It’s one of our most talked-about episodes — or maybe one that didn’t get enough love the first time. We’ll let you decide. This week, Dan and Gayle tackle a game-day dilemma that hits close to home: when “adults only” meets “I couldn’t find a sitter.”
They unpack boundaries, social expectations, and the psychology of group dynamics — with a little help from Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering and the Gottman Institute’s “Positive Perspective.”
🎧 Got a story or moral dilemma of your own? Send it to our mailbag: veritasviews.com/contact
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole EditionPsychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler take real stories from the internet and break them down with humor, insight, and a touch of therapy wisdom.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
When your boss says “we’re a family,” but gets mad when you pack up at 5:00. Sound familiar? This week, the team digs into the viral story of a worker who dared to clock out on time — and got shamed for it. From toxic hustle culture to guilt around boundaries, they unpack the psychology behind why “leaving when the day ends” still sparks outrage in some offices.
They’re joined by Dr. Meghan Miller, licensed psychologist, executive leader, and founder of The Forward Collective, where she helps high-achieving women, parents, and athletes navigate burnout, perfectionism, and identity struggles. Learn more at theforwardcollective.org
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole EditionPsychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler tackle real stories from the internet — unscripted, unfiltered, and psychologically informed. Who’s right, who’s wrong, and what does it say about us?
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
When therapy “homework” starts competing with family time, who’s in the wrong? This week, the hosts unpack emotional labor, healing, and boundaries in relationships — and what happens when one partner’s growth feels like the other’s neglect.
Our guest, Dr. Shannon Goecke-Watson, PsyD, LP, owns SGW Psychological Services in Apple Valley, MN, where she specializes in treating the aftereffects of domestic violence through individual and group therapy. She’s presented more than 40 trainings on domestic violence and trauma and serves as Minnesota’s delegate to the APA Council of Representatives. Learn more at sgwpsych.com.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler analyze stories from the internet through the lens of modern psychology — equal parts empathy, insight, and laughter.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
Who gets the final say in your funeral — you or your family? This conversation dives deep into grief, boundaries, and the psychology of control when faith and autonomy collide.
They’re joined by Dr. Sheena Sikorski, a licensed psychologist based in Minneapolis who helps Millennial and Gen Z women heal from perfectionism and people-pleasing. She teaches clients to quiet their inner critic and trust their own worth. Learn more at drsheenasikorski.com
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole EditionReal internet stories. Real psychology. Real talk. Psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler unpack human behavior one uncomfortable dilemma at a time.👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
When love meets executive dysfunction, things can get messy. This week, the team tackles a controversial post about ADHD meds, relationship frustration, and the blurry line between care and control.
Featuring Dr. David Nathan, a child and adolescent psychologist based in St. Paul, MN, specializing in ADHD, Autism, anger, and adoption. He’s also a regional clinical lead for Allina Health and offers ADHD/ASD testing through his private practice. Learn more at davidnathanpsyd.com.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler bring humor, humanity, and hard science to real internet dilemmas. Who’s the problem — and who just needs therapy?
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
Is refusing to wake your partner a petty act — or a lesson in adulting? This story explores dependency, accountability, and the emotional toll of becoming someone’s personal snooze button.
Joining the discussion is Dr. Jennifer Service, a board-certified psychiatrist and forensic specialist with over 25 years of experience. She provides psychiatric care and forensic evaluations throughout Minnesota and has testified in civil and criminal cases. Learn more at mnforensic.com and mankatoclinic.com.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Hosted by psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler, this show blends humor and insight as they decode the internet’s most awkward ethical standoffs.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
If your partner’s sleep habits are wrecking your relationship, is it fair to demand change? This episode dives into the psychology of sleep, responsibility, and mismatched rhythms — with a few Weezer references thrown in.
Featuring Dr. Bill Hoekstra, board-certified psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Hoekstra specializes in insomnia, trauma recovery, and evidence-based therapy for sleep and mood. Learn more at themoodandsleepclinic.com or @themoodandsleepclinic.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler explore human behavior through the wild world of the internet. Insightful, irreverent, and just the right amount of awkward.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
What happens when a relationship ultimatum comes with fur and sneezes? This week, the crew debates emotional attachments, blended families, and the psychology of sacrifice — canine edition.
