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You know that reflex where someone starts telling you about their awful day, and before you even realize what’s happening, you’re already three steps ahead trying to solve it for them? Same. Which is why talking to therapist and Yale instructor Leah Marone felt like someone gently holding up a mirror and saying, Honey, look.

Leah’s book Serial Fixer unpacks exactly why so many of us leap into rescue mode even when nobody asked. And it’s not because we’re Mother Teresa. It’s usually anxiety, overfunctioning, a desperate need for harmony, or an old story we picked up somewhere along the way that says if everyone else is okay, then I’m okay.

We get into the three types of fixers and I swear I saw myself in every one. Leah explains why giving advice too quickly, anticipating needs, and being “the glue” in every system slowly erodes our sense of self and keeps us out of true connection. We also talk about resentment, internal critics, and those sneaky moments when we center ourselves in someone else’s problem without meaning to.

My favorite part is how simple the solution can be. Validating before solving. Pausing before taking the bait. Letting people feel the consequences of their choices. And actually checking in with yourself instead of running around on emotional autopilot. Leah also shares how to handle those internal battles between the part of you that wants to do everything and the part that is exhausted and wants to hide under a blanket forever.

If you’ve ever been called the helper, the dependable one, or the person who magically keeps life functional for everyone else, this episode is basically a warm permission slip to stop carrying the world.

What’s Inside:

• The three types of serial fixers
• Why helping can quietly shift into control
• How to support without swooping in
• Practical shifts to reduce guilt and resentment

So here’s the real question. Whose life are you actually trying to keep glued together and what would happen if you stopped for a second? Imagine redirecting all that fixer energy into something that expands your own life instead of managing everyone else’s. What would feel possible then?

I want to hear from you. Come tell me on Instagram what you’re ready to stop fixing and what you’re finally choosing for yourself instead.

Mentioned in This Episode:
Leah Marone
Serial Fixer
Oonagh Duncan on Instagram
Fit Feels Good
Leave me a voice note on Speak Pipe!
Goal Setting Workshop