What if your trauma doesn't count you out, but actually gives you superpowers to achieve more than you ever thought possible?

In this enlightening conversation, clinical psychologist Dr. Charlynn Ruan shares her expertise on women's mental health, especially for high-achieving women and female founders. She explains how trauma can become a catalyst for growth rather than a limitation, discusses the unique mental health challenges women face throughout different life stages, and offers practical advice for ADHD, insomnia, and reaching peak performance.

Dr. Ruan provides insight into how our brains process trauma and how treatments like EMDR can help release trapped trauma. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, sleep issues, or simply want to optimize your performance, this episode offers valuable guidance on understanding your brain and body to create strategies that work for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

→ Trauma can be a powerful catalyst for growth rather than a limitation - Post-Traumatic Growth is real. When we use difficult experiences to grow, we can become "wiser, faster, smarter" and accomplish incredible things.

→ EMDR therapy helps process trapped trauma by moving memories from the reactive amygdala to the "filing cabinet" hippocampus, making them less triggering.

→ Women's sleep struggles often stem from biological differences, hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause, and evolutionary roles as caregivers - understanding these factors is crucial for finding effective solutions.

→ ADHD presents differently in women than men, often overlooked because symptoms don't match the hyperactive stereotype - adult women with ADHD frequently internalize shame messages about being "lazy," "messy," or "unable to follow through."

→ High-achieving women need to treat themselves like race cars with proper maintenance and support teams - it's not about slowing down but ensuring all systems are optimized for sustained performance.

QUOTES FROM DR. CHARLYNN RUAN

"You know you have trauma if you feel like sometimes you lose your free will. You're walking along in the world, you see something, and then all of a sudden you interact with somebody, and then you feel like a child—feel like a child as opposed to the powerful woman that you are."

"I see you're a race car, and the answer isn't going to be tootling down the back lane, but you have to know that you can't have these loose bolts on your car rattling, because that's going to cause a crash. Get early about listening to what your nervous system needs."

CONNECT WITH DR. CHARLYNN RUAN

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You Navigating the College Maze with Your Teen?

You're not alone! Join Rebecca and Seth as they share their emotional rollercoaster of helping their son Max through the grueling and inspiring college application process—with laughter, lessons, and a happy ending.

From Ivy League dreams to strategic planning, Rebecca and Seth offer a candid look into their family's year-long college journey. They talk about safety in schools, rejection heartbreaks, and the ultimate joy of acceptance—all while juggling parenting and life. This episode will feel like a warm, wise hug if you're a parent going through this (or gearing up for it).

Key Takeaways

➤ Every child is different—no cookie-cutter approach to college.

➤ Build a unique resume that sets your child apart.

➤ Apply to a mix of dream, target, and safety schools.

➤ Understand the difference between early decision and early action.

➤ Don't put all your eggs in one basket—emotionally or strategically.

➤ Essays and continued letters of interest really matter.

➤ Keep the conversation open—your child’s happiness matters most.

➤ Letting go is hard, but the growth is worth it.

💬 Quote from Rebecca

"I kept my mouth shut at times when I shouldn’t have. I would have gotten a little more involved and explained to Max why I felt the way I did. That’s what I’m learning for next time."

💬 Quote from Seth

"It has been over a year of tours, essays, applications, and stress—but hearing Max scream 'I got in!' was the best sound we’ve ever heard."

🎓 Rebecca and Seth invite parents to prepare early, stay informed, and breathe through the ups and downs of the process. From celebrating wins to learning from setbacks, this episode is packed with relatable insights, parental love, and real talk. Whether just beginning the college journey or nearing the finish line, you’ll walk away feeling seen and supported.

 🔗 Visit https://www.whinypaluza.com/ and join Rebecca's community for support, laughs, and real-life parenting wisdom.

📬 Be sure to sign up for Rebecca’s 3x-a-week newsletter, and please like, rate, review, share, and subscribe.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever feel like you’re juggling fire while blindfolded? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to do it perfectly.

This week, Rebecca sits down with Sarah Armstrong, Google's Vice President of Global Marketing Operations and the powerhouse author of The Art of the Juggling Act: A Bite-Sized Guide for Working Parents and The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce. With warmth, wisdom, and lived experience, Sarah shares practical, real-world strategies to help working parents balance work, family, and self-care—without chasing perfection.

✨ In this empowering episode, you’ll learn:

✅ Why “balance” is an ebb and flow, not a fixed state

✅ The secret power of the compartmentalization muscle

✅ How to set and protect boundaries—and why you must communicate them

✅ How “Grace Time” changed her parenting—and can inspire yours

✅ The genius of the three piggy banks: Spend. Save. Give.

✅ Why volunteering doesn’t mean doing everything—just do one thing well

✅ Simple self-care reframed as a non-negotiable recharge

Quote from Sarah:

“Balance is different for everyone—we all have to define what it looks like for us. Don’t compare your juggle to someone else’s.”

If you’re a working mom trying to do it all—or wondering how to let go of the pressure to be perfect—this episode is a must-listen. Sarah reminds us: We can thrive. We can be present. And we don’t have to do it all to do it well.

🎧 Listen now and tag a mama who needs this reminder!

 📘 Grab Sarah’s book: https://thejugglingact.com/author/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What lessons can we learn from the people closest to us?

In this heartfelt episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca Greene celebrates her husband Seth's birthday with a special tribute, sharing the valuable life lessons she's learned from their 21-year relationship. Rebecca and Seth candidly talk about how their different approaches to life have complemented and strengthened each other. From handling stress to tackling projects, they reveal how their partnership has made them better individuals while showcasing the beauty of a supportive relationship.

Key Takeaways:

→ Persistence and consistency are two powerful qualities Seth demonstrates daily, from his martial arts training to his work ethic, showing that small, steady steps lead to significant achievements.

→ Breaking down large goals into manageable tasks makes them less overwhelming - Seth's approach to everything from writing papers to cleaning the basement proves that partializing challenges leads to success.

→ Humor can be a powerful tool for diffusing tension in relationships and difficult situations, creating opportunities for better communication.

→ True love manifests in small, daily acts of kindness rather than grand gestures - from picking up coffee to helping with household tasks, these moments build the foundation of a strong relationship.

→ A positive mindset transforms everyday tasks from obligations to opportunities - reframing chores as privileges helps cultivate gratitude rather than resentment.

Quotes from Seth and Rebecca:

"Only failure if you quit, it's not a failure if you keep going and learn from it." - Rebecca reflecting on Seth's perseverance.

"Love is in the little things. So like, when you pick me up a coffee or you do the dishes, or you ask if you can pick up Lily on your way home, like that's love." - Rebecca on appreciating daily acts of kindness

"I just found that I would sit down to write a paper, and I get this flow going... You're the hare. I was the tortoise, but I love how you do that. Slow and steady wins a race." - Seth on his approach to breaking down big tasks

Connect with Whinypaluza:

Visit https://whinypaluza.com/ to find the link tree with all of Rebecca's resources, including her three-times-a-week email newsletter. Make sure to like, rate, review, share, comment, and subscribe to the podcast!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do successful entrepreneurs juggle multiple businesses, family life, and personal growth?

🎧In this special birthday episode, host Rebecca Greene interviews her husband, Seth Greene, a serial entrepreneur, podcast host, and marketing expert who has founded multiple businesses. They dive into business success, time management, and parenting while balancing an entrepreneurial lifestyle. Seth shares the myth of work-life balance, the importance of boundaries, and why mindset plays a crucial role in achieving success.

💡 5 Key Takeaways:

➡️ Boundaries over balance: Forget the idea of perfect work-life balance—success comes from setting clear boundaries and prioritizing what truly matters.

➡️ Be where your feet are: Stay present in the moment, whether at work, with family, or pursuing personal goals.

➡️ Mindset determines success: Focus on where you want to go, not the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

➡️ Entrepreneurship is a personal growth lab: Starting and growing a business will challenge and shape you in ways you never imagined.

➡️ Humor is a parenting superpower: Sometimes, the best response is a well-placed joke to lighten the mood when dealing with teenage attitudes.

🗣️ Guest Quotes:

📌 "Balance is a myth—boundaries rule." – Seth Greene

📌 "Focus on where you want to go, not on the gap between where you are and where you want to be." - Seth Greene

📢 How to Connect with Seth Greene:

🌐 Website: Market Domination LLC

🔗 LinkedIn: Seth Greene

🎙️ Podcast: Sharkpreneur with Kevin Harrington

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Find this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Facebook!

✅Follow Rebecca Greene

💻Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

🎧Podcast https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast

📙Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

📘Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2

👤Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

📱TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en @whinypaluzamom

📺YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is female rivalry in the workplace so damaging, and how can we create psychological safety instead?

In this eye-opening episode of the Whinypaluza podcast, host Rebecca Greene interviews Dr. Amber Tichenor, an organizational psychologist, psychological safety expert, and author of "Behind Frenemy Lines: Rising Above Female Rivalry To Be Unstoppable Together." Dr. Amber shares her expertise on female rivalry in the workplace, psychological safety assessments, and how to create healthier work environments. From her personal experiences that inspired her research to practical advice for both recipients and perpetrators of rivalry behaviors, Dr. Amber offers valuable insights into a topic that's often experienced but rarely discussed.

Key Takeaways:

→ Female rivalry behaviors are often intangible and passive-aggressive, making them difficult to identify and address in the moment. Documentation is crucial if you're experiencing these behaviors.

→ Psychological safety in the workplace means people can be vulnerable, authentic, and speak up without fear - leading to higher productivity, better retention, and stronger teamwork.

→ "Women who like themselves like other women." Many rivalry behaviors stem from insecurity, jealousy, need for control, or negative childhood experiences.

→ Creating psychological safety requires open and transparent communication, continuous engagement, and leadership that practices what they preach.

→ When experiencing rivalry behaviors, remember it's not about you - it's about the other person's issues. You're not alone, and there are women out there who will have your back.

Quotes from Dr. Amber:

"If you don't like yourself, it's going to be really very hard to like other women."

"When you feel psychologically safe in an environment, you want to do more for others. The productivity levels go up, you'll have less turnover, and you'll have people that want to stay."

Connect with Dr. Amber Tichenor:

Dr. Amber Tichenor is an organizational psychologist, founder of Dr. Amber Tichenor, PhD, and a psychological safety expert. She's an accredited facilitator for the Academy of Brain-Based Leadership, implementing the psychological safety assessment. Her book "Behind Frenemy Lines: Rising Above Female Rivalry To Be Unstoppable Together" addresses female rivalry in the workplace and promotes collaboration over competition.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could shift your beliefs and instantly start moving toward your biggest dreams?

In this episode, Rebecca and Seth dive deep into the life-changing insights of Bob Proctor’s book Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life. They explore how our deeply ingrained beliefs shape our reality and, more importantly, how to break free from limiting paradigms to create a new life of success, confidence, and abundance.

Through personal anecdotes, mindset shifts, and practical exercises, they uncover why repetition is the key to reprogramming our subconscious mind and how embracing discomfort leads to massive growth.

💡 Key Takeaways

➡ Your beliefs shape your reality – What you think about repeatedly becomes your experience. Shift your internal dialogue to reflect the life you want.

➡ Feel your success before it happens – Visualization isn’t just about seeing; it’s about embodying the emotions of success to attract it into your life.

➡ Repetition rewires your brain – To change your paradigm, expose yourself to new beliefs daily—through books, affirmations, and action.

➡ Anxiety stems from a lack of knowledge – Understanding a topic deeply reduces fear. Seek knowledge and develop confidence in what scares you.

➡ Set goals so big they excite AND scare you – Dreaming small won’t ignite transformation. Challenge yourself to think at a level that surprises even you.

🗣️ Quotes from the Episode

🗨️ "I realized that I had been telling the universe a story of wanting instead of already having. The moment I flipped that story, things started shifting." – Rebecca

🗨️ "Don't just think about your goals—feel them. Experience the emotions of having already achieved them, and your mind will start working toward making it real." – Seth

Loved this episode? Please help us spread the message!

Share this podcast with someone who needs a paradigm shift.

 👉 Subscribe, rate, and leave a review!

✅Follow Rebecca Greene

💻Blog  https://www.whinypaluza.com/

🎧Podcast https://www.whinypaluza.com/podcast

📙Book 1  https://bit.ly/WhinypaluzaBook

📘Book 2 https://bit.ly/whinybook2

👤Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/whinypaluzaparenting

📸Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becgreene5/ @becgreene5

📱TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whinypaluzamom?lang=en  @whinypaluzamom

📺YouTube https://www.youtube.com/WhinyPaluza

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you feeling stuck in negative patterns? Learn how to create a powerful energetic shift in your life!

In this heartfelt episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, Rebecca shares her transformative experience working with spiritual wellness coach Christina Fletcher. After a life-changing session that helped her address work stress, body image concerns, and boundary issues, Rebecca convinced Seth to try it too—and even the skeptical Seth was amazed by the results! Together, they explore how changing your energy, shifting your paradigm, and being intentional with your thoughts can create profound changes in your life.

Key Takeaways:

→ We often focus on what we're not doing rather than giving ourselves credit for all we accomplish—recognizing our contributions is the first step to shifting our energy.

→ Your body responds to how you talk to it—instead of focusing on "problem areas," acknowledge your progress and speak kindly to yourself to see better results.

→ Boundaries are set with intention rather than action. Creating energetic boundaries can help prevent others' "leaky energy" from affecting one's well-being.

→ Sending love to people who annoy you can dramatically change your energy and experience, as recommended in Bob Proctor's book "Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life."

→ Creative expression is vital for well-being—Seth found that writing his day like a screenplay each morning has manifested positive outcomes and reduced negative self-talk.

Quotes from Rebecca and Seth:

"I feel like a different person. I know that she did releases and unblocked stuff, and I know that's part of why I feel different." - Rebecca

"You don't get what you think about. You get what you feel about... my automatic negative thoughts have gone from like a nine to like a two, two and a half." - Seth

Don't miss next week's episode, in which Rebecca and Seth will explore Bob Proctor's teachings and discuss how they're implementing them in their daily lives!

Visit Rebecca's Linktree and follow Rebecca's newsletter for more insights on spiritual wellness, boundary-setting, and positive energy.   https://linktr.ee/whinypaluzamom

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling with parenting challenges during the preschool years?

Join Whinypaluza host Rebecca Greene as she chats with Danielle Lindner, an award-winning author, parenting coach, and early childhood education expert. Danielle shares her journey from aspiring lawyer to educator and entrepreneur, offering insights from her book Parent’s Pocket Guide to Surviving the Preschool Years and her work as the founder of The London Day School.

Key Takeaways →

➡️ Parenting is a journey, not perfection. Social media portrays perfect parents, but real parenting is about doing your best.

➡️ Transitions are tough—but manageable. Preparing children for transitions, from preschool to college, helps build confidence.

➡️ Tantrums aren’t just for toddlers. Identifying triggers and responding calmly can help kids of all ages navigate emotions.

➡️ Separation anxiety? Keep it positive. Parents set the emotional tone—confidence and consistency ease the process.

➡️ Technology needs boundaries. Creating a family tech contract promotes healthy screen habits.

📢 Danielle’s Words of Wisdom

🗨️ "Kids mirror what they see—your calmness, your patience, and your confidence shape their behaviors."

🗨️ "Separation anxiety is harder for parents than kids. Set a positive tone, and they will follow your lead."

Visit https://daniellelindner.com/ to learn about her latest book and expert parenting resources. 

👉 Enjoy this episode and remember to laugh, learn, and love every day!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What can we learn from our children as they grow up?

In this heartfelt episode of Whinypaluza Wednesday, host Rebecca Greene and her husband Seth reflect on the valuable life lessons they've learned from their middle child, Ella, who just turned 16. Rebecca shares how our children often become our greatest teachers, offering wisdom and perspective that can transform how we approach life's challenges. Through personal stories and honest reflections, this episode reminds parents that while we guide our children, they also have profound lessons to teach us.

Rebecca opens up about her journey as Ella's mother, from the unexpected early arrival that taught her flexibility to the daily examples of mindfulness and authenticity that Ella embodies. As her daughter reaches this milestone birthday, Rebecca shares how Ella's unique approach to life—her thoughtfulness, her ability to set boundaries, her individuality, and her unconditional love—has shaped Rebecca's growth as a person and parent. The conversation reveals how children can be mirrors, showing us our strengths and areas where we need to evolve.

Key Takeaways

✓ Life happens while you're making plans - Ella's premature birth and NICU stay taught Rebecca that flexibility and adaptability are essential parenting skills. Plans don't always unfold as expected, and that's okay.

✓ March to your own drum - Ella demonstrates the power of authenticity, choosing her path rather than following trends. From celebrating her birthday with a simple game night instead of an elaborate party to questioning information before accepting it, Ella shows the importance of thinking independently.

✓ Live in the moment - Ella's natural ability to be present—whether photographing something beautiful or truly listening to others—reminds her parents to slow down and appreciate what's happening right now instead of constantly racing to the next thing.

✓ Self-care is non-negotiable - Unlike her mom, who loves saying "yes" to everything, Ella models healthy boundary-setting by knowing when to rest, regroup, and decline activities that would deplete her energy. She prioritizes her needs without guilt.

✓ Be a fully present listener - Ella's exceptional listening skills make her a great daughter and a valued friend. She demonstrates that sometimes the most helpful response isn't advice but simply being fully attentive to what others say.

Quotes from the Episode

"Our kids are our greatest teachers, and my kids teach me so many lessons. I think they teach us as much as we teach them." — Rebecca Greene

"If I could go back, I would put things into such a different perspective for myself. The most important thing is that mom is okay and baby is okay." — Rebecca Greene

Connect with Whinypaluza

Don't miss upcoming episodes of Whinypaluza Wednesday—helping parents navigate the joys and challenges of raising kids with humor, heart, and practical wisdom.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices