Podcasts about family systems

You can build a successful business… …and still quietly fail the people who matter most. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Steve Eckert—a former Marine, 7-figure entrepreneur, father, and founder of the Freak Father Alliance—to unpack the hidden emotional cost that many men pay in the pursuit of success. We discuss why so many ambitious men tie their identity entirely to work, how childhood conditioning quietly shapes fatherhood and relationships, and the dangerous cycle of sacrificing your health, marriage, and family "for success." Steve shares the systems, standards, and routines he uses to lead his family intentionally, stay emotionally grounded under pressure, and raise strong, connected children without repeating the patterns he grew up with. If you're a husband, father, entrepreneur, or ambitious man trying to balance success with presence, fulfillment, and connection—this episode will hit hard. In this episode, you'll learn: The most dangerous lie ambitious men keep believing about success Why many entrepreneurs unknowingly repeat the same emotional patterns as their fathers How success quietly destroys marriages and relationships The family systems and routines Steve uses to stay connected with his wife and children Why fitness is one of the greatest gateways to emotional resilience and discipline How to stop bringing toxic work energy home The "end of workday routine" every entrepreneur needs Why children are constantly watching how men respond under pressure If you've ever wondered why success still feels empty, disconnected, or emotionally exhausting… this episode will challenge the way you think about work, fatherhood, leadership, and fulfillment. Time Stamps: 00:00: The dangerous lie ambitious men keep believing about success 2:13: Why most men don't realize they're repeating their fathers' patterns 4:03: The deathbed truth every overworked entrepreneur needs to hear 5:37: The calendar audit that exposes your real priorities 15:05: The painful realization that changed Steve's entire approach to fatherhood 21:29: How to reconnect with your kids after years of emotional disconnection 24:35: Why fitness is the gateway to emotional resilience and leadership 28:08: The "tactical pause" strategy every overwhelmed entrepreneur needs 38:05: Why your marriage must remain the priority—even above your children 50:01: The end-of-workday routine that protects your family from your stress I help high performers get unstuck and out of their own way to unlock their potential.  Apply for Private 1:1 Coaching: If you're successful on paper but feel misaligned, overwhelmed, or stuck at your next level, private coaching may be the fastest path forward. Click here to apply to work with me. Follow me on Instagram: @thepaulsalter Watch on YouTube: @thepaulsalter Join me in the M19 Mastermind: Click here to apply. Tell them Paul sent you. More About Steve Eckert Steve Eckert is a United States Marine, entrepreneur, peak performance coach, husband, and father, best known for founding the Freak Father Alliance and Operate to Dominate Peak Performance Coaching. Steve's work blends military discipline, fitness, masculinity, leadership, fatherhood, and mindset coaching into a hard-hitting philosophy centered around personal responsibility, standards, and identity transformation.  Over the past two decades, he's built multiple coaching and fitness businesses while helping thousands of men improve their mindset, physical health, leadership, marriage, business performance, and discipline. Connect with Steve on Instagram here (@steve.eckert1) P.S. This is where Steve and I first connected…check it out. 

Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 220: Grandfatherhood and Legacy: How to Be Involved Without InterferingWhat kind of presence do you bring into your family?When you walk into a room, do people relax, or do they brace? Do your adult children feel supported by you, or do they feel like they have to manage your reactions? Do your grandchildren experience you as a steady, loving presence, or are they sometimes pulled into tension that really belongs between the adults?In this Father's Day episode of Coaching Your Family Relationships, we're continuing our two-part series on fathers in the second half of life. This episode focuses on grandfathers, family legacy, and the powerful role a grandfather can play in the emotional health of the family system.Grandfathers matter deeply. Your relationship with your grandchildren can shape their emotional wellbeing, their sense of family identity, and the patterns they carry forward. But grandfatherhood also comes with a delicate balance. How do you stay close without overstepping? How do you support your adult children without interfering in their parenting? How do you become involved in a way that strengthens the family instead of creating more tension?Using a family systems lens, we'll talk about the grandfather's role in the three-generation family system. We'll look at triangulation, emotional patterns, estrangement, repair, and what it means to leave a legacy of connection instead of control.In this episode, you'll learn:Why grandfathers have a powerful influence on the emotional wellbeing of grandchildren and the larger family systemHow to be an involved grandfather without interfering, undermining parents, or creating family conflictWhat triangulation looks like in real life, especially when grandchildren or in-laws get pulled into adult tensionWhy repairing the direct relationship with your adult child matters more than trying to access the family through the grandchildrenHow to think about your third-act legacy and the emotional patterns you want to stop passing forwardThis episode is for grandfathers who want to matter in the lives of their children and grandchildren, but who also want to show up with more wisdom, humility, and emotional maturity. It is also for adult children, spouses, and family members who are trying to understand the complex role grandfathers play in family relationships.Your legacy is not only what you provide, what you teach, or what you leave behind. Your legacy is also the emotional climate you create. It is the way people feel in your presence. It is the patterns you choose to keep and the patterns you finally decide to set down.You do not have to be a perfect father or grandfather to make a difference. You can begin by becoming more grounded, more honest, and more willing to work on the direct relationships in front of you.Because when a grandfather becomes more emotionally present, less reactive, and more connected, that change does not stop with him. It echoes through the generations that come after him. Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you want support putting what you're learning into practice, come join The Connection Community in Bridge to Connection. You'll get step-by-step relationship lessons, practical tools to calm anxiety and reduce conflict, and live monthly coaching calls to help you stay steady and build real connection with your child—especially when things feel tense. Learn more and join at https://www.courageous-connections.com/bridge-to-connection3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach.  Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.

Episode 108 | Soul Inheritance. This episode explores how the Family Soul shapes inherited patterns, hidden loyalties, and the challenges we experience, revealing that many of the burdens we carry may belong to previous generations rather than ourselves. Through the lens of Family Constellations, you'll discover how setting down ancestral burdens and taking your rightful place in the family system allows you to receive the wisdom, resilience, and life force of your lineage, transforming ancestral healing into ancestral empowerment. In this episode, we will explore: • Why feeling different from your family may be part of your role in helping your family system evolve. • How the Family Soul shapes inherited patterns and how Family Constellation work helps restore the flow of love. • The shift from carrying ancestral burdens to embodying ancestral wisdom, resilience, and life force. • Why helping yourself may be one of the greatest gifts you can offer your family and future generations.   Join the launch team for Om La La The Power of Positivity Guidebook: https://www.lauradifranco.com/om-la-la-launch-team/ You'll receive an advanced e-book in exchange for purchasing it for 1.99 on launch day (June 16, 2026) and leaving a review. Learn more about retreats, courses, workshops, 1:1 sessions and sign up for my e-newsletter on www.consciousness-medicine.comCheck out the blog associated with this podcast too!If you'd like to donate to this podcast, your gift will be directly applied to production costs! Stay Connected on Social Media:Facebook: www.facebook.com/CentreforConsciousnessMedicineInstagram: www.instagram.com/juliewilliamshealingLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilliamshome Production assistance from Podlad.com | Art image by Joma Sipe

Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 219: Fatherhood After Your Kids Grow Up: Who Are You to Them Now?What happens to fatherhood after your children grow up?When your adult child has a hard day, who do they call? Do they call you, or do they turn to their mom, a friend, a sibling, or someone else? If the honest answer hurts a little, this episode is for you.In this Father's Day episode of Coaching Your Family Relationships, we're talking about the second half of fatherhood. When your kids are young, your role is clearer. You protect, provide, teach, correct, and guide. But when your children become adults, the old fatherhood rulebook stops working. Your adult child does not need you in the same way anymore, but that does not mean they do not need you at all.This episode is for fathers of adult children who want a stronger relationship, but are not always sure how to show up now. We'll talk about emotional distance between fathers and adult children, why some dads keep trying to fix and advise, why others quietly step back, and how a father can become more emotionally present without becoming intrusive.Using a family systems lens, we'll explore how fathers can build connection with adult children by becoming more grounded, differentiated, and emotionally available. This is not about blaming fathers or asking men to become someone they are not. It is about helping fathers understand their role in the family system now, so they can create more trust, more openness, and more real connection.In this episode, you'll learn:·         Why fatherhood changes when your children become adults, and why many dads feel unsure about where they fit·         How the “old rulebook” of parenting can create distance when adult children need respect, autonomy, and connection·         What differentiation means in real life, and how a father can stay grounded when his adult child makes choices he does not understand or agree with·         How emotional patterns get passed from one generation to the next, and why it is never too late to change what you are passing forward·         Three practical ways fathers can begin rebuilding connection with adult children this week without forcing a big conversationThe second half of fatherhood asks something different from you than the first half did. It asks for less fixing and more presence. Less control and more curiosity. Less emotional distance and more willingness to be known as a real person, not just as “Dad.”If you are a father of adult children, or if you love a father who wants to build a better relationship with his grown kids, this episode will help you think differently about connection, legacy, and what it means to keep showing up.You do not have to do this perfectly. You just have to be willing to become more aware, more grounded, and more present. Because when one person in a family becomes more steady, the whole relationship system can begin to shift. Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------If you want support putting what you're learning into practice, come join The Connection Community in Bridge to Connection. You'll get step-by-step relationship lessons, practical tools to calm anxiety and reduce conflict, and live monthly coaching calls to help you stay steady and build real connection with your child—especially when things feel tense. Learn more and join at https://www.courageous-connections.com/bridge-to-connection3---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach.  Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.

