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A weekly, soul-nourishing podcast offering psychologically grounded, heart-centered reflections on human relationships, inner healing, and compassion-based communication. Focused on live mini-coaching moments to help callers shift from reactive, domination-based communication to collaborative, heart-centered connection. Listen for new scripts for stuck situations, new ways of responding to old relationship dynamics and guidance on how to approach these situations with empathy, self-awareness ...
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Ever find yourself carrying someone else’s emotional backpack… and wondering why your shoulders hurt? Today we unpack four real-life questions about emotional boundaries, relational burnout, and the art of letting go of what was never yours to hold. You’ll hear raw, relatable stories, from being exiled from a beloved community group, to walking awa…
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Feeling overwhelmed with the current state of the world? You're not alone, and I can help. Join me on Thursday, May 29th as I host The Soft Revolution Begins With You: Living Love As Daily Resistance. This FREE webinar will explore how to stay rooted in love when the world feels harsh, broken, or chaotic and what it means to live your values as a f…
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This tender and deeply resonant episode follows a heartfelt question from listener Cathy: Do I keep talking to my brother, even after all the harm he’s caused? What unfolds is an intimate exploration of how to stay rooted in our own integrity when we’re torn between love and protection, compassion and accountability, connection and boundaries. We d…
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What if your fiercest judgments were just misplaced devotion? In this raw and revealing episode, we unpack those charged moments when your love for truth and justice gets mistaken for criticism or control. When your “I just want to help” lands more like “You’re doing it wrong.” And when your longing to belong collides with your need to speak up. Tw…
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Ever felt torn between staying true to yourself and keeping the peace in your relationships? In this episode, we walk with three courageous guests as they navigate the messy middle of relational repair, where heartbreak, hope, and healing often collide. Throughout the episode, I offer grounded coaching and relational insight, modeling how to make p…
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Ever spiraled into shame because of one tiny mistake? Or replayed a text convo with a ghoster, trying to decode what you did wrong? You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. In this vulnerable and uplifting episode, Tiffany and Patrice bring raw questions to the table, and I offer some insights into how we talk to ourselves when we feel abandoned, r…
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In this epsiode, we speak with Cathy and Paul. Cathy is untangling her intentions around gift giving and her desire to be closer to her daughter. Paul is working to understand an intense emotional reaction after he had a difficult conversation with his partner. We discuss: 3:10 Opening thoughts on the current political climate 10:26 How do I discer…
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How do we stay connected to ourselves - and to others - when our nervous systems are screaming, our inner critics are loud, and old family patterns are tugging us backward? In this episode, we examine: 2:03 I'm struggling in my relationship with my sister. Why does my body still react to conflict even when my mind knows I'm safe now? 7:19 A new, em…
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What if every awkward silence, every emotional hijack, every misstep can be used as stepping-stone to circle back to a conversation? To reconnect. To build trust, not erode it. What if "failed" moments aren't actually failures at all, but are simply part of a natural, generative learning process? Today, we examine moments that feel like failures at…
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In this episode, Jaya brings forward a challenge that many of us can relate to - leaving conversations feeling undermined or devalued. She struggles with how to maintain her power and self-worth when people dismiss, invalidate, or fail to recognize her contributions. Her core questions include: How do I keep my power when dealing with people who un…
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What happens when we truly listen? Not just to respond, but to create space for deeper self-awareness? This rich and layered conversation with Patrice shows how connection-based, collaborative listening results I moving beyond her initial questions into a profound self-discovery process. By gently reflecting, naming patterns, and holding space, we …
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Have you ever texted a friend, waited for a reply, and felt like your entire world was crumbling when they didn't respond right away? Do you find yourself deeply affected by neutral comments or minor critiques? If so, you might be experiencing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) - a powerful emotional response that can feel like overwhelming pain…
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When kids act out - whether it’s stealing, shutting down, pushing boundaries, or having emotional outbursts - how can we respond in ways that guide them toward growth rather than shame? Today, we explore two powerful real-life situations: A young10-year old boy who stole money from his mentor: What was driving his behavior, and how could adults res…
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Have you ever been cast as the "villain" in someone else's story? Perhaps you're seen as the one who got it wrong, didn't do enough, or failed to meet expectations? Today, we explore what it means to hold our ground in relationships without getting defensive, to listen without justifying, and to accept that sometimes, people need to see us as the p…
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In this week's episode, both questions focus on the theme of disappointment, and how to work with people and relationships that leave us wanting. We discuss: 1:03 Opening comments 7:01 I just found out my friend got married and I wasn't invited 16:28 Avoidant vs. anxious attachment styles 22:18 Role play: What would you say if you could? 32:14 I wa…
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From the moment we enter the world, we begin learning. We absorb the rules of our families, communities, and larger societies. Some of these lessons serve us well, fostering connection, growth, and resilience. But others come from systems designed to control and dominate, systems that teach us to trade our authenticity for approval, our agency for …
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This episode is devoted to those of us who feel frustrated when we're interrupted, or when a conversation we're having is diverted in a way that doesn't feel generative and connecting. Listen in for the three strategies we can use and the three goals we can shoot for in order to create a new conversation. We discuss: 3:10 I was having a heartfelt c…
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Today, Colleen shares her experience of balancing emotional authenticity with others' expectations, while CJ explores the challenges of offering meaningful apologies and overcoming guilt and shame. This episode is for you if you've ever wondered: How do you stay connected when emotions run high? What’s the secret to offering an authentic apology wi…
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This week I talk to Steve, who is trying to balance his care for a friendship that has become emotionally draining, with his care for himself, and we explore questions many of us grapple with: How do we distinguish between setting boundaries and abandoning someone we care about? How do we honor our own well-being while remaining compassionate towar…
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What if the smallest moments of care could transform a relationship or change a life? In this episode, we uncover the surprising power of empathy and connection through two compelling stories. Discover how to meet people where they are, foster deep understanding, and create conversations that truly matter. We discuss: 2:01 How can I help shift some…
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In this episode, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of communication: defensiveness. Whether it’s a friend who dismisses others, a family member who reacts sharply, or a coworker who resists feedback, defensiveness often creates distance in relationships. But what if we could work with defensiveness instead of resisting or judging it? Dr…
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Today's conversation with Julia and Meka explores the problems with being "normal" and recommends strategies for being authentic and real, instead. The idea of being "normal" can be misused to keep people compliant and obedient - but this isn't always the "healthiest" or wisest move. Additionally, this episode features some discussion on the way do…
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This week we explore critical themes around racism, bullying, emotional safety, and systemic bias, as we talk with Simone about how to protect her kindergarten son from bullying. In this powerful and emotionally charged episode, you'll witness both empathetic support and strategic advice for navigating the complex dynamics of racism, bias, and syst…
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In this special holiday episode, we explore what happens when connection feels strained, boundaries are tested, and communications gets tough. From dealing with unsolicited advice and navigating silent partners to addressing unresolved conflicts in community and bridging value divides, these four callers bring real-life challenges that many of us c…
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One of the most important stops we can make on our healing journey is figuring out how to sit with uncomfortable feelings. Often, this will appear in the form of others being upset with us. In this episode, we discuss one approach to others' upset: the ability to hear the message even when couched in a clumsy delivery. We consider: 2:00 How can I s…
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Today, we’re bringing you three heartfelt and deeply relatable conversations: Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: How do you protect your children while maintaining your own emotional resilience? We’ll dive into strategies for setting firm boundaries, minimizing conflict, and creating a safe and nurturing environment for your kids—all while managing th…
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Let's dive into the complexities of communication, parenting, and emotional connection as we explore: 1. How to handle projections in relationships when someone assumes your thoughts and reacts defensively. 2. What do you do when your child doesn't like your "tone of voice? 3. What do you do when you want a deeper connection with a friend but fear …
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Friendships can be so difficult to navigate sometimes. In today's conversation, we help identify the factors that can make friendships feel icky, and work out ways to show up authentically and with an open heart, rather than trying to problem solve. We discuss: 1:00 Looking for an in-person opportunity to work with me? Consider attending my retreat…
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Are you worried about Thanksgiving dinner conversations with family members who voted differently than you? In this week's episode, we listen to a conversation with Suzanne, who is trying to navigate issues of duty and connection with family members who don't share her values. We discuss: 1:39 How do I explain to my family that I can't talk to them…
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This week's podcast features one of my favorite discussions: Boundaries. It can be hard to set boundaries with life-long friends, and this week's discussion explores the complications concerning caring for ourselves, and helping others. In this episode we explore: 1:00 Looking for an in-person opportunity to work with me? Consider attending my retr…
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When they're good, our friendships can greatly contribute to the overall quality of our life. When they're hard, our friendships can make life really difficult. On this episode of Conversations from the Heart, we talk about all kinds of issues regarding friendships. We discuss: 1:01 How do I take a break from a friendship? 8:10 How to acknowledge a…
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One of the hardest decisions we can make is to dismantle a marriage when there are children involved. On this episode of the podcast, we uncover how to make the decision of whether to stay in or leave a marriage because of the kids. We also discuss: 1:34 How do I make accommodations for my needs and my children's needs at the same time? 4:01 Determ…
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It's domination programming that teaches us the louder we raise our voices, the faster the other person will capitulate and join our side. However, in order to affect real change, the key is to get others to care about what it is we're caring about. And this is a much slower, longer, harder task. In this episode, we talk with a caller embarking on …
