Kia ora, Hello! I’m Ruth Vercoe, a teacher-turned-mum, here on a mission to demystify Child’s Play through understanding play schemas. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, 'Why is my child doing that?'—whether it’s throwing their soft toys, hiding stones around the house, or lining up their crayons —then you’re in the right place, and certainly not alone. Here, we’ll explore the magic of play through the lens of play schemas—those hidden repeated patterns in your child’s behaviour that hold ...
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Child Play Patterns Podcasts
This podcast features free audio guitar lessons taught by Desi Serna, author of Fretboard Theory and Guitar Theory For Dummies. Learn how scales, chords, progressions, modes, and more get applied to the fretboard and familiar songs. Hear how to best get your playing skills in order. Begin to improvise and compose. Understand why your favorite songs sound so good. ➝ What do you specifically need to do in order to play guitar better? Visit the GuitarMusicTheory.com website to get FREE custom v ...
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The Codependent Perfectionist is a series on the dynamics of codependency and perfectionism. Alana self identifies as the Codependent Perfectionist, giving you a mix of psychoeducation and anecdotes from her own work as a therapist to understand how these issues play out in everyday life. Contact Alana: [email protected], alanacarvalho.com or following on Instagram thecodependentperfectionist for any questions or comments!
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Love Better is a safe and loving space where we talk about the real, raw parts of relationships. I’m Shazmeen, and in this podcast, I’ll be sharing my own story and the lessons I’ve learned about attachment styles, relationship healing, and self love. We’ll talk about how attachment styles shape the way we connect, the struggles of addiction your fearful or dismissive avoidant partner may have to pornography or other levels they numb feeling away, what happens when intimacy fades in sexless ...
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Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take ...
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033 Getting Outside as a Family with Guest Adiva
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14:38Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of getting your kids out the door for a walk or a play at the park? You’re not alone. But what if those muddy puddles, long car rides, and slow wanders were actually building blocks for your child’s development? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, I am joined by Adiva, founder of @LittleTrailsNZ and mum of …
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Season 3 Ep 51: ASKED AND ANSWERED - Why Every Conversation is an Opportunity
11:56
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11:56We have another asked and answered topic this week! We are talking about reframing what many designers see as “wasted” discovery calls. Just because a lead isn’t a fit for full service doesn’t mean it’s a dead end. Consider this as a chance to position your firm as a resource, build brand equity, and generate revenue—especially when you offer varie…
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“Time To Break The Shame That Keeps You Inside a Trauma Bond."
1:03:11
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1:03:11Send us a text In this episode of the Love Better Podcast, Shazmeen Bank addresses the struggles of individuals in toxic and abusive relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's worth, understanding the cycle of abuse, and finding the strength to leave unhealthy situations. Through personal anecdotes and insights, she encourage…
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032 Strengthen Your Pelvic Floor Now & Play Freely With Your Kids | Guest Caren
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26:58Is your pelvic floor holding you back from truly enjoying play with your kids?You’re not alone — and this episode is here to help. Whether it’s needing to cross your legs when you sneeze, quietly avoiding playing chase the backyard... not to even mention the fear of hearing 'Mum's turn' when it comes to the trampoline. Pelvic floor issues are incre…
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"Fearful Avoidant Attachment: Traits, Triggers & Relationship Patterns"
1:12:27
1:12:27
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1:12:27Send us a text In this episode, Shazmeen Bank delves into the complexities of fearful avoidant attachment, exploring its origins, traits, and the emotional struggles faced by individuals with this attachment style. The discussion highlights the impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships, the oscillation between anxious and avoidant beha…
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Betrayed But Not Broken: Infidelity, Anxious Attachment & the Courage to Walk Away
1:16:00
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1:16:00Send us a text In this episode of the Love Better podcast, host Shazmeen Bank addresses various themes surrounding love, healing, and emotional well-being. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's pain, navigating betrayal, and understanding attachment styles. The conversation also delves into the complexities of infidelity, the journey o…
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031 “I Can’t Play With My Kids”: Why It Feels So Hard and What Actually Helps
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14:46
