Podcasts about Emotional safety

Send us a textWhen a new year starts, a lot of people quietly hope their relationship will feel lighter by now.Less tension.Less distance.Fewer conversations that end in the same painful place.But if it still feels hard to get through to each other, this episode is your reminder that you're not broken and you're not alone.In this conversation, we unpack the skill that quietly determines whether your conversations create connection or turn into conflict: emotional regulation.Because most couples don't actually need “better communication” first.They need more emotional stability first.You'll learn why emotional regulation is the gateway skill that makes every other relationship tool work, especially when life feels intense, stressful, or unsafe and your nervous system is already carrying too much.In this episode, we cover:Why “we should just talk it through” often backfires when emotions are highHow stress and uncertainty show up as tone, impatience, and quick reactivity at homeThe missing concept most couples never learned: emotional capacity (and how it impacts conflict)How emotional regulation works in real life, using the “emotional plank” metaphorThe tiny moment where everything changes: catching tension early enough to choose a different responseA practical reframe that can stop escalation fast: shifting from “don't want” language to “want” languageWhy emotional regulation is not “being nice,” “stuffing it,” or “letting things slide”What to do when you feel like you're the only one doing the work (and why it still matters)A simple practice to build your regulation reps: short rounds of listening, even when you disagreeA challenge you can try today: a literal plank to connect the body to emotional tension and build awarenessKey takeawayIf conversations keep collapsing, it's often not because you don't love each other.It's because your nervous systems are overloaded and you're trying to have hard conversations without the foundation that makes them safe.Stability first. Clarity second.Need help getting unstuck?If you feel like you're living at the edge of capacity and you can't find clarity inside the conflict, book a free Clarity Call. It's a short, supportive conversation to help you slow down, feel seen, and get clear on your next step.Schedule here: stacibartley.com/applyTimestamps: 04:00 The Importance of Emotional Safety at Home08:03 Emotional Capacity and Resilience13:07 Practical Examples of Emotional Regulation18:06 The Power of Choice in Emotional Tension21:45 Focusing on Solutions, Not Problems26:23 The Impact of Emotional Awareness on Relationships28:05 Navigating Relationship Tensions29:45 Holding Tension for Yourself32:07 The Power of Demonstrated Behavior33:32 Practical Steps for Emotional Capacity35:35 Slowing Down in High-Stress Moments42:16 Building Emotional Awareness44:56 The Importance of Emotional Regulation50:28 Creating Safe Spaces in Relationships

Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks.In this solo episode of Make Time for Success, Dr. Christine Li explores why letting go—of clutter, old habits, or inherited identities—can be so challenging, and how mastering this skill can lead to greater confidence and personal growth. She discusses the emotional and psychological reasons behind our attachments, the impact of childhood experiences, and shares actionable strategies for making positive changes.Whether you're struggling with physical clutter or emotional baggage, this episode offers practical encouragement and tips to help you clear space for abundance and new opportunities. For extra support, grab the free resource at maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lettinggo.Timestamps:00:00:00 – 00:01:09: Dr. Christine Li introduces the episode on the challenges of letting go—clutter, mindset, identity—and its importance.00:01:14 – 00:03:18: Overview of letting go as a skill, with insights on societal attachment and difficulty discarding things.00:03:18 – 00:05:05: Benefits of letting go: gaining space, confidence, and opportunities for new identities and growth.00:05:05 – 00:08:13: Reasons letting go is hard, including revisiting old decisions, attachment, and fear of loss—suggests focusing on gains instead.00:08:14 – 00:12:45: How childhood experiences and family roles shape our adult habits of holding on or letting go.00:12:46 – 00:16:31: Impact of changing identities and energy—how personal change affects relationships and group dynamics.00:16:34 – 00:21:41: Practical advice for confident decisions: safety, trusting feelings, finding flow, and self-trust.00:21:41 – 00:24:53: Episode wrap-up, resource info, and ways to connect.To get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/lettinggoTo sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPFor more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.comGain Access to Dr. Christine Li's Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibraryTo work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/labConnect with Dr. Christine LiWebsite: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/labSimply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

How he treats you is everything, especially when he's angry. Get the Angry Man Blueprint here.In this powerful episode of This Podcast Is For Women, I'm sharing key insights from my recent interviews with Lundy Bancroft and Bill Eddy, two of the world's leading experts on angry men, high-conflict behavior, and emotional safety in relationships.We go beyond labels like narcissist or personality disorder and ask the question that truly matters:How are you being affected by the way he treats you?You'll hear a powerful clip from Lundy Bancroft — author of the bestselling book Why Does He Do That? — where we unpack:Why the question “Is this abuse?” often misses the pointHow male anger shows up in your body as fear, insecurity, or walking on eggshellsThe red flags of double standards, entitlement, and emotional intimidationI also share highlights from my recent conversation with Bill Eddy, a conflict-resolution expert who works inside the legal system, where we discuss:The difference between high-conflict personalities and men who truly want to changeHow to set clear boundaries and consequencesScripts, tools, and “if-then” frameworks that help you stay calm, grounded, and protectedIf you're navigating anger, emotional volatility, shutting down, avoidance, or feeling unsafe to express yourself, this episode will help you see your situation more clearly — without panic, labels, or self-blame.Both interviews are part of my online course, The Angry Man Blueprint, which includes:Full expert interviewsPractical scripts and boundary toolsTwo additional live classes happening in FebruaryLifetime access to all recordings

Send us a textIn this episode of Needs to Be Studied, we're joined by Master Radiant, who helps break down how kink can deepen emotional intimacy, trust, and vulnerability in sex in ways many “vanilla” relationships never touch. From consent and communication to aftercare and emotional safety, we explore why some people feel more seen, protected, and connectedduring kink than in everyday dating.Together, we talk about the moment kink stopped feeling purely physical and started feeling emotional, how trust shows up during sex (not just in love), and why structured boundaries can actually make it easier to open up. Master Radiant also shares insight into what happens after the scene — the check-ins, reassurance, and care that build real intimacy beyond the bedroom.We also get into extracurricular activities like figging, sploshing, needle play, and abrasion play, and break down Fire Play 101 — what it is, how it's practiced safely, and why it's not as reckless or scary as people assume.Whether you're kink-curious, actively exploring, or strictly vanilla but craving deeper emotional connection in your sex life, this episode will challenge what you think intimacy really looks like.

Send us a textFree Gift : Click here for MasterclassEver notice the tension where you know being visible is the next step: at work, in love, or in your direction and yet something in you quietly holds back?This episode goes straight to that contradiction.The block isn't a lack of confidence. And it isn't fear or self-doubt.It's a nervous system that learned, at some point, that visibility didn't lead to response, safety, or return, so it adapted by conserving energy. Not consciously. Automatically.We explore how attachment patterns and social environments teach systems when to offer themselves forward and when to withdraw. That withdrawal wasn't a failure. It was intelligent. It preserved dignity and stability when expression wasn't met.The problem is that this strategy doesn't automatically update when life changes.You'll hear why logic, mindset work, and “putting yourself out there” often fail here, not because they're wrong, but because systems don't respond to insight. They respond to conditions.This episode introduces a clear internal model: one part of you oriented toward expansion and contribution, and another responsible for safety and inhibition.Nothing is wrong with either part. The tension comes from how long one has been running the system alone.Rather than pushing for visibility, we reorient toward what allows systems to stand down on their own — the conditions under which expression becomes safe again and movement resumes without force.If what you're noticing right now isn't urgency or excitement, but a quiet readiness a sense that you're done being held back that's often the signal that structure, not pressure, is what's needed next.I've created a free masterclass that lays out the structure required for growth after withdrawal, not confidence training or hustle, but the conditions that allow a system to re-engage and rebuild.If that feels relevant, you'll find it at the top of the show notes.

