Too Much, Apparently

Too Much, Apparently

By Alice Tew and Carly RadfordEducation
Download on the App Store

Too Much, Apparently episodes

  • 16. Too Smart to be Struggling - When Insight Isn’t Enough to Make Life Easier

    Ever felt like you’re too smart to be struggling? Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) unpack why intellect doesn’t protect you from emotional pain, and why being “high functioning” often means hiding distress really well.

    We explore the tension between looking capable on the outside and quietly falling apart on the inside — and the shame that creeps in when your life looks fine but feels impossible.

    This time we talked about:

    🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): being praised for coping, hiding exhaustion behind achievement, and feeling like a fraud for struggling.

    👀 What it looks like in real life: clean houses on Instagram, messy kitchens offline, and high achievers who secretly can’t cope.

    🧠 Why our brains do it: perfectionism, masking, trauma, rejection sensitivity, and social conditioning that equates success with worth.

    🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: overworking, comparing, self-criticism, and chasing the next “fix” of validation.

    🧰 Coping mechanisms: therapy, slowing down, compassion, redefining success, and learning to accept being ordinary.

    🌱 How to make peace with it: you’re not broken for struggling — you’re human.


    Thanks for listening

               💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.

    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:

    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:

    → Website: www.carlyradford.com

    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist


    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:

    → Website: www.alicetew.com

    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]

    🗓️ New episodes every Monday


    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.


    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    too smart to be struggling, high functioning anxiety, sensitivity podcast, perfectionism podcast, therapy podcast, neurodivergent podcast, mental health podcast, emotional burnout, high achiever shame, overthinking podcast, imposter syndrome, gifted burnout, ADHD podcast, autism podcast, self-worth podcast, deep chat podcast

    56 min
  • 15. Too Autistic to Be a Therapist? - The Empathy Myth, Pattern Recognition, and the Depth That Comes From Feeling Different

    Ever worried that being "too different" means people won't trust you to do your job? Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get real about being autistic therapists in a field that still believes we lack empathy.

    We unpack harmful stereotypes, challenge the "blank slate" therapist ideal, and share what it's like to be the therapist who asks "what does that face mean?" — and why that might actually make us better at this job.

    This time we talked about:

    • 🎙️ We've felt this thing too (and we still do): The worry about outing ourselves professionally, wondering if being autistic makes us "less than," and that moment of realizing "wait, autistic people can't be therapists… but I'm a therapist?"
    • 👀 What it looks like in real life: Not assuming what facial expressions mean, asking clients to explain their metaphors, being deeply focused on people and relationships as a special interest, and bringing blankets and fidgets to sessions
    • 🧠 Why our brains do it: Pattern recognition, hyper-focus on human behavior, heightened sensitivity to others' emotions, vivid imagination for metaphors, and a lifetime of studying social dynamics to understand a world that felt confusing
    • 🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: The "Cassandra complex" of seeing patterns others miss, depth over small talk, asking clarifying questions instead of assuming understanding, and embodied knowledge of what it feels like to be misunderstood
    • 🧰 Coping mechanisms: Shaping your practice around your needs (hello flexibility), modeling self-care and boundaries, using self-disclosure appropriately, and creating therapy spaces where masking isn't required
    • 🌱 How to make peace with it: Recognizing that your difference isn't a deficit — it's often exactly what your clients have been waiting for


    Thanks for listening 💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:

    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com

    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:

    → Website: www.carlyradford.com

    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist

    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:

    → Website: www.alicetew.com

    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]

    🗓️ New episodes every Monday

    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we're here for it.

    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn't therapy, and it's not a substitute for professional support. We're here to share ideas and experiences, but if you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    sensitivity podcast, overthinking podcast, therapy podcast, belonging podcast, mental health podcast, deep chat podcast, neurodivergent podcast, autism podcast, adhd podcast, autistic therapist podcast, neurodivergent therapist, empathy myth autism, double empathy problem, late diagnosis autism, masking autism, autistic women podcast, therapy for autistic people, finding autistic therapist, autism and empathy, outsider syndrome, feeling different podcast, people pleasing podcast, authenticity podcast, therapy training neurodivergence, pattern recognition autism

    46 min
  • 14. Too Late to Find Out - The Relief, Grief, and Self-Doubt of Late Neurodivergent Discovery

    Ever wondered if it’s too late to finally understand yourself?Yeah. Us too.


