Facets of Connection

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation, RLT-certified coach Beverly Joy Ehrlich sits down with Sarah Melissa Oswald, Director of Relational Life Foundation, to explore what it means to foster intimacy through community. Their conversation illuminates the limitations of the nuclear family model and invites us to reimagine relationships as living systems—ever-evolving, interdependent, and rich with possibility. From Sarah’s personal journey of cultivating multifaceted relationships to practical insights on building meaningful connections, this episode is a powerful reminder that intimacy doesn’t begin and end with our romantic partners.
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Discover how community, diversity, and inclusive connection can create a more sustainable foundation for belonging and relational resilience—especially in a time of increasing speed, loneliness, and disconnection.Show Notes:Sarah Melissa Oswald’s private practice, Lead Your Love Life
Beverly Joy Ehrlich’ private practice
Carol Giligan 
Thomas Hübl
Priya Parker: The Art of Gathering
MatrixWorks: Living Systems in Groups
Jessica Fern – Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy

Resources:

Community Conversation Series

RLT Relationship Skills Bootcamps

Sliding Scale RLT 

Relationship Revival Course

In this rich conversation, therapist, educator, and RLT mentor Caron Starobin, LCSW-C, joins us to explore the unique complexities—and deep potential—of neurodiverse relationships. Drawing on decades of experience, Caron shares how Relational Life Therapy (RLT) offers an empowering framework for supporting couples where one or both partners are neurodivergent. We discuss the intersections of trauma and neurodivergence, how ableism can show up in relationships, and the importance of breaking down communication to build true connection.
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Caron opens up about her path into this work, shaped by her own family history and a deep passion for helping people feel seen, heard, and less alone. Whether you're a practitioner, a partner in a neurodiverse relationship, or simply curious about how different brains relate in love, this episode offers insight, compassion, and real-world tools to bring more empathy and satisfaction into your relationships.
To dive deeper into Caron’s work or to explore her upcoming Relationship Bootcamp, visit www.starobincounseling.com.

Show Notes:Connect with Caron Starobin
No Ordinary Love Community Conversation 
RLT Feedback Wheel
Save Your Seat in Caron’s Relationship Bootcamp (October 10-11, Ashton Maryland)
RLT Certification

In this heartfelt episode of Facets of Connection, we sit down with therapist, author, and mother, Susan Caso, MA, LPC, to explore how respectful, connected relationships between parents and teens can help shift the trajectory of our current youth mental health crisis. Drawing from over two decades of experience and her book The Parent-Teen Connection, Susan offers actionable tools for building emotional closeness, fostering trust, and transforming conflict into meaningful repair.
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Susan and Sarah dive into key concepts like belonging at home, the difference between the “parent role” and the “mom/dad role,” how to model emotional regulation, and why perfection isn’t the goal—connection is. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone raising, working with, or simply caring about the next generation. 
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Whether you're parenting a toddler or a teen, this episode offers rich insight and thoughtful guidance for navigating the relational work of raising whole humans.
Show Notes:Susan Caso’s book: The Parent Teen Connection
Ed Tronick: Rupture and Repair
Janet Lansbury: Respectful Parenting 
Infinite Campus
Gestalt Therapy
SusanCaso.com

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Stacee and Ya’Ron Brown, licensed professional counselors, married couple, and co-founders of the Relational Growth and Wellness Foundation. They share their mission to bring healing, transformation, and liberation to BIPOC and Pan-African communities through accessible mental health care, relational education, and cultural representation. Drawing from their lived experience and 17 years of marriage, Stacee and Ya’Ron speak candidly about using Relational Life Therapy (RLT) to break cycles of generational trauma and support thriving relationships in their community.
We explore their nonprofit’s work to train future leaders, expand access to therapy, and their exciting partnership with Relational Life Foundation to bring these vital tools to underserved communities—at home and abroad. This is a conversation about radical love, representation, and generational healing—one relationship at a time.

Show Notes:​RGWF Foundation
​RLF Newsletter Signup

Join our host, Sarah Melissa Oswald, as she takes you inside the Colorado State Penitentiary, where she witnesses the transformative power of the Realness Project. Through heartfelt conversations with incarcerated men, she explores what it means to connect, to lead, and to heal—even in the most dehumanizing environments. This episode is a moving reflection on resilience, relational leadership, and the belief that all humans are good at their core. It’s a powerful reminder that once you’ve heard someone’s full story, love becomes possible.

Show Notes:Episode 04: Breaking Generational Cycles of Incarceration with Laurie Lazar
Realness Project 
Colorado State Penitentiary Resources:

Community Conversation Series

RLT Relationship Skills Bootcamps

Sliding Scale RLT 

Relationship Revival Course

In this short podcast segment, we explore the evolution of RLT’s Relationship Grid. You'll learn how healthy self-esteem balances equally warm regard for self and others, and how having both protective and containing boundaries is essential for respectful relational dynamics. We also unpack the pitfalls of externally driven self-esteem, and the power of practicing relational health every day. Whether you're a therapist or simply curious about improving your relationships, this conversation offers deep insight and practical wisdom.​​

Learn more about Cathy at www.cathyhill.caShow NotesConnection Compass Course
RLT Relationship Grid
Use code Facets for 10% off the full "Connection Compass" recording

In this episode of Facets of Connection, we explore the intersection of purpose, relationships, and entrepreneurship with venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and philosophy enthusiast Matt McCall. We dive into the power of storytelling, the challenges of balancing personal and professional relationships, and how entrepreneurship serves as a microcosm for self-growth. Matt also reflects on life’s transitions, human-centric leadership, and the impact of anxiety and depression on young adults today. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply seeking a more meaningful life, this conversation offers insights and practical takeaways for navigating relationships, purpose, and resilience. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on integrating personal values with professional success.
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Learn more about Matt at https://polsky.uchicago.edu/people/matthew-mccall/ / Show Notes:Something Ventured
Anaïs Nin - book Risk
Abraham Maslow - book Motivation and Personality (1954 )
The Hedonic Treadmill
Andrew Huberman 
Jonah Hill documentary 
TV Show- Shrinking 
Phil Stutz
Dr. John Gottman 
Matt McCall “S Curve” blog reference
Joseph Campbell
Rhythmia Costa Rica Retreat
"Zone of Genius" is a concept from Gay Hendricks’ book The Big Leap
Victim triangle /Creator triangle
 Michael Lewis of Moneyball fame 
Daniel Pink Drive Innovation
VIA strength test

In this powerful episode of Facets of Connection, Sarah sits down with Tracy McCartney— mother, writer, connector, and co-founder of Red Canary Magazine — for a heart-opening conversation about how storytelling fuels social and environmental justice. From typewriting poems as a toddler to creating an award-winning magazine amplifying marginalized voices, Tracy shares her inspiring journey of transforming grief, rage, and love for the Earth into real-world action. They dive deep into how independent journalism can heal communities, why true connection is at the heart of activism, and why caring for the planet and caring for each other are inseparable. 
If you've ever wondered how your unique gifts can ripple out to make real change (even when the world feels overwhelming), this conversation is a must-listen.
Connect with Red Canary on:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Vimeo Show Notes

• The Guardian 
• PBS
• Joanna Macy Poetry of Rilke
• “To Live and Die in LA’s Diesel Death Zones” by Nick Schou (Skow)
• “Rise of the American Favela” by Sam Slovick
• “Fighting for the True Country” by Steven Gute
• Sign up for the “Note From The Nest” Newsletter on the Red Canary Magazine website

In this heartfelt episode, Sarah is joined by Toufic Hakim—scientist by training, spiritualist by choice, and Executive Director of the Foundation for Self Leadership. Together, they explore what it means to cultivate sustainable hope in uncertain times by tending to our inner worlds, our relationships, and our communities. 
Toufic offers wisdom on how self-awareness, compassion, and connection can help us meet the world with clarity and heart. This conversation is a balm for the nervous system—and a deep invitation into presence, purpose, and possibility. The Foundation for Self Leadership is dedicated to fostering emotional, relational and societal healing and wellbeing. Its advocacy and research programs revolve around the IFS paradigm as a leading model among others.
Learn more about The Foundation for Self Leadership 
Find Foundation IFS on Facebook & Youtube 
Read their magazine Parts and SelfShow Notes:

• ​Nassim Nicholas Taleb, Black Swan

• Atlas of Emotions & Atlas of the Heart

• Inside Out

• 3 Spheres Diagram

• Book: "You are the one you've been waiting for" by Richard Schwartz

• Pre-register for Sustainable Hope (a free, virtual, interactive community conversation) cofacilitated Sarah & Toufic on September 17, 2025

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In this episode, new board president and founder of Relational Life Therapy (RLT), Terry Real, joins senior RLT practitioner and faculty member Anna Sterk, LMFT for a powerful conversation about one of the toughest relationship questions: Should I stay or should I go?
​Together, they unpack the concept of relational reckoning—weighing whether what we’re getting is enough to make grieving what we’re not getting worth it. They challenge the myth of unconditional adult love and explore the fine line between acceptance and self-abandonment. From resentment to “normal marital hatred,” this episode is full of clarity, compassion, and truth-telling. Whether you’re questioning a relationship or seeking deeper connection, this conversation offers a path forward.
Learn more about Terry Real
Learn more about Anna SterkDonate here: https://www.relationallifefoundation.org/donate.html