In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo dive deep into the complexities of adult sibling relationships. This episode responds to previous discussions about relationships with aging parents and transitions into exploring the significance of sibling relationships in adulthood. Topics include the causes of strain, communication patterns, and the importance of these non-voluntary relationships. The hosts also share personal stories and research insights, setting the stage for the next episode, which will provide practical tools for managing and improving sibling dynamics. Tune in for real, honest, and practical advice to better your relationships! 

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SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Dr. Karl Pillemer, Stockner et al., Dr. John Gottman, Jeffrey Kluger

Resources : 

Journal of Family Psychology Article by Stockner, et al. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7012710/

Dr. Karl Pillemer’s Book - Fault Lines

https://www.karlpillemer.com/

Dr. John Gottman

https://www.gottman.com/

Jeffrey Kluger from his TED Talk on the Sibling Bond

“Our parents leave us too early, our spouses and children come along too late. Our siblings are the only ones who are with us for the entire ride". (Kluger)

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo are joined by Jason Harper, a professional mediator specializing in employment and special education. Jason shares his journey into mediation, the challenges of being a special education mediator, and the strategies he employs to manage difficult conversations involving parents and schools. The discussion also delves into how parents can model healthy conflict resolution for their children, manage their own emotions during conflicts, and foster better communication skills in their kids through role-playing and guided interventions. Dr. Pamela Kreiser and her co-hosts provide additional insights on remaining a safe space for children to discuss conflicts and emphasize the importance of staying engaged in conversations about their interests.

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SHOW NOTES:

Resources : 

Mediator Jason Harper

https://www.hcrservices.com

Links to Episode #30: AFAF with Jason Harper on How to Resolve Conflict

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/YWZhZnBvZGNhc3QucG9kYmVhbi5jb20vOTYxMWNiZDQtNzJiNC0zODYwLWEzNjQtNGUxMjczOWZmZTAw

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore the challenges of adulting as both you and your parents age. The hosts explore practical strategies for setting boundaries, handling unsolicited advice, and maintaining healthy communication with older parents. Through humor and insightful discussions, they address common scenarios like unannounced visits and over-involvement, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and evolving relationships. Tune in for a light-hearted yet informative quiz, expert advice, and real-life examples to improve your relationship dynamics as an adult child.

Music by epidemic sound.

SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Dr. John Gottman

Resource : 

Gottman Institute   https://www.gottman.com/

Links :

#020: Myths of Boundaries

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/c6b431c4b18335a1759db7588986fd0d

#021: Boundaries 101 - How to Say No!

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/8dc8625be3a918b62f8c9d16a1f888f9

#022: Managing Boundaries: How to Manage Difficult People

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/04a05256443fa4baabf2b3dcbfcc32d9

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the impact of assumptions on relationships and provide practical tools to replace these assumptions with clarity. Through real-life examples, they explore how silent assumptions can fuel misunderstandings and share strategies for fostering open communication and trust. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls like judging intentions, predicting behavior based on past actions, and failing to communicate expectations. Discover the importance of asking clarifying questions and using Brene Brown's technique,”the story I'm telling myself,” to improve your relationships. 

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SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Dr. Brene Brown, Esther Perel

Resources : 

Dare to Lead by Dr. Brene Brown

https://brenebrown.com/hubs/dare-to-lead/

Esther Perel

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore the art of giving feedback. Reflecting on the discomfort of receiving harsh feedback, they present two effective strategies for providing constructive criticism without triggering defensive reactions— the Positive Feedback Sandwich and the Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) technique. Alongside discussing research insights from Gottman and the Harvard Business Review, the hosts offer practical examples and scenarios to illustrate these strategies in action, aiming to improve communication and relationships. 

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SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Dr. John Gottman

Resources : Harvard Business Review

Tools : 

Positive Feedback Sandwich (Mary Kay Ash)

3-part formula:

SBI Tool - Situation, Behavior, Impact (Center for Creative Leadership)

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the “Avoid Criticize Loop,” a destructive conflict pattern in relationships. They explain how indirect communication, passive-aggressive comments, and involving third parties escalate conflicts instead of resolving them. Through relatable examples, the hosts emphasize the importance of direct and vulnerable communication, recognizing and addressing one's role in the cycle, and setting boundaries to promote healthier interactions. Tune in for practical insights on improving your communication and relationship strategies.

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In this Father's Day special episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo step aside and give the microphones over to their spouses, Pete, Tom, and Ralph. In this episode, they dive into personal stories, tips for self-care, managing work-from-home life, and the joys and struggles of parenting. Tune in for an insightful conversation peppered with heartfelt moments and practical advice that every dad (and mom) can relate to. Plus, a fun Father's Day quiz to keep things lively! 

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SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Father’s Everywhere!

Resources : Previous Father’s Day Episodes

AFAF Episode #54 Father Knows Best! How to Foster Curiosity and Build Self-Confidence in Your Child

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/25a4c29ea0c9724f21a6e527329d0a46

AFAF Episode #079 AFAF on the First Year of Fatherhood

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/af7ed8332bcbdd686df18d1e09a7af0c

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo dive into the topic of tit-for-tat arguing and its detrimental impact on relationships. They explore the concept of critical startup moments, blame shifting, and the risks of competitive retaliation. The hosts offer practical strategies for breaking these negative patterns, such as active listening, taking responsibility, and practicing empathy. Drawing on research from John Gottman, they discuss how mindful communication can prevent conflicts from escalating and help build trust and emotional connection. Whether you're facing relationship challenges or seeking to improve your communication skills, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable advice.

Music by epidemic sound.

SHOW NOTES:

Resources : 

Dr. John Gottman - Gottman Institute

https://www.gottman.com/

Dr. Marc Brackett’s Book - Permission to Feel

https://marcbrackett.com/permission-to-feel/

Link:

AFAF Episode #031 - Leading Questions - How to Ask Neutral Questions

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/b861b25d7ba33bf133fdc9cad3de2a9a

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Melissa Beck, President of Anonymous Philanthropy, to share her wisdom on balancing the multifaceted roles of being a mother, career woman, and spouse. From managing career expectations, unseen labor, and burnout, to the importance of boundaries and the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, Melissa provides deep insights and practical advice. The episode also delves into Melissa's supportive 'mothership' group, her experiences raising three teenage boys, and the impactful work she does in philanthropy. Join us as we explore the strength, struggles, and triumphs of being a working mom.

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SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Melissa Beck and Mothers everywhere

Link to previous AFAF Episode with Melissa Beck on Generosity:  

https://youtu.be/wEnzueUNT0E

In this enlightening episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo delve into the complexities of maintaining cherished relationships. The episode addresses the common tendency to focus on differences rather than similarities and offers practical tools to bridge gaps and create connections. It highlights examples from everyday life, family gatherings, workplace dynamics, and even vacations to illustrate how emphasizing commonalities can lead to more harmonious interactions. Learn how shifting your language and mindset from 'me' vs. 'you' to 'we' and 'us' can transform the way you connect with others. 

Music by epidemic sound.

SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Clark and Brennan - Common Ground Theory

Resources :  McCorkle and Reese: Mediation Theory and Practice