Best Micro Aggression Podcasts (2025)

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How Micro-aggressions are Holding You Back 7:48

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18d ago7:48

7:48

Micro-aggressions are the tiny little things that add up and keep you from tapping your pickleball peak performance. Make sure to read Rick Cipes' "How to Play Better Pickleball" and "Pickleball Riffs" books available at Amazon.By Rick Cipes

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The Power Audit 1:38:08

5h ago1:38:08

1:38:08

Send us a text A cold November forecast isn’t just about the weather. We unpack the rumoured tax rises and talk plainly about value: why working people are told to pay more while getting less from basics like transport and the NHS. From there, we zoom in on power dynamics how leadership shields or exposes you and what it really means when instituti…

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357. Talk So They Lean In: The 5 Moves for Difficult Conversations 45:15

1d ago45:15

45:15

Hard conversations don’t usually blow up because of the issue itself. They blow up because of the moves we make in the moment. You’ve been there: you bring up money, or intimacy, or family dynamics, and suddenly you’re in the middle of a fight you didn’t want, wondering how it went sideways so fast. The good news? You don’t need more guts or more c…

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The Polite Faces of Power 55:19

7d ago55:19

55:19

Send us a text Pressure has a way of revealing what systems are really made of. We start with a bruising week and widen the lens: from alleged deodorant burns and the surge in hair relaxer lawsuits, to NHS resident doctors preparing to strike for pay and staffing, to the silent epidemic of “polite” horrible bosses who weaponise calm and call it lea…

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356. When Kindness Has Claws: Dealing With Relational Aggression 33:03

8d ago33:03

33:03

Ever had someone freeze you out of a group text? Spread just enough gossip to make you doubt yourself? Smile to your face while subtly undermining you behind your back? That’s not just “drama,” it’s a form of bullying called relational aggression, and it can wreck friendships, families, and entire communities if it’s left unchecked. It’s not just d…

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The New Skills Economy 1:31:58

15d ago1:31:58

1:31:58

Send us a text Power is shifting, and the cracks are showing. We open with a stark look at UK politics and ask why half of Conservative members still reject a Black woman leading then widen the lens to the monarchy’s legitimacy crisis and Sarkozy’s prison sentence for conspiracy, drawing a blunt line between optics, accountability, and who is allow…

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355. What to Do When Someone Gives You the Silent Treatment 23:41

15d ago23:41

23:41

You’re in a conflict, and suddenly, silence. No texts. No words. Just... nothing. It’s like you’re talking to a ghost. Whether it's your partner, parent, best friend, or coworker, the silent treatment isn’t just frustrating. It can be manipulative, even emotionally abusive. Today, I’m breaking down why people do it, how it messes with your brain, a…

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Paris, Portaloos, and Power 1:08:39

22d ago1:08:39

1:08:39

Send us a text A week off turned into a reset I didn’t know I needed: a solo first-class dash to Paris for skincare and quiet, then a Black Tech Fest panel that cracked open my entire view of leadership. Four Black women drew a bright line between management and leadership, spoke candidly about mental health and neurodiversity, and made the case fo…

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354. How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated: Science-Backed Strategies That Work 39:34

22d ago39:34

39:34

Ever notice how you can get excited about something in the beginning, but then totally lose steam? You start a new meditation practice, promise yourself you’ll speak more kindly to your partner, or commit to exercising. At first, you feel that spark. But then life gets busy, the excitement fades, and suddenly your motivation’s gone. Here’s the prob…

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353. When to Speak Up: What to Do If You Think Your Friend’s Relationship Is Toxic 29:41

29d ago29:41

29:41

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Audacious Audacity 1:00:33

1M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Send us a text A poll shock, a policy gamble, a courtroom reckoning, and a boundary that saves a life this episode traces how power, data, culture, and healing collide. We open with a blunt read on fresh numbers putting Nigel Farage within striking distance and ask the tougher question: when the main parties feel unmoored, how do we vote with integ…

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352. Is Your Anxiety Trying to Protect You? 31:37

1M ago31:37

31:37

You’ve probably been taught that anxiety is a bad thing. Something to eliminate, avoid, or medicate (legally or otherwise) into oblivion. But what if I told you that anxiety, in its healthiest form, is actually trying to help you? What if anxiety wasn’t the villain in your story, but a misunderstood protector showing up in a slightly over-the-top w…

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Career Gatekeepers: Why Your Mentor Should Be Opening Doors, Not Just Giving Advice 57:05

1M ago57:05

57:05

Send us a text Ever wondered why that mentor relationship isn't yielding results? The harsh truth is that many mentoring relationships fail to deliver actual career advancement especially for Black women. In this candid episode, we unpack why traditional mentorship often falls short and what true strategic mentoring should look like. It's not about…

