True Northing Podcast

In this episode of the True Northing Podcast, Kristen and Allison break down Shadow Work 101 — what your “shadow” actually is, how it forms, and why it plays such a big role in your relationships, triggers, and patterns.

They talk about how emotional and nervous system growth doesn’t always happen at the same pace as insight, and why real change requires more than just “knowing better.” You’ll learn how parts of yourself get pushed into the shadows (often because they once helped you survive), and how those hidden parts can quietly run the show in adulthood.

Kristen and Allison walk through:

• What shadow work really means (in practical, not mystical terms)

• Signs your shadow might be showing up — especially in your biggest triggers

• The cultural and gender messages that shape what we hide

• Why integrating your shadow leads to more authenticity, self-trust, and deeper connection

• Simple, realistic steps to start doing shadow work in everyday life

This episode is all about helping you move from self-judgment to self-understanding — so you can become not just your “best” self, but your whole self.

Resources:

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: shadow work, shadow work 101, what is shadow work, how to do shadow work, shadow self, carl jung shadow, jungian psychology, emotional triggers, why am I so triggered, self awareness, personal growth, healing journey, inner work, psychology explained, mental health podcast, therapy concepts, self discovery, emotional healing, inner child and shadow, relationship triggers, understanding yourself, trauma and the nervous system, psychological growth, authenticity and self acceptance, therapist podcast

The middle of change can feel disorienting, frustrating, and unproductive—but it’s actually where the most important work happens.

Kristen and Allison dive into the often-overlooked in-between phase: the shedding, the waiting, and the quiet preparation that precedes clarity. They discuss how energy cycles influence creativity, why patience is a spiritual practice, and how human design can help you move in alignment rather than force. This episode is a reminder that slowing down isn’t falling behind—it’s how you find your way forward.

Resources:

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: spiritual growth, life transitions, personal growth podcast, navigating uncertainty, patience in life, self care and rest, creative energy cycles, human design podcast, feeling stuck in life, clarity and purpose, trusting the process, emotional regulation, spiritual podcast, inner work journey, rest is progress, creativity and rest, self reflection practices, intuition and growth, alignment in life, transition seasons, spiritual self care, podcast for personal development, mindfulness and growth, preparation phase, embracing uncertainty

Perfectionism in parenting can unintentionally create anxiety—for both parents and children. In this episode, Allison breaks down the concept of the “good enough parent” and why mistakes, followed by repair, are essential for healthy emotional development.

You’ll learn how rupture and repair strengthen emotional resilience, how children learn conflict resolution through parental modeling, and why shielding kids from all discomfort can actually limit their growth. This conversation offers grounded parenting advice for navigating challenges with more compassion, clarity, and emotional capacity.

Resources:

—Want to discover your capacity level in relationship?? Get your personal relationship roadmap at interconnectedlove.com

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: parenting podcast, good enough parenting, parenting perfectionism, emotional resilience for kids, rupture and repair parenting, gentle parenting, parenting advice, child emotional development, parenting challenges, emotional regulation skills, conflict resolution for parents, raising emotionally resilient children, mindful parenting, attachment parenting, parenting without perfection, emotional intelligence in children, repairing parent child relationship, conscious parenting, healthy family dynamics, parenting psychology, how to handle parenting mistakes, parenting mindset, emotional capacity parenting, real life parenting, modern parenting

Low capacity isn’t a personality flaw — it’s a nervous system state. In this episode of True Northing, we unpack what it really means to be a low capacity woman and why emotional overwhelm shows up the way it does.

Kristen and Allison explore emotional capacity through a nervous system lens, breaking down how low capacity develops, why it looks different in women and men, and how childhood environments and generational patterns shape our ability to tolerate emotion.

This episode covers:

• What “low emotional capacity” actually means

• Why some women become easily dysregulated or emotionally overwhelmed

• How low capacity shows up in relationships and communication

• How low capacity presents differently in women and men

• How awareness — not pressure — expands emotional capacity

If you’re navigating emotional overwhelm — in yourself or your relationships — this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward.

Resources:

—Want to discover what type of partner you are and why?? Get your personal relationship roadmap at interconnectedlove.com

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: low capacity woman, emotional capacity, nervous system regulation, emotional dysregulation, women and emotional overwhelm, emotional tolerance, nervous system healing, relationship patterns, childhood trauma and emotions, emotional regulation for women, low emotional capacity, trauma informed relationships, nervous system and emotions, emotional resilience, women and nervous system, healing emotional patterns, attachment and nervous system, generational trauma, emotional overwhelm in relationships, self awareness and healing, emotional maturity, relational nervous system, trauma and emotional capacity, emotional fragility vs regulation, true northing podcast

Why do over-functioning people so often find themselves in relationships with low capacity partners?

In this episode of True Northing, Kristen and Allison explore the powerful—and often painful—dynamic between high and low capacity individuals. We break down why over-functioning and self-abandonment feel so familiar in relationships, how these patterns form in childhood, and why empathy can quietly become imbalanced over time.

