Are you your own worst enemy? In this powerful episode of Strategies for Living, Dr. David McMillian and Lauren Leon McMillian sit down with author, pastor, and speaker Rick Patterson to confront one of the most toxic—and least understood—emotional forces: shame. Drawing from his new book Shame Unmasked: Disarming the Hidden Driver Behind Our Destructive Decisions, Rick reveals how shame fuels everything from narcissism and anger to disconnection and self-sabotage.

Listeners will discover the difference between guilt and shame, why shame thrives in secrecy, and how self-contempt quietly drives behavior that damages relationships, self-worth, and spiritual connection. With personal stories, clinical insight, and a healthy dose of hope, this episode delivers real-world strategies for healing, vulnerability, and lasting change.

📘 Learn how to name shame, confront it with courage, and find freedom through honesty, community, and the power of a sincere apology.

✨ A must-listen for anyone on the path of emotional healing, spiritual growth, or deeper self-understanding.

Original Airdate: 7/29/2025