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351. Tired of Being the Scapegoat? How to Handle Blamers Without Losing Your Mind 38:40

1M ago38:40

38:40

You didn’t forget the milk, cause the delay, or ruin the weekend plans. But here you are, somehow the one being blamed. Again. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or parent, being on the receiving end of blame is frustrating, confusing, and downright crazy-making. It’s like they’ve outsourced their emotional homework to you and you’re the one getting d…

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Paper Cuts 1:39:40

2M ago1:39:40

1:39:40

Send us a text In a world where your voice can be weaponized against you, knowing when to speak and when to stand firm in silence becomes a crucial skill. This episode unpacks the delicate balance of self-advocacy in both professional settings and wider society, where particularly for Black women, calculated strategy often proves more powerful than…

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350. Can You Be in Love but Live Apart? The Truth About LAT Relationships 40:30

2M ago40:30

40:30

What if the healthiest thing for your relationship… was your own front door? Living Apart Together (LAT) is a growing trend where committed couples choose to maintain separate households while staying emotionally and romantically connected. It flies in the face of the cultural script that says love means living under one roof, sharing a fridge, and…

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Be Willing to Stop and Ask for Directions 8:18

2M ago8:18

8:18

Bite Size Pickleball host Rick Cipes rants about, usually, dudes who continually try to hack their way through the game, and why it is a big friggin' waste of time. Check out the pickleball books Rick has written available on Amazon.By Rick Cipes

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The Quiet Thrill Of Not Being For Everyone 1:37:07

2M ago1:37:07

1:37:07

Send us a text The Transport for London strikes have sparked heated debate, but before rushing to judgment, we need to examine why workers feel forced to take such actions. When peaceful protest options are systematically limited and negotiations fail, strikes become the necessary tool for demanding fair treatment. These workers form the backbone o…

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349. Can AI Replace Your Therapist? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Try 45:19

2M ago45:19

45:19

Let’s be real. AI is everywhere, and it’s not just writing grocery lists or your kid’s English essay anymore, it’s sliding into the therapist’s chair. Whether you’ve toyed with ChatGPT as your late-night sounding board or downloaded an AI mental health app, it’s tempting to think: “Maybe I don’t need to pay someone $200 an hour when I’ve got free t…

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Coded Language 1:33:17

2M ago1:33:17

1:33:17

Send us a text Ever notice how Black women are expected to win quietly? In this powerful return episode, I dive into the recent tennis court confrontation between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko that perfectly captures what many of us experience daily – being told we're "low class" or "uneducated" when we succeed, then being praised for our co…

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348. Love Goggles: Why You Ignore Red Flags When You’re Falling for Someone 49:45

2M ago49:45

49:45

Ever wonder why love makes you overlook the obvious red flags? 🛑 Your brain is literally on a chemical high. In this episode, Dr. Abby Medcalf reveals the neuroscience of why love is blind, how dopamine and oxytocin hijack your judgment, and what you can do to see the truth before it’s too late. This isn’t about blaming yourself for missing the sig…

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347. When Your Partner Takes Other People’s Side (And What to Do About It) 42:10

2M ago42:10

42:10

Learn why your partner defends others instead of validating you, why it hurts so much, how this breaks the goodwill pillar of trust, and exactly how to change this dynamic with actionable scripts and research-backed tools. ____________________________ Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/partner-takes-other-peoples-side Grab 5 Scripts …

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346. Why You Stay: The Brain Science of Trauma Bonding and How to Break Free 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

You know the relationship isn’t healthy. Your friends see it. You feel it. So why can’t you let go? Maybe you’ve said something like: "They’re not perfect, but we have a deep connection." "When it’s good, it’s really good." "I know I should leave, but I just can’t." Today we’re diving deep into the neuroscience of trauma bonding: why your brain get…

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Interviewing Legends 11:16

3M ago11:16

11:16

Bite Size Pickleball host Rick Cipes recounts his experiences interviewing a couple of legends along the way as he produces his basketball docuseries Full Court Shadow.By Rick Cipes

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345. Forgiveness Is a One-Person Job: Why You Don’t Need Them to Feel Better 33:37

3M ago33:37

33:37

We’re taught that forgiveness is a mutual thing. That it’s about making amends, talking it through, hugging it out. But the truth, the freeing and maybe painful truth, is that forgiveness isn’t a two-person process. It never has been. Today you’ll learn all about reclaiming forgiveness as something you do for you. You’ll learn the big mistake you’r…

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Pendulum Politics 1:56:09

3M ago1:56:09

1:56:09

Send us a text The pendulum swings wildly from political upheaval to celebrity downfalls in this packed episode examining how power, race, and identity shape our experiences in an increasingly chaotic world. Jeremy Corbyn's dramatic political resurrection with his new "Your Party" has sparked hope for those disillusioned with mainstream UK politics…