Heyy! Welcome back to Owning Your Sexual Self! I am so excited to have Christina Prokos on the podcast today! Christina is an intuitive life and spiritual coach and shaman whose work blends inner child healing, shadow work, and emotional safety. When the idea of talking about how childhood wounds shape our adult relationships landed in my inbox, I immediately knew it needed to be an episode. This is something I bring into my work with clients all the time, and I'm really excited to get into this conversation with her and share it with you!In this episode:How childhood experiences can shape emotional safetyThe link between childhood wounds and adult relationshipsWays to start creating emotional safety within yourselfWhy letting go of given roles can feel so hardWhy boundaries feel activating for so many peopleHow resentment builds when boundaries are crossedSimple starting points for getting into inner child workThe difference between insight and real changeThank you so much for listening! Don't forget to share on your social media and tag me if you loved this episode!Connect with ChristinaInstagram: @Christina_Life_Spiritual_Website: ChristinaProkos.comResourcesEmbrace Your Shadows: https://www.amazon.com/dp/177962753XSoul Thrive Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OKT4stXPxkhlhu8nWNVIKSupport the showConnect with Rachel!Instagram: @The_Rachel_MaineWebsite: https://linktr.ee/WellnessSexpertiseYouTube: YouTube.com/@OwningYourSexualSelfFacebook: Rachel MaineEmail: therachelmaine@gmail.com

Jealousy isn't a flaw. It's not a failure.And it's almost never about your partner.In this episode of Nope! We're Not Monogamous, Ellecia unpacks a powerful realization sparked by reading Financial Feminist:the way we experience jealousy is strikingly similar to the way we experience money shame.Both are rooted in scarcity.Both are tied to safety, worth, and fear of loss.And both get way more painful when we shame ourselves for feeling them.In this episode, you'll learn:Why jealousy is often rooted in shame, not insecurity or immaturityHow scarcity brain shows up in relationships, especially non-monogamous onesWhy non-monogamy doesn't create jealousy, it reveals where safety was never taughtThe difference between trying to “fix” jealousy and actually listening to itHow to stop abandoning yourself when jealousy hitsA gentle somatic practice to bring your nervous system back online in the momentEllecia also shares why she's been diving deeper into financial education, and how living outside the box, in relationships, careers, and family structures, requires us to build security intentionally instead of relying on default scripts.If you've ever thought, “Why am I like this?” when jealousy shows up, this episode offers a compassionate reframe that might change everything.Send us a textSupport the show

People are not just seeking better relationships; they're seeking new possibilities of relating. Spiritual Life Coaching assists people to create relationships rooted in self-trust and motional safety, starting with the relationship they have with themselves. Safe Space. Small steps. Not alone

People are not just seeking better relationships; they're seeking new possibilities of relating. Spiritual Life Coaching assists people to create relationships rooted in self-trust and motional safety, starting with the relationship they have with themselves. Safe Space. Small steps. Not alone

Welcome back to the Restoring the Soul podcast with Michael John Cusick. In this episode, Michael is joined by two longtime friends and fellow journeyers, Justin and Aaron, who share their transformative experiences at the Restoring the Soul Men's Intensive Weekend.Together, the trio dives into what makes this weekend so different from the average men's retreat. From the healing power of anonymity—where first names replace job titles and last names—to the profound brotherhood that develops among men seeking freedom from shame, brokenness, and the barriers that keep them from intimacy. Justin and Aaron reflect on arriving desperate for change, confronting their fears, and discovering a safe space to be truly themselves. Both men describe the event as life-changing, recounting how it ushered in lasting transformation not only for themselves but for hundreds of others.If you've ever wondered what it means to encounter deep healing and genuine, spiritual safety among brothers—and why these men keep returning to serve others year after year—this episode offers an honest glimpse into the heart of the Men's Intensive Weekend. For more information or to register, visit Restoring the Soul Men's WeekendSupport the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

We talk a lot about honesty in open relationships and non-monogamy.Tell the truth. Name the jealousy. Share your feelings.But what happens when you open up and your partner tries to fix it, explain it away, or tells you you shouldn't feel that way?In this episode, Ellecia Paine breaks down why honesty alone doesn't create emotional safety, how emotional invalidation quietly shuts people down in non-monogamous relationships, and what real validation actually looks like. We explore jealousy, insecurity, nervous system safety, and why being corrected instead of received makes it harder to open up over time.If you've ever felt shut down after sharing your feelings, or noticed yourself fixing instead of listening, this episode is for you.

Emotional safety isn't just a “nice to have” it's the foundation of every healthy, connected, and intimate relationship. When you don't feel safe to express yourself, share your feelings, or be fully seen, the entire relationship suffers.In this episode of The Worth Loving Podcast, relationship coach Keana W. Mitchell breaks down what emotional safety really looks like and why it's essential for building trust, closeness, and long‑term connection.

We explore how emotional safety fuels connection and why consent, validation, and nervous system awareness transform tough talks. Shane Burkle shares RLT's “truth with love,” a six-hour intensive model, and a simple exercise couples can use today.• connection seekers vs safety seekers and the push-pull loop• what emotional safety looks like in practice• validating language, curiosity, and accountability• consent in conversations and setting parameters• timeouts, check-ins, and nervous system regulation• RLT's truth with love and compassionate confrontation• inner child work that reframes defensiveness• therapist grounding, client vision, and clear goals• full respect living and everyday repair• where to find Shane's exercise and resourcesVisit our site for FREE relationship resources and regular giveaways: Strongermarriage.org Podcast.stongermarriage.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrongerMarriageLife TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@strongermarriagelife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongermarriagelife/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongermarriage/ Facebook Marriage Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770019130329579 Dr. Dave Schramm: http://drdaveschramm.com http://drdavespeaks.com Dr. Liz Hale: http://www.drlizhale.com/

In this video, I share a real and honest experience about how quickly communication can shift when ego, assumptions, and emotional instability enter the picture.This isn't about dragging anyone. It's about recognizing red flags, protecting your peace, and choosing emotional safety over confusion and disrespect.I believe in accountability, self-awareness, and healthy communication. When those things disappear, stepping back is not weakness; it's self-respect.If you've ever felt confused by a sudden tone shift, dismissed for being expressive, or questioned for having boundaries, this conversation is for you.This is a reminder:You don't need to shrink, soften, or explain yourself to be worthy of respect.

