The holidays can be stressful, but what if we shifted our focus to finding the little joys in life? In our final mini-episode of the season, we explore how to chase, find, and savor those joyful nuggets that make life sweeter—whether it's a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a warm hug, or a deep connection with someone you love. Join us for an honest, playful, and heartwarming conversation about creating more joy, even when life feels heavy.

Episode Highlights:
[1:43] - Why it’s hard for some to find joy and how intentionality changes everything.
[2:31] - How small sensory pleasures like coffee, hot showers, and morning runs keep Laura grounded and joyful.
[5:21] - The power of meaningful relationships, deep conversations, and shared moments of vulnerability.
[10:09] - The importance of letting loose, embracing fun, and finding freedom in the little things.
[12:47] - How mindfulness, humor, and gratitude transform the mundane into magic.
[19:42] - A simple tool for keeping perspective and reducing frustration when life gets stressful.
[21:23] - A reminder to live true to yourself and prioritize what really matters.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!
If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned—Season 3 launches on January 8, 2025!

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to exhaustion. In this episode, we share our personal takes on navigating holiday stress, family dynamics, and the pressure to meet societal expectations. Fresh off our podcast trip to Delray Beach, Florida, we reflect on the importance of bite-sized joy, balancing traditions, and the struggles of managing festive obligations. If you're feeling the weight of the season, this conversation will resonate deeply. Join us as we unpack everything from decorating woes to finding gratitude amidst the chaos.

Expect laughter, honest moments, and practical tips to help you find peace and joy during the holidays. This episode is your guide to a more mindful and intentional season.

Episode Highlights:
[0:03] - Reminiscing about our recent podcast trip to Delray Beach.
[3:13] - Holiday decorating dilemmas: Why putting up ornaments feels more like a chore this year.
[7:09] - The pressures of "forced joy" during the holidays and longing for a reset.
[16:04] - Dreaming of an ideal holiday getaway: Exploring the balance between relaxation and adventure.
[27:07] - Alternate career dreams: From museum curator to Dateline investigator.
[35:10] - Exploring societal anger and the intriguing case of the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder.
[40:13] - How gratitude practices and "brain rot" TV marathons can coexist during the holidays.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

We’re back with a special holiday-themed minisode series! While today’s conversation isn’t centered on the holidays, we dive into meaningful topics that will resonate with anyone navigating midlife, health, and self-care. This week, we reflect on gratitude, personal growth, and takeaways from an incredible women’s health summit we attended. Whether it’s about dealing with holiday stress or embracing life’s challenges, we’re here to share insights and invite your questions. Plus, don’t miss our discussion on perimenopause, menopause, and why understanding your health is the ultimate gift to yourself.

Episode Highlights
[0:59] - Colette and Laura share their Thanksgiving recaps and the art of embracing rejection.
[5:00] - How visualization and positive thinking can guide personal growth and resilience.
[10:43] - Key takeaways from the Women’s Health Summit: the truth about menopause, hormone therapy, and why muscle mass matters.
[15:30] - The risks of ignoring perimenopause and why women’s health research is so vital.
[21:40] - Building better fitness habits: heavy lifting, brisk walking, and redefining self-care.
[26:55] - How mindset can make midlife the most vibrant chapter of your life.

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!
If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

The holiday season is here, and with it comes joy, challenges, and plenty of stress. In this special episode we tackle the big issues that make the holidays overwhelming—from managing expectations and setting boundaries to dealing with financial stress and navigating family dynamics. We share our candid personal stories and practical strategies to help you stay grounded, embrace self-care, and survive (or even thrive!) this holiday season.

Episode Highlights:
[2:45] – Stressful moments as parents during the holidays: when the magic of Christmas becomes all work.
[4:12] – Colette shares her story of a solo Christmas and the importance of reframing loneliness.
[7:08] – Why opting out of traditional holiday expectations can be liberating.
[9:16] – Handling family dynamics and setting boundaries for visits.
[14:47] – Letting go of people-pleasing and prioritizing your own well-being.
[20:47] – Parenting through the holidays: supporting grown kids without guilt or pressure.
[24:13] – Navigating tricky family conversations around politics and other hot-button issues.
[28:03] – How to balance indulgence with self-care during the holiday season.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we’re thrilled to sit down with the amazing Jen Bisbee, Executive Producer of the upcoming documentary “What Hugh Knew” and owner of the renowned PR firm, Bisbee and Co. Jen shares her journey of discovering the profound importance of human connection, both through her film and personal experiences. We dive into how technology has shifted our relationships, especially for teens, and explore the balance between the digital and real world. Plus, we get an inside look at the inspiration behind her powerful documentary, which has been 40 years in the making and celebrates community, friendship, and living life authentically offline. Trust us, you’ll want to hear Jen’s insights on how to reconnect in today’s tech-obsessed world.

If you’ve ever felt the tug between staying connected online and nurturing real-life relationships, this episode will speak to you. Jen offers thoughtful tips on digital wellness and shares stories that remind us all of the joy that comes from simply being together. Whether you’re raising teens in the social media age or just seeking more balance in your life, this conversation will inspire you to rethink how you connect.

Episode Highlights:
[00:00] - Introduction: Welcoming Jen Bisbee and the story behind her journey into filmmaking and PR.
[1:43] - What “What Hugh Knew” is all about: Exploring human connection, friendship, and balance in the digital age.
[5:25] - The lasting power of traditions: Celebrating 40 years of the Hugh Shaw Memorial Surf Classic.
[7:27] - How technology is impacting teens: Jen shares alarming statistics about social media use and mental health in teens.
[11:12] - Finding balance: The importance of digital wellness and setting boundaries with technology.
[17:36] - Practical tips for reconnecting offline: Jen offers suggestions for disconnecting and finding real-life moments of joy.
[25:14] - The impact of polarized media: How technology has shifted the way we consume news and connect with different viewpoints.
[35:19] - The heart of What Hugh Knew: Jen reflects on the film’s central message about community and human connection.

Resources:
For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

Hey, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of Insights from the Couch! We are thrilled to have the incredible Jacqueline Whitmore with us today. Jacqueline is America’s foremost etiquette expert, author, and certified speaking professional. In this episode, we explore the importance of professional presence, intentionality in your career, and how to navigate pivotal transitions. Jacqueline shares her journey from hospitality marketing to becoming a leading voice in etiquette, offering valuable insights on building confidence, developing your personal brand, and mastering the art of making others feel comfortable. Tune in for a conversation that is as enlightening as it is empowering!

Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Welcome and introduction of guest Jacqueline Whitmore, etiquette expert and author.
[1:11] - Professional success