

   8 Jun 2026

   Men’s Mental Health Month: Why Men Are Dying in Silence | Suicide, Isolation & Finding Community

   In this special Men's Mental Health Month episode of Pause the Noise, Brian Lamar Stokes, Dr. Saarah Nicolas and Lena Wilson discuss the growing mental health crisis affecting men. Together, they explore suicide prevention, loneliness, emotional suppression, friendship, marriage, community, and why so many men struggle to ask for help. The conversation also covers warning signs to watch for, ways to support the men in your life, and practical steps toward building stronger emotional connections. If you've ever wondered why men often suffer in silence, this episode offers an honest and compassionate look at the challenges many face and the hope that comes through connection. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for immediate support. Pause the Noise is a podcast that gives you permission to reflect and reset. #MensMentalHealth #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthPodcast #MensHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #PauseTheNoise

4. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Is AI Hurting Your Mental Health? What Therapists Want You to Know

   We live in a world where people are turning to AI before they turn to a friend — and sometimes before they turn to a therapist. In this episode of Pause the Noise, Brian sits down with psychologist and therapist Dr. Saarah Nicolas and life coach Lena Wilson to have an honest, nuanced conversation about the rapid rise of AI as a mental health tool. They explore the real benefits — increased access, emotional venting, support for those who feel isolated — and the very real risks, including echo chambers, data privacy concerns, and the danger of replacing human connection with a system designed to keep you engaged. This isn't an anti-AI episode. It's a wisdom conversation. Because knowing how to use a tool matters just as much as the tool itself. If you're struggling, find a safe human. That's still the message. #PauseTheNoise #MentalHealthMatters #AIAndMentalHealth #TherapyTalk #ChatGPTMentalHealth #AIWellness #MentalHealthPodcast #TherapistAdvice #EmotionalWellness #AITools #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCare #HealingJourney #HumanConnection #CopingSkills #MindsetShift #WellnessPodcast #PsychologyToday #AnxietySupport #DepressionAwareness

5. 

   18 May 2026

   The Hidden Grief of Caregiving No One Talks About | Alzheimer's, Burnout & Family Caregivers

   If you are caring for a loved one right now, this episode was made for you. Over 53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers — and most of them are carrying a grief that doesn't have a name. Coach Lena Wilson shares her deeply personal journey caring for her mother-in-law through Alzheimer's disease: the hidden grief of watching someone you love lose their memory, the guilt of pulling back, and the emotional weight of showing up every single day for someone else while still trying to show up for yourself. Dr. Saarah Nicolas breaks down the clinical side — why caregivers are at high risk for depression, anxiety, and burnout, and what it looks like when resentment builds unchecked. Together, the Pause the Noise team covers how to ask for help, how to set limits without guilt, how to use day programs and employer benefits you may not know you have, and how to protect your own mental health while being someone else's lifeline. If you've ever whispered "I can't do this anymore" — this conversation will remind you that you are not alone, what you're feeling is valid, and there is a way through. Pause the Noise. New episodes every week. We give you permission to reflect and reset.

6. 

   11 May 2026

   When Rest Feels Unsafe: Breaking Free from Hustle Culture

   When was the last time you truly rested — without guilt? In this episode of Pause the Noise, Brian Stokes, Dr. Saarah Nicolas, and Coach Lena Wilson get honest about why so many of us struggle to slow down. From childhood conditioning and hustle culture to the real cost of burnout, they unpack why rest feels unsafe and what we can actually do about it. Whether you're an entrepreneur with no off switch, a parent running on empty, or someone who eats lunch at their desk every single day — this conversation will challenge how you think about productivity, worth, and what it means to truly take care of yourself. Pause the Noise gives you permission to reflect and reset. New episodes weekly.

7. 

   3 May 2026

   Building Resilience: How to Bounce Back, Regulate Your Emotions, and Raise Mentally Strong Kids

   Resilience isn't about being unbreakable — it's about knowing how to get back up. In this episode of Pause The Noise, Dr. Saarah Nicolas, Lena Wilson, and Brian Stokes have a raw, real conversation about what it truly takes to build mental fortitude and bounce back from life's hardest challenges. Drawing from personal experiences with childhood trauma, divorce, homelessness, people-pleasing, and anxiety, the hosts unpack how resilience is built through struggle — and how emotional intelligence is a stronger predictor of life success than IQ alone. You'll walk away with tangible tools including mindfulness practices, emotional regulation strategies, cognitive reframing, and insights on raising resilient children in a generation that tends to shield kids from discomfort. This is your permission to reflect, reset, and rise. Topics covered: resilience, emotional intelligence, mental health, anxiety, mindset, parenting, life transitions, self-awareness, mindfulness, trauma healing.