What if the reason your healing feels stuck isn't that you're doing it wrong… but that your system doesn't yet feel safe enough to really feel? So many of us don't just have emotions, we have feelings about our feelings. We might be afraid of our shame, ashamed of our fear, or judge ourselves as weak for feeling anxious or angry. Over time, this ties our inner world in knots and creates tension, self-judgment, and a quiet fear of our own emotions. Instead of our emotions moving through us and releasing, they get held at a distance. We don't feel them deeply enough to truly heal. In this somatic meditation, you'll gently cultivate cues of safety in your body and practice meeting your feelings in a grounded, supported way, so your system can learn emotional safety and emotions can finally move, complete, and resolve. Press play now and begin meeting your feelings with more safety and support. In this episode: Why emotional safety is the foundation of healing Somatic Meditation to Create Emotional Safety in Your Body Read more about the somatic approach to emotional safety Related: More Somatic Emotional Processing Meditations Learn more about Havening Techniques and the science behind them Havening Techniques is a registered trademark of Ronald Ruden, 15 East 91st Street, New York. www.havening.org Last chance to enroll! Enrollment is closing for Rooted + Resilient, my six-month small-group program for deep somatic healing. If you've spent years trying to change your patterns through mindset work or therapy but still feel stuck in the same emotional loops, this is the space where things finally shift. Rooted + Resilient is the best way to work with me because we go to the level that truly matters: the subconscious and somatic roots that shape everything you feel, fear, and believe. As those layers dissolve, you naturally begin to move through life with more confidence, ease, and inner steadiness. If you're longing for real change, the kind that your body can actually feel, I'd love for you to join me: https://learn.helloinnerlight.com/GrQ1265 Connect with Karena: @helloinnerlight on Instagram, and YouTube Find ALL of the amazing Somatic Healing Meditations here Submit a question for the podcast: Your Healing, Your Questions Free mini-course: The Feel it to Heal it Mini-Course ENROLLING NOW! Rooted + Resilient 6 month program Get AD-FREE access to this podcast, plus live classes, workshops, and group coaching in Somatic Healing Hub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's episode, I sit down with the amazing Jessica Baum, psychotherapist and author of Anxiously Attached and Safe, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about how our early attachment patterns shape everything, our relationships, our sense of safety, and even how we show up as parents. Jessica brings a rare mix of clinical expertise and lived experience, making this a must-listen if you've ever felt stuck in the same patterns or wondered, "Can I really heal this?"We explore the science behind attachment styles, what secure connection actually feels like, and how healing isn't just about understanding, it's about feeling, co-regulating, and being anchored in safe relationships. Whether you're navigating a breakup, parenting with intention, or ready to call in healthier love, this episode will meet you right where you are.I trust you will get what you need from this episode, and make sure you come let me know how it resonated with you on instagram @the_human_design_coachBig love,MxxJessica's Details:Socials -https://www.facebook.com/@beselffullhttps://www.instagram.com/jessicabaumlmhc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-baum-lmhc-cap-038a1538/Book - https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Attachment-Informed-Building-Secure-Relationships/dp/0593850815Free gifts for listeners: https://jessicabaumlmhc.com/safeBodyGraph Chart SoftwareCreate your own Human Design chart tool with BodyGraphChart! Embed a chart tool on your own website, so you can engage with your leads, grow your business, teach Human Design the way YOU want to teach it and create success!Get BodyGraphChart here: https://bodygraphchart.com?via=emmadunwoodyUse the code humandesignpodcast for 30% off for 6 months!OTHER RESOURCESWant more on Human Design? Explore the ways to get involved below:Get Your Free Human Design Chart: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/get-your-chartThe Feminine Success Framework: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/feminine-success-frameworkMaggie - Magnetic by Design AI: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/maggieThe HDx Collective: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/collectiveHuman Design Unhinged: https://www.humandesignunhinged.com/Secret Podcast: The Human Design Podcast (Unhinged): https://thehumandesignpodcast.supercast.com/Instagram @the_human_design_coachMusic: Spark Of Inspiration by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comSupport the show

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2854: Jen explores why teaching children not to keep secrets builds stronger emotional safety, trust, and communication. Instead of equating secrecy with trustworthiness, kids can show integrity through kindness, reliability, and by practicing respectful privacy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thistimeofmine.com/why-our-kids-dont-keep-secrets/ Quotes to ponder: "A surprise is something we keep quiet TEMPORARILY and makes people happy or excited when we share it." "Secrets aren't safe. Secrets aren't kind. Secrets aren't honest. Secrets don't make us trustworthy." "Secrecy is intentional and isolating. Privacy, however, is something everyone deserves."

Discover the shocking truth about how broken trust and not feeling safe can impact your libido and relationships. In this video, we'll explore the connection between safety, trust, and intimacy, and whether it's possible to rebuild trust and reignite your passion. Learn how to identify the signs of broken trust and what you can do to overcome it and strengthen your relationship. If you're struggling with low libido or feeling disconnected from your partner, this video is for you. Get ready to take the first step towards healing and rebuilding your relationship, and find out if broken trust really does kill your libido.

I would love to hear from you. What did you think about this episode? Do you have any questions?You can communicate calmly, clearly, and thoughtfully — and still feel unheard, misunderstood, or stuck.In this episode, Dr. Dar Hawks explains why communication breaks down in relationships when core relationship needs feel threatened, and why talking more often makes things worse instead of better.You'll learn:Why communication works for logistics but fails when something emotional is at stakeHow unmet needs — not poor communication skills — drive conflictThe five core (sovereign) relationship needs and how each one disrupts communication differentlyWhy you keep repeating yourself even when you're being clearWhat actually helps communication soften and shiftThis episode goes deeper than communication tips and offers a framework to finally understand what's really happening underneath the words.✨ Take the Relationship Needs Quiz Discover which needs are most active for you and why communication keeps breaking down:

What if the students who say they're “good” are the ones we need to check on the most?In this episode of unMASKing with Male Educators, Ashanti Branch pulls back the curtain on what young men are actually carrying beneath the surface, using real words, real data, and real stories from the Global Young Men's Conference and the Million Mask Movement.Drawing from over two decades of work with young men, Ashanti walks listeners through powerful mask reflections created by students across the Bay Area. These masks reveal a striking disconnect between what young men show the world, happy, funny, kind, and what they hide, sadness, anger, exhaustion, loneliness, fear. Through stories, statistics, and lived experience, Ashanti challenges educators, parents, and systems to stop mistaking compliance for wellness and silence for safety.This episode is both a wake-up call and an invitation: to slow down, ask better questions, create emotionally safer spaces, and truly mean it when we ask, “How are you doing?”Why “I'm good” is often a mask, not the truthWhat young men's masks reveal about loneliness, sadness, and emotional overloadThe dangerous gap between how students appear and how they actually feelWhy emotional safety is foundational to attendance, behavior, and academic successHow fear, violence, and instability shape students' ability to show up to schoolThe hidden emotional labor young men carry to protect others from worryingWhy humor, kindness, and being “the funny one” can be survival strategiesHow social media, isolation, and consumption culture deepen disconnectionWhat educators miss when curriculum matters more than connectionHow the Million Mask Movement helps schools get to the root, not just the symptomsWhy listening—not fixing—is often the most powerful interventionA call to parents, educators, and leaders to stop staying silentIn this episode, Ashanti explores:(0:00) Welcome to unMASKing with Male Educators(0:41) Why this conversation matters as we head into 2026(2:00) Data as words: listening to what young men aren't saying(5:04) Voices from the Global Young Men's Conference(6:28) Introducing the Million Mask reflections(12:00) Why students don't show up when they don't feel safe(15:12) Survival brains, fear, and school attendance(16:30) Front-of-mask data: happy, funny, kind(17:09) Back-of-mask data: sad, angry, tired, alone(19:34) What “happy” students are hiding(22:41) The emotional cost of never being asked twice(24:55) The funny kid: humor as armor(27:18) Social media, isolation, and identity fragmentation(30:47) Why words matter more than spreadsheets(33:15) Invitation to make a mask and bring this work to schools(35:33) Speaking truth to systems and school boards(38:00) A call to parents, educators, and advocates(40:00) Closing reflections and what's coming nextResources & Ways to EngageThe Million Mask Movement – Create a mask anonymously: https://millionmask.orgEducator Portal – Bring mask-making and emotional data into your schoolGlobal Young Men's Conference – Youth voice, belonging, and healing spacesEver Forward Club – Brotherhood, connection, and mentorshipConnect with Ashanti BranchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/branchspeaks/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BranchSpeaksTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/BranchSpeaksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashantibranch/Website: https://www.branchspeaks.com/Support the Podcast & Ever Forward Clubhttps://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/branch-speaks/support#unmaskingwithmaleeducators #millionmaskmovement #takingoffthemask #emotionalSafety #SEL #youthvoice #schoolculture #mentalhealthineducation

