Category: Podcasts

Emotional silence isn’t natural, it’s taught.

For individuals in Maryland and DC, this conversation with Marriage IQ explores how boys learn to suppress feelings, how that shapes adult relationships, and what couples can do to reconnect and heal.

Good to see you,

Why do so many men struggle to express emotion, and what happens to marriages when they do?

This week, I joined Marriage IQ with Drs. Heidi and Scott Hastings to talk about the emotional development of men and boys, and how early lessons about feelings can shape relationships for life. From toddler tears to marital tension, we explored what happens when boys are taught to hide their tenderness, sadness, and fear—and how couples can begin to heal that silence.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why boys are born more emotionally expressive than girls
• How culture teaches men to mute their feelings
• What women can do to invite emotional depth without fear or shame
• Simple tools, like “feeling words” lists, to nurture emotional fluency
• How couples can build marriages grounded in connection and understanding

It’s a powerful conversation about healing generations of emotional restriction and creating relationships where both partners can feel, connect, and grow together.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify

Want to explore how emotional fluency supports relationships? Visit Psychology Today’s article on why men struggle to express emotions and Greater Good’s guide to helping someone open up emotionally.

If you’re navigating emotional restriction, relational tension, or communication challenges, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional clarity, connection, and growth.

Curiosity, Conversations in Podcasts, and the Power of the Blank Page

Podcasts are more than entertainment, they’re a gateway to reflection, learning, and connection. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores the rise of podcasting, the joy of being a guest, and how audio storytelling complements the journey of personal growth.

Almost everyone has heard of these things. Actually, they’ve been around for quite a long time. Wikipedia dates them to the 1980s, and, of course, they were born through the internet. That makes them pretty old.

I hear many people talking about certain podcasts, and I know that they listen to them on their commute. Educating yourself in this way sounds pretty good to me. You can find podcasts on practically any subject. I must admit that, even though they’ve been around for a long time, I was not a regular podcast listener.

So, as a good student, I did some research. I asked Google how many podcasts are available and discovered that over 4.5 million are on the airwaves. That is sobering! I’m sure that many of you have your favorites. Clearly, no one could live long enough to listen to them all, especially because new ones are popping up all the time. Over 500 million people listen to a podcast of some kind every day. WOW! These things are popular.

Then I wrote a book, and suddenly podcasters were interested in talking with me. For several months, I’ve been immersed in being a guest on podcasts of all kinds. The hosts are lovely, and they do their homework. I’m really beginning to appreciate the people who host these shows. They do a deep dive into the subjects of interest and are very well-read. Despite that knowledge, I’ve been able to surprise each one with some research about raising boys. That has been fun for me. Of course, I get to talk about my book as well and explain the value of using essays to reflect on parts of your history.

As people work through Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change, they can tap into early parts of their history because the blank page allows them to draw, scribble, or write. So much of our early history is packed away in the things we’ve seen, felt, and experienced nonverbally, and the freedom to break away from language is refreshing!

As you challenge yourself to reflect and let your brain roam through pieces of your history stored in that marvelous organ in your skull, you’ll be surprised by what you discover and how it impacts the present. Our brains are a beautiful storage unit. Think of a mansion with all its rooms, hallways, outbuildings, barns, gardens, and ponds. Your brain is like that. It has curated every part of your life experience. In fact, we now know that your brain has memories from the last trimester in utero as well. Wow! Think of that. Wouldn’t you like to access that stuff?

As you listen to a podcast, you are free to roam as well. Enjoy your favorites. Try a new one.

Want to explore how audio storytelling supports emotional growth? Visit Psychology Today’s article on why podcasts are good for your brain and NPR’s podcast directory for inspiration.

If you’re reflecting on personal history, emotional insight, or creative expression, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, curiosity, and connection.

THIS WEEK’S CONVERSATION

Exploring Emotional Growth Through Reflection

Reflection is more than a quiet moment, it’s a gateway to emotional clarity. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this conversation on Observeday explores how reading, journaling, and storytelling can deepen self-understanding and foster meaningful growth.

Good to see you,

Have you ever wondered how a simple habit like reading or journaling can open doors to deeper self-understanding? On my recent episode of Observeday, we explored how reflection, intentional journaling, and storytelling can help uncover hidden emotions, support growth, and strengthen connections with ourselves and others.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The role of books and journaling in sparking self-reflection
• How blank pages give space for emotions, memories, and creative expression
• Why boys and men often struggle to show vulnerability, and how culture shapes these patterns
• How parents can use intentional moments to connect with children and foster emotional growth
• Practical ways to turn everyday reading and reflection into tools for personal transformation

If you’re curious about nurturing emotional resilience, understanding your inner world, or supporting the emotional growth of those around you, this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube

If you’re exploring emotional growth, reflection, or relational connection, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, resilience, and transformation.

THIS WEEK’S CONVERSATION

Healing Trauma with Compassion

Trauma leaves a mark, but compassion helps us rewrite the story. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this conversation with Beverly Hills Magazine explores how early experiences shape emotional life and how reflection, connection, and care can foster healing across generations.

Good to see you,

Trauma shapes all of us, sometimes in ways we don’t even realize. In my recent conversation with Beverly Hills Magazine, we explored how early experiences, family dynamics, and even generational influences impact the way we feel, relate, and grow.

This week, I share insights from my work helping clients of all ages, and together we discuss practical ways to process trauma, build emotional resilience, and create meaningful connections.

In this feature, we talk about:

• How early experiences and subtle family interactions shape our emotions and behaviors
• The power of reflection and journaling to access and heal hidden memories
• Why men and boys often struggle to express emotions, and how culture reinforces these patterns
• How connection, trust, and small intentional moments can help children, teens, and adults heal and thrive

If you’ve ever wondered how your past impacts your present, or how to support others in processing theirs, this conversation offers both insight and practical guidance for growth.

🎧 Read the full feature and listen here

If you’re navigating trauma, emotional overwhelm, or relational challenges, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support healing, resilience, and connection.

Good to see you, Have you ever considered how your earliest experiences shape not just who you are, but how you connect with others, including your own children? This week, I joined the Becoming Parents Podcast to share my journey from my own birth experience to parenting my daughter, and how those experiences influenced my work as a psychologist. We explored how early life events, family dynamics, and mindful reflection can guide growth, healing, and deeper connections. In this episode, we talk about: How my birth and my mother’s reaction shaped my early experiences What happens when we reflect on our upbringing from a new perspective The power of clear communication and valuing others in relationships Lessons from working with preschool boys about emotional expression How fathers can help their children access the full range of feelings The ideas behind my book Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change If you’ve ever wondered how your personal history impacts your parenting, relationships, or professional life, this conversation is packed with insights and reflections to help you grow and connect more deeply. 🎧 Listen to the Podcast Episode Rooting for your growth, Get the Book on Amazon

Listen to More Explore more episodes on healing, connection, and personal growth through honest conversations and shared experiences. More Podcast Episodes Talk With Me! I’d love to hear your stories. Email me to share your experiences. Want to connect in a session? Schedule an Appointment

Good to see you, Are you a grandparent striving to raise emotionally healthy boys in a world that often discourages men from expressing their true feelings? This week, I joined Laura Brazan on the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity podcast to talk about breaking generational cycles, especially those that keep boys stuck in an “emotional desert.” In our conversation, we explored: Why emotional intelligence is essential for boys, and how grandparents can help How outdated cultural myths shape how boys express (or suppress) emotions Simple tools to start meaningful emotional conversations at home How feeling vocabulary lists can build stronger emotional awareness What it really takes to create emotionally safe spaces for all grandchildren We also talked about my New York Times best-selling journal, Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change,and how it can support families navigating this journey. If you’re looking for expert insight, real-life stories, and actionable steps to empower the next generation, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen to the Podcast Episode Rooting for your growth, Get the Book on Amazon

Listen to More Explore more episodes on healing, connection, and personal growth through honest conversations and shared experiences. More Podcast Episodes Talk With Me! I’d love to hear your stories. Email me to share your experiences. Want to connect in a session? Schedule an Appointment