In this episode, Dr. Kate Flynn and Anna Fagala sit down for a candid conversation about the hidden biases that quietly shape how we think, decide, and interact. From everyday assumptions to deeper mental shortcuts, they explore how cognitive errors show up in real life—and why simply being aware of them can shift everything. It’s an honest, insightful chat about thinking, bias, and the messiness of being human.
In this powerful episode of We Ride at Dawn, Dr. Shauna Pollard joins hosts Dr. Kate Flynn and Anna Fagala for a deep dive into trauma therapy—what it is, how it differs from traditional talk therapy, and why somatic approaches like brainspotting can be transformative. With clarity, compassion, and a wealth of experience, Dr. P breaks down complex concepts and challenges common misconceptions about therapy, offering an accessible guide for anyone navigating healing. Whether you're a mental health professional or someone seeking insight, this conversation brings fresh perspective and validation to the table.
🎙 We Ride at Dawn – The podcast for entrepreneurs, fighters, and survivors who thrive under pressure and bounce back stronger.
In this episode, Kate and Anna dive deep into Mel Robbins’ viral Let Them Theory, unpacking what it really means to stop controlling others and start reclaiming your energy, peace, and personal power. From parenting to leadership to surviving crisis, this episode gets raw, honest, and incredibly actionable.
🔹 Why “letting them” doesn’t mean giving up—but getting clear
🔹 The tension between control, boundaries, and behavioral change
🔹 Using motivational interviewing and validation in parenting and leadership
🔹 What “letting them” looks like during divorce, addiction, or emotional fallout
🔹 Why proximity, timing, and energy determine adult friendship
🔹 How to show up in integrity even when relationships fall apart
They also highlight Mel’s raw, honest take on navigating real-life messiness—and shout out her powerful conversation with Rich Roll. 🎧 Listen to Mel Robbins on the Rich Roll Podcast – Episode 728
Want to keep exploring?
📖 Read Let Them by Mel Robbins: https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369
📘 Mel’s favorite parenting guide mentioned in the episode: The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697
🎧 Mel on the Rich Roll Podcast: https://www.richroll.com/all-episodes/
No fluff. No faking. Just real talk for real people building real resilience—We Ride at Dawn.
🎙 The Breakdown Posse – Where emotions get real, psychology meets real life, and healing gets practical.
In this episode, Kate and Anna dive deep into the emotional and psychological underpinnings of consumption and overconsumption—especially among high performers. Sparked by personal experiences, family conversations, and academic insight, they unravel how our spending habits are often less about luxury and more about coping, control, and identity.
🔹 Why high achievers often use consumption as a coping mechanism
🔹 How overconsumption affects mental health, relationships, and self-worth
🔹 The psychological impact of materialism (a la The High Price of Materialism by Tim Kasser)
🔹 The hedonic treadmill, intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation, and how to reset your “why”
🔹 The power of intentional restraint—and why "less" can actually feel like more
They also pull insights from The Happiness Podcast featuring Dr. Tim Kasser and an article by Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky on the joy of thrift and why more money isn’t making us happier.
💡 Want to dig deeper? Here are the sources they reference:
📖 The High Price of Materialism by Tim Kasser
🎧 The Happiness Podcast – Tim Kasser Episode (search by guest name)
📝 Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky’s research on happiness
No judgment. No guilt trips. Just real talk on money, meaning, and what happens when your values get buried under your receipts—one breakdown at a time.
🎙 The Breakdown Posse – Where emotions get real, psychology meets real life, and personal growth is anything but predictable.
In this episode, Anna, Kate, and Sej dive into Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant
Get the book here :
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Potential-Science-Achieving-Greater/dp/0593653149
And break down how overlooked talents, resilience, and adaptability shape success. Inspired by Grant’s insights, they explore:
🔹 Why talent is overrated—and what actually drives success
🔹 The hidden power of grit, persistence, and unexpected opportunities
🔹 How to rethink failure and turn setbacks into stepping stones
🔹 Why traditional measures of "potential" miss the mark
Through personal stories, hard-hitting truths, and a few hilarious detours, they unpack how anyone—regardless of background—can tap into their hidden potential and break through limitations.
No shortcuts. No perfect formulas. Just real talk on growing, evolving, and showing up for yourself—one breakdown at a time.
🎙 The Breakdown Posse – Where emotions get real, psychology meets real life, and fulfillment is always a work in progress.
In this episode, Dr.Kate, Dr. Sej , and Anna dive into the concept of ikigai—the Japanese philosophy of purpose and meaning. Inspired by a recent dinner conversation, they unpack the pressure women face to align passion with career, exploring the delicate balance between what we love, what we’re good at, and what the world needs.
🔹 What ikigai really means and why it’s not a one-size-fits-all concept
🔹 How fear influences career transitions—and why that’s not always a bad thing
🔹 The messy, beautiful evolution of personal and professional fulfillment
🔹 Anna’s journey from running a thriving orthodontic practice to prioritizing family
🔹 Kate’s unexpected pivot from a successful career to coaching after personal crises
Through raw, honest, and often hilarious reflections, they break down the realities of navigating change, redefining success, and embracing the ever-evolving nature of purpose.
No rigid formulas. No perfect paths. Just real talk on finding what truly fulfills you—one breakdown at a time.
🎙 The Breakdown Posse – Where emotions get real, psychology meets real life, and validation is more than just a buzzword.
In this episode, we dive into the power of validation—why it’s the ultimate life hack and how it can transform relationships, parenting, leadership, and even your own self-talk. Inspired by Dr. Caroline Flack’s latest book and insights from experts like Adam Grant and Dr. Eliza Pressman, we break down:
🔹 Why validation matters more than advice
🔹 The validation ladder—a step-by-step guide to making people feel truly heard
🔹 How invalidation can quietly damage trust and connection
🔹 The delicate balance of validation in parenting, business, and tough conversations
🔹 Why self-validation is just as important as validating others
Join Dr. Kate, Dr. Sej, and Anna as they unpack the messy, meaningful, and sometimes hilarious realities of navigating emotions, relationships, and personal growth—one breakdown at a time.
No fluff. No perfection. Just real talk, real stories, and practical insights you can start using today.
🎙 The Breakdown Posse – Where emotions get real, psychology meets real life, and validation is more than just a buzzword.
Ever find yourself stuck in the same frustrating conversations, unsure how to break the cycle? Whether it’s navigating relationships, parenting challenges, or just trying to make sense of human behavior, The Breakdown Posse is here to break it all down—one messy, meaningful, and hilarious conversation at a time.
Hosted by a group of deep thinkers, parents, and friends who have tried everything (and then some), we tackle topics like:
🔹 Why validation is the ultimate life hack (and how to actually do it)
🔹 The unspoken rules of emotional regulation and behavior change
🔹 ADHD, RSD, and other psychological concepts that impact everyday life
🔹 How to decode tricky relationships—with kids, partners, and beyond
🔹 Real-life stories, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and lessons we’re learning as we go
No jargon. No perfection. Just honest, insightful, and sometimes chaotic conversations that help you understand yourself and others a little better.
We’re here to explore, question, and laugh our way through the human experience—because let’s be real, we’re all just trying to figure it out.