In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we dive into the complex world of narcissistic abuse with the incredible Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. Together, we explore what it’s really like to experience this insidious form of domestic violence, how to identify narcissistic behaviors early on, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Vanessa shares her personal story of surviving narcissistic abuse, shedding light on the psychological manipulation that victims face and the steps they can take to heal and escape.

This episode is packed with insights on understanding narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), the difference between someone acting narcissistically versus having NPD, and the trauma bonds that make it so difficult for victims to break free. Whether you're dealing with a narcissist in your life or just curious about the subject, this episode will open your eyes to the tactics used by these master manipulators and the hope that lies in recovery.

Episode Highlights:
[3:10] - Vanessa’s personal journey: From working in the Bronx to becoming an advocate for domestic violence survivors.
[6:10] - What is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how does it differ from narcissistic behavior?
[9:22] - Red flags to watch for in a relationship: Love bombing, superficial charm, and fast-moving affection.
[12:46] - How long can a narcissist hold their mask before revealing their true self?
[15:33] - The dangerous cycle of abuse and why victims struggle to leave.
[18:25] - The role of intermittent reinforcement and how victims become addicted to the narcissist’s approval.
[22:16] - The biological and psychological factors that drive narcissistic behavior.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with author and journalist Melissa Petro, whose new book, Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification, delves into the complex world of shame and societal judgment. Melissa brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own experiences in the sex trade and as a mother, to explore how shame affects women in both public and private spheres. We get into how women are often burdened with shame from a young age, and Melissa shares how she’s navigated the harsh terrain of public shaming, including a scandal that nearly ended her career. She also offers practical insights on developing "shame resilience" and creating safe spaces for healing.

We unpack everything from body image and motherhood to the cultural narratives that reinforce shame. Whether you’ve struggled with feelings of inadequacy or have felt judged for choices in your personal life, this episode offers a thoughtful and compassionate look at how we can break free from societal expectations and find strength in our authentic selves. Tune in to explore Melissa’s journey and find out how we can all cultivate resilience against shame!

Episode Highlights:
[0:04] - Meet Melissa Petro: author, journalist, and advocate for women navigating shame and public scrutiny.
[1:38] - The inspiration behind Shame on You and Melissa's personal journey from public scandal to resilience.
[3:52] - The societal pressures on women around body image and motherhood, and how shame is often weaponized.
[8:57] - Navigating the double bind of using sexuality as power while dealing with the shame that follows.
[17:14] - The impact of mass media shaming and how Melissa coped with being in the public eye.
[26:07] - Exploring the concept of "shame resilience" and why finding safe spaces is crucial for healing.
[32:17] - Melissa’s insights on body acceptance and how to challenge internalized shame in today’s culture.
[37:15] - The power of empathy and connecting with others as a path to overcoming shame.

Links and Resources:

• Melissa Petro’s Book: Shame on You: How to Be a Woman in the Age of Mortification
• Melissa’s recent article in Time Magazine: Read Here

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this follow-up to last week’s conversation on the emotional lives of men, we bring you a special “Men Tell All” episode with guests Josh Mora and Dennis Williams. Josh and Dennis, hosts of The Back 9 podcast, open up about what it’s really like for men navigating relationships, dating, and personal growth in midlife. We get candid about the challenges and rewards of dating after divorce, the importance of male friendships, and how men process emotions in ways you might not expect. You’ll hear honest takes on vulnerability, authenticity, and setting boundaries, plus some surprising insights into male sexuality and relationship expectations at this stage of life. Tune in to hear what men wish women knew, explore why male friendships are essential, and discuss the ups and downs of midlife dating. 

Episode Highlights:
[0:04] - We introduce Josh Mora and Dennis Williams, hosts of The Back 9 podcast.
[1:08] - Josh and Dennis share their experiences dating after long marriages.
[3:37] - The importance of self-confidence and setting boundaries in new relationships.
[7:00] - What men really value in a partner: authenticity and direct communication.
[15:21] - Talking about male sexuality and how it changes (or doesn’t) in midlife.[20:01] - Josh and Dennis discuss dating age preferences and how they’ve evolved.
[25:24] - Why male friendships matter and how they’ve maintained theirs for decades.
[32:36] - Wrapping up with reflections on healing, growth, and moving past resentment.

Resources:

The Back 9 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-back-9/id1717609674 

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

Welcome back to another insightful episode of "Insights from the Couch: Mental Health at Midlife." Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s both complex and essential—the emotional lives of men. We often hear that men are the strong, silent types, but what’s really going on beneath that composed exterior? How do societal expectations and upbringing shape men’s emotional expressions? We explore these questions and more, offering a compassionate look at the vulnerabilities men face and how they navigate their emotional landscapes.

In this episode, we discuss the common challenges men encounter when trying to express their feelings, the impact of societal norms, and the crucial role partners play in fostering a supportive environment for emotional openness. 

Episode Highlights:
[00:37] - The Duck Analogy: smooth surface and frantic kicking below.
[04:06] - The Three F's: Feed, F**k, Flatter—simplified emotional needs.
[06:10] - The Bad Partner Communication Report Card: defensiveness, dismissiveness, distancing, and fixing.
[07:40] - The Challenge of Vulnerability: men’s emotional conditioning.
[09:11] - Societal Expectations: how culture shapes male emotional expression.
[15:35] - Coping Mechanisms: alcohol, workaholism, and disconnection.
[19:58] - Emotional Connection: the role of partners in men's emotional lives.
[23:51] - Practical Tips: inviting vulnerability without forcing it.
[30:04] - Pursuer-Withdrawer Dynamic: understanding relationship patterns.
[37:14] - Creating Emotional Safety: steps for building a supportive environment.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this deeply moving episode of Insights from the Couch, we sit down with Simona Lazinsk, a powerhouse of resilience and grace. Simona shares her incredible journey from overcoming unimaginable loss and trauma to becoming a best-selling author and Mrs. Florida International 2023. Through her powerful story, we explore themes of survival, healing, and how to take control of your life even when it seems like everything is falling apart. This episode is a testament to the human spirit and is filled with inspiration for anyone who's ever felt lost or broken. Trust us, you’ll want to hear Simona’s journey and the wisdom she’s gained along the way.

Episode Highlights:
[3:09] - Discussing the harsh realities of living in a new country and the impact of her father's descent into alcoholism.
[8:14] - The emotional and financial stress that weighed heavily on her family and how it affected Simona as a young girl.
[10:56] - A powerful reflection on how emotions were handled (or not) in her family, with a memorable quote from The Simpsons.
[14:27] - Simona's mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer and how it shaped Simona’s perspective on life and health.
[23:19] - How Simona coped with the compounded losses of both her parents and her sister within a short period.
[31:11] - Turning point: How a breast cancer diagnosis became the catalyst for Simona to take radical responsibility for her life.
[39:06] - The birth of the Bridge Method: Simona explains the steps she took to rebuild her life and how you can do the same.
[56:44] - The importance of enjoying life and making every moment count, no matter what challenges come your way.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome the incredible Dr. Vonda Wright, a double board-certified orthopedic sports surgeon who specializes in working with athletes and active individuals. Dr. Wright shares her passion for empowering women, especially as they navigate perimenopause and menopause. We explore everything from hormone health to the importance of lifting weights, brain health, and how to thrive through midlife.

Dr. Wright shares eye-opening insights about how estrogen impacts our bodies, the importance of understanding our hormonal changes, and the power of weight training to maintain bone density and overall health. We also chat about the societal pressures on women and how we can shift our mindset to not just survive but thrive during midlife. Trust us, you’re going to walk away with practical tips and tons of motivation to embrace this next phase of life.

Episode Highlights:
[0:01] - Introduction to Dr. Vonda Wright and her unique expertise in women's health.
[1:12] - Dr. Wright discusses her approach to treating the whole person.
[5:26] - Midlife health journeys, hormonal changes, and challenges.
[10:47] - Dr. Wright breaks down the biological changes that happen in midlife and the importance of menopause literacy.
[17:59] - How hormone therapy can impact your long-term health and well-being.
[21:26] - The crucial role of weight training in midlife and why it’s a game-changer for women.
[27:01] - Dr. Wright’s perspective on alcohol in midlife: what the science really says.
[30:20] - Laura asks about the impact of running on joint health—Dr. Wright’s expert answer might surprise you!
[33:51] - Information about the upcoming Women’s Health Conversation Summit and how to join. We will be there!

Resources:

• Dr. Vonda Wright’s website: https://www.speaker.drvondawright.com/ 
• My Alloy: https://www.myalloy.com – Online menopause care
• MIDI Health: https://www.joinmidi.com – Menopause care platform
• Opt Health: OptHealth.com – Personalized menopause and hormone care
• Women’s Health Conversations Summit (November 8-9, 2024, Lake Nona, FL): https://www.drvondawright.net/summit2024 

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this empowering episode of Insights from the Couch, we continue our deep dive into women’s sexuality with the incredible Dr. Laurie Watson. Together, we tackle the complexities of sexual desire, intimacy, and pleasure as women navigate through midlife and beyond. Dr. Laurie shares her wisdom on how to maintain a vibrant sex life despite the challenges of menopause, societal pressures, and the inevitable changes in our bodies. Whether you’re in the midst of these changes or simply curious about what lies ahead, this conversation is packed with actionable insights that will leave you feeling inspired and more connected to your own erotic self.

Episode Highlights:
[00:18] - How virgins can ensure a positive first experience.
[01:17] - Reflecting on the challenges of staying embodied during intimacy.
[02:41] - Laurie explains why clitoral stimulation is key to most women’s orgasms.
[04:59] - Addressing the impact of menopause on sexual desire.
[11:22] - Colette questions whether men really crave variety.
[15:07] - Laurie debunks myths about menopause and sexuality.
[19:34] - The importance of developing an “erotic core” and how it can transform your sexual experience at any age.
[22:16] - Laurie shares how post-menopause sex can be the best of your life and invites listeners to her upcoming women’s retreat.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

Hey everyone! In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most layered and intriguing topics: women’s sexuality at midlife. We’re joined by the incredible Dr. Lori Watson, a renowned sexologist and couples therapist, who brings her extensive expertise to help us unpack the complexities of sex and desire as we age. From dealing with low libido and the pressures of long-term relationships to navigating the challenges of erectile dysfunction and emotional disconnection, we explore it all. Whether you're grappling with the changes that come with midlife or looking to keep the spark alive in your relationship, this episode is packed with insights that you won’t want to miss!

Episode Highlights:
[01:24] - Colette and Laura introduce Dr. Watson and set the stage for a deep dive into midlife sexuality.
[03:02] - Exploring the common struggles of low desire in long-term relationships and the impact on self-esteem.
[05:46] - Discussion on the expectations and realities of sex frequency in marriage, touching on the societal norms and pressures.
[10:00] - Addressing the emotional and physical factors that affect sexual desire, including stress, body image, and the bristle effect.
[17:33] - Dr. Watson discusses what’s “normal” for sex in long-term marriages and how to maintain an erotic connection over the years.
[20:58] - Insight into how couples can tackle the issue of a partner losing sexual interest and the underlying causes like health issues and emotional withdrawal.
[36:43] - Understanding the life force of sexuality and how to reconnect with your own sensuality and desire for a fulfilling sex life.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

In this heartfelt episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re diving into a topic that hits home for so many of us—coping with the empty nest. We get real about the grief, the unexpected feelings, and how to move from sadness to embracing this new chapter in life.

Join us as we share our own experiences of adjusting to an empty nest, the challenges that come with it, and the surprising positives that can emerge from this life phase. If you’re feeling lost, uncertain, or just a bit overwhelmed by the quiet, this episode is for you. Let’s navigate this journey together and find ways to make this time not just manageable, but truly fulfilling.

Episode Highlights:
[1:45] - Colette shares her summer of truly empty nesting, with both daughters away. 
[3:21] - The three stages of the empty nest: Grief, Relief, and Joy. 
[5:39] - The isolation of the empty nest and finding ways to fill the newfound free time.
[11:47] - Moving from grief to joy: Embracing the new reality.
[14:44] - The importance of allowing space for sadness.
[19:45] - The impact of enmeshment and control.
[27:36] - The freedom and personal development opportunities.
[30:55] - How to navigate the empty nest with grace.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at [email protected] we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.

Are you just going through the motions, stuck in a mental rut? Or are you truly living with vitality, curiosity and psychological flexibility? In this insightful episode, we're discussing the core signifiers of authentic mental wellness. You'll gain perspective on whether you're just surviving or actually thriving psychologically and emotionally. Get ready to assess your own mental health in a holistic way!

Episode Highlights:

[3:35] - Psychological flexibility: Holding two truths. 

[9:46] - Allowing the full range of emotions. 

[14:39] - Knowing yourself: Beliefs, apologies, asking for help. 

[21:07] - Struggle with gifts and receiving appreciation. 

[23:04] - Being curious, open and engaged.
[25:04] - Taking action to shift mental state.

[29:57] - Small interactions spark big mindset shifts.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website at insightsfromthecouch.org.

If you have questions, please email us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Come hang out with us in The Chat, our free community for midlife women, where we keep the
conversation going at insightsfromthecouch.org/the-chat.

And don’t forget to
download our free guide 7 Skills to Master Midlife so you can stop living small, start taking action, and
live the life you really want at insightsfromthecouch.org/midlife-roadmap.