Welcome back to Pep Talk Friday! In this episode, Melissa Jones offers a reassuring, pressure-releasing message for parents navigating the emotional highs and lows of the holiday season. When expectations are high and routines are off, it's easy to feel like things should look a certain way—this pep talk is a reminder that real life (and real families) are beautifully imperfect.Melissa speaks candidly about why holiday moments don't always go as planned and why that doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. She normalizes emotional outbursts—especially in girls—explaining that they often happen when daughters feel safest. With warmth and clarity, she introduces the idea of “resetting the day” as a simple, powerful tool parents can use to move forward after tough moments, without guilt or shame.In this episode, you'll hear:Why perfection isn't the goal—especially during family gatheringsHow your daughters's big emotions can be a sign of safety and connectionA practical explanation of what it means to “reset the day”Encouragement to meet emotional moments with presence instead of pressureA gentle reminder that patience and connection matter more than getting it rightThis episode is an invitation to release unrealistic expectations and give yourself grace—especially during the holidays. Parenting isn't about flawless moments; it's about showing up again and again with love, even when things feel messy.If this message resonates, consider sharing it with another parent who could use a little encouragement today. You're not alone—and sometimes, a simple reset can change everything.Melissa's Links:• Website • Instagram • Facebook• TikTok• LinkedIn

In this episode, Bella and Lee reflect on the lessons 2025 revealed about relationships, communication, and growth. They share how friction, conflict, and hard conversations became catalysts for deeper connection rather than points of rupture.The conversation explores why effective communication is essential for alignment in partnerships, how attachment styles influence conflict, and what a structured repair process looks like when emotions run high. Bella and Lee also discuss the role of emotional safety, self-awareness, and healthy habits in sustaining both personal and relational well-being.As they look ahead to 2026, they offer practical insights on dreaming bigger while staying grounded, navigating conflict without losing connection, and building relationships that can hold both ambition and vulnerability.This episode is for couples, entrepreneurs, and anyone wanting clearer communication, healthier conflict, and stronger emotional connection.Here are 2025 Reflection Prompts to elevate your communication and relationship 1.Where did communication break down most often this year — and why?2.What pattern did I finally become aware of?3.When did I choose avoidance over honesty?4.What helped me feel safest in my relationship this year?5.What did I learn about my nervous system during conflict?Relationship Awareness1.What does repair actually look like for me?2.Where am I holding resentment instead of naming a need?3.How do I respond when I feel misunderstood?4.What tone or behavior from my partner helps me stay open?4.Where do I need stronger boundaries to protect connection?Looking Ahead to 20261.What relationship skill do I want to practice consistently next year?2.What conversation have I been postponing?3.How can I lead myself better inside my relationship?4.What does emotional safety look like for me now?5.What would “progress over perfection” look like in my communication?If you want to jump start your communication and relationships in 2026 visit us at The Picco Institute

Welcome to the Heal and Restore Podcast with Randy and Cathy Boyd—where we dive into real conversations that help you heal, grow, and strengthen your relationships.In today's timely and meaningful episode, we're talking about Peace on Earth Begins at Home: Emotional Safety During the Holidays. This season often carries high expectations, old traditions, and unresolved family dynamics—and without emotional safety, even the most well-intentioned gatherings can feel stressful or overwhelming.We'll explore why emotional safety is the foundation of peace in our homes, especially during the holidays. So many of us enter this season shaped by childhood experiences, family patterns, and unhealed wounds that influence how we show up—how we communicate, how we give, and how we protect ourselves emotionally. When those wounds go unrecognized, the pressure to keep the peace can quietly erode connection.In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize when emotional tension is rooted in fear, obligation, or past hurt—and how to begin creating spaces where honesty, empathy, and understanding can thrive. We'll talk about practical ways to foster emotional safety so your home can become a place of rest rather than strain, connection rather than conflict.Through truth, compassion, and intentional choices, peace doesn't have to be something we wish for—it can be something we practice. By the end of today's conversation, you'll walk away with practical insights to help you navigate the holidays with greater calm, clarity, and emotional health.If this episode speaks to your heart, be sure to follow, rate, and share the Heal and Restore Podcast. Because when emotional safety is present at home, peace on earth doesn't feel so far away—it begins right where we live.

514-40 Years of Broken Trust to Safety & Celebration: A Christmas Miracle (Laura's Story) There is a kind of marriage pain that does not look dramatic.It's not an outward struggle.Just a quiet ache.A marriage that functions but does not feel alive. Laura lived in that space for decades. From the outside, her life looked good. Forty years of marriage. Seven children. A faithful husband. A stable home. A shared faith. Everything a good Christian marriage is supposed to be. And yet, beneath the surface, something was missing. Emotional Safety.Real connection.Being fully seen. For a long time, she told herself she had nothing to complain about. Her husband was faithful. He wasn't an alcoholic. He never abused her. He provided well for his family. But inside, Laura carried a question she barely allowed herself to ask: "Is this really all there is?" The Hidden Cycle That Brought Broken Trust Even with her husband's steadiness and Laura's determination to be grateful, there was a painful habit that entered their marriage early on that would consistently rear its ugly head. Her husband was addicted to porn. This was their cycle for many years:-Her husband would confess porn use.-There would be repentance and renewed effort.-Then, pressure would follow. Laura would put the blame on herself, thinking, "If I did better, this would not happen." She read tons and tons of books, trying to better herself.She kept respect for her husband.She pursued intimacy, knowing it was important to him. And still, the cycle kept returning. So, she did what many wives do–she minimized her pain.She told herself others had it worse. After all, he worked hard. He stayed. He was a good man. Why complain? But the heart does not heal simply because we silence it. And this belief that Laura had that it was on her was not only a lie… but it was heavy and destructive. Decades of "Just Okay" Laura kept carrying the weight of keeping the peace and enduring that vicious cycle of porn use. So, she poured herself lovingly into family life. She homeschooled their children.She kept their home while he went to work, the way they were taught to do. And yet, beneath the surface, she felt emotionally disconnected. Alongside that, she felt there was no safe place to process her pain.No one equipped to walk with her.Even when reaching out to a Christian counselor, it wasn't quite enough. So, she pushed her own pain down...for decades. But pain does not disappear because it is ignored.It simply goes underground.And it shows up as numbness, distance, or quiet resignation. Eventually, Laura realized something had to change. She could not continue living like this. She told her husband he needed help for his porn addiction and that if he did not, they may need to consider divorce. Her husband obliged, and they tried counseling together, which helped some. But it wasn't until he entered the work privately through the Coaching program that something different happened. When Safety Was Introduced Into Her Marriage Though Laura didn't know he was taking a marriage course (He shared he was taking an online class), she started to notice a difference in the way he showed up to their marriage. He did not try to fix her or pressure her.He did not demand that she change. He began bringing home flowers, letting her know she was beautiful just the way she was, planning dates.He became emotionally present.Humble.Gentle.Safe. He changed. For the first time in their marriage, Laura began to feel celebrated for who she already was instead of feeling like he wished she were different. She no longer felt like she had to earn love. She felt cherished, emotionally safe, and truly loved–just the way she was. And it changed everything. From Feeling Skeptical to Feeling Hopeful After having heard a DYM podcast episode several years before these changes, Laura had closed herself off to the thought of DYM. But then, upon hearing an episode that we created for wives, she began to see the full picture more clearly and open herself up to the program. She decided to try it herself, even though she was still a bit skeptical. She realized that what made the difference was not only the content, but the context.She was no longer alone.She had community.She had a specific place to ask her specific questions about her marriage. For the first time, Laura had a safe place to speak honestly and to process pain without being blamed. She learned she could have a voice in her marriage. She could ask for help.She learned intimacy did not have to be driven by pressure.She learned she could say no to certain requests without any fear. Most importantly, she learned she mattered. 40 Years of Marriage–And Hoping For Many More "In short, it's better than it has ever been." Our hearts filled up when she shared this with us. Her husband is more in tune to what she needs and will go out of his way to bring in "delights"–if it's planning something special, bringing her flowers, or going along with Laura's spontaneous plans (even though he is the planner in the relationship!) Also in the past few years, her husband has kicked his porn addiction for good and has remained in community through Delight Your Marriage, which has helped keep him accountable and growing.  As for Laura, you can hear the joy and peace in her voice as she shares, "I never expected that it would be this good." Praise God. There is no person too far gone and no situation too desperate for the Lord. He is a God that heals and redeems–hearts, habits, marriages, and so much more–because He cares for us. And it is true for you too. As we enter the last few weeks of the year, including celebrating the birth of our Savior, we invite you to remember what God has done and how much He loves you. Enough to send His son for you, as a defenseless child, to live a perfect life and one day die to pay the debt we could never have paid.  And then to send His Holy Spirit–to counsel us and guide us.  And even now, He is available to us to redeem and save the lost, heal our hearts, and be near to his children. He loves us.He loves you. We hope you will keep this truth near to you these next few weeks and remember once again that He sent His son to redeem everything. With love, The Delight Your Marriage Team PS - Want to bring the Delight Your Marriage Coaching to your church? Our next round of In-Person Training will be launching early 2026. Check out our website to learn more about the mission & vision of IPT and how you can bring it to your small groups & churches. PPS - Wondering just exactly how healthy your own marriage is? Are you also surviving instead of thriving? Take our free Marital Health Assessment and see what your marital score is–and how we can help. PPPS - Here is a quote from (another) recent Delighted Wife graduate: "I took the Delighted Wife program. Coming into the program, I was so hopeless that my marriage could ever get better. My heart was full of deep hate for my husband - I had years of built-up unforgiveness and pain for all of the ways I felt he had hurt and abandoned me...I was deeply depressed and suicidal from the pain of the marriage. I constantly saw death as the only way to be free of this hole that I had dug for myself...Emotionally, I am a completely different person. My heart is full of love and joy over my marriage and gratitude to the Lord for the way He has grown me. The Lord literally pulled me out of the darkness and also has shown me how much I was negatively contributing to the marriage...This is the first time in the almost 3 years of marriage that I haven't wanted to leave. I see so much beauty in my marriage and my husband."

