Dr Thomas Smithyman Podcast
I'm Thomas, a PhD clinical psychologist and author helping you optimize your social and psychological health. New episodes go live every two weeks on Spotify and https://www.youtube.com/@DrThomasSmithyman
I'm Thomas, a PhD clinical psychologist and author helping you optimize your social and psychological health. New episodes go live every two weeks on Spotify and https://www.youtube.com/@DrThomasSmithyman
Listen on:
Episodes
50 minutes ago
What to Do If You Get Nervous During a Conversation
50 minutes ago
50 minutes ago
3 min
You have to expect your social anxiety to get triggered sometimes. The key is to accept the feeling without giving in to the motivation to escape or shut off.
It's completely possible to socialize well while feeling uncomfortable by shifting attention away from yourself, practicing curiosity, and using fundamental social skills.
If you think anxiety might be holding you back, learn more about my course:
https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/about-the-course-?podcast=What%20to%20do%20if%20nervous
For more on anxiety and social connection, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
For more insights and tips, subscribe to the newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
50 minutes ago
3 min
Oct 13, 2026
Why Self-Criticism Makes Social Anxiety Worse
Oct 13, 2026
Oct 13, 2026
7 min
In this episode I explore how self-criticism and the pressure to perform can fuel anxiety, and how changing the way we respond to ourselves can change our experience.
If you think anxiety might be holding you back, learn more about my course: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/abo...
For more on psychology and social interaction, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
For regular insights and tips, subscribe to the newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
Oct 13, 2026
7 min
Sep 21, 2026
How To Socialize Without Feeling Drained
Sep 21, 2026
Sep 21, 2026
13 min
Do you enjoy socializing, but find yourself completely drained afterwards? This video describes how I’ve learned to connect without exhausting my social battery.
Download the full list of 15 ways I became more self-confident here: https://thomas-smithyman.mykajabi.com...
For more on psychology and social interaction, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
For regular insights and tips, subscribe to the newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
Sep 21, 2026
13 min
Sep 11, 2026
Sep 11, 2026
13 min
If you want help finding better answers to the questions people actually ask (including examples of what I would say), get the worksheet here: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/Con...
In this episode, I share five surprising things I’ve learned that lead to better conversations.
For more on psychology and social interaction, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
For regular insights and tips, subscribe to the newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
Sep 11, 2026
13 min
Sep 1, 2026
Sep 1, 2026
16 min
If you want help finding better answers to the questions people actually ask (including examples of what I would say), get the worksheet here: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/Con...
Ever been asked about yourself and felt like the conversation went NOWHERE? This episode will help you with that.
For more on psychology and social interaction, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
For weekly insights and tips, subscribe to the newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
Sep 1, 2026
16 min
Aug 19, 2026
Aug 19, 2026
16 min
In this episode, I explain three hidden psychological barriers that may be causing you to unintentionally filter out people who are actually into you.
To work more on your social and psychological health, join the newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
If you want to work on dating and connecting, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
Aug 19, 2026
16 min
Aug 11, 2026
What Actually Matters When You Meet Someone New
Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
10 min
In this episode, I explain why dating can feel like a performance or evaluation, and what helps it feel more natural and enjoyable instead.
To work more on your social and psychological health, join the email list: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email.
If you want to work on dating and connecting, you can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
Aug 11, 2026
10 min
Jul 30, 2026
You Owe It to Everyone to Take a Vacation
Jul 30, 2026
Jul 30, 2026
12 min
If you're a hard-worker who's feeling the grind, this episode is for you. As a psychologist, I've delved into both the research and real-world cases to uncover the truth about the necessity of vacations and the fears that keep us from taking them.
Think you can power through without ever taking a break? The truth might surprise you. Skipping the downtime doesn’t just affect your performance; it could be sabotaging your life.
You can get my book here: https://geni.us/DatingWithoutFear
Optimize your social and psychological health with my newsletter: https://learn.thomassmithyman.com/email
Jul 30, 2026
12 min


