Podcasts about lasting love

Talking about sex can feel awkward—even with the person you love most. But avoiding the conversation doesn't make the issues disappear. It often creates more distance. In this episode, Dr. Kim and Nancy have an honest, grace-filled conversation about building a healthy sexual relationship through open communication, emotional safety, and mutual respect. They share lessons from their own marriage, discuss why every couple experiences different seasons of intimacy, and offer practical ways to have conversations about sex without shame, fear, or defensiveness. Whether you've been married for six months or sixty years, this episode will encourage you to communicate with honesty, pursue one another with love, and create an environment where intimacy can continue to grow. Main Takeaways: Every marriage experiences different seasons of intimacy—and that's normal. The healthiest conversations about sex happen when both spouses feel safe, heard, and respected. Comparison is one of the quickest ways to create dissatisfaction in your marriage. Small, honest conversations build stronger intimacy than avoiding difficult topics. A thriving sex life isn't about perfection—it's about pursuing one another with love, grace, and intentionality. Quotes from this Episode: Dr. Kim Kimberling "Our marriage is not just about sex. It's about all of life, and our intimacy has to fit the season we're in." "When you approach conversations about sex with love instead of criticism, you're setting your marriage up to grow instead of to fail." "Don't compare your marriage to Hollywood or someone else's story. You have to define what works best for the two of you." "Stay at the comfort level of the person who's least comfortable. There's always another way to build intimacy together." "It's not really about the quantity of sex—it's about the quality of the connection." "The goal isn't proving who's right. The goal is making your marriage better together."     Nancy Kimberling "We've always approached these conversations with love, not a critical spirit." "Nothing is more personal than your own body, so sharing it with someone else is the ultimate vulnerability." "Warmth is the best culture to keep between you when you're talking about intimacy." "Emotional safety is foundational. It's hard to be sexually vulnerable if you don't feel emotionally safe."   Time to Talk About it: What helps you feel the safest, most loved, and most connected to me—both emotionally and physically? Are there any conversations about our intimacy that we've been avoiding? If so, what's one small step we could take to talk about them with honesty and grace? What's one thing I do that makes you feel pursued, appreciated, or desired, and what's one thing I could do more often? What would it take to take our sex life up one point? How can we make that happen?   Mentioned in this Episode: Sign up for our daily One Thing email! Our Love Making Survey is a great way to keep conversational loving rather than critical.  Sex is intended to be a gift for your marriage, if you're having a hard time talking about it with your spouse, try this resource: 62 Questions About Sex. Want an opportunity to dig into God's Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. You'll love our 14 Keys to Lasting Love. Check it out with your spouse! If you haven't browsed our site, you've GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com !  Be the first to hear about all things Awesome Marriage, receive monthly bonus content straight from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy, and take advantage of big discounts by becoming a Marriage Changer!   

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) - Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com Episode 3125: Anita Chlipala explains how couples drift from loving talk into logistical talk without noticing, and offers ten open-ended questions that reopen the conversation, covering childhood memories, unmet needs, private worries, unfulfilled dreams, and physical intimacy. She notes that the couples who stay connected are simply deliberate about it, setting aside twenty distraction-free minutes and letting themselves be vulnerable rather than staging grand gestures. It is small, repeatable relationship advice for keeping a marriage close over the long run. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/10-questions-happy-couples-constantly-asking-one-another/ Quotes to ponder: "Too many couples become emotionally disconnected and they never saw it coming." "Let yourself be vulnerable. It's a pathway to intimacy and it helps you build and maintain trust." "Intimacy suffers when people stay focused on the things that aren't going well or take the good things for granted." Optimal Relationships Daily is a daily relationship advice podcast where we narrate the best articles on healthy relationships, dating, marriage, and parenting, read to you by a professional narrator so you can strengthen your closest connections a little more every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you actually feeling your feelings—or are you really good at thinking about them? In this episode, we're joined by somatic coach, educator, and Healing Embodied founder Chelsea Horton to explore why insight alone doesn't always create change. We unpack what Chelsea calls “thought-feeling fusion” and “emotional constipation,” why so many of us automatically analyze, judge, or suppress emotions, and what can happen when we learn to let the body do what it naturally knows how to do.We also get into anxiety, nervous system regulation, body awareness, sensuality, and Chelsea's love of pole dancing as a path toward embodiment and self-expression. Whether you're a big thinker who lives like a “floating head in a jar,” someone who feels everything intensely, or someone who struggles to feel much at all, this conversation offers a different way to relate to your emotions—and your body.Episode Highlights[0:03] - Are you feeling your feelings—or just analyzing them?[2:39] - Why emotions happen in the body and the “floating head in a jar” problem[5:15] - Understanding thought-feeling fusion and why we become “emotionally constipated”[8:43] - Why feeling can be scary and how to build your capacity for body awareness[13:32] - Why we can't selectively numb emotions—and what it really means to feel alive[16:16] - Chelsea shares how pole dancing helped her reclaim sensuality, sexuality, and embodiment[21:32] - Using movement and somatic work to move through shame and insecurity[24:11] - How staying with bodily sensations can transform our relationship with anxiety[27:44] - Learning to feel as a skill—and why you can eventually practice it on your own[31:42] - Making friends with anxiety and recognizing the gifts inside an anxious mind[34:37] - Practical body-awareness exercises for highly sensitive people and those who feel numb[38:42] - Where to begin with somatic work: building a relationship with your body instead of trying to “fix” itLinks & Resourceswww.healingembodied.com/connectwww.facebook.com/groups/embodiedleaderparadigmIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share Insights from the Couch with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Chemistry feels exciting. Compatibility creates lasting love.Have you ever met someone who gave you instant butterflies, only to discover later that the relationship left you anxious, exhausted, or questioning yourself?In this episode, Bela Gandhi sits down with bestselling author and relationship coach Sabrina Bendory to explore why so many smart, successful people mistake chemistry for compatibility. Together, they unpack the hidden patterns that keep us chasing emotionally unavailable partners and explain why healthy love often feels very different than what we've been taught to expect.Whether you're dating after divorce, healing from heartbreak, or simply ready to build a healthier relationship, this conversation offers practical tools to help you date with more confidence, clarity, and self-worth.In this episode you'll learn:• The real difference between chemistry and compatibility• Why emotionally unavailable partners can feel so attractive• How childhood conditioning shapes adult relationships• Why healthy love can feel unfamiliar at first• How to recognize emotional availability• Practical ways to break old dating patterns and find lasting loveIf you're ready to stop chasing the spark and start building a relationship that actually lasts, this episode is for you.

Have you ever stayed quiet because bringing something up felt harder than just letting it go? Between busy schedules, phones, family responsibilities, and years of falling into familiar patterns, it can be surprisingly easy to become disconnected from the people closest to you without realizing it. I sat down with licensed marriage and family therapist Colette Jane Fehr to talk about why avoiding conflict can quietly create distance, and how approaching difficult conversations with honesty and vulnerability can actually bring you closer. We unpack the difference between sharing what you're truly feeling and turning your interpretations into facts about the other person. You'll walk away with practical ways to start hard conversations, recognize when you're abandoning your own needs to keep the peace, and begin rebuilding connection even if your relationship has been on autopilot for years.You'll Learn:How to start a difficult conversation without blame or defensivenessHow to separate your feelings from the story you're telling yourself about your partnerWhat to do when your partner says, “Nothing's wrong” or “You're overreacting”How to recognize the “siren song of avoidance”Ways to protect your relationship while still getting support from friendsWhy midlife can be an opportunity to reconnectHow to stop keeping the peace at your own expenseLinks:Connect with Colette:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colettejanefehr TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@colettejanefehrSubstack: Secrets from a Therapist https://colettejanefehr.substack.com/Watch Colette's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tSUOB2yEd0 Order a copy of The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book Get a copy of Amy's Best selling book: CANNONBALL! FEARLESSLY Facing Midlife and Beyond hereMake sure to share with friends and family and would love if you could leave a review. There are so many shows out there floating around and if you are finding value in the The Right Sized Life Podcast share it with the world – a review means so much.And sign up for the Radiant Woman Reset hereAnd don't forget to follow along on all the socials:http://instagram.com/theamy.schmidthttps://www.facebook.com/fearlesslyfacingfifty/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-schmidt-a5684412/

This episode is devoted to one deceptively simple question: How do you stay close to your partner over time through the inevitable exhaustion, misunderstanding, conflict, disappointment, and change?This episode is brought to you by:Eight Sleep Pod Cover 5 with dual-zone temperature control, so each partner sleeps at their perfect temperatureIn this episode: Esther Perel begins with the basics: appreciation, affection, and replacing chronic complaints with clear requests.Brené Brown explains why marriage is never 50/50 and how she and her husband create what Brené calls a “plan of kindness.” Brad Feld describes the monthly “life dinners” that have helped him and his wife review the previous 30 days, talk honestly about the future, and prevent resentments from building upJim Dethmer offers a practical way to distinguish observable facts from the stories we make up about our partners.Sheila Heen explains how humor and genuine curiosity can serve as an interrupt on an argument that is heating up The late Dr. Sue Johnson then walks us through a “Hold Me Tight” conversation—a way of moving beneath anger and defensiveness to the fear, vulnerability, and need for connection underneath.Terry Real then offers a strikingly simple model for repair and introduces the term “normal marital hatred” - as he put it, nobody ever goes up to him and says “What do you mean by that?!”Finally, Diana Chapman describes what it means to let an outdated version of a marriage end so that two people can consciously choose what comes next for their relationship.Timestamps:Intro from Tim: 00:00:00Esther Perel: 00:01:58Brené Brown: 00:08:21Brad Feld: 00:12:02Jim Dethmer: 00:16:51Shelia Heen: 00:23:04Dr. Sue Johnson: 00:29:26Terry Real: 00:40:14Diana Chapman: 00:46:19Short bios:Esther Perel is an internationally renowned psychotherapist, the New York Times bestselling author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs, and the host of the award-winning podcast Where Should We Begin?Brené Brown is the author of six number-one New York Times bestsellers exploring courage, vulnerability, shame, and resilience; a research professor at the University of Houston; and a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin.Brad Feld is an early-stage investor and entrepreneur and a co-founder of Foundry Group, Mobius Venture Capital, and Techstars. He writes on entrepreneurship, leadership, mental health, and sustaining a life beyond work.Jim Dethmer is a co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group and co-author of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, an influential framework for building candid, responsible, high-trust relationships.Sheila Heen is the deputy director of the Harvard Negotiation Project, founder of Triad Consulting Group, and co-author of the New York Times bestsellers Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback.Dr. Sue Johnson was the pioneering clinical psychologist who created Emotionally Focused Therapy. She was named Psychologist of the Year by the American Psychological Association and appointed to the Order of Canada for her global impact on psychotherapy.Terry Real is an internationally recognized family therapist, a bestselling author, and the creator of Relational Life Therapy. He has spent more than four decades helping couples restore intimacy and connection.Diana Chapman is co-author of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, a cofounder of the Conscious Leadership Group, and founder of the Signal Institute, working with leaders on radical honesty, somatic intelligence, and transformation.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim's email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim's books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when AI becomes more than a tool—and starts becoming a thinking partner, emotional regulator, therapist, or even a relationship? In this episode, we're getting very honest about our own relationships with ChatGPT, Claude, and AI: how often we use them, what we actually find helpful, and the parts that already make us a little nervous.We're digging into the tension between the convenience of AI and the very human things we don't want to lose: creativity, critical thinking, emotional regulation, vulnerability, and real connection. Is AI helping us think—or slowly teaching us not to? Can an always-available chatbot change what we expect from relationships? And what happens when people start turning to AI for therapy, dating advice, companionship, and comfort? This one left both of us thinking about some boundaries we may need to put in place.Episode Highlights[0:40] - Confessing how much we're actually using AI in our everyday lives.[2:29] - Why AI can feel like another relationship where you're just not being understood.[4:10] - The “ick” of AI validation, false flattery, and having a companion who never gets annoyed.[5:35] - Where AI shines as a strategic thinking partner for work, career moves, and problem-solving.[7:05] - Using AI for emotional regulation—and why we're starting to see some genuine value in it.[9:06] - Why AI support can't replace human co-regulation, responsiveness, and connection.[11:34] - Are we eliminating the “friction of humanity” by choosing synthetic relationships over messy real ones?[12:56] - How quickly AI has infiltrated our lives—and why that raises questions about cognitive atrophy.[14:40] - What GPS can teach us about outsourcing our memory, thinking, and problem-solving.[16:00] - Creativity, imagination, and the danger of letting AI do the messy ideating for us.[17:55] - Why we may need to think for ourselves before asking AI what it thinks.[18:27] - Esther Perel, AI relationships, and the reality of people forming bonds with artificial companions.[20:08] - Dating, rejection, vulnerability, and why synthetic relationships may become especially seductive.[23:04] - Asking AI what someone else is thinking—and whether AI could eventually replace parts of therapy.[24:06] - What happened when a young couple arrived at therapy already armed with AI-generated attachment insights.[26:39] - AI couples therapy: far-fetched idea or something therapists need to prepare for now?[27:17] - The human advantage: presence, relational skills, nuance, and the personal touch AI can't fully replicate.[28:58] - The Master and His Emissary, right-brain thinking, and protecting the parts of ourselves that make us beautifully human.[30:25] - Why human beings being flawed, nuanced, and messy may be exactly what's worth holding onto.If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share Insights from the Couch with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Avoidance doesn't always look like silence, shutting down, or refusing to communicate. In fact, you can be highly verbal, expressive, and even confrontational—and still be avoiding the conversations that actually matter. In this episode, we're unpacking the sneaky ways avoidance shows up in relationships, from people pleasing and hyper-independence to criticism, passive aggressiveness, bickering, and numbing out.We're also getting personal about the ways we've recognized these patterns in our own lives and relationships. If you've ever thought, “It's not worth bringing up,” waited until resentment exploded, expected someone to read your mind, or convinced yourself you're just better off handling everything alone, this conversation is for you. We'll help you recognize avoidant communication and start moving toward more honest, assertive, self-connected conversations—without sacrificing kindness.Episode Highlights[0:39] - Why avoidance is so misunderstood—and why being highly communicative doesn't mean you're not avoiding.[2:15] - The “siren song of avoidance”: “It's not worth it,” “It'll only start a fight,” and “Why bother?”[4:20] - When holding things in turns into overcommunicating, sarcasm, resentment, or a “victim volcano.”[8:08] - Outsourcing emotional intimacy to kids, friends, family, or someone outside your relationship.[11:16] - Distracting and numbing with phones, TV, work, social media, and other forms of escape.[12:44] - People pleasing, “good girlitis,” and learning to tolerate other people being disappointed in you.[15:40] - A practical way to build your assertiveness muscle without starting with your hardest conversation.[19:58] - How criticizing and blaming can masquerade as communicating your needs.[23:16] - Replacing harshness with direct, kind communication that your partner actually has a chance of hearing.[25:48] - Hyper-independence, the “I'll handle it myself” mentality, and the self-fulfilling prophecy it creates.[28:37] - Shutting down, stonewalling, and compartmentalizing uncomfortable relationship problems.[30:10] - Victim volcano syndrome and passive aggressiveness: what sarcasm, digs, and “jokes” may really be telling you.[34:13] - Why seemingly harmless bickering—or “toxic ping pong”—can slowly damage connection.[37:02] - Sweeping frustrations under the rug and recognizing just how many “normal” relationship behaviors are actually avoidance.[38:52] - Self-connected communication: getting underneath frustration, naming your emotions, identifying your needs, and coming forward clearly.[41:36] - Practicing communication people can hear, repairing when you get it wrong, and taking responsibility for your side of the street.If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

RDr. Thomas Attig, PhD is one of the most influential voices in contemporary grief theory and applied philosophy. He is the author of Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows: Collected Writings on How We Grieve published by Oxford University Press. Also, The Heart of Grief: Death and the Search for Lasting Love and How We Grieve: Relearning the World, also published by Oxford University Press. His work centers on the idea that grieving is an active, choice‑filled process — a relearning of how to be in the world after loss. s.Attig has written extensively on grief, loss, care of the dying, suicide intervention, death education, and the ethics of interactions with the dying. He is a past President of the Association for Death Education and Counseling and has delivered keynote talks and workshops across the U.S., Canada, England, Australia, Israel, and Germany.He taught philosophy at Bowling Green State University for nearly 25 years, serving as department chair and helping establish the world's first Ph.D. program in Applied Philosophy. Since 1995, he has worked independently as an applied philosopher, writer, and speaker.Attig's central theme: grief is not about letting go — it's about learning to love in separation, carrying forward the legacies of those we mourn while rebuilding our lives.He currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where he continues writing, teaching, and speaking.Dr. Thomas Attig's Sites:Website: https://www.griefsheart.com/links.phpBooks: Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows: Collected Writings on How We Grieve AT https://global.oup.com/academic/search?q=Seeking+Wisdom+in+Death%27s+Shadows&cc=us&lang=en30 % Discount on book with Promotion Code: "aufly30" on left side of checkout screenLook for all his work at https://global.oup.com/academic/search?q=+Thomas+Attig&cc=us&lang=enor other fine book stores (Amazon and others in home website above).OTR Sites:Podcast Website: https://bobadleman.wixsite.com/otrmentalhealthBlog: https://realplus.bearblog.dev/otr-lies-from-the-tablecloth/Public Square Community Ko-Fi.com/otrachieving Mail: OvertheRainbowbob@gmail.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/otrachievingmentalhealhfrInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/over_the_rainbow_achievingX: https://twitter.com/overtherain1bowYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChEYTddPDUaiZbFliit1r5QLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adleman/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Guest host John Strand is chatting with some of his favorite North Dakotans and to kick off Afternoons Live he welcomes Clay Jenkinson to talk about his love for North Dakota and how we can maintain our state for years to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Divorce is often portrayed as a battle—one that leaves everyone emotionally exhausted and financially depleted. But what if that's not the only path forward? In this episode of This Is Woman's Work, Nicole Kalil sits down with Erin Levine, founder and CEO of Hello Divorce, to challenge the common misconceptions surrounding divorce and explore what it actually takes to have a good one. After nearly two decades as a family law attorney, Erin witnessed firsthand how the traditional legal system often creates unnecessary conflict, higher costs, and prolonged emotional distress. That experience inspired her to build a different approach—one that supports people through one of life's biggest transitions with greater clarity, compassion, and confidence. In This Episode, Nicole and Erin Discuss: The three legal steps every divorce requires. Why 95% of divorces are resolved through agreement rather than trial. Common misconceptions about the divorce process. State-by-state differences that can significantly impact divorce timelines. Why divorce should be viewed as a life transition—not just a legal proceeding. Erin's definition of a "good divorce" and what makes it possible. Why fear and anger often lead to poor decisions during divorce. The financial mistakes that frequently cost people thousands of dollars. The role divorce coaches, mediators, therapists, financial professionals, and real estate experts can play throughout the process. Practical conversations and ground rules couples can establish before filing for divorce. Common misconceptions surrounding custody arrangements. Important considerations when dividing real estate and retirement assets. Why the end of a marriage doesn't necessarily mean the relationship failed. Ultimately, the conversation reframes divorce as a process that can be navigated with clarity, dignity, and support rather than conflict. Thank you to our sponsors! Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW.  Go to https://CovePure.com/tiww to get $250 off. Thanks to CovePure for sponsoring this episode! Connect with Erin: Website: https://hellodivorce.com/  LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlevine/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/hellodivorce  Related Podcast Episodes: 047 / Mindset, Resilience & Divorce with Susan Tripi The Collaborative Co-Parent (How To Put Your Kids First) with Gabriella Pomare | 401 Healing Relationships: The 4 Essential Pillars for Lasting Love with Dr. Rachel Glik | 283 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

If you've ever left a doctor's office feeling dismissed, confused, or wondering if you're asking the wrong questions, you're not alone. We sat down with menopause expert Esther Blum for an eye-opening conversation about hormone replacement therapy, why so many women struggle to get the care they deserve, and what every woman should know about advocating for herself. This conversation challenges outdated beliefs, tackles common myths, and explores why so many women are being told they're "fine" when they know something isn't right.We also unpack the long-term impact hormones can have on brain, bone, and cardiovascular health, why finding the right provider matters, and what changes need to happen so future generations of women receive better care. Whether you're already navigating perimenopause or simply want to be informed before you get there, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Episode Highlights[0:03] - Welcoming Esther Blum and introducing her TEDx talk on the "prescription pad of misogyny."[0:56] - Why so many women are being dismissed, gaslit, and offered outdated menopause advice.[5:02] - Laura shares her own experience trying to access hormone therapy and asks the question so many women are asking: when is the right time to start?[8:16] - Esther explains early signs of perimenopause, why waiting for severe symptoms isn't necessary, and the importance of early intervention.[12:49] - We discuss the frustration of receiving completely different advice from different providers—even menopause specialists.[18:32] - Practical strategies for finding a hormone-literate provider and becoming your own best advocate.[24:20] - Esther shares resources, recommended testing, and why education is one of the most powerful tools women have.[29:30] - We unpack testosterone pellets, alternative treatment options, and common misconceptions about hormone therapy.[34:05] - Esther shares her advocacy work to improve menopause education in medical schools and create better access to care for women everywhere.[39:05] - Where to connect with Esther, learn more about her work, and watch for her upcoming TEDx Talk.If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share Insights from the Couch with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

A conversation on deep listening, dukkha, vulnerability, acceptance, and using relationship as spiritual practice.In this episode of The Midlife Spirituality Project, I'm joined by Devon Hase, co-author of This Messy, Gorgeous Love: A Buddhist Guide to Lasting Partnership.This conversation explores what Buddhist wisdom can teach us about love, marriage, conflict, and the very human messiness of being in close relationship with another person. Devon shares why difficulty in partnership does not mean something is wrong, how the Buddhist concept of dukkha can help us normalize the “bumpy ride” of love, and why our closest relationships often become some of our greatest opportunities for spiritual growth.We also talk about deep listening — to ourselves, to our partner, and to the relationship itself — and how this practice can help us move from projection and criticism toward curiosity, compassion, and connection.Devon and I also discuss vulnerability, codependency, attachment, the middle way, accepting our partners as they are while still honoring our own needs, and the importance of deliberately practicing joy and appreciation in long-term relationships.In This Episode, We Talk AboutWhy relationships can feel especially complicated in midlifeThe Buddhist concept of dukkha and why love can feel like a “bumpy ride”Deep listening as a practice for ourselves, our partners, and the relationshipHow meditation helps us see our projections more clearlyRelationship as a path of spiritual growthAccepting your partner while still naming your needsCodependency, attachment, autonomy, and connectionThe Buddhist “middle way” in partnershipVulnerability, boundaries, and “having no skin” with the people closest to usPracticing joy, appreciation, and tech-free connectionConnect With Devon & Nicowww.devonandnicohase.comIG: @devonandnicohase.comBuy The Book: This Messy, Gorgeous LoveAbout Katie FarinasKatie Farinas is a midlife coach, yoga teacher, and spiritual guide who helps women navigate midlife with clarity, peace, purpose, and empowerment. Through yoga philosophy, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and energy-based practices, Katie supports women in reconnecting with themselves and stepping fully into their most aligned and authentic lives.✨ Ways To Go Deeper:If you're ready to feel less overwhelmed and more connected to your body, needs, and inner voice, explore my 4-week private coaching experience for midlife women: Reconnect With Your Body and Yourself. Learn more here.Record your question here and I will answer it on the show!! https://www.speakpipe.com/KatieFarinasJoin the Monthly SatsangVisit Katie's websiteJoin the newsletter for soulful insights and to receive weekly practicesRead and watch on SubstackBook a reflective Insight Seat to come on the show and receive live coachingSchedule a Clarity Call to see if my coaching is right for you.

Healthy relationships begin with the relationship you have with yourself. In this episode of Permission to Thrive, Suzi Lula shares three simple daily practices that can help you create healthier relationships, deepen self-love, strengthen emotional connection, and cultivate the kind of lasting love that begins from within. Whether you're nurturing a current relationship or calling one into your life, these practices will help you embody more appreciation, intention, and love in every relationship. Plus, stay until the end for a bonus guided meditation to help you integrate these practices and open your heart to healthier, more loving relationships. If you'd like to continue exploring what creates lasting love, be sure to listen to these episodes: "27 Years of Healthy Marriage Begins With This Inner Work," https://www.suzilula.com/27-years-of-healthy-marriage-begins/ “3 Steps To Self-Love”https://www.suzilula.com/3-step-self-love-practice-everyone/Start with my free Gift 3-Part Relationship Intensive:https://courses.suzilula.com/FREE3PartRelationshipINTENSIVEAnd if you're ready to go deeper, explore my Transform Your RELATIONSHIPS course:https://courses.suzilula.com/Transform-Your-RELATIONSHIPSIf you're ready to continue your journey in a deeper, more immersive way, join Suzi's upcoming SANCTUARY experience: https://courses.suzilula.com/SANCTUARY If this episode spoke to your heart and you're ready to go deeper, I would love to support you inside my programs. I've created these experiences to help you embody self love, reconnect with your inner light, and gently step into a more grounded, supported, and thriving life:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://courses.suzilula.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Have questions? You can always reach us at Team@SuziLula.comIf this episode supported you, please follow or subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode every Wednesday.Thank you for being here with me. Your support helps this message reach more people who are ready to move from surviving to truly thriving.Until next week, give yourself permission to thrive.Much love,SuziConnect with MeWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.suzilula.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/SuziLula⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/suzi.lula/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@SuziLula⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This Podcast Is Produced, Engineered & Edited By: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Simplified Impact⁠⁠⁠

What happens when the relationship that's supposed to feel the safest becomes the one that keeps you stuck? In this episode, we sit down with journalist and author Ashley Oreman to explore the complicated reality of mother wounds, dysfunctional parent-child relationships, and the healing that becomes possible when we stop waiting for someone else to change.Together, we unpack why setting boundaries can feel so difficult, how childhood attachment shapes our adult relationships, and what it really looks like to grieve the mother you wish you had while creating a healthier future for yourself. Whether you've struggled with people-pleasing, emotional enmeshment, or simply wondered why certain relationship patterns keep repeating, this conversation offers compassion, insight, and hope.Episode Highlights[0:03] - Welcome back! We introduce today's powerful conversation on motherhood, healing, and midlife growth.[1:08] - Ashley shares the inspiration behind her book and how her own experiences led her to write about mother wounds.[3:01] - Discover how childhood experiences can quietly shape self-worth, relationships, and emotional patterns in adulthood.[8:15] - We explore why understanding a parent's history may bring clarity—but doesn't erase the impact of emotional neglect.[12:59] - What happens when you finally speak your truth? Ashley shares her journey of communicating boundaries and what followed.[18:12] - The difficult reality of low contact, honoring yourself, and accepting what someone else may never be able to give.[21:54] - How creating healthy distance reduced rumination, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm.[24:25] - We dive into attachment theory, relational templates, and how early family dynamics influence adult partnerships.[26:07] - Ashley discusses family reactions, navigating guilt, and staying grounded after setting firm boundaries.[30:14] - Why grieving the relationship you hoped for is an essential part of healing.[31:50] - Ashley explains the interactive exercises in her book and practical ways readers can process difficult emotions.[35:41] - We talk about the pressure of "but it's your mom," and why every relationship deserves healthy boundaries.[39:03] - An important reminder: this isn't about blaming mothers—it's about accountability, healing, and breaking unhealthy cycles.[43:47] - Where to find Ashley, her book, and more of her work.Links & ResourcesAshley Oerman is a health and wellness journalist, editor, and author of Motherfcked: How to Stop Your Mother's Toxic Drama From Ruining Your Life.Book: Motherfcked: How to Stop Your Mother's Toxic Drama From Ruining Your Lifehttps://www.amazon.com/Motherf-cked-Mothers-Toxic-Ruining/dp/1637748612/Substack: https://ashleyoerman.substack.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyoerman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyoerman/If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Get the 200+ Page Optimal Living Daily Workbook (PDF) - Free. Want to turn today's episode into an actionable plan? Join the Optimal Living Weekly newsletter and I'll send you our 200-page digital workbook immediately. It's packed with the best takeaways from the show, formatted for easy reading and implementation at home. Get your free PDF workbook here: https://oldpodcast.eo.page/join Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3090: Dr. Diana Kirschner of Love In 90 Days explains what to do when you find your soulmate at the wrong time. In part 1, she shares the story of Clarissa, who fell for a coworker while married, and shows how expressing your real needs can turn a struggling marriage back into a passionate, healthy relationship. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovein90days.com/when-you-find-your-soulmate-at-the-wrong-time/ Quotes to ponder: "Instead of acting on your impulses, it is usually best to try to take that exquisite energy that you are feeling with the new guy and see if it can be cultivated in your present relationship." "Your journey begins with owning and expressing your own needs to your spouse." "Remember, your partner is alive and it is you who is currently the beneficiary of all his or her goodies." Optimal Relationships Daily is a daily relationship advice podcast where we narrate the best articles on healthy relationships, dating, marriage, and family, read to you by a professional narrator so you can strengthen your closest connections a little more every day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to another episode of Man vs Marriage. I'm Quincy Moran, aka the Q-DawG, coming to you live from the Moran Family Studio.Today I am honored to sit down with a man who has spent more than four decades helping people grow in their relationships and personal development. Dr. Roger K. Allen is a psychologist, bestselling author, and relationship educator. In 1980 he founded and served as president of the Human Development Institute, where he provided thousands of hours of individual, marriage, and family therapy. He has taught hundreds of thousands of people through seminars, workshops, and online programs and has certified more than 1,500 coaches and consultants worldwide in his methodologies.Roger is the author of several powerful books, including The Hero's Choice, Living from the Inside Out, Raising Responsible Emotionally Mature Children, Six Habits of a Healthy Marriage, and How to Build Trust, Connection, and Lasting Love.Check out his work! : https://www.rogerkallen.com/meet-roger/#journeyIn this conversation we talk about:What 50 years of marriage has taught him about personal and relational maturationWhy marriage is one of the most powerful contexts for becoming more Christ-likeThe journey of “becoming” and how we grow through the hard momentsHow to handle conflict without defensivenessLearning to pause, own your emotions, and create emotional safetyThe difference between reacting and respondingPractical tools for creating shared understanding instead of winning the argumentBringing grace to yourself and your spouse when you mess upRoger shares real, vulnerable stories from his own marriage — including moments at the dinner table, phone scrolling, emotional differences between partners, and how he has learned to take ownership instead of defending himself.This is a rich, practical, and deeply encouraging episode for any man who wants to lead better at home and grow in emotional maturity.Key TakeawaysMarriage is one of the greatest classrooms for personal growth, humility, and becoming more Christ-like.Lasting love is not luck — it is built through intentional daily choices rooted in awareness, kindness, and responsibility.Emotional maturity starts with managing yourself first (your feelings, your reactions, your defensiveness) before trying to communicate better.When you get triggered, pause. Own what you are feeling. Then come back and create a safe space for your spouse to share.You do not have to be perfect. You can ask for a “do-over.”Shared understanding matters more than being right.Bring grace to yourself and to your spouse.Your Call to ActionThis week, practice pausing the next time you feel defensive. Name what you are feeling. Then invite your spouse to share without interrupting or defending.Tag a brother who needs this conversation and share the episode with him.Men Helping Men. Hope Starts Here. Legacy is the long game.Contact & LinksQuincy Moran Email: quincy@mvsmpodcast.com Website: https://quincymoran.comFor more from Dr. Roger K. Allen, search for his books: The Hero's Choice • Living from the Inside Out • Six Habits of a Healthy Marriage • How to Build Trust, Connection, and Lasting LoveHashtags #ManVsMarriage #DrRogerAllen #HealthyMarriage #EmotionalMaturity #LegacyRoadmap #MenHelpingMen

Clutter isn't just about having too much stuff—it's about what that clutter may be doing to your mind. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind why clutter can increase stress, drain your energy, contribute to decision fatigue, and make it harder to focus. We also share our own very different relationships with clutter, from compulsive purging to sentimental keepsakes, and how life experiences can shape the way we hold onto things.Whether you're staring at an overflowing closet, hanging onto items that no longer serve you, or simply craving a little more peace in your home, this conversation offers practical strategies and science-backed insights to help you create more space—both physically and mentally. If you've been feeling overwhelmed or weighed down, this episode may be exactly what you need.Episode Highlights[0:03] – Why clutter is so much more than a housekeeping issue—and how it may be quietly impacting your stress, focus, and overall well-being.[1:08] – We share our very different relationships with clutter, from compulsive purging to growing up around hoarding, and how those experiences shaped us.[3:45] – The surprising sense of peace that comes from simplifying your surroundings—and the science that explains why it feels so good.[6:53] – How visual clutter increases cognitive load, decision fatigue, and even cortisol levels without you realizing it.[10:37] – Why major life transitions, grief, and emotional wounds often show up in the way we accumulate and hold onto our belongings.[15:28] – The emotional pull of sentimental items, why it's so hard to let go, and how to curate what truly matters.[20:10] – What we learned from downsizing, moving, and starting over—and why owning less can create more emotional freedom.[23:48] – Practical decluttering strategies you can actually stick with, even if you're feeling completely overwhelmed.[29:20] – A fresh perspective on minimalism, consumer culture, and becoming more intentional about what you bring into your home.[33:07] – Why decluttering during busy seasons of life can feel impossible—and the small changes that make the biggest difference.[36:19] – We leave you with a simple challenge to consume less, create more space, and protect your peace.If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share Insights from the Couch with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

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We've been taught to believe that love is something you fall into. That when you meet the right person, you'll just know. The chemistry will be undeniable. The connection effortless. But what if almost everything we've been taught about love is wrong? In this episode of The Language of Love, I sit down with social psychologist, relationship expert, and author of Love by Design, Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh. For more than two decades, Sara has studied thriving couples across 40 countries to understand what actually creates lasting, fulfilling love. Her research challenges many of the myths we've grown up believing and offers a refreshing, evidence-based perspective on what makes relationships flourish. One of the biggest takeaways? Lasting love isn't something you stumble into. It's something you intentionally create. We explore why the butterflies we chase can sometimes be our nervous system responding to familiar patterns rather than genuine compatibility, why peaceful relationships can initially feel unfamiliar, and what it really takes to build a relationship that grows stronger over time. In this episode, we discuss: • Why love is built, not found • The biggest myth about love that keeps people stuck in unhealthy relationship patterns • Why intense chemistry isn't always a sign you've found the right person • How your nervous system shapes who you're attracted to • The difference between anxiety, excitement, and genuine compatibility • Why healthy love can sometimes feel "boring" at first and why that's often a good sign • The six essential ingredients Sara has found in thriving, long-term relationships • How to cultivate attraction and intimacy long after the honeymoon phase ends • A simple practice that helps couples feel more connected without saying a word • Why your relationship patterns show up not only with romantic partners, but also with family, friends, and colleagues • The powerful question that can reveal whether you're settling for the love you think you deserve Whether you're dating, married, healing from heartbreak, or simply wanting stronger relationships in every area of your life, this conversation offers practical wisdom grounded in decades of research and real-world experience. To learn more about Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, visit her website and pick up a copy of Love by Design. If this conversation resonated with you, please share it with someone who could use the reminder that healthy love isn't about finding the perfect person. It's about creating the kind of relationship where both people can truly thrive. To learn more about Dr. Sara's work, grab her book Love by Design or connect with her at her website. And if this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear that love doesn't have to be a mystery. It can be a choice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when frustration quietly turns into contempt—and what does that mean for the future of your relationship? In this conversation, we sit down with relationship therapist and author Zach Brittle to unpack one of the most destructive dynamics couples experience and why it's often misunderstood.Together, we explore where contempt comes from, how unrealistic expectations and unspoken needs fuel disconnection, and what it really takes to rebuild trust and intimacy. If you've ever wondered whether your relationship is stuck in a painful cycle—or how to shift it—this episode is full of practical insights that will challenge the way you think about connection.Episode Highlights[0:03] – Welcoming Zach Brittle and introducing why contempt is one of the biggest threats to healthy relationships.[1:20] – The Gottman Method, the Four Horsemen, and why contempt stands apart from the rest.[5:25] – How contempt develops over time and why it's far more than simply feeling annoyed with your partner.[7:50] – Expectations, comparison, and the hidden ways resentment begins to grow.[10:37] – Solvable versus perpetual relationship problems—and why acceptance matters.[13:19] – Losing positive sentiment and how couples begin viewing everything through a negative lens.[15:50] – Recognizing the warning signs before contempt becomes the default dynamic.[18:40] – The importance of asking clearly for what you need instead of expecting your partner to read your mind.[20:41] – When your needs aren't being met: accepting reality, setting boundaries, and making difficult relationship decisions.[22:08] – Why trying to "win" or change your partner often creates even more distance and frustration.[24:27] – A memorable analogy using sexual communication to explain why direct feedback strengthens connection.[26:13] – What being a responsive partner really looks like and why assumptions get couples into trouble.[28:36] – The "pasta and mailbox" examples: how neutral everyday actions can be interpreted through either appreciation or resentment.[30:02] – Negative sentiment override, confirmation bias, and why we often assume the worst of the people we love.[32:00] – Challenging the stories we tell ourselves and taking responsibility for how we show up in conflict.[35:28] – Practical ways to intentionally cultivate appreciation and prevent resentment from becoming contempt.[36:52] – Zach shares his latest book, his Substack, final relationship wisdom, and where listeners can connect with him.Links & ResourcesMarriage Therapy Radio Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marriage-therapy-radio/id1295458667Zach Brittle's Books: https://zachbrittle.com/writing/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marriagetherapyradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriagetherapyradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marriagetherapyradioIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Ever wonder why certain conflicts keep resurfacing in your relationships, or why you wake from a vivid dream feeling shaken without understanding why? Sometimes, the real roots of our struggles with loved ones aren't just out in the open—they're buried in the deeper layers of our own subconscious. When we ignore these internal signals, challenges can feel insurmountable, and solutions remain out of reach. In this episode, listeners will explore how dreams and moments of inner reflection can act as a mirror, revealing hidden emotions and unresolved patterns that shape the way we connect with others. By diving into the interplay between our inner world and our daily lives, practical techniques are shared to help harness the wisdom of dreams and self-inquiry—so relationships can become more creative, connected, and resilient in the face of recurring challenges. Bonnie Buckner, PhD, is founder and CEO of the International Institute for Dreaming and Imagery®, author of THE SECRET MIND, and Program Lead for George Washington University's One Humanity Leadership Coaching Certification Program, where she uses dreaming and imagery work to develop coaches.   Episode Highlights 04:37 How nighttime reflections illuminate daily life and relationships. 08:52 Emotional processing: Recalibrating through dreams. 11:39 Dreams as personal mirrors: Identifying patterns and insights. 14:06 Creativity, imagination, and the value of contemplative states. 16:25 Applying dreamwork principles to relationship challenges. 19:31 Inner conflict, projection, and energetic shifts in relationships. 24:05 Linking inner awareness to relationship dynamics. 28:53 The essentials of effective dream journaling. 30:58 Benefits of detailed dream recall and handwriting practices. 35:11 Shifting relationship patterns through dream awareness. 39:45 Perspective-taking and empathy through dream-inspired creativity. 42:31 Navigating mystery and uncertainty in relationship communication. 48:18 Best practices for couples exploring dreams together.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Record Your Dreams: Write down your dreams in detail as soon as you wake up, resisting the urge to edit or judge the content. Reflect Without Editing: Practice non-editing and non-judging by documenting all aspects of your dream, including emotions, images, and phrases, to foster honest self-inquiry. Identify Emotional Themes: Look for recurring emotions or patterns in your dreams, such as anger or anxiety, which may point to unresolved inner conflicts. Apply Dream Insights to Waking Life: If you notice yourself using strong language (e.g., "nightmare boss") in daily life, pause to examine your emotional response and recalibrate internally. Practice Waking Dream Exercises: Revisit challenging dream scenarios while awake, imagining new responses—like facing a monster instead of running—to shift internal dynamics. Acknowledge All Facets of Self: Recognize that different dream symbols represent multiple aspects of yourself, helping you better understand your reactions and behaviors. Share Dreams Mindfully With Partners: When discussing dreams with your partner, speak from your own perspective (e.g., "If it were my dream...") and avoid interpreting their experience as fact. Embrace Curiosity and Mystery: Approach both your dreams and your partner with openness to not knowing, allowing for shared exploration and growth even through uncertainty.   Mentioned The Secret Mind (*Amazon Affiliate link) (book) One Humanity Leadership Coaching Certification (*George Washington University) (program) Jeremy Taylor (dream worker) (article) DreamSenseMemory - a Gestalt-based dream-work approach embracing all our senses (National Library of Medicine) (article) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love (free relationship guide)   Connect with Dr. Bonnie Buckner Websites: bonniebuckner.com | institutefordreamingandimagery.com Facebook: facebook.com/drbonniebuckner/ | facebook.com/institutefordreamingandimagery Instagram: instagram.com/bonniebucknerdotcom/ | instagram.com/dreamwithiidi LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bonniebuckner/ | linkedin.com/company/international-institute-for-dreaming-and-imagery/posts/?feedView=all  

In this Parsha Review Podcast episode on the double portion Matos-Masei, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the continuation of Pinchas' story from last week. As the Jewish people prepare for war against Midian, Moshe sends 1,000 men from each tribe along with Pinchas — carrying the sacred vessels and trumpets. Rashi explains that Pinchas was singled out because he had begun the mitzvah of zealously defending Hashem's honor and was therefore told to complete it. The episode also highlights the Midrashic connection between Pinchas and Yosef through his mother's lineage (Putiel / Yisro).Rabbi Wolbe focuses on the seven names of Yisro, particularly “Putiel.” While it can be interpreted negatively (fattening calves for idol worship), it can also be seen positively: Yisro was at the “fat” (peak) of his illustrious career and sacrificed everything to join the Jewish people. This leads to a powerful discussion on perspective — choosing to see the positive in people, situations, spouses, children, and even world events.The episode ties beautifully into the Three Weeks: lasting change in avoiding Lashon Hara comes not from simply stopping negative speech, but from changing how we view others. Rabbi Wolbe encourages judging the whole person favorably (kol ha'adam l'kaf zechus), practicing hakaras hatov (gratitude), and refusing to be kafui tov (one who rejects the good done for us). He applies this to family life, parenting, and current events, urging listeners to avoid knee-jerk negativity from media narratives._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 7, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 9, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Matos, #Masei, #Perspective, #HakarasHatov, #ThreeWeeks, #PositivePerspective, #Pinchas, #Yisro, #JudgeFavorably, #BeGrateful ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Parsha Review Podcast episode on the double portion Matos-Masei, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explores the continuation of Pinchas' story from last week. As the Jewish people prepare for war against Midian, Moshe sends 1,000 men from each tribe along with Pinchas — carrying the sacred vessels and trumpets. Rashi explains that Pinchas was singled out because he had begun the mitzvah of zealously defending Hashem's honor and was therefore told to complete it. The episode also highlights the Midrashic connection between Pinchas and Yosef through his mother's lineage (Putiel / Yisro).Rabbi Wolbe focuses on the seven names of Yisro, particularly “Putiel.” While it can be interpreted negatively (fattening calves for idol worship), it can also be seen positively: Yisro was at the “fat” (peak) of his illustrious career and sacrificed everything to join the Jewish people. This leads to a powerful discussion on perspective — choosing to see the positive in people, situations, spouses, children, and even world events.The episode ties beautifully into the Three Weeks: lasting change in avoiding Lashon Hara comes not from simply stopping negative speech, but from changing how we view others. Rabbi Wolbe encourages judging the whole person favorably (kol ha'adam l'kaf zechus), practicing hakaras hatov (gratitude), and refusing to be kafui tov (one who rejects the good done for us). He applies this to family life, parenting, and current events, urging listeners to avoid knee-jerk negativity from media narratives._____________This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa FriedmanDownload & Print the Parsha Review Notes:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ncaRyoH5iJmGGoMZs9y82Hz2ofViVouv?usp=sharingRecorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on July 7, 2026, in Houston, Texas.Released as Podcast on July 9, 2026_____________Subscribe: Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parsha-review-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe/id1651930083)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/22lv1kXJob5ZNLaAl6CHTQ) to stay inspired! Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  _____________About the Host:Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org_____________Support Our Mission:Help us share Jewish wisdom globally by sponsoring an episode at torchweb.org. Your support makes a difference!_____________Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: NEW!! Hey Rabbi! Podcast: https://heyrabbi.transistor.fm/episodesPrayer Podcast: https://prayerpodcast.transistor.fm/episodesJewish Inspiration Podcast: https://inspiration.transistor.fm/episodesParsha Review Podcast: https://parsha.transistor.fm/episodesLiving Jewishly Podcast: https://jewishly.transistor.fm/episodesThinking Talmudist Podcast: https://talmud.transistor.fm/episodesUnboxing Judaism Podcast: https://unboxing.transistor.fm/episodesRabbi Aryeh Wolbe Podcast Collection: https://collection.transistor.fm/episodesFor a full listing of podcasts available by TORCH at http://podcast.torchweb.org_____________Keywords:#Torah, #Parsha, #Numbers, #Bamidbar, #Matos, #Masei, #Perspective, #HakarasHatov, #ThreeWeeks, #PositivePerspective, #Pinchas, #Yisro, #JudgeFavorably, #BeGrateful ★ Support this podcast ★

Emotional intelligence isn't something you're born with—it's a skill you can strengthen, and it has the power to transform your relationships, your confidence, and your overall well-being. In this episode, we're unpacking what high EQ really looks like (hint: it's probably different than you think) and sharing the key markers of emotional maturity that help people thrive at work, at home, and within themselves.Join us as we explore practical ways to become more self-aware, regulate emotions, communicate with greater clarity, and navigate relationships with more compassion and confidence. Whether you're looking to grow personally or strengthen your connections with others, this conversation will leave you with plenty to reflect on—without giving away all the insights before you hit play.Episode Highlights[0:00] – Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in midlife.[1:25] – What EQ really is—and the common misconceptions people have about it.[5:44] – The difference between sensing something is wrong and assuming you know why.[8:58] – Learning to recognize, name, and express emotions in healthy ways.[13:54] – Self-compassion, emotional regulation, and why feeling your emotions matters.[17:00] – Understanding your needs and learning to ask for them.[20:10] – Conflict, repair, and why emotionally healthy relationships can handle hard conversations.[24:52] – Receiving feedback without shame or defensiveness.[28:54] – Why your words, body language, and emotions need to align.[30:38] – Emotional intelligence is built through intentional practice—not just age.If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

What if happiness isn't something you find—but something you create? In this episode, we sit down with author, speaker, coach, and three-time cancer survivor Claudia Noriega-Bernstein for a powerful conversation about choosing authentic happiness from the inside out. We explore why so many of us unknowingly hand our happiness over to other people and circumstances—and what it really takes to reclaim it.Together, we unpack the power of personal responsibility, gratitude, healthy relationships, purpose, and becoming the highest version of yourself. Whether you're navigating midlife, healing from life's challenges, or simply wondering what's next, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and inspiring perspective that will leave you thinking differently about what it means to truly thrive.Episode Highlights[0:03] - Welcoming Claudia Noriega-Bernstein and introducing the journey to authentic happiness[2:11] - Why no one else is responsible for your happiness but you[3:01] - How surviving cancer three times changed Claudia's perspective on living with purpose[5:06] - Why waiting for the "right time" keeps us from living fully today[7:58] - The difference between temporary pleasure and authentic happiness[9:37] - Daily habits that help you intentionally create more joy[13:45] - Teaching children gratitude and emotional resilience from an early age[14:50] - Why your partner isn't responsible for making you happy[18:43] - Becoming the person you're hoping to attract in your relationships[20:55] - Building inner abundance instead of seeking external validation[23:41] - Creating an avatar of your highest self to guide everyday decisions[26:46] - Growing individually while building stronger relationships[28:18] - Claudia's nonprofit mission to support and empower single mothers[33:15] - Finding your purpose by reconnecting with your "why"[35:27] - Choosing radical responsibility as the path to lasting happiness[36:22] - Where to connect with Claudia and support her Author of the Year nominationLinks & ResourcesClaudiaNoriegaBernstein.comInstagram: @Claudia_Noriega_BernsteinFacebook: @ClaudiaNoriegaBernsteinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-noriega-bernstein/Vote for Claudia for the International Impact Book Awards – Author of the Year:https://apply.internationalimpactbookawards.com/public-voting-formIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!  Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Are you exhausted no matter how much you sleep? Feeling detached from things you used to enjoy? In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we're diving into a topic that so many midlife women experience but often misunderstand: burnout.We unpack the clinical signs of burnout, how it differs from everyday stress, and why so many high-achieving, people-pleasing women are especially vulnerable. We also explore the surprising role that hopelessness plays in burnout and share practical ways to recharge when life feels heavy, overwhelming, and out of your control. If you've been running on empty, this conversation may help you recognize the warning signs—and start finding your way back to yourself.Episode Highlights[0:40] - What burnout really is—and why it's different from being stressed or busy[1:38] - The World Health Organization's three key markers of burnout[6:34] - Why hopelessness often becomes the hidden driver of burnout[8:50] - Reduced effectiveness, brain fog, and losing the ability to focus[10:54] - The difference between a difficult day and a true season of burnout[12:35] - Fantasizing about escape and other warning signs to watch for[13:21] - The personality traits that make some people more susceptible to burnout[15:35] - How self-improvement culture can accidentally fuel burnout[18:17] - A powerful story illustrating what happens when hopelessness takes over[23:49] - Why midlife women are especially vulnerable to burnout[25:06] - Finding purpose and meaning when life feels overwhelming[26:34] - The first step to recovery: subtraction, not addition[27:22] - The healing power of connection, laughter, and community[30:15] - Returning to the basics: sleep, nature, movement, and self-care[32:20] - The “knitting needles” metaphor and why letting go is so difficult[34:45] - Questions to ask yourself if you think burnout may be creeping in[36:03] - Why the mindset that created burnout won't necessarily get you out of itIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more! Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

In this fun and empowering episode of The Midlife Makeover Show, Wendy Valentine sits down with Sandy Weiner — Chief Love Officer at Last First Date, internationally known TEDx speaker, and author of three books on dating and relationships — to talk about what it really takes to find love in midlife. Sandy gets refreshingly real about the dating mistakes we make, from the attraction trap to the fantasy-attachment spiral, and why the key to finding lasting love isn't finding the right person first — it's becoming the right person first. From setting boundaries on a first date to discovering your core values through your biggest pet peeves, this episode is packed with practical, no-nonsense wisdom for anyone navigating love after 40.What You'll Learn•       What's truly different about dating in midlife vs. your 20s and 30s — and why that's actually a very good thing•       How to uncover your core values using Sandy's simple "what annoys me" method•       Sandy's practical "Boundaries in Your Back Pocket" approach for communicating your needs with confidence on dates•       The attraction trap — and why chemistry can make us overlook major red flags•       How to know when you're truly ready to date again after divorce or loss — and what to do if you're not sure yet

What if one simple nutrition strategy could support healthy aging, improve metabolic health, boost energy, and even help your skin look better? In this episode of Insights from the Couch, Laura sits down with Renee Fitton, VP of Growth at Prolon and a leading voice in nutrition and longevity science, to unpack the research behind fasting and the fasting mimicking diet.We explore the growing confusion around nutrition in midlife, from protein overload to supplement fatigue, and discuss a more balanced approach to health, longevity, and wellness. Renee shares how fasting mimicking works, why autophagy matters, and what the science says about supporting your body through midlife and beyond. If you've been curious about fasting but overwhelmed by conflicting advice, this conversation is a great place to start.Episode Highlights[0:03] - Laura introduces Renee Fitton and the science-backed world of fasting and longevity[2:13] - Why so many midlife women feel overwhelmed by health and nutrition advice[2:52] - What Prolon is and how a fasting mimicking diet works[6:30] - The current protein craze: what's helpful, what's excessive, and what longevity research suggests[13:36] - Understanding autophagy and the body's natural repair and rejuvenation process[15:44] - The surprising health benefits linked to fasting mimicking, from metabolic markers to skin health[17:28] - How long the benefits last and why fasting may improve your relationship with food[19:30] - Renee shares her personal experience completing multiple fasting mimicking cycles[22:19] - What you actually eat during a Prolon fast and how manageable it feels day-to-day[24:02] - The real-world changes Renee notices in energy, sleep, skin, and mental clarity[27:01] - Who should avoid fasting mimicking and important safety considerations[28:24] - Fasting, cancer recovery research, and resources for survivors[30:18] - Why a gentle 12-hour circadian fast may be more effective than extreme intermittent fasting[32:35] - The hidden impact of skipping breakfast and relying on coffee[34:03] - Why fasting mimicking can be especially beneficial for women in midlife[37:43] - Where to learn more about Prolon and how to get startedLinks & ResourcesProlon Life: https://prolonlife.comRenee Fitton on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fittonnutritionRenee Fitton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneefitton/If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

As a professional Dating Coach, Devorah Kigel has helped hundreds of women get clarity in their dating life and marry their bashert.  She has also been teaching classes for women on Judaism since 2001. Devorah has her Masters in French and lived in Paris for 2 years, before discovering Torah Judaism and becoming observant. Her book “Marry a Mensch: Timeless Jewish Wisdom for Today's Single Woman” was released September 2024 and is available on Amazon. Devorah has been featured in Newsweek, The Jerusalem Post, Meaningful Minute, Torah Anytime and on aish.com.--Please rate and review the Empowered Jewish Living podcast on whatever platform you stream it. Please follow Rabbi Shlomo Buxbaum and the Lev Experience on the following channels:Facebook: @shlomobuxbaumInstagram: @shlomobuxbaumYouTube: TheLevExperienceOrder Rabbi Shlomo' books: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Four Elements of an Empowered Life: A Guidebook to Discovering Your Inner World and Unique Purpose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Four Elements of Inner Freedom: The Exodus Story as a Model for Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Personal Breakthroughs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can order a copy on⁠ Amazon⁠ or in your local Jewish bookstore.

Ciara and Russell Wilson are sharing the real story behind the relationship goals. They discuss the moment Russell knew Ciara was the one, the power of manifestation, their approach to forgiveness, and how they balance romance with the chaos of parenting, work, and faith. Then things get personal as they put their matchmaking skills to work for Keke and play a game to see just how well they know each other.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever found yourself wondering whether a friendship has run its course—or if a difficult conversation could actually save it? In this episode, we're diving into one of the hardest relationship challenges women face in midlife: friendship breakups. We explore what happens when a friendship feels one-sided, when trust has been broken, or when life changes reveal who's truly in your corner.We also share our own experiences with friendship loss, hurt feelings, resentment, and the courage it takes to have honest conversations. If you've been struggling with a friendship that no longer feels good, this episode will help you think through what's really happening beneath the surface and whether repair, distance, or closure is the next right step.Episode Highlights[0:40] - Why friendship breakups are so difficult—and why they matter in midlife[1:14] - The powerful role female friendships play in creating a meaningful life[3:28] - What healthy friendships look like: support, reciprocity, honesty, and emotional safety[5:06] - How major life events reveal who your true friends are[8:18] - Outgrowing friendships, one-sided relationships, and evaluating where your energy goes[10:21] - A candid look at reciprocity and what keeps friendships strong over time[14:53] - Signs that something may be wrong in a friendship[16:02] - Laura shares the heartbreak of losing a friendship without closure[18:33] - Colette opens up about having a difficult conversation after feeling deeply hurt by a friend[20:57] - Can friendships recover after honest confrontation?[24:31] - Why speaking up may be the only chance a wounded friendship has to heal[26:02] - Practical steps to take before deciding to end a friendship[27:19] - Don't mistake a difficult season for the end of a relationship[28:38] - The importance of reciprocity, honesty, and emotional investment[31:09] - Why midlife may be a season of pruning relationships[31:32] - How to confront a friendship issue with clarity, kindness, and vulnerability[33:33] - The mistake many adults make when pulling away from friendships[34:43] - Why difficult conversations are usually easier than we imagine[36:09] - How repair can deepen and strengthen meaningful friendshipsIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Have you ever experienced a betrayal that completely shook your sense of self? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with betrayal recovery expert Dr. Debi Silber to unpack why betrayal cuts so deeply, how it impacts our mental, emotional, and physical health, and what it really takes to heal. If you've ever felt stuck replaying the past, struggling to trust again, or wondering why certain wounds seem impossible to move beyond, this episode is for you.Together, we explore Dr. Debi's groundbreaking research on post-betrayal transformation, the surprising symptoms of post-betrayal syndrome, and the five predictable stages of healing. Most importantly, we talk about what's possible on the other side of heartbreak, loss, and disappointment—and why your greatest growth may still be ahead of you. Episode Highlights[0:03] - We introduce Dr. Debi Silber and the life-changing topic of post-betrayal transformation.[2:44] - Dr. Debi shares her personal story of family and marital betrayal that led her to study betrayal recovery.[4:07] - The first major discovery from her research: why betrayal is different from other forms of trauma.[6:01] - How betrayal destroys trust in others—and in ourselves—and why trust must be rebuilt, not repaired.[10:45] - Signs of unhealed betrayal, including repeated relationship patterns, poor boundaries, and emotional self-protection.[16:38] - The surprising symptoms of post-betrayal syndrome and how betrayal impacts physical, mental, and emotional health.[19:28] - Dr. Debi reveals the five stages of healing from betrayal and why so many people get stuck in survival mode.[24:31] - We discuss numbing, emotional eating, overworking, and other coping strategies that keep people trapped in stage three.[29:03] - Four powerful questions to help identify where you're stuck and begin moving toward healing.[32:24] - Why awareness, honesty, and self-reflection are essential for creating lasting transformation.[35:40] - “Hard now, easy later. Easy now, hard later.” Dr. Debi shares a simple mantra for healing and growth.[37:27] - The three groups of people who did not heal in Dr. Debi's research—and the lessons we can learn from them.[39:40] - What life looks like in stage five: healing, confidence, self-trust, and post-betrayal transformation.[40:57] - How to connect with Dr. Debi and learn more about her work.Links & ResourcesThe Post Betrayal Transformation Institute: https://thepostbetrayalinstitute.com/If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Beginning again in midlife can feel equal parts terrifying and exhilarating. Whether life forced a reset through divorce, loss, burnout, empty nesting, or you simply feel a quiet ache for something more, this conversation explores what it really means to start over — and why so many women find themselves standing at this crossroads. We unpack the fear of change, the comfort traps that keep us stuck, and the surprising beauty that can come from allowing yourself to become someone new. We also get honest about reinvention, post-traumatic growth, intuition, grief, and learning to trust yourself again. From sitting in uncertainty to reconnecting with the parts of yourself that got buried under responsibility, this is a conversation about choosing yourself without apology and creating a life that finally feels aligned. Episode Highlights[0:03] Why beginning again is such a common midlife experience for women[4:23] How comfort and familiarity quietly keep us stuck longer than we realize[6:57] Colette shares the painful aftermath of divorce and the growth that came from it[10:17] Why transformation sounds inspiring but often feels brutal while you're living it[12:34] The difference between wanting change and fully committing to it[15:47] Letting life move through you instead of trying to force every outcome[18:49] Powerful questions to ask yourself when you feel disconnected or stuck[20:25] Learning to disappoint others in order to stop abandoning yourself[23:57] Understanding “the void” and why uncertainty can actually be part of growth[26:46] Small ways to reconnect with intuition, creativity, and inner wisdom[31:13] Why reinvention is often about remembering who you were before the world shaped you[35:22] Gentle ways to begin again without blowing up your entire life[37:13] Measuring yourself by your growth instead of how far you still have to go[38:29] The powerful life regret that changes how we think about purpose and fulfillmentIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Do you struggle with shame due to your past? Do you feel the heaviness of unworthiness and are desperate for change in your life and in love? In our heartfelt conversation, special guest Loral Pepoon shares her " Led to Lasting Love" God Story about her midlife devastation due to her past relationships and why she carried the weight of unworthiness that negatively impacted her health and career as a creative team leader. She shares how God healed her heart for a new life of healthy love. Loral is an award-winning author of Led-to Lasting Love, is a writing coach, book editor and beach enthusiast and resides in Nashville with her husband and cat. Enjoy listening to Loral's faith-building and encouraging God story!

Ever wonder what really keeps a 26-year relationship strong when everyone else is telling you “just wait, it fades”? Or how you protect your boundaries when family gets toxic, or what to do if you feel “less than” beside your brilliant, articulate partner? Homie, this is your episode. In today's episode, I'm going all-in, 100% real, answering your top questions about love, loyalty, betrayal, boundaries, sex, and what it truly takes to create a relationship that lasts (and feels amazing from the inside).  From navigating in-laws who question your worth, to fighting that gut-crushing insecurity when you don't feel smart enough, I'm giving you my cheat codes, my battle scars, and the real conversations I've had with my husband after 26 years together. Here's exactly what we dive into: How I broke free from the insecurity of feeling “less smart” than my husband Setting unshakeable boundaries (even when it's your partner's family crossing the line) Preventing your triggers from ruining your relationship: step-by-step The truth about cheating: why it's never about your worth Creating bulletproof intimacy and never letting your sex life quietly die How to actually heal after betrayal and trust again without losing yourself SHOWNOTES The Real Story Behind My 26-Year Marriage: Ups, Downs, and What Changed Everything Can Relationships Survive If Only One Person Wants to Grow? “I Hate My Role!”: When You Need to Change Who You Are in a Relationship Feeling Insecure When Your Partner Is Smarter or More Articulate Discovering Your Own Superpowers and Building True Partnership The Surprising Pool Hall Lesson That Shifted Our Relationship Power Dynamic Shifting Out of Inferiority and Building Real Confidence Turning Jealousy Into Admiration, and the Work You Must Do Protecting Your Relationship From Toxic Family and Criticism Why You Must Set Boundaries With In-Laws (And How To Do It With Respect) How To Deescalate Triggers and Navigate Major Differences With Your Partner Recognizing Red Flags: My Exact Game Plan for Trigger Pivots Agreeing To Disagree… And When Value Differences Mean It's Time To Walk Can You Actually Prevent Cheating? (And Why It's Never About Your Worth) How Important Is Sex and Intimacy, And The Pact That Changed Everything “Bed Death” Is Real: How We Keep Intimacy Alive for Decades Healing After Betrayal: Owning Your Role Without Losing Your Worth Trust Is Earned, Never Given: What To Do Before Loving Again Thank you to this week's sponsors! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa HomeServe: Plans start at just $4.99 a month https://homeserve.com OneSkin: 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co/lisa IQ Bar: 20% off and FREE shipping, text LISA to 64000 K18: 10% off with code LISA at https://k18hair.com Monarch: 50% off your first year with code WOI https://monarch.com Follow Me, Lisa Bilyeu: Website: https://www.lisabilyeu.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabilyeu WARNING: I will never ask for your contact info in the comments section. That's 100% a scammer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wonder what really keeps a 26-year relationship strong when everyone else is telling you “just wait, it fades”? Or how you protect your boundaries when family gets toxic, or what to do if you feel “less than” beside your brilliant, articulate partner? Homie, this is your episode. In today's episode, I'm going all-in, 100% real, answering your top questions about love, loyalty, betrayal, boundaries, sex, and what it truly takes to create a relationship that lasts (and feels amazing from the inside).  From navigating in-laws who question your worth, to fighting that gut-crushing insecurity when you don't feel smart enough, I'm giving you my cheat codes, my battle scars, and the real conversations I've had with my husband after 26 years together. Here's exactly what we dive into: How I broke free from the insecurity of feeling “less smart” than my husband Setting unshakeable boundaries (even when it's your partner's family crossing the line) Preventing your triggers from ruining your relationship: step-by-step The truth about cheating: why it's never about your worth Creating bulletproof intimacy and never letting your sex life quietly die How to actually heal after betrayal and trust again without losing yourself SHOWNOTES The Real Story Behind My 26-Year Marriage: Ups, Downs, and What Changed Everything Can Relationships Survive If Only One Person Wants to Grow? “I Hate My Role!”: When You Need to Change Who You Are in a Relationship Feeling Insecure When Your Partner Is Smarter or More Articulate Discovering Your Own Superpowers and Building True Partnership The Surprising Pool Hall Lesson That Shifted Our Relationship Power Dynamic Shifting Out of Inferiority and Building Real Confidence Turning Jealousy Into Admiration, and the Work You Must Do Protecting Your Relationship From Toxic Family and Criticism Why You Must Set Boundaries With In-Laws (And How To Do It With Respect) How To Deescalate Triggers and Navigate Major Differences With Your Partner Recognizing Red Flags: My Exact Game Plan for Trigger Pivots Agreeing To Disagree… And When Value Differences Mean It's Time To Walk Can You Actually Prevent Cheating? (And Why It's Never About Your Worth) How Important Is Sex and Intimacy, And The Pact That Changed Everything “Bed Death” Is Real: How We Keep Intimacy Alive for Decades Healing After Betrayal: Owning Your Role Without Losing Your Worth Trust Is Earned, Never Given: What To Do Before Loving Again Thank you to this week's sponsors! Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/lisa HomeServe: Plans start at just $4.99 a month https://homeserve.com OneSkin: 15% off with code LISA at https://oneskin.co/lisa IQ Bar: 20% off and FREE shipping, text LISA to 64000 K18: 10% off with code LISA at https://k18hair.com Monarch: 50% off your first year with code WOI https://monarch.com Follow Me, Lisa Bilyeu: Website: https://www.lisabilyeu.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisabilyeu/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lisabilyeu WARNING: I will never ask for your contact info in the comments section. That's 100% a scammer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We can hardly believe we're celebrating 100 episodes of Insights from the Couch — and this conversation became such a meaningful reflection on everything we've learned alongside all of you. In this episode, we revisit some of our favorite guests, biggest mindset shifts, and the ideas that have most deeply impacted us as therapists, women, mothers, and humans navigating midlife in real time.From Katherine Woodward Thomas's powerful work on “source fracture stories” to conversations around menopause, reinvention, purpose, parenting adult children, and stepping into your next chapter, this episode is about what it really means to stay engaged with your life. We talk honestly about grief, growth, fear, ambition, creativity, and why midlife may actually be the richest, most transformative season yet. If you've been feeling stuck, restless, uncertain, or quietly craving more, this conversation is for you.Episode Highlights[0:00] - Celebrating 100 episodes and reflecting on the journey that brought us here[1:20] - Remembering Katherine Woodward Thomas and the impact of her work on transformation[3:25] - “Source fracture stories” and how self-limiting beliefs quietly shape our lives[5:40] - How we unknowingly recreate the very fears and narratives we carry[8:40] - Colette opens up about social anxiety, public speaking, and setting “impossible” goals[10:20] - Incremental growth vs. radical expansion: how women hold themselves back from bigger possibilities[11:45] - Favorite guests and conversations that shifted our perspectives on relationships, narcissism, menopause, and midlife health[14:00] - Why simpler living, less clutter, and more intentionality feel increasingly important[16:35] - Estate sales, accumulation, and the emotional weight of “stuff”[19:05] - Reinvention, beginning again, and why midlife can become a creative renaissance[20:30] - Why these years can either become fertile ground for growth or a season of feeling emotionally stuck[22:15] - Processing the grief and identity shifts that come with children growing up and leaving home[24:20] - Why women deserve fully vibrant emotional, creative, and purposeful lives[26:35] - Parenting adult children and learning from the freedom and courage of their 20s[28:00] - How source fracture stories and self-limiting beliefs quietly block purpose and fulfillment[29:10] - Why becoming an “activated adult” is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children[30:20] - What it means to stay actively engaged with your life in midlife and beyondLinks & ResourcesIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Our friend Bob Thomas is closing out LOVESICK! He shares 3 areas to address in order to have successful relationships.GET CONNECTED + PRAYERNew to EDEN? We'd love to pray for you, too! Let us know at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://eden.church/connect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LEARN ABOUT EDEN CHURCHEDEN is a startup church in Silicon Valley. Learn more at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://eden.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFB:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/edenthechurch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/edenthechurch/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GIVE TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://eden.church/give⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.” – Unknown Grief is a topic that we need more and more insight and understanding, and my guest, Thomas Attig, will bring depth to this conversation. He comes to us today highly credentialed and has been honored with several distinguished awards for his contributions to the study of grief, bereavement, and applied philosophy. The wake of our loved one's last breath washes over our world. We can easily lose our bearings in swirling winds of change and in a fog of suffering, separation, and aloneness. The color and vitality go out of things, places, events, activities, and experiences.  Those closest to us can seem distant. It can feel as if chaos has broken out, even as we resent the larger world going on as if nothing has happened. Thomas Attig is the author of The Heart of Grief: Death and the Search for Lasting Love and How We Grieve: Relearning the World.  His new collection, SEEKING WISDOM IN DEATH'S SHADOWS: Collected Writings on How We Grieve, distills a lifetime of listening, reflection, and teaching into understanding and guidance for mourners, caregivers, and counselors. Oxford is offering a 30% discount on the purchase of Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows. Information Below!   Connect with Thomas: Website - https://griefsheart.com/   Here is how to secure the 30% discount: Steps for ordering Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows by Thomas Attig 1. Search for the title at the Oxford University Press website - global.oup.com 2. Enter the title and press "go to cart" to begin ordering a copy 3. Enter the promotion code  - AUFLY30 - to secure the 30% discount   CONNECT WITH DEBI Website – https://www.debironca.com Instagram - @debironca Email – info@debironca.com Free Group Coaching - https://debi.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/group-coaching YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@DebiRoncaOfficial Amy Throw | Stylist & Image CoachI style women in clothes they love & build opportunities they believe in https://www.cabionline.com/?pws=styledwithsoul   Check out my online course! Your Story's Changing, Finding Purpose in Life's Transitionshttps://course.sequoiatransitioncoaching.com/8-week-program The Family Letter by Debi Ronca – International Best Sellerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SSJFXBD Free Clarity Call: https://calendly.com/debironca/free-clarity-call

Sarah Cleveland joins us for an honest and inspiring conversation about reinvention, midlife, and what happens when women finally start saying yes to themselves. From creating her new series Love in All the Small Places to navigating fear, vulnerability, people pleasing, and second chances, Sarah opens up about the realities so many women face in this season of life. We talk about online dating, perimenopause, rebuilding identity after years of caring for everyone else, and why midlife can become one of the most freeing chapters yet.We also dive into Sarah's journey as an actor, writer, producer, and director, including how she rebuilt her creative life after years devoted to motherhood and family. This episode is a reminder that it's never too late to start over, take a chance on yourself, or go after the life you really want.Episode Highlights[0:40] - Sarah shares the inspiration behind Love in All the Small Places[2:54] - Why online dating can feel so disconnecting in midlife[6:05] - Returning to acting after years focused on family life[9:33] - Saying yes, taking chances, and creating your own opportunities[12:33] - Moving through fear instead of waiting for confidence[16:40] - The vulnerability of creating and starring in your own work[18:58] - The health crisis that changed Sarah's outlook on life[24:45] - How life-changing moments clarify what matters most[27:32] - Divorce, dating, menopause, and rediscovering identity[30:16] - Letting go of people pleasing and choosing yourself[32:06] - What healing after heartbreak can really look like[36:40] - Why holding onto anger keeps people stuck[39:51] - Sarah shares favorite acting projects and meaningful roles[41:57] - Why midlife can become the most fulfilling chapter yetLinks and ResourcesInstagram: @realsarahcleveland and @liatsptheseriesSarah Cleveland Official WebsiteSarah Cleveland IMDb PageEver stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

For one couple’s 75th anniversary, they shared the secret to love that lasts. After 7 and a half decades, their answer is pretty good. AND A must-read about a 9-year-old with a big heart who created autism emergency kits for first responders. To see videos and photos referenced in this episode, visit GodUpdates! https://www.godtube.com/blog/75th-anniversary-advice.html https://www.godtube.com/blog/autism-emergency-kits.html Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Here you are, leaving that friendship hangout frustrated again. You swear you'll tackle the issue at the next meet-up, but then, time goes by. You've pushed the problem aside. Until it happens again. And again. Suddenly, this little issue has become a major one.Today's guest is Colette Jane Fehr, a therapist, TEDX speaker, and author of the Amazon bestselling book, The Cost of Quiet. Her work is rooted in couples therapy, but don't press pause! Every single skill she teaches transfers directly to friendships.If you have ever swallowed something hard and pushed it down because you didn't know how to bring it up, this episode is for you. In this episode you'll hear about:Conflict avoidance: the tendency to not be too intense or demanding with friends – and consequently push issues under the rugWhat Colette calls the “victim volcano,” when untended issues stack up and eventually eruptColette's and my own personal experiences navigating issues between friends that need to be addressedSelf-connected communication, which helps us prepare before sharing our grievances with friends, and “Good Girl-Itis”Resources & LinksListen to Episode 12 and learn about my theory about the Roots framework.Order Colette's book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love. And preorder my book! Are We Friends Yet? comes out June 16. The missing vocabulary for every relationship in your life and a real plan for what to do with it. When you sign up to order the book, you get immediate access to the Less Lonely Club Community and the 10-Day Connection Reset Private Podcast.Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok!Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out! This episode is sponsored by Slowly, a digital pen pal app used by over 10 million people worldwide. If you've been looking for a low-pressure way to connect with someone completely outside your normal friendship circle, this is it. Exchange letters at your own pace, no small talk panic required.Download Slowly free and get 30% off Slowly Plus using my link: https://open.slowly.app/miXL/l8ei5iw6WANT MORE? My book, Are We Friends Yet? hits shelves June 16. Get on the waitlist for pre-order bonuses + a first look. Dive into The Connection Reset. A 10-day private podcast to help you see the abundance of connection that already exists in your day-to-day (Yes. Really. I promise you have more than you realize). Start today. 

We're unpacking a topic that quietly impacts so many relationships but rarely gets talked about: Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). We break down what it actually is (and what it's not), especially how it differs from OCD, and why it can go undiagnosed for years. If you've ever felt stuck in patterns of perfectionism, control, or rigidity—either in yourself or a partner—this conversation might feel very familiar.We also get into how OCPD shows up in real life and relationships—from communication struggles to feeling like you can't quite measure up. And while we don't shy away from the challenges, we also explore the strengths, the nuance, and what growth can realistically look like. There's a lot here that might shift how you understand yourself, your partner, and your dynamic.Episode Highlights[0:03] - Welcome + why OCPD is such an important and overlooked topic[2:30] - Reframing “personality disorder” and removing the stigma[5:00] - Why OCPD often goes unnoticed until relationships are impacted[6:30] - Key differences between OCD and OCPD[9:30] - Core traits: rigidity, control, perfectionism, and overwork[14:00] - Real-life relationship dynamics and relatable examples[18:00] - How OCPD affects communication, compromise, and connection[22:00] - Signs this might be showing up in your relationship[24:00] - The internal experience: self-criticism, shame, and pressure[26:30] - Strengths of OCPD and why these traits are often rewarded[28:30] - What actually helps in therapy: building emotional flexibility[31:00] - Growth for both partners + navigating differences[34:30] - Why relationships can be both challenging and healingIf today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!   Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Grief has a way of cracking everything open—and in this conversation, we sit down with Laing Rikkers to explore what can emerge from that opening. From unexpected loss to creative awakening, we unpack how life's hardest moments can become invitations to reconnect with yourself, your purpose, and what truly matters. This is a deeply human conversation about courage, identity, and what it really means to begin again.We also get honest about fear—why it keeps so many of us stuck in midlife—and how to gently move through it without needing all the answers. Whether you're navigating loss, burnout, or simply feeling the pull for “something more,” this episode offers grounding insights, practical tools, and a refreshing reminder: you don't have to choose just one version of yourself.Episode Highlights[00:00] - Welcoming Laing and setting the stage for rewriting your life after major transitions[01:40] - Laing shares the unexpected loss of her sister and how grief reshaped her path[04:11] - Discovering “morning pages” and the healing power of creative expression[07:05] - The surprising emotions of grief beyond sadness—anger, loneliness, and reevaluation[11:43] - “Talk it, walk it, write it” — a simple, powerful framework for moving through grief[13:02] - The biggest mistake in grief: isolation and the importance of connection[14:58] - Fear, identity, and stepping into a multi-dimensional life in midlife[18:54] - Why doing hard things becomes the actual journey of growth[21:22] - Behind the scenes of publishing a first book and navigating creative risk[25:17] - Creating a new chapter: blending business, creativity, and meaningful work[29:14] - Writing through grief vs. making meaning after it[33:05] - The healing power of nature, movement, and simply taking the next stepLinks & ResourcesWebsite: www.laingrikkers.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/laing-rikkersInstagram: @morning_leaves_and_poetryIf today's discussion resonated with you Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

In this energizing conversation, we sit down with Allison Walsh—business consultant, personal branding expert, and founder of She Believes She Could—to unpack what it really takes to build confidence, scale your impact, and turn your personal brand into a meaningful business. From pivoting out of law school to helping grow unicorn startups, Allison shares how bold moves and consistent action shaped her journey.We dive into being mission-driven in midlife, aligning purpose with profit, and why so many women feel called to something more. If you're ready to build your brand, monetize your expertise, and step confidently into your next chapter—this episode is for you.Episode Highlights:[0:03] – Welcome back to Insights from the Couch and an introduction to today's guest, Allison Walsh.[3:03] – Allison reflects on hearing her own bio and the grit behind the highlight reel.[4:20] – From law school to healthcare leadership: how one unexpected opportunity sparked her first big pivot.[6:34] – Scaling companies, leading massive teams, and building influence behind the scenes.[8:35] – The birth of She Believes She Could during the pandemic—and creating opportunity in uncertainty.[13:13] – Laura opens up about feeling behind on “business skills” and why so many women relate.[14:06] – Who Allison serves: mission-driven women ready to turn their brand into a business.[19:08] – Where to start when you want “more” but don't know what that looks like yet.[20:48] – The 5 M's framework: Mindset, Messaging, Marketing, Monetization, and Momentum.[24:48] – What a personal brand really is (hint: it's your reputation).[29:45] – Allison's definition of confidence—and why action is the ultimate builder.[31:30] – Where to find Allison and what's next for She Believes She Could.Links and Resources:Allison Walsh Consulting: www.allisonwalshconsulting.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisonwalsh Podcast: www.shebelievedshecouldpodcast.com  Ever stayed quiet to keep the peace and felt yourself disappear? The Cost of Quiet is for anyone who avoids conflict and pays the price. Reclaim your voice, strengthen your relationships, and experience real peace. Order your copy and join the movement: https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

We tend to think of love as something that just happens. You meet the right person, you feel a spark, and everything else just falls into place. However, love doesn’t come effortlessly. It's something we build over time. In this episode, we're exploring the key ingredients of lasting love and the everyday behaviors that keep love alive. My guest is Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh, an award-winning social psychologist, TED Speaker, and relationship expert. Her latest book, Love by Design: 6 Ingredients to Build a Lifetime of Love, introduces the Emergent Love Model, a framework born from research with hundreds of couples across 41 countries. Some of the specific topics we address include: How can you sustain and cultivate attraction over time in long-term relationships? Why is respect one of the most overlooked ingredients of love? How is trust built in small, everyday interactions? How can we learn to be more compassionate in our relationships? Learn more about Dr. Sara Nasserzadeh at www.Sara-Nasserzadeh.com and join her online community here and follow her on Instagram here.  Got a sex question? Send me a podcast voicemail to have it answered on a future episode at speakpipe.com/sexandpsychology. *** Thank you to our sponsors!  Soaking Wet from VB Health is the world’s first probiotic specifically designed for vaginal and vulva health and wellness. It’s a doctor formulated blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and vitamins specifically designed to restore balance and increase lubrication. Visit vb.health and use code JUSTIN for 10% off. Passionate about building a career in sexuality? Check out the Sexual Health Alliance. With SHA, you’ll connect with world-class experts and join an engaged community of sexuality professionals from around the world. Visit SexualHealthAlliance.com and start building the sexuality career of your dreams today. *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook, Twitter, or Bluesky to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram. Listen and stream all episodes on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon. Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.

Are you living a life that looks great on paper, but feels like something's missing beneath the surface? You've climbed the ladder, checked all the boxes, yet relationships and real fulfillment seem just out of reach. The cycle of "almost, but not quite" can leave even the most accomplished individuals wondering why old patterns keep resurfacing and why true connection remains elusive. In this episode, listeners will explore how subconscious beliefs, habitual thought patterns, and unresolved emotional baggage shape the dynamics of love and connection. Through practical approaches like interrupting negative cycles, clarifying desires and values, and learning to rewire internal narratives, this conversation offers actionable steps to break free from unhelpful relationship patterns and begin creating the kind of intimacy and fulfillment you truly crave. Riana helps high-achieving women who've built a life they're proud of in their career, family, friendships, and growth, but still feel stuck in the same old love patterns. Through her signature method, she helps them rewire the subconscious beliefs and recode the nervous system responses that have shaped their relationships for decades, so they can finally create extraordinary love that matches the life they've built.   Episode Highlights 04:01 Finding identity during life transitions. 08:31 Getting exactly what you ordered. 11:54 Rewiring neurology and internal beliefs. 13:01 Exploring therapeutic approaches. 17:24 Breaking negative thought patterns. 22:02 Accessing emotions to change behaviors. 24:39 Creating your vision board. 27:56 Shifting to positive self-talk. 31:44 Clearing out mental clutter. 35:04 Shifting mindset and frequency. 42:27 The power of forgiveness. 46:13 Steps to heal relationships.   Your Checklist of Actions to Take Clarify Your Desires: Take time to specifically identify what you truly want in relationships and life, beyond vague wishes, by listing your non-negotiables and values. Perform the Away/Toward Exercise: Write out everything you don't want on one piece of paper ("away") and all that you do want on another ("toward") to bring awareness to your focus. Wear a Rubber Band: For 72 hours, wear a rubber band on your wrist. When you notice negative thoughts, snap them to create an instant pattern interrupt and remind yourself to shift focus. Redirect Your Thinking: When you catch yourself focused on the "away" list, immediately replace the thought with something from your "toward" list or its positive opposite. Cultivate Genuine Gratitude: If struggling to generate positive feelings, ground yourself in something you are authentically grateful for in the present moment. Serve Others: If feeling stuck, perform a small act of kindness to shift your emotional state and break negative patterns. Incrementally Improve Your Emotional State: Don't force a leap from low emotions to joy—focus instead on moving up one or two levels on the emotional scale at a time. Release the Old Story: Set boundaries around retelling painful past stories to others; instead, focus conversations on new goals and dreams to reinforce a forward-looking identity.   Mentioned Extraordinary Love Index™ (Free Diagnostic Quiz) Brilliance Brunch (Events Page) Relationship Map To Happy, Lasting Love  (free guide)   Connect with Riana Malia Website: rianamalia.com Facebook: facebook.com/RianaMalia YouTube: youtube.com/@rianamalia Instagram: instagram.com/rianamalia TikTok: tiktok.com/@rianamalia121 Podcast: podcast.rianamalia.com

If you keep attracting the wrong people or sabotaging good relationships, this masterclass reveals why.Lewis brings together the most powerful insights from Esther Perel, Jillian Turecki, Matthew Hussey, Baya Voce, and Mel Robbins to show you how your unhealed wounds are running your love life.You'll learn why you chase what hurts you, how your nervous system sabotages connection, and what it actually takes to stop repeating the same painful cycles. The path to lasting love starts with understanding yourself first, learning to regulate your emotions, and choosing partners who can help you heal rather than partners who keep you broken.Make Money Easy: Create Financial Freedom and Live a Richer LifeThe Greatness Mindset: Unlock the Power of Your Mind and Live Your Best Life TodayThe Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Create Strong Relationships, and Live Their Fullest LivesThe School of Greatness: A Real-World Guide to Living Bigger, Loving Deeper, and Leaving a LegacyIn this episode you will:Identify what role you played in past relationship failures instead of only blaming your exRecognize when your childhood wounds are triggering fights about cardboard boxes or daily frustrationsUnderstand why depending on your partner for happiness creates catastrophic disappointmentDiscover how play and humor keep relationships alive when everything else feels deadTransform conflict into healing by learning to tolerate uncomfortable emotions in your bodyFor more information go to https://lewishowes.com/1891For more Greatness text PODCAST to +1 (614) 350-3960More SOG episodes we think you'll love:Esther PerelMatthew HusseyMel Robbins Get more from Lewis! Get my New York Times Bestselling book, Make Money Easy!Get The Greatness Mindset audiobook on SpotifyText Lewis AIYouTubeInstagramWebsiteTiktokFacebookX Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.