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...

For years, we've been told that strength means handling everything on our own. But what happens when being "the strong one" becomes the very thing that keeps us isolated?

In this heartfelt episode, we dive into why strong, capable people often struggle the most when it comes to asking for help. We discuss the fear of being a burden, the pressure to keep it all together, trust issues, vulnerability, and the hidden emotional toll of carrying life's heaviest burdens alone.

Through personal experiences with cancer, caregiving, grief, divorce, family struggles, and mental health challenges, we explore the difference between true strength and self-sufficiency. We also share lessons learned from watching loved ones carry more than anyone should have to bear and the importance of allowing others to show up for us.

If you've ever said, "I'm fine" when you weren't, struggled to accept help, or felt like you couldn't afford to break down, this episode is for you.

Because sometimes the bravest thing we can say is: "I can't do this alone."

We've all had them, the moments that make us want to disappear, laugh uncontrollably, or replay the event in our heads for years afterward.

In this hilarious episode of Patience in Progress, Shel, Mel, and Karissa share some of their most embarrassing stories, from wardrobe malfunctions and public mishaps to awkward work moments, parenting fails, texting disasters, and Zoom call catastrophes.

Join us as we laugh at ourselves, prove that nobody has it all together, and discover that some of life's most cringe-worthy moments eventually become our favorite stories.

Whether you've accidentally hugged a stranger, sent a text to the wrong person, called someone by the wrong name for a year, or said something you definitely shouldn't have with your microphone on, you'll feel right at home.

Grab a friend, settle in, and get ready to laugh with us as we embrace the awkward, celebrate our imperfections, and remember that sometimes the best memories come from the moments we'd rather forget.

Summer should be filled with adventure, fun, and memories—but it can also be one of the busiest seasons for pediatric trauma injuries. In this episode of Patience in Progress, Shel and Mel sit down for an eye-opening conversation about the real-life accidents and injuries that bring children to the trauma unit every summer. Drawing from years of experience as a pediatric neuro trauma nurse, Shel shares powerful stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical safety tips every parent should know.

From helmets and e-bikes to ATV safety, drowning prevention, window falls, gun safety, and recognizing the signs of a serious head injury, this episode is packed with information that could help prevent a tragedy and protect the children you love most.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, or simply someone who spends time around children, this conversation offers valuable insights into how quickly accidents can happen, and the simple steps that can make all the difference.

What happens when co-parenting isn’t cooperation but control?

In this episode, we continue Darren’s story and unpack the reality of high-conflict co-parenting. From emotional manipulation to court system frustrations, this conversation exposes the unseen battles many parents face behind closed doors.

We explore how children are affected, how narratives get twisted, and what it takes to keep fighting when it feels impossible.

If you’ve ever questioned your sanity, your role, or your strength in a toxic co-parenting situation? Then this episode is for you.