Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

This episode originally aired on April 5, 2021 (Episode 240), and I’m bringing it back because so many of you said it gave you the clarity you didn’t know you needed. If you’re feeling stuck in your career or wondering whether there’s something more fulfilling out there for you, this conversation is worth revisiting.

So many people come to me at a professional crossroads. On paper, things look fine — good job, steady paycheck — but inside, they’re wrestling with harder questions: Is this what I’m meant to be doing? Where’s the meaning? And what would it actually look like to feel passionate about my work?

Finding your passion isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s about understanding how you got here, untangling what’s yours from what you were told to want, and designing a career that aligns with who you are now.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to get unstuck, how to reflect with purpose, and how to move forward, even when it feels like there are a thousand possible directions and no clear right answer.

Episode Breakdown:

We cover how early life influences, past roles, and even burnout shape your career path, often without you realizing it. And we’ll help you figure out whether you need a new job or a new perspective on the one you already have.

What if you stopped pushing through and started getting curious? What would it feel like to move toward a career that fits you, not just the version of you who started years ago?

If you’re feeling ready to find your passion and design a career that actually fits, I’d love to support you as you start taking clear, doable steps. Through my Career Clarity Intensive, you can have clarity and confidence about the right next step for you, how to grow professionally and attain what you really want, and actualize the fullness of your potential in your career!

The first step: join me for a free coaching call to design your next chapter. Here’s the link to register.

And if you want to keep this conversation going beyond the podcast, come find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I’m always sharing tools and insights to help you build a life and career that reflect your values and your worth. And if something from this episode sparked something for you, I’d love to hear how you’re making sense of your path. Let’s talk!

xoxo,

If you’ve ever questioned where you stand with your partner or second-guessed their love, this will help you feel more grounded, connected, and secure. This episode first aired on June 21, 2021 (Episode 251), and I’m bringing it back because so many of you said it hit home. 

Ever replayed a conversation, overread a text, or felt on edge when your partner seemed distracted even when nothing was “wrong”? That kind of relationship anxiety can keep you chasing reassurance. I’m joined by my colleague Georgi, a marriage and family therapist on our Growing Self team, to talk about why security can feel slippery and what it takes to build emotional safety that lasts.

We look at how attachment injuries, big and small, quietly shape how you show up in love. Early experiences, broken trust, and even subtle disappointments can make connection feel risky and drive patterns like jealousy, anger, or withdrawal. Together, we talk about interrupting those cycles, hearing what your anxiety is trying to say, and inviting your partner into repair with curiosity rather than blame.

Episode Breakdown:

As you listen, notice what shows up for you. When anxiety spikes, what story starts running—and how do you usually respond? Do you shut down, reach for control, or start hunting for proof that you’re okay? Try pausing to ask what you truly need in that moment: comfort, reassurance, or a steadier sense of safety within yourself.

If communication is adding to the tension, try my Communication that Connects Masterclass. It’s a simple way to step out of those conflict loops and have conversations that build understanding. It includes a workbook so you can practice right away!

You might also like my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? quiz. It’s quick, gives you language for what’s happening, and points to where your relationship could use more care.

Want ongoing support between episodes? Find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I share fresh tools and encouragement to help you create the love, happiness, and success you deserve. If this episode sparked something, or an idea for a future topic, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!

xoxo,

You know that feeling when you look around at the news, your job, your relationships, and everything feels a little out of control? Like no matter what you do, it’s never enough to really make a difference? I get it. So many of us are carrying that quiet sense of powerlessness right now. But here’s the thing: you have more influence than you realize. You’ve just never been shown how to use it.

In this episode, I’m talking with Cynthia Rivard, business strategist, and author of A New Breed of Leader, about what it truly means to become influential. Not in the “stand at the front of the room” kind of way, but in the real, human way that changes how you show up for yourself, your relationships, and your community.

We’re getting into influential leadership as a way of life - how to lead from within, ripple change outward, and shift from helplessness to hope through small, intentional action. This isn’t about being in charge, but about being conscious, compassionate, and brave enough to start where you are.

Episode Breakdown:

If you’ve been feeling ready to show up differently in your relationships, your work, or your life, I’d love to support you as you start putting that influence into action. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It’s a private, supportive space where you can share what’s been on your mind, whether that’s building confidence, finding your voice, or learning how to lead your life with intention. We’ll help you get matched with the right expert so you can move forward feeling clear, encouraged, and hopeful.

I’d also love to stay connected beyond the podcast. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, where I share stories, reflections, and gentle reminders to help you stay intentional as you lead your own life. And if something from this conversation really hit home, tell me about it - I’d love to hear how you’re using your influence out in the world. Let’s keep this conversation going!

xoxo,

Some women seem to have it all together. They’re confident, capable, and thriving in their careers. Yet when it comes to love… it’s like they’re playing a game with a whole different rulebook. I’ve talked with so many high-achieving women who can handle anything at work (big goals, big responsibilities, big wins) but still feel unsure or unseen when it comes to real connection.

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Hilary Silver, clinical therapist, master coach, and host of the Ready for Love podcast. Hilary and I talk about why strong, successful women so often find themselves repeating the same relationship patterns. We get into how old habits of proving, pleasing, and perfecting the ones that helped you rise so high can quietly start working against you when it comes to love.

Hilary shares the three roles she sees most often in high achievers: the Pleaser, the Perfectionist, and the Pusher. Each one starts as a way to stay safe, but over time it builds walls that make closeness harder. We talk about what it really takes to lower those defenses, feel solid in who you are, and let love in without losing yourself in the process.

Episode Breakdown:

Now, take a moment to reflect. When do you catch yourself working hard to prove your value in love? What parts of you stay tucked away because you’re afraid they won’t be accepted? And what might happen if you stopped trying to earn love and allowed yourself to receive it instead?

I’d love to help you take the next step toward deeper, more authentic connection. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It’s a private, no-pressure space where you can share what’s been on your mind - whether that’s building self-worth, breaking old patterns, or learning how to open your heart again. We’ll help you find the right support so you can move forward feeling clear, encouraged, and hopeful.

Come find me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I share stories, insights, and gentle reminders every week to help you stay grounded and connected as you grow. And if today’s topic brought up a question or an “aha” moment, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep talking about this - we’re all learning how to love better, together.

xoxo,

What do you do when someone you love sees the world so differently from you that every conversation feels tense? When your values and beliefs clash so deeply that you start wondering if you can stay close at all?

If you’ve ever found yourself in that tension, between wanting to stay connected and wanting to stay true to yourself, you are not alone. In this episode, I’m talking with Dr. Bill Doherty, a professor, therapist, and co-founder of Braver Angels, about how to navigate hard conversations when politics, cultural influences, or deeply held beliefs divide us.

Dr. Doherty shares how the same tools that heal intimate relationships can also strengthen our political communication, especially with the people we care about most. We talk about emotional self-regulation, listening with genuine curiosity, and the courage it takes to connect before you correct. You’ll hear how story and empathy can shift defensiveness into understanding, and how choosing calm over control can keep love alive across even the deepest divides.

Episode Breakdown:

Take a moment with me: who in your life do you find hard to talk to about what really matters? What might happen if you stopped trying to convince them and started listening for the experiences that shaped their beliefs? How might that change the way you show up in those moments?

If listening today brought up memories of your own hard conversations, especially that ache of wanting to stay close when your differences feel impossible, I have something that can help. My Communication That Connects Free Masterclass is designed to help you move past power struggles and into real understanding. Inside, I’ll walk you through the exact skills that turn tense moments into opportunities for empathy and connection. You’ll learn how to calm reactivity, communicate from the heart, and create emotionally safe conversations - the kind that honor both your truth and your relationship.

If this episode got you thinking (or feeling) about your own relationships, come hang out with me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. I’m there every week sharing new insights, tools, and little reminders to help you stay grounded and connected - even when life gets messy! And if something from today’s conversation sparked a question or story you want to share, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this conversation going.

xoxo,

Have you ever fantasized about quitting your job, starting your own business, and finally doing something that feels 100% yours? It sounds amazing… until you remember that entrepreneurism also comes with risk, uncertainty, and about a million ways things can go sideways. So what does it really take to be an entrepreneur?

In this episode, I’m joined by Melissa Bernstein - entrepreneur, creative, author, mother of six, and co-founder of both the billion-dollar toy company Melissa & Doug and the wellness brand Lifelines. Melissa shares what it really takes to be an entrepreneur: the resilience to weather constant storms, the patience to love the process for years before you see results, and the clarity of purpose that keeps you moving forward when everything feels like it’s falling apart.

Episode Breakdown:

As you listen, reflect with me: What’s the mission you feel so strongly that you couldn’t walk away from it, even if you tried? Do you love the process of what you want to create enough to stay with it for decades? And are you running toward something that lights you up, or just trying to escape something you don’t like?

If this conversation with Melissa got you thinking more deeply about your own path, I would love to help you take the next step. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It is a no-pressure chance to share what has been on your mind, whether that is growing in your career, clarifying your goals, or building more meaning into your work.

I believe everyone deserves support as they figure out what is next, and these free consultations are one way I can make that support accessible. My hope is that you leave our time together feeling more clear, more encouraged, and more confident about where you are heading.

And let’s not let the conversation stop here. I’m always sharing new insights, encouragement, and little growth tools on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube - but what I really love is hearing from you. Your thoughts and questions often spark future episodes, so if something in this one lit a fire for you, let me know. Let’s talk!

xoxo,

This episode first aired on April 26, 2021 (Episode 243), and I’m bringing it back because so many listeners told me it felt like I was speaking directly to their experience.

Living with a partner who always seems angry is confusing, painful, and can leave you feeling constantly on edge. In this episode, I’ll help you understand what’s really happening in that dynamic and share strategies to move back toward safety and connection. Whether you’re in the middle of it now, reflecting on a past relationship, or supporting someone you care about, my hope is that this brings you both clarity and comfort.

Anger in relationships is almost always a secondary emotion. Beneath the sharp words or defensiveness, there’s usually hurt, fear, or a longing to feel cared for. I’ll walk you through why trying to shut anger down often makes things worse, how shifting your own responses can change the cycle, and what it really takes to rebuild trust and create space for vulnerability.

As you listen, consider: What story have you been telling yourself about your partner’s anger? What might shift if you saw the pain or fear underneath it? And how could you show up in a way that invites connection instead of distance?

If you’re tired of replaying the same arguments, I created my Communication That Connects Free Training to help. It’s a crash course in breaking conflict loops and building conversations that bring you closer. It comes with a workbook so you can start practicing right away.

You might also love my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? Quiz. It’s quick, but it will give you such a clear picture of your strengths as a couple and the areas that might need more care. Sometimes just naming what’s really going on is the first step to healing.

For more ongoing support, join me on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube, where I share tools and encouragement every week. And if this episode sparked a question or made you think of a topic you’d like me to cover, I’d love to hear from you - let’s talk!

xoxo,

This episode originally aired on May 3, 2021 (Episode 244), and I’m bringing it back because so many of you told me how much it resonated. If you’ve ever struggled with a partner who shuts down or found yourself withdrawing, this one’s worth revisiting. Whether you’re navigating it now, reflecting on the past, or supporting someone you love, I hope it brings clarity and hope.

Few things hurt more than reaching for your partner and being met with silence. In this episode, I’m unpacking why people shut down, how it damages connection, and what you can do to change the pattern. We’ll look at the pursue-withdraw cycle, Gottman’s “Four Horsemen,” and why emotional safety is the key to breaking through. You’ll learn how to soften your approach, communicate vulnerably, and rebuild trust - while also considering when it’s time to stop chasing and start filling your own cup. 

As you listen, think about how you usually respond when your partner withdraws and what effect that has. Consider what might change if you focused more on creating safety than on pushing for answers. And ask yourself where you could begin creating fulfillment in your own life, instead of waiting for your partner to engage.

Episode Breakdown:

If you’d like more support as you work on these skills, check out my Communication That Connects Free Training. It’s designed to help you move out of conflict loops and into conversations that bring you closer, and it comes with a workbook to guide you through the process. You can also take my How Healthy Is Your Relationship? Quiz for quick insight into what’s working well and where you might want to focus your growth.

Let’s stay connected beyond the podcast. I share more tools and encouragement every week on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. And I’d love to hear from you if this episode sparked a question, gave you an idea for a future topic, or made you think about your relationship in a new way - let’s talk!

And a special thank you to the sponsor of today’s episode: Headway. I love reading and learning, but I don’t always have time to sit down with a book. The Headway app makes it easy to keep growing with bite-sized summaries of the best titles out there, and I use it almost every day. If you’d like to try it, you can save 25% at makeheadway.com/lhs with the promo code LHS.

Let’s keep learning and growing together. 🌱

xoxo,

Have you ever been totally into someone and then suddenly… you get the ick? One minute you’re feeling the spark, the next you’re questioning everything over something as small as flip-flops. Getting the ick can feel like a dealbreaker, but does it really mean your relationship is doomed - or is it pointing to something deeper inside of you?

In this episode, I talk with therapist and journalist Matt Hussey about what the ick really is, why it shows up, and how to handle it without panicking or shutting down. We’ll look at the biology of disgust, the ways old hurts and perfectionism can shape our reactions, and how curiosity can transform that “ugh” moment into an opportunity for growth and connection.

Matt also points out (as he shared in Vogue) that sometimes the ick is less about your partner and more about self-protection. Instead of working through discomfort or vulnerability, we latch onto surface-level quirks. Understanding that difference between a fleeting ick and a real red flag can help you respond with clarity instead of fear.

Episode Breakdown:

Reflect with me for a moment: What has triggered the ick for you in the past? Did it reveal something about your partner, or did it say more about what was happening inside of you? And how might curiosity change the way you respond the next time those feelings come up?

If you’d like more support around communication and connection, check out my Communication That Connects Free Training and take the How Healthy Is Your Relationship? Quiz for a clear snapshot of what’s working and what could use care.

And let’s stay connected - join me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, where I share more tools to help you grow in love and life. If this episode sparked a question or an idea you’d like me to explore next, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!

I also want to thank today’s sponsor, Headway. As much as I love books, finding time to read isn’t always realistic. That’s why I use the Headway app - it gives me key takeaways from incredible books in minutes. I use it almost every day as part of my own growth. You can save 25% when you go to makeheadway.com/lhs and use promo code LHS.

Let’s keep learning and growing together. 🌱

xoxo,

Have you ever felt stuck between knowing what you should do and actually following through? That gap between intention and action isn’t a character flaw - it’s your brain running old programs. What if you could rewrite them?

That’s exactly what I explored with Dr. David Spiegel, pioneer in clinical hypnotherapy research, author, and founder of the Reveri self-hypnosis app. He breaks down how hypnosis isn’t mind control or stage tricks, but a focused state of attention that helps you get out of your own way and create real change in your sleep, eating, weight, pain, stress, and habits.

We talk about the science of self-hypnosis, why it works when insight alone doesn’t, and how technology is making it accessible to everyone. Dr. Spiegel also guides me (and you) through a live mini-session so you can feel what it’s like yourself.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome: Dr. David Spiegel

02:00 What Hypnosis Really Is (and Isn’t)

07:30 How Hypnosis Rewires the Brain and Reduces Pain

13:00 Self-Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation and Habit Change

20:00 Hypnosis vs. Meditation

26:00 The Reveri Self-Hypnosis App

33:00 Brain Science Behind Hypnosis

38:00 Using Hypnosis for Anxiety, Phobias, and Pain

47:00 Final Thoughts and Dr. Spiegel’s Mission

What would change if you stopped relying on willpower alone and started using your brain’s own hidden tools for healing and growth?

If you’ve been feeling stuck and aren’t sure why, my What’s Holding You Back? Quiz can help you uncover the hidden patterns, beliefs, or behaviors that might be silently sabotaging your progress. It’s a quick, eye-opening way to gain clarity and take the first step forward.

And let’s stay connected beyond the podcast - I’m sharing new tools and insights every week on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. If this episode sparked a question or an idea you’d like me to cover in the future, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk!

xoxo,

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Growing Self

P.S. Before we wrap up, I want to thank the sponsor of today’s episode, Headway. We’ve been talking about the power of self-hypnosis to rewire your mind, and for me, reading is another way I open myself up to new perspectives. But life is busy, and I don’t always have the time to curl up with a full book. That’s why I love Headway. It takes the best books on psychology, personal growth, and beyond, and distills them into bite-sized insights I can actually fit into my day. I use it every morning, and it’s such a simple way to keep growing.

And the best part? You can save 25% when you go to makeheadway.com/lhs and use code LHS.

Here’s to learning, healing, and creating the kind of change that lasts. 🌱