Do you ever feel like your body is reacting for you—especially in moments of stress or around certain people?In this powerful episode, I sit down with Jessica Bishop, a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, to dive into her personal journey of healing anxiety, nervous system regulation, and living with essential tremors. Jess shares her experience of relying on medication for years, and how somatic healing and learning to regulate her nervous system not only transformed her physical symptoms, it changed the way she relates and shows up with others.We explore how Jess's essential tremors, panic attacks, and chronic anxiety once controlled her life—and how somatic practices, emotional regulation, and embodiment  brought real, lasting anxiety relief. She talks about how she reduced her need for medication, left an unhealthy marriage, and learned about secure attachment, leading to a healthier relationship and a deeper sense of emotional safety in her body.This conversation gently unveils how body-based therapy and somatic practices can heal trauma, transform anxiety, and reshape the relationships you attract—starting with the relationship you have with your own body.In this episode, you'll learn:Simple somatic tools for healing anxiety and stressThe power of emotional safety in trauma recoveryHow somatic practices help regulate your nervous system and stress response.What it feels like to experience secure attachment in your bodyHow nervous system regulation can support healthier relationshipsThe difference between intellectual awareness and embodied awareness. Why yoga is often the gateway practice into somatic experiencing. How to tell the difference between a "threat response" and the feeling of "butterflies"If you're on a journey to trust your body again or notice how your relationships impact your nervous system, you're not alone. Your body has wisdom, and as you create more safety, it has the potential to change.Much love,LaurieClick here for a video on how to leave a review to receive a free somatic stabilization/grounding exercise. The podcast graphic is different from the current one. Once you complete it and send me a picture I will send you the video. My email is laurie@laurieejames.comThank you in advance. Click here to learn about my NEW “Nervous System Regulation Starter Kit” Free ResourcesClick here to schedule a FREE inquiry call with me.Click here for my FREE “Beginner's Guide to Somatic Healing”Click here for my FREE Core Values ExerciseClick here to purchase my book: Sandwiched: A Memoir of Holding On and Letting GoWebsiteConnect with Jessica BishopPlease leave me feedback. I cannot respond so if you'd like me to respond, please leave your email***********************DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL, MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED THERAPIST IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LICENSED MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL WITH RESPECT TO ANY MEDICAL ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

I would love to hear from you. What did you think about this episode? Do you have any questions?This is a short, focused episode for anyone who has tried communicating clearly — and is still feeling unheard, unseen, or stuck.If you've been talking about your feelings and nothing is changing, this episode explains why that advice often fails — especially for heart-centered women who carry the emotional load in their relationships.In just a few minutes, you'll learn:Why expressing feelings alone doesn't create relational changeThe hidden issue most communication advice ignoresWhat actually needs to shift before talking helpsThis episode is meant to reframe, not overwhelm — and to prepare you for deeper healing work.✨ Take the Relationship Needs Quiz to uncover what's really missing:

Book a Discovery Call for Relationship Renovation CoachingOrder Relationship Renovation at Home Manual from AmazonJoin Our Patreon CommunityTake the Emotional Safety Assessment QuizIn Part 3 of our Intimacy Gap series, we explore two of the most powerful and most misunderstood ingredients of lasting intimacy: curiosity and emotional safety.So many couples get stuck in the same painful loop: mismatched desire, uncomfortable conversations, and the fear that they'll never get back on the same page. But true intimacy doesn't start with sex, it starts with the emotional safety to be vulnerable, honest, and seen.In this episode, we dive deep into how curiosity becomes a bridge across the intimacy gap… and how emotional safety transforms the hardest conversations into opportunities for closeness.In this episode, we cover:Why emotional safety is the #1 predictor of long-term relationship satisfactionHow curiosity helps couples reconnect when intimacy feels out of reachWhat it looks like to approach hard conversations with “soft eyes”How hormone changes, stress, and life transitions impact desire — and how to talk about itSelf-regulation vs. co-regulation: what each partner needs to bring into sensitive conversationsHow couples can avoid falling into repetitive patterns that shut down intimacyA real, personal story from EJ & Tarah about navigating desire discrepancies with vulnerabilityWhy repair matters more than getting it perfectPractical scripts for bringing up intimacy concerns without triggering defensivenessKey Takeaways:Curiosity is the antidote to fear. It keeps your heart open when patterns feel stuck.Emotional safety comes before desire. Without it, intimacy cannot thrive.Your partner is not the enemy. You're two people navigating a shared emotional landscape.Soft eyes, gentle tone, and asking “Is now a good time?” can instantly shift a conversation.Self-regulation is essential. You can't co-regulate as a couple if you're dysregulated individually.Intimacy evolves. You're not trying to get back to what it was — you're building what's next.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/he-said-she-said/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

