In this episode of Woman To Woman, hosts Angela Burnette Smith and Lauren Smith Kenion give advice for enhancing communication styles and avoiding toxic patterns. They discuss renowned relationship expert John Gottman's 'Four Horsemen' – criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling – that predict divorce with a high accuracy rate. By offering real-life examples and biblical references, they explore how to address issues constructively and maintain a healthy relationship dynamic. Key takeaways include strategies for effective communication, importance of positive interactions, and practical scripture-based advice.

00:00 Introduction to Woman To Woman

01:34 Understanding Toxic Communication Styles

01:43 The Four Horsemen of Relationship Apocalypse

02:23 Criticism: The First Horseman

04:45 Contempt: The Second Horseman

08:32 Defensiveness: The Third Horseman

10:49 Stonewalling: The Fourth Horseman

16:04 Balancing Emotions and Spiritual Walk

17:59 The Struggle with Sin and Finding Help in Christ

18:20 Taking Ownership and Acting with the Spirit

18:40 Engaging in Conversations with Wisdom

19:54 Helpful Communication Strategies from Scripture

21:28 The Power of Words and Accountability

22:12 Proverbs on Communication

26:33 Practical Communication Principles

33:39 Final Thoughts and Blessings

In this episode of 'Woman To Woman,' host Angela Burnette Smith and her daughter Lauren Smith Kenion discuss the vital topic of communication. They delve into the differences and similarities in communication styles between genders, emphasizing how personality, upbringing, and technology influence our ability to connect with others. They explore key insights from the book 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus,' examining different emotional needs, stress handling, and the importance of validating each other's feelings. Stay tuned for valuable tips on how to avoid toxic communication styles in relationships.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Introduction

01:36 The Importance of Communication

02:57 Generational Differences in Communication

06:08 Personal Experiences with Communication

09:06 Communication with Partners

11:29 Gender Differences in Communication

16:05 Examples of Misunderstandings

21:47 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of Woman to Woman, host Angela Smith and her co-host daughter, Lauren, focus on Men's Mental Health. Inspired by Men's Mental Health Month in June, the discussion addresses the significance of mental health issues among men, including alarming statistics and the stigmas that discourage men from seeking help. The conversation highlights signs of mental health struggles specific to men, explores societal pressures, and provides practical management strategies. The episode also emphasizes the vital role women can play in supporting men's mental health by fostering open, non-judgmental communication and encouraging balanced living. The hosts offer spiritual encouragement and remind listeners that help is available through various resources, including healthcare providers, pastoral counseling, and crisis hotlines.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Greetings

Host: Angela Smith 
Co-Host:  Lauren Smith Kenyon 
Special Guest: Lourdes DuBose

Introduction
- Episode Topic: Exploring self-worth, identity, and the impact of culture on women's perception of themselves.
- Special Focus: The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by women in different generations in cultivating a healthy self-image amidst societal pressures.

Segment Highlights

1. Toxic Cultural Messages: Angela discusses how contemporary culture often emphasizes external appearances, neglecting internal character development. She stresses the need for a balance between external and internal self-care.

2. Guest Introduction: Lourdes DuBose, a 17-year-old freshman at Duke University, joins the conversation. She shares her achievements and interests, including piano, cooking, and her academic pursuits.

3. Generational Perspectives on Self-Worth:**
   - Gen Z (Lourdes): Reflects on the benefits of limited social media exposure during adolescence and the impact of social media filters and unrealistic standards on self-esteem.
   - Millennials (Lauren): Discusses the evolution of beauty standards over time and the influence of social media and entertainment on body image.
   - Baby Boomers (Angela): Offers insights into the absence of technology in earlier years and the subsequent lesser impact of social media on self-worth.

4. Fashion and Style: The hosts and the guests differentiate between fashionable (trend-dependent) and stylish (personal expression). They reflect on how one's upbringing and exposure influence their fashion choices.

5. Comparisons and Influences: The conversation highlights the dangers of comparison in shaping self-image. They discuss how men and women differ in their approach to comparison, with men focusing more on achievements and women on physical appearance.

Closing Remarks
- Angela emphasizes choosing direction over distraction and avoiding comparisons.
- The episode concludes with a teaser for Part 2, promising solutions for maintaining a healthy self-image.

