Best Whitney Goodman LMFT Podcasts (2025)

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Break Up with the Rage Economy 21:36

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11h ago21:36

21:36

Whitney reflects on how the "rage economy" of social media and news is destroying our mental health and capacity to connect with others. She explores how algorithms reward inflammatory content that keeps us trapped in cycles of anger and isolation. Later in the episode she highlights a positive example from Real Housewives of Orange County where a …

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Therapists Analyze the Viral Estranged Parents Video 1:13:19

2d ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Whitney Goodman teams up with therapist Kate Gray (@codependencykate) to analyze a viral YouTube video from an estranged parent with over 1.2 million views. They break down common patterns of defensiveness, emotional neglect, and deflection that prevent reconciliation, offering insights for both estranged adult children and estranged parents on how…

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The Enabling Parent Dilemma 26:18

6d ago26:18

26:18

Whitney breaks down dysfunctional family dynamics in Real Housewives of Miami and The Summer I Turned Pretty, then answers a caller's question about healing from the pain of having an enabling parent who failed to protect them from an abusive narcissistic parent. Enabling parents are often harder to process than overtly abusive ones and Whitney det…

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How the Fawn Response Outsmarts Danger with Dr. Ingrid Clayton 36:56

13d ago36:56

36:56

Whitney Goodman interviews Dr. Ingrid Clayton about her new book "Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves and How to Find Our Way Back." They explore fawning as the fourth trauma response, how it differs from people-pleasing and codependency, why children and marginalized people develop this survival strategy, and how it can masquer…

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The Psychology Behind Netflix's Documentary: Unknown Number 35:37

18d ago35:37

35:37

SPOILER WARNING: This episode contains major spoilers for the Netflix documentary "Unknown Number: The High School Catfish" Whitney analyzes the Netflix documentary by exploring the psychology behind extreme parental abuse and manipulation. She examines the case through the lens of child psychology, trauma bonding, and the devastating impact when a…

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The Divorce Myth: What Actually Harms Children vs. What Helps Them Heal with Michelle Dempsey-Multack 47:22

20d ago47:22

47:22

Whitney interviews Michelle Dempsey-Multack about how to protect children during divorce and co-parenting. They debunk the myth that divorce inherently harms children, exploring how the quality of the divorce experience—not the divorce itself—determines the impact on kids. The conversation includes practical strategies for healthy co-parenting, int…

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How to Grow Up 24:10

23d ago24:10

24:10

Too often the phrase “grow up” is code for ignoring your past and repressing your childhood trauma. This dismissive “get over it” mentality fails to ever reach a healthy emotional maturity. Join Whitney as she explores what it actually means to acknowledge your past, set boundaries, and embrace your adult power. Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marria…

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The Guilt of Calling Out Your Parents 26:23

1M ago26:23

26:23

In this Q&A episode, Whitney responds to a thoughtful listener question about self-reflection in family relationships - specifically when calling out parents' hurtful behavior makes them withdraw and feel bad about themselves leading to guilt about whether you're part of the problem. She also discusses Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement the…

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Can Estranged Families Reconcile? 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

Can estranged family relationships actually be repaired? Drawing from research on reconciliation, Whitney outlines the five core ingredients necessary for genuine repair - active empathetic listening, accountability, behavioral change, mutual willingness, and safety. Whitney distinguishes between genuine repair efforts and surface-level compliance,…

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Q&A: Always the Scapegoat, Never the Golden Child 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

In this Q&A episode, Whitney reflects on the polarizing response to her recent "Dear Estranged Parents" episode and shares her feelings about being misunderstood while trying to help families. Later, she discusses reality TV dynamics from Real Housewives of Miami about family sacrifice and entitlement, then addresses a caller's question about why d…

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Dear Estranged Parents 37:42

1M ago37:42

37:42

Whitney speaks directly to estranged parents from her experience working with hundreds of adult children who have cut contact with their families. She addresses common arguments from parents like "I have no idea why this happened," "I did the best I could," and "my children are remembering it wrong." She explains why these arguments often do more h…

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Q&A: When Your Family Wants You as Their Human Shield 16:50

2M ago16:50

16:50

In this Q&A episode, Whitney addresses a caller whose siblings want them to attend their parents' 50th anniversary trip not out of love, but to serve as a buffer against their abusive parents' dysfunction - and how to handle the pressure when "no" isn't being accepted as an answer. She also discusses sibling dynamics from the Apple TV show "Smoke" …

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Can Emotionally Mature Parents Raise Immature Kids? 29:36