In this episode, Kyle Hunt sits down with Dr Joshua Straub, founder of Famous at Home, for a conversation about emotional safety in marriage, understanding pain cycles, and what it truly means to be "famous at home" as a remodeler. This is a preview of what Joshua will be teaching at the Remodel Your Marriage, Life and Business retreat on February 10, 2026 in Franklin, Tennessee. Kyle and Josh talk about how emotional safety shapes communication, why many couples get stuck in the same conflict patterns, and how rightly ordering your life at home actually strengthens your business. They also share simple ways to reconnect with your spouse and approach your relationship with more intention. If you want a healthier marriage, a calmer home, and a stronger foundation for your business, this episode is a great place to begin. Learn more and register for the February retreat here.   ----- Explore the vast array of tools, training courses, a podcast, and a supportive community of over 2,000 remodelers. Visit Remodelersontherise.com today and take your remodeling business to new heights! ----- Takeaways Emotional safety is crucial for healthy relationships. Couples need to prioritize their marriage amidst business pressures. Communication is key to resolving conflicts and deepening connections. Understanding pain cycles can help couples navigate challenges. Being a student of your spouse enhances understanding and connection. Positive reinforcement can transform relationships. Stress management is essential for maintaining emotional health. Authenticity in relationships fosters deeper connections. Taking responsibility for one's actions is vital in conflict resolution. Creating an emotionally safe environment benefits both partners.  ----- Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Joshua Straub 10:24 The Importance of Emotional Safety in Relationships 15:34 Navigating Challenges in Marriage and Parenting 16:14 Understanding Emotional Control in Relationships 17:27 The Importance of Emotional Awareness 19:25 Navigating Vulnerability and Authenticity 22:21 Living Authentically in a Fishbowl 24:08 Taking Responsibility in Relationships 25:25 Prioritizing Your Spouse's Heart 28:27 The Impact of Emotional Health on Business 30:22 Practical Steps for Relationship Improvement 32:33 The Power of Positive Communication 34:27 Identifying and Addressing Relationship Opponents

Many of us believe that holding an avoidant accountable means talking to them like they are an idiot and we are their parent. How many of us liked it when our parents, or anyone in authority held us accountable? No one! We revelled and worse, you ignore and avoided as much as we could. Yes- my anxious attached friends. Even you did that.Most people are online telling us that we need to hold avoidant attached persons accountable and that is true. However, what we think is "holding them accountable" is actually coming across to them as "control."Let's sort out this messy issue but highlight what we think is an ultimatum, what the avoidant hears and how we can do "accountability" right.I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Support the show

What Turns Her Off — and What Godly Husbands Do Instead Have you ever wished you could just…get inside your wife's heart for a moment? Not to manipulate, but to genuinely understand her. To love her in a way that makes her feel safe and wanted—not pressured or confused. My husband Darrow and I sat down to talk through something men rarely get honest insight about: Her biggest turn-offs. And not because we want to shame or scold—but because clarity brings freedom. When you finally understand what shuts her down, you also discover what opens her heart. So take a deep breath.You're not in trouble.You're learning—and that already makes you a good man. Let's walk through these turn-offs together, with God's kindness leading us all the way. 1. When Affection Feels Like a Transaction One of the most common complaints I hear from wives is this: "Every time he does something sweet, it feels like he's trying to get sex." A back rub, a coffee, a hand on her waist, a date night—beautiful gestures—become tainted when she senses they come with an expectation. When affection is only a bridge to the bedroom, she feels: Used Not loved for who she is Like her worth is tied to her sexual availability God never intended marital intimacy to be a negotiation.Love her without a scoreboard. Bless her without an agenda. 2. Grabbing, Pinching, or Smacking Her Body When She's Not Comfortable Yes…wives talk about this. And I know many husbands mean it playfully.But if she doesn't feel safe—emotionally, spiritually, or physically—this kind of touch feels like entitlement, not affection. Her body is not something to be "snatched."She needs room to open, not pressure to surrender. When she feels cherished—not grabbed—she wants to share her body freely. 3. Taking "Not Now" Personally If she says she's tired, overwhelmed, stressed, or simply "not right now," it's almost never about you. But when a husband interprets it as: Rejection Lack of desire "She doesn't love me" …it puts enormous emotional weight on her shoulders. Instead, respond with: "No worries, sweetheart. Another time would be wonderful." That confidence and peace will draw her toward you—not away. 4. Moping After She Says No Emotional sulking is not harmless. Moping communicates: "You disappointed me." "Now I have to punish you with sadness." "You're responsible for my emotions."   This shuts her heart down.Fast. Your steadiness and joy—even when she's not available—makes her feel safe. And safety is the soil where desire grows. 5. Punishing Her for Not Wanting Sex This is one of the deepest wounds wives carry. Punishments include: Silent treatment Withholding affection Moving to another room Being cold or distant Only being "nice" when you want intimacy These behaviors feel manipulative and honestly frightening. Your wife is not the enemy. She is the assignment God entrusted to you. Lead with love, not consequences. 6. Lack of Playfulness Playfulness is essential to intimacy. If everything feels heavy, serious, structured, pressured…then her nervous system never relaxes enough to enjoy being sensual. Silliness is holy ground for a woman's heart. Laughter lowers her guard.Playfulness creates connection. If you want her to be playful in the bedroom, she needs to experience playfulness outside the bedroom. 7. Not Feeling Emotionally Safe Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. I'll say that one more time. Women cannot separate emotional connection from physical intimacy. When she feels emotionally unsafe, her body shuts down. Emotional Safety looks like: Listening Compassion Being slow to speak and quick to understand Responding gently Supporting her heart, not "fixing" immediately  When she feels heard, she opens. 8. Being a "Negative Nellie" (or Negative Ned!) Constant complaining is exhausting and not attractive. It pulls the atmosphere of the home downward and makes her feel like she has to carry your emotional weight. There is space to process hard things—but constant negativity drains the joy God wants in your marriage. Rejoice. Notice blessings. Bring hope into the home. 9. Bitterness and Resentment Long-term resentment is a marriage-killer. Bitterness communicates: "I haven't forgiven you." "You owe me." "I'm still keeping score." This is the opposite of Christlike love. Your wife cannot relax into intimacy with a man who holds her mistakes over her head. Forgiveness clears the ground for closeness to grow again. And if you need a little extra inspiration, let us turn you to Matthew 6:15 (NIV): "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." 10. Being Too Serious All the Time Intensity has a place—but not every moment. When a man is always stern, rigid, perfectionistic, spiritual-but-heavy…it makes her feel like she can never fully exhale. If she can't be herself around you, she won't be vulnerable with you. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit—not an optional extra. 11. Using Slang or Sexual Words She Doesn't Like Words matter. Some husbands use slang affectionately or playfully.Some wives love it.Others absolutely don't. If slang or sexual language makes her uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unsafe, it becomes a turn-off—not a turn-on. Honor her preferences. You're not losing freedom—you're gaining connection. Final Thoughts: So What Do You Do with All This? If reading this stirs conviction…good. Conviction is not condemnation.The enemy heaps shame.God invites repentance—and repentance leads to freedom. Your wife is God's daughter. And He entrusted her to you. Every shift you make toward loving her well brings you closer to His heart and closer to hers. We're rooting for you!   Blessing, The Delight Your Marriage Team   PS - If you want help walking this out in real life—not just head knowledge—that's exactly why our coaching and in-person training programs exist. Men who were separated from their wives…Men in sexless marriages…Men whose wives felt unsafe for years……have seen transformation they once thought impossible.For more information on our In-Person Training programs, launching January 2026, check out delightyourmarriage.com/ipt If you're ready to dive into the Coaching programs, please feel free to schedule a free Clarity Call at delightyourmarriage.com/cc PPS - Here is a quote from a recent In-Person Training pilot program graduate: "My wife and I have been separated for 6 months, and the same day as our [IPT] graduation, she chose to and began moving back into our matrimonial home. I also told her about our [IPT] program that same day. Up until then, I had said I was attending a men's bible study. All praise be to God."