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The locus of control in a boundary lies with us, and concerns what we are willing and unwilling to do. One of the data points we can use when negotiating our boundaries is how others engage with us. In this podcast episode, we discuss our responsibility for setting up terms for engagement that are centered around our values, and we discuss: 1:11 Ho…
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It can be incredibly painful when we find ourselves in relationships where we long for deeper authentic connection but can't seem to elicit that desire in others. In this episode, we discuss: 1:11 How can I connect with someone who can't work won't talk about his feelings? 8:13 If someone is unhappy, that must mean something is wrong, right? 12:11 …
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It's easy to let our thoughts sink into the "shoulds" that have been programmed into us: "I should be able to handle this: other people say it's easy." "He should be able to get ready and go to school by himself - he's old enough now." "I should have paid my taxes weeks ago - why does this feel so hard?" However, running our lives on "shoulds" ofte…
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When we want to stay in relationship with people who have hurt us, it's important for us to figure out a way to connect with them in a way that keeps us open hearted and also protected. But how, exactly, can we show up open heartedly in ways that also protect us and keep us safe? That's where open hearted and loving boundaries come in. In this epis…
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We've all been well trained in the rules of the game we all know. We've been taught to be dutiful children, loving siblings, tolerant friends. But when some of us realize that we've outgrown the status quo, it can feel like an act of rebellion and revolution as we transform the rules of a system that no longer works for us in search for a more auth…
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Love cannot be ordered up. Care cannot be demanded. If we want certain people to love us, or care about us, is there anything we can do to make that more likely? This episode explores various relational moves across three scenarios that might help to inspire more care for ourselves from other people. We discuss: 1:36 The stove is broken. How can I …
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We may be interested in living an authentic, honest life. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily mean those we're closest to are interested in doing the same thing. The easiest way to encourage those around us to show up authentically is by ensuring we make that experience as easy and enjoyable as possible for them. In this episode, we discuss: 2:…
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Navigating relationships with difficult family members can sometimes be a Herculean task. This episode highlights four main strategies for walking the path of authentic communication with family members who can be hard to connect with: 1. Practicing the art of translating judgments into feelings and needs. 2. Maintaining deep connection with oursel…
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Changing our default patterns in relationships takes intention and effort. Whether we're wanting to act differently with loved ones at home or with strangers in public, relational transformation starts by turning inward and working with ourselves, first. In this week's conversation we discuss: 1.01 Find information on my upcoming offerings: Deep Di…
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This week's episode explores themes of belonging, and the human need we all share for community. We explore: 1:59 I don't feel like I belong anywhere 5:50 Rising into grandiosity or sinking into shame 7:19 Belonging to Yourself 12:05 The role of reverence 14:03 How do I handle passive aggressive comments? 25:20 We're either repeating or transformin…
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This week's episode is an investigation into working things through in relationship: with our extended family, our mothers, our daughters, and ourselves. We explore: 1:18 The dynamics I see in my nieces and nephews repeat the dynamics between my siblings and I get triggered. How can I help myself and them? 4:12 How to ground observations in micro m…
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This week's caller is looking for scripts that can help her call out some discriminatory dynamics at work. She asks: "I am facing new challenges in my work environment. More specifically, I am noticing weird racial dynamics ( for example, staff of colour all scheduled for night shift, and day shift exclusively (no exceptions) staffed by white staff…
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It's a common - if painful - dynamic: we want to share our pain with another in the hopes of receiving empathy, but their best move is to try and fix our pain by finding fault with something we've said or done. It is so hurtful to be blamed for our own pain. In this week's episode, a caller asks a universally applicable question: "What can I do whe…
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It can be so difficult to know what to say next. Whether you need to have a personal or professional conversation, sometimes finding the words are hard. In this week's podcast, we script out four different conversations for four different scenarios. We discuss: 1:06 "Please tell me you love me, dad." 8:54 "I'm sorry, but you're fired." 15:47 "I wan…
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What do you do when you discover that a friend or loved one sees something in a polar opposite way to how you're seeing it? Are you able to stay in a place of grounded, open curiosity, or do you find yourself getting worked up and activated, wanting to change their minds? It can be very challenging to connect with loved ones when our belief systems…
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As we run through our everyday lives, we'll inevitably bump up against other humans who might be less resourced than we are. Catching others as they're having a bad day can provide us stellar opportunities to increase our own empathy, and we don't even have to say a word. On this week's episode, we delve into ways to manage our own nervous systems …
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Do you ever worry that empathy is getting in the way? In this week's episode, one caller worried that empathizing with his mother in law's fear of having cancer was actually making her anxiety worse, and not better. On this call one of the things we discuss is anxiety, and some of the tips we can use when trying to empathize with someone who's feel…
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