We talk about the subtle ways over-functioning shows up: doing the emotional labor for both people, anticipating needs, minimizing your own feelings, and staying “regulated” at the expense of your own truth. At the core of this pattern is a deep belief of unworthiness—one that teaches us to earn love by being needed rather than by simply being ourselves.

Through a relational and nervous-system lens, we explore:• Why certain people naturally pair up with low capacity partners • How childhood attunement (or lack of it) shapes adult relationships• The hidden costs of over-functioning• Why allowing gaps in relationships is necessary for mutual growth• How to practice receiving care and tolerating discomfort without over-managing

This conversation isn’t about blaming yourself or your partner—it’s about understanding the pattern, reclaiming your needs, and learning how to stay connected without abandoning yourself.

Whether you recognize yourself as an over-functioner or are navigating a low-capacity dynamic, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight for creating more balanced, conscious relationships.

Resources:—Find out what your relationships say about you at interconnectedlove.com—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

Connect with us!—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: over-functioning in relationships, overfunctioner, low capacity partner, emotional capacity, relationship dynamics, self abandonment, people pleasing, emotional labor in relationships, childhood trauma healing, attachment patterns, nervous system regulation, high capacity people, relationship psychology, therapy podcast, women’s mental health, conscious relationships, emotional healing journey, codependency patterns, relational healing, self worth healing, burnout in relationships, receiving support, psychology podcast, healing childhood wounds, authentic relationships

In this episode of True Northing, we’re sharing the highlights, meaningful moments, and biggest lessons we’re taking with us into 2026. From personal growth and healing to relationship insights, unexpected challenges, and moments that stretched us in all the right (and uncomfortable) ways—we’re unpacking what truly shaped this year.

We talk about:

• The lessons 2025 taught us about ourselves and our relationships

• What surprised us, challenged us, and changed us

• Favorite moments and conversations from the podcast

• What we’re intentionally carrying forward—and what we’re leaving behind

• How we’re approaching 2026 with more clarity, compassion, and alignment

This is an honest, reflective, end-of-year conversation—part recap, part integration, part looking ahead. Whether you’re closing out your own year with reflection or setting intentions for what’s next, we hope this episode helps you slow down, take stock, and move forward with intention.

Resources:

—Curious what type of partner you are a perfect match for? Get access to your complete relationship blueprint at interconnectedlove.com

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

—Episodes on teen girls: 35, 36, 37

—Kristen’s fave episode: Episode 19 – The Mother Wound in Men

—Allison’s fave episodes: Episode 10 (on Soulmates) & Episode 31 (on Rejection)

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow us on Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: 2025 reflections, end of year reflection, lessons from 2025, personal growth podcast, healing journey, self reflection podcast, emotional healing, relationship growth, conscious living, mental health podcast, therapy podcast, women’s growth podcast, nervous system healing, self development journey, year in review podcast, entering 2026, intentional living, emotional wellness, authentic living, personal healing, relationship podcast, psychology podcast, women’s mental health, reflection and growth, setting intentions 2026

What does it really mean when someone can’t handle discomfort, conflict, or emotional needs?In this solo episode of True Northing, Kristen explores the concept of low emotional capacity—how it forms, how it shows up in relationships, and why some people experience their partner’s needs as a threat rather than an invitation to connect.From a nervous system perspective, she breaks down how emotional capacity is shaped in childhood, often through subtle patterns like emotional neglect, chronic rushing, or having feelings minimized or avoided. We’ll look at how these early experiences can create adults who deflect, defend, or shut down when faced with discomfort.Using real-life parenting and sibling conflict examples, we examine how well-intentioned reactions can unintentionally teach people-pleasing, emotional suppression, and difficulty tolerating difference—and how to do it differently.This episode is about building the ability to:• Stay regulated when emotions arise• Hold your own needs without erasing someone else’s• Tolerate disagreement without abandoning yourself• Raise children (and become adults) with high emotional capacityBecause true growth isn’t about avoiding discomfort—it’s about learning how to stay with it.Resources:—Get clarity on WHY you attract certain partners and WHAT your relationship conflicts are actually about at interconnectedlove.com—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.comConnect with us!—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.Themes: emotional capacity, low emotional capacity men, high emotional capacity, relationship expectations, emotionally unavailable men, emotional maturity in men, why men shut down, men who can’t meet needs, overwhelmed partner, attachment styles in relationships, anxious avoidant dynamics, emotional regulation, relationship triggers, why he can’t follow through, emotional unavailability, dating advice for women, relationship psychology, trauma and capacity, how to communicate needs, inner child wounds, emotional resilience, dating emotionally immature men, relationship red flags, why he gets defensive, improving emotional capacity

In this episode, we dive deep into the difference between high emotional capacity and low emotional capacity in men—and how it silently shapes the entire relationship.We break down why some men can communicate, follow through, regulate their emotions, and show up consistently… while others shut down, get overwhelmed by their partner’s needs, make promises they can’t keep, or become easily triggered by normal relationship expectations.