At first, he was open to communicating about their needs. He seemed keen on trying to be better. They were great together - both feeling safe to be vulnerable for the first time, then something changed.  He started to feel pressured and needed space. She gave him that space only to have a conversation later that confused her. Join me as I discussed with Sarah what are some of the red flags she might be missing right now and how she can navigate working with someone she is no longer in a relationship with but also hopes to get back together with...someday. What does she need to do differently should they get back together. I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Support the show

What if the patterns you're trying so hard to change didn't start with you — but they can end with you?In this powerful, heart-opening conversation, I'm joined by Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, founder of The Collective Therapy & Wellness and a deeply compassionate guide for anyone navigating the terrain of trauma, relationships, and emotional healing.Together, we explore the tender, transformative work of breaking generational cycles — the subtle ways childhood wounds shape our relationships, the urge to overexplain in order to feel understood, and the craving for validation that so many high-achieving women silently carry.Alyssa beautifully unpacks how environments that didn't feel emotionally safe can echo into adulthood, influencing how you parent, communicate, and relate to yourself. We talk about the difference between fear and intuition, how to listen to your body instead of just your thoughts, and why pain often becomes the invitation to rise into a new chapter of self-trust.You'll hear us dive into:Generational patterns passed down through silence, survival, or emotional chaosThe longing to feel seen, and what happens when you stop overexplaining and start honoring your truthReparenting yourself while parenting your kidsTrauma-informed ways to rebuild safety in your own bodyWhat it really looks like to cultivate relationships that feel aligned, not drainingThis episode is an invitation to soften into your own healing, rewrite what love looks like, and become the cycle breaker your lineage has been waiting for.If you're ready to step into a life rooted in self-trust, emotional safety, and authentic connection — this one will land deeply.Connect with Alyssa: website: www.collective-therapy.comInstagram: @live.collective.wellnessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/collective.therapy.wellness/✨ Sacred Boundaries: Scripts for Saying No with Love ✨If you've ever felt the pressure to say “yes” when your whole body was begging you to say “no,” you're not alone. So many high-achieving, heart-centered women struggle with guilt, fear of disappointing others, or worry that boundaries will push people away.But the truth is: boundaries don't break relationships—they strengthen them.

Send us a textIn this powerful continuation of last week's conversation, we go deeper into the truth many couples avoid: unhealed childhood wounds don't stay in childhood— they grow up with us, and they show up in our marriages as patterns, reactions, and emotional habits that quietly damage connection.In Part II, we walk listeners through the real-life behaviors that come from unresolved pain: overreacting, shutting down, controlling tendencies, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, defensiveness, and emotional avoidance. These patterns aren't random. They are learned survival responses from childhood that become destructive communication styles in adulthood.Through vulnerable insight, biblical grounding, and practical tools, we explore how to recognize these patterns, interrupt them, and begin creating a safe emotional environment in your marriage. Healing doesn't happen by accident— it happens by intentional reflection, accountability, and allowing God to deal with the roots, not just the symptoms.If you're ready to stop repeating cycles, stop reacting from old wounds, and build a marriage that reflects healing instead of survival mode, this episode is for you. Your marriage can't transform until you do.Tune in, grow, and begin the work that leads to real restoration.Support the show

Confidently Balance Your Hormones Podcast — with Dee Davidson, FDN-PIn this powerful episode, Dee sits down with Sherry Crowley, LICSW, for an honest and deeply validating conversation about honoring boundaries during the holidays—and in everyday life.If you struggle with:✔ protecting your energy✔ feeling anxious around family gatherings✔ food judgment or pressure✔ guilt for saying “no”✔ emotional overwhelm✔ fear of disappointing others✔ staying regulated in uncomfortable conversations✔ or simply putting yourself first……this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air.Sherri and Dee discuss how to calm your mind, regulate your nervous system, and show up as the truest version of yourself—without apologizing for your choices.You'll learn how to:Set grounded, loving boundariesProtect your peace in high-stress environmentsNavigate food comments without explaining anythingBreak free from people-pleasing patternsReduce anxiety before gatheringsHonor your emotional and physical wellbeingChoose yourself—especially when it feels uncomfortableThis is the ultimate preparation for the holiday season, but these tools apply to everyday life. Healthy boundaries are an act of self-respect. Prioritizing your wellbeing is the highest form of self-love.If you're ready to walk into family events confident, calm, and grounded—this conversation is for you.Connect with Sherry Crowley, LICSWLearn more about Sherry's work:

The results are in! More than physical features, more than financial resources, people are looking for Kindness and Emotional Safety in potential partners and within committed relationships. Matt shares the results of our recent survey taken by many podcast listeners, and Sheri reveals her answers to the research questions. If you love or loved an alcoholic, and your recovery could benefit from connection with people who understand, please check out our Echoes of Recovery program.

There's a reason female orgasm is still so misunderstood... and Dr. Robert King is here to explain why. In this episode, Dr. King unpacks the evolutionary purpose of female orgasm, what scent reveals about sexual compatibility, and why most people misunderstand female pleasure. From the truth about pheromones to the science of squirting and the psychology of mate selection, this conversation challenges long-held myths with real research and insight.OUR GUESTDr Robert King is a lecturer at University College Cork (Ireland) where he co-runs the Master's Course in Mental Health. His lab has PhDs and others studying access to health care in trans populations, and Spree Killers. He has a recent book out called Naturally Selective, Evolution, Orgasm and Female Choice, which synthesizes and explains the last fifty years of research (including his own) into fertility related functions of female orgasm, much of which has been woefully misrepresented.DR. ROBERT KING

If you've ever wondered which relationship skills actually make non-monogamy easier, healthier, and less chaotic, this episode is your new favorite deep dive.Today I'm talking with couples therapist Dr. Dan Sneider, who works with both monogamous and non-monogamous partners and brings a grounded, compassionate, very human approach to communication, trust, and emotional safety.We get into the skills that truly make the biggest difference, including:• How to communicate without spiraling• How to know when you're going too fast• How to tell old baggage from a real relationship issue• The 5 to 1 positivity ratio and why it matters• What emotional safety feels like in your body• How to navigate the sex and feelings part of non-monogamy without gaslighting each other• Why “go slow to go fast” works every single timeWhether you're opening up, rebuilding trust, or trying to deepen connection, this episode gives you practical, usable tools you can apply right away.

Struggling with relationship anxiety and fear of intimacy or rejection? This episode will guide you through anxious and avoidant attachment patterns, to the core healing that can help us find confidence and security in relationships.I'm joined by Trevor Hanson, a marriage and family therapist who has helped thousands of individuals and couples heal attachment wounds and build secure, connected, confident relationships. His work has been featured by the Gottman Institute, and he's the founder of The Art of Healing, where he teaches frameworks for transforming insecurity into emotional safety.We break down the real reasons we often feel insecure, anxious, avoidant, or fearful in relationships… and how to finally feel secure, grounded, and confident in love. You'll learn the tools, communication shifts, and emotional skills that create safe + connected relationships.In this episode, we cover:How to build real confidence in relationships (and the cost of not working on your confidence)Why insecurity, fear, and jealousy appear — even in good relationshipsPractical tools for anxious attachment self-soothingWhy fear is the #1 killer of relationships and how to move through itHow avoidant partners can build emotional intimacy without feeling overwhelmedFear-based motivation vs love-based motivationHow to navigate communication “landmines'How to support a partner who feels fear or anxiety in the relationshipThe TEMPO framework and how it interrupts anxious spiralsFollow Trevor on InstagramTrevor's website: https://theartofhealingbytrevor.com  Sign up for our monthly adulting newsletter:teachmehowtoadult.ca/newsletter Follow us on the ‘gram:@teachmehowtoadultmedia@gillian.bernerFollow on TikTok: @teachmehowtoadultSubscribe on YouTube

