Are you holding yourself back in your relationship to keep the peace? This week on Who Do You Think You Are Talking To, we’re diving deep into the surprising ways couples self-sabotage, not out of malice or lack of love, but out of fear. Fear of growing apart, fear of leaving someone behind, fear of rocking the boat. And guess what? It’s way more common than you think.

I’m Jenny Maxwell, and in this episode, I’m talking about how your nervous system is working overtime to protect love, belonging, and connection, even if it means holding you back from the growth you deeply want. You’ll hear exactly how people-pleasing, micromanagement, and quiet self-sabotage sneak into relationships disguised as “compromise” and how we can start shifting those patterns today.

Here’s what we’re unpacking together:

• The real emotional root of self-sabotage in relationships (hint: it’s not laziness or lack of willpower)

• How fear of disconnection drives habits like over-accommodating, shrinking, or playing small

• Everyday examples across money, health, alcohol, and boundaries that will have you saying, “Oh wow, that’s me”

• How self-protection can quietly erode intimacy, even when your intentions are good

• A step-by-step reset plan to shift these patterns gently, starting with naming what’s happening

This one is close to my heart, because the truth is, many of us think we’re compromising when we’re actually self-abandoning. But there is a better way. You can grow and stay connected. You can honor your needs without losing the people you love. This episode shows you how.

Let’s reset together.

Resources mentioned:

• Free Pause + Reset Guide: How to move from trigger → pause → respond

Are you shrinking to keep the peace? Let’s talk about how silence teaches people how to treat us, and what we can do to change that. 

In this episode of Who Do You Think You Are Talking To, I’m sharing one of the most personal stories I’ve ever told on the podcast. It’s about a time I avoided conflict to stay likeable, and what that choice ended up teaching my kids about boundaries, self-worth, and staying silent.

We’re talking about what really happens when we don’t speak up, not just in the moment, but in the long-term patterns we create, especially in our families. I’ll walk you through how I processed a recent emotional trigger that took me right back to that old pattern, and how I used the tools I now teach to move through it with calm and clarity.

- How we unintentionally teach others our boundaries, by either reinforcing or abandoning them

- Why people-pleasing often shows up as parenting habits and peacekeeping behaviours

- What happens in the nervous system when we freeze or shut down

- The unspoken messages we send our kids when we stay quiet

- My own moment of reckoning and how I handled an unexpected trigger

- My favourite 5-5-7 breathing technique to calm your nervous system in real time

- One small, doable action step to start resetting those old habits today

This episode is about reclaiming your voice and your peace. If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself to avoid rocking the boat, or stayed silent to protect someone else’s comfort, this conversation will remind you that your feelings matter. And more importantly, that it’s never too late to change the story.

• Press Pause: A Simple Reset for People Pleasers – Free Guide

Feeling stuck and calling it lazy? It's not. Learn why procrastination is really self-protection, and how to break the cycle with one small step.

If your to-do list leaves you frozen and you find yourself cleaning toilets instead of taking action, this episode will shift your perspective on procrastination forever.

In this week’s episode of Who Do You Think You Are Talking To, we’re digging deep into the emotional weight behind avoidance. We’ll explore why your brain resists action, even on things you say you want, and how to shift from self-sabotage to self-support. This isn’t about “just do it.” It’s about learning how to lead yourself, one tiny, safe step at a time.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The real reason you procrastinate (spoiler: it’s not laziness)

• How fear masquerades as logic, and keeps you stuck

• Why motivation isn’t the starting point, but the result of movement

• Simple tools to interrupt avoidance and build momentum

• How to use anchors like sticky notes, breathwork, or physical objects to stay grounded

• Why perfectionism isn’t helping, and how to reframe your “what ifs”

• The emotional cost of the all-or-nothing mindset and how to shift it

This episode is your permission slip to pause the self-judgment and start showing up for yourself in a new way. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to interrupt procrastination, reset your nervous system, and take real, doable steps forward, no motivation required.

Resources & Mentions:

• Your Anytime Reset – 30 self-coaching prompts to help you get unstuck 
• Press Pause 
• Follow Who Do You Think You Are Talking To on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen
• If something in this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs it

Thinking about quitting your job, but scared of what’s next? This episode is your permission slip to trust your gut and pivot toward purpose.

This week, I’m talking to Lisa Foydell, a former finance executive who walked away from a six-figure corporate career to raise her kids, and later stepped into the nonprofit world, completely redefining what success looks like. Whether you're facing burnout, stuck in a job that drains you, or wondering if it’s too late to change paths, this episode will show you what’s possible when you stop ignoring your intuition.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to change careers after motherhood (even with a 12-year gap)

• The surprising emotional toll of “looking successful” but feeling lost

• Why trusting your gut is smarter than having a perfect plan

• The hidden cost of people-pleasing, burnout, and micromanagement

• What nonprofit work teaches us about empathy, ego, and real leadership

• Why so many people stay silent when they desperately need help, and how to break the shame spiral

• How to communicate without guilt, ask for support, and lead with compassion

Whether you’re navigating a career change, craving a deeper sense of purpose, or learning to put yourself back on the priority list, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start listening to what your gut already knows.

Resources & Links:

• Tri City Health Partnership / Resources
• Insatgram @TriCityHealthPartnership
• Donate:  https://tri-city-health-partnership.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/VZD2MNER
• The Gut Check Pause
• The Anytime Reset – 30 prompts to reset your energy

Stop Saying "I'm Fine", Here's What Silence Is Really Costing You If you’ve ever swallowed your feelings to avoid conflict, only to feel drained, resentful, or disconnected later… this episode is your permission to stop. Learn how to tell the truth, without blowing up, shutting down, or feeling guilty for needing space.

Don't miss the free Gut Check Pause tool, which will be sent straight to your inbox with my next newsletter, this Gut Check is your first step to calm, clear mornings and emotionally honest days: Sign up Now

In this episode of Who Do You Think You Are Talking To, I open up about what it looked like in my life to bottle things up. I break down how that silence affects every part of your life, from your energy to your relationships and what it takes to change the pattern. Whether you're the one shutting down or you're loving someone who is, you'll walk away with tools to show up differently.

Here’s what I cover in this episode:

• How people-pleasing and emotional suppression lead to burnout

• The sneaky ways resentment shows up when we don’t speak our truth

• Why rushing through your morning puts you straight into survival mode

• The ripple effect silence has on your relationships and health

• My simple 3-question Gut Check Pause to check in with yourself before reacting

• Real stories from clients who stopped spiraling and started setting boundaries

• How to lead with intention, so others can follow your calm

This episode is a call to stop pretending and start reconnecting, with yourself first. You don’t need permission to take up space or say how you really feel. Just a place to start. This is it.

Mentioned in this episode:

• The Gut Check Pause

• The Anytime Reset – 30 prompts to reset your energy

• Follow Who Do You Think You Are Talking To on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen

• If something in this episode resonated, share it with someone who needs it

Have you looked in the mirror lately and thought, “What happened to me?” You’re not alone, and you’re not broken. In this episode, I’m sharing how to meet those tough body image moments with compassion instead of shame.

This one’s personal. I’m taking you inside one of those dressing room moments, the kind where your body feels unfamiliar and your mind goes into overdrive. I got stuck in a dress (literally), but what happened next was a deeper emotional spiral I know many of you will relate to.

But instead of letting my inner critic run the show, I used what I teach in my coaching: pause, notice, and respond with love. If your body’s changed, if aging is stirring up old stories, if you’re navigating identity shifts—this episode is here to help you feel seen, supported, and stronger.

• The real story behind that dressing room breakdown

• How aging, identity, and grief often show up in our body image

• Why minimizing your pain doesn’t help (and what you can do instead)

• How to be there for someone else without rushing to fix it

• A simple, beautiful mirror practice you can start today

Each week, I send out a free coaching email, and this week, it comes with your Self-Love Checklist: gentle, supportive tools to help you shift your self-talk.  Sign up here

If you’re ready to take it further, I’ve created Your Anytime Reset, 30 comforting prompts you can turn to any time your emotions feel heavy. It’s like a warm hug in your inbox. 

Your Anytime Reset

If this resonated with you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend or left a quick review. Your words help more women find this space, and feel less alone.

Are You Letting Money Fears Drive Your Decisions? Here’s How to Shift from Scarcity to Empowerment

If money stress keeps you up at night, you are not alone, and this episode is for you.

Financial decisions driven by fear, guilt, or shame often lead us further from the peace and security we crave. Today, I’m joined by seasoned financial planner Frank Iozzo, who shares how to rewrite your money story with clarity, empathy, and strategy, no matter where you're starting from.

Frank grew up with financial instability, but instead of repeating the cycle, he made it his mission to create lasting stability for his family and for hundreds of clients. In this powerful conversation, we unpack the emotional roots of money decisions and explore what it really means to take control of your financial future - without judgment, shame, or overwhelm.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• How childhood experiences shape your relationship with money

• Why financial anxiety leads to avoidance, and what to do instead

• The truth about “not having enough” (even millionaires say it!)

• What makes a financial advisor truly trustworthy (and red flags to watch for)

• How to handle emotional spending and scarcity mindsets

• Why a basic spending review might be the most powerful thing you do today

• The difference between a goal and a plan, and how to build a future that reflects your values

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with someone in your life who could use a mindset shift around money. I’ve also created a free downloadable guide to help you take control of your finances starting today. The link is in the show notes—just my way of saying thank you for spreading the word.

Resources and links:

• Follow Frank Iozzo on LinkedIn

• Check out Frank's Website

• Download your free guide to take control of your money

Let’s trade that scarcity mindset for one of abundance and possibility. Until next time, my friend, have a good one and thanks for listening.

Micromanaging or People Pleasing? Why You Might Be Doing Both (and How to Stop)

If you're constantly swinging between taking control and keeping the peace, this episode is your wake-up call. Discover why micromanaging and people pleasing often show up together—and how to break free from both without guilt or burnout.

So many high-functioning, heart-led people don’t realise their overwhelm comes from trying to do too much and keep everyone happy. In this episode, Jenny breaks down the real reason behind these habits and shares a simple shift that helps you respond with confidence instead of reacting out of fear.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• The hidden fear that fuels both micromanaging and people pleasing

• Why controlling everything doesn’t create calm - it creates chaos

• How people pleasing is actually a form of covert control

• The personal and professional cost of overfunctioning for others

• The simple mindset shift that helps you say “no” without guilt

• Real-life examples that will have you nodding along (and maybe cringing too)

• One small habit to help you pause before you overcommit or overcorrect

If you’ve ever thought, “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done,” or caught yourself saying yes when you really meant no, this episode is here to help you shift the pattern. You’ll walk away with a new perspective, a powerful question to ask yourself, and a tiny but mighty tool that puts you back in the driver’s seat of your own life.

Resources mentioned:

• Free Video Guide #1: Press Pause - A Simple Reset for People Pleasers 

• Free Video Guide #2: Break Free from the Need To Control 

Both come with access to Jenny’s weekly newsletter packed with practical tools and free coaching straight to your inbox.

• Join my community for free coaching every Sunday: Click here to sign up

How Ireland’s #1 Magician Turned Childhood Shyness into a Career of Confidence, Creativity, and Courage

Ever wonder how someone goes from being painfully shy to performing for thousands on stage, and loving it?

In this episode, I sit down with Ireland’s number one magician, Joe Daly, who opens up about the moment magic found him at six years old and the inspiring, twist-filled journey that followed. If you’ve ever doubted your dreams or struggled with imposter syndrome, Joe’s story is the real-life plot twist you need to hear.

We speak about the emotional and practical side of pursuing a creative life, especially when the world tells you to take the “safe” path. Joe doesn’t just pull rabbits out of hats, he pulls wisdom from the hardest moments in life and shares it generously. Whether you're chasing a dream, rebuilding after disappointment, or just trying to find your voice again, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Joe overcame childhood shyness through the power of magic

• The moment a career guidance counsellor told him magic wasn't a “real job”—and how that fired him up even more

• What it really means to invest in yourself when no one else gets the vision

• How imposter syndrome showed up at the peak of his career and the one phrase that grounds him every time

• The devastating Vegas "almost" and how losing it all led him to something even better

• How collaboration and creative control can co-exist without burning out

• The daily mindset habit that helps Joe stay focused and inspired (yes, even after rejection)

Joe’s story is the perfect reminder that your path might not unfold the way you thought it would, but that doesn't mean it's not the right one.

Tune in to hear how resilience, risk-taking, and radical belief in yourself can change everything. This episode will leave you motivated, grounded, and ready to step into your own spotlight.

Connect with Joe:

• Joe on Instagram: @joe_thatmagician

• Joe's website: closeupmagician.ie | kidsmagician.ie

• Check out Joe's show, ‘Joe the Magician - Live’at the 3Olympia on Sunday, 18th May - LEARN MORE

• Also you can watch Joe’s show ‘Dizzy Deliveries’ weekdays on RTÉjr

FREE Mental Rehearsal 

• To get my free bonus mental rehearsal make sure you sign up to my weekly newsletter: Sign up here

If you’re exhausted from holding it all in, resentment, frustration, unspoken needs, this episode will show you how to stop bottling things up and start speaking with clarity, calm, and confidence. Whether your reactions come out as silence, sarcasm, people-pleasing, or late-night overthinking, it’s time to change the script.

This is the final part of our three-part series, The Cost of Staying Silent, and we’re going deep on how to shift from emotional suppression to self-expression, without blowing up, shutting down, or second-guessing everything you say.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t I just say what I mean?”, this episode gives you a simple method that can shift everything.

• Why bottling up your emotions keeps you stuck in resentment and self-doubt

• How quiet reactions (like avoidance and people-pleasing) drain your energy and damage your relationships

• The Trigger–Pause–Respond method: a simple, powerful tool for emotionally intelligent communication

• Real coaching stories that show how small shifts lead to big breakthroughs

• How to express what you actually need, even if you’ve been silent for years

• The reflection question that will unlock your emotional clarity

If you’re ready to stop saying “I’m fine” when you’re not, and start speaking up without fear or guilt, this episode will meet you right where you are, with honesty, tools, and a gentle nudge toward more peace and power in your everyday life.

Tune in now to learn how to honour your emotions, trust your voice, and protect your peace.

Resources & Links:

• Join my community for free coaching every Sunday: Click here to sign up

• Listen to Part 1 & Part 2 of The Cost of Staying Silent series
  • Episode 22. From Bottled Up to Blowing Up - The Cost of Staying Silent - Part 1
  • Episode 23. Why Work Resentment Is Draining Your Life - The Cost of Staying Silent - Part 2