Life Lived Better

Life Lived Better

By Joseph Massey and Paula GarlandEducationSelf-Improvement
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Life Lived Better episodes

  • Episode 83 - Narcissism

    On this week’s episode of Life Lived Better, Joseph and Paula will dive into the complex world of narcissism. They will discuss the common traits and explore the definition and types of narcissism. 

    The pair will discuss common symptoms, characteristics, and even provide valuable insights into the cause of this frequently referenced disorder. This episode will delve into the effects of narcissism on relationships and our discussion of tips on dealing with someone who has these traits.


    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]

    You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.     

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   

    29 min
  • Episode 82 - Toxic Positivity

    In a previous episode, Joseph and Paula mentioned Toxic Positivity. It is a topic that has been getting a lot of attention lately and they wanted to delve a little deeper into this concept. In today’s episode the pair explore what it is, its impact on mental health, and how to navigate this phenomenon in daily life. 

    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]

    You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.     

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   

    And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.

    Resources researched or referenced for this episode:

    Carmichael, C., Ph. D. (2021, July 21). What is Toxic Positivity? Psychology Today. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-is-toxic-positivity

    Cherry, K., MS, ED. (2023, May 15). Toxic Positivity: Why It’s Harmful and What to Say Instead. Verywell Mind. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-toxic-positivity 

    Villines, Z. (2021, March 31). What to Know About Toxic Positivity. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/toxic-positivity#what-it-is

    Toxic Positivity. (n.d.-b). Psychology Today. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/toxic-positivity

    26 min
  • Episode 81: Emotional Regulation and Mindfulness
    Emotions can be threatening or rewarding. They can act as a compass to guide us when we understand them and have the ability to regulate them. In this episode, Joseph and Paula discuss Emotional Regulation, including what it is, the benefits, and how to begin. Also included are lots of easy-to-use Mindfulness exercises.
    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]     You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.    
    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.
    Resources researched or referenced for this episode:
    Mindfulness https://www.scienceofpeople.com/mindfulness-activities/
    36 min
  • Episode 79: Emotions

    Got Emotions? We all do. What are emotions? What makes them complex? Joseph and Paula talk about emotions in this episode. They share some theories about them, discuss primary and secondary emotions, and share some tips for how to deal with all emotions.

    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]     You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.    

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.

    Resources researched or referenced for this episode:

    Discovering psychology, 4th ed. (apa.org)

    How to Manage Your Emotions | Psychology Today

    26 min
  • Episode 80: Managing Negative Emotions

    Why do we avoid negative emotions? Which emotions are considered negative? Joseph and Paula dig into negative emotions and discuss how to deal with them. One of Joseph's favorite sayings is, "Honor your emotions!" and we truly believe that. The duo shared some great resources, too. You will find those linked below.

    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]     You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.    

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.

    Resources Referenced and used as Research in this episode:

    How Negative Emotions Affect Us and How to Embrace Them (verywellmind.com)

    Lim N. Cultural differences in emotion: differences in emotional arousal level between the East and the West. Integrate Med Res. 2016;5(2):105-109. doi:10.1016/j.imr.2016.03.004

    Negative Emotions: Types, Causes, and How to Cope (verywellmind.com)

    Taking a Break from Work (and Why You Need To) (verywellmind.com)

    Ugueto AM, Santucci LC, Krumholz LS, Weisz JR. Problem-solving skills training. Evidence-Based CBT for Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents: A Competencies-Based Approach. 2014. doi:10.1002/9781118500576.ch17

    34 min
  • ENCORE! Poisonous Parings!

    We are bringing you an ENCORE this week. - one of our most listened to episodes!

    We are practicing self-care during this rapid paced fall season by taking a week away from the Life Lived Better Studios.

    As you move about your life, don't forget to take care of yourself.

    Original Show Notes:

    We are talking about Toxic Relationships. Shaming, blaming, isolating...just a few of the things you might find in an unhealthy relationship. Paula refers to them as "Poisonous Pairings" and Joseph tells you when you need to run the other way. The topic is complex, so it is broken into two parts. This episode discusses the often-subtle red flags to be aware of. 

    If you or someone you know needs help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline phone number is 1-800-799-7233. 

    If you have a question, you would like Joseph and Paula to answer during an episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at ⁠[email protected]⁠  

    You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: ⁠www.lifelivedbetter.net⁠.  

    Paula’s Blog is often updated with information from the show. You can find it at PaulaHellerGarland.BlogSpot.com  

    Just a reminder - anything shared by the pair during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice and is solely the opinion of the individual and does not represent their employers or profession. We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us. And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better. 

    48 min
  • Episode 78: Emotional Intelligence

    Do you have a high EQ? You can always increase it. What is Emotional Intelligence? Joseph and Paula will discuss that and tell you the benefits and how to increase yours.

    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]     You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.    

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.   

    Information resourced in this episode: 

    Emotional Intelligence | Psychology Today

    Emotional Intelligence (verywellmind.com)

    https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-control-your-emotions

    https://www.mhanational.org/helpful-vs-harmful-ways-manage-emotions

    https://mhanational.org/what-emotional-intelligence-and-how-does-it-apply-workplace

    https://psychcentral.com/health/ways-to-manage-your-emotions

    Signs of Low Emotional Intelligence (verywellmind.com)

    37 min
  • Episode 77: Friendship

    What are the benefits of friendship? How does one find friends? How do you keep them once you have them? And when should you let them go? Joseph and Paula address these questions and discuss how to let them go when the time comes. Friendships come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.

    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]     You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.    

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.   

    Information resourced in this episode: 

    Friendships: Enrich your life and improve your health - Mayo Clinic

    How to End a Friendship Without Hurting Feelings (choosingtherapy.com)

    Reason, Season, or Lifetime: How These Relationships Can Support You (psychcentral.com)

    The Importance of Friendship | Psychology Today

    When It’s Time to End a Friendship and How to End It (webmd.com)

    49 min
  • Episode 76: Q4C - Interview Version

    Joseph and Paula are back with Questions for Counselors - with a twist. This time, Paula interviews Joseph by asking him questions some of her students sent.

    This interview is in conjunction with The UNT Recovery to Practice Initiative and you can watch the interview on YouTube. All questions can be found on the UNT RTP YouTube Channel.

    If you have a question, you would like Joseph and Paula to answer during an episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]   You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.  

    Just a reminder - anything shared by the pair during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice and is solely the opinion of the individual and does not represent their employers or profession. We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us. And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better. 

    21 min
  • Episode 75: Values Clarification

    What do you value and what is the reason it is important to find out? Values make us feel more secure, for one. There are many other reasons. Joseph and Paula share how to clarity your values and begin to live by them.

    Questions? If you have questions, you would like Joseph and Paula to address during an upcoming episode of Questions for Counselors, feel free to reach out through the website at www.lifelivedbetter.net or email them directly at [email protected]     You can find information about this and other episodes on the website: www.lifelivedbetter.net.    

    Just a reminder - Anything shared during this and all other episodes is based on personal experiences and opinions. It is not to be viewed as professional counseling or advice - it is solely our opinion. Information shared does not represent our employers or profession.   We would love for you to rate our show and tell others about us.   And remember, Knowledge leads to a Life Lived Better.   

    Information resourced in this episode: 

    39 Core Values—and How to Live by Them | Psychology Today

    7 Ways to Discover and Clarify Your Personal Values (nickwignall.com)

    Values Clarification in CBT and Beyond: 18+ Examples & Tools (positivepsychology.com)


    22 min

About Life Lived Better

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Your space for self-discovery, mental wellness, and personal growth. Join two close friends, both seasoned counselors and wellness enthusiasts, discuss facets of living a more fulfilling and balanced…