Podcast Summary:

OCD Recovery Podcast
Episode: Full OCD Recovery: This Is OCD, Choose To Disregard
Host: Ali Greymond
Date: December 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this motivational and direct episode of the OCD Recovery Podcast, Ali Greymond dives deep into the mindset shift required for full recovery from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Drawing on her personal experience and over two decades of coaching others, Ali reiterates the core principles of her Greymond Method: choosing to disregard OCD thoughts and resisting compulsions of any kind—mental or physical. The episode is a call to action for listeners to reclaim their lives by recognizing obsessive thoughts for what they are and refusing to engage with them, no matter the OCD theme.

Core Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Principle of Disregarding OCD

• Ali opens with a powerful statement:

  "This is OCD. You need to choose to disregard."
  (00:00)

• Ali emphasizes that regardless of what form OCD takes (Pure-O, Relationship OCD, Harm OCD, etc.), the process of recovery remains the same:
  • Do not analyze intrusive thoughts.
  • Do not search for answers or reassurance—whether online or from loved ones.
• Key Insight: Recovery hinges not on finding proof or certainty, but on learning to leave OCD content alone.

2. The Cycle of Compulsions

• Ali breaks down the subtle and overt ways in which people fall into compulsions:
  • Checking online for stories similar to our own.
  • Asking friends or partners for reassurance.
  • Mentally reviewing events for "just one last time."
• These actions—while seemingly protective—actually feed OCD and perpetuate anxiety.

  "Don't give it energy, don't look online, don't seek reassurance."
  (00:00)

3. The Power of Mindful Inaction

• The central “exposure work” Ali proposes is not a dramatic behavioral ritual, but the tough, daily practice of acceptance and non-engagement.
• Ali describes choosing not to react as giving OCD “no fuel”:
  • When a scary thought arises, simply notice and move forward.
  • The anxiety may spike—but avoiding response is what brings long-term relief.

4. Application to All OCD Subtypes

• Ali reviews how this method applies to the most common themes:
  • Relationship OCD
  • Harm OCD
  • Real Event OCD
  • SO-OCD / Sexuality OCD
  • Religious / Scrupulosity OCD
  • Cleaning & Contamination OCD
  • Physical Compulsions
• No matter the content, the solution is the same—disregard and do not engage.

5. Long-Term Recovery & Encouragement

• Ali reassures listeners that full recovery is not just possible but likely for those who commit to this approach—consistently and across all life areas.
• Ali calls for patience, self-compassion, and a focus on progress rather than perfection.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Call to Action:

  "This is OCD. You need to choose to disregard. Don't give it energy, don't look online, don't seek reassurance."
  — Ali Greymond (00:00)

• On the Recovery Mindset:

  "Recovery doesn't come from figuring out if the thought is true or not—it comes from learning to let the thought be there, unanswered."
  — Ali Greymond (approx. 02:15)

• Universal Solution:

  "No matter what the theme is, the steps are the same: don't engage, don't analyze, move forward."
  — Ali Greymond (approx. 05:00)

• Motivational Closing:

  "With time and practice, those thoughts lose their grip. Full recovery is not only possible, it's probable if you keep choosing to disregard."
  — Ali Greymond (approx. 08:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 – Opening statement, defining the episode’s purpose.
• 01:30 – Explaining compulsions and common traps.
• 03:00 – Specific examples for different OCD themes.
• 05:45 – How to practice “disregard” in daily life.
• 07:50 – Addressing doubts about full recovery.
• 08:30 – Motivational wrap-up and actionable encouragement.

Takeaways

• Disregarding OCD thoughts is the most powerful tool for recovery.
• The method transcends all subtypes; content does not matter, only your response does.
• Full recovery is attainable with persistence, patience, and “choosing to disregard” every day.

Episode skips all promotional content and focuses solely on actionable advice and encouragement for OCD recovery.