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Welcome to Episode 72 of the ANEW Insight Podcast, hosted by clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, and bestselling author Dr. Supatra Tovar. In this powerful and thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Tovar sits down with board-certified psychiatrist, author, and Ruthless Compassion podcaster Dr. Marcia Sirota to explore the transformative power of ruthless compassion—a concept that blends empathy with clear boundaries, emotional strength, and radical honesty.

Dr. Sirota, based in Toronto, Canada, brings over 25 years of experience in trauma recovery, mental health, and personal empowerment. Together, they dive deep into what it means to be kind without becoming a doormat, how to set boundaries without guilt, and why people-pleasing is often a trauma response rooted in early experiences of powerlessness. This episode breaks down how developing "ruthless compassion" can help individuals heal from trauma, reclaim their power, and stop enabling harmful behavior in themselves and others.

Listeners will learn:

• What ruthless compassion is—and what it isn’t
• How kindness differs from people-pleasing
• Why boundary-setting is an act of self-respect and love
• How trauma shapes coping mechanisms like fawning and freezing
• The role of personal responsibility in reducing suffering
• Tools like the "Inner Warrior" and "Wise Woman Within" for building internal safety and self-trust
• How to move from self-criticism to self-compassion using clarity, not cruelty

Dr. Sirota shares clinical wisdom, real-life examples, and philosophical insights to help listeners see that compassion doesn’t mean tolerating everything or giving yourself (or others) a free pass. Instead, she advocates for truth-telling, accountability, and empowerment as the core of authentic healing. Whether you’re a therapist, trauma survivor, caregiver, or someone working on boundary-setting, this episode will give you actionable strategies for reclaiming your voice and emotional safety.

Dr. Tovar and Dr. Sirota also discuss the overlap between complex PTSD and personality disorders, how fawning behaviors block authentic relationships, and why labeling trauma survivors without compassion does more harm than good. This is a must-listen episode for anyone seeking to understand how trauma affects identity, behavior, and healing—and how to rise above it through fierce, intentional self-love.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore Dr. Sirota’s book Be Kind, Not Nice and what it truly means to become a Kindness Warrior in today’s world.

📘Dr. Marcia Sirota’s Social media channels: https://marciasirotamd.com/, https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00DXGVO3A, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6i7Wq-bh3faMBvCc5F0fPg, https://podcast.reelmental.com/, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ruthless-compassion-with-dr-marcia-sirota/id1085239678, https://ca.linkedin.com/in/marcia-sirota.

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Thank you for joining us on this journey to wellness. Remember, the insights and advice shared on the ANEW Body Insight Podcast are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health routine. To learn more about the podcast and stay updated on new episodes, visit ANEW Body Insight Podcast at anew-insight.com. To watch this episode on YouTube, visit @my.anew.insight. Follow us on social media at @my.anew.insight on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Threads for more updates and insights. Thank you for tuning in! Stay connected with us for more empowering stories and expert guidance. Until next time, stay well and keep evolving with ANEW Body Insight!