Host: Angela Smith
Co-Host: Lauren Smith Kenyon
Special Guest: Lourdes DuBose

- Angela introduces the episode as part two of a discussion on identity, self-worth, and toxic beauty, encouraging listeners to check out part one for context.
- The episode aims to transition from identifying challenges to exploring solutions for maintaining a healthy self-image.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Angela, drawing from her background as a Bible teacher, emphasizes the importance of understanding our creation in God's image, as described in Genesis. She highlights qualities like holiness, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.

2. The conversation touches upon differing beliefs about creation, with Angela advocating for viewing oneself through the lens of biblical teachings.

3. The hosts and guests discuss the impact of technology and social media on self-esteem, particularly among younger generations. They explore the importance of balance in using technology and being present in the moment.

4. There's a focus on the consistent nature of God amidst changing societal and generational norms. The hosts encourage listeners to base their self-image on what God says about them rather than societal standards.

5. The episode delves into specific biblical verses that affirm self-worth and God’s love, such as Psalm 139:14, Zechariah 2:8-9, and 2 Timothy 1:7.

6. Discussions highlight the danger of seeking validation and self-worth from social media and the importance of discerning whose opinions and perspectives to value.

7. The episode concludes with a call to embrace one's identity and self-worth as created by God, emphasizing that individuals are "enough" as they are and encouraging listeners to reflect God's nature in their lives.

- Angela closes the episode with an affirmation of self-worth and an invitation for listeners to join in future episodes.

Overview of the purpose of the Woman2Woman podcast: To provide a transformational platform for both young and mature women, to bridge the gap between generations by facilitating meaningful dialogue, and to provide a safe space for discussing complex issues.

• Lauren's reflection on growing up in a household where open dialogue was encouraged:
• It equipped her with practical communication skills and a sense of fearlessness in asking difficult questions.
• It shaped her relationship with God, allowing her to have candid conversations with Him.
• Angela and Lauren acknowledge that not everyone is privileged to such open dialogue.
• They see a growing division between generations, which is part of their inspiration for this podcast.
• They state their reliance on their faith and the word of God in providing solutions to the issues discussed.
• Angela shares the origin of the podcast's name from the teachings of the Apostle Paul in the book of Titus, emphasizing the importance of mature women guiding younger women.
• They express concern about the younger generation's reliance on digital resources over one-on-one counsel from older women.
• Lauren observes changes in family dynamics that may affect communication within families, such as divided households or parents working multiple jobs.
• Angela and Lauren share their backgrounds:
  • Angela: A 60-year-old woman with 37 years of marriage, a mother of two, and a grandmother.
  • Lauren: A 30-year-old woman, a wife of nine years, mother to a four-year-old boy, licensed esthetician, and passionate about helping people.
• Angela brings a perspective on practical challenges like caring for children or grandchildren and aging parents.
  • Angela has been a Bible teacher for 25 years and an ordained pastor with a deep love for God and people.
  • She is a retired physician assistant who practiced medicine in North Carolina for 33 years. Her last 20 years of practice were primarily in women's health, especially prenatal health.
  • Angela's approach to medical practice is holistic. She is inspired by the World Health Organization's definition of health: a state of complete physical, mental, and emotional well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
  • She incorporated spirituality into this definition, acknowledging physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health interconnectedness.
  • Angela believes that whole-person care can lead to true healing and health.
• Both hosts agree that mental health is a crucial topic for their podcast, particularly discussing it from a woman's perspective because women experience mental health differently.
• They discuss the impact of hormones on women's mental health and plan to explore this topic further.
• They aim to cover various topics: physical health, essential screenings for women, work-life balance, money management, relationships, marriage, and family.
• The hosts believe in the value of shared experiences. Learning from someone else's experiences can be a blessing.
• They hope sharing their lives will help their audience realize they are real women dealing with real issues.
• The hosts emphasize the importance of women supporting each other rather than comparing or being jealous.
• They encourage embracing individuality and appreciating the unique "masterpieces" that God has created in each person.
• Future episodes of the Woman2Woman podcast will be informational, inspirational, and a safe, judgment-free space.
• They aim to bridge generational gaps and celebrate differences among women.
• Angela and Lauren thank their audience and encourage them to stay tuned for future episodes.