AJ discusses the cognitive effects of internal family systems.SHOW NOTES LINKhttps://linktr.ee/bcismp?utm_source=linktree_admin_shareInternal Family Systems and the Predictive Brainhttps://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/internal-family-systems-therapy-for-shame-and-guilt/202604/internal-family-systems-and-the

What life skills do kids and teens actually need before they leave home? And how can busy moms start teaching those skills without adding even more to their already full plates?In this episode of the Secrets of Supermom Show, Lori sits down with Katie Kimball of Raising Healthy Families to talk about helping kids become more independent, capable, and confident through real-life skills like cooking, meal planning, grocery shopping, budgeting, communication, and more.Katie shares practical ways moms can gradually release responsibility to their children, why teaching life skills actually helps reduce the mental load for moms, and how to prepare teens for adulthood without panic. They also discuss executive functioning, agency, motivation, and why some of the most important skills aren't taught in school.Katie is a former teacher, TEDx speaker, mom of four, and creator of Kids Cook Real Food, Teens Cook Real Food, and the #LifeSkillsNow virtual summer camp.Plus — exciting news! Supermom Summer Camp and LifeSkillsNow overlap June 8–12, making it the perfect week for moms to fill their own cups while their kids learn practical life skills that help lighten the load at home.In this episode, we cover:Why teaching life skills helps reduce the mental load for momsThe gradual release of responsibility for kids and teensCooking, grocery shopping, meal planning, and financial literacyHow to motivate teens to learn real-world skillsExecutive functioning and independencePreparing kids for adulthood without overwhelmThe importance of agency, confidence, and competenceHow moms can start small todayResources Mentioned:Katie Kimball / Raising Healthy FamiliesKids Cook Real FoodTeens Cook Real Food#LifeSkillsNow Virtual Summer CampSupermom Summer CampText us your feedback or questions!Stay connected!Join us in The Supermom Society! Get all the details at thesupermomsociety.com!Get all our show notes, buy the book Secrets of Supermom, and more at our website: www.secretsofsupermom.comSecrets of Supermom on FacebookSecrets of Supermom on Instagram

This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and its impact on children and families. Listeners are encouraged to pause and care for themselves as needed.In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole, the Prevention team is joined once again by a favorite returning guest, Barbara, for an honest conversation about the realities domestic violence survivors and families face. Together, they explore the lasting impact of abuse on family dynamics, parenting, children, and support systems, while challenging the oversimplified question of why survivors do not “just leave.”The discussion also highlights protective parenting, barriers survivors navigate within community and institutional systems, and the emotional toll these experiences can have on families. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we also start with a candid conversation about personal wellness practices and the importance of making space for rest and care in difficult times.Resources:The National Domestic Violence HotlineTexas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)Lundy BancroftSafe & Together InstituteChild Welfare Information Gateway

In today's episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Dr. Sonya Lutter to explore the powerful connection between psychology, relationships, and financial decision-making. From financial stress and emotional spending to couples' communication and the growing field of financial therapy, this conversation dives into the human side of money.Dr. Lutter shares how stress impacts our ability to make financial decisions, why money arguments carry so much emotional weight in relationships, and how financial professionals can better support clients through observation, communication, and empathy. The discussion also explores the differences between financial psychology, financial counseling, and financial therapy — and why understanding those distinctions matters in practice.Whether you're a financial professional or simply curious about the emotional side of money, this episode offers valuable insights into how our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships shape financial wellness.Show Notes:00:31 Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter02:05 How Dr. Lutter Combined Psychology & Financial Planning04:57 Financial Psychology vs. Financial Therapy Explained10:30 Where Financial Professionals Draw the Line with Clients11:12 The Importance of Family Systems & Financial Conversations12:08 Katrina's Story: Grief, Money & Emotional Decision-Making16:18 How Financial Stress Impacts Decision-Making17:14 Fight-or-Flight Responses During Money Conversations19:28 Why Stressed Clients Struggle to Retain Financial Information20:43 How Financial Professionals Can Better Support Stressed Clients23:29 Why Money Carries Emotional Weight in Relationships24:15 Why Couples Argue About Money More Than Anything Else26:21 The Importance of Financial Communication in Marriage27:52 Research on Joint Bank Accounts & Relationship Satisfaction30:23 Cohabitation, Shared Finances & Wealth Building31:44 Dr. Lutter's “Two Cents” Advice for Couples & Financial Planning34:02 Where to Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter34:12 Key Takeaways from the Conversation36:45 Closing Thoughts & OutroShow Note Links:Become an ASFPDiscover financial therapy certificate programs at Texas Tech Meet Dr. Sonya LutterConnect with Dr. Sonya Lutter Want to get involved with AFCPE®?Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course, or Get AFC Certified today!Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

Let us know what you think about the podcast!Episode 213 - You Can't Fix Your Adult Child's Marriage: When You Feel Powerless, part 4 of the series about your adult child's difficult spouse.If you've tried everything—rewriting texts, walking on eggshells, apologizing for things you're not sure you did—and the relationship still feels strained, this episode is for you. We talk about what powerlessness really is, why shame and grief often come with it, and how to shift from trying to control outcomes to holding steady influence.What we coverWhy powerlessness isn't weakness—it's your nervous system realizing: my effort does not equal my outcomeThe shame story (“good parents don't give up”) and why it's incompleteThe grief inside powerlessness (not just sadness—loss of the future you imagined)The difference between influence vs. control in an anxious family systemA practical way to stay warm and connected without chasing them.5 takeawaysPowerlessness is a turning point, not a failure: it's the moment you stop confusing love with control.Over-functioning and cutting off are both understandable reactions—but both tend to raise anxiety in the system.If you don't grieve, you'll try to control. Let grief be named so you don't turn it into frantic fixing or shutdown.You can't control them, but you can influence the system by becoming steadier “from the inside out.”Boundaries aren't demands—they're clarity about how you'll participate, delivered with kindness.If this episode helped you feel less alone, share it with a friend—especially a parent who's quietly carrying the weight of powerlessness. Tina Gosney is the Family Conflict Coach. She works with parents who have families in conflict to help them become the grounded, confident leaders their family needs. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with us:Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tinagosneycoaching/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinagosneycoaching---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tina is certified in family relationships and a trauma informed coach.  Visit tinagosney.com for more information on coaching services.

Family Healing & Invitational Intervention ㅤ What if healing didn't start with confrontation, but with connection? ㅤ Sonja Riddle, MA, BSW, CCC, is a clinician, speaker, and educator specializing in addiction and family systems. With over 15 years of clinical experience across Canada's leading treatment facilities, she brings a grounded, compassionate approach to some of the most complex conversations in mental health and recovery. ㅤ Known for translating complex addiction and family systems theory into practical, human strategies, Sonja helps both clinicians and families understand what real, sustainable change looks like—within the relationships that surround substance use. ㅤ Her work is also deeply shaped by her lived experience growing up in a home impacted by addiction, giving her a rare blend of clinical expertise and personal insight that meets people exactly where they are. ㅤ ㅤ

Families share more than DNA; they also share traditions, habits, and patterns—some good, some not. The way we think about sex, money, marriage, work, and many other things has been shaped by our families of origin. Patterns of abuse, addiction, and personal bias can often be traced through our family tree. Join us for Part One of Home Work, where we will see God's warning to families about the destructive patterns of sin and their effect on future generations.

