Do you wish your love life had that little something extra, but find yourself avoiding true connection like vampires sidestep garlic? Or does your dating profile showcase a version of you only Dr. Frankenstein would believe was real?

If you keep going on dates but secretly believe the dating pool is a dystopian wasteland, host Pat Barbarito and featured guest love coach Junie Moon want you to know that hope, happiness, and life-altering fulfillment can be found in the shadows – if you’re ready to face the unconscious truths lurking within your heart and soul. 

This high-energy, compelling episode explores the transformative practice of shadow work and its profoundly positive impact on navigating midlife relationships. 

Through illuminating insights and personal anecdotes, Pat and Junie explain how past experiences shape current choices in love, the importance of authentic self-expression in cultivating healthy connections, the danger of listening to that well-intentioned inner voice, and so much more. 

Conversation highlights include: 

• Understanding Shadow Work. An exploration of shadow work as a vital process for uncovering unconscious beliefs and behaviors that hinder personal growth and relationship success. Learn how unexamined fears and experiences can create blind spots that affect dating and relationship dynamics.
• The Role of the 'Risk Manager'. Insight into the internal part of ourselves that protects us from perceived dangers, often leading to people-pleasing behaviors and avoidance of real self-care. Discover how our internal self can even weaponize shame in an effort to keep us safe.
• Shifting Perspective on Past Pain. Understanding the impact of previous relationships and family dynamics on current love lives, as well as the inherent danger of not fully healing those childhood traumas. Explore the concept that we often attract partners who reflect our unhealed wounds, reinforcing the need for personal healing to break this cycle. 
• Midlife Empowerment. Embracing the fact that self-respect can be reclaimed, and love lives can be actively shaped with the benefit of life experience, leading to even better relationships. Includes a thought-provoking discussion on whether hitting rock bottom is necessary for personal growth, with insights into how many women can make positive changes without extreme circumstances
• The Value of Community. How becoming your most authentic self can lead to more genuine relationships that enrich your life and expand your possibilities. Appreciate that navigating the journey alone is not the bleak prospect it once was, and mentors, coaches, and other supportive communities are all within your reach. 

BONUS: Do you know your love avatar? Junie’s two-minute Discover Your Love Avatar quiz reveals your level of relationship readiness, identifies your Love Superpower, and recommends next steps to consider as you rewrite your own love story!

Take the quiz today for valuable insights that can help you embrace your actual desires and rewrite your own love story! 

Be sure to follow Heartbreak & Hope with Pat Barbarito on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, or YouTube, or bookmark the official podcast webpage to keep the entire library at your fingertips.