We are post election and heading into the holiday season. Yay. This means that we will have to choose how and when to spend time with our families. This is a complicated decision for most people and for good reason. As the saying goes, "Blood may be thicker than water, but blood clots."

Our conversation today is about choosing estrangement from family. This is not a popular choice and it's one that is often questioned by others.

I asked my friend Michael Jon Watt to join me for his 4th episode in our series to talk about his choice to cut ties with his adoptive parents. He is not the "poster-child" on this topic. However, he is very clear and concise about what brought him to that edge.

This is not cancel culture.

It's a thoughtful choice to protect one's mental and emotional health by doing what feels the most unnatural - choosing to leave relationships with family members. It doesn't mean that it has to be forever. Other times, it is necessary to remain no contact if the violations have been severe and damaging.

We hope this podcast will bring clarity and healing.

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A special thanks to Rhonda and Patrick for sponsoring this podcast. They are big fans of Michael and supporters of the arts and people. They are chosen family.