8. 

   27 Apr 2026

   Celebrate the Win: Why High Achievers Struggle to Honor Their Growth

   Do you hit a goal and immediately set a bigger one — never stopping to feel proud? That's not ambition. That may be a trauma response. In this episode of Pause the Noise, mental health therapist Brian Stokes, psychologist Dr. Saarah Nicolas, and transition & grief coach Coach Lena Wilson explore why high achievers, childhood trauma survivors, and people pleasers struggle to celebrate themselves — and why it's silently contributing to burnout, depression, and disconnection. Drawing on the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study, the neuroscience of dopamine and serotonin, and their own deeply personal stories, the hosts break down the psychological roots of "never feeling like enough" and share real, practical tools to rewire that pattern — starting today. Topics covered: How childhood experiences (emotional neglect, strict parenting, instability) shape adult self-worth Why not counting your wins is a clinical contributor to depression The financial scarcity mindset that keeps you in a constant rat race Daily practices to build your "celebration muscle" How to write down your wins and use community to hold yourself accountable What it means to slow down and be present — and why that IS the win This episode is for you if you're searching for:therapy for adults | mental health for high achievers | healing childhood trauma | depression support | self-worth podcast | grief and life transitions | therapy for men | mindset coaching | burnout recovery | how to celebrate yourself | imposter syndrome | trauma and achievement | mental wellness Hosted by Brian Stokes (@BrianLamarStokes), Dr. Saarah Nicolas (@DrSaarahThePsych), and Coach Lena Wilson (@CoachLenaWilson). Follow us @PauseTheNoisePodcast — where we give you permission to reflect and reset.

9. 

   20 Apr 2026

   Grief Part II: Grief Isn’t Just Death… It’s Every Life Transition

   Grief isn’t just about loss through death… it shows up in every major life transition. In this episode of Pause the Noise, Brian Lamar Stokes sits down with Coach Lena Wilson and Dr. Saarah Nicolas to unpack the hidden connection between grief and change. From identity shifts to parenting, career moves, and unexpected life events, they explore why even positive changes can feel heavy. You’ll learn how to: • Recognize grief in everyday transitions • Navigate emotional overwhelm • Shift your mindset from resistance to acceptance • Build resilience through life’s changes If you’ve been feeling stuck, lost, or emotionally drained during a transition… this conversation will help you make sense of it. 00:00 – Intro: Reflect & Reset 01:07 – Why transitions often feel like grief 02:04 – The 3 phases of transition (ending, neutral, beginning) 02:34 – Change vs. transition explained 03:24 – Grieving identity, routine, and expectations 04:23 – Why even positive changes can feel heavy 05:22 – Naming your grief and giving yourself permission to feel 06:19 – Healthy vs. unhealthy coping in transitions 08:34 – Signs you’re struggling (sleep, irritability, numbness) 09:29 – Small steps to move forward 10:25 – Resistance vs. embracing change 12:26 – “Why is this happening to me?” mindset trap 15:37 – Overthinking and shifting your mindset 17:01 – Why transition is unavoidable for growth 18:56 – Layered grief and why it feels overwhelming 20:08 – Resilience: can it be built? 21:48 – Lena’s story: divorce, motherhood, and survival mode 23:43 – Why your hardest season isn’t your whole story 25:08 – The moment everything shifted 27:30 – Purpose through pain 29:23 – “What does she deserve?” – powerful turning point 30:11 – The role of purpose in healing 31:28 – Parenting, slowing down, and being present 34:23 – Kids grow fast… and the grief in that 36:20 – Holding onto moments while they last 36:53 – Life is constant transition 37:23 – Final message: Be kind to yourself

10. 

    13 Apr 2026

    Grief isn’t just about death… and nobody talks about this.

    Grief isn’t just about losing someone to death… it shows up in breakups, friendships, life transitions, and even the dreams we thought would come true. In this episode of Pause the Noise Podcast, Brian Stokes, Dr. Sarah Nicolas, and Coach Lena Wilson have an honest, real conversation about what grief actually looks like in everyday life. From grieving relationships and identity shifts to navigating parenthood, body changes, and major life transitions… this episode helps you understand what you’re feeling and why. If you’ve ever told yourself “I should be over this by now,” this conversation is for you. We talk about: • What grief really is beyond death • How grief shows up in friendships, divorce, parenting, and identity • Why suppressing emotions can delay healing • The 5 stages of grief and common myths • Practical ways to process grief in a healthy way • Self-compassion, connection, and emotional healing Whether you’re dealing with loss, burnout, life changes, or emotional overwhelm, this episode gives you permission to pause, reflect, and reset. If this resonated, comment “grief” and share your experience. You’re not alone. 00:00 Welcome to Pause the Noise 00:15 What grief really means beyond death 02:00 Grieving friendships and life expectations 06:00 Avoiding vs processing grief 10:45 Personal experiences with grief and transitions 13:30 Therapy perspective on grief and healing 16:00 Naming your loss and why it matters 21:00 Self-blame and control in grief 22:45 The purpose of grief and connection 24:30 Stages of grief explained 28:00 Final thoughts and support resources

11. 

    6 Apr 2026

    Social Media Is Draining You… Here’s How to Take Control | Mental Health & Burnout

    Feeling drained by social media? Learn how it impacts your mental health and how to set boundaries with practical digital wellness tools. Social media is no longer optional… but what is it doing to your mental health? In this episode of Pause the Noise, a psychologist, therapist, and transition coach unpack the real impact of social media on burnout, anxiety, relationships, and everyday life. From constant scrolling and comparison to feeling mentally drained after logging off, this conversation gets honest about what’s really happening beneath the surface. We also share practical digital wellness tools to help you set boundaries, protect your peace, and create healthier habits without disconnecting completely. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, or consumed by social media, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and reset. 00:00 Social Media Is Not Optional Anymore 01:16 Introduction to Pause the Noise 01:33 The Real Impact of Social Media 05:36 Phone Habits, FOMO, and Entrepreneurship Pressure 09:26 Is Social Media Controlling Us? 11:20 Burnout, Parenting, and Real-Life Balance 12:44 How Algorithms Feed Insecurity 16:46 Social Media as Escape 18:05 Digital Wellness Strategies 21:42 Protecting Real-Life Connection 25:50 Creating Sacred No-Phone Spaces 28:14 Setting Boundaries and Screen Time Awareness 31:18 Final Reflections and Reset #MentalHealthPodcast #SocialMediaDetox #DigitalWellness #BurnoutRecovery #TherapyTalk mental health podcast, social media and mental health, social media burnout, digital wellness, screen time balance, relationship advice transition, pause for clarity, positive mental health podcasts, mens mental health podcast, anxiety and social media

12. 

    27 Mar 2026

    Meet the Hosts: Psychologist, Therapist & Transition Coach Talk Mental Health | Pause the Noise

    Welcome to the first episode of Pause the Noise — a space where we slow down the chaos of everyday life and give ourselves permission to reflect and reset.In this introductory episode, meet the three voices behind the show: Dr. Sarah Nicolas, PhD (@DrSaarahThePsych) – Trauma psychologist and owner of Tampa Counseling & Wellness and founder of Liberty Evaluations specializing in trauma and evidence-based mental health practices. Brian Stokes, MSW (@BrianLamarStokes) – Therapist and social worker focused on helping men, fathers, and couples build stronger emotional lives and healthier families. Lena Wilson (@CoachLenaWilson) – Transition and grief coach helping women navigate major life changes with clarity and resilience. Together, they bring three powerful perspectives: psychology, therapy, and coaching. This podcast was created to cut through the noise of everyday stress, social pressures, and mental overload. Each episode will explore real-life challenges, reflect on the bigger picture, and offer practical tools to help you move forward.Whether you're navigating grief, transitions, relationships, personal growth, or mental health challenges, this space is designed to help you feel seen, supported and equipped with tools to grow. This is Pause the Noise — where reflection meets real-life solutions. 00:00 Welcome to Pause the Noise 00:30 How the Hosts Met01:30 Lena Wilson – Transition & Grief Coach Journey 07:17 Dr. Sarah Nicolas – Trauma Psychologist Story 15:03 Brian Lamar Stokes – Therapist for Men & Families 20:00 Why This Podcast Exists 22:20 Mental Health Tools We Use With Clients 27:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing 28:13 Closing: Reflect & Reset

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Pause The Noise Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.