Patience in Progress

Have you ever stopped to think about the things we all do without questioning them?

We sing to someone while they sit there awkwardly, blow all over a birthday cake and then serve it to everyone, shake strangers’ hands, repeatedly check the same refrigerator, decorate bathrooms with towels nobody is allowed to use, and send kids door-to-door asking strangers for candy.

Totally normal… right? 😂

In this episode we go down the rabbit hole of everyday habits, traditions, and social rules we’ve somehow all agreed are completely normal, even though they’re actually kind of weird.

From airplanes and parking lots to eyelashes, Halloween, the tooth fairy, bathroom etiquette, and everything in between, this episode will probably have you asking:

“Wait… why DO we do that?”

Come laugh with us, question everything, and discover a few weird things you probably do too.

Ever catch yourself giving a 10-minute explanation when a simple “no” would have worked? Yeah… us too.

In this episode, we’re talking about overexplaining, where it comes from, why we feel like we have to justify our decisions, and why being misunderstood can feel so uncomfortable. We get into people-pleasing, conflict avoidance, perfectionism, seeking validation, and the exhausting habit of trying to control how someone else receives what we say.

We also talk about learning to pause, say less, stop explaining for permission, and trust that sometimes a clear answer really is enough.

And because it’s us, there are plenty of life updates, kids, work, travel, everyday craziness, and probably a little too much explaining along the way. 😂

What happens when the person everyone depends on is struggling too?

In Episode 30, we sit down with Andrew, a Salt Lake City Fire Department Captain and paramedic, for a powerful conversation about life as a first responder and the things that happen long after the emergency lights turn off.

Andrew shares what drew him to firefighting, what years of responding to emergencies can do to the mind and body, and why some of the hardest parts of the job aren't always the major calls—but the constant accumulation of stress, lack of sleep, and trauma.

We talk about PTSD, burnout, family relationships, therapy, journaling, resilience, parenting, social media, and learning to ask “What happened?” instead of “What’s wrong with you?”

Andrew also introduces us to Red Line Rising, his work focused on giving first responders and their families practical tools to better understand trauma, mental health, and recovery.

This conversation is honest, eye-opening, funny at times, heavy at others, and one we think applies to far more than just first responders.

Because sometimes strength isn't pretending you're fine. It's learning what happened, finding the right tools, and continuing to rise.

Sometimes you just need to laugh! In this episode of Patience in Progress, we're taking a break from the heavy conversations and playing a hilarious game of Finish My Sentence. From guilty pleasures and irrational fears to pet peeves, reality shows, and the most random things in our purses, nothing is off-limits. Expect lots of laughs, unfiltered answers, and a few embarrassing confessions.

So play along with us! Pause the episode, finish the sentence before we do, and see if your answers match ours. We promise you'll learn a little more about us, and maybe even about yourself.

In Part 2 of this deeply personal conversation, Mae courageously shares what life was really like growing up with a mentally and emotionally abusive parent. From manipulation and gaslighting to living in constant fear, she opens up about the invisible wounds that nearly cost her everything and how she ultimately found hope, healing, and her voice.

This episode discusses the lasting effects of emotional abuse, the importance of safe relationships, therapy, and finding healthy outlets during life's darkest moments. Mae's story is one of incredible resilience and serves as a reminder that your past does not have to define your future.

In this episode, we discuss:

Recognizing gaslighting and emotional manipulation

The hidden impact of growing up with a narcissistic parent

Why children often blame themselves

Mental health, self-harm, and the importance of asking for help

The power of therapy and healthy support systems

Healing, hope, and breaking the cycle of abuse

If you grew up feeling unheard, constantly walking on eggshells, or questioning your own reality, this conversation is for you. We hope this episode reminds you that healing is possible, your story matters, and you are never alone.

💜 If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear this message.

What is it like to grow up feeling caught between two parents?

In this deeply personal episode, we're joined by Mae, who courageously shares her experience growing up with a narcissistic parent. From being placed in the middle of adult conflicts to experiencing manipulation, isolation, and emotional control, Mae opens up about what life was really like behind closed doors.

This conversation shines a light on the lasting effects of parental alienation and emotional abuse while offering hope to anyone who has questioned their own reality or felt alone in their experience.

You're not alone. Your feelings are valid. And healing is possible.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation.

**Trigger Warning: ** This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, narcissistic parenting, parental alienation, childhood trauma, manipulation, gaslighting, and mental health. Some listeners may find these topics difficult or emotionally triggering. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.

What is it like to grow up feeling caught between two parents?

In this deeply personal episode, we're joined by Mae, who courageously shares her experience growing up with a narcissistic parent. From being placed in the middle of adult conflicts to experiencing manipulation, isolation, and emotional control, Mae opens up about what life was really like behind closed doors.

This conversation shines a light on the lasting effects of parental alienation and emotional abuse while offering hope to anyone who has questioned their own reality or felt alone in their experience.

You're not alone. Your feelings are valid. And healing is possible.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation.

**Trigger Warning: ** This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, narcissistic parenting, parental alienation, childhood trauma, manipulation, gaslighting, and mental health. Some listeners may find these topics difficult or emotionally triggering. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.

What is it like to grow up feeling caught between two parents?

In this deeply personal episode, we're joined by Mae, who courageously shares her experience growing up with a narcissistic parent. From being placed in the middle of adult conflicts to experiencing manipulation, isolation, and emotional control, Mae opens up about what life was really like behind closed doors.

This conversation shines a light on the lasting effects of parental alienation and emotional abuse while offering hope to anyone who has questioned their own reality or felt alone in their experience.

You're not alone. Your feelings are valid. And healing is possible.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation.

**Trigger Warning: ** This episode contains discussions of emotional abuse, narcissistic parenting, parental alienation, childhood trauma, manipulation, gaslighting, and mental health. Some listeners may find these topics difficult or emotionally triggering. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.

Not every red flag is obvious, and not every relationship starts out unhealthy.

In this episode, we're talking about the warning signs that too many people ignore. From manipulation and gaslighting to controlling behaviors, lack of accountability, and emotional abuse, we discuss the red flags that can show up in romantic relationships, friendships, family dynamics, and even the workplace.

We also talk about why people overlook these warning signs, how to trust your instincts, and what healthy relationships should actually look like. Whether you're currently in a relationship, healing from one, or simply want to protect your peace moving forward, this conversation is for you.

Remember: recognizing red flags isn't about judging others, it's about valuing yourself enough to know when something isn't right.

Have you ever ignored a phone call after texting someone? Hidden snacks from your family? Left someone on read? Or pretended you just saw an email from three days ago?

In this episode of Patience in Progress, Mel, Shel, and Karissa tackle hilarious "Am I the Jerk?" scenarios that every one of us has probably been guilty of. From social etiquette and family life to texting habits and awkward public encounters, we debate whether these moments make us terrible people, or simply human.

Join us for plenty of laughs, honest confessions, and a reminder that sometimes we all need a little grace...