Relationships with Ericka Ush

By Ericka Ush

Relationships with Ericka Ush is your safe, soul-nourishing space for navigating love, loss, and everything in between.

Hosted by Ericka Ushliyanage, a seasoned relationship and empowerment coach - ... more

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FAQs about Relationships with Ericka Ush:

How many episodes does Relationships with Ericka Ush have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.

Relationships with Ericka Ush episodes:

February 28, 2026EP 4: Attachment Styles in Dating, Love Bombing, Boundaries & Emotional Safety with Aya Shalak
Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush!
In this episode, host Ericka Ush sits down with Aya Shalak, a mental health–focused coach and counsellor based in Canada who is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Counselling and Psychotherapy. Aya’s work lives at the intersection of emotional awareness, attachment, identity, and relationship growth.
Certified in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention and experienced in frontline mental health and youth support, Aya is also advancing her training in cognitive behavioural and trauma-informed coaching. Her approach blends directness, humor, and compassionate accountability—challenging individuals to become active participants in their own healing.
In this honest and insightful conversation, Ericka and Aya unpack how early attachment, trauma, culture, and life transitions shape the way we love, date, and build commitment in today’s world.
In this episode, Aya shares powerful insights on:
The fundamentals of attachment styles and how they show up in dating
The difference between chemistry and compatibility—and why confusing the two leads to heartbreak
Confidence, boundaries, and self-worth as dating essentials
Dating as a learning process to clarify dealbreakers and values
Why commitment goes far beyond the “in love” feeling
How dating apps can activate attachment wounds and emotional triggers
Who should pay on the first date—and what the conversation really represents
Creating safe emotional spaces for men in relationships
Why money conversations must happen before marriage
Nonviolent communication loops and how to break unhealthy patterns
Love bombing in online dating and how to spot it early
The importance of inner child healing and doing the deeper emotional work
This episode is for you if you:
Feel confused about your attachment style in relationships
Keep attracting emotionally unavailable partners
Struggle with boundaries or over-giving in dating
Feel triggered or anxious while using dating apps
Want healthier communication tools
Are preparing for marriage and need clarity around money conversations
Desire emotionally safe, growth-oriented relationships
Are ready to stop repeating patterns and start healing intentionally

This conversation is both grounding and confronting—in the best way. It challenges romantic myths while offering practical frameworks for building mature, emotionally safe love.
If this episode resonates with you, subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more honest, thought-provoking conversations on love, communication, and emotional growth.
Episode Chapters
00:49 Meet the Guest Aya
02:03 Aya’s Origin Story
03:17 Attachment Basics in Dating
04:59 Chemistry vs Compatibility
07:05 Confidence, Boundaries & Self-Worth
09:11 Dating to Learn Your Dealbreakers
10:51 Commitment Beyond Being “In Love”
12:09 Dating Apps & Attachment Triggers
19:32 Who Pays on the First Date?
27:22 Creating Safe Space for Men
28:11 Money Conversations Before Marriage
28:48 Nonviolent Communication Loops
32:24 Love Bombing in Online Dating
48:29 Healing Work & the Inner Child

Connect with Ericka Ush:
Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on Instagram: relationships.with.ericka

Connect with Aya Shalak on Instagram: itssayaaa
...more
55min
December 17, 2025EP 3: Breaking Free from the Past & Creating Healthy Relationships with Tressa Yonekawa
Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Tressa Yonekawa, a keynote speaker, consultant, and coach who helps organizations, leaders, and couples strengthen relationships, improve communication, and build healthy, thriving cultures.
With decades of experience and a unique background as a female half-Asian, former dominatrix entrepreneur, multimillion-dollar healthcare agency founder, and adoptive mom of three amazing daughters from the US foster care system, Tressa brings unique, eye-opening perspectives on what's truly possible in connection and inclusion for all of us.
In this episode, Ericka and Tressa discuss the powerful personal practices of highly successful leaders, partners, and parents, exploring how self-awareness, presence, and emotional safety create the foundation for extraordinary relationships—both romantic and professional.
Tressa shares insights on:
The role of childhood patterns in shaping our adult relationships and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from cycles that keep us stuck
Self-awareness and self-worth as the cornerstone of all healthy relationships, and practical exercises to cultivate both
The Presence Pyramid framework: Why trust isn't the foundation of relationships (it's actually the pinnacle!) and the five essential layers that build lasting connection
Redefining vulnerability as full presence with your truth, and why simply "being vulnerable" isn't enough without the right tools
Nonviolent communication techniques, including the powerful "I have a story" framework that eliminates blame, shame, and explosive fights
Online dating in the modern age: The benefits and pitfalls of dating apps, the importance of boundaries, and how to navigate the desire to "be chosen" while requiring someone who meets you at your highest level
Bringing back in-person connection in the age of instant gratification, including the most powerful (and awkward) practice for building authentic relating
How to stop repeating the same relationship patterns by getting present, creating emotional safety, and using curiosity to illuminate unmet needs
This episode is for you if you:
Keep repeating unhealthy relationship patterns and want to understand the root cause
Struggle with self-worth, people-pleasing, or being performative instead of authentic in relationships
Want practical tools for healthy communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation
Feel overwhelmed by online dating and the culture of instant gratification
Desire deeper, more meaningful in-person connections beyond screens
Are a leader, entrepreneur, or public figure navigating relationship challenges in silence
Want to understand how childhood experiences shape adult relationship dynamics
Are ready to build emotionally safe, present, and trust-centered relationships
Tune in for a deeply moving and practical conversation that will shift how you show up in every relationship in your life — romantic, professional, and most importantly, with yourself.
If you enjoyed this conversation, kindly subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more episodes filled with real, thought-provoking, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love and life.

Episode Chapters:
01:10 Introduction to the Guest: Tressa Yonekawa
03:54 The Power of Self-Awareness and Meditation
15:22 Building Trust and Emotional Safety
19:36 Crafting Online Dating Profiles and Algorithms
20:08 Challenges and Opportunities in Online Dating
22:47 Building Authentic In-Person Connections
25:47 Tools for Nonviolent Communication

Connect with Ericka Ush:
Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on
Instagram: relationships.with.ericka
Connect with Tressa Ana Kawa:
Learn more about The Soul of Connection events, upcoming YouTube series, and podcast with Duke Entertainment
Instagram: Tressa Yonekawa
...more
32min
November 19, 2025EP 2: Manifestation, Self-Love & Breaking Free from Limitations with Maria Cherkasskaya
Welcome back to Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this inspiring episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Maria Cherkasskaya, business and mindset coach, public speaker, and mental health advocate who helps entrepreneurs manifest their dream life and business on their own terms.
Born in Russia and now based in Ottawa, Canada, Maria is the founder of her own marketing agency and Manifest Change Society, a women’s personal growth and development community.
In this episode, Ericka and Maria explore the profoundly transformative power of manifestation, the importance of self-love as the foundation for all relationships, and how to build a life that's both aligned and fulfilling—on your own terms.
In this episode, Maria shares invigorating insights on:
Her unexpected journey from corporate project management to entrepreneurship and discovering her passion for helping others manifest success.
The "Manifestation in Action" framework: gaining clarity on your vision, shifting limiting beliefs, and taking aligned action toward your goals.
Imposter syndrome
The difference between "any action" and "aligned, inspired action," and learning to follow your intuitive nudges without overthinking.
Her perspective on heartbreak
The importance of setting "requirements" vs. expectations in relationships
The narrative that being single means something is wrong with you
The power of community, especially for women
Building sustainable habits and routines that support your long-term vision, from morning rituals to the power of intentional autopilot
This episode is for you if:
You’re struggling with imposter syndrome or self-doubt as you step into something new
You want to understand manifestation in a practical, grounded way that goes beyond "woo-woo" thinking
You’re navigating the dating world and want to set clear boundaries without settling
You’re building a business or pursuing a dream and need strategies for sustainable growth without burnout
You’re learning to love yourself first and want to understand how self-love impacts all your relationships
You’re ready to challenge societal expectations about what your life "should" look like and create your own rules
Tune in for an inspiring and deeply practical conversation that will empower you to manifest the life you truly want, build unshakeable confidence, and create relationships (romantic and otherwise), that genuinely fulfill you.
If you enjoyed this conversation, kindly subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for more episodes filled with real, thought-provoking, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love and life.
PS: Listen in for a mind-blowing freebie available in the episode!

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence
00:52 Meet Maria Cherkasskaya: Business and Mindset Coach
14:47 The Power of Community and Manifestation
23:09 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Making an Impact
26:12 The Power of Intention and Goal Setting
32:36 Self-Love, Relationships, and Personal Growth

Connect with Ericka Ush:
Share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation on
Instagram: relationships.with.ericka

Connect with Maria Cherkasskaya:
Instagram: Maria🇨🇦 Business & Mindset Coach
Facebook: Maria Cherkasskaya
...more
44min
July 22, 2025EP 1: Challenging Societal Expectations in Love & Relationships with Nadee Fernando- O’Driscoll
Welcome to the premiere episode of Relationships with Ericka Ush! In this episode, host Ericka Ushliyanage sits down with Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll, author of Labyrinth of Dreams, for a raw and inspiring conversation about navigating relationships in the face of societal pressures and cultural expectations. They explore the challenges of breaking free from conservative traditions, the stigma surrounding divorce and adoption, and the importance of embracing your authentic self in love and life.
In this episode:
Nadee shares the inspiration behind Labyrinth of Dreams, a fictional novel rooted in real-life experiences of secrecy, shame, and societal judgment.
Discussion on how cultural expectations, particularly in South Asian communities, impact women’s choices in relationships, from dating to marriage.
Exploration of the stigma around adoption and divorce, and how these experiences can lead to societal discrimination.
Insights into modern dating, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and setting personal boundaries.
A call to challenge outdated traditions that cause harm, with a focus on respect and equality in relationships.
This episode is for you if:
You’re navigating life after divorce or a major relationship loss.
You’ve felt the weight of societal or cultural expectations in your relationships.
You’re seeking inspiration to embrace your authentic self and rewrite your relationship story.
Tune in for a heartfelt and empowering discussion that will leave you motivated to challenge societal norms and live true to yourself.
If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to Relationships with Ericka Ush for weekly episodes filled with real, raw, and empowering insights to help you heal, grow, and thrive in love.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:41 Meet the Guest: Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll
04:10 Exploring Cultural and Societal Biases
28:14 Embracing Authenticity and Letting Go of Societal Expectations
30:40 Navigating Modern Dating with Authenticity
33:53 Addressing Societal Biases and Advocating for Change
Connect with Ericka Ush on social media to share your feedback, suggest new topics, or join the conversation:
Instagram: relationships.with.ericka

Connect with Nadee Fernando-O’Driscoll and learn more about her work:
Website: nadeefernando-odriscoll.com
Buy Labyrinth of Dreams at Indigo, Amazon, or other major retailers via links on Nadee’s website.
...more
52min

FAQs about Relationships with Ericka Ush:

How many episodes does Relationships with Ericka Ush have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.