This marks our final episode of the year as we take a well-deserved pause to reflect, recharge, and prepare for an exciting and successful launch into 2025. We’re deeply grateful for each and every one of you who has joined us on this journey and listened along the way. Thank you for your support, your time, and your energy—see you in the new year, ready to tackle what’s ahead together!

In a recent episode, I casually mentioned feeling tired and weary, almost in passing. The response was overwhelming—many of you reached out with kind words, concern, and a recurring sentiment: "It’s nice to know you’re human."

This struck a chord and got me thinking. As counselors, we’re often seen as the ones with the answers, but the truth is, we’re human too. We have bad days, tough weeks, and even challenging years. So what happens when we feel overwhelmed? What do we do when sadness feels unshakable, or when life weighs heavier than usual?

In this episode, I explore these questions and share a candid take on navigating the tough times. It’s a basic, honest look at an age-old struggle—and a reminder that being human is something we all share. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that blends vulnerability, self-compassion, and practical insight.

In today’s fast-paced world, many parents feel exhausted and worn thin by the endless demands of daily life. If you're one of those parents, this episode is for you. Today, I want to give you permission to say no to overscheduling. We’ll explore the incredible benefits of learning how to protect your time and energy by reclaiming your schedule. Remember, one of our greatest strengths is the ability to control how we spend our time.

But that’s not all—we’ll also touch on the power of consequences for kids. Believe it or not, it’s okay if they sometimes feel uncomfortable or even bad about themselves. We’ll explore why certain tough moments can actually help build character and resilience in our children.

So, let’s get into it! You’ll walk away with practical tips on setting boundaries, finding balance, and creating a healthier dynamic for you and your family.

In this episode, I dive into a topic that’s been on my mind lately—parenting. I’ve been having conversations with many parents who feel like they’re constantly second-guessing themselves, unsure if they’re doing things right. But from an outside perspective, it looks like they’re actually succeeding. Maybe it’s because the pressure to be perfect is so high that we overcomplicate parenting. But what if it doesn’t have to be that way? In this episode, I share the one thing I believe can truly give us the best chance to "win" at parenting. Tune in and let me know your thoughts!

In this episode, we look at what we might be able to learn from Bridezilla and a Groomzilla. I often hear people complain about the next generation almost regardless of their generation, and I often stop and ask myself, who raised this generation? Maybe it’s time to step back and take a look at what we’re doing, and if we don’t like the results, make necessary adjustments.

Lately, a growing number of people argue that therapy is nothing more than endless conversation. The word "ruminating" is being thrown around like it's a curse. But is that really what therapy boils down to? Is counseling just rehashing our problems? Is good therapy simply sitting and dwelling on what’s wrong? I strongly believe it’s much more than that—otherwise, I wouldn’t be in this field. In this episode, let’s explore what therapy truly is and why it goes far beyond just talking.

Tune in to Episode 288 now!

Our words have the remarkable ability to shape our reality. An ancient writer once proclaimed that the power of life and death resides in our words. In this episode, we delve into the profound truth that if we wish to manage our emotions and navigate life’s challenges effectively, we must closely examine the narratives we tell ourselves.

Can framing our experiences as tales of bravery and triumph foster real courage? Do stories of overcoming adversity have the potential to propel us through our struggles? I firmly believe they do.

Join me as we explore how our stories can transform our mindset and empower us to face life’s trials with renewed strength and resilience. Discover how harnessing the power of positive self-talk and affirmations can lead to genuine personal growth and emotional well-being. Please tune in to uncover the transformative potential of the words we choose to live by.

Banned Book Week is approaching, offering a valuable opportunity to discuss what we mean by the term "banned" and to consider whether there are more accurate alternatives.

I hope we can use this occasion to spark meaningful conversations, using books as a catalyst for more productive discussions on the various issues that divide our society and communities, ultimately benefiting everyone.

Welcome to episode 285 of The Joe Martino Show. In today's episode, we're exploring the powerful stories we tell ourselves—those of comfort, commitment, and capability. These narratives hold more influence over our lives than we might realize. Often, we lean on tales of comfort to shield ourselves from responsibility and the challenges that lie ahead. But what if we flipped the script? By embracing stories of commitment and capability, we can actively shape the world and life we desire. Join me as we delve into how these self-told tales can limit or propel us toward the life we truly want.

When Cindy Clemishire was twelve years old, a family friend and church pastor began sexually assaulting her. Five years later, she told her family. Roughly three decades later, the story went public. In those intervening years, her abuser expressed remorse over “having an inappropriate relationship” with a woman other than his wife.

He never mentioned that the other “woman” was a child. His wife offered forgiveness to the child for “seducing her husband.”

Today’s episode is an interview with a woman whose most of her adult life has been shaped by prolonged sexual abuse and the subsequent coverup.

If you think you don’t know anyone who has been abused, please listen to this episode. Hearing some of the things she has to share will be hard, but this message is essential to get out. Listen to hear about how childhood trauma affects almost everything we do as adults.