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2809: Dr. Mariette Jansen unpacks the subtle signs of narcissistic abuse in relationships and the psychological toll it takes on victims, from diminished self-confidence to emotional isolation. Her insights encourage listeners to question not only their partners' behavior but also their own patterns, especially those rooted in unresolved trauma. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drdestress.co.uk/how-spot-narcissist-relationship/ Quotes to ponder: "It is tough to break the silence. But the first step is a recognition of what is happening by acknowledging your feelings and behaviour." "The victim of the narcissist desensitizes to the nastiness and will come up with excuses for unacceptable behaviour." "You start to feel a bit lonely and alone and where you had strong and close connections in the past, these have all subsided." Episode references: Cognitive Dissonance (Verywell Mind): https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-cognitive-dissonance-2795012

Lisa Feldman Barrett is a Canadian-American neuroscientist renowned for her pioneering work on how the brain constructs emotion through prediction. In this Moments episode, she explains how the brain doesn't simply react to the world but continually anticipates it, drawing on past experience to shape what we feel, perceive and fear. She reveals why anxiety is often a replay of old predictions - and how to rewire meaning and ease the learned patterns that keep us stuck. Listen to the full episode here: Spotify: https://g2ul0.app.link/nCVkRtwSrYb Apple: https://g2ul0.app.link/Ozv6oJzSrYb Watch the Episodes On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/%20TheDiaryOfACEO/videos Lisa Feldman Barrett: https://lisafeldmanbarrett.com/

Step into this calming Inner Child guided meditation designed to help you overcome the fear of the unknown and restore deep emotional safety - with Taoist monk and teacher, David James Lees.When the fear of the unknown rises, the mind tightens and the body moves into protection. This soothing Inner Child guided meditation helps you release emotional tension, calm survival-driven thinking, and reconnect with a deep sense of inner safety. You'll gently explore the root of uncertainty, soften old conditioning, and create space for trust, clarity and courage to emerge.Through grounding breathwork, visualisation, and compassionate Inner Child work, this meditation guides you back to your natural state of ease and flow. You'll learn to meet fear with presence, restore emotional balance, and align with the Taoist principle of allowing rather than resisting. Use this practice whenever uncertainty feels overwhelming or when you want to strengthen your ability to move forward with confidence, peace, and self-trust.⚠️ PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION WHILE DRIVING OR OPERATING MACHINERYThis meditation can be practised daily or whenever you need it. Learn more about our online consultations, events and shop: https://www.wuweiwisdom.comSubscribe to David's FREE Journal: https://davidjameslees.substack.com/Other teachings and guided meditations you may enjoy:Untangling Fear of the Unknown: Taoism, Flow & Inner Child Healing https://youtu.be/TxWWryjPOK0?si=PKX3uvvBDgHnbWcXINNER CHILD PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zICGLRS1b7q1HSJhZRash5qq&si=7TkslLfvthRWePOIGUIDED MEDITATION PLAYLIST https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9NQ_PWX4zIA12P7BftG6a18lIWFDjL35&si=bWWub6YyoZpXhFubIs there a question you'd like answered on the show? Submit it at: https://bit.ly/askusyourquestion Join our free Wu Wei Wisdom Community Facebook support group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wuweiwisdomcommunity  If you love our work, you can now make a small donation to help fund the continued production of our weekly teachings by buying us a 'virtual coffee'! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wuweiwisdom Book an online Golden Thread Process & Inner Child Consultation with David: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/therapies-for-body-mind/ Follow us on Instagram: @wuweiwisdomSign up to receive a relaxing guided meditation gift, plus our weekly newsletter + offers via email: https://www.wuweiwisdom.com/signup -Disclaimer: This podcast and any associated teaching and comments shared are not a substitute for professional therapy, mental health care, crisis support, medical advice, doctor diagnosis, or professional healthcare treatment. Our show episodes provide general information for educational purposes only and are offered as suggestions for you and your professional therapist or healthcare advisor to consider and research.Music by Earth Tree Healing

PEOPLE HEAL WHERE THEY FEEL SAFE. You can't rush transformation; you can only make it safe to happen. Emotional safety isn't soft—it's strategic. Clients won't explore what feels dangerous, but they will open up where peace is modeled. Key Takeaways: Safety begins with your tone, pace, and posture. A calm presence regulates the entire session. Validation is more powerful than advice. Action Guide: In your next session, slow your pace and soften your tone. Ask yourself, “Would I feel safe being coached by me right now?” Read the Life Coach Blog Become a S&S Life Coach Join the Coaching FB Community —> HERE Find me @coachlauramalone on IG —> HERE Your 5 star review on Apple Podcasts means a ton✨

New from Sober and Unashamed: “Emotional Safety is a Dying Fad” We have published hundreds of essays on alcoholism, recovery, sex and intimacy, underlying issues, growth and progress. Maybe you love to read, but just don't seem to find the time. We hope you'll listen to this audio version of our latest written offering titled: “Emotional Safety is a Dying Fad” To read this and much more, check out or Sober and Unashamed Blog.

Transform Your Life and Relationships This Black Friday! Get 14 Days Free Inside the Personal Development School's All-Access Pass — including 65+ courses, live webinars, and a thriving global community: https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/black-friday?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=black-friday&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=pod-11-10-25&el=podcast When someone you love suddenly shuts down and says “I'm fine,” it can be confusing, painful, and triggering — especially if you know something's off. In this episode, Thais Gibson and Mike de Zio dive deep into what's really happening when a dismissive avoidant (DA) or fearful avoidant (FA) pulls away. They explore how shutting down is rarely about spite or indifference — it's a subconscious protection strategy. Through personal stories and actionable steps, Thais and Mike explain how to understand these patterns, respond without pushing your partner away, and create safety for honest reconnection.

Is your wife saying she doesn't feel safe with you?Are your kids staying away from you in certain situations?Do your wife and kids shy away from sharing their emotions with you?If so, there's a lack of emotional safety in your family relationships.And, if you want loving relationships with your kids…And an intimate relationship with your wife…You need to create emotional safety.Learn how in today's episode.(And, by the way, it doesn't mean that you have to be “emotionally perfect” to build emotional safety).Watch on YouTube here.Dr. Mike P.S. Apply to be a member of our Founder's Group of Grounded in God in 2026. We're looking for 5-7 men who are ready to move from pressure and performance to peace, power and purpose. CLICK HERE to apply. https://mikefraziermd.mykajabi.com/grounded-in-god

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3190: Ellen Boeder explores how emotional safety is essential for deep, lasting connection in romantic relationships. She outlines how nervous system regulation, authentic expression, and trust-building practices create the conditions for vulnerability and intimacy to thrive. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/emotional-safety-is-necessary-for-emotional-connection/ Quotes to ponder: "Emotional safety is what allows us to let our guard down and be authentic with our partners." "When we feel safe, our nervous system is regulated enough to access the higher brain functions necessary for connection." "Without emotional safety, the parts of ourselves that are scared, ashamed, or hurt stay hidden." Episode references: Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges: https://www.amazon.com/Polyvagal-Theory-Neurophysiological-Emotion-Communication/dp/0393707008 Healing Developmental Trauma by Laurence Heller and Aline LaPierre: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Developmental-Trauma-Resolution-Nervous/dp/1583944893 Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson: https://www.amazon.com/Hold-Me-Tight-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/031611300X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's Monday Meditation, Alison guides you through a calming 5-minute visualization to help you feel safe and connected in love. If you've ever struggled with anxious attachment or felt you had to earn love, this practice will gently remind your body what secure, unconditional love feels like. Perfect for: Anyone healing from anxious attachment, learning to feel safe in love, or wanting to experience relationships from a place of calm confidence rather than fear. Listen When: – You feel triggered or anxious in your relationship – You're practicing self-soothing after conflict – You want to connect to the feeling of secure love before bed Single Women 40+