In this solo episode, therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, reflects on the subtle but profound ways grief continues to shape her inner world—especially in relationships. She shares why she chose to shift the format of her podcast, honoring authenticity, capacity, and self-care over expectation. She explores attachment patterns, independence, and the emotional responses that surface when grief meets intimacy. This conversation names the often-overlooked micro losses of grief—the small, daily moments that remind us of what's changed—and underscores the importance of community, self-honesty, and compassion as ongoing companions on the healing path.

Notice where you are asking yourself to "push through" instead of listening in. Today, choose one small act of self-trust—whether that's changing a plan, naming a feeling out loud, or letting yourself need support—and remind yourself that healing isn't about doing more, but about being more honest with where you actually are. Where are you imposing expectations on yourself around a label you never needed to carry in the first place? Shed that shit.

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• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

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Jen Taylor's Book

In this uplifting conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner is joined by Laura Bratton, founder of Ubi Global, to explore gratitude as a practice of honoring the work we do on ourselves. Together, they reflect on the courage it takes to show up, do the inner work, and continue evolving—especially when growth feels slow, unseen, or exhausting. This conversation highlights the power of self-compassion, perseverance, and community in sustaining personal transformation, reminding listeners that gratitude doesn't have to be about outcomes—it can be about who we are becoming and the effort we choose to make, again and again.

Instead of forcing positivity, choose one moment each day where you offer yourself compassion first—then notice what you're grateful for. Healing begins when we stop demanding strength from ourselves and start allowing tenderness.

Laura's Website

Links to Laura's previous episode: Spotify, Apple

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space)

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Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

In this deeply moving conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Hilary Momberger Powers—former child actress who voiced Sally in the Charlie Brown cartoons, now a recovery warrior, mentor, and author—to explore the lasting impact of trauma on personal development and healing. Together, they unpack how early wounds shape identity, the importance of inner child work, and what it truly means to break free from victimhood. Hilary shares her journey of reclaiming her power through empathy, self-reflection, and community support, emphasizing that real empowerment comes from within. This episode highlights the transformative power of self-love, acceptance, and consciously choosing to rewrite your story.

Spend 10 minutes journaling a letter to your inner child, acknowledging one past wound that still shapes your reactions today. Then write a second letter from your adult self offering compassion, validation, and a new narrative rooted in worthiness and self-trust.

Hilary's Website, Insta, Youtube

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Jen Taylor Books:

In this soulful and insightful conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Ian, founder of PurposeU.ai, to explore the evolving journey of discovering one's purpose. Ian shares how purpose transformed from a vague concept into a powerful decision-making tool in his own life, helping him move from confusion to clarity in both personal and professional realms. Together, they unpack why defining your purpose matters, how recognizing your uniqueness creates deep inner alignment, and the profound shifts people experience when they begin living from their true calling. The conversation closes with a look at PurposeU, an AI-powered course designed to simplify the path to self-discovery and help individuals uncover what they're truly here to do.

Instead of searching for a "perfect" purpose, start by noticing what consistently lights you up, what problems you feel drawn to solve, and where your lived experience meets service. Write a one-sentence purpose statement that feels true right now — not forever — and begin using it as a filter for decisions. If a choice moves you closer to alignment with that statement, it's a yes. If it pulls you further from it, it's a no. Purpose isn't found all at once — it's clarified through courageous, aligned action.

Ian's Website

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space)

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Jen Taylor's Books

In this deeply moving conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Justin LaPree, a Marine veteran, former Austin firefighter, entrepreneur, and suicide survivor who turned his darkest moment into a movement of healing, to explore the long arc of trauma, recovery, and the courageous journey back to self-love. Justin shares his story of childhood trauma, military service, and the inner battles that led to a suicide attempt — and how entheogenic medicines and spiritual practices opened a new path toward healing. Together, they discuss the role of community, intention, and storytelling in recovery, and how shared experiences can transform pain into connection, meaning, and compassion.

Choose one intentional practice this week that helps you meet yourself with honesty instead of judgment. Whether it's journaling, meditation, breathwork, or therapy, create a small, sacred space where you can listen to what your pain is trying to teach you — and take one compassionate step toward yourself.

