Why do so many women feel surrounded by people—yet still feel alone?

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Chico and Shannon West introduce what Chico calls “The Vulnerability Gap”—the unseen divide that keeps many women from openly sharing their own fears, struggles, and emotions, even in spaces that feel safe. Drawing from decades of clinical work, coaching, and lived experience, Chico challenges a common assumption: that women are naturally better at vulnerability simply because they talk more and gather often.

Together, they explore how women are often encouraged to share about others—their children, spouses, and circumstances—but struggle to name and express their own feelings like anger, fear, resentment, or grief. The result? Shame, isolation, and a cycle of self-silencing.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

- What the vulnerability gap is and how it uniquely impacts women 

- Why many women confuse thoughts (“I feel like…”) with actual feelings 

- How fear of judgment—especially from other women—prevents honest sharing 

- Why anger is one of the most suppressed emotions for women, and the cost of that suppression

- How “fixing,” minimizing, or spiritualizing pain shuts vulnerability down instead of creating connection 

This conversation is not about blaming women—or letting men off the hook. It’s about naming what’s real so healing can begin. Because vulnerability isn’t oversharing—it’s telling the truth about what’s happening inside you.

Takeaway:When women can’t safely name their own emotions, they stay stuck in the gap. Awareness is the first step toward building the bridge.

Part 2 continues the conversation by examining vulnerability through the lens of men and relationships.