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Season 8 Sneak Peek: New Format, Big News, and How to Get Involved 13:31

3M ago13:31

13:31

In this teaser for Season 8, Abby shares a quick update on what’s changing and what’s staying the same on the Relationships Made Easy podcast. You’ll hear about the exciting launch of her second podcast (Workplace Therapy) and how you can help shape Season 8 by sending in your questions and topic suggestions. Want to dive deeper? Join Abby’s privat…

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The Value of Preparation 9:44

3M ago9:44

9:44

Bite Size Pickleball host Rick Cipes shares why it's so important to be prepared and make a plan. Mainly, so you have confidence enough to chuck that plan aside and go with the flow. Check out Rick's pickleball books at Amazon.By Rick Cipes

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344. Why Is Dating So Damn Hard Right Now? (And How to Spot Real Emotional Availability) 39:08

4M ago39:08

39:08

If you’ve been wondering whether dating is harder than it used to be, I’m here to tell you: yes. You’re not imagining things. It’s not just that you’re older, pickier, or doomed to attract commitment-phobes. The truth is, dating today has a unique set of challenges, most of which are designed to keep you swiping, second-guessing, and emotionally co…

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343. Micro-Gaslighting: The Tiny Cuts That Undermine You 32:10

4M ago32:10

32:10

You know those moments that make you pause and think, “Wait, am I being ridiculous right now?” You feel off, but you can’t quite explain why. The conversation wasn’t overtly mean. You weren’t screamed at. But still… something felt wrong. Well, you might be experiencing micro-gaslighting. We already know that gaslighting is a form of emotional manip…

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342. You Don’t Have to Earn It: Breaking Free from Transactional Self-Worth 39:50

4M ago39:50

39:50

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing enough?” at work, in your relationships, as a parent, or just as a person, you’re not alone. So many of my clients feel like they have to prove their value through performance, productivity, or being “good enough” for someone to love or respect them. Today we’ll explore the difference between self-worth and self…

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341. When Your Partner Is Being Evasive, Withholding Information, or Lying: A Guide to Navigating Relationship Deception 49:49

4M ago49:49

49:49

Nothing makes your stomach drop quite like that moment when you realize your partner isn’t telling you the truth. Whether it's an outright lie, a carefully omitted detail, or that uneasy feeling that they're sidestepping around something important, suspecting deception in your relationship is gut-wrenching. And when gaslighting enters the picture? …

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Agenda and Flow 7:32

4M ago7:32

7:32

Bite Size Pickleball host Rick Cipes talks about how his trip to New York City applies to learning a lesson about pickleball. Make sure to check out Rick's latest book Pickleball Riffs available at Amazon.By Rick Cipes

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Syllabus for the Soul 1:37:25

4M ago1:37:25

1:37:25

Send us a text We live in a society that's quick to label inequality as "the way things are" rather than confronting the systemic barriers that keep certain communities locked in cycles of disadvantage. The recent UK High Court ruling that 20% VAT on private school fees is lawful isn't just about taxation – it's about working-class families making …

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340. Judgment Detox: 8 Steps to Be Less Critical and More Connected 53:47

5M ago53:47

53:47

While judgment can be a natural human response, being judgmental can erode your relationships and seriously hinder your personal growth. Yes, judgment feels good at first. It gives you a hit of certainty, a sense of superiority, and the illusion of control. But over time, it poisons your perspective and isolates you from the very connection you cra…

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339. Why You Keep Proving Yourself Right (Even When You're Miserable): The Psychology of Confirmation Bias and Defense Mechanisms 46:40

5M ago46:40

46:40

You break up with someone and suddenly, every memory is framed as proof that they never really cared. You get into an argument with your mom, and you leave convinced, once again, that she just doesn’t get you. You walk into a work meeting with the story that your boss doesn’t respect you, and now every glance or tone of voice becomes more “evidence…

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338. How to Stop Taking It Personally: 5 Steps to Listen Without Getting Defensive 44:58

5M ago44:58

44:58

It’s not hard to stay calm and open when someone is complimenting your outfit or thanking you for dinner. But when they’re disappointed in you? Hurt by something you said? Frustrated by a mistake you made? That’s when your brain shifts into protect mode. And suddenly, instead of listening, you’re defending, explaining, or withdrawing. Defensiveness…

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Don't Get Lost Down the Neanderthal Hole 9:06

5M ago9:06

9:06

Bite Size Pickleball host, and regular Pickleball Magazine writer, Rick Cipes discusses the difference of playing chess, or checkers, when it comes to pickleball. WTF? Just listen. Check out Rick's latest book Pickleball Riffs available at Amazon.By Rick Cipes

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Financial Police State: How Technology Is Reshaping Our Economic Reality 1:19:12

5M ago1:19:12

1:19:12

Send us a text The technological revolution isn't coming—it's already here, dismantling traditional business models and reshaping our economic landscape before our eyes. McKinsey's recent firing of 10% of its workforce, openly blaming AI disruption, signals a profound shift that extends far beyond consultancies. This episode dives deep into how art…

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337. Why We’re So Afraid to Be Alone (and the Five Steps to Feel at Ease with Yourself) 59:56

5M ago59:56

59:56

We talk a lot about loneliness these days, but we don’t talk enough about why being alone triggers such deep fear for so many of us. Is it just about relationships? Or is there something deeper, hard-wired into our biology and psychology? Spoiler: it's both. And understanding the roots of this fear is the first step to changing it. If you’ve ever f…

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336. Is Food Addiction Real? Here’s the Truth (and 5 Steps to Healing) 44:06

5M ago44:06

44:06

Let’s start with a hard truth wrapped in a soft blanket: Yes, food addiction is real, and if you’re struggling with it, you’re not broken, lazy, or weak. You’re human. You’re living in a world where the food industry spends billions engineering snacks to hijack your brain, and your biology is just doing its thing, trying to survive. Today we’ll cov…

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335. Are You a Narcissist and Don’t Know It? The Truth About Healthy Selfishness vs. Narcissistic Personality Disorder 38:07

6M ago38:07

38:07

“I’m just putting myself first, is that narcissistic?” “Am I being selfish or setting a boundary?” “I think I might be a narcissist.” Sound familiar? If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, take a deep breath. You’re probably not a narcissist. But the fact that you're even wondering is worth unpacking, because somewhere between healthy sel…

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The Common Sense Revolution 1:30:01

6M ago1:30:01

1:30:01

Send us a text Ever felt like you're navigating a world that wasn't built for your success? This deeply personal episode unravels the complex journey of achieving professional excellence while wrestling with life's most challenging transitions. I'm celebrating passing an international certification with distinction – an achievement that came while …

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334. Dopamine Detoxing is a Scam (But You Should Still Do It) 1:04:47

6M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

In today's fast-paced digital world, the concept of "dopamine detoxing" has gained traction as a method to reset our brains from constant stimulation. But what exactly is dopamine detoxing, and does it hold any scientific merit? Today, we'll delve into the science behind dopamine, debunk the myths surrounding dopamine detoxing, explore how modern m…

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Pickleball Riffs The New Book 6:30

6M ago6:30

6:30

Bite Size Pickleball host chats about his new pickleball book and riffs on what is holding you back from playing your best tournament pickleball!By Rick Cipes

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333. Why You (or Your Partner) Struggle to Talk About Feelings: Understanding Alexithymia 50:33

6M ago50:33

50:33

If you’ve ever felt like your partner shuts down when you ask, “How are you feeling?” or you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what I’m feeling; I just feel off,” you might be dealing with something deeper than emotional avoidance. You might be dealing with alexithymia. No, it’s not a disease. Nobody’s broken. But it’s real, and it affects your r…

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332. Why We Eat Our Feelings: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Eating 53:46

6M ago53:46

53:46

Ever found yourself knee-deep in a pint of ice cream after a stressful day, convincing yourself that this is "self-care"? (Or is that just me?). Emotional eating is a common (yet sneaky) coping mechanism that many people struggle with. Why do we turn to food when we’re stressed, sad, or even bored? More importantly, how can we break free from the c…

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331. A New Mindset for Navigating Neurodiverse Relationships 37:35

7M ago37:35

37:35

If you’re in a relationship where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum, you’ve probably noticed that the usual relationship advice doesn’t quite work for you. You might have read articles, watched videos, or even talked to a therapist, but instead of feeling helpful, that advice often leaves you feeling more frustrated, disconnected, or …

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330. Codependency and Boundary Red Flags When Dating 56:47

7M ago56:47

56:47

Dating should be exciting, filled with curiosity, fun, and a growing sense of connection. But if you’ve struggled with boundaries in the past or found yourself repeatedly in relationships that drain you, you might unknowingly be attracting (or being attracted to) codependent dynamics. Today we’ll break down what codependency looks like in dating, h…

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329. The Science of Friendship: How to Build, Keep, and Let Go of Friends as an Adult 53:46

7M ago53:46

53:46

Friendship is one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of our well-being. Not only does the research show that friendships keep us mentally healthy, but studies also show they keep us physically healthy. As adults, making and maintaining friendships can feel more complicated than it once did, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure…