In this powerful episode of The Stroke It Podcast, Jenny Townsend sits down with Dr. Zoe Shaw, licensed psychotherapist, author, speaker, and podcast host, to explore how shame sabotages relationships, how to heal through self-forgiveness, and what it means to prioritize connection in modern partnerships.

Dr. Zoe opens up about her personal journey—placing a child for adoption as a teen, overcoming deep-seated shame, and rebuilding her life with vulnerability and truth. This episode provides practical strategies for managing complex shame, strengthening your marriage or partnership, and reclaiming your identity beyond motherhood, work, or external validation.

Whether you're battling inner guilt, feeling stuck in your relationship, or simply seeking tools to show up more authentically—this episode is a must-listen.

Chapters
00:00:00 – Intro: Why Shame Sabotages Love
00:01:37 – Dr. Zoe’s Journey & Living with Complex Shame
00:08:15 – Shame vs. Guilt: What’s the Difference?
00:10:51 – Identifying Shame and Where It Hides
00:14:14 – The 3 Steps to Untangling Shame
00:19:23 – Forgiveness: Accountability Without Victim Blaming
00:22:48 – Why People Shame Others & Why It Doesn’t Work
00:26:55 – All-In Relationships: Balancing Love, Kids & Work
00:30:51 – “I Don’t Need You” & Emotional Independence
00:32:31 – Weekly Rituals to Reconnect (TX3 & Business Meetings)
00:37:19 – Rediscovering Yourself Beyond Motherhood
00:40:48 – Mom Guilt & Why Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
00:43:54 – One Action to Start Healing Today

🔗 Get Dr. Zoe’s book: Stronger in the Difficult Places
🎧 Listen to her podcast: Stronger in the Difficult Places
🌐 Connect with Dr. Zoe: https://drzoeshaw.com

👥 Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today.

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