What are the warning signs of codependence? In this episode, we explore traits like people-pleasing, caretaking, blurred boundaries, and the fear of abandonment. We also unpack love bombing and trauma bonding, as well as the dynamic between the rescuer and the one who needs to be rescued. Featuring Twilight as our pop culture example, we reflect on how intense highs and lows of “epic love” can actually mask unhealthy patterns.

In this first episode of our series, we define codependence, explore how it develops through family dynamics, trauma, and attachment styles, and examine the role of enabling behaviors. Using the film When a Man Loves a Woman as a pop culture example, we uncover how codependence shows up in relationships and why it can be so difficult to see in ourselves. Includes a reflection prompt: “What was the emotional climate of your household growing up?”

Loving someone who struggles with a substance use disorder can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster. Fear, anger, grief, exhaustion, and disappointment often show up alongside love and hope. In this heartfelt episode, I speak directly to partners, parents, siblings, and friends — those who carry invisible weight while supporting someone through addiction.

We’ll explore the reality of relapse, the importance of boundaries, and the concept of detachment with love. You’ll learn about Al-Anon’s powerful “Three C’s,” discover coping strategies for your own healing, and hear reminders of why protecting yourself does not mean you’ve stopped caring.

Above all, this episode offers validation, compassion, and hope. Because recovery is not only possible for the individual — it’s possible for families too.

Trauma changes the brain. Addiction can begin as a survival strategy. And when mental health struggles and substance use disorders collide, recovery becomes more complicated — but no less possible.

In this episode, I explore the reality of co-occurring disorders, why they are so common, and how our treatment systems often leave people without the integrated care they deserve. You’ll hear how trauma reshapes the brain, why substances can feel like relief at first, and how dual diagnosis creates a cycle that is difficult — but not impossible — to break.

I’ll share research, a fictional story to bring these ideas to life, and practical tools for grounding, coping, and moving forward. Above all, you’ll be reminded that struggling with co-occurring disorders is not a personal failure — it’s a reflection of systemic challenges — and recovery is about healing the whole person.

Because Recovery is REAL — Restoring Every Aspect of Life.

In honor of National Recovery Month, this episode explores the science of addiction and why recovery is not only possible — it’s real. We’ll break down how addiction rewires the brain, why people may begin using substances, and the genetic, social, and emotional risk factors that play a role. Through plain language, metaphors, and a relatable story, we’ll connect the science of addiction to the hope of recovery.

You’ll hear how the brain’s incredible ability to heal, supported by therapy, medication, and community, makes recovery a journey of restoration — mind, body, relationships, and purpose.

This year’s Recovery Month theme is Recovery is REAL — Restoring Every Aspect of Life. Join me as we explore how both science and lived experience remind us that change, healing, and restoration are possible.

September is National Recovery Month, and this year’s theme is Recovery is REAL—Restoring Every Aspect of Life. In this episode, we explore what recovery truly means beyond abstinence — it’s about healing the whole person, reconnecting with who we are, and restoring the parts of life that addiction may have dimmed. Together, we’ll talk about self-compassion as an antidote to stigma and shame, reflect on how recovery allows us to rediscover ourselves, and highlight the courage it takes to grow into who we are becoming.

This episode includes reflection questions and a short exercise designed to help you map your own recovery journey. Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone you love, or simply seeking a deeper understanding, this conversation will remind you that recovery is real, possible, and worth celebrating.

In this episode, we explore what it means to consciously choose joy — and just as importantly, how to opt out of what doesn’t bring us joy. Inspired by a conversation with my best friend, we’ll talk about the difference between thriving and surviving, the science of Positive Psychology, and how joy isn’t a luxury but a necessity for our well-being.

You’ll learn about the psychological and physical benefits of joy, discover practical Positive Psychology techniques like gratitude practices, flow activities, positive self-talk, and daily joy breaks, and explore how setting boundaries and saying “no” can create space for more of what lights you up.

If you’ve been moving through life on autopilot, just checking off boxes and waiting for “someday” to feel good, this episode will give you tools and inspiration to start choosing joy — today.

Do you ever feel like life would finally calm down if you could just keep everything under control? In this episode, we dive deep into our human drive for control—why we crave it, what happens when we can’t have it, and how it often leaves us feeling stressed, drained, and stuck. We’ll explore the difference between what’s truly within our power and what isn’t, and why learning to let go is one of the most freeing skills you can practice.

You’ll hear metaphors and a relatable client vignette, discover strategies to stop overthinking, and reflect on how to redirect your energy toward what actually matters. This episode is part education, part reflection, and part gentle challenge to loosen your grip on what you were never meant to carry.

If you’ve been feeling weighed down by the need to control everything, this episode will help you breathe a little deeper, reclaim your energy, and focus on what’s really in your hands.