If you’ve ever wished relationships came with a manual, this episode is the next best thing. Today on Peopling, we sit down with the incredible Colette Jane Fehr — a licensed psychotherapist whose journey from a deeply challenging marriage to becoming a relationship expert is nothing short of transformational.Together, we dig into the real stuff: why communication breaks down, how conflict actually works, and what emotional intelligence looks like in everyday moments — not just on paper. Colette brings the kind of honest, vulnerable wisdom that makes you exhale and think, “Oh… I’m not the only one.”You’ll learn why connection beats perfection every time, how to advocate for your needs without blowing up the room, and why vulnerability and assertiveness are a power duo in any relationship. And yes — she gives homework (the good kind).Whether you’re navigating love, friendships, family dynamics, or just trying to understand yourself a little better, this episode will help you communicate with more clarity, compassion, and confidence. Get ready to grow, laugh, feel seen, and pick up tools you can use today.Colette Jane Fehr is a licensed psychotherapist, relationship expert, TEDx speaker, co-host of the podcast Insights from the Couch: Real Talk at Midlife, and author of The Cost of Quiet—How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure Lasting Love. Her mission is to help people find emotional freedom by speaking and living their truth. Here is a link to purchase her book (release date is Feb 3, 2026): https://a.co/d/dVt12GaTakeawaysPeople matter more than things.It's less about the issues than the way people fight.You have to learn how to fight right.Identify what we're feeling at a given moment.You are going to be miserable if you don't speak up.We can't control our partner or anyone else.Listen with curiosity.Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtChapters00:00 The Importance of Connection Over Perfection02:59 Colette's Journey to Becoming a Relationship Expert05:52 Understanding Conflict in Relationships08:50 Tools for Effective Communication12:05 The Role of Emotions in Communication15:00 Navigating Difficult Conversations17:57 Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy20:47 Creating Change Through Connection23:39 Practical Steps for Better Communication26:57 The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Curiosity#relationships #communication #conflictresolution #emotionalintelligence #selfhelp #selfawareness #selfdiscovery #selfdevelopment #advocacy #connection #personalgrowth #therapy #vulnerability #assertiveness #relationshipgrowth #HealthyRelationships #relationshipskills #speakyourtruth #vulnerabilityisstrength #communicationskills #communicationmatters #ConnectionCulture#innerworkjourney #InnerHealingWork#HealingAndGrowing

In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, host Kristi discusses with Robert and Kaylee Fukui the unique challenges faced by married entrepreneurs. They share their journey from corporate jobs to business consulting, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, boundaries, and intentional living. The Fukuis provide actionable insights for couples in business together, highlighting the significance of communication and connection in both personal and professional relationships. They encourage listeners to prioritize their well-being and relationships while navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

Note worthy takeaways:

• It's a journey, not a destination.
• Work-life balance is essential for married entrepreneurs.
• I learned the importance of boundaries in business and personal life.
• Don't believe the hype about hustle culture.
• You can live a fulfilling life now, not just when you achieve success.
• Establish your priorities and schedule them first.
• Relationships are key to business success.
• You don't have to do everything yourself.
• Be intentional about connecting with others.
• It's never too late to reach out to someone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Peopling Podcast

01:11 The Journey to Business Ownership

11:58 Transitioning from Corporate to Consulting

16:15 Identifying Trends in Married Entrepreneurs

21:02 Challenges Faced by Couples in Business

21:49 Navigating Boundaries in Business and Relationships

24:26 The Importance of Work-Life Balance

27:28 Challenging the Hustle Culture

32:25 Intentional Living and Time Management

36:34 Building Meaningful Connections

41:52 Resources for Married Entrepreneurs

In this episode of the Peopling Podcast, Kristi and Brian Bertges discuss the importance of connection, vulnerability, and personal growth, particularly in the context of mental health challenges like PTSD. Brian shares his journey with PTSD and how it has shaped his approach to empowering college students. They explore the impact of social perfectionism, the importance of effective communication, and the role of failure in personal development. The conversation emphasizes actionable steps for listeners to improve their connections with others and themselves, culminating in a 'Be the Change Challenge' to inspire positive action.Main Takeaways:Life improves when we truly see and connect with others.PTSD can manifest in unexpected ways, affecting daily life.Vulnerability is crucial for personal growth, especially for men.Empowering students to find their own path is essential.Social perfectionism can lead to anxiety and depression.Distractions hinder personal growth and fulfillment.Effective communication fosters deeper connections.Mindset shifts can lead to significant personal improvements.Failure is a necessary part of growth and learning.Encouraging children to fail helps them build resilience.Some of my favorite mic drop moments:"One word could shift somebody's entire life.""Pause, paraphrase, probe to connect deeper."Get your subscription to Growth Day, like having World-Class Coaches in your pocket! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?v...How to connect with Brian: email him at [email protected] and connect on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbertges1847/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Connection and Purpose01:53 Brian's Journey with PTSD05:34 The Importance of Vulnerability06:51 Empowering College Students08:25 Social Perfectionism and Its Impact10:54 Overcoming Distractions15:51 Benefits of Connection and Communication18:13 Mindset Upgrades for Personal Growth21:32 The Power of Accountability and Community26:23 Navigating Expectations: The Weight of Responsibility30:51 The Power of Failure: Embracing Growth37:34 Transforming Language: From Can't to Won't40:15 Be the Change: Actionable Steps for Connection#connection #vulnerability #ptsd #collegestudent #mentalhealth #personalgrowth #communication #mindset #failure #empowerment #peoplingpodcast #peoplingbook

What if the “high-conflict people” in our lives aren’t here to destroy our peace… but to train us to hold it?In this episode, Kristi sits down with Christine Hammond, one of the country’s leading mental health experts on high-conflict personalities, narcissism, and family trauma. She’s a bestselling author, licensed mental health counselor, and the voice behind the wildly successful podcast Understanding Today’s Narcissist, downloaded over 1 million times.Christine pulls back the curtain on:What a personality disorder actually is (and what it’s not)Why society is obsessed with labeling people “narcissists”How drama shows up — at work, in parenting, in relationshipsWhy only 1–2% of people are true narcissists (sorry TikTok, calm down)How nature + nurture shape these patterns over timeShe breaks it down in plain language — zero psych-babble — and gives practical tools to stay grounded when someone else is spinning.You’ll learn:- How to stop absorbing someone else’s chaos- Why kids are often the motivators behind healing- How to interact with narcissistic bosses + partners without lighting matches- How trauma shapes perception — and how safety reshapes it- Why YOU doing your inner work is the most powerful move you can makeChristine also offers instantly-usable strategies like:The Sandwich Method for tough conversations: compliment → confront → compliment.Guardrail boundaries so you stop getting emotionally dragged into someone else’s storm.This episode is packed with hope, nuance, and a totally refreshing perspective:You are not powerless in the presence of a personality disorder.You can learn, grow, regulate, and respond — instead of react.Our VIP Guest is Christine Hammond, LMHCChristine is the author of Abuse Exposed & The Exhausted Woman’s Handbook, she has more than 500+ published articles, more than 1M+ podcast downloads, and 400K+ YouTube views!She is the Specialist in high-conflict families + personality disorders.Connect with Christine:Website: PsychologicalAffiliates.comArticles & Resources: GrowWithChristine.comAnd YES, she’s also available for training + speaking (usually for law firms or attorney association conferences and conventions but check and see if what you need her for can work for her, too).In the 'Be the Change Challenge' she suggests: This week, try the Sandwich Method when you need to offer feedback:Compliment → Confront → Compliment.Short. Simple. Respectful. Magical.Sign up for GrowthDay, access to World-Class Coaching: https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtGrab the Peopling book for tools for connection: https://a.co/d/4t7eFOUSubscribe to The Peopling Podcast for weekly conversations that remind us: connection matters more than perfection.#Peopling #Communication #EmotionalIntelligence #Boundaries #Narcissism #MentalHealth #Relationships #Leadership

If raising, or even working with, teens feels like translating ancient hieroglyphics while blindfolded… same.That’s why this week, Kristi sits down with mental health counselor, Angie Mabe, to unpack what’s REALLY going on inside the hearts, minds, and bedrooms of our teenagers.Angie shares how her calling began in the 5th grade and what she’s learned from years of helping teens navigate identity, emotional regulation, family tension, and the tricky inner narratives that shape their belief systems.Who is Angie?Angie Mabe, LMHC, NCC, FLQS is the Owner and Executive Director of Abba's Heart Counseling Center in Central Florida.She attended Rollins College in Winter Park, FL for her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling.Some of her Specialty Training Include: Master Practitioner in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Training in Family Mediation, Parent Coordination, and Collaborative Law, Couples RLT Level 1.In 2026, you will be able to find her published book, Wake Up, Warrior and also her TEDx Eustis talk (recording Feb 2026). You can connect with her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbasheartcounselingTogether, Kristi and Angie explore:Why identity exploration is EVERYTHING for teensHow family dynamics shape confidence and connectionThe surprising brain development science behind emotional meltdownsWhy validation does not equal agreement (but wildly important!)Shifting from “fixing” to actually connectingThe huge impact social media has on self-worthPlus, Angie gives practical guidance for parents who want better conversations, deeper trust, and less “my kid hates me” at the homefront.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, youth leader, or the cool uncle/aunt (like me!), this episode will help you understand teens with more compassion, skill, and hope.My Favorite Mic-Drop: “Validation does not mean you agree.”Sign up for GrowthDay, access to World-Class Coaching: https://www.growthday.com/referrals?v...Grab the Peopling book for tools for connection: https://a.co/d/4t7eFOUSubscribe to The Peopling Podcast for weekly conversations that remind us: connection matters more than perfection.#PeoplingPodcast #ParentingTeens #TeenCounseling #EmotionalRegulation #IdentityCrisis #TeenMentalHealth #FamilyDynamics #CommunicationSkills #PersonalGrowth #SocialMediaImpact #Validation #BrainDevelopment #ParentingPodcast #TeensTodayConnect with Kristi & The Peopling Podcast at: www.PeoplingWell.comFollow for weekly conversations on communication, identity, and emotional wholeness.Transcript

In this episode of The Peopling Podcast, Kristi sits down with Rachel Allen, Founding Executive Director of the Peace and Justice Institute, to explore what it really means to create peace — in our homes, workplaces, and hearts. Rachel shares how her journey from dysfunction to deep healing inspired the 13 Principles for How We Treat Each Other — a powerful framework now used by schools, corporations, and communities.

Together, Kristi and Rachel dive into: Why listening deeply is the hardest — and most transformative — human skill., How suspending judgment opens the door to compassion, A simple mirror listening exercise that can instantly defuse conflict, The real path from me → we → us in building authentic connection.

Be The Change Challenge: This week, notice when you’re judging others — and pause. Turn to wonder instead: “I wonder why I’m judging?” That awareness alone can change everything.

Connect with the Peace and Justice Institute: https://www.linkedin.com/company/peaceandjusticeinstituteorg/

Get Kristi’s book, Peopling: How to Connect, Communicate, and Grow Through Every Season of Life → https://a.co/d/evzbAdZ

Sign up for Growth Day, with World-Class Coaching for only $49/month! https://www.growthday.com/referrals?via=h6l0rtSubscribe to The Peopling Podcast for weekly conversations that remind us: connection matters more than perfection.

Tim Moran, Esquire, is an award-winning attorney whose career embodies justice, compassion, and community service. Known for his extensive volunteer work with Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Tim has dedicated countless hours to helping families facing foreclosure and financial hardship. Community Legal Services is really where Tim got his start in practicing law.He has also trained and mentored law students through the FAMU Law School Housing Clinic, equipping future attorneys with both skill and empathy.His business focuses on Estate Planning and Bankruptcy as well as other practices of law. Tim’s extraordinary pro bono commitment has earned him multiple honors, including the Champion of Justice Award (2009–2013), Seminole County Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (2014), and recognition from the Florida Supreme Court for six consecutive years of over 100 annual volunteer hours. In 2015, he received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Legal Services Corporation for his exceptional dedication to equal access to justice. Most recently, in 2023, Tim was awarded the prestigious Tobias Simon Pro Bono Service Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Florida Supreme Court to a private attorney for advancing justice for the poor. He has given over 1,500 hours in volunteer hours!Beyond the courtroom, Tim is deeply committed to empowering others through education, outreach, and ethical leadership—reminding us that the law, at its best, is an act of service.www.tmoranlaw.netGet your copy of the Peopling Book here on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5S3U9JE

Hi, I'm Kristi! Thank you for joining us. This podcast will feature weekly interviews with amazing people.

Covering all topics related to connection, communication, and how to be a good human in this crazy world of ours.

Inspired by the book, Peopling: How to Connect, Communicate and Grow Through Every Season of Life (available on Amazon).

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[email protected]