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14:46Ever feel like you should be playing with your child… but you just can’t bring yourself to do it? Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you feel silly or awkward. Maybe you’re not even sure how to play anymore. If this sounds familiar, you are so not alone. In fact, many loving, involved parents feel exactly the same. And in this episode, we’re pulling bac…
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Season 2 Ep 50: How to Get Press: The secret door to getting your interior design work published with Alex AbramianAlex Abramian
44:24
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44:24Public relations isn’t just about getting published—it’s about what you do after the feature goes live. We thrilled to welcome our special guest who we have been working with for over a year. Alex Abramian, founder of The PR Collaborative, talks with us about the evolving landscape of PR for interior designers. With years of experience as a writer …
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"Anxious Attachment: Why You Panic, Feel Unloved & Overthink"
1:15:08
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1:15:08Send us a text In this episode of the Love Better podcast, Shazmeen Bank delves into the complexities of anxious attachment, exploring its roots in childhood experiences and its impact on adult relationships. She shares her personal journey of recognizing and healing her anxious attachment style, emphasizing the importance of self-love and understa…
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Q&A With Shazmeen Bank: On Breakups, Healing & Finding Yourself
1:00:23
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1:00:23Send us a text In this soulful Q&A episode, I answer the questions you've been quietly holding inside, the ones that are hard to ask out loud and many times you feel shame for even having. Trust me, we have all been there. You are not alone. How do you walk away from a relationship and break up with kindness? What do you do when you're raising chil…
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030 Play, Not Pressure: How Everyday Play Builds Your Child’s Literacy Foundation with Alex Weehuizen
32:38
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32:38Worried your toddler isn’t “school ready”? Feel like you should be doing flashcards, worksheets, or alphabet drills — but it just doesn’t sit right? This episode is your deep breath and warm reassurance. We’re busting the myth that early literacy needs to look like formal learning and showing you how play, movement, and everyday conversations are a…
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Ep175 Q&A Thumb Chords - Song Memory - Rhythm Tips - and Foo Fighters Fretboard Tricks
1:00:14
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1:00:14In episode 175 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener emails about: Using your thumb to fret the 6th string in barre chords and possible workarounds How to improve your rhythm and memorize songs more effectively The G form barre chord and how it's used in modern playing A theory-based analysis of Foo Fighters’ use of pedal tones in c…
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"Why Dismissive Avoidants Shut Down, Pull Away, and Struggle to Love"
1:00:17
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1:00:17Send us a text There’s a reason dismissive avoidants shut down when things get too close. It’s not just cold behavior, it’s protection. In this episode, we go deep into the world of dismissive avoidant attachment: where it starts, how it shapes their personality, and why love feels like a threat to their nervous system. You'll learn how many avoida…
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"Silencing Fear and Reclaiming Confidence Through Hypnosis"
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41:59Send us a text Self Confidence! I thought so hard about this episode and I did not want to just add to the millions of videos and podcasts already teaching the amazing ways to grow your self confidence. I researched this topic long and hard and then I decided to dump all 7 ways to grow your self confidence and take you through a hypnosis. I wanted …
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029 Why Play Builds Connection With Your Child
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11:22
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11:22Connecting with Your Child Through Play — Why It Matters More Than You Think Is your toddler constantly throwing toys, lining them up, or wrapping things in blankets and you’re not quite sure why? What if these repetitive behaviours are actually your child’s way of connecting with you? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we dive deep into…
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Season 2 Ep 49: ASKED AND ANSWERED - What Clients Remember (and What They Don’t)
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12:04Another Asked & Answered segment today and our very own Liz going solo! One of the biggest balancing acts designers face is pairing creativity with structure. Your vision is what SELLS the client, but your process is what DELIVERS on that promise. Clients remember the feeling, not the portal or the lists or the emails—but having strong systems behi…
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“Why You Give Everything and Still Don’t Feel Loved: Anxiously Attached
1:09:39
1:09:39
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1:09:39Send us a text I SEE YOU. If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving everything in a relationship and still feeling like it’s not enough… this episode is for you. Anxious attachment isn’t just about “needing too much.” It’s about core wounds that were formed long before your first heartbreak — and today, we’re going straight to the heart of it. In this…