This week, Thomas sits down for a touching conversation on navigating the complex dynamics of parent-child relationships with father-and-son duo, Rick and Forrest Hanson.In this intimate interview, Rick, a renowned psychologist and author, and Forrest, author and host of the “Being Well” podcast, share their unique and personal perspectives on healthy power dynamics, children's autonomy, identity development, the inevitability of parental mistakes, and what's needed for repair and forgiveness.Thomas brings his own experiences as a parent forward in a dialogue that offers a loving and healthy vision of fatherhood and masculinity. They also discuss family relationships from a bigger-picture perspective, and explore how individual family dynamics reflect broader societal wounds and forge paths for collective healing and generational pattern breaking.✨ Watch the video version of this episode on YouTube:

Christa sits down with Randi Zuckerberg, entrepreneur, Social 7, and elite ultrarunner who recently set an FKT on the 82-mile Baja Sur trail and finished the wildly difficult 250-mile Cocodona race. Randi opens up on this month's final family systems episode about being more than "Mark Zuckerberg's sister", "Brent's wife", and mom, and becoming unapologetically and authentically her own person. As she moved from just type 7 encourager sideline energy to digging deep for her own purposes and goals too (she also has some 3), she also shares the deep threads of joy and empowerment that were released for her and her family as she's stepped fully into her own identity, strength, and path. Christa and Randi discuss the types that encourage Randi along the way (hello side character power!), what she'd say to parents who think their own life is over after kids, how she transitioned from corporate life at Facebook with all men to finding her (winning) path, and so much more! Randi also shares her hardest setback with injuries, how she works through challenges without losing joy (hello pivots!), what balance looks like across seasons, and what she hopes her kids learn from watching her do hard, seemingly impossible things. This conversation is about identity, growth, energy, becoming a solid person even as a 7 who is learning to finish things, and becoming more fully who you are. As Christa wraps up the Family Systems series this month, Randi's story offers a real and hopeful example of waking up to your own gifts even when the world already has a label for you, and is perfect for anyone who has ever been labeled in a family system who needs a fresh spark and encouragement. Watch on YouTube! Follow Randi's adventures here on Threads and Instagram! @RandiZuckerberg on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/randizuckerberg/?hl=en @RandiZuckerberg on Threads https://www.threads.com/@randizuckerberg Take the Enneagram & Marriage quiz for COUPLES together ⁠⁠here⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠QuizForCouples.com⁠⁠ Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever walked back into your parents' house and suddenly felt like you'd downloaded an old version of yourself? In today's episode, Dr. Rick and Forrest explain why through one of the most influential frameworks in psychology: Family Systems Theory (FST).  FST argues that hidden rules govern the behavior of the groups we're a part of, and when you know the rules it's easier to see them in action. Rick and Forrest explore how systems replicate patterns of behavior, place people into specific roles, and manage anxiety through shifting alliances. They close with how we can become differentiated by building a stronger sense of self. Topics include balancing closeness and distance, triangulation, specific roles like the “golden child,” FST's non-pathologizing stance, the intergenerational transmission of patterns, and building strong relationships outside the system. This episode includes references to self-harm. Key Topics:  0:00: Intro 2:19: What's Family Systems Theory? 12:01: Overview of big concepts in FST 18:50: Family roles 25:19: How anxiety moves through a family system 36:42: The “identified patient” 46:51: Balancing compassion, agency, and responsibility 51:11: How healthy differentiation can disrupt a system 57:48: How to become more differentiated 1:11:33: Recap  Support the Podcast: We're on Patreon! If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link. Sponsors Grab Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code BEINGWELL at https://huel.com/beingwell. New customers only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Free Resource: The Benefits of Doing Family of Origin Work (Download Here):

Christa sits down with listener fave Jay Stringer, therapist and author of his brand new book Desire: The Longing Inside Us and the New Science of How We Love, Heal, and Grow, for a conversation that bridges family systems, differentiation, and sexual intimacy in marriage. Jay breaks down how your family of origin shapes not just your attachment style but your sexual desire, why differentiation is essential for healthy intimacy, and how couples can stop triangulating their kids into their marriage. They discuss the family systems work that transforms your relationship in and out of the bedroom, how to work through attachment issues together as a couple, and why understanding where your desire comes from is key to healing and growth. If you've been doing family systems work and wondering how it connects to your sexual relationship with your spouse, this episode is a must-listen. Jay offers practical, research-backed insight into how we can grow in desire by doing the deeper work on our family patterns. Watch on YouTube! Get Jay's book and workbook here! https://a.co/d/00mubz6x Follow Jay on Instagram here! https://www.instagram.com/jay_stringer_/?hl=en Find Jay's website with his courses, The Journey, and more that Christa refers to in the episode! https://jay-stringer.com/ Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Moral foundations theory proposes that human moral judgment is built on a small set of innate psychological intuitions that different cultures and individuals prioritize in distinct ways. This episode applies it to political polarization and shows how a non-anxious presence can make a difference.Show Notes:Moral Foundations Theory | moralfoundations.orgMoral foundations theory – WikipediaJonathan Haidt: The moral roots of liberals and conservatives | TED TalkBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly ⁠Two for Tuesday⁠ email newsletter.

Stefan Molyneux looks at how mysticism, philosophy, and communication overlap, in response to a listener's question about higher powers, emphasizing the use of reason and precise definitions to cut through vagueness in talks about belief. The discussion covers ideas like consciousness, love, and attachment, with him arguing that genuine moral love goes beyond basic instincts. He points out the problems vague terms create in society and pushes for common definitions to improve how people communicate. On dreams, Molyneux sees them as straightforward experiences from life, not as sources of mystical insight. He wraps up by noting the role of clear thinking and rational talk in dealing with complicated aspects of life, and encourages people to express their thoughts with care.Emails:Hello Stefan,Following your most recent, as of today, FDR podcast.(6292). I wanted to hopefully offer you some perspective that may or may not be helpful. As before, I understand that your time is valuable. I do think though that my perspective, linked to IQ and seeing things very differently to you, might be of aid. The reason I have added this onto an existing email is just for familiarity because I will mildly use this backdrop for additional thoughts. I did talk to you briefly on podcast 6147. But I wanted to offer you my thought process here because it might offer you some insight into your value in a way you had not considered. Firstly, what I believe is important background as to my perspective on this entire mysticism thing. I do believe in the existence of something higher and more powerful and that has communicated with us. Certainly, a little through the bible. But mostly not through the bible. There is channeling, including the human design chart, to back this up. So I do believe the new age at its core has some good concepts. BUT, I also believe that there is a huge, and incredibly powerful toxic element of the new age. There is a mix of non complete understandings and such. For this reason, I do think that your perspective and that of many who have similar perspectives is valuable. In that keeping things to objective reality. To challenge said toxicity. There is more to this understanding. But I think that explains the core of my thoughts. People that are truly inclined to the spiritual stuff I look at will find it. But people that don't really commit and use the bare minimum of it to justify madness. It is good that that is challenged. it is similar in some ways, if you imagine a society that has innovators and Socrates following philosophers. The innovators want to do innovating and the Socrates people want nothing to exist or be real or whatever. Even though philosophy as a discipilne is extremely useful and powerful. Some of those innovators might be best served in dismissing it as the ravings of lunatics and just getting on with Innovating. So I want to describe the dream I had that stopped me talking further about mysticism. I fully acknowledge none of this makes sense since I have no following. But it still might offer an interesting perspective. It is of course not likely that if I offered a genuine challenge to your view on that that evildoers would pick it up and run with it. But apparently the dreams thought it was a suitable fear to highlight. So I went with it. My argument on mysticism would be as follows. This is not something I am committed to or care about but it was what I was thinking. It is now the story in something else I want to express. Firstly, your original statement is that mysticism is the gateway to mental illness. Firstly of course, I wrote to you on the definition of mysticism. Which I would use my own after having defined it due to the problems with yours that I highlighted. I would further refine that now by defining a primary and secondary faith. But anyway, per your argument, I would say, if mysticism is a gateway to mental illness. Then that would assume it would not in general, be used to solve mental illness. I would further refine the use of symbolic things to reach understandings. Such as tarot cards. By asking why do we dream. Why does our subconscious communicate in such a way? I would answer this by saying what is the alternative? The alternative being that without the subtlety and indirectness. The subconscious would communicate more like a dictator. Even giving the information without veil would have this effect. Since once we know the right thing to do we have more responsibility and consequences than before we know that. So what does this sound like? This sounds like schizophrenia! I would then talk about how a possible theory for it, is that if the problem gets too serious. If the subconscious mind is screaming too loudly. It busts through the conscious/ subconscious barrier too loudly, and that's where this comes from. (This is roughly what I think happened with my schizophrenic break, some of my ideas come indirectly from the psychologist Elinor Greenberg who talks about how dreams help low level schizophrenics)This would then correlate schizophrenia, and that kind of non objective, symbolic understandings. More with the symptom of other problems than with it being the cause. I would also define mainstream faith based Christianity as mysticism. As per my earlier example. And show times when this has been used to help people. Such as when the Ukraine war used to go a bit crazy women on Gab used to put loads of Christian sayings out. Women cannot biologically deal with war, but they still have fear, so a tool like mysticism to reduce the fear is perhaps highly positive. So now I get to the point. Like I said and strongly believe. It is unlikely evildoers would take such a reasoning as this and run with it to dent your power. But the dreams still responded like this was the case. The dream I had, (I do not like to tell others my dreams I prefer to interpret but I am making an exception here). I was about to make a few youtube videos on this. But I had a dream with Pearl Davis being aggressively tortured. She has mentioned a few times over the years how she has been sued and things. It was a pretty shocking dream. It felt kind of real. But what I think it could mean, is that your platform and output in this kind of social war, was significantly impacting people like Pearl by pushing back on intensely female and active toxicity we are currently witnessing (Taking us back to the point on mysticism and the Socrates philosophers analogy).I realise you might not interpret it the same way. Like, you might believe that all individuals in our dreams are parts of ourselves along a Family Systems therapy line. But I just wanted to provide that feedback in case it does provide some perspective or help in some way. Best Wishes,Joe ---It has been some years since I listened to your last podcast, 'Why animals can't love.' At that point, I quit Molyneaux. It has occurred and re occurred to me that you continued to make consciousness or choice the mandatory when it comes to capacity to love.This thinking backs exactly into a contradiction. We know that infants have neither consciousness nor choice, yet, any parent knows the infant loves. Toddlers are compelled to love, but they love nonetheless. Teenagers, etc. Not only compelled to love, but can be. Of course, Molyneaux would say, 'But that's no real love.' But some of it is. The child still wants to love the parent even when virtue (lack) seeks to negate. Some part of that child does still love. I always believed that your false philosophy on animals and love conditions backed directly into the right, even obligation, to abort children. The threadline of your 'philosophy' justified abortion. Since the infant has no choice or consciousness. He is more animal, less human. The right to kill seems elementary. That's always deeply concerned me that something is off center in your work. Mean spirited. Resentful. Death-loving. A hint of Crowley, even though 98% of your takes are good. I know you made your cash on bitcoin. Congratulations. Make an atheist like yourself proud. Your constant promise that you'd go down as a philosopher great, today and/or in 400 years from now, shows no evidence.GET FREEDOMAIN MERCH! https://shop.freedomain.com/SUBSCRIBE TO ME ON X! https://x.com/StefanMolyneuxFollow me on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@freedomain1GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this special listener-requested episode, the tables turn! Christa's daughter Hannah (the graphic designer behind Enneagram and Marriage) takes over as host to interview Christa about the questions you've been asking AND to share special E + M family news as another MFT in training gets added to the family: Hannah asks questions, What was her childhood like? What does she wish she'd known before marriage? Why does she love family systems theory so much? How does she regulate her nervous system after hard therapy days? Hannah asks the personal questions, from Christa's favorite thing about Wes, book talk, and more! This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at the person behind the podcast and a perfect bridge from the attachment series into March's family systems focus. Christa shares how her family of origin shaped her attachment style, what she's intentionally done differently as a parent, and what she hopes her kids remember about their family when they're adults. Whether you're a longtime listener or new here, this conversation will help you understand why Christa does this work, and maybe inspire you to look at your own story with fresh eyes. Watch on YouTube! Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Christa's Best-Selling Book, The Enneagram in Marriage, here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://a.co/d/df8SxVx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Andryanna is joined by clinical psychologist and couples therapist Dr. Tracy Dalgleish to unpack one of the most common (and emotionally charged) stressors in marriage: mother-in-law dynamics.Drawing from her latest book You, Your Husband, and His Mother, Dr. Tracy explains how family systems, emotional triangles, and unclear boundaries can quietly strain even strong relationships. Together, they explore how to step out of toxic patterns, protect your marriage, and build healthier connections without escalating conflict.If you've ever felt caught between being the “villain” or the “victim” in your in-law relationships (or even if you have a good relationship with your MIL), this conversation offers practical insight and grounded next steps.In this episode, you'll hear:Why mother-in-law conflict is such a common marital stressor;What an emotional triangle is — and how it affects your relationship;How enmeshment develops and why it's hard to spot;The difference between boundaries and ultimatums;How to define shared values as a couple in practical, actionable ways;How to avoid toxic mother-son patterns as a parent of boys;The VAULT method: Values, Aspirations, Understanding the Triangle, Limits & Boundaries, and Taking Action.This episode is part of the February relationship series and offers research-backed insight for women who want to prioritize their marriage while navigating complex family dynamics with confidence.CONNECT WITH DR. TRACY:Her Latest Book: You, Your Husband & His MotherWebsite: DrTracyD.comOn InstagramCONNECT WITH ANDRYANNA:Get your copy of The Juggle is Real: Authentic Self-Care Planner Vol. 2 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ On ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠hello@andryanna.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠And please visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andryanna.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for blogs, giveaways, workshops, tools, resources and more.Keywords: mother-in-law relationship, marriage boundaries, family systems theory, emotional triangle in marriage, in-law conflict, toxic family patterns, enmeshment in families, protecting your marriage, relationship advice for women, Dr Tracy Dalgleish, YOU YOUR HUSBAND AND HIS MOTHER book, couples therapy insights

Moral foundations theory proposes that human moral judgment is built on a small set of innate psychological intuitions that different cultures and individuals prioritize in distinct ways. This explains these foundations from a family systems perspective.Show Notes:Moral Foundations Theory | moralfoundations.orgMoral foundations theory - WikipediaJonathan Haidt: The moral roots of liberals and conservatives | TED TalkBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly ⁠Two for Tuesday⁠ email newsletter.

Family estrangement is becoming increasingly common in the United States, with nearly one in four Americans now estranged from at least one close family member. In this episode of the Feel Free Again Podcast, I sit down with grief recovery specialist Victoria to have a deeply honest, nuanced conversation about why family estrangement happens, when it may be necessary, and when it may actually be causing more harm than healing. We talk about unresolved grief, emotional pain, mismatched values, expectations, boundaries, forgiveness, and the cultural shifts that have changed how families relate to one another. I share what I've seen after working with hundreds of people in grief recovery — adult children, parents, siblings — all heartbroken, often good people on both sides of the estrangement. We explore how unfinished emotional business, misunderstood boundaries, and unspoken expectations can quietly dismantle relationships, sometimes without either side fully understanding why. This conversation is not about shaming anyone for choosing distance. It's about clarity, emotional responsibility, and reclaiming your agency. Grief recovery offers tools to help you assess whether estrangement is protecting you — or whether unresolved pain is driving decisions that don't align with who you truly are. If you're navigating family conflict, estrangement, forgiveness, or emotional healing, this episode will challenge you to slow down, reflect, and consider a different path forward. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 — Why Family Estrangement Is Rising 05:12 — Cultural Shifts and the Breakdown of Family Systems 09:47 — Expectations, Boundaries, and Planned Disappointments 14:01 — The Danger of Acting on Incomplete Emotional Pain 18:48 — Taking 1% Responsibility and Reclaiming Power 23:32 — Why Forgiveness Isn't Weakness 28:23 — When Boundaries Become Emotional Walls 33:56 — The Grief of Parents Estranged From Adult Children 39:46 — Love, Acceptance, and Letting Others Choose 45:12 — How Grief Recovery Helps Heal or Clarify Estrangement 47:12 — Detoxing From Collective Drama Before Family Gatherings 50:47 — Teaching Kids Responsibility for Their Own Feelings 53:26 — Grieving the Child Who Is Growing Up 1:00:55 — How to Know If Estrangement Was the Right Choice Connect with Victoria: Website: https://theunleashedheart.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriavolk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunleashedheartllc/ GRM Website: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/grms/victoria-volk About the Host:  Cole James, President of the Grief Recovery Institute, shares about the Power of Grief Recovery! Cole is dedicating his life to help people with grief. Now, grief is much more than just losing someone. Did you know that? You've probably heard of the Five Stages of Grief, right? Well, this goes much deeper than you think. Let me explain. Everyone has some type of grief in their lives, some haven't yet, but it's part of life. We can't escape it, BUT we can work through it. And you don't have to do it alone. Let's talk about it. We have trained Grief Recovery Method Specialists, who help heartbroken people, in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Central America, South America, and North America. The Grief Recovery Method Certification Program is taught and available in multiple languages including: English, Spanish, Swedish, Hungarian, Ukrainian, and Russian. Our home office is in the United States and serves English-speaking nations and populations around the world, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Commonwealth Nations. In addition, we have international affiliate offices in Sweden, Australia, Mexico, and Hungary. Our goal is to help as many people as possible, which is why our books have been translated into over 30 languages including: Spanish, French, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Ukrainian, Russian, and many more. For more information visit: https://www.griefrecoverymethod.com/

Send us a textIntergenerational trauma is what happens when the impact of trauma is passed down through families and communities—through nervous system patterns, emotional rules, family roles, and the stories we inherit about safety, trust, and worth. In this episode, we explore how people can carry burdens that didn't start with them, why this isn't about blaming previous generations, and how healing begins by naming what you're holding and choosing what you want to continue—or interrupt. Using simple polyvagal-informed language, we look at how children's nervous systems entrain to the adults around them, shaping a baseline of mobilised protection or shutdown. We close with a gentle practice to help you release what isn't yours to carry.In this episode, you'll learnA clear definition of intergenerational trauma and how it differs from “personal” traumaFour ways trauma gets carried: nervous system patterns, emotional rules, roles, and inherited beliefsA polyvagal-informed lens on how family stress becomes a child's baselinePresent-day signs you may be carrying an older load (guilt, loyalty binds, over-responsibility, rest intolerance)Practical first steps: naming the pattern, guilt tolerance, new rituals, support outside the systemA short grounding practice focused on release and choiceGrounding practice (2–3 minutes): “Release What Isn't Yours”Feel your feet on the groundMake a loose fist (notice holding)Open the hand (practice release)Phrase: “I honour what came before. I don't have to carry it all.”Name one small new-pattern choiceCheck the website for the free resources offered for both those affected by trauma and those supporting them.What's next: Betrayal Trauma: When Trust Becomes Unsafe Support the show

In this episode of The Therapy Show, I chat with Ann Mac Prevost, a licensed professional counselor who specializes in teen anxiety. Ann Mac dives into how anxiety shows up in today's teens, why it's more prevalent than ever, and how parents and therapists can help teens manage it effectively. We also explore the role of family systems, the impact of social media, and practical tools that support emotional growth in adolescents. In this episode, we cover: The most common anxiety presentations in teens today Why COVID and smartphones have intensified anxiety in adolescents How to know when anxiety crosses from "normal" to "problematic" Tips for therapists working with teens and their families The importance of involving parents in the therapeutic process Helpful frameworks for validating emotions while promoting behavior change Practical CBT and exposure strategies that teens can actually use Whether you're a therapist, parent, or just curious about teen mental health, this conversation is packed with relatable insights and tools you can use right away.  Connect with Ann Mac. Links mentioned:

In this episode, I speak with psychologist Kenneth Perlmutter about his work with wounded family systems and how his background shaped his therapeutic approach. Kenneth shared that he originally planned to go to medical school but switched to journalism, then worked in advertising in San Francisco in the 1980s. During that time, he worked with a therapist who made a profound impact on him, which ultimately inspired him to pursue graduate training and become a therapist himself. In 1989 he joined Boyer House as an intern, later becoming the Clinical Milieu Director, and it was there that he was placed on the Family Therapy team and found he really enjoyed working with family dynamics. Kenneth explained that his work is heavily informed by psychodynamic and psychoanalytic thinking, especially the ways people relate to others across different parts of their lives. He shared that his current clinic functions as a full-service mental health center with significant expertise in substance abuse, addiction recovery, and trauma-related disorders, and that many of their referrals involve college-age and young adult clients whose families are struggling to support them. We discussed how he uses a psychoanalytically informed systemic approach, paying close attention to attachment patterns, the family's stage of development, and even reflections on his own family system. He talked about how wounded family systems often fall into patterns of dependency, such as exaggerated dependency, hostile dependency, or chronic dependency, and how parents may unknowingly reinforce these dynamics. He explained that he looks closely at what he calls the ‘S' actions,” which include serving, soothing, saving, smoothing, solving, sacrificing, and sobbing, and how these actions often keep families stuck in their roles. He shared that when parents begin to shift their focus toward their own needs and adjust their responses, children often change their behaviors in positive ways. Kenneth also discussed how families tolerate hostility and how interventions often start by looking at the behaviors that enable it. He explained that part of the work is helping families understand how their system functions, what they want more or less of, and what keeps them locked in certain roles. He postulates on what can be considered “right” or “wrong” actions as a result of these pressures and gives the example of sending an adult child money time and time again under tenuous circumstances. He claims that what would be “wrong” in fact, would be not to reflect at all on how the parent's actions are affecting the child's behaviors. Kenneth calls these narratives “the lies that bind”, explaining that the most common belief is that whatever ‘S' behavior is at play is what is keeping this family member alive and well. This distorted narrative keeps a tight grip on current dynamics and gives the parent a false sense of control. Being locked in this “if only” mindset is either aspirational or regretful. We ended the conversation by talking about his Model of Stress-Induced Impaired Coping. Kenneth explained that every family develops its own stress-driven roles and that members often fall into patterns such as escaping, distracting, blaming, or fixing. He described how he helps families understand what holds them in these roles, what reinforces them, and how these patterns originally developed, so they can move toward more flexibility and healthier ways of relating. Kenneth Perlmutter, PhD, is the founder of the Family Recovery Institute and a licensed psychologist specializing in Family Systems. He has 35 years of experience working with complex psychological and behavioral health disorders. In 2008, he founded The Family Recovery Institute to provide multi-disciplinary treatment for individuals and families including dynamic therapy, family systems work, group therapies, healing workshops and clinician training. He has pioneered and validated a theory of family system woundedness with a corresponding recovery model he calls Stress-Induced Impaired Coping. He wrote the book Freedom from Family Dysfunction: A Guide for Families Battling Addiction or Mental Illness specifically for family members who love someone battling addiction or mental illness but “want to break the cycles of codependency and relapse plaguing their dysfunctional systems.” He has overseen the design and installation of the family treatment program for Bayside Marin, Morningside Recovery, Safe Harbor Treatment Center for Women, Casa Capri/Windward Way and other national-level programs. In addition, he conducts a twice-monthly therapy group for parents of troubled teens and stuck young adults and has historically conducted several healing workshop for families of the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Whiteriver, AZ. As a professional educator, he has served on the graduate faculty for San Francisco State University's Counseling Department and as Associate Professor of Chemical Dependency Studies at Cal State East Bay.

Today, I'm honored to connect with Jerry Wise, a leading voice in family systems and self-differentiation. With over 45 years of experience healing adults from narcissistic, dysfunctional, and emotionally immature family systems, Jerry's work guides people out of lifelong patterns of guilt, shame, and emotional enmeshment so they can finally live as their true selves. This episode is not about telling anyone what they should do with their family relationships. It's about understanding patterns, reclaiming choice, and recognizing that protecting your nervous system is essential for your wellness. We dive into narcissism, personality disorders, and the spectrum within which Jerry believes narcissism falls. We explore low, middle, and high-anxiety family systems, clarify why self-differentiation is critically important, and how long-term nervous system dysregulation often occurs when we grow up in narcissistic homes. We also cover trauma bonding, the impact of avoidance, the role of boundaries, and cultural myths around honoring our parents, and I answer some rapid-fire questions tailored explicitly to Jerry's expertise. I have wanted to interview Jerry for the podcast for a long time, and this is one of those truly impactful and deeply personal episodes. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How narcissistic parents differ from other types of parents The developmental switches that get turned off in those growing up with narcissistic parents Intergenerational trauma and how it impacts nervous system regulation and emotional health How self-differentiation can help individuals manage their emotional systems Challenges of setting boundaries with narcissistic parents Why internal boundaries are essential How avoidance can become a coping mechanism for dealing with uncomfortable feelings The importance of maintaining reality and not giving up on your true self to honor your parents and/or meet their expectations Strategies for managing family dynamics and reducing chronic anxiety Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia's website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow  Cynthia's Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia's Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Connect with Jerry Wise On his website  Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube

Are you doing all the right parenting things—but still feeling exhausted, disconnected, and frustrated that nothing is really changing?Have you ever wondered why your kids don't seem to listen, why your marriage feels off, or why life feels harder than it should—even though you're “trying” so hard?In this powerful and deeply honest episode, we break down one of the most misunderstood truths about parenting and leadership: humans don't change through instruction—they change through modeling.We explore why trying is not the same as doing, why so many parents feel stuck in the “messy middle,” and how misaligned priorities quietly sabotage family connection, peace, and fulfillment.You'll hear why gratitude and letting go create more progress than force, why real change often feels counterintuitive, and how focusing on yourself—not fixing everyone else—is the fastest way to transform your family.This episode is for parents who are ready to stop spinning their wheels and start seeing real results—in their marriage, parenting, health, finances, and inner peace.If you want a calmer home, closer relationships, and a family culture built on joy, clarity, and leadership—this conversation will challenge you in the best way possible.Key Takeaways✅ Children learn through modeling—not lectures or rules✅ Trying doesn't produce results—doing does✅ Aligned priorities create peace, fulfillment, and joy✅ Gratitude accelerates growth and attracts better outcomes✅ You can't change your family until you lead yourself first✅ Real progress is direction change—not instant perfection✅ Doing less—but doing the right things—changes everythingMemorable Quotes

Whether you're a parent, pastor or president, favoritism is unhealthy. Here's the research behind it and four things you can do to interrupt the pattern.Show Notes:Do Parents Have Favorite Children? Of Course They Do. - The New York TimesBecome a Patron for as little as $5/month.Subscribe to my weekly ⁠Two for Tuesday⁠ email newsletter.

Are you tired of yelling—and still dealing with tantrums, defiance, and emotional meltdowns?What if the reason tantrums keep happening isn't because your child is “misbehaving,” but because something deeper isn't being addressed?In this episode, Greg & Rachel Denning break down the exact framework they've used to practice parenting without yelling—and to prevent tantrums before they start. As parents of seven, they share the six core principles that transformed their family culture from reactive and exhausting to calm, connected, and emotionally resilient.You'll learn why tantrums are a symptom, not the problem, and how prioritizing connection over correction eliminates the need for constant discipline. This conversation challenges the myth that punishment creates better behavior and shows how teaching, clarity, emotional co-regulation, and healthy challenge create lasting change.They also explain why many kids simply lack the neurological ability to self-regulate, and how co-regulation—not isolation or punishment—is the missing piece for most families struggling with meltdowns.If you're ready to stop firefighting behavior and start building a family culture that actually works, this episode will change how you see parenting.Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/V1Vrh3u6FpI Key Takeaways:✅ Connection reduces the need for correction — discipline works best when the relationship is protected first.✅ Tantrums are symptoms, not the problem — go upstream to unmet needs instead of reacting to behavior.✅ Parent with clarity, not threats or bribes — vague rules create rebellion; clear teaching creates ownership.✅ Emotional co-regulation is essential — children can't self-regulate until they're taught how through you.✅ Family systems reduce chaos — routines and expectations remove friction and power struggles.✅ Resilience is built through connection and challenge — kids grow strongest when they choose hard things with your support.Memorable Quotes

Do you and your spouse disagree about discipline—one of you feels too strict while the other feels too soft?Are your kids pushing boundaries, playing you against each other, or reacting emotionally because expectations aren't clear?In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel Denning break down the authoritative parenting style—and why it's the gold standard for raising confident, capable, emotionally healthy kids. You don't need to parent the same way, but you do need to parent from the same underlying approach.We explain why discipline is rooted in teaching, not punishment, and how authoritative parenting creates structure without control and warmth without permissiveness. When parents are divided, kids feel insecure. When parents are united, children feel safe—and behavior improves naturally.This episode walks through the four major parenting styles, why authoritarian and permissive approaches both fail long-term, and how authoritative parenting balances firm boundaries with connection, respect, and clarity.We also discuss:Why kids actually need boundaries to feel safeHow to disagree as parents without damaging your marriageThe difference between being a boss and being a leader in your homeHow to repair mistakes in real time (even in front of your kids)Why teaching builds internal motivation while punishment creates fearIf you want kids who do the right thing for the right reason—and a home built on trust, stability, and mutual respect—this episode gives you the framework.Key Takeaways✅ The authoritative parenting style creates security and confidence.✅ Discipline works best when it teaches instead of punishes.✅ Kids need clear boundaries to feel safe—not freedom without limits.✅ Parents can have different styles but must share the same approach.✅ Firm and kind are not opposites—you need both.✅ Unity between parents prevents manipulation and power struggles.Memorable Quotes

The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 150 - Fragile Power: Wealth, Identity, and Mental Health with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer   In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker talks with Dr. Paul Hokemeyer, an expert in family business governance and mental health, about the complexities of wealth and psychological well-being. They delve into how societal perceptions of wealth impact individuals and families, leading to feelings of isolation, mistrust, and hyper-agency. Dr. Hokemeyer shares his journey from law to clinical psychology and discusses the importance of cultural competency in behavioral healthcare for high-net-worth individuals. Key topics include the challenges of managing narcissistic personalities within family systems, the necessity of setting enforceable boundaries, and the role of external support in fostering healthier family dynamics. ·       01:54 Introducing Dr. Paul Hokemeyer ·       04:50 Dr. Paul's Journey and Career Path ·       07:14 Challenges Faced by Wealthy Individuals ·       13:41 The Intersection of Wealth and Identity ·       22:48 Therapeutic Approaches and Observations ·       30:32 Hierarchies and Tribes in Human Society ·       31:13 Isolation and Wealth ·       35:31 Understanding and Treating Wealthy Patients ·       39:20 Narcissism in Family Systems ·       44:31 Dealing with Narcissistic Family Members ·       49:58 The Role of External Support Systems Websites: ·       fambizforum.com. ·       www.chrisyonker.com ·       draysonmews.com ·       Instagram @dr_paul_hokemeyer     Dr. Paul Bio: Dr. Paul Hokemeyer (J.D., Ph.D.) believes mental health matters for everyone, everywhere. He is the founding principal of Drayson Mews and author of Fragile Power: Why Having Everything is Never Enough (Hazelden, 2019) and Fragile Power 2.0: Wealth, Narcissism & Mental Health (2024), the leading resources for individuals, couples, and families of wealth seeking culturally respectful and clinically effective mental health services. In addition, Dr. Paul serves as the Senior Wellness Expert to Ispahani Advisory, a London-based consulting firm specializing in multijurisdictional, ultra-high-net-worth families. He is an Associate Member of the American Association for Addiction Medicine and holds a Clinical Fellow designation with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy where he received the 2025 award for Media Excellence.   Prior to graduating from the Harvard Medical School's Global Leaders in Healthcare program, Dr. Paul studied the use of digital technologies at the Yale School of Management. In addition to his academic and clinical work, Dr. Paul has extensive experience in the realm of philanthropy. He has stewarded over three million U.S. dollars to enhance the delivery of direct mental health services to disenfranchised communities across America, as well as through the Yale School of Public Health. Additionally, he serves as a trustee of the Palm Springs Art Museum, one of the world's premier centers for mid-century art, architecture, and design. Dr. Paul's research in the realm of wealth and mental health has been peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Wealth Management, the International Family Offices Journal, Globe Law and Business, and Lambert Academic Press. His work has been featured in a wide variety of international media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The World Economic Forum, the Johns Hopkins Newsletter, Harvard Business Review Arabia, CNN, Men's Health, The Guardian, Tatler (where he was selected as one of the world's top 'problem solvers'), the Campden Club, the Institute of Private Investors, WebMD, Psych Central and others. He is on the editorial board of Middle East Business News and Magazine, a leading resource for family businesses and entrepreneurs in the MENA region.      

Are you exhausted from the nonstop “That's mine!” “Stop touching me!” “It's not fair!” battles—and you're wondering what to say in the moment without yelling or punishing?What if sibling fights weren't something you “managed”… but something you could actually heal at the root—with simple scripts that build emotional strength, self-awareness, and better behavior over time?In this video, Greg & Rachel Denning (extraordinary parents of 7, world travelers, and family coaches) share real-life, word-for-word scripts for the most common sibling conflict triggers—from toddlers to teens—including fighting over toys, possessions, personal space, copying/mimicking, fairness, name-calling, snapping, blaming, and even aggression.You'll learn how to stop doing “symptom management” and instead resolve the underlying causes—so conflict doesn't become your family's daily culture. The Dennings break down their calm, connected approach: validate first, teach the principle, role-play the skill, and use natural consequences (without harshness).Key Takeaways:✅ Stuff is never worth the relationship — don't let toys, beds, or “my space” become a source of ongoing conflict.✅ Start with validation — calm the emotion first without picking sides so kids feel seen and can actually listen.✅ Teach the cause, not just the moment — long-term change happens when you heal the “infection,” not just manage the symptom.✅ Use identity-based coaching — “Who do you want to be?” helps kids self-correct and choose maturity.✅ Build self-awareness on purpose — asking “How does that make you feel?” trains kids to notice bitterness vs. connection.✅ Separate together, not alone — when a child can't calm down, you don't banish them… you co-regulate and help them reset.✅ Hold hard boundaries on big domino behaviors — name-calling, insulting, and aggression must stop because they poison family culture.✅ Use natural consequences that teach — consequences should be connected, agreed on (when possible), and strong enough to create change.Memorable Quotes:

Do you feel like the same family conflicts keep resurfacing—no matter how many times you “deal with them”?What if the problem isn't the conflict… but the drama patterns you're unknowingly participating in?In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down the drama triangle—a destructive cycle made up of three familiar roles: victim, rescuer, and persecutor. These roles keep families stuck in emotional reactivity, resentment, and zero real resolution.Here's the truth most parents never hear: you can face conflict head-on without making it dramatic.Stepping out of drama doesn't mean avoiding problems, disengaging, or “letting things slide.” It means learning how to handle disagreement with clarity, courage, and love—so issues actually get resolved instead of endlessly repeated.In this conversation, you'll learn:Why drama is not the same thing as conflict—and how to tell the differenceThe three roles that silently keep family arguments loopingHow one conscious person can interrupt the entire patternThe exact three steps to exit the drama triangle—starting immediatelyHow to shift from victim → creator, rescuer → coach, and persecutor → challengerWhy inner work and emotional awareness are essential to peaceful parentingHow these tools don't just change today's arguments—but transform family legaciesIf you're exhausted from emotional blowups, silent treatments, or constantly playing referee, this episode offers a practical, empowering path forward—one that leads to real resolution, stronger relationships, and a calmer family culture.Key Takeaways✅ Drama is optional—even when conflict is unavoidable.✅ The drama triangle keeps families stuck without resolution.✅ You only need one person to change the pattern.✅ Stopping your automatic reaction is the first powerful step.✅ Awareness creates choice—and choice creates change.✅ Creator, coach, and challenger roles lead to lasting solutions.✅ Inner work is the gateway to calmer, more effective parenting.Memorable Quotes

Are you a grandparent navigating the unexpected challenges of raising your grandchildren, seeking comfort and understanding in the face of loss or family upheaval? Do you wonder how to nurture resilience and hope in your grandkids while struggling with your own emotional, financial, and physical limits? Are you searching for meaning in the everyday moments of caregiving and longing to connect with others who truly understand how isolating—and transformative—kinship caregiving can be?I'm Laura Brazan, host of 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity.' In this podcast, we showcase real-life stories and expert advice for grandparents and kinship caregivers. In Episode 91, “The Making of a Winged Hero and the Grandmother That Raised Him,” we sit down with Lyubim Kogan, a five-time first-generation immigrant, 9/11 survivor, and founder of wingsforheroes.org. Lyubim shares the profound impact of his grandmother's unwavering love and resourcefulness, revealing how the ‘grandma system' of kindness and silent presence turned trauma into a world-changing mission to help amputee veterans rebuild their lives.For more information about Lyubim Kogan or to donate to "Winged Hero's" please visit his website.Discover strategies for overcoming adversity, building relational legacy, and offering unconditional love—even in the face of overwhelming odds. Learn how kinship caregivers can lead by example, teach core values, and create enduring hope for generations to come. Join our supportive online community and connect with others who understand the unique joys and hardships of raising grandchildren.Subscribe to 'Grandparents Raising Grandchildren' and find the strength, wisdom, and resources you need to transform challenges into meaningful growth—for your family and yourself.Send us a textKids on the specturm have the most imaginative minds. They can say the silliest things. My world can get way too serious. Sometimes the best thing to do is "get on the train" with them! Here's another fun Self-care tip with Jeanette Yates!Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined. Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences. We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grgLiked this episode? Share it and tag us on Facebook @GrandparentsRaisingGrandchilden Love the show? Leave a review and let us know! CONNECT WITH US: Website | Facebook

The Enlightened Family Business Podcast Ep. 149. When Families face Echoes of the Past with Steve Legler   In this episode of the Enlightened Family Business Podcast, host Chris Yonker is joined by Steven Legler, an experienced family business advisor. Together, they delve into the complexities of family business dynamics, focusing on the impact of past events such as divorces, lawsuits, and separations on current relationships and decision-making processes. Chris and Steven discuss the essential components for creating sustainable continuity, including clear communication, inner awareness, family alignment, and evolving governance. They emphasize the necessity of addressing deep-rooted issues through awareness and professional guidance, highlighting the importance of conflict management, personal development, and the role of external advisors in facilitating effective family meetings. The episode serves as a comprehensive guide for families looking to build a cohesive and thriving multi-generational business.   ·       02:44 The Importance of Awareness in Family Systems ·       05:07 Steven Legler's Background and Expertise ·       08:46 Echoes of the Past: Family Blowups and Their Impact ·       10:33 Identifying and Addressing Family System Symptoms ·       18:50 The Role of Advisors in Family Dynamics ·       22:06 Building Family Councils for Future Decision Making ·       25:42 Creating Awareness and Addressing Artificial Harmony ·       32:22 Handling Addiction in Families ·       39:01 Creating Safe Spaces for Dialogue ·       41:07 Challenges in Family Meetings ·       42:27 Generational Trauma and Stress   Websites:   ·       fambizforum.com. ·       www.chrisyonker.com ·       stevelegler.com                  

Do you ever look around and think, “Why are teens today so fragile when life is easier than ever?”In this conversation, Greg and Rachel break down why so many young people are anxious, avoidant, and overwhelmed by normal life—and how to raise resilient teens who can actually handle hard things. They unpack the impact of comfort culture, overprotection, and screen-based living, then share practical ways to “microdose” and “macrodose” challenge through workouts, travel, projects, and real-life responsibility. You'll learn how to build holistic toughness—physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, and even financial—without shaming your kids or recreating the harshness of past generations.

Do you have a long list of dreams—but no idea where to start?Parents often feel torn between wanting a meaningful, adventurous life…and the realities of raising kids, managing a home, and juggling responsibilities. How do you pick the right dream to pursue first—without sacrificing your marriage, health, or family?In today's conversation, Greg and Rachel break down the exact five-step process they've used for 20+ years to chase bold, meaningful goals while raising seven kids, traveling to over 60 countries, homeschooling, and building a business.You'll learn how to prioritize your dreams, avoid sacrifices that damage what matters most, and identify the “first step” that naturally unlocks momentum for every other goal.Whether you're overwhelmed by possibilities or unsure how to start, this episode will help you get clarity, build confidence, and make meaningful progress toward the life you actually want—one small step at a time.Key Takeaways✅ Write every dream down — clarity comes from seeing your full list on paper.✅ Follow your intuition and repeated nudges — they're often guideposts toward your best future.✅ Aim for alignment — choose the dream that makes the other dreams easier.✅ Consider urgency — some dreams (like traveling with kids) have a limited window.✅ Protect the core areas — never sacrifice marriage, parenting, health, or spirituality to chase a goal.✅ Morning routines fuel everything — they give you the energy, clarity, and stability to pursue big goals.✅ Forward motion reveals the path — obstacles show you where to start and what to fix first.✅ Dreams require identity growth — you become the person who can achieve the dream by pursuing it.MEMORABLE QUOTES

What type of family system did you grow up in? How did your family system or church system affect you? Today on this episonde, listen to Dr. Greg Miller and Jim Farm as they discuss the importance of understanding the family system you grew up in, and how it affected your life and relationships.  Send us a text

Are you trying to set teen boundaries without your child calling you “controlling” or “the worst parent ever”?If you want your teen to live by high standards—around tech, food, friends, habits, and lifestyle—you can't just make it your standard and enforce it. It has to become their standard. In this episode of the Extraordinary Family Life Podcast, Greg and Rachel break down exactly how they helped their own teens buy in so deeply that they now say things like, “I'm not putting that garbage in my body,” or “I don't waste my life on that.”Instead of rules and power struggles, they show you how to prioritize relationship over rules, lean on unconditional love, and teach the laws that govern health, happiness, success, and addiction—so your kids see for themselves where certain choices lead. When teens understand the why behind your standards, they stop feeling controlled and start choosing those standards for themselves.You'll also hear how the Dennings have intentionally made real life more compelling than video games or junk food—often inviting friends along for the ride—so the “different” lifestyle isn't a punishment, it's an upgrade.If you've ever wondered, “How do I hold the line without wrecking the relationship?” this conversation will give you a new framework: less control, more conviction—and a family standard that everyone owns.

Ever feel like the more you try to connect with your spouse, the more they pull away? Or maybe you're the one who needs space while your partner wants to talk everything through? This is the pursuer-distancer dance, and it's one of the most common patterns in marriage. In this episode, we'll explore how your Enneagram type influences which role you naturally fall into. Heart types (2, 3, 4) often become pursuers, seeking connection and reassurance. Head types (5, 6, 7) frequently take the distancer role, needing space to process. Body types (8, 9, 1) can go either way depending on their specific type and stress level. But here's the key: when you understand YOUR type's fear and your PARTNER's type's fear, you can break this exhausting cycle. We'll give you one simple practice to try this week that interrupts the pattern—and it starts with doing the opposite of what feels natural. Whether you're a Type 2 who pursues when anxious or a Type 5 who distances when overwhelmed, you'll learn how to create connection without the chase. Find more about your type, the pod, freebies, and SO much more at our website right here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.EnneagramandMarriage.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Leave Christa a podcast question anonymously by sending an MP4 recording to enneagramandmarriage@gmail.com. Love what you're learning on E + M? Make sure you leave us a podcast review so others can find us, too⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do your evenings disappear into chaos—feeding, cleaning, and collapsing into bed exhausted? Are you wondering how to stay calm and connected while parenting toddlers who seem to need you every second?In this episode, Greg & Rachel reveal the mindset and framework behind calm parenting toddlers—how to meet your child's needs without losing yourself, gently transition from co-sleeping, and end night wakings without cry-it-out. You'll learn why the 0–5 window shapes your child's identity, confidence, and future emotional health—and how your calm presence now builds secure attachment and independence later.They also share why dads don't babysit—they lead, and how fathers can bring energy, joy, and true relief to moms in the toddler trenches. You'll leave with practical, doable shifts that make family life lighter, calmer, and far more fulfilling.

Do your kids “catch” your stress—and you hate how quickly the mood at home drops?What if the fastest way to raise happy kids is to model authentic joy (not fake calm)—even while cleaning a messy kitchen?In this video, we unpack how parents set the emotional tone at home—and why your child has been watching you from birth to learn how to do life. You'll learn how to raise your emotional baseline on purpose (water, breath, sunlight, movement), process triggers so you're not pretending, and lead with real peace your kids can imitate. You can't fake it—kids feel the truth—so let's build the real thing.What you'll learn:Modeling vs. masking: why kids imitate your state (and can't be fooled)Story → state: how the meaning you give messes determines your moodMorning biochemistry reset: water, breath, sunlight, movement = instant upliftFrom nagging to leading: make chores joyful by choice, not drudgeryTriggers, then tools: journaling, breathwork, micro-meditations, and the “jukebox” swap (remove the old CD for good)Key Takeaways✅ Parents create the climate—kids grow the weather✅ Authentic calm beats performative patience (they can tell)✅ Biochemistry is leverage: hydrate, breathe, move, sunlight✅ Choose joy while you work—easier to recruit help✅ Process & replace triggers so old songs stop playingMemorable Quotes

Are your toddler's meltdowns leaving you “touched out” and wondering how to stay calm? What if the fastest way to end tantrums is more connection—not more limits?In this video, we break down attachment parenting for toddlers—the practical, science-aligned way to reduce tantrums, boost cooperation, and rebuild calm (in you and your child). You'll learn why kids imitate your emotions but can't yet regulate them, how to be the adult in the room, and the exact strategies we used to go 16+ years without tantrums in our home.We'll show you how to increase your capacity (food, sleep, recovery) so you're not running on empty, plus simple co-regulation tools like cuddle-pauses, couch resets, and family calm breaks. Attachment isn't coddling—it's how kids become secure and independent. When their emotional bucket is full, clinginess drops and behavior improves. Parenting isn't convenient—but it can be effective.Key Takeaways✅ Attachment first makes every other parenting strategy work better✅ Capacity over boundaries: build yourself up so you can show up✅ Food & sleep are fuel for patience, presence, and self-control✅ Fill the bucket daily: secure kids act better and rebel less✅ Pause > push through: a 2-minute cuddle beats a 20-minute battleMemorable Quotes

Breaking Free from Shame, Codependency, and Toxic Family Systems Growing up in a toxic family system wires you to live in shame and codependency—and often leads you to attract narcissists or relationships that repeat the cycle. In this episode, Lisa A. Romano explains how childhood trauma programs your brain and nervous system for survival, and how you can begin breaking free from people-pleasing, guilt, and self-abandonment. If you're ready to reclaim your self-worth and step out of survival mode, this is your wake-up call. ✨ This episode is a must-listen if you: Grew up with alcoholism, narcissism, or neglect in your family system Feel stuck in codependent patterns and toxic relationships Struggle with guilt, shame, or saying "no" Long to reclaim your self-worth and live authentically

Are you using “attachment parenting” — or accidentally doing permissive parenting?In this eye-opening conversation, Greg & Rachel Denning break down what true attachment parenting is (and isn't). They share the skills, mindsets, and tools that helped them eliminate tantrums for 16 years and prevent teen rebellion—without yelling, shaming, or rigid control.You'll learn why parenting is a specific, learnable skill, how to build secure attachment from baby to teen, and where popular advice (cry-it-out, forced “holding time,” over-scheduling, letting kids lead everything) quietly damages trust. You'll also get a clear blueprint for connection with boundaries so kids feel safe, seen, and guided—and you feel calm, confident, and effective.Bottom line: Attachment is earned, not forced. Respect your child's free will, meet real needs (sleep, food, attention), co-regulate big emotions, and set firm, sensible boundaries. That's the evergreen approach that works in every generation.Key Takeaways✅ Parenting is a skill—unrelated to how good you are at business, sports, or leadership.✅ Attachment ≠ permissive. It's connection + boundaries and kind + firm.✅ Attachment is earned, not forced. No cry-it-out or “holding until defeat.”✅ Respect free will while providing age-appropriate structure and safety.✅ Co-regulation first (your calm is contagious), then teach self-regulation.✅ Meet basics (sleep, nutrition, attention) before behavior battles.✅ Measure success by long-term trust and adult outcomes—not short-term compliance.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Attachment Parenting00:43 Clarifying Misunderstandings in Parenting02:04 The Importance of Parenting Skills03:09 Defining Success in Parenting04:39 Understanding Attachment Parenting05:23 The Dangers of Misapplied Parenting Techniques06:56 The Impact of Adoption on Attachment08:25 The Consequences of Control in Parenting11:28 The Role of Freedom in Child Development13:48 The Misconception of Holding Time16:10 The Impact of Sleep Training on Children17:59 Respecting Free Will in Parenting20:39 The Concept of Holding Time24:22 Understanding Boundaries and Safety28:24 Preparing Children for Adulthood31:24 The Lifelong Mentor-Mentee Relationship33:01 Building a Legacy of Good ParentingMemorable Quotes

In this episode of The Anxiety Chicks, Alison and Taylor unpack what it really means to be the “strong one” while secretly struggling with anxiety. They explore how childhood roles, family expectations, and perfectionism contribute to high-functioning anxiety and the emotional toll of constantly keeping it together. The Chicks share honest reflections and practical tools for releasing the pressure to be perfect, regulating emotions, and redefining what true strength looks like. Timestamps 02:08 Understanding the 'Strong One' Phenomenon 04:56 Family Systems and High Functioning Anxiety 14:04 The Connection Between Perfectionism and Anxiety 21:27 The Cost of Keeping It Together 25:43 Healing and Self-Discovery The Single Sisters Circle (40+) A supportive private membership community within The Anxiety Healer's Hub for single women 40+ who crave authentic connection and conversation through LIVE Chats, Online events, Interactive coaching calls, and Sisterhood support. Inside The Hub, you'll find emotional support, friendship, and tools for anxiety healing in midlife — all in a safe, stigma-free community. JOIN THE WAITLIST HERE Don't forget to rate and review The Chicks!

Milana Vayntrub is BACK, folks... wait! Back??? That's right! We recorded an episode with Milana a few weeks ago that maybe got a bit TOO real for recorded media, especially for people with boundaries, but she's back and we still get into it! Now you know Milana from a ton of stuff including This Is Us, Silicon Valley and our personal favorites Werewolves Within and Outer Space, and on today's ep, we Milana plays therapist to us, but we then volley the therapeutic tennis ball back at her! We talk food issues, Family Systems, evil inner voices, having healthy self-esteem, being friends with her exes and SO MUCH MORE! PLUS, obvi, we answer YOUR advice questions! If you'd like to ask your own advice questions, call 323-524-7839 and leave a VM or just DM us on IG or Twitter!*Donate to displaced black families of the LA fires here* (Yes, still!)ALSO BUY A BRAND NEW CUTE AF "Open Your Hearts, Loosen Your Butts" mug! And:Support the show on Patreon (two extra exclusive episodes a month!) or gift someone a Patreon subscription! Or get yourself a t-shirt or a discounted Quarantine Crew shirt! And why not leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts? Or Spotify? It takes less than a minute! Follow the show on Instagram! Check out CT clips on YouTube!Plus some other stuff! Watch Naomi's Netflix half hour or Mythic Quest! Check out Andy's old casiopop band's lost album or his other podcast Beginnings!Theme song by the great Sammus! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.