The Millennial Life Podcast

Today, Liz comes back to you solo for an episode about identifying and honoring your needs (and how to define what your needs even are) and making decisions amidst uncertainty. Our world is certainly being faced with difficult and trying times. Perhaps you and those closest to you feel it, too. Liz brings normalization to the different ways we may process grief and pain, and hones in on healthy practices we can engage in to prioritize our personal and relational wellness. Please note this TW for today's episode, as Liz's discussion about the recent shooting in Allen, Texas last week may be activating for some.

Today, Liz comes to you flying solo to talk about why making relationships a part of your wellness plan is not just a "nice to have" but a necessity. In our modern world, the wellness industry brings so many opportunities for where to invest your time and money so as to live your best life and be your best self. But really, what is it all worth if your relationships aren't at the top of the list? Liz talks about how relationships offer the capacity to improve your health, your sense of self, and are worth investing in for the long haul. Listen in and join the conversation!

Today, Dr. Taylor Dyson, LMFT Associate, couples and family therapist joins us to discuss a relevant topic that so many millennials seek to cultivate in adulthood: friendships. Through the transitions of adulting and progressing into new eras of life, having solid friendships is something most people want, yet often struggle to find and maintain in the modern age. Taylor talks us through the relevance of finding friendships that nurture you through all seasons of life, challenges that may come with maintaining friendships during busy seasons, and how we can use the art of intentionality and self-reflection to be healthy in our friendships to others. Listen in!

Money, money, money! It's one of the top reasons couples split, and one of the primary subject areas we hear about in therapy. Today, Kayla Sammons, couples therapist with over a decade of professional experience in corporate finance talks with Liz about the origins of our money stories, the importance of creating healthy space in your relationship to discuss money, and how to navigate when you're not on the same page about finances. Kayla brings a unique and impactful perspective to this conversation. Enjoy!

Today's episode is RELEVANT. So many clients and listeners are curious today about therapy or a means of self discovery and growth. Today, April Henry, couples therapist and coach for millennial women, speaks about the differences between therapy and coaching, and how you can determine which path may be the most beneficial for you. April also takes us deeper into a conversation about the origins of our self worth. We discuss the ways we learn to esteem ourselves through life and how even the most seemingly successful adults can struggle internally with low self worth and identity. You won't want to miss this conversation; be sure to share with someone who may need to hear this!

The MLC Podcast is BACK! We are entering 2023 with an episode on an incredible topic: vulnerability. Ashley Marie Eckstein, LMFT Associate, couples therapist and colleague on the MLC team joins us today to discuss her own journey leaning into vulnerability. Through some of life's greatest challenges and adverse experiences, vulnerability often comes knocking as an opportunity to grow, heal, and expand ourselves as we move forward. In relationships, this often shows up as an invitation to strengthen a relational bond. Ashley Marie brings powerful insight to this conversation today...we hope you enjoy!

For any of those parents to littles, or parents and couples navigating the wild world of prenatal and postpartum development, this episode is for you! Join us for this great crossover episode with Meg Duke, LCSW and host of the "Let's Discuss" Podcast as we talk about the seasons of growth and clashing of parental opinions that comes with having kiddos. We keep it real today and hope you enjoy some nuggets of inspiration and encouragement from today's episode.

We're baaaaack! Join us as we wrap up 2021 with a couple of great conversations. Today, Liz chats with Lindsey Peterson of The Responsive Women. As a therapist and coach, her sweet spot is in helping the doers and overachievers pause, step back, and evaluate how to live from a place of responsiveness rather than reactivity. Join us as we nerd out over brain facts, and walk through some practical ways to prioritize health during this season.

Today, Liz breaks down a bit about the Hero Child experience in family of origin, and how this impacts the way we may show up in our adult relationships. If you took on a parental role, held an importance place in the system by always being the good kid, performing high, or pleasing others, this may resonate with you. Enjoy!

Liz joins us today with reflections from 4-0 episodes of the Millennial Life Podcast! It has been a fun, insightful, and wild ride bringing these relational episodes to you. Here are some highlights from the journey, and what's next (including a shift to bi-weekly episodes) from Liz to you. Thanks for being a listener, this podcast has been for YOU, and we hope you're learned and grown with us along the way.

Liz is coming to you solo today to discuss two incredibly common, and unfortunately detrimental, relationship dynamics that pop up throughout conflict cycles: Criticism and Blame. Liz defines these dynamics, explaining how they show up, what protective purpose they hold, and what we can do differently if we wan't to shift out of these negative dances with our partner, family, friends (legit, anyone!) and into a healthier way of relating. Enjoy!

Today, Liz revisits with Jack Lafleur, RLT Therapist and relationship coach, on his upcoming communication workshop and "The Inarguable Method" to handling rigid conflict/communication issues. This was a fun conversation and we hope you gain something from our talk. Link in show notes if you want to register for Jack's workshop!

Have you ever seen someone whose life appeared seemingly perfect from the outside, only to learn that they were actually suicidal or living with chronic depression? Liz talks with Dr. Margaret Rutherford, psychotherapist and the host of The SelfWork Podcast. Dr. Margaret takes us into the world of Perfectly Hidden Depression, and discusses her book that she wrote on this topic. Many of us have a general idea of what we think depression looks like, but Dr. Margaret brings a new lens to the fact that often, depressed individuals still function out of a perfectionistic and overfunctioning place. NOTE: This episode includes sensitive and triggering conversations around suicide and self-harm behaviors. 

Today's conversation is one for our generation to tune into. If you're in a relationship to a guy, or if you identify with the male experience personally, it's incredibly important to tune into the conversation today with Hayden Lindsey, LPC, and relationship expert. Liz and Hayden discuss the gendered socialization of boys and men, The Man Box, and deepen our understanding of the impact these societal influences have on men's ability to be relational, intimate, and have healthy self-esteem. Check this one out and as always, leave us a review!

It's Men's Mental Health Month so let's focus in on men's experiences in relationship. Jack Lafleur has spent the last few decades doing impactful work with men in his private practice...helping them on the journey of self-discovery, expanding their hearts, and learning to be relational. It's no secret that patriarchy has written some pretty rigid narratives about what it is to be a "man". Today, we debunk many of the myths we hear as clinicians and coaches about why men are they way they are, and the systemic changes we are working towards to create a generation of men with open hearts and intentional skills to be in healthy relationships.

Do you work in the family biz? Nike Anani is a speaker, author, and consultant for NextGens who seek to lead their family businesses. She helps NextGens rise above operations with credibility and connection, so that they can lead and become effective change agents. Our conversation today is fascinating, as we talk through Nike's personal experience in her family's business from a very young age, and how she has learned to help other NextGens step into massive leadership roles while managing the ebbs and flows of mixing work with personal. You'll enjoy this one!

Liz has a fun and relaxed conversation today with Angie Guerno, Licensed Professional Counselor and Career Clarity Coach who works with driven professionals to find fulfillment and joy in what they do. We touch on some relevant topics today, exploring how the past year has affected people's motivation and interest in their career paths, as well as what you can do if you feel stuck in the space teetering success and unfulfillment.  

Today, Liz is joined by expert and coach Jean Atman, who has spent years helping clients heal from toxic relationships and do deeper energy work to reach a healthier state of being. Jean is a Reiki master, and brings insights from her unique journey and experiences as a coach to our conversation about growth and healing beyond relational pain. Enjoy!

Today's episode is a hot one. Listen in as Liz and Kimberly Rose Pendleton, PhD and founder of Uncover, discuss how to cultivate real intimacy in a modern relationship. This episode focuses in on the lives of driven entrepreneurs, high achievers, and those who reach burnout and emotional fatigue, often making it challenging to feel a sense of connection and intimacy in their relationships. As we discuss in today's episode, intimacy practice starts within, and Kimberly brings some insights to those who want to invest in this part of their relational journey.

Liz chats today with Stephanie Booe, @stephaneeneee, who talks about her experience with infertility, IUI, and IVF treatments. Stephanie opens up about the parts of this experience that she had NO idea were coming her way, how it impacted her marriage, and the mental, physical, and emotional hardships she endured. Stephanie brings a real and compassionate approach to this conversation, as well as incredibly helpful tips for listeners who may want to support their loved ones who are going through this journey.

Join Liz today as she talks about the fact that in long term committed relationships, you will have multiple relationships...with the same person. LTR is about growth, expansion, openness to change, side by side. Are you in it for the long haul? Listen to this one, we're sure you'll gain something from it. 

Today, Liz dives into a great conversation on modern relationships, dating, and navigating the single life with Keriann Long, licensed therapist and relationship coach. Keriann helps singles find their person through authentically connecting to themselves, their values, and attachment needs. Enjoy this conversation! We had a great time!

Liz is joined today by Millennial Life Counseling therapist, Nia Nimmers, LMFT Associate. Nia's true passion is meeting couples in high conflict relationships to help them get to the root of their disconnect and dissatisfaction. Today, we discuss what these characteristics of a high conflict relationship look like, and what people can do to start on a road to healing and improvement. This is a good one, ya'll! 

To understand how to create epic, lasting relationships, we need to dive into what DOESN'T work. It's important to recognize the red flags that indicate your relationship may be headed toward disconnect and disappointment. Believe it or not, there are many common things that unhealthy couples tend to do over time. Listen in as Liz covers five of the most significant - and why these are SO critical to address and implement for long term success.

Today, Liz talks about being an emotional/empathic person, and her journey from nonexistent boundaries in emotional relationships and situations, to finding an ability to hold onto Self while showing up emotionally for others (and being able to show up for others' emotional experiences). If you're in a relationship, you won't want to miss this one...especially if you notice yourself feeling responsible, guilty, or resentful in any of the significant relationships in your life.

Hint for today's episode: dive into these questions on your own, and allow a deeper introspection of your internal needs and expectations in relationships to transform the way you show up. This can work for ANY relationship: friend, family, or romantic! Implement today for a more mindful relationship practice. Enjoy!

As an entrepreneur, I've been exposed to the concepts of visionaries and integrators and how these two roles lead to the most functional and successful businesses in the world. I started thinking about these roles and this concept as it relates to our RELATIONSHIP. It makes so much sense! So today, join Liz as she talks about the characteristics of these roles, and why your relationship today needs a shared vision toward the future. You'll enjoy this one!

We often move through life completely unaware of the major reference points we turn to for our idea of what a GREAT relationship looks like. Are you aware of what's influencing your relationship template? Listen in as Liz talks about the common reference points millennials and modern couples are influenced by, and why it's so important to become consciously aware of what impacts the way you define your ideal relationship. 

Today, Liz explores the topic of how we're all conditioned to love. Really, so much of our blueprint or "coding" in adult partnerships and relationship has to do with our origin story: the way we were loved, and what we learned about connection, security, and belonging in our formative years of life. Enjoy!

We're baaaack! After a close call with near podfade, the holidays, and a snowpocalypse in Dallas, Liz is back to it. Today, she's bringing you an interesting conversation about compatibility. This hot topic comes up a lot with premarital couples and singles who are trying to find their person. Why do we seek compatibility as a precursor to commitment? Does compatibility really make or break a long-term relationship? Following years of consuming research, working with millennial couples and individuals, and becoming a trained relationship therapist, Liz has some thoughts on all of the above. Enjoy!

Laura Pierce, LMFT-S and RPT, returns to chat with Liz following our incredible conversation on episode 15 on all the transformations of modern parenting. Today, we dive into some of the nitty gritty, actionable steps that parents can take to prioritize relationship wellness in their dynamic with kiddos, while keeping their sanity. We're pretty sure this episode may be a timely one, especially for those of us who are navigating holidays, pandemic life, and this challenging season of life with littles. 

Joined by the founder of Enneagram Unlimited, Liz and Leslie Root discuss the Enneagram! You may have heard of this unique personality inventory that has found itself at the forefront of conversations today around self-development and inner-knowing. We dive into the basics of this complex tool that is sure to bring you insight and deeper understanding of yourself. We also discuss what number type the millennial generation may be! Leslie is a great reference for all things Enneagram. Enjoy!

Liz is joined by reputable Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist Laura Pierce today as they talk all things MODERN parenting. Why has parenting changed so much from the past few generations to now? What are some of the greatest challenges and focuses for millennial parents? And, how do we handle difficult parenting moments while trying to foster relational health and wellness for the next generations? You will NOT want to miss this insightful conversation today...this was so great that we're already planning part 2. Stay tuned!

Liz is back again with her husband, Greg, following an intense Relationship Bootcamp they completed. Listen in as they talk about the process they participated in along with other couples and individuals across the country (and in other parts of the world!). This was an experience full of growth, deeper understanding, and intimacy - and we're beyond excited to share our main takeaways with you.

Liz is joined today by AnnaMarie Christian, PhD, LPC, LMFT Associate to talk about interracial relationships! It's no secret that the millennial generation is  open to interracial dating, marriage, and relationships. BUT, that doesn't necessarily mean these couples don't experience major challenges. Today's conversation covers a lot of interesting subjects, from the challenges interracial couples may face with family, culture, and traditions within their relationship, to tangible skills to help deal with the most vulnerable conversations like race, politics, and more. 

Ready for some real talk? Liz is joined by a special guest, the GOAT, Greg Higgins. Today, they'll steer away from the traditional psychological discussion to bring you a more relaxed conversation about how they've experienced themselves, their relationship, and navigating family life during the global pandemic. You won't want to miss this one, especially if you're a young couple or family with littles who has been trying to stay above water during this time. Simply put, you aren't alone, and even the therapists have hard days. We hope you enjoy!

Liz gets truly vulnerable today as she talks with Midwife and Co-Owner of Origins Birth and Wellness in Dallas, Amy Fagan-Tate, CPM, CLC. There are MANY paths to birth, and Liz opted to explore the natural route for her kiddos. What she didn't necessarily expect was the way that the experience would lead to feelings of personal empowerment and a transformation in her marriage! Listen in as they discuss these elements, and why some of this occurs for mothers and couples who opt to- and are able to- do the natural route. 

Rebecca Wong, LCSW-R, host of the Connectfulness Practice Podcast, and certified Relational Life Therapist, brings us a great conversation on this new and relevant way of looking at intimate partnerships, and why this may be so important for millennials. Liz has been a longtime fan and practitioner of RLT (the relationship model created by Terry Real), so this conversation was a real treat. We hope you enjoy!

Liz brings personal and intentional reflections to you as she shares how becoming a relational therapist and doing her own "work" has literally saved her marriage. There are many common idealistic mindsets or expectations that we carry into our committed relationship, whether we realize it or not. Liz will talk through some of the few that have shifted her thinking, and why these are so important to consider if you're in a committed relationship.

Cleo Stiller is a Peabody Award and Emmy Award-nominated television-journalist, author and self-identified "relationship nonexpert" obsessed with exploring stories about health, gender, and technology among millennials. Her acclaimed television show Sex.Right.Now. with Cleo Stiller aired on Univision's network Fusion as the network's highest-performing series in primetime. Widely covered by the New York Times and beyond, Cleo's latest book, Modern Manhood, is the topic of today's conversation. She shares the origins of this project, what she learned from hundreds of men who brought their unique experiences to the table, and what the future holds for men AND women as we shape the future, together.

Join Liz as she talks through the characteristics of Relationship FOMO, and why this is something many millennials find themselves experiencing. Whether you're single, in a relationship, or on either end of this dynamic, it is worth understanding the generational influences and human narratives that can push us to want OUT of a relationship, rather than to stay in.