Aired on July 24, 2025

The conversation on the 98.1 KZE Up and Running Morning Show between host Rick and guest Caroline Phipps, founder of Living with Inner Elegance and holistic health counselor, explores the complex and powerful emotion of shame. They discuss the deep-rooted role of shame in human psychology, social cohesion, and cultural history. Shame is described as one of the most intense and low-level emotions because it threatens social connection, which is crucial for human survival. The dialogue explores the origins of shame in early human societies, where it served as a mechanism for maintaining group cohesion and survival by discouraging behavior that could lead to ostracism. They also examine how shame is embedded in religious teachings, such as the Biblical story of Adam and Eve, where shame arises as a consequence of moral transgression but can be alleviated through confession or redemption.

Furthermore, they highlight the dual nature of shame: while it can guide moral behavior, it can also be weaponized to divide and marginalize groups on the basis of differences such as race or sexual preference. This weaponization of shame fosters social division and polarization rather than unity. Caroline emphasizes the importance of understanding whether feelings of shame are justified (rooted in one’s own actions) or externally imposed without basis, as this distinction is critical for personal well-being. She advocates moving away from shaming others, as it isolates and alienates people, and instead encourages seeking common ground and connection. The conversation concludes with a call for self-reflection on the motives behind shaming others, urging restraint to avoid contributing further to societal division and to promote a more just and peaceful world.

Caroline also shares ways to connect with her for further discussion and directs listeners to her website and YouTube channel for additional resources and content, including a podcast featuring Divine G. Whitfield, which includes theatrical performances.

• 💡 Shame is one of the most intense and low-level emotions because it threatens social connection, essential for survival.
• 🌍 Shame historically evolved to maintain social cohesion by discouraging behavior that might lead to ostracization from the group.
• 📜 The concept of shame is deeply embedded in religious and moral teachings worldwide, such as the Biblical story of Adam and Eve.
• ⚔️ Shame can be weaponized to divide groups, creating social polarization and marginalization.
• 🤔 Differentiating between justified internal shame and externally imposed shame is vital for emotional well-being.
• 💬 Shaming others rarely leads to positive change; it isolates and entrenches behaviors rather than resolving conflicts.
• 🌱 Encouraging connection and understanding over shame promotes healing and a more peaceful society.

This interview with Caroline Phipps offers a nuanced exploration of shame, prompting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and interactions with shame, thereby promoting emotional health and social harmony.

Caroline Phipps carolinephipps.com

Aired on June 26th, 2025 ENTITLED UNDERSTANDING YOUR PRIVILEGE

The Up and Running Morning Show on 98.1 KZE featured Caroline Phipps, a recurring guest, discussing the complex topic of entitlement. Caroline explores how entitlement manifests both individually and historically, influencing social dynamics, environmental degradation, and personal relationships. She reflects on the evolution of societal attitudes, contrasting the duty-bound “Greatest Generation” with the self-focused “Me Generation” of the 1970s, which emphasized individualism and personal expression but sometimes led to excessive self-centeredness. Caroline highlights the pitfalls of feeling entitled, including damaged relationships and persistent disappointment, urging listeners to cultivate gratitude and community-mindedness instead. She cautions against believing in special treatment, emphasizing that the universe operates on collective existence rather than individual entitlement. Caroline also shares an upcoming podcast project and offers free coaching sessions, inviting listeners to explore her work further through her website. The conversation blends philosophical insights with practical advice, encouraging self-awareness and empathy.

Highlights

• Caroline Phipps returns monthly to discuss thought-provoking topics on the Up and Running Morning Show.
• Entitlement is examined as a historical and contemporary phenomenon with far-reaching social and environmental implications.
• The contrast between the selfless “Greatest Generation” and the self-focused “Me Generation” highlights changes in societal values.
• Excessive entitlement leads to disappointment, damaged relationships, and a fractured sense of community.
• Gratitude and sharing are proposed as antidotes to the negative effects of entitlement.
• Caroline promotes an upcoming podcast featuring John Divine G. Whitfield, related to the film Sing Sing.
• Listeners are invited to connect with Caroline for free coaching sessions and explore her extensive archives online.

Conclusion

Caroline Phipps’s conversation on entitlement provides a nuanced exploration of a pervasive and often misunderstood concept. By combining historical analysis, generational perspectives, psychological insights, and practical advice, she offers a comprehensive view that challenges listeners to reconsider their assumptions about privilege and special rights. Her emphasis on gratitude, community, and interconnectedness serves as a powerful corrective to the divisive effects of entitlement, opening a path toward greater empathy and collective well-being. Through ongoing engagement and resources, Caroline supports her audience in applying these principles to their daily lives, making her contributions both intellectually rich and deeply practical.

carolinephipps.com

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