In this final episode of 2024, I explore the fascinating roles we unconsciously play in our relationships and interactions. Drawing from my personal experience as a "truth teller" on a nonprofit board, I dive into how different roles like the peacemaker, caregiver, rebel, and connector shape our connections and dynamics. I examine the potential tensions and benefits of these roles, especially during the holiday season, and encourage listeners to reflect on their own patterns. The episode is a journey of self-discovery, challenging us to understand our authentic selves beyond the roles we've assumed.

In this week's episode, I jump into the raw and vulnerable journey of rebuilding self-trust. I share my personal experiences of how years of narcissistic abuse eroded my ability to trust myself, and the powerful strategies I've learned to reclaim my inner wisdom. From keeping tiny promises to practicing radical self-compassion, I'm revealing the roadmap to developing a profound relationship with yourself. If you've ever struggled with an inner critic, boundary issues, or constantly second-guessing your decisions, this episode is your lifeline to understanding how self-trust can transform every aspect of your life.

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle/

In this episode, I explore the fascinating world of gratitude, diving into how our genetics, brain chemistry, and personality types influence our ability to feel thankful. I share research-backed insights on why gratitude can be challenging for some and provide practical strategies for cultivating a more grateful mindset. From understanding the role of genes to recognizing gratitude blockers like envy and materialism, I offer a compassionate guide to developing this essential emotional skill. By the end, you'll have actionable steps to bring more thankfulness into your daily life and improve your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle/

This week, I’m diving into a topic that hits close to home: how cancel culture and politics are impacting our friendships. From ghosting to passive-aggressive unfriending, it seems like disagreements are dissolving even the deepest connections. But is it really about politics—or something deeper? Join me as I explore the messy reality of friendship, the importance of hard conversations, and how we can prioritize connection over division.

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle/

In this vulnerable episode, I dive deep into how a simple conversation about coping mechanisms versus authentic personality led to some major personal revelations - especially about my role as a parent. Through conversations with my husband and a serendipitous book finding, I discovered that what I thought was "just who I am" might actually be ways I've learned to cope with life. I invite you to join me in examining where you might be living in "coping mode" instead of authentic expression, as we explore the difference between using coping skills for situations versus making them our way of life.

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle/

https://www.wattneypoetry.com

In this episode, I'm making a significant shift in how I show up on this podcast - no more hiding behind research or filtering myself through fear. After recognizing how my divorce led me to develop protective coping mechanisms, I'm ready to get real, raw, and occasionally curse-word-filled as we explore everything from relationships and parenting to dealing with high-conflict personalities. If you're tired of shrinking yourself to fit into a pretty box that makes everyone else comfortable, join me as we start saying the things that truly matter.

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle/

Today, I explored how a simple comment about manipulation during my walk led me to deeply examine what it looks like in our closest relationships. I realized that manipulation often goes unnoticed because we become desensitized to it, especially with people we care about. If you feel like you're walking on eggshells with someone or they use your vulnerabilities against you, it might be time to recognize these patterns and set boundaries for healthier relationships.

In today's episode, I explore how our past experiences—our "scars"—influence our daily interactions and relationships, drawing insights from the fascinating Dartmouth University "Scar Experiment" from the 1980s. I share personal stories about my own triggers, from aggressive honking on the road to my defensive reactions with my son and colleagues, to illustrate how we often respond not just to present situations but to accumulated past hurts. By providing practical three-step guidance for managing our reactions, I hope to help listeners recognize when they're viewing current situations through the lens of old wounds and learn how to respond differently. This episode is perfect for anyone looking to understand their emotional triggers and break free from patterns that no longer serve them. ** I am not a therapist, this podcast simply shares life experiences and research.

www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle

Exploring the distinction between intentional ignorance and willful blindness, this episode delves into how we often choose to ignore uncomfortable truths that could disrupt our comfort. Through examples ranging from the 2008 housing crisis to our personal relationships with food, technology, and sleep, we examine how rationalization becomes willful blindness's constant companion. The episode challenges listeners to catch their "yeah, buts" and examine why they might be choosing to dismiss important information that could benefit their lives.

“There are two ways to be fooled.  One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” Soren Kierkegaard

https://www.instagram.com/nicole_bachle

In this episode, I explore the concept of shadow work and how it relates to decision-making, especially in our most important relationships. I share my personal struggles with my daughter and how past experiences influence our interactions. Using the analogy of a photo library, I discuss how we assign meaning to different aspects of our lives and the importance of bringing our hidden parts into the light. I break down a complex decision-making process, considering the perspectives of ego, heart, and intuition, to demonstrate how our 'shadow' selves impact our choices.