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking:

“Are my expectations too high?”

“Why do I have to over-function just to keep the peace?”

“He says he wants to try, so why doesn’t anything change?”

…this episode will hit home.

We cover:

• What emotional capacity actually is

• How to tell if a partner is high or low capacity

• Why some men develop low emotional capacity (attachment patterns, upbringing, emotional neglect, etc.)

• Why women often end up compensating, caretaking, or minimizing their needs

• What a man can do to raise his emotional capacity

• What you can do if you’re with someone who can’t meet your needs

• How to stop internalizing his limitations as your “high expectations”

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has ever felt like they’re “too much” for a partner—when, in reality, the issue is capacity, not worthiness.

Resources:

—Get clarity on WHY you attract certain partners and WHAT your relationship conflicts are actually about at interconnectedlove.com

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

—Reel on low capacity men @youdeservereal.love: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRkD-d-je4Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: emotional capacity, low emotional capacity men, high emotional capacity, relationship expectations, emotionally unavailable men, emotional maturity in men, why men shut down, men who can’t meet needs, overwhelmed partner, attachment styles in relationships, anxious avoidant dynamics, emotional regulation, relationship triggers, why he can’t follow through, emotional unavailability, dating advice for women, relationship psychology, trauma and capacity, how to communicate needs, inner child wounds, emotional resilience, dating emotionally immature men, relationship red flags, why he gets defensive, improving emotional capacity

In this powerful conversation, Kristen and Allison explore the real dynamics beneath modern relationship tension—especially for strong, independent women who lead at work but crave softness and support at home.They unpack how childhood wounding can shape adult relationship roles, why women often struggle to transition out of “go mode,” and why many men unconsciously fall back into their feminine when their partner is already in the driver’s seat. You’ll hear insights on polarity, nervous system regulation, and how each partner can step into a healthier expression of both their masculine and feminine energies.Topics include:• Why high-achieving women struggle to soften and receive support• How masculine and feminine energy show up in the bedroom• What men really crave, and what women need to feel safe enough to soften• Emotional containment vs. emotional dumping• The difference between healthy feminine expression and the shadow feminine• How co-regulation and self-awareness keep relationships thriving• Why the quality of your relationships is the #1 predictor of your health and longevity• How to shift from “competition for control” to true partnershipThis episode is a deep dive into the energetics of love, connection, attraction, and balance. Whether you're in a relationship or seeking one, you’ll walk away with practical insights to create healthier, more nourishing connection—with yourself and with your partner.Resources:—Get clarity on WHY you attract certain partners and WHAT your relationship conflicts are actually about at interconnectedlove.com

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

—Learn more about John Wineland and his work at johnwineland.comConnect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.Themes: masculine energy, feminine energy, polarity in relationships, relationship dynamics, emotional regulation, healthy relationships, relationship tension, masculine feminine polarity, strong independent women, childhood wounding, nervous system regulation, self-awareness, modern relationships, relationship advice, relationship psychology, intimacy issues, co-regulation, gender roles, emotional healing, partnership balance

In this special episode, we shift from conversation to practice with a calming, heart-centered guided meditation created specifically for adolescent girls. Designed as a companion to Episodes 35–37, this meditation supports girls who are navigating the pressures, insecurities, and emotional changes of this developmental stage.

Parents can use this episode as a grounding tool to help their daughters:

✨ reconnect with their true, authentic essence
✨ feel safe, seen, and supported
✨ reduce overwhelm and self-doubt
✨ build inner confidence and emotional resilience

Whether listened to together or offered as a quiet moment of reflection, this practice gently guides teen girls back to themselves—helping them feel anchored, empowered, and understood.

This is a must-have resource for parents who want to strengthen connection, deepen communication, and nurture their daughter’s wellbeing from the inside out.

Resources:

—Discover you unique relationship blueprint and how you can start healing at interconnectedlove.com

—Shop LOAM for all things good for you and the Earth www.shoploam.com

Connect with us!

—Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: ⁠youtube.com/@truenorthing

—Follow our Podcast Instagram: Instagram.com/@truenorthingpodcast

—Have A Question You’d Like To Hear Answered on the Podcast? Send us a note to [email protected]  

Disclaimer: The content shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health concern. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

Themes: guided meditation for teen girls, meditation for adolescent girls, teen girl confidence, supporting teen daughters, adolescent development, authentic self meditation, emotional wellness for teens, mindful parenting tools, parenting adolescent girls, teen self-esteem support, connection with true self, meditation for teenage anxiety, teen empowerment, teen mental health support, guided meditation for youth, inner calm for teens, parent–daughter connection, developmental challenges for girls, mindfulness for adolescents, calming tools for teens