In this conversation, Nina and Caroline delve into the complexities of people pleasing, exploring its roots in childhood trauma and its impact on identity and self-esteem. They discuss how people pleasing manifests in various areas of life, including work and family, and the importance of setting boundaries. Caroline shares practical steps for overcoming people pleasing tendencies, emphasizing self-love and emotional regulation. The discussion also highlights the significance of parenting in shaping children's emotional health and the journey towards finding one's true self.

00:00: Understanding People Pleasing

03:50: The Roots of People Pleasing

10:08: Manifestations of People Pleasing

14:10: Impact of Childhood on People Pleasing

22:47: People Pleasing and Identity Crisis

29:04: Overcoming People Pleasing

36:30: Finding Your True Self

Caroline is a German-born international psychologist, trauma expert, and devoted single mom, currently based in Amsterdam. Known for her warm, authentic approach and deep commitment to mental health awareness, Caroline has become a trusted guide for celebrities, athletes, coaches, and individuals from all walks of life. Her own healing journey fuels her passion, making her work deeply relatable, authentic and impactful.

Caroline has dedicated her life to helping others navigate their healing paths. She’s the creator of a transformative trauma healing program Phoenix—rooted in her personal experiences—that has already helped countless people around the world break free from pain and step into their true selves.

As the host of her own inspiring podcast (the Caroline Middelsdorf podcast). Caroline travels the globe, sitting down with experts, thought leaders, and public figures to share real, raw stories that remind us all: we each have a story worth telling. Her mission? To help 1 million people heal and create a ripple effect of awareness, compassion, and growth.

Caroline leads with heart and soul, offering a guiding light for those who feel stuck in the dark. Her work is more than a profession—it’s a calling to make healing accessible, authentic, and to bring back connection, kindness, and care into the world. Above all, she strives to bring people closer together, reminding them that they are never alone in their struggles

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In this conversation, Nina and Dr. Morgan Cutlips delve into the complexities of the mental load in relationships, particularly focusing on the emotional labor involved in parenting and household responsibilities. They explore how the mental load affects attraction and communication between partners, the importance of recognizing and sharing responsibilities, and strategies to navigate resentment and achieve a fair balance in relationships. In this conversation, Morgan and Nina explore the complexities of household responsibilities and the mental load that often falls disproportionately on women. They discuss the importance of communication, appreciation, and the need for couples to navigate their roles in a partnership effectively. Morgan shares practical strategies for making invisible tasks visible and framing conversations about the mental load in a way that fosters understanding and collaboration. The discussion also touches on how the mental load can impact intimacy and connection within relationships, emphasizing the need for appreciation and teamwork.

00:00: Understanding the Mental Load

12:10: The Emotional Labor of Parenting

23:46: Navigating Resentment and Fairness in Relationships

24:29: Navigating Household Responsibilities

26:10: The Piling On of Precedence

28:31: Making the Invisible Visible

32:31: Communicating the Mental Load

36:24: Framing Difficult Conversations

40:25: The Impact of Mental Load on Intimacy

Dr. Morgan Cutlip, PhD in Psychology and highly sought after relationship expert, knows what it feels like to lose yourself in motherhood, and she’s determined to help mothers navigate it better.

Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of thousands of people worldwide learn how to form and maintain healthy relationships.

Dr. Morgan has been a featured relationship expert with Good Morning America, Teen Vogue, The New York Times, Women’s Health Magazine, MOPS International, Loveology, and Flo, the #1 app in health and fitness. Her new book, A Better Share, is available now!

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This conversation delves into the pressing issue of school violence and gun safety, particularly from the perspective of parents. Nina shares her emotional journey as a mother concerned about her child's safety in school, while Rep. Deb Andraca discusses her personal experiences and legislative efforts aimed at reducing gun violence. They explore the importance of responsible gun ownership, the need for preventive measures, and the role of community engagement in advocating for safer schools. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding statistics, recognizing warning signs, and promoting a culture of gun safety to protect children and communities.

00:00: The Impact of School Violence on Families

02:01: Personal Experiences with School Safety

04:43: Gun Ownership and Responsibility

06:13: Statistics on School Violence and Gun Safety

09:14: Identifying Warning Signs for Prevention

12:09: The Need for Legislative Change

15:34: Resources for Moms to Get Involved

18:15: Promoting Gun Safety in Homes

21:21: Advocating for School Safety Policies

26:14: The Importance of Community Engagement

Rep. Deb Andraca is honored to serve as the representative for Wisconsin’s 23rd Assembly District, a role they have proudly held since making history in 2020.

In the Wisconsin State Assembly, Deb serves on several key committees, including the Joint Committee on Finance, Education, and Forestry, Parks, and Outdoor Recreation. Their dedication and leadership have earned them numerous accolades, such as the Legislator of the Year Award from both the American College of Physicians Wisconsin Chapter and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as well as the Champion of Commerce Award from the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association Chamber of Commerce. They have also been recognized as a Conservation Champion by the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters and received the Building Wisconsin Award from the Associate Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin.

Professionally, Deb brings a wealth of experience in education, communications, and policy. They have served as a substitute teacher and a former summer school math teacher at Bruce Guadalupe Community School, as well as a substitute teacher in the Whitefish Bay School District. Their background also includes work as a communications director and lobbyist at the Environmental Law and Policy Center of the Midwest, vice president at FleishmanHillard International Communications, and executive assistant at the Solar Energy Industries Association.

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In this conversation, Nina and Caroline delve into the significance of self-care, particularly for mothers, and how it often gets misconstrued. They discuss the challenges of maternal mental health, the guilt that comes with prioritizing personal needs, and the importance of redefining self-care beyond traditional notions. Caroline emphasizes the need for systemic support for mothers while also encouraging them to embrace their worthiness and prioritize their well-being. The discussion highlights the journey of motherhood, the societal pressures faced, and the importance of community support in navigating these challenges. In this conversation, Caroline and Nina explore the complexities of guilt in motherhood, distinguishing between helpful and unhelpful guilt. They discuss the importance of self-care, emphasizing that it is not just about indulgence but also about making choices that support long-term well-being. The conversation highlights the need to let go of perfection in parenting and the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive influences to foster a healthier mindset.

00:00: The Importance of Self-Care

05:59: Navigating Guilt in Motherhood

11:49: The Role of Community and Support

17:53: Embracing Personal Worthiness

24:14: The Importance of Self-Care for Moms

32:44: Self-Care: A Holistic Approach

Dr. Caroline Dickens is a San Francisco-based licensed clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal, reproductive, and maternal mental health. She is co-founder of the Palmetto Psychology Clinic, which specializes in treating mental health concerns uniquely impacting women across the lifespan. She loves supporting expecting and postpartum parents in navigating the anxiety, guilt, relationship challenges, and complex feelings that come with this transition. She is especially passionate about helping new moms let go of what they think they “should” be doing and clarify what they really want out of their own motherhood. Outside of the therapy room, she loves to support a wider audience of moms through her social media and as co-host of The Moms Are Alright podcast. As mom to a sweet and spicy 2 year old boy who is expecting her second baby this summer, she is also walking the journey right alongside the moms she supports.

Carolyn has a mental health skills course for expecting & postpartum moms called Becoming Mom. Check out her therapy practice here: Palmetto Psychology Clinic

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In this conversation, Nina and Lee discuss the importance of financial literacy for children and how families can create a culture of value creation at home. They explore the Dinner Table method, which emphasizes teaching kids about money through practical experiences and collaborative discussions. The conversation highlights common mistakes parents make in money education, the significance of healthy struggles, and practical steps families can take to instill responsible money habits in their children. In this conversation, the focus is on empowering children to become self-reliant and financially competent through practical experiences and responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of allowing children to earn money through chores and 'brain gigs', fostering a sense of value and responsibility. The concept of holistic value creation within families is explored, highlighting the balance between financial education and emotional well-being. The conversation also addresses the significance of early financial education and the role of parents in guiding their children through healthy struggles, ultimately leading to stronger family dynamics and values.

00:00: Family Meetings and Financial Literacy Goals

05:47: Teaching Kids About Money: The Dinner Table Method

11:58: Building a Value Creation Culture at Home

18:11: Collaborative Conversations About Saving and Spending

23:32: Empowering Self-Reliance in Children

28:33: Understanding Value: Brain Gigs

34:42: The Importance of Early Financial Education

Lee Benson is the CEO of Dinner Table, a revolutionary platform helping families teach their kids financial literacy, value creation, and personal responsibility. Under his leadership, Dinner Table has grown into a thriving, community-driven learning system, empowering parents to instill real-world financial skills in their children through guided discussions, interactive tools, and hands-on experiences.

Lee has played a pivotal role in refining Dinner Table’s offerings, transitioning from a banking app to a dynamic education platform that prioritizes engagement and real-world application. By strengthening the community, optimizing content delivery, and enhancing parent-led mentorship, he has helped thousands of families integrate financial education into everyday life. His focus remains on making financial literacy accessible, practical, and transformative for the next generation.

Find Lee at:

@dinnertablefamily

https://dinnertable.com/

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In this conversation, Nina, Jennifer, and Emmalee explore the complexities of emotional energy, expectations in relationships, and the concept of radical acceptance. They discuss how deeply feeling individuals navigate their emotions and the impact of their partner's feelings on their own emotional state. The discussion delves into anxiety, the dynamics of partnership, and the importance of self-care and emotional management. They emphasize the need to differentiate between what we need and what we want in emotional support, ultimately advocating for self-awareness and self-care as foundational to healthy relationships. In this conversation, Jennifer Chaiken and Emmalee Bierly discuss the profound impact of childhood experiences on emotional management and self-trust. They explore the challenges of parenting in survival mode, the concept of radical acceptance versus taking action, and the complexities of adult friendships. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing emotions, navigating control in relationships, and the natural evolution of friendships over time. They emphasize the need for open communication and the significance of emotional intelligence in fostering healthy connections.

00:00: The Power of Emotional Energy

03:01: Navigating Expectations in Relationships

06:13: Understanding Radical Acceptance

08:52: The Spiral of Anxiety and Emotional Responses

12:05: The Dynamics of Partnership and Emotional Support

14:59: Self-Care and Emotional Management

17:57: The Need vs. Want in Emotional Support

24:40: Childhood Influences on Emotional Management

27:10: Survival Mode in Parenting

28:47: Radical Acceptance vs. Action

31:09: Navigating Control in Relationships

35:12: The Complexity of Adult Friendships

40:24: Grieving Friendships and Social Dynamics

Emmalee Bierly & Jennifer Chaiken are both Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, co-owners of The Therapy Group, a collective of warm, authentic therapists, and co-hosts of the ShrinkChicks Podcast! They believe in being down to earth, authentic, and transparent, which are values they bring both to their practice as well as their podcast! Their mission is to make therapy more relatable and accessible, working to break down that clinical wall.

Connect with Emmalee and Jennifer:

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In this conversation, Nina and Becky discuss the complexities of yelling as a parenting strategy, exploring its roots in personal experiences and childhood conditioning. They delve into the psychological mechanisms behind why yelling seems effective, the challenges of breaking the cycle of learned behaviors, and the importance of self-regulation for parents. The discussion highlights the emotional turmoil that can arise during extreme meltdowns and offers practical strategies for parents to manage their own responses while supporting their children. In this conversation, Nina and Becky Jennings explore the complexities of parenting, particularly focusing on the impact of yelling and the importance of emotional regulation. They discuss different types of yelling, the psychological effects on children, and strategies for parents to unlearn yelling behaviors. The conversation emphasizes the significance of repairing relationships after conflicts and how to communicate effectively with children. Becky shares practical tips for parents to visualize their responses and practice skills in calm moments, fostering a supportive environment for both parents and children.

00:00: The Yelling Journey: A Personal Reflection

05:01: Understanding the Mechanism of Yelling

10:09: The Challenge of Breaking Patterns

15:09: Navigating Extreme Meltdowns

20:00: Regulating Ourselves as Parents

25:54: Understanding Yelling: Types and Effects

39:03: Unlearning Yelling: Strategies for Parents

47:03: The Importance of Repairing Relationships

53:02: Connecting with Becky: Resources and Community

Becky Jennings, is the mom of 3 boys: 2 of which she has the privilege of raising and 1 who she lost in labor and delivery - her son Jackson was the catalyst to her entire healing journey and why she is here today. She is a mom to an ADHD child, parent coach, founder of ResponseABLE Parenting, where she helps parents understand their triggers so they can go from reacting to the chaos of parenting to responding with aligned intention. She lives in Los Angeles, loves cooking but hates meal planning, loves reading but mostly listens on Audible, she is both a pragmatist and very woo woo, driven by her passion to connect with others and to support her children in ways she could have only dreamed of as a kid.

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In this conversation, Nina and Caitlin Schollmeier discuss the complexities of the postpartum period, focusing on the challenges of identity shifts, mental health awareness, and the importance of building support systems for new mothers. Caitlin shares her experiences as a nurse midwife and offers practical advice for navigating the transition into motherhood, emphasizing the need for self-care and community support.

00:00: Introduction to Postpartum Challenges

05:00: Navigating Identity Shifts in Motherhood

14:02: Mental Health Awareness in Postpartum

21:00: Building Support Systems and Resources

25:03: Practical Tips for New Mothers

Caitlyn Schollmeier is a registered labor & delivery nurse, childbirth educator and certified birth doula with more than a decade of experience in maternal care. She is devoted to the health and wellbeing of parents and their babies, having served more than 500 families over the past 10 years, with deep expertise in early childhood development, pregnancy, labor, birth, postpartum and women’s health. Caitlyn earned a B.A. in Human Development and pursued three years of graduate-level midwifery study, yet considers herself a lifelong student and advocate of pregnancy support and child development.

You can find her on TikTok: themodernmidwife 

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In this episode, Nina and Cassidy introduce a new segment called 'Tea with Moms,' where they discuss relatable topics and share personal experiences. They dive into pop culture gossip, explore friendship dynamics, and tackle listener-submitted dilemmas about relationships, in-laws, and marriage. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, validating feelings, and maintaining connections in various relationships. The hosts aim to create a supportive environment for listeners, encouraging open discussions about the challenges of motherhood and relationships.

00:00: Introduction and Tech Mishaps

03:01: Tea with Moms: New Segment Introduction

06:07: Pop Culture Segment: Current Events and Gossip

09:06: Am I the Asshole? Friendship Breakups

14:04: In-Law Dynamics and Family Relationships

21:48: Navigating Annoyances in Marriage

27:06: Trust Issues: Friendships and Boundaries

35:56: We will be back!

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In this conversation, Nina and Myla discuss the complexities of shame in children, particularly focusing on 'spicy' kids who are more sensitive and emotionally intense. They explore how shame manifests in children, the origins of these feelings, and the importance of proactive parenting strategies to help children navigate their emotions. The discussion emphasizes the need for parents to understand their children's unique emotional landscapes and to foster an environment where children feel secure and loved, reducing the impact of shame. In this conversation, Myla Leinweber and Nina explore the complexities of parenting, particularly focusing on the themes of shame and guilt. They discuss how parents can navigate their own feelings of shame when interacting with their children, the importance of genuine apologies, and the distinction between guilt and shame. The conversation also delves into strategies for holding children accountable while minimizing shame, as well as proactive approaches to help children manage feelings of inadequacy. Ultimately, they highlight the unique joys and challenges of parenting 'spicy' kids who feel emotions deeply.

00:00: Navigating Shame in Parenting

02:54: Understanding Spicy Kids

05:57: The Origins and Impact of Shame

08:58: Recognizing Signs of Shame in Children

11:53: Proactive Strategies for Addressing Shame

14:55: Responding to Shame in the Moment

18:01: Building a Foundation Against Shame

22:16: Navigating Parental Shame and Guilt

25:20: The Art of Apologizing and Repairing Relationships

28:53: Understanding Guilt vs. Shame in Parenting

29:19: Holding Children Accountable Without Shame

35:40: Proactively Addressing Shame in Children

41:19: The Joy of Parenting Spicy Kids

Myla is a parent educator who helps parents of spicy kids—those who live close to shame and feel everything in deep, wide ways—parent with confidence and connection. Specializing in young children, Myla uses her signature before/during/after framework to help parents deeply understand their child’s behavior through the lens of temperament, shame, and the nervous system.

With a B.Ed, M.Ed, master’s-level parent coaching certification, and as a Safe and Sound Protocol Provider, Myla is the creator of the Joyful Parenting Collective and the Regulate and Relate program. Her warm, relatable approach focuses on playfulness, enjoying parenting more, seeing behind behavior, and turning down shame in ways that save parents time, energy, and frustration.

Follow her for practical, hopeful tips on Instagram (@joyful.parents) or at www.joyfulparents.ca.

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