You Might Relate

How are you showing up in your life? I like to call this your "being-ness." It's important to be aware of and like who we are being- especially during change. Other people will be disappointed, circumstances will be difficult, but by bringing awareness you can get to a space of resiliency and confidence. It's about time to recognize and be proud of how you're showing, right now!

Healing can take many forms, and one of the most unique forms is through equine therapy- aka horse therapy. Join me along with Angie Smith and Aubrey Sullivan, as we uncover the transformative power of equine therapy. Angie and Aubrey are the co-founders of the nonprofit equine therapy ranch Hope Reigns Healing in Southern Utah. Together they share their experience surrounding the transformative power of equine therapy and its profound emotional and mental health benefits. We’ll dive into the  unique, spiritual, and intuitive connection between horses and humans, and how it can be a vehicle for deep emotional healing and self-discovery 

If you shy away from confrontation, here's what you need to know: avoiding confrontation means sacrificing authenticity. Meaningful relationships thrive on honesty and the willingness to disagree, even when it's tough. Yet confrontation doesn’t have to be a negative thing. Let's explore how we can flip the script from confrontation to cooperation. By embracing difficult conversations and active listening it’s possible to speak your truth by connecting and collaborating, rather than conflicting. 

We all know that our spouse changes over time. But navigating them leaving your faith brings on a whole new set of challenges. Wherever you or your spouse is on the spectrum of faith, today’s episode is for you. 

I’m joined by Chelsea Liaga, a former special education teacher turned couples therapist, who is herself in a mixed-faith and mixed-race marriage. We focus on different coping mechanisms she’s found works for couples with differing faiths, the challenges and rewards of maintaining individuality, and how to find common ground in creating a supportive, loving relationship. 

How does dreaming help you with your current challenges? It does a lot more than you think. Whatever obstacles you’re facing, I’m here to show you how your dreams can give you the creative action you need towards a more fulfilling life. We’re not only going to confront your challenges but look at how dreaming big and creating small delights for yourself can build resilience and joy regardless of your circumstances 

In this episode, my guest Denim Slade, with over 20 years of experience as a marriage family therapist and owner of a TMS clinic, shares insights on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a groundbreaking technique in treating depression and anxiety. Denim shares how TMS works by rebalancing and stimulating brain activity for healthier mental functioning. We also cover the importance of maintaining healthy brain levels, the role of lifestyle choices in mental health, and the transformative impact of TMS.  

This week I'm thrilled to introduce my favorite guest of all time—my husband, Mike! Join us for his debut on the podcast, where we delve into a topic close to our hearts. Together, we'll explore the power of embracing our differing energy needs in marriage. From navigating hurt to understanding each other’s way of recharging, discover how acceptance leads to a stronger, more balanced marriage.

Talking to your teen about their mental health intimidates most parents. That’s why we make it easier here on You Might Relate. In this episode, I'm joined by Erin Stewart, a mother and acclaimed author of young adult realistic fiction. Erin shares her own journey with anxiety and mental health, offering invaluable insights that inspired her powerful book, 'The Words We Keep.' Tune in as she unveils her strategies for connecting with teens navigating similar challenges, and her advice on recognizing and nurturing mental well-being in your children. 

This week’s episode is all about diving into the real root of conflict. We’ll uncover the underlying causes of arguments and disagreements within our relationships by taking a look into what happens when we don’t get to the heart of our conflicts, how it makes matters worse, but also what we can do to fix it. By identifying the core issues behind the disagreement and navigating them with empathy and understanding, we empower ourselves to have open communication, take ownership of our emotions, and transform conflict into a catalyst for relationship growth.

Marriage and motherhood- not what you expected right? They often throw curveballs you never saw coming, leaving many of us feeling lost in these roles. That's why I'm thrilled for you to meet Jenet J. Erickson, an associate professor at Brigham Young University and a research fellow at the Wheatley Institute and the Institute for Family Studies. Jenet understands the constant battle with inadequacy that many women face, especially in parenting and relationships. She emphasizes the power of proactive choices over reactive responses, while also highlighting the importance of personal identity, integrity, and how to navigate relationships with grace and resilience. 

