Best The Couch Critics Podcasts (2025)

1
Progress Over Perfection - Critics Don't Count 2:59

19h ago2:59

2:59

In recovery—and in life—it’s tempting to let the voices of critics define our worth. Whether it’s outsiders who don’t understand the journey, or internal voices fueled by shame and doubt, critics will always have something to say. But as Theodore Roosevelt once reminded us, it’s not the critic who counts—it’s the one in the arena. In this episode o…

1
Beyond Romance: How Last Christmas Reinvents Holiday Films 16:19

2d ago16:19

16:19

"Send us a Text!" The unexpected charm of "Last Christmas" caught us completely off guard. What appears at first glance to be another formulaic holiday romance transforms into something much more profound and moving – a supernatural tale about second chances and the true meaning of giving. Starring Emilia Clarke as a directionless young woman worki…

1
Progress Over Perfection - Permission to Be Human 2:39

2d ago2:39

2:39

In recovery, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expecting ourselves to always get it right—to never slip, stumble, or feel weak. But the truth is, being human means making mistakes, feeling emotions, and facing setbacks along the way. In this episode of Progress Over Perfection, Brandon Couch reminds us that recovery isn’t about flawless performanc…

1
Lily Canter – Ultra Runner, Women’s Running Coach & Co-Author of Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport 42:29

1d ago42:29

42:29

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Lily Canter—an ultra runner, women’s running coach, journalist, and passionate advocate for gender equality in sport. As co-author of the groundbreaking book Ultra Women, Lily is helping to challenge outdated narratives and spotlight the women redefining endurance running. Lily didn’t grow up con…

1
Episode #183 - Redemption Through Faith: Rob Lohman's Journey 1:05:07

3d ago1:05:07

1:05:07

In this conversation, Rob Lohman shares his powerful journey from addiction to recovery, emphasizing the role of faith, community, and personal transformation. He discusses the challenges he faced, including multiple rock bottoms, and how a divine intervention led him to sobriety. Rob highlights the importance of building a supportive community and…

1
Progress Over Perfection - Small Wins Matter 2:26

3d ago2:26

2:26

Recovery is not about giant leaps—it’s about small, steady steps forward. In this episode of Progress Over Perfection, we explore the power of celebrating small wins and why they matter more than we think. Every victory, no matter how small, builds momentum and strengthens resilience. Instead of waiting for perfection or huge breakthroughs, we lear…

1
Balancing Dark and Light: The Surprising Depth of "Sketch" 10:37

5d ago10:37

10:37

"Send us a Text!" What happens when an ordinary sketchbook transforms into a portal for nightmares? Angel Studios ventures into uncharted territory with "Sketch," starring Tony Hale (Arrested Development), D'Arcy Carden, Bianca Belle, and Kue Lawrence. This bold departure from their usual faith-based dramas delivers a surprisingly nuanced explorati…

1
Progress Over Perfection - Grace Over Guilt 2:24

6d ago2:24

2:24

Guilt has a way of chaining us to our past, replaying mistakes until we start to believe they define us. In this episode, we talk about choosing grace over guilt—learning to see ourselves through the lens of compassion instead of condemnation. Recovery is hard enough without carrying the extra weight of shame, and grace gives us the freedom to grow…

1
Progress Over Perfection - Myth of Perfection 3:11

7d ago3:11

3:11

In this episode, we challenge the false idea that recovery—or life—requires flawless execution. The myth of perfection keeps us stuck in shame, fear, and unrealistic expectations. Together, we unpack where this pressure comes from, why it’s so destructive, and how to replace it with grace and self-compassion. Recovery isn’t about spotless records o…

1
On the Couch with Jim Corbett (ASX: AVH): What's Next for AVITA Medical 39:55

7d ago39:55

39:55

Welcome to the latest episode of On the Couch. In this episode, Henry Jennings catches up with Jim Corbett from Avita Medical (ASX: AVH). Jim was appointed CEO of AVITA Medical in September 2022, after serving on the Board since June 2021. He brings nearly 40 years of leadership experience in the medical device field, most recently as CEO of CathWo…