Justin's links: Website, Insta, Facebook, Youtube

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space)

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Jen Taylor's Books

In this episode of the Griefie Monday series, therapist and host Malisa Hepner offers a raw and tender look at what grief feels like in the middle of ordinary life. She reflects on fluctuating moods, the way grief lives in the body, and the emotional weight of her home environment. Malisa shares the challenges of managing grief alongside very real practical stressors, including a legal matter connected to Jake's past, and how these layered responsibilities can quietly intensify sorrow. Through a vulnerable story of a family grocery trip that ended with locking her keys in the car, she explores frustration, humor, resilience, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes self-compassion, the non-linear nature of healing, and the shared human experience of loss, reminding us that there is no single way to grieve — only many honest ways to survive and keep going.

Grief doesn't only live in the big moments — it lives in the parking lots, the errands, the mistakes, and the quiet overwhelm. This week, practice one gentle act of self-permission: notice where your body is holding grief, allow yourself to ask for help without shame, and remember that coping isn't about doing it perfectly — it's about doing it honestly.

Jen Taylor Books

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space)

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

In this deeply human conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Gretchen Schoser—suicide attempt survivor, mental health advocate, award-winning podcast host, and tech entrepreneur—to explore vulnerability, self-discovery, and the power of sharing our stories. Together, they discuss how kindness, imperfection, and honest conversations can transform pain into connection. This episode highlights the importance of self-care, supportive communities, and using lived experience to normalize mental health and create meaningful change.

Your story doesn't need to be polished to be powerful. Healing often begins the moment we let ourselves be seen—messy, honest, and imperfect. Choose one safe space this week to tell the truth about how you're really doing, whether that's with a friend, a therapist, or on paper. Vulnerability isn't weakness; it's an invitation for connection, compassion, and collective healing.

Gretchen's links: Website, Insta, Facebook Podcast

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon.

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Jen Taylor rejoins host Malisa Hepner for a raw, soul-centered conversation about grief, guilt, and the ripple effects of addiction on families. As mothers and licensed social workers, they share personal experiences with loss, the heartbreak of parenting through addiction, and the spiritual questions that follow. Together, they explore open communication, the autonomy of the soul, astrology as a meaning-making lens, and how connection can transform pain into purpose—offering listeners compassion, clarity, and hope on the healing path.

Choose one honest conversation this week—within yourself or with someone safe—where you name the guilt you've been carrying without trying to fix it. Let it be witnessed. Then ask: What would it look like to honor my loved one by living with a little more tenderness today? Healing begins when pain is allowed to speak and purpose is invited to listen.

Jen's links: Facebook, Insta, Books

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon.

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

In this heartfelt solo episode, therapist and host Malisa Hepner shares her journey through grief after the death of her son, Jake. She explores the emotional and physical toll of loss, the loneliness of grieving in a grief-avoidant culture, and the necessity of self-compassion during heartbreak. Malisa reflects on vulnerability, community, and the slow process of rebuilding life while honoring a love that never leaves.

Release the idea that grief should look a certain way. Let today be enough. Your emotions are not a problem to solve—they are love finding its voice.

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon.

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner

Therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Joni Woods, author of, "Burned, Blocked and Better Than Ever", a certified life coach and culture strategist with over 15 years of experience in communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship dynamics. Joni shares her powerful journey from a challenging marriage through addiction, grief, and loss, toward self-discovery and empowerment. Together, they explore how societal expectations shape our relationships, why emotional intelligence and self-awareness are foundational to healing, and how vulnerability and inner-child work open the door to authentic connection, self-compassion, and lasting joy.

Practice conscious vulnerability.

This week, choose one relationship (including the one with yourself) and practice naming your feelings without defending, fixing, or minimizing them. Ask yourself: What does my inner child need right now—validation, safety, or compassion? When vulnerability is paired with emotional intelligence, it becomes a bridge to deeper connection, healing, and joy rather than a risk you have to survive.

Joni's links: Website, Youtube

Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable's Patreon!

• $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission

• $5-Ad free episodes

• $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook

• $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon.

https://patreon.com/Emotionallyunavailablepodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1739504718415772259d92bc1

https://linktr.ee/Mdhepner