After a week off, Megan and Deedra return from a transformative trip to Mexico, where they stayed steps from the Pacific and shared space with a group of wise, hilarious women. In this episode, they reflect on what it was like to travel with people they didn’t know well—and how the deep work of internal reconnection made space for joyful, authentic connection with others.

From morning coffee on the patio to laughter-soaked dinners under the stars, they share how presence, self-awareness, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) language allowed for true ease and trust in community. They also unpack the parts that tried to lead on the trip—and how honoring those parts without letting them take over became an act of healing in itself.

Come for the ocean waves and mountain views, stay for the story of healing, laughter, and being deeply seen—birthday beets and all.

In this episode, we explore:

• The transformative power of traveling with mostly strangers

• How internal reconnection fosters authentic external connection

• Utilizing IFS language to navigate group dynamics

• Identifying and honoring the parts that surfaced during the trip

• Moments of joy, presence, and deep connection in a communal setting

In this episode of re[connect], Megan and Deedra reflect on their recent trip to New York City, where they encountered powerful stories of immigration, identity, and belonging. As they share their experiences, they explore what it means to step beyond our assumptions and move toward deeper understanding.

Through candid conversation, they discuss the complexities of immigration, the role of fear in shaping our perspectives, and how storytelling can bridge the gaps between us. They also examine how travel—both physical and emotional—can expand our empathy and challenge our ingrained beliefs.

Key Points:

• Insights from their time in NYC and the communities they encountered.

• The power of personal stories in shifting perspectives on immigration.

• How fear and misinformation influence our approach to those who are different.

• The importance of intentional engagement and listening with curiosity.

Join Megan and Deedra as they unpack their experiences and invite us all to move beyond the borders—both literal and figurative—that keep us from deeper connection.

In this episode of re[connect], Deedra and Megan shift the conversation from internal healing to how Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps us engage with others. They explore how fear-driven self-protection keeps us divided—whether in personal relationships, politics, or culture—and how curiosity and compassion can lead to true connection. Drawing from insights by IFS expert Jenna Riemersma, they discuss how moving toward rather than against others creates space for understanding, healing, and unity.

They explore:

• How our internal fears shape the way we engage with the world
• Why self-protection often keeps us stuck in division and disconnection
• The role of IFS in navigating conflict with more curiosity and less reactivity
• How systemic issues mirror our personal protective mechanisms
• The challenge of advocating for justice from a place of love instead of fear

With cultural references (including Wicked and Zootopia), personal reflections, and a deep dive into how our self-protective instincts impact relationships, this episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and choose connection over division.