    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists, friends, and neurodivergent deep thinkers) talk about the emotional rollercoaster that follows a late autism or ADHD discovery — from the ohhh, that explains everything moment to the doubt, imposter syndrome, and slow acceptance that follow.


    We unpack the mix of relief, grief, and validation that can arise when you start seeing yourself through a new lens — and how to navigate the noise around “overdiagnosis,” self-realisation, and belonging in a medicalised world that often misses the nuance.


    This time we talked about:

    • 🎙️ We’ve felt this too (and still do): The mix of relief, confusion, and grief after a late diagnosis or self-realisation.

    • 👀 What it looks like in real life: The back-and-forth between “it makes sense” and “am I just making it up?”

    • 🧠 Why our brains do it: Imposter syndrome, internalised stigma, and how the medical model shapes our stories.

    • 🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: Self-diagnosis vs formal diagnosis, late discovery through your children, and navigating others’ scepticism.

    • 🧰 Coping mechanisms: Self-compassion, research rabbit holes, trusted support, and permission to explore.

    • 🌱 How to make peace with it: You haven’t wasted time — you’ve survived without a translation. Now you’re finally learning your language.


      Resources - Formal diagnosis vs self realisation study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12024047/pdf/behavsci-15-00420.pdf


    Thanks for listening

               💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.

    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:

    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:

    → Website: www.carlyradford.com

    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist


    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:

    → Website: www.alicetew.com

    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected] 🗓️ New episodes every Monday


    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.


    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------

    sensitivity podcast, overthinking podcast, therapy podcast, belonging podcast, mental health podcast, deep chat podcast, neurodivergent podcast, autism podcast, adhd podcast, outsider syndrome, feeling different podcast, people pleasing podcast, authenticity podcast, friendship podcast

    57 min
  • 13. Too Cosy to Care - A Highly Sensitive Guide to Hygge Hibernation

    Ever felt like you're too tired to function when the clocks change? Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice - two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get real about what happens when autumn hits, the dark nights arrive, and your entire personality becomes about blankets, hot drinks, and avoiding the outside world.

    We unpack why fighting the seasons makes us miserable, celebrate the art of cosy hibernation, and give ourselves permission to slow down when the world expects us to maintain summer-level productivity.


    This time we talked about:

    • 🎙️ We've felt this thing too (and we still do): The pull to hibernate, mourning summer's end, and feeling "wrong" for needing more rest when it gets dark
    • 👀 What it looks like in real life: Putting pajamas on at 5pm, losing all motivation after sunset, craving mashed potato and casseroles, and driving to friends' houses in your dressing gown
    • 🧠 Why our brains do it: Seasonal energy shifts, our bodies being naturally connected to light cycles, the winter solstice and returning light, and how modern life ignores natural rhythms
    • 🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: Some people barely notice seasonal changes while highly sensitive and neurodivergent people feel them intensely — from mood shifts to craving different foods to needing radically different social rhythms
    • 🧰 Coping mechanisms: Survival plans, hygge practices, hibernation kits, crafting, fairy lights, tracking sunrise/sunset times, embracing pagan solstice rituals, and adjusting work schedules for winter
    • 🌱 How to make peace with it: Stop trying to maintain summer productivity in winter, honor your body's natural need to slow down, find joy in seasonal rituals, and give yourself permission to hibernate


    Thanks for listening 💛💜🩷🩵🧡

    💬 New episodes every Monday.🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:→ Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:→ Website: www.carlyradford.com→ Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist


    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:→ Website: www.alicetew.com→ Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]
    🗓️ New episodes every Monday


    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we're here for it.


    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn't therapy, and it's not a substitute for professional support. We're here to share ideas and experiences, but if you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    ----------

    seasonal depression podcast, winter hibernation, hygge lifestyle, highly sensitive person, HSP podcast, seasonal affective disorder, autumn self-care, winter wellness, cozy season, seasonal rhythms, winter solstice, sensitive podcast, overthinking podcast, perfectionism podcast, therapy podcast, anxiety podcast, emotional podcast, mental health podcast, deep chat podcast, neurodivergent podcast, autism podcast, adhd podcast, audhd podcast, seasonal energy, dark nights self-care, winter productivity, embracing rest, Too Much Apparently podcast

    47 min
  • 12. Too Boring to Be Fun - Redefining What It Means to Enjoy Life Your Way

    Ever felt like you’re too quiet, too homey, or too introverted to be considered fun? Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) talk about the fear of being “boring,” why it hooks so deeply for sensitive and neurodivergent people, and how we can start reclaiming “boring” as peaceful, fulfilling, and ours.

    We explore how Western culture glorifies loud, extroverted fun — and how those of us who prefer candles, crafts, and cozy nights in often end up questioning whether we’re missing something. Spoiler: we’re not.


    This time we talked about:

    🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): being told to “lighten up,” saying no to nights out, and wondering if we’re the “boring friend.”

    👀 What it looks like in real life: comparing our quiet joy to others’ chaos, second-guessing how we’re perceived, and masking excitement in calmer forms.

    🧠 Why our brains do it: social conditioning, rejection sensitivity, extrovert bias, and the survival drive to belong.

    🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: people-pleasing, pretending to enjoy things, or withdrawing altogether.

    🧰 Coping mechanisms: self-acceptance, curiosity, redefining fun, and surrounding ourselves with people who “get it.”

    🌱 How to make peace with it: what’s fun to you is valid — joy doesn’t need to be loud to be real.


    Thanks for listening

        💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.

    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:

    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:

    → Website: www.carlyradford.com

    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist


    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:

    → Website: www.alicetew.com

    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected] 🗓️ New episodes every Monday


    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.


    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    --------------------------------------------------------------------

    sensitivity podcast, introvert podcast, overthinking podcast, perfectionism podcast, therapy podcast, mental health podcast, neurodivergent podcast, ADHD podcast, autism podcast, belonging podcast, authenticity podcast, quiet living podcast, slow life podcast, boredom anxiety, self-acceptance podcast

    52 min
  • 11. Too Sensitive to Watch the News – Protecting Your Mental Health in an Overwhelming World

    Ever felt like you’re too sensitive to handle the news without spiralling?Yeah. Us too.


    In this episode of Too Much Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get real about news anxiety, empathy fatigue, and the emotional cost of caring deeply in a world that never stops hurting.

    We unpack what it’s like to feel everything — from helplessness to guilt to full-body compassion — and how to stay informed without losing hope, burning out, or switching off completely.

    This time we talked about:
    🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): Hello doomscrolling, overidentifying, and crying over the headlines
    👀 What it looks like in real life: Avoiding the news, then bingeing it at 2am “to stay informed”
    🧠 Why our brains do it: Empathy overload, hypervigilance, and the myth that caring means suffering
    🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: Emotional exhaustion, guilt for switching off, or numbing out with distraction
    🧰 Coping mechanisms: Grounding, boundaries, media breaks, and compassion with limits
    🌱 How to make peace with it: You’re not broken for feeling too much — you’re just living in a world that asks too little of feeling.


    Resources mentioned:

    6 Ways to Support Your Mental Health

    Social Change Ecosystem Map


    Thanks for listening
    💛💜🩷🩵🧡

    💬 New episodes every Monday.
    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.

    🧡 CONNECT WITH US
    🎙️ Podcast socials:
    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently→ TikTok: @toomuchapparently→ YouTube: Too Much, Apparently→ Website: www.toomuchapparently.com

    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:
    → Website: www.carlyradford.com→ Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist

    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:→ Website: www.alicetew.com→ Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]
    🗓️ New episodes every Monday

    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.

    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    —------------------------------------------------------------------
    sensitivity podcast, overthinking podcast, empathy burnout podcast, news anxiety podcast, therapy podcast, anxiety podcast, emotional health podcast, mental health podcast, deep chat podcast, neurodivergent podcast, autism podcast, adhd podcast, audhd podcast, Too Much Apparently podcast

    49 min
  • 10. Too Different to Belong - Finding Connection When You Never Quite Fit In

    Ever felt like you’re too different to belong? Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get real about the ache of feeling like you don’t quite fit — even in the places you should belong.

    We talk about how sensitive and neurodivergent people often feel “out of sync” in friendships, families, and workplaces — and why belonging can feel both deeply needed and deeply unsafe.

    We unpack childhood experiences, family patterns, and the ways we learn to perform for acceptance. Together, we explore how to build connection that doesn’t require self-abandonment.


    This time we talked about:

    • 🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): pretending to fit in, feeling like the odd one out, and masking for safety

    • 👀 What it looks like in real life: shallow friendships, family roles, and being the one who feels “too much” or “not enough”

    • 🧠 Why our brains do it: attachment patterns, rejection sensitivity, and the nervous system’s drive to belong

    • 🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: perfectionism, over-adaptation, withdrawal, and hiding our real selves

    • 🧰 Coping mechanisms: therapy, safe friendships, online spaces, and self-compassion

    • 🌱 How to make peace with it: belonging isn’t about fitting in — it’s about being fully seen and accepted 


    Thanks for listening

              💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.

    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:

    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:

    → Website: www.carlyradford.com

    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist


    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:

    → Website: www.alicetew.com

    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]

    🗓️ New episodes every Monday


    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.


    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    sensitivity podcast, overthinking podcast, therapy podcast, belonging podcast, mental health podcast, deep chat podcast, neurodivergent podcast, autism podcast, adhd podcast, outsider syndrome, feeling different podcast, people pleasing podcast, authenticity podcast, friendship podcast

    1 hr 2 min
  • 9. Too Angry to Be Nice - When Good Girls Get Mad

    Ever felt like you’re too angry to be nice — or too scared of anger to let it show at all?
    Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get honest about our complicated relationships with anger. The kind that’s been labelled “too much”, “too dramatic”, or “not very nice” — especially if you grew up being praised for being the good girl.

    We talk about what it’s like to finally admit that sometimes you’re not fine, you’re furious — and how learning to make space for anger can actually make you softer, safer, and more self-respecting.

    This time we talked about:
    🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): the fear of being seen as “too much”, the shame of expressing anger, and the exhaustion of always trying to be kind.

    👀 What it looks like in real life: swallowing your feelings, replaying arguments in your head, or exploding after one small thing tips you over the edge.

    🧠 Why our brains do it: childhood conditioning, trauma, people-pleasing, and the belief that being angry makes us bad.

    🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: quiet resentment, moral outrage, bottled-up rage, or the physical heat of anger trapped in your chest.

    🧰 Coping mechanisms: noticing the first flickers before the explosion, journalling, movement, validation, and letting anger be a guide — not a flaw.

    🌱 How to make peace with it: anger isn’t the enemy; it’s a signal. It tells you what matters and where your boundaries live.

    Thanks for listening
    💛💜🩷🩵🧡

    💬 New episodes every Monday.
    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.

    🧡 CONNECT WITH US
    🎙️ Podcast socials:
    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently
    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently
    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently
    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com

    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:
    → Website: www.carlyradford.com
    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist

    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:
    → Website: www.alicetew.com
    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice

    📩 Email us: [email protected]
    🗓️ New episodes every Monday

    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.

    Disclaimer: This podcast isn’t therapy and isn’t a substitute for professional support. We share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Keywords: sensitivity podcast, overthinking podcast, perfectionism podcast, therapy podcast, anxiety podcast, emotional podcast, mental health podcast, deep chat podcast, neurodivergent podcast, autism podcast, adhd podcast, audhd podcast, Too Much Apparently podcast

    1 hr
  • 8. Too Good at Pretending to be Fine - The Cost of Saying “I’m Okay” When You’re Not

    Ever felt like you’re too messy, too much, or too needy to admit you’re struggling?

    Yeah. Us too.


    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice — two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) get real about why we’ve become so good at pretending to be fine, what it costs us, and how hard it can be to drop the “I’m okay” mask.

    We unpack our own resistance, spiral in real-time, and explore what it’s like to hide behind “I’m fine” when the truth feels too risky, too heavy, or too much for others.

    This time we talked about:

    🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): smiling through chaos, being called “so strong,” masking pain with busyness

    👀 What it looks like in real life: saying “not too bad” while exhausted, minimising chronic illness, being the eldest daughter / strong friend

    🧠 Why our brains do it: cultural conditioning (keep calm & carry on), family messages, and fear of being “too much”

    🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: people-pleasing, pushing through pain, avoiding vulnerability, testing who “really cares”

    🧰 Coping mechanisms: humour, selective honesty, practicing with safe people, challenging black-and-white thinking 🌱 How to make peace with it: start small — honesty is risky, but it’s also how deeper connection begins


    Thanks for listening

               💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.

    🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:

    → Instagram: @toomuchapparently

    → TikTok: @toomuchapparently

    → YouTube: Too Much, Apparently

    → Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:

    → Website: www.carlyradford.com

    → Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist


    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:

    → Website: www.alicetew.com

    → Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]

    🗓️ New episodes every Monday


    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.


    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    —--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    pretending to be fine podcast, masking emotions podcast, people pleasing podcast, eldest daughter pressure podcast, keep calm and carry on culture, emotional suppression podcast, perfectionism podcast, chronic illness mental health podcast, overthinking podcast, sensitivity podcast, therapy podcast, anxiety podcast, neurodivergent podcast, ADHD podcast, autism podcast, Too Much Apparently podcast

    54 min
  • 7. Too Nice to Say No – People Pleasing, Boundaries, and the Fear of Rejection

    Ever felt like you’re too nice to say no — nodding along with a smile while part of you inside is screaming, please, no?
    Yeah. Us too.

    In this episode of Too Much, Apparently, we (Carly and Alice -two therapists and recovering perfectionists with squishy brains) talk about people pleasing, boundaries, and the guilt that comes with trying to put yourself first.


    This time we talked about:🎙️ We’ve felt this thing too (and we still do): being the “good girl,” praised for niceness one minute and criticised the next, rescuing everyone else, or saying yes when we wanted to say no.

    👀 What it looks like in real life: agreeing before you’ve even thought, turning every no into a long explanation, keeping the peace with a smile while building resentment, adapting so much you lose sight of your own preferences, or ghosting at the last minute out of guilt.

    🧠 Why our brains do it: early praise and labels that stick, fawning as a trauma response, inconsistent parenting, and the pressure (especially on women) to be agreeable, helpful, and self-sacrificing.

    🧍🏽‍♀️🧍🏻 The different ways it shows up: the Yes Machine, the Over Explainer, the Smiling Martyr, the Shapeshifter, and the Guilty Ghost.

    🧰 Coping mechanisms: noticing resentment as a boundary flag, trying out tiny no’s, experimenting with stronger boundaries and softening them later, and learning to see guilt as a sign you’re breaking an old rule rather than proof you’re a bad person.

    🌱 How to make peace with it: saying no doesn’t make you selfish — it creates space for a more honest yes.


    Thanks for listening 💛💜🩷🩵🧡


    💬 New episodes every Monday.🎧 Follow now to join the conversation.


    🧡 CONNECT WITH US

    🎙️ Podcast socials:→ Instagram: @toomuchapparently→ TikTok: @toomuchapparently→ YouTube: Too Much, Apparently→ Website: www.toomuchapparently.com


    👩‍💻 Carly Radford:→ Website: www.carlyradford.com→ Instagram: @the_sensitivity_therapist

    👩🏻‍💻 Alice Tew:→ Website: www.alicetew.com→ Instagram: @reparentingwithalice


    📩 Email us: [email protected]
    🗓️ New episodes every Monday

    This is a podcast that says: bring your too-muchness… we’re here for it.

    Disclaimer: Just a quick note to say this podcast isn’t therapy, and it’s not a substitute for professional support. We’re here to share ideas and experiences, but if you’re struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or a support service near you.

    people pleasing podcast · saying no without guilt · boundaries podcast · fawning trauma response · perfectionism podcast · recovering good girl · therapy podcast · mental health podcast · Too Much Apparently

    51 min

About Too Much, Apparently

From the publisher's feed

A podcast for deep-feeling, overthinking, emotionally squishy humans who’ve been told they’re too much (and somehow not enough). Hosted by Carly and Alice, two therapists who live this stuff too and speak the language of overthinkers, feel-everythingers, and those who carry a little too much all the time.