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Send us a text There comes a moment—quiet, breaking, raw—when pain invites us to become someone new. This episode is for the part of you that’s tired of carrying silent wounds and is ready to do something meaningful with them. I’m not here to tell you to “get over it.” I’m here to walk with you through it. In today’s conversation, we explore how yo…
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028 Unlock Your Child's Learning Through Play: Join 'The Play Schemas Collective' BETA
7:09
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7:09Apply to Join the BETA Test Group – Spaces Are Limited! Applications close 26 June 2025. Only 5 spots available. For more information and to apply now, head to https://playschemas.com/beta Or flick me a DM on Instagram: @Play_Schemas Get FREE access during the BETA round Enjoy a FREE first month once we officially launch Book a personalised 1:1 coa…
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"The Pain of Loving Someone Emotionally Unavailable"
1:00:41
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1:00:41Send us a text Stonewalling doesn’t look like abuse at first. There’s no yelling. No name-calling. Just silence. Withdrawal. Coldness. But that silence? That’s the thing that breaks you. In this episode, I’m talking about a dynamic that too many women—and men—go through and never name. One partner wants to talk, reconnect, fix it. The other shuts d…
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027 Why I Still Say “Be Careful” Even Though I Love Risky Play
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13:27Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Be careful!” — even when you’re trying to let your child take healthy risks? You’re not alone, and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we unpack one of the biggest tensions many parents face: wanting to support our children confidence and independence, while still keeping them…
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Season 2 Ep 48: Why your "welcome packet" isn't very welcoming
36:08
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36:08We believe one of the most underrated parts of a client journey is the intake process. This isn’t about a boring list of preferences like if they prefer black over blue or which kitchen they like best. Instead, it's about asking the right questions to uncover how clients live, communicate, and make decisions. Our unique and customized client questi…
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Why Does My Partner Always Pull Away In Our Relationship?
1:00:23
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1:00:23Send us a text I have been here myself, and I did not know I was here! I thought over giving and all the traits that came with being an anxiously attached lover was LOVE! I had no idea that not stepping into my strength and voice held me back from really finding myself and setting some really tough boundaries that my relationship needed. I was not …
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026 Why Imperfection Matters in Parenting - with Sophie Moskowitz
23:13
23:13
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23:13Ever feel like you’re the only one dropping the ball as a parent? Spoiler alert: you’re not, you're not alone in feeling this... and this episode might just be the breath of fresh air you didn’t know you needed. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play | Play Schemas, we’re joined by Sophie Moskowitz from Imperfect Parents, who brings a powerfu…
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Why You’re Drawn to Emotionally Unavailable People
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54:00Send us a text Lets dive in. You don’t keep choosing the wrong person because you're naive or broken. You do it because something in you is still trying to finish a story. To prove you’re lovable. To make chaos feel like home. To rewrite the ending. GET COMFORTABLE WITH REJECTION! I would rather you get rejected, then settle and play small, and los…
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Ep174 Recreating Iconic 80s Tones For Kemper and Helix with Matt Reviere
1:36:47
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1:36:47In episode 174 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I chat with Carrie Underwood guitarist Matt Reviere about recreating classic 80s guitar tones for the Kemper Profiling Amplifier and Line 6 Helix using the new Inspired by the 80s pack from Tone Junkie. We discuss his workflow for analyzing songs, dialing in tones, and jamming on iconic riffs from …
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025 Parenting Hacks: Master ‘When’ & ‘Then’ Magic!
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8:40The Two Words That Will Transform Your Parenting — “When” and “Then” Are you tired of endless toddler negotiations, meltdowns during transitions, or repeating yourself a hundred times a day? You’re not alone — and there is a gentle, effective way forward. In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, Ruth Vercoe introduces two simple, yet powerful …
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Season 2 Ep 47: ASKED AND ANSWERED - There is no one right way--but there is a better way
12:05
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12:05There’s no one right way to run a design business—but there is often a better way. This is not to say if something is working for you—great. Keep going. But if you're stuck or wondering why the same problems keep popping up? It might be time to challenge the models you’re using. How can you challenge the traditional business models, such as cost pl…
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Is It Time to Walk Away or Keep Fighting for This Love?
1:11:26
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1:11:26Send us a text Is this relationship still right for me — or am I holding on out of fear, hope, or habit? In this episode, I walk you through one of the hardest questions we face in love: Should I stay… or leave? It’s never a simple decision — especially when you’re still in love, especially when you’re part of a culture or family where leaving is j…
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024 Part 1 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier
17:13
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17:13Part 1 of 2 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas. Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all i…
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024 Part 2 - Self Care through the Schemas with Hannah Sadlier
19:17
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19:17Part 2 of 2 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on self-care. Instead of waiting for naptime or feeling guilty for needing a break, we’re inviting you to see the magic already happening in your everyday parenting life — through play schemas. Parenting young children can be exhausting, joyful, overwhelming, and deeply meaningful — often all i…
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1
Letting Go of the Past: Why You Can’t Heal Until You Do
1:14:57
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1:14:57Send us a text You’re still hurting. And you’re still healing. Those two things can exist together. In this episode, I walk with you through the kind of healing that doesn’t happen overnight — the kind that asks you to slow down, feel what’s real, and show up for yourself with compassion. You can feel so much shame when healing, like you should nev…
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Ep173 From Demo to Radio - Inside Music Production with Jason Wyatt Kuhn
1:21:20
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1:21:20In episode 173 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I sit down with Nashville music producer Jason Wyatt Kuhn to talk about the art of recording and producing music. Jason shares his journey from singer and songwriter to becoming a sought-after producer helping both aspiring artists and hobbyist songwriters bring their music to life. We discuss what…
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“Attachment Styles & Navigating the 5 Relationship Stages”
1:20:00
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1:20:00Send us a text At first, all relationships are going to start off with a spark. Thats why we pursue each other. The hope that something ever lasting will be created. The truth is it can be created when we fight against the negative cycles that show up in the power struggle stage, as opposed to fighting each other. I really want to enlighten people …
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023 Why Your Toddler Isn’t Listening — And What to Do About It with Heather Schalk
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34:59Ever feel like your toddler is just ignoring you on purpose? You’ve asked nicely (three times), tried raising your voice, or even taken a toy away — and still, they won’t listen. Before you start second-guessing yourself or wondering if it’s just your child, take a deep breath. You are not alone — and there’s a powerful reason behind this common to…
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Season 2 Ep 46: The Best Marketing Tool Hiding in Plain Sight
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35:02Social proof from your clients is important for building trust and credibility in a business. Reviews and testimonials from happy clients, while also being mindful of how and when, can be used to showcase the success and unique offerings of your business. This not only helps attract the right clients, but also addresses common pain points and frequ…
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022 Growing Curiosity: How Gardening Supports Play Schemas & Child Development
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21:17
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21:17What if your toddler’s obsession with mud, watering cans, or hauling carrots isn’t just play—but a window into how they learn best? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we take you into the garden—yes, dirt and all—to uncover how vegetable gardening can reveal powerful insights about your child’s development. Whether your little one is dig…
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The 5 Relationship Stages: Why It Feels So Different Now
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1:13:06Send us a text It felt so good in the beginning. it was warm, they were PERFECT, they read your mind (or did they😏), and you both saw a future together! Everything flowed so easily:- The chemistry. The effort. The closeness. (BTW - if you want to know about stage 5 - NEXT WEEKS EPISODE, ties attachment styles, and stage 5 down together). And then s…
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021 Easter Play Ideas for Toddlers that Support Play Schemas
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13:35Free download available! Grab your free Easter Play Ideas PDF with all 10 schema-based activities, family-friendly versions, and our go-to oaty pancake recipe at playschemas.com/free Feeling overwhelmed by all the Easter hype—and wondering how to make it meaningful for your toddler? In this episode of Demystifying Child’s Play, we’re diving into ho…
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Season 2 Ep 45: ASKED AND ANSWERED - Why cleaning the toilet might help your creativity more than you think
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16:43You can't lead clients from survival mode---well you can, but not well and not for extended periods of time. how How you feel directly impacts how you lead, sell, and scale. The mindset shift I have to use is to keep my business steady is the "attitude of gratitude." This "Asked and Answered" topic this week is slightly more personal but a question…
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When Your Avoidant Partner’s Capacity for Love Isn’t Enough for Your Heart
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41:15Send us a text In this episode, I’m speaking to the part of you that still loves them… but knows something’s changed. Maybe you’re dating someone who’s emotionally unavailable, and you keep hoping they’ll show up differently. Or maybe you’re in a long-term relationship or marriage that feels tired, flat, or disconnected — but the love hasn’t fully …
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Chronic Pain & Codependency with Dr. Tawny Kross
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18:12In this episode, we're exploring the connection between chronic pain, people pleasing, and perfectionism.By tawny kross, alana carvalho
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020 Keeping Kids Safe: Practical Tips for Parents with Victoria Barendsen
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28:25Looking for the discount code? use playschemas10 at the checkout! ww.thesafekidsproject.com As parents, we want to protect our children. But when it comes to body safety, it can feel overwhelming—where do we start? How do we talk about it in a way that’s age-appropriate and empowering? And how do we navigate such an important conversation without f…
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Why You Can’t Leave a Toxic Relationship (Even When You Want To)
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59:31Send us a text We talk a lot about toxic love—but what does an unhealthy relationship actually look like in real life? In this episode, I’m diving deep into the signs of unhealthy relationships that often go unnoticed, minimized, or even mistaken for “just relationship struggles.” We’ll explore how unhealthy dynamics show up emotionally, mentally, …
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019 Understanding Play Schemas & Love Languages in Parenting
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11:04Wrapping Up the Love Languages Series: How Play Can Deepen Your Connection with Your Child Do you ever wonder what’s really behind your child’s play? Or why they behave a certain way when they’re feeling disconnected? Understanding play schemas and love languages can completely transform the way you interact with your little one—making parenting mo…
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Season 2 Ep 44: ASKED AND ANSWERED - The most damaging thing you can do in your business
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16:34This week we are answering questions from our audience--first up is one of my FAVORITE hills to die on and what I consider one of the most damaging things you can do for your business. It is not a smart business practice to sell blocks of time as a designer because this is not an effective way to market and value creative brilliance. Selling based …
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The Anxious Attachment Cycle: Why You Love Hard and Hurt More
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36:13Send us a text When we begin to understand the traits around our attachment styles, the coins really begin to drop and so much begins to make sense on how we love, almost that you will stop feeling like something is wrong with you or judging yourself for wanting more or feeling like you just do not understand why you cant be "normal" the way your p…
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“Why You Love the Way You Do — The 4 Attachment Styles Explained”
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45:37Send us a text I felt it was really important we set a foundation for the rest of the episodes to come. Once we know and understand our blue print, understanding how we navigate adult relationships will make so much sense. I want you to keep in mind we are not looking back in our childhoods to demonise our parents or beat ourselves up. This is a bl…
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Ep172 Q&A playing style - physical limitations - key changes - bar chord techniques - music theory exercises - slowing down music
1:04:30
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1:04:30In episode 172 of the Guitar Music Theory podcast, I answer listener questions about playing styles, overcoming physical limitations, key changes in songs, barre chord techniques, music theory exercises, slowing down music, and more. Riff Rockers Zoom class details: https://www.guitarmusictheory.com/riff-rockers-zoom-class/ Enroll in a free video c…
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Unlock the Secrets of Your Child’s Play: Play Schemas & Acts of Service in Parenting! Have you ever wondered why your child insists on lining up their toys, spinning in circles, or moving objects from place to place? It might seem random (or even frustrating!), but these repetitive behaviours are actually part of their natural learning process. The…
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