In today’s expert episode, I’m joined by Dr. Margaret Rutherford, clinical psychologist, author, and host of The SelfWork Podcast, to dive deep into the topic of “perfectly hidden depression”—a term she coined and explores in her bestselling book and TEDx talk. We discuss how those who seem “put together” on the outside can silently struggle beneath the surface, why high-achievers and caretakers can be vulnerable to hiding their pain, and how this pattern can show up after heartbreak. Dr. Rutherford shares her personal story, the warning signs of hidden depression, actionable steps for breaking through emotional walls, and how moments of crisis like a breakup can be a catalyst for healing and self-acceptance. If you’ve ever felt like admitting your pain would shatter your carefully-crafted image, this is the episode for you.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. That’s WAYFAIR.COM

Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/heartbreak with code heartbreak.

You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s expert episode, I’m interviewing Dr. Paula Freedman Diamond, a licensed clinical psychologist, speaker, and author of the new book “Toxic Striving: Escaping the Stress and Burnout of Hustle and Diet Culture.” We talk about the many faces of people pleasing and perfectionism, how these patterns show up in dating and relationships, and how suppressing your own needs can eventually lead to relationship breakdowns or unhealthy dynamics. Dr. Paula shares both her personal experiences and practical therapeutic insights on building real intimacy, navigating conflict, and coping with heartbreak when you’ve always tried to be the “perfect” partner. We also discuss controlling the narrative after a breakup, learning to sit with uncomfortable feelings instead of rushing to fix them, and how embracing your needs and authenticity is key to healing from heartbreak. If you struggle with people pleasing, overthinking, or feeling like you have to do it all, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay stuck in these cycles.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. That’s WAYFAIR.COM

Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/heartbreak with code heartbreak.

You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s expert episode, I’m joined by John Kim, a licensed therapist, speaker, and author you might know as The Angry Therapist on Instagram. We dive deep into his brand new book "Love Hard on Purpose" and break down the idea of “love blueprints”—the subconscious definitions of love we’re operating from, often shaped by our upbringing, movies, and social media. We discuss how these definitions can set us up for disappointment in relationships, why it’s normal to start out equating codependency with love, and how to create a healthier definition moving forward after heartbreak. John shares powerful visual metaphors for love, gives advice for those feeling like their relationship was a “failure,” and discusses how to actually rebuild and redefine love after a breakup. If you're navigating heartbreak, coming out of a breakup, or looking to heal and love healthier, you won’t want to miss this episode!

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. That’s WAYFAIR.COM

Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/heartbreak with code heartbreak.

You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's solo episode, I'm diving into one of the most nerve-wracking parts of post-breakup life: seeing your ex for the first time. Whether you're anxious about a possible accidental run-in, panicking over a mutual friend's wedding where you know you’ll cross paths, or just stuck in a cycle of "what if I see them?", this episode is for you. I break down the three scenarios—imagined encounters, unexpected meetings, and planned events—and share practical tips for protecting your emotions, setting boundaries, and coping with the emotional spiral that can follow. I also share personal stories from my own breakups to remind you that these feelings are completely normal and don’t say anything about where you are in your healing journey. If you’ve been stressing about how to handle seeing your ex, tune in for actionable advice and lots of reassurance that you’re not alone. 

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Patio season is here and these deals won’t last! head to Wayfair.com right now to get your outdoor space ready for way less. That’s WAYFAIR.COM

Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/heartbreak with code heartbreak.

You don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode I’m joined by Brooke Taylor, transformational career coach and author of the new book Healing the Success Wound. We dive deep into the concept of the “success wound”—the hidden pain that comes from tying your self-worth to achievement, productivity, and external validation. Brooke shares her personal story of hitting rock bottom while working at Google, dealing with burnout, sobriety, and losing her sense of self after years of chasing external success. We explore how the success wound shows up as anxiety, perfectionism, and even anxious attachment in relationships, and why so many people lose their identity after a breakup. Brooke and I discuss practical ways to rebuild your self-esteem, break free from old patterns, and start truly healing from heartbreak—both in work and in love. If you’ve ever felt lost or worthless after a breakup, or struggled with people pleasing and perfectionism, this episode is a must-listen.

Take Brooke's free quiz here!

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s expert episode I’m interviewing Oona Metz, a therapist and author who has spent 17 years specializing in divorce support. We dive into why women initiate nearly 70% of divorces, the persistent shame and stigma around divorce, and the five phases of divorce grief that Oona Metz developed for her book, Unhitched. We also discuss why letting go and mending are essential steps to healing, how to move forward after heartbreak, dealing with co-parenting and changing friendships, and why most women don’t regret their divorce in the long run. Whether you’re considering divorce, in the midst of one, or simply navigating a tough breakup, this episode is packed with practical advice on healing, reducing stigma, and rebuilding your life.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's solo episode, I'm walking you through a workshop-style reflection meant to help you pause before texting your ex. I share five key questions to ask yourself any time you feel that urge to reach out, whether it's wanting to send an innocent meme or a long, heartfelt message. We explore the deeper motives behind wanting to contact your ex, the likelihood of getting the response you hope for, and how it might impact your healing journey. I also talk about being emotionally prepared for any outcome—especially the possibility of disappointment or no response at all—and encourage you to apply the same advice you'd give a friend. This episode is designed to give you practical tools and a sense of empowerment as you navigate those tough moments post-breakup.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sarah Vacchiano, author of Soft Launch, who shares her story of getting married young, going through an early divorce, and the journey of starting over in her late 20s. We chat about the shame and guilt that come with leaving a relationship that looks “good on paper,” and how healing isn’t always immediate or linear—sometimes you just need to focus on other parts of your life, as Sarah did with her career. We also dive into the theme of self-compassion in hindsight, the loneliness and steep learning curves of building a new life in a new city, and what it really takes to grow into the person (and partner) you want to be. If you’re facing a major transition or wondering if it’s okay to not have all the answers yet, this conversation is for you.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s expert episode, I’m interviewing Leslie John, Harvard Business School professor and author of the new book "Revealing: The Underrated Power of Oversharing." We dive into why sharing—especially the messy, vulnerable stuff—is so crucial to building trust and intimacy in relationships. Leslie shares fascinating research about why people tend to choose honesty over secrecy (even when the truth is uncomfortable), why cultural norms often pressure us not to reveal our true selves, and how her own experiences with marriage and divorce shaped her understanding of emotional honesty. We also talk about gendered expectations around sharing, how "mind reading expectations" can hurt our partnerships, navigating oversharing in early dating, and how to keep practicing vulnerability even if it didn’t go well in the past. If you’ve ever wondered where the line is with oversharing—and how to create deeper connections without losing yourself—this conversation is for you.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at http://www.skims.com #skimspartner

Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day.

Visit takelean.com and enter HEARTBREAK for 20% off and free rush shipping.

When life feels overwhelming, therapy can help. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's expert episode, I'm joined by Barnet Bain—award-winning filmmaker, author, and teacher—who just released his new book, "How to Be a Friend in an Unfriendly World." We dive deep into the art of adult friendship, why so many of us struggle to build fulfilling connections, and the common self-awareness gaps that hold us back. Barnet shares compelling personal stories, including a pivotal moment with his daughter that shifted his entire perspective on friendship. We talk about the power of self-talk, the importance of handling rupture and repair, why honoring others doesn’t mean abandoning yourself, and the difference between boundaries and walls. This conversation goes far beyond the basic tips on being a good friend—it’s all about how to grow, expand, and build deeper, more meaningful relationships that actually feel safe and supportive.

To find out which Break Up Bestie Course is right for you, click the link to take the quiz and get matched with the best solution for you: https://tally.so/r/Y5Z6LN

To get my course bundle Heal Your Break Up, go to https://www.breakupbestie.com/heal-your-break-up-course and use the code PODCAST for $25 off!

To join Healing Hearts Club for FREE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1021288124899873

Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at http://www.skims.com #skimspartner

Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day.

Visit takelean.com and enter HEARTBREAK for 20% off and free rush shipping.

When life feels overwhelming, therapy can help. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/heartbreak

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.