1
Progress Over Perfection - Exhale 3:25

8d ago3:25

3:25

In this episode, we talk about letting go of the constant pressure to “get it all right” in recovery. Too often, we push ourselves to meet unrealistic expectations, forgetting that growth takes time. Exhale is a reminder to ease up, breathe, and find balance in the daily grind. We explore how releasing the need to be perfect allows space for grace,…

1
Inside the Fire - The Fire Made Me 3:13

9d ago3:13

3:13

Some people break under pressure—but others are forged in it. In this episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch reflects on the seasons of pain, loss, and struggle that didn’t just test him—they shaped him. From addiction and prison to rebuilding his life, Brandon shares how every hardship became a refining fire, burning away what was holding him b…

1
From Silent Night to Finding Your Voice: Annabelle's Wish 22:17

9d ago22:17

22:17

"Send us a Text!" Randy Travis narrates a timeless Christmas tale in "Annabelle's Wish," where a special bond between a mute boy and a talking cow reveals the true power of selfless love. With a star-studded voice cast including Jim Varney, Jerry Van Dyke, and Cloris Leachman, this 45-minute animated gem delivers surprising emotional depth beneath …

1
Tania Carmona – First Mexican Athlete to Complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam: Ultrarunner, Coach, and Podcaster 50:22

8d ago50:22

50:22

This week on the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Tania Carmona—a trailblazing ultrarunner, endurance coach, entrepreneur, and the first Mexican athlete to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam. From swimming as a national-level athlete in Mexico to conquering some of the toughest environments on Earth, Tania’s story is one of resilience, reinventio…

1
Episode #177- Brezz's Journey Through Addiction and Recovery 54:01

10d ago54:01

54:01

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch sits down with Brezz, whose journey from a childhood surrounded by trauma and addiction to a life of purpose is nothing short of inspiring. Brezz opens up about the impact of his father’s addiction, his own struggles with substance use, and the deep losses that shaped his path—including …

1
Inside the Fire - Life with Purpose 3:44

10d ago3:44

3:44

Sobriety is just the beginning. In this episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch shares how recovery became more than simply staying clean—it became a call to live with intention, passion, and purpose. He reflects on the shift from surviving each day to actively building a life worth living, one that aligns with his faith, values, and calling. Thi…

1
D&D Tales & Garlic Bread Safety 29:03

10d ago29:03

29:03

"Don't be that guy." Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo Arcade Couch: Between The Cushions is captured before recording Arcade Couch, our weekly gaming/tech podcast. Arcade Couch: Between The Cushions Credits: Music: "Georgia Stomp" by DJ…

1
When Serious Actors Embrace Absurdity: The Naked Gun's Triumphant Return 9:45

11d ago9:45

9:45

"Send us a Text!" Comedy remakes rarely capture lightning in a bottle twice, but The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson defies expectations by delivering genuine belly laughs while honoring Leslie Nielsen's legendary deadpan style. As someone notoriously skeptical of remakes, I approached this film with caution—and walked away thoroughly entertained. W…

1
Eli Zaretsky, “Political Freud: A History” (Columbia UP, 2015) 56:53

13d ago56:53

56:53

Back in the early 70s, Eli Zaretsky wrote for a socialist newspaper and was engaged to review a recently released book, Psychoanalysis and Feminism by Juliet Mitchell. First, he decided, he’d better read some Freud. This started a life-long engagement with psychoanalysis and leftist politics, and his new book Political Freud: A History (Columbia Un…

1
Inside the Fire - Rebuilding Trust 4:59

13d ago4:59

4:59

Broken trust is one of the deepest wounds caused by addiction—and one of the hardest things to rebuild. In this episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch shares the emotional reality of trying to earn back trust with loved ones, while also learning to honor his own progress in recovery. Before the amends, before the reconciliation, there’s a powerf…

1
Inside the Fire - Facing the Truth 4:44

14d ago4:44

4:44

In this brutally honest episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch reflects on the moment he stopped running and started facing the truth—about his addiction, his pain, and the damage left in his wake. No more excuses. No more denial. Just the raw reality of who he had become and the deep need for change. Facing the Truth is about the courage it tak…

1
Inside the Fire - A New Way 3:26

15d ago3:26

3:26

After years of chaos, self-destruction, and living in survival mode, Brandon Couch finally reached the moment that changed everything—the decision to choose a new way. In this powerful episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon shares how exhaustion, brokenness, and the weight of his past led to a turning point where he realized he couldn’t keep living th…

1
Inside the Fire - When the Fire Burns Back 4:20

16d ago4:20

4:20

In this raw and unflinching episode, Brandon Couch shares the breaking point of a life consumed by chaos. After years of fistfights, arrests, and nights behind bars, the thrill of rebellion had burned out, leaving only exhaustion and regret. Brandon reflects on the moments when the fire he once thought he controlled started burning him back—physica…

1
12 Dates of Christmas: Groundhog Day Gone Wrong 21:48

16d ago21:48

21:48

"Send us a Text!" Ever wondered what would happen if Groundhog Day had a festive makeover but lost all its charm in the process? That's exactly what we tackle in our latest episode as we dissect the ABC Family holiday film "12 Dates of Christmas." This romantic comedy stars Amy Smart as Kate, a woman who mysteriously gets stuck in a Christmas Eve t…

1
Dr. Sarah Ruggins – Record-Breaking Endurance Cyclist on Pushing Limits, Managing Pain, and the Power of Aggressive Patience 52:52

15d ago52:52

52:52

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Ruggins—a high-achieving investment professional, academic powerhouse, and now a record-breaking ultra-endurance cyclist. From her early days as a national-level track athlete in Canada to surviving complex PTSD and rebuilding her life, Sarah’s journey is one of transformation, re…

1
Episode #172 - The Heart of A Warrior (Part 2): A Conversation with Michael Thompson 34:21

17d ago34:21

34:21

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Couch, Brandon Couch sits down with Michael Thompson—author and leader of life-changing men’s retreats—to explore the journey of healing, recovery, and rediscovering true masculinity. Michael shares profound insights on why intimacy with God is more vital than simply serving Him, and how solitude, community,…

1
Sarah Williams - 800th Episode Special – 10 Years of the Tough Girl Podcast, 7,400 Miles of Adventure & What’s Coming Next! 1:02:28

16d ago1:02:28

1:02:28

I can’t quite believe it, but here we are — the 800th episode of the Tough Girl Podcast! In this special solo episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes for a personal catch-up and reflection on everything that’s happened so far in 2025 — from January through to August. I talk about what life has looked like lately (yes, still living at home with my…

1
Tia Banks – From Pro Athlete to Mountaineer: Climbing the 7 Volcanic Summits and Teaching Resilience Through Adventure 48:31

16d ago48:31

48:31

In this powerful episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we meet Tia Banks—a former professional basketball player turned mountaineer and certified resilience expert. Based in Texas, Tia is on a bold mission to climb all seven volcanic summits, one on each continent, using her journey as a platform to inspire strength, courage, and mental resilience. He…

1
Inside the Fire - Losing Myself 3:36

17d ago3:36

3:36

In this raw and vulnerable episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch takes listeners into the season of his life where he completely lost his sense of self. Addiction, shame, and the weight of bad decisions pulled him deeper into an identity he no longer recognized. Brandon reflects on how losing himself was both terrifying and necessary, as it for…

1
Sharon Evans – Walking New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail at 58 and Inspiring Women to Embrace Outdoor Adventure 1:04:40

16d ago1:04:40

1:04:40

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, we’re joined by Sharon Evans, also known as the Free Wheeling Kiwi—a 58-year-old adventurer, storyteller, and passionate advocate for women embracing the outdoors, especially later in life. Sharon shares the incredible story of walking the full Te Araroa Trail, a 3,000km thru-hike stretching the length of …

1
Ioana Barbu – Ultra Runner - Winning the Ice & Highland Ultra and Tackling the Beyond the Ultimate Series in One Year. 1:02:32

16d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

In this episode of the Tough Girl Podcast, meet Ioana Barbu—an unstoppable ultra runner with big goals, bold energy, and a fierce belief in betting on herself. After winning the Ice Ultra (230km at the Arctic Circle) and the Highland Ultra (125km in the Scottish Highlands) in 2025—each by hours and against stacked fields—Ioana is now going all-in t…

1
Family Bonds and Cosmic Powers: The Fantastic Four's Triumphant Return 38:26

19d ago38:26

38:26

"Send us a Text!" After twenty years of misfires and disappointments, Marvel has finally done right by the First Family of comics. "Fantastic Four: First Steps" gives us something refreshingly different – a superhero team that's already comfortable with their powers, already working together as a cohesive unit, and already putting family bonds at t…

1
Inside the Fire - Freefalling 4:01

20d ago4:01

4:01

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch takes you into one of the most chaotic seasons of his life—when everything felt out of control and he was freefalling into addiction, despair, and self-destruction. This chapter of his journey reveals how quickly life can spiral and how dangerous it becomes when shame and hopeless…

1
Daniel José Gaztambide, "Decolonizing Psychoanalytic Technique: Putting Freud on Fanon's Couch" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) 1:00:42

20d ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Both new and seasoned psychotherapists wrestle with the relationship between psychological distress and inequality across race, class, gender, and sexuality. How does one address this organically in psychotherapy? What role does it play in therapeutic action? Who brings it up, the therapist or the patient? Daniel José Gaztambide addresses these que…

1
Inside the Fire - 1st Hit of Speed 4:44

21d ago4:44

4:44

In this gripping episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch takes listeners back to the pivotal moment when he first tried speed. What began as a single hit quickly became the spark that fueled years of chaos, addiction, and self-destruction. Brandon shares the rush, the false sense of control, and the eventual unraveling that followed, painting a r…

1
Nicola Hardy - Munro Bagger, Outdoor Writer & Author of Peak Bagging Munros 1:03:42

20d ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this Tough Girl Podcast EXTRA episode we catch up with adventurer and outdoor writer Nicola Hardy—also known for becoming Munroist #6,765 after summiting all 282 of Scotland’s Munros. Nicola left behind a decade-long career in IT to pursue a life filled with mountains, maps, and meaningful adventure. Since our first conversation in March 2022, N…

1
Inside the Fire - The Prison Years 4:59

22d ago4:59

4:59

In this episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch opens up about one of the most transformative chapters of his life: his time in prison. Stripped of freedom and forced to face the consequences of his addiction and past decisions, Brandon reflects on the pain, isolation, and hard truths that came with incarceration. Yet, within those walls, seeds o…

1
Inside the Fire - The Chapter That Nearly Broke Me: "Lonely" 6:22

23d ago6:22

6:22

In this raw and unfiltered episode of Inside the Fire, Brandon Couch takes listeners behind the scenes of one of the most gut-wrenching chapters of his memoir, Step 4: A Journey Through Addiction. Chapter 16, “Lonely,” recounts the dark spiral of isolation, substance abuse, and self-destruction that nearly broke him. Brandon opens up about the crus…

1
Joyeux Noël: When Enemies Became Brothers 8:54

23d ago8:54

8:54

"Send us a Text!" Have you ever wondered what happens when enemies lay down their weapons and recognize each other's humanity? That's the remarkable true story behind "Joyeux Noël," a 2005 film that captures the extraordinary Christmas truce of 1914 during World War I. This multilingual masterpiece brings together French, German, and Scottish persp…

1
Foluke Taylor, "Unruly Therapeutic: Black Feminist Writings and Practices in Living Room" (Norton, 2023) 1:04:33

23d ago1:04:33

1:04:33

In 1977, The Combahee River Collective, a group of Black American feminists issued a statement communicating the harrowing following: “The psychological toll of being a Black woman…can never be underestimated. There is a low value placed on Black women’s psyches in this society, which is both racist and sexist. We are dispossessed psychologically a…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Couch Critics Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide