The Millennial Life Podcast
By Liz Higgins
The Millennial Life PodcastApr 22, 2021
Therapeutic Yoga with Ashley Marie Eckstein
Today, we welcome Ashley Marie Eckstein, couples therapist and 500 hr Registered Yoga Teacher. Bridging her expertise with yoga and relationships, Ashley Marie guides individuals and partners through a physical experience that integrates play, gentle touch, and intimacy into their relationship. Today we talk about what therapeutic yoga IS, and how Ashley Marie has used this integrative practice in her own life and those of her clients to promote health, wellness, and relational connection. You can learn more about Ashley Marie's yoga services on our website!
Honoring Needs & Making Decisions in the Midst of Uncertainty
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.
Making Relationships A Part Of Your Wellness Plan
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!
Navigating Friendships in Adulthood with Dr. Taylor Dyson
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 Talk in Relationships with Kayla Sammons, LMFT Associate
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!
The Origins of Self Worth with April Henry, LMFT Associate
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!
On Vulnerability with Ashley Marie Eckstein, LMFT Associate
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!
Prenatal and Postpartum Challenges in Life and Relationship: Conversation with Meg Duke, LCSW
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.
To The One Doing All Of The Things: Conversation with Lindsey Peterson
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.
42. Five Qualities of Healthy Relationships
Today, Liz brings you some real talk about five qualities she sees healthy couples display. Healthy relationships take a combination of personal accountability and collaboration with each other to be successful. Listen in as Liz breaks down five of the BEST qualities, and how we can start taking action now to implement these dynamics into our partnership and other relationships.
Note: If you're interested, listen to Liz's previous episode from the podcast: Five Things Unhealthy Couples Do
41. How Being A Hero Child Impacts Your Adult Relationships
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!
40. Reflections on the Podcast and Updates For Your Relationship!
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.
39. Breaking Down Criticism and Blame
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!
38. Communication Problems and The "Inarguable Method": Conversation with Jack Lafleur
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!
37. Imposter Syndrome: Conversation with Craig Anderson
Today, Liz and Craig Anderson, founder and President of Clear Path Coaches discuss Imposter Syndrome *dun dun dunn*. Is imposter syndrome really a universal and human experience? If so, why is it so hard to deal with it? Why do high achievers and successful entrepreneurs still deal with the challenge of this common mindset issue, and where does it come from? Craig answers these questions and shares about his own journey of managing IS. Enjoy!
36. Healing Beyond Relational Betrayal: Conversation With Geoff Steurer, MS, LMFT
Liz is joined by Geoff Steurer, LMFT and the host of From Crisis to Connection, a podcast focused on helping couples and individuals move past relational betrayal in a healthy way. We discuss the experience of being faced by betrayal, what the healing process is like for both partners in the experience, and how pain and change can be a platform to growth, healing, and even a deeper intimacy.
35. Perfectly Hidden Depression: Conversation with Dr. Margaret Rutherford
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.
34. Men, Intimacy, and Becoming Relational Again: Conversation with Hayden Lindsey, LPC
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!
33. Men, Relationships, and The Necessary Inner Journey: Conversation with Jack Lafleur
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.
32. Navigating Life and Conflict In The Family Business: Conversation with Nike Anani
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!
31. From "Stucksessful" to Fulfilled In Your Career: Conversation with Angie Guerno
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.
30. Growth and Healing Beyond Relational Pain: Conversation with Jean Atman
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!
29. Fierce Intimacy for Driven Entrepreneurs and High Achievers: Conversation with Kimberly Rose Pendleton
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.
28. A Woman's Journey Through Infertility: Conversation with Stephanie Booe
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.
27. You Will Have More Than One Marriage
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.
26. Finding Your Person: Conversation with Keriann Long
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!
25. High Conflict Couples: Conversation with Nia Nimmers
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!
24. 5 Things Unhealthy Couples Do
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.
23. Emotions, Boundaries, & Relationships
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.
22. Three Questions to Transform Your Relationship
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!
21. Why Your Relationship Needs a Vision (and Visionary)
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!
20. What Are Your Relationship Reference Points?
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.
19. How You're Conditioned To Love
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!
18. Why You Shouldn’t Be Focused on Compatibility
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!
17. Modern Parenting: Skills & Tips
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.
16. The Enneagram: Conversation with Leslie Root
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!
15. Let's Talk Modern Parenting
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!
14. The Unique Journey of Special Needs Parents
Today, we are joined by Rose Reif, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Qualified Developmental Disability and Mental Health Professional. Today, we talk about kiddos with special needs and what this experience is like for a family dynamic, specifically the couple/parent relationship. Rose brings great understanding, professional experience and insight to this topic, including how others can show up in a way that promotes inclusiveness and compassion towards families navigating these challenges.
13. More Than Planning Your Wedding: A Conversation With A Former Wedding Planner
Whitney Wing Drake joins us today to talk about the importance of the premarital phase, and why planning your wedding shouldn't be the only focus during this significant time. Her journey as an owner and manager of a wedding planning business in California led her to make a drastic shift in her career. Today, she shares some of her experiences that contributed to a shift in her business direction and led to the creation of the Essential Wedding Planner: A tool focused on helping couples remain intentional and focused on the necessities around their wedding experience, so as to prioritize the most important element of their special day: Their relationship! Enjoy!
12. What We Learned At Relationship Bootcamp
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.
11. Interracial Relationships: Two Worlds Coming Together
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.
10. Marriage and Parenting During a Pandemic
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!
9. How Natural Birth Impacted My Life And Marriage
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.
8. A New Way of Viewing Modern Relationships: Relational Life Therapy
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!
7. The Mindset Shifts That Are Saving My Marriage
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.
6. When Genetic Testing Turns Your World Upside Down
During this conversation, Liz talks with Cotey Bowman, LPC Associate, therapist, and someone who personally experienced a NPE, or Not-Parent Expected/Non-Paternity Event. In other terms, Cotey discovered (through genetic testing he received as a Christmas gift) that who he thought his biological parents both were for his entire life up to adulthood, were not. This sparked him on a different path in life, including new professional discoveries about this rising experience that so many millennials are going through. You won't want to miss this relevant discussion; Cotey brings so much honesty, compassion, and comfort through facts, a real understanding of the emotional waves this brings, and how to find connection and support if this experience is something you've found yourself in the midst of. Learn more at NPEcounseling.org!
5. Modern Manhood: How to be a 'Good Guy' in the world today
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.
2. For the Commitment Phobe: Conversation with Avrum Nadigel, MSW
Alright, ya'll. Get ready to hear from an expert who is BEYOND passionate about what he does, and whose own journey toward finding comfort with commitment led him to discover a path that transformed his thinking and relationship practice. Liz talks with Avrum Nadigel, MSW, author, and couple/family therapist and today, they go deep into a conversation about why commitment is such a challenge, how you can start on a new direction toward growing yourself through your relationships, and how you can begin a new relationship in a healthy direction.
Learn more about Avrum at nadigel.com, and be sure to check out his transformational books: Learning to Commit (great for those dealing with fears around commitment), It Takes More Than Love (co-authored with his wife and child psychiatrist Aliza Israel, MD), and Where Would You Like To Start (co-authored with the late Dr. David Freeman).
4. Relationship FOMO
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.
3. Tech Talk: What To Do When It Gets In The Way
Join Liz as she talks with Jeremy Edge, LPC and founder of Escapingthe.com, a counseling practice to help those dealing with problematic gaming, and social media use. Jeremy brings his knowledge to the conversation as we cover topics such as knowing when "too much is too much", why we get so hooked on social media and other online platforms, the main platforms millennials use, and what to do if you find yourself dealing with this issue in your relationship. Oh, and how us stressed parents can guilt ourselves a little less when it comes to our kids and screen time during a pandemic.