1M ago29:36

29:36

In this solo episode, Whitney responds to the question: can emotionally mature parents still raise emotionally immature adult children? She breaks down the research on emotional transmission from parent to child, examining the roles of modeling, contingency responses, and coaching. Whitney discusses how temperament, bidirectional influence, and dev…

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Q&A: All or Nothing Relationships with Emotionally Immature Parents 25:47

2M ago25:47

25:47

In this Q&A episode, Whitney addresses a caller dealing with a mother who accuses her of being the toxic one while engaging in silent treatment and triangulation tactics. She discusses parents who weaponize big parenting gestures like Disney trips and birthday parties to deflect from daily emotional neglect. She also analyzes emotionally immature p…

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Sibling Estrangement in Families with an Emotionally Immature Parent 21:38

2M ago21:38

21:38

In this solo episode, Whitney explores why siblings from the same dysfunctional family often have completely different experiences and reactions to their emotionally immature parents. She breaks down the common dysfunctional family roles - golden child, scapegoat, lost child, parentified child, and enabler - and explains how these roles create last…

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Q&A: AI Therapists, Reality TV, and Sibling Estrangement 25:55

2M ago25:55

25:55

In this Q&A episode, Whitney discusses why AI can't replace real therapy and the privacy concerns with using ChatGPT for mental health support. Whitney also addresses a caller dealing with sibling estrangement - feeling alone and resentful when their brother cut off their emotionally immature mother while they chose to stay and work on the relation…

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The Emotionally Immature Parent Assessment 27:17

2M ago27:17

27:17

In this solo episode, Whitney introduces the upcoming August topic for the Family Cyclebreakers Club: adult children of emotionally immature parents. She walks listeners through an 18-question assessment to help identify if they have an emotionally immature parent, explains the key traits of emotional immaturity based on Dr. Lindsay Gibson's work, …

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Q&A: Co-parenting with a Narcissist 28:06

2M ago28:06

28:06

In this Q&A episode, Whitney addresses a caller's concerns about co-parenting with her ex-husband while he is living with his mother with whom he has an enmeshed relationship with and who has actively tried to sabotage their marriage in the past. Have a question for Whitney? Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to [email protected] W…

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The Betrayal of the Enabling Parent 28:42

2M ago28:42

28:42

In this solo episode, Whitney explores one of the most painful realizations in family healing: when the "safer" parent was also complicit in your harm. She breaks down the complex dynamics between enablers and abusers in narcissistic family systems, explains why enablers are both victims and perpetrators, and provides crucial questions to assess wh…

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Q&A: My Mom Doesn't Want a Relationship 28:37

2M ago28:37

28:37

In this Q&A episode, Whitney introduces a new TV pop culture segment, analyzing dysfunctional family dynamics in reality shows like Real Housewives of Miami and Love Island. She explores cultural expectations around who should maintain parent-child relationships and discusses the shift in generational attitudes toward supporting adult children's ch…

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The Family You Create with Sahil Bloom 41:31

3M ago41:31

41:31

Whitney sits down with entrepreneur and author Sahil Bloom to discuss his book "The Five Types of Wealth" and the powerful story of his parents choosing love over family approval. They explore how family estrangement shaped Sahil's understanding of what "family" really means, the toxic masculinity plaguing young men today, and why being a present f…

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Q&A: Self-Diagnosis and Toxic Grandparents 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

In this Q&A episode, Whitney explores the complexities of self-diagnosis, particularly around autism and neurodivergence, discussing when it can be helpful versus harmful and how to pursue formal diagnosis responsibly. She also addresses a caller's struggle with a narcissistic mother-in-law and provides practical advice for protecting children whil…

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How to Recognize a Narcissistic Family System 30:59

3M ago30:59

30:59

In this solo episode, Whitney explores narcissistic family systems - what they look like, what they feel like, and what recovering from them might entail. She explore roles like the scapegoat and enabler, discusses why image matters more than authenticity in these families, and explains how the parenting styles of narcissistic parents create long-t…

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Q&A: Intent vs. Impact and Forget Them Kids 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

In this Q&A episode, I explore a quote from the book Forget Them Kids authored by an estranged parent that perfectly illustrates how many parents use "good intentions" to avoid accountability. I then answer listener questions about reconciling family political differences and navigating coming out to unsupportive parents for a second time as an ind…

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Is "Therapy Speak" Out of Control? with Jacquelyn Tenaglia 38:31

3M ago38:31

38:31

I sat down with therapist and content creator Jacquelyn Tenaglia to discuss the rise of "therapy speak" online and in popular culture, how mental health terms are being misused and weaponized, and what to look for when consuming mental health content on social media. We explore the fine line between increased mental health awareness and the oversim…

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How to Develop Emotional Closeness 29:11

3M ago29:11

29:11

In this solo episode, I’m exploring how to develop emotional closeness in your relationships. I discuss why some people struggle with vulnerability, how emotional immaturity creates barriers to closeness, and practical ways to practice emotional connection. Some family members may never be capable of deep emotional intimacy. Developing emotional cl…

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Q&A: My In-Laws Say They'll Help But They Never Do 31:22

3M ago31:22

31:22

In this Q&A episode, I’m addressing why some mothers copy their daughters' appearance and behavior and what to do when in-laws constantly offer help but never follow through. As part of my Little Epiphanies part of the show, I also discuss emotional immaturity and enmeshment in parent-child relationships as seen in the Netflix show "Ginny and Georg…

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How to Take Care of Estranged and Distant Parents as They Age 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

What do you do when the person who needs care is someone who caused you significant harm? In this solo episode, I’m addressing what is probably one of the most dreaded dilemmas facing estranged adult children: how to navigate caring for aging parents. We’ll explore different types of care that are available for you to choose from and other complex …

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Q&A: A Family Secret Revealed & Boundaries with Mom 34:01

4M ago34:01

34:01

In this Q&A episode, I’m discussing the discovery of sexual abuse in the family and providing practical advice for someone struggling with boundary violations from their mother. We explore the concept of true boundaries and concrete strategies when nice requests aren’t working. Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show…

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How to Talk to Your Parents About Money with Etinosa Agbonlahor 32:51

4M ago32:51

32:51

Whitney speaks with Etinosa Agbonlahor about navigating difficult financial conversations with parents. They discuss strategies for approaching retirement planning, setting financial boundaries with financially irresponsible parents, and handling the emotional complexity of money conversations that often involve mortality and family dynamics. Have …

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Is There a Link Between Therapy Culture and Childlessness? 29:27

4M ago29:27

29:27

In this solo episode, Whitney critiques a New York Times opinion piece claiming therapy culture is linked to declining birth rates. Drawing from her work with populations of estranged adults and research for her upcoming book on parent-child estrangement, Whitney addresses harmful misconceptions about why adults choose to limit contact with parents…

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The Necessary Conversation: How To Talk To Family With Different Political Beliefs 50:02

4M ago50:02

50:02

This week, I sat down with siblings Haley and Chad from the Necessary Conversation Podcast. Each week, they sit down with their parents to talk about politics and they invite us to listen (to say their political beliefs differ would be quite the understatement). They discuss their temporary estrangement due to politics and why they continue to sit …

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Q&A: I Told My Sister The Truth About Our Abusive Parents 35:26

4M ago35:26

35:26

Hi! I'm answering two caller questions today. Caller 1 was abused by her father, and now he's getting remarried to someone with young children. Caller 2 told her sister about their parents' abusive behavior, and it didn't go as planned. In the first ten minutes of the show, I recap some dysfunctional TV family dynamics in Sirens and Nine Perfect St…

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Is This Why Young People Are Cutting Off Their Parents? 29:58

4M ago29:58

29:58

In this episode, I discuss one reason young people end relationships with their parents: their desire for differentiation. You will learn why differentiation is crucial for healthy family dynamics, why adults may need to establish strict boundaries with their parents, and how relationships are formed based on role vs. relationship quality. May at C…

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Q&A: Our Abusive Dad Died. My Sister Only Has Positive Memories. 22:56

4M ago22:56

22:56

I'm back with two caller questions this week. Caller 1 has been waiting for her siblings to see her perspective, but now that they have, she's having some conflicting emotions. Caller 2 is trying to make sense of her sister's apparent amnesia of their father's abuse. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Wh…

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Grieving The Childhood You Never Had: How To Let Go And Grow Up 16:58

4M ago16:58

16:58

You were the responsible one. The quiet one. The one who didn’t need much. And now, as an adult, you feel stuck—like you never got the chance to just be a kid, and it’s holding you back. Grieving a childhood that was chaotic, neglectful, abusive, devoid of emotional connection, or overly parentified can be challenging. You may feel like you’re stuc…

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Q&A: Should My Homophobic Parents Be Grandparents? 25:38

5M ago25:38

25:38

Imagine your parents disapprove of your partner, and they're outwardly hateful about the life you've chosen to live. You had to end your relationship with them because of this. But now you're thinking about having a baby, and you want your baby to have grandparents. What would you do in this situation? That's one of the issues we're navigating in t…

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Grieving a Parent Who Wasn’t Really There: How to Mourn the Relationship You Never Got 22:33

5M ago22:33

22:33

Episode #116 of the Calling Home Podcast with Whitney Goodman, LMFT In this solo episode, Whitney Goodman explores the complex grief that comes with mourning a parent who wasn't emotionally or physically present. Whether the parent is still alive but unwilling to change or has passed away, Whitney explores the confusing emotions that can arise and …

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Q&A: I Answer Your Mother's Day Questions 29:12

5M ago29:12

29:12

Mother's Day is this weekend, and I know that is hard for many of you. In this episode, I discuss who should be "celebrated" on Mother's Day and answer several of your questions about how to grieve and estrangement. Here are those resources I mentioned in the episode: Mother-Daughter Relationship worksheets, videos, scripts, and articles The Adult …

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Trauma From A Survivor's POV with Nate Postlethwait 59:26

5M ago59:26

59:26

This is an episode that every trauma survivor—and the people who love them—should listen to. Nate is an amazing speaker who discusses childhood trauma from a survivor's perspective, and I have no doubt this episode will deeply impact you. You can learn more about Nate and his work here. May at Calling Home - Grieving Complicated Relationships: ⁠htt…

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Q&A: My Twin Brother Must Hate Me (UPDATED!) 27:05

5M ago27:05

27:05

Wow, so sorry for that mixup. My advice for Caller 1 has completely changed after I heard the entire voicemail, not just half of it. If you've already listened, this is an updated version of that episode. May at Calling Home - Grieving Complicated Relationships: ⁠https://callinghome.co/grieving-complicated-relationships ⁠ Have a question for Whitne…

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The Power of Apologizing: How to Repair When You React 20:38

5M ago20:38

20:38

This episode is about repair, not perfection. You will learn: Why we react in ways we don't want to Why self-compassion is crucial for repair How to repair (with exact steps) May at Calling Home - Grieving Complicated Relationships: https://callinghome.co/grieving-complicated-relationships Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail …

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Q&A: "I'm Just A Rest Stop." 27:48

5M ago27:48

27:48

Hi! We have two caller questions this week + my three little epiphanies: Some families are “role” families and some families are “relationship families.” Sometimes the most adult thing you can do is stand up for yourself. There is a special pain in families where people know exactly how to act around others, but give you the worst version of themse…

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The Power of Parting With Eamon Dolan 42:22

5M ago42:22

42:22

This episode is for anyone who is navigating estrangement. I sat down with Eamon Dolan, the author of the new book, The Power of Parting. We discuss: The hidden epidemic of child abuse at the hands of their family members Why estrangement is so taboo and challenging Eamon's steps for navigating estrangement and how to approach it Why our family mem…

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Q&A: My Sibling Keeps Sharing Info With My Estranged Parent 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Today, we have two caller questions. I also talk about my three little epiphanies for the week: The most ineffective way to resume contact with someone after estrangement is by demanding a relationship with them. For some adults, their parents are their biggest haters. There’s a big difference between not wanting kids and feeling like you can’t hav…

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Parenting Without a Map: Raising Kids Without Role Models 28:19

6M ago28:19

28:19

I recorded this solo episode of @thecallinghomepodcast for anyone who is parenting without role models or someone who is fearful of having children because they don't have a roadmap from their own childhood. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225…

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Q&A:Does My Dad Have Autism Or Is He A Narcissist? 33:57

6M ago33:57

33:57

Today, we have a Q&A episode. I answer two caller questions: 1. Caller 1 wants to know if her dad has autism or narcissistic traits. I break down the difference. 2. Caller 2 is struggling to have a surface-level relationship with her family. I also dive into my three little epiphanies for the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho…

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How To Grieve: Young Grievers, Ambiguous Loss, and Support After The Door Dash Gift Card Phase with Carla Fernandez. 41:04

6M ago41:04

41:04

Hey everyone, and welcome back! I am so excited to have Carla Fernandez on the podcast today. She's a grief guide, community builder, the author of Renegade Grief, and co-founder of The Dinner Party, an organization that creates spaces where people who have experienced loss can gather around a table and share their stories. Carla's work centers on …

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Q&A: My MIL Is Passive Aggressive And No One Else Notices 28:11

6M ago28:11

28:11

Hi! We're back with two caller questions this week. Caller one is a passive-aggressive MIL and caller 2 is concerned about having her family at her wedding. I also share my three little epiphanies for the week about giving grace, the most googled question about estrangement, and Chappell Roan. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/…

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Will You Regret Having Children? with Amanda White 48:22

6M ago48:22

48:22

With that Chappell Roan clip on Call Her Daddy going viral, this episode couldn't be more timely. I sat down with Amanda White, the author of Fence Sitter and we talk about motherhood, deciding to have children, regret, and the paradox of joy and pain in parenthood. This episode is great for anyone considering having a child or struggling with earl…