In a powerful episode of the Friend Fusion podcast, licensed therapist Raquel Hopkins delivers a bold and much-requested take on modern mental health language.
She calls out what she describes as a cultural slide into “emotional entitlement” and “weaponized feelings.”
“Your feelings matter—but they’re not a moral compass,” Hopkins says in candid discussion on mental health culture, boundaries, and emotional entitlement.
The episode, now streaming on YouTube, quickly gained attention after a preview clip was posted to the podcast’s Instagram account.
The post read in part: “Mental health should empower you, not coddle you… Just because you’re having a bad day doesn’t mean everyone else has to carry it too.”
Hopkins, known for her straightforward delivery, spoke with podcast host Trinity Mitchell about common therapy terms being used out of context.
“We all know feelings are not facts. They’re not bad, but the way people use them today—they weaponize them,” Hopkins said. “You literally have to tiptoe around someone just because they said they’re sad. I can acknowledge that you’re sad without having to take that on.”
According to Hopkins, terms like “protect your peace,” “set boundaries,” and “honor your feelings” have, in some circles, become misused as shields to avoid accountability, growth, or connection. While she acknowledged the value of such practices during seasons of healing, she spoke out about how overreliance on these concepts can foster a sense of self-centeredness.
“There is a lot of selfishness and self-preservation. Maybe because I’m big on impact and legacy, I just see how this mindset keeps people from becoming their best selves,” she added.
Hopkins encouraged listeners to distinguish between healthy emotional expression and allowing emotions to dictate behavior or control interpersonal dynamics.
“You’re going to be driven by character, or you’re going to be driven by chaos. A lot of people are driven by emotional chaos and expect others to accommodate that,” she said.
The discussion resonated strongly with fans of the show, particularly as the mental health community continues to debate the line between self-care and self-absorption in an age of increasing digital vulnerability and online discourse.
Mitchell, the host, steered the conversation toward the impact of these trends on friendships, workplace communication, and overall emotional discipline.
“Hopefully we can talk about this without people thinking we’re saying emotions don’t matter,” Mitchell said. “It’s about how we engage with them, and with each other.”
Hopkins agreed, noting that acknowledging feelings is important—but they should be used as “internal data,” not directives for others’ behavior.
The Friend Fusion podcast has gained a growing following for its unfiltered conversations about therapy, relationships, and emotional resilience, and this latest episode with Raquel Hopkins is already being hailed as one of its most thought-provoking yet.