We all crave connection, yet it's not always easy to find or extend to those feeling isolated. Whether you're reaching out to support a loved one or navigating your own feelings of isolation, know that you're not alone. Join me for insights and experiences on addressing isolation in ourselves and others. Together, we'll take a look at the difference between healthy introversion and harmful isolation, uncover strategies for finding connection, and empower you to build the community that’s right for you. 

Navigating the healthcare world, especially as women, can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. Get ready to be inspired by Susan Salenger, a powerhouse in the world of women's health. As a powerlifter, researcher, film producer, and author behind the book “Sidelined”, Susan is breaking down barriers and empowering women to reclaim their health journeys. In this episode she shares her secrets for taking control of your health, from decoding your body's signals, tips to revolutionize your doctor's visits, and additional resources to use outside of the doctor’s office.  

Feeling unacknowledged in close relationships hurts—whether it's your spouse, parents, kids, or the infamous mother-in-law. But what if they do care, and we've missed the signs? In this episode, we'll explore the value of questioning assumptions, challenging your thinking, and reshaping perspectives. It's about empowering you to shift from victim to taking charge of your well-being. The story might be different than you think.

Ever been hit with the news of your child having a chronic health condition? It's a game-changer for both of you, and adjusting isn't always easy. That’s why I'm excited for you to meet Lily Durst, who opens up about her life as a teenager managing Type 1 Diabetes.

If you or your child recently received a medical diagnosis, this episode is for you. Lily discusses tips on how to navigate the emotional challenges, adapt to a new lifestyle, and how she refuses to let health conditions dictate the narrative of her life.

Challenges often stem from our desire for others to change their behavior, which is really an effort to escape our emotions. We're quick to defend our self-perceived superiority, mistreatment, or need for validation, but unknowingly fueling more conflict. What if we could break free from these patterns? Let's explore what styles of justification create conflict and how to approach relationships, challenges, and transitions with a heart of peace and understanding. 

How do you reconstruct a community after leaving your faith? One of the most common struggles I hear from clients is how to move forward as a family within a community after a faith transition. In this episode, I'm joined by Rachel Ellis, who candidly shares her family's journey through their own faith transition. Rachel reflects on the hurdles of navigating faith, acceptance, and understanding amid significant changes. Tune in as she offers insights into rebuilding relationships, finding meaning in challenging experiences, and embracing new communities post-faith transition.

Don’t miss this week’s episode with Melissa Spaulding, a licensed therapist specialized in helping women navigate depression, anxiety, and trauma. Melissa explores the subtle differences between self-esteem and self-worth, unravels the complexities of 'performative' esteem, and shares practical tips for nurturing genuine self-belief.

In a world where your worth and value are often overlooked, Melissa shines light on the journey of recognizing and embracing the inherent worthiness within you.

Tune in this week as I’m joined by Tana Frey, a certified sex addiction therapist with a focus on working with teens and families navigating the complexities of sexual addictions and behaviors. Drawing from years of experience and research, Tana shares insights on addressing challenges like children's exposure to pornography, sibling sexual abuse, and supporting victims of molestation. She also offers guidance on cultivating healthy sexual habits in children. 

While this topic is challenging, it's one that deserves careful consideration and understanding. This episode aims to offer support and understanding for families facing these challenges.

Why is saying "no," such a challenge? In a world that promotes "yes" as a symbol of honor, we often associate our worth to how serviceable we are to others. It's time to shift how we measure our value. Tune in to this week's episode as we look at the importance of saying no. I'll guide you through keys to prioritizing your well-being, establishing crucial boundaries, and how to align with your core values. Saying no doesn't diminish your love for others; it empowers you to express love for them while also preserving space for self-love too.

In this week's episode, I'm joined by therapist Cory Reese. Beyond being an author and ultra marathon runner, Cory has a wealth of knowledge from being trained in psychedelic assisted therapy. He offers his perspective on the transformative potential of psychedelic therapy as an alternative for addressing mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and trauma. He outlines the structure of a typical session, explores the unique benefits of various psychedelics, and opens up about his personal journey of undergoing this treatment firsthand. 

What truly makes a positive or negative relationship? Here's a hint: it's not about the other person. It’s your thoughts that shape the quality of your relationships—with yourself, others, and the circumstances around you. In this episode we look at building awareness about your thoughts, mastering the skill of distinguishing people and circumstances from your thoughts, and how holding two truths can revolutionize your relationship with your life. 

Ever wondered why it's so hard to believe in yourself? Surprisingly, the biggest obstacle might be you. It's time to shatter those self-imposed limits and rewrite your confidence story. Join me as we dive into looking at how to not be afraid of your emotions, build unshakable self-trust, and rewrite those limiting beliefs about yourself. Spoiler alert: The only approval you need is your own.

In this week’s episode, I have the privilege of welcoming relationship coach Nicolas Rion. Nicolas is from Burgundy, France, and his mission focuses on supporting individuals to build sustainable relationships in both their professional and personal lives. His coaching journey began in 2017, and trained with one of the world’s leading coaching schools, the Co-Active Training Institute. 

Join us as we explore the value of empathetic listening, uncover the most effective ways to provide support in our relationships, and share a couple frameworks to nurture the connections that truly matter.

As women, we’re not just juggling work, family, and personal aspirations, but we also carry the invisible burden of daily responsibilities, worries, and decisions. This invisible burden is "the mental load.” In this episode I have insights as a therapist  on how to share the load with your spouse. I’ll guide you on how to have open communication, redistribute responsibilities, set attainable expectations, and embrace some needed self-care. Let’s reclaim your sense of balance and prioritize your well-being together.

Joining me on the podcast this week is Registered Dietitian Emily Fonnesbeck. Emily works  primarily with clients struggling with body image and disordered eating, as she helps them get to a place of learning to accept their bodies. Emily offers her professional and personal wisdom on the impact that food plays into our relationships, the importance of learning to live in our bodies, and how to have a healthier relationship with food. 

One vital aspect of parenting that often goes unnoticed is helping our children carry their emotional burdens. The challenge for us as parents is to recognize and address these issues effectively.

In this episode, I explore strategies on having meaningful conversations with your child about their emotional struggles. I share how to create a safe and non-judgmental space for them to open up, and how to reflect on their feelings without becoming defensive. These techniques will enable you to strengthen your connection with your child and provide them with the support they need.

Does too much positivity actually harm our relationships? Join me in this episode with Cory Reese, a therapist, author, ultramarathoner, and expert on toxic positivity. Cory's deep insights from research and personal experiences reveal at what point positivity can become toxic, and the harm it can cause in our relationships, spirituality, self-image, and emotional well-being. Cory offers guidance on breaking free from these patterns and learning to authentically embrace your emotions without judgment. 

In the last episode of the attachment style series, we explore the complexities of the disorganized attachment style. This style can be challenging to define due to its many nuances. We take a look at its origins, its impact on relationships, and share valuable tools to foster empathy and create a safer space in your relationships. 

Every one of us is inherently deserving of love and compassion. It's about learning to love and empathize with others in the ways that resonate with them.

In this episode, I am honored to have Amanda and Adam Wilcock as my guests, who bravely open up about their journey through the loss of their son, Sam, shortly after his birth. They courageously walk us through the depths of their experience, shedding light on the complexity of parental grief and life moving forward. We explored the profound lessons they've learned, offering valuable insights on how to support others navigating their own grieving journeys.

Navigating a relationship with someone who has a dismissive or avoidant attachment style can be a challenge. They can come across as independent and self-reliant, but beneath the surface, they wrestle with a fear of emotional intimacy.

In this episode, I explore the factors that shape avoidant attachments, some common behavior patterns, and approaches that you can integrate into a relationship with a person who is avoidant. Whether you have an avoidant attachment style or are a spouse to one, this episode is for you. 

In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of hosting Cindy Jones LCSW, an trauma-informed therapist with more than 27 years of practice. Cindy is also the co-founder of the innovative therapeutic solution, Bi-Tapp. She shares insights on the reasons behind why our bodies becomes disregulated, emphasizes the impact that our nervous system has on both our physical and mental well-being, and offers daily strategies for integrating emotional regulation into our lives. 

Seeking constant reassurance from your spouse? Feeling anxious over minor relationship shifts? This is the episode for you. 

Join me this week as we dive into the causes behind anxious attachment. Together, we'll explore its roots, including behaviors like fear of abandonment and validation-seeking. Plus, I have practical strategies for managing anxious attachment through cultivating self-awareness and practicing vulnerability to build a foundation of secure attachment. If anxiety consumes your relationships, this is a must-listen.