True Vine Talks

So many people ask, “Why do I keep attracting the wrong people?!” What if attraction isn’t the real issue at all?

In this episode, we unpack a powerful (and often misunderstood) idea: it’s not about who you attract—it’s about who you give your emotional and relational access to. Drawing from attachment theory, we explore how early experiences quietly teach us that connection is earned through availability, emotional labor, proximity, or overfunctioning—and how those patterns can lead to relationships in which your access is taken for granted or even exploited.

In Part 2 of this mini-series, we explore the connection between the fawn response and complex PTSD. This episode examines how fawning develops as a survival strategy in environments where safety depends on appeasing others, remaining small, or avoiding conflict. Together, we’ll unpack why the nervous system learns this response—and why it can be so hard to let go.

This first episode of our three-part mini-series explores the fawn response: what it is, how it develops, and why it exists. We discuss its roots in trauma and nervous system survival, along with real-life examples of how fawning can show up in relationships, work, and daily interactions.

In this episode, with guest and colleague, Hannah Eastman, we explore a question many counselors are asking: Where has distress tolerance gone for Gen Z? We dive into the patterns we’re seeing in the therapy room and the cultural forces that may have shaped this shift. We discuss the rise of snowplow parenting, what it means to grow up as true digital natives, the intense fear of failure many young adults carry, and how constant screen use can numb emotions instead of helping process them. Together, we reflect on the pressures, patterns, and environments that may have contributed to Gen Z’s struggle to cope with everyday stress—offering a compassionate, curiosity-driven conversation about a complex issue.

In this Movember episode, we’re taking a closer look at men’s mental health and the silent expectations that often shape their emotional lives. From being the “strong one” who never breaks to the provider who puts everyone else first, men are often taught to suppress their emotions and hide their needs. We explore how these cultural pressures contribute to loneliness, burnout, and disconnection—and how creating space for vulnerability can change everything.

How can you be sure you are protecting your peace versus holding onto resentment? In this episode, we discuss the difference between setting boundaries with love and holding grudges with bitterness. We’ll explore how intention shapes the outcome—and why boundaries are rooted in self-respect, not revenge.

Many relationships look “stable” from the outside—consistent, predictable, maybe even long-lasting. But stability doesn’t always mean a relationship is healthy. In this episode, Linda and Rachel unpack the differences between simply maintaining a stable bond and actually cultivating a secure connection. We’ll explore what true security looks like and why moving beyond stability is key to creating the kind of partnership where both people can truly thrive.

In this episode, we explore how allowing natural consequences to unfold can serve as powerful boundaries that protect your peace. Learn why stepping back, letting people face the results of their choices, and resisting the urge to fix everything isn’t cold—it’s caring. Tune in for practical insights on maintaining your sanity, preserving your energy, and embracing the lessons life naturally provides.

If you’ve been curious about inner child work but don’t know where to begin, this episode is your starting point. We’ll guide you through simple, approachable ways to meet your inner child—the often-forgotten part of you that still carries old pain. You’ll learn how to visualize this part of yourself, begin nurturing it with compassion, and take the first steps toward building self-trust. By showing up for your inner child, you can start living more authentically and in alignment with your values.

Growing up with a narcissistic parent can leave deep, confusing wounds. In this episode, we talk about how to begin healing—from validating your own story, to setting boundaries, to caring for the child within you who still longs for the love you didn’t receive. We also hold space for the quiet grief of letting go of the relationship you hoped for, but may never have. This conversation is an invitation to begin coming home to yourself with compassion, clarity, and hope.