The Nature of Nurture – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Leslie Carr sits down with filmmaker, writer, director, and content creator Goldie Jones to explore the unexpected cultural phenomenon of Heated Rivalry, the hit television series that has inspired an unusually devoted fan community and sparked conversations far beyond the world of entertainment.

Together, Leslie and Goldie examine why the show has resonated so deeply with audiences, including the emotional, psychological, and even transformational responses many viewers report after watching it. Drawing from Leslie's background as a psychologist and Goldie's expertise in storytelling and filmmaking, they discuss concepts such as corrective emotional experiences, trauma, authenticity, neuroplasticity, and the power of narrative to shape the way we understand ourselves and others.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the craft behind the series, exploring how character development, point of view, visual storytelling, symbolism, dialogue, performance, and production design contribute to the show's emotional impact. Goldie shares insights into the storytelling techniques that make the series so compelling, including the use of subtext, visual motifs, mirrors, lighting, and character psychology.

Leslie and Goldie also discuss the show's portrayal of trauma, identity, family expectations, and vulnerability through its central characters. They examine how different forms of trauma—both overt and subtle—shape human behavior, relationships, and self-expression, and why so many viewers have found aspects of themselves reflected in the story.

The episode concludes with a broader conversation about the state of modern storytelling, the relationship between art and commerce, and what the entertainment industry might learn from the success of a series built on sincerity, hope, emotional honesty, and meaningful human connection. Guest Goldie Jones is a Wyoming-born, Los Angeles-based writer, director, filmmaker, and content creator. After more than a decade working as a director of photography, Goldie transitioned into directing and screenwriting, earning recognition for award-winning screenplays, short films, and commercial work. Their in-depth analysis of Heated Rivalry has attracted millions of viewers online and sparked conversations about storytelling, filmmaking, character development, and media literacy.

Resources & Links: Goldie Jones https://www.goldiejones.com

Goldie Jones on Instagram: www.instagram.com/glitchgestaltgirl

The Nature of Nurture https://thenatureofnurture.com

Dr. Leslie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlesliecarr Goldie Jones on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/glitchgestaltgirl

The Nature of Nurture on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thenatureofnurture

Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@thenatureofnurture This podcast is available on all major podcast platforms. #HeatedRivalry #LGBTQStories #MentalHealth #Filmmaking #TheNatureOfNurture

Credits: Hosted by Leslie Carr Guest: Goldie Jones Produced by Leslie Carr Recorded by Chi Ogilvie at SLAP Studios LA and edited by Asher Freidberg. Disclaimer: This episode contains discussion of trauma, mental health, neurodiversity, identity, family dynamics, and emotional healing. The views expressed are for educational and informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this deeply personal solo episode of The Nature of Nurture, Leslie opens up about her own life story for the first time in the podcast’s five-season history. Reflecting on her work as a clinical psychologist and host of the show, Leslie explains why she felt compelled to “unmask” and share the experiences that shaped both her healing journey and the perspective behind the podcast itself. Leslie begins by introducing herself beyond the professional bio—sharing her background, her career in psychology, and the core mission of The Nature of Nurture: understanding the human condition through the lens of context. From trauma and family systems to culture, technology, and lived experience, she explores how the environments we grow up in shape who we become. The heart of the episode centers on Leslie’s experience surviving childhood emotional and psychological abuse within a toxic family system. Without focusing on graphic details, she speaks candidly about growing up in an environment where self-expression and self-advocacy were discouraged, and how reclaiming her voice became a central part of her healing process. Throughout the conversation, Leslie reflects on the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the ways unresolved wounds can echo through families over time. Drawing from both her personal experience and years of clinical practice, she discusses the emotional complexity of healing—particularly the balance between accountability, compassion, anger, and forgiveness. Leslie also shares how modalities beyond traditional psychotherapy—including breathwork, nervous system regulation, and neuro-linguistic programming—played an important role in helping her process and integrate childhood trauma. She explains that many previous episodes of the podcast were, in some ways, reflections of her own healing journey. A major theme of the episode is the idea that survival alone is not the endpoint of recovery. Leslie speaks about what it means not only to heal from trauma, but to transform because of it—framing her ability to speak openly today as an act of liberation against the silence she was raised within. The episode also explores Leslie’s spiritual beliefs surrounding consciousness, forgiveness, and the soul’s evolution. Discussing concepts like the Akashic Records and life lessons carried through relationships, she offers a nuanced perspective on forgiveness—emphasizing that forgiveness does not require reconnection, and that healthy healing often involves maintaining strong boundaries. Ultimately, this episode is a message of solidarity for anyone who has struggled to reclaim their voice after trauma. Leslie closes by reminding listeners that healing is possible, that their experiences are real, and that they are not alone in the process. Whether you’re navigating your own recovery journey, interested in trauma psychology, or simply looking for a more honest conversation about healing and identity, this episode offers vulnerability, insight, and hope. Host Dr. Leslie Carr is a psychologist, educator, and host of The Nature of Nurture. Her work explores the intersections of psychology, culture, trauma, healing, and human development. Resources & Links The Nature of Nurture TheNatureofNurture.com Prior Episodes Mentioned: S2 Ep 4, Interview with Michelle Masters “How Our Beliefs Shape Our Experience” (NLP/audio only): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/interview-with-michelle-masters-how-our-beliefs-shape/id1561379347?i=1000553917982 S4 Ep 8, Exploring the Akashic Records with Helen Vonderheide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIHKpq-M0NY S4 Ep 9, The Intersection of Mental Health and the Nervous System with Rachel Hardy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ieycpevH0&t=28s S4 Ep 10, Exploring Breathwork's Healing Potential with Robert Bahedry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGRnKDpLnqU&t=1s S1 Ep 1, Beyond Biology (not explicitly mentioned but if you want to learn more about Leslie’s attitudes and beliefs about “mainstream” psychology and mental health, this episode is a great place to start): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-biology/id1561379347?i=1000517727592 Patreon Membership https://www.patreon.com/cw/TheNatureofNurture Watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheNatureofNurture Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nature-of-nurture/id1561379347 Credits Hosted by Dr. Leslie Carr Written and produced by Dr. Leslie Carr Engineered and edited by Asher Freidberg Recorded at SLAP Studios LA Disclaimer This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, or professional medical advice. If you have questions about your own mental health, please consult a licensed professional. 
 

Host Leslie sits down with certified breathwork practitioner Robert Bahedry to explore the transformative power of breathwork. Rooted in ancient yoga pranayama practices, breathwork serves as a potent form of energy medicine that promotes holistic healing across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Robert shares his personal journey from yoga student to instructor, emphasizing how mastering breathwork reduced his cravings for substances like alcohol, and enhanced his overall wellbeing.

Leslie and Robert discuss the concept of how trauma is stored in our tissues, and how breathwork releases that trauma at the cellular level. They also address societal programming around masculinity and how it limits emotional expression. Roberts offers valuable insights into balancing masculine and feminine energies to reconcile internal conflicts and foster a more holistic self.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Robert’s website
• Follow Robert on Instagram

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Dawn Forrester, episode co-producer
  • Raphaello, post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, media manager
• Recorded by Danesha Brown at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Host Leslie is joined by Rachel Hardy, intuitive coach and mentor, to explore the profound impact our nervous systems have on mental health and overall wellbeing. Rachel shares how her journey to becoming a nervous system regulation expert was influenced by both her professional experience in injury recovery and chronic pain management, and her personal health struggles with autoimmune conditions and  depression.

Rachel explains how our bodies store trauma, and how our nervous systems evolve through social engagement, particularly during infancy. Leslie and Rachel also discuss the often-overlooked connection between nervous system dysregulation and common mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. 

They challenge traditional cognitive-only approaches to healing, advocating for a more holistic method that incorporates body awareness and physical manifestations of emotions. Rachel also emphasizes the significance of how understanding and regulating our nervous systems can transform our lives and enable us to live on our own terms.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Rachel’s website
• Join The Resilient Goddess, Rachel’s Facebook group
• Follow Rachel on Instagram
• Learn more about Dr. Peter Levine and Somatic Experiencing
• “When Did Everyone Get So ‘Dysregulated’? How managing our mental health became a matter of monitoring our nervous systems” via The Cut

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Helen Vonderheide joins Leslie for a fascinating discussion about the world of the Akashic Records. Helen provides a clear and concise explanation of what the Akashic Records are, describing them as an archive of our soul's journey stored in an etheric field. She also shares her personal journey of discovering the Akashic Records, starting with a transformative reading in 2012 that inspired her to learn how to access them for herself.

Helen reflects on her upbringing in Chicago, where she felt a calling to connect with something greater than herself from a young age. Raised in a Catholic environment, she later explored Buddhism, finding resonance in its universal and inclusive teachings. This spiritual exploration eventually led her to the Akashic Records, where she discovered a profound connection to her soul's journey.

She shares the challenges and breakthroughs she encountered in her journey of learning to access the Akashic Records, from struggling with the traditional prayer to accessing the records to finding her unique invocation method. Evidence for this methodology is also discussed.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Helen’s website
• Follow Hellen on Instagram
• Books that can help you learn more:
  • "How to Read the Akashic Records: Accessing the Archive of the Soul and Its Journey" by Linda Howe 
  • “Science and the Akashic Field An Integral Theory of Everything” by Ervin Laszlo

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Host Leslie is joined by multidisciplinary artist and author Scott Nathan who shares some incredible and wild stories from his life. He discusses his unexpected journey to TikTok fame and the success of his book, "The Big Book of Bad Decisions." Scott also recounts the fascinating story of how a medium helped him find his birth family, providing concrete and actionable information that led him to connect with his half-sisters.

The conversation dives into the complexities of mental health, family dynamics, and the impact of past traumas while also exploring how Scott's own experiences and upbringing shaped his perspective on life and relationships. Scott's reflections on meeting his biological mother shed light on the complex interplay between genetics and environment in shaping our lives, highlighting the importance of understanding the factors that influence our mental health and well-being. Scott and Leslie also discuss the importance of understanding and accepting one's past while embracing the journey of self-discovery and growth.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Scott’s website
• Follow Scott on TikTok
• Buy a copy of Scott’s book, “The Big Book of Bad Decisions”
• Connect with medium, Carissa Schumacher
• Listen to The Nature of Reality with physicist Radhika Dirks, from season two of The Nature of Nurture

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Carly Quellman, Production assistant
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

June Johnson, entrepreneur, model, and advocate, joins host Leslie for a wide-ranging conversation where she candidly shares her personal journey, including her rebellious phases, grappling with double consciousness as a Black woman, and her transition into entrepreneurship in the cannabis space after facing racial discrimination at a former workplace.

June grew up surrounded by strong Black role models, dedicated to community empowerment. Her great-grandfather helped register Black voters, and her cousin was Atlanta's first Black mayor at age 35. This environment nurtured her critical thinking and activism. Her mother also exposed her to various spiritual practices, shaping June's open-minded approach to faith and philosophies.

She shares her mantra of "resist, rest, repeat," emphasizing the significance of taking action, practicing self-care, and continuously engaging in the fight for justice. She explores how the idea that true activism involves not only being aware of issues but also mobilizing towards tangible solutions.

June and Leslie also discuss the importance of creating a positive vision for the future, sharing how focusing on a constructive and hopeful picture of the world can inspire action and collective change. By visualizing a world free from oppressive systems like white supremacy and patriarchy, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Navigating the cannabis industry as a Black woman has brought new challenges. June recounts launching her own businesses after facing racism, harassment, and unethical conduct at a previous cannabis company. She's now focused on educating others about cannabis for wellness through her Weed Doula consultancy and throwing cannabis-themed events via Collective High.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• June’s Linktree
• The Weed Doula on Instagram
• Get in touch with June via email
• Collective High
• We The People on Geneva
• Buy a copy of "Super Genes: Unlock the Astonishing Power of Your DNA for Optimum Health and Well-Being” by Deepak Chopra
• Listen to June’s podcast, Sunday Soul Sessions on Patreon
• Learn more about 40 Tons and support the 40 Tons Foundation
• Watch Slavery by Another Name

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded in part at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

Reproductive autonomy isn't just about the right to choose; it's also about the ability to shape one's destiny. Host Leslie is joined by Jill Filipovic, a former lawyer turned journalist, who is dedicated to the critical issues of women's rights and reproductive freedom. 

Jill shares how her early disillusionment with media coverage of the Iraq War led her to pursue a law career initially, before pivoting to journalism full-time to focus on human rights issues impacting women globally. She explores the evolving landscape of women's rights, examining the profound influence of reproductive autonomy on women's physical, mental, and financial health and the broader implications for society in areas such as climate change, migration, and conflict.

Jill and Leslie also share personal insights on the privilege of being able to choose whether or not to become a mother, and how this has profoundly shaped the trajectories of their own lives and careers. The episode concludes with Jill highlighting the intersections between her journalism work and her passion for leading international yoga and writing retreats that foster community, creativity, and self-actualization within feminist spaces.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Jill’s website
• Follow Jill on Twitter
• Subscribe to Jill’s Substack newsletter
• Follow Jill on Instagram
• On The Ground retreats
• Listen to Experiencing Postpartum Psychosis with Lisa Abramson, from season one of The Nature of Nurture
• The National Abortion Federation
• The Brigid Alliance
• Center for Reproductive Rights
• Register to vote
• Learn more about the Turnaway Study

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles and New York

Have the quick fixes provided by psych meds caused us to overlook the real, underlying causes in our mental health struggles? Psychiatrist Dr. Josef Witt-Doerring joins host Leslie to explore the current treatment model that puts profit before patient well-being and encourages the overprescription of drugs in mental healthcare.

Dr. Josef shares how the psychiatric care system resembles more a conveyor belt of treatment - quick evaluations and prescription solutions - rather than a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the root causes of mental distress. A passionate advocate for deprescribing, he also shares heart-wrenching stories and expert insights on the urgent need for a tailored approach to mental healthcare. He peels back the curtain to expose the pharmaceutical industry's influence on the industry and questions the wisdom of a system that frequently overprescribes antidepressants. 

Dr. Josef also shares the risks of long-term medication use, such as emotional blunting and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), and the daunting journey of medication tapering. The conversation wraps up with an honest reflection on the journey of understanding depression in the context of our environment and the challenges faced by those navigating the daunting process of antidepressant withdrawal.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Learn more about the Taper Clinic
• What is PSSD?
• Dr. Josef’s YouTube channel

Show Credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles

How does our mental health impact our environment? How does our environment impact our mental health? Your host Leslie is joined by Shira Gill, a globally recognized home organizing expert and best-selling author of 'Minimalista' and 'Organized Living’ to discuss these questions and more, focusing on the profound impact of minimalism and organization on mental health.

Shira shares her personal journey from a childhood seeking control amidst chaos to becoming an advocate for intentional living through decluttering. She emphasizes that organization is about more than just arranging physical spaces; it's a tool for managing mental health, fostering personal transformation, and navigating loss in a controlled, positive manner. 

Through her practice, Shira has witnessed remarkable changes in her clients' lives, affirming that simplifying one's environment can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. Shira also touches on the cultural aspects of clutter and consumerism, especially focusing on how these challenges manifest differently across the globe. The conversation concludes with actionable advice for taking small steps towards organized living, emphasizing the beneficial impacts of minimalism on both mental well-being and personal growth.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Connect with Shira:
  • Website
  • Instagram
• The Fifteen-Minute Win: How to Start Taking Action

Show credits:

• Show created and produced by Leslie Carr with the help of:
  • Raphaello, Post-production supervisor
  • Sarah Carefoot, Media Manager
• Recorded at WTF Studios, Los Angeles