We're in an era of political bad crazy, and friendships that have lasted decades are crumbling because of political fights. Why does this happen, and what can you do about it? Liana looks at social identity threats on this episode! 

Yoda is well known for saying hate leads to the Dark Side. Though it's an impulse that is human and natural, it never leads anywhere good. Liana, no novice when it comes to being a target of some peoples' enmity, talks about how to handle being hated, what to do when you're the hater, and how to stop hating yourself, in a world where everyone is encouraged to hate as much as possible.

Check out this episode's sponsor, Phases Executive Fitness Studio www.phasesexecfit.com

Ever wished you could have an owner's manual for your brain - a reference you could turn to when facing mental and emotional health issues? That book is You Will Get Through This and Liana talks to the authors, 3 mental health professionals, about their approach to getting a handle on common mental health challenges.

Link to the book by Julie Radico, Nicole Helverson and Charity O’Reilly: https://theexperimentpublishing.com/catalogs/summer-2024/you-will-get-through-this/

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What is 'Therapy-Speak'? People using mental health care terms like 'gaslighting' and 'narcissism' without knowing what they really mean. Too many people use Therapy-Speak to win arguments and marginalize people with their 'diagnoses'. Liana unpacks what the words really mean, what they don't mean, and how to deal with someone using them against you.

Wanting attention for accomplishments, actions, outfits or just for being you is a normal healthy human desire. Everyone needs validation now and then. Narcissism is when wanting attention crosses into needing attention - and that's not good. Liana lays out a list of what separates a healthy appetite for attention from the unhealthy cravings of narcissism.

How we measure success or failure depends on our core values. So what are your core values? That's not the easiest thing to define. Liana is joined by Marianna Lead, founder of Goal Imagery Coaching Academy and author of the book Me, My Brand And Why, to help you name the personal values that guide your life.

What we have here is a failure to communicate

"So, what are you saying?" That's a question people get asked, but also one we should be asking of ourselves. Are we really delivering the message we intend, or has it gone (maybe horribly) awry? Communication errors plague everyone at some point, so Liana takes us through easy ways to get our message across more effectively and avoid misunderstandings.

Introverts Unite! Believe it or not, Liana - Youtuber, podcast host, peer counselor and former TV personality & pin-up model - is an introvert. It is possible for introverts to navigate and succeed in a world built for extroverts and communications expert and NYU educator Nancy Ancowitz, the author of Self-Promotion for Introverts (a Quiet Guide for Getting Ahead) will share strategies on how you can do it. Nancy should know - she's an introvert too.

It's as simple as this - You. Matter. It's not your job, your family, your income - your value is inherent from the day you were born. So why do so many of us struggle with feelings of worthlessness?  Psychologist Dr. Julie Radico, author of the forthcoming You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health First-Aid Book, talks to Liana about why we matter and how to break through the relentless messaging that tells you otherwise.

Validation - recognition that our thoughts and efforts have value - is essential for healthy self-esteem. Yet we're exposed to so much messaging that is invalidating, it's hard to fight it...but you can do it. One of the groups facing greatest public invalidation is trans people, and Liana speaks to Aquila, a military veteran and bi-racial trans woman, about how she grappled with and overcame a lifetime of racial and gender invalidation. It's a very timely story that is emotional and uplifting.