Guest Dr. Bill Hoekstra, board-certified psychologist and Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, brings over 24 years of experience treating insomnia, trauma, and circadian rhythm challenges. He offers virtual sessions across 42 states via The Mood & Sleep Clinic. Learn more at themoodandsleepclinic.com or @themoodandsleepclinic.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Real therapists, real Reddit threads, real talk. Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler unpack internet conflict with wit and clinical clarity.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
Is it body-shaming, concern, or something deeper? This week’s AITA explores appetite, attraction, and the fine line between honesty and hurt.
They’re joined by Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy, licensed psychologist and sex therapist, co-author of Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships. She specializes in sexual health and relationship dynamics and can be found at drlaurenfogel.com or @drlaurenfogelmersy.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Hosted by psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler, who bring humor, warmth, and psychological insight to the internet’s messiest moral dilemmas.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
When your adult kid wants to go on a clothing-optional vacation, how do you react — with acceptance, horror, or a plane ticket refund? This hilarious and heartfelt episode tackles shame, body image, and generational clashes around comfort zones.
Guest Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy (she/her) is a licensed psychologist, AASECT-certified sex therapist, and certified emotionally focused couples therapist. She’s co-author of Desire: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating Libido Differences in Relationships and runs a private practice in Minnesota. Find her at drlaurenfogel.com or @drlaurenfogelmersy.
🎙️ Veritas Views: The Am I the A**hole Edition
Psychologists Dr. Gayle MacBride and Dr. Dan Kessler take on the internet’s wildest moral questions — through the lens of real psychology and relatable humor.
👉 veritaspp.com | @drgmacbride | @drdankessler
🎧 Hosted and produced by Michael MacBride (michaelmacbride.com), with intros and outros by Kelley Buttrick (kbvoiceovers.com)
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for refusing to keep pushing through burnout when my boss said we’re all under pressure?"And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com Otherwise, our team can be found at:Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankesslerDr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbrideKelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.comThanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!Today, they are joined by Dr. Meghan Miller. She is a licensed psychologist, executive leader, and founder of The Forward Collective, where she provides therapy, coaching, and training for women, parents, and athletes. With more than a decade of clinical and leadership experience - most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Clinical and People Operations for a major mental health organization - she blends psychology and executive insight to help people thrive in high-demand roles. She specializes in supporting high-achievers through burnout, perfectionism, and identity struggles, and brings a unique perspective as both a former healthcare leader, athlete and a long-time coach. You can find more about her and the Forward Collection here: https://www.theforwardcollective.org/In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for defending myself against my boss criticizing that I'm eager to leave on time at the end of the day?"And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com Otherwise, our team can be found at:Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankesslerDr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbrideKelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.comThanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for asking my husband to turn down his dream job for my career?"
In this episode, we start it off talking about scams. Here are some resources to help you avoid being scammed, and resources for what to do if you have been scammed:https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/2021-10/avoiding-scams-and-scammershttps://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-avoid-phishing-scamshttps://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/fraud/Have a question for us? Want to tell us, we're wrong? Hit us up in our mailbag! We'd love to hear from you: https://www.veritasviews.com/contact
And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com
Otherwise, our team can be found at:
Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankessler
Dr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbride
Kelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/
Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.com
Thanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for policing whether people could cut in line while deplaning?"
In this episode, we mentioned Denis Leary's 1993-song "A**hole". Here's the original: https://youtu.be/UrgpZ0fUixs?si=vxBM-R57MHAH4Ujk And one done with updated 2025 lyrics: https://youtu.be/npKb03QBtpI?si=nRo3JZClD3kc6FhX) Have a question for us? Want to tell us, we're wrong? Hit us up in our mailbag! We'd love to hear from you: https://www.veritasviews.com/contactAnd if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com
Otherwise, our team can be found at:
Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankessler
Dr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbride
Kelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/
Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.com
Thanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for not hiring my cousin at my tech startup?"
Have a question for us? Want to tell us, we're wrong? Hit us up in our mailbag! We'd love to hear from you. https://www.veritasviews.com/contact
And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com
Otherwise, our team can be found at:
Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankessler
Dr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbride
Kelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/
Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.com
Thanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for booking my son an eye exam just to settle an argument?"
In this episode: Gayle asked Michael about his book launch on 9/9 for his latest novel: At The Wake. Read a description and grab a copy at Fine Print Bookstore in Saline, Michigan, where Michael will be doing an event: https://fineprintbookshop.com/book/9781964354033
And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com
Otherwise, our team can be found at:
Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankessler
Dr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbride
Kelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/
Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.com
Thanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for telling my friend that he shouldn't have used AI to write a memorial?"
There's a question to listeners in our bonus conversation after the credits, send us a message through our mailbag! Let us know what you think: https://www.veritasviews.com/contact
And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com
Otherwise, our team can be found at:
Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankessler
Dr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbride
Kelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/
Michael MacBride at: http://www.michaelmacbride.com
Thanks for listening and/or watching!
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole if I charge my girlfriend $1,000 for rent while I pay $2,000?"
Today Gayle and Dan mentioned a couple things, including:
--This recent article that Dr. Gayle MacBride contributed to: https://parade.com/living/traits-of-people-who-avoid-responding-to-texts-according-to-psychologists
--George Carlin's philosophy on changing minds with humor from Last Words (2009): "But when you're in front of an audience and you make them laugh at a new idea, you're guiding the whole being for the moment. No one is ever more him/herself than when they really laugh. Their defenses are down. It's very Zen-like, that moment. They are completely open, completely themselves when that message hits the brain and the laugh begins. That's when new ideas can be implanted. If a new idea slips in at that moment, it has a chance to grow."
--Hannah Gadsby: https://hannahgadsby.com.au/
--One pot vs multiple pots of money: https://corporette.com/whether-to-merge-finances/
--Our mailbag! Let us know what you think: https://www.veritasviews.com/contact📅 Need support or want to book a session with one of our psychologists?Schedule here: https://www.veritaspp.com/get-started/schedule-appointment🎙️ Meet the Team:🎙️ Dr. Dan Kessler → @drdankessler🎙️ Dr. Gayle MacBride → @drgmacbride🎙️ Kelley Buttrick (voice talent) → https://kbvoiceovers.com🎵 Michael MacBride (music) → http://www.michaelmacbride.com👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for trying to get my junior employee to do her job?"Today Gayle and Dan mentioned a couple things, including:--The George Takei post: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1294424498722058&set=a.306924777472040
--Which referenced S1EP14 of this very podcast! https://youtu.be/BPm8tdVKo1E?si=7CcMynqMiMBWQTBX
--Information about "push polling": https://ballotpedia.org/Push_polling
--Finally, our mailbag: send us something! https://www.veritasviews.com/contact📅 Need support or want to book a session with one of our psychologists?Schedule here: https://www.veritaspp.com/get-started/schedule-appointment🎙️ Meet the Team:🎙️ Dr. Dan Kessler → @drdankessler🎙️ Dr. Gayle MacBride → @drgmacbride🎙️ Kelley Buttrick (voice talent) → https://kbvoiceovers.com🎵 Michael MacBride (music) → http://www.michaelmacbride.com👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe — and don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.
This weekly podcast comes to you from Veritas Psychology Partners, Dr. Dan Kessler and Dr. Gayle MacBride. Your host selects a conversation from the internet forums that neither psychology has heard or read before, and they give their unrehearsed, unvarnished opinions--essentially answering the question, "just who is the a**hole here?" The host brings in feedback from internet commentors to round out the discussion, and we close out each episode with a bonus conversation about any number of things! Stay tuned through the end to find out!
In this episode, the question is: "Am I the a**hole for telling my CEO to go f*ck himself after he called me a liar?"
Today Gayle and Dan mentioned a couple things, including:
And if you'd like to schedule an appointment with either of our psychologists, visit: http://www.veritaspp.com
Otherwise, our team can be found at:
Dr. Dan Kessler at: @drdankessler
Dr. Gayle MacBride at: @drgmacbride
Kelley Buttrick at: https://kbvoiceovers.com/
Michael MacBride at: https://www.michaelmacbride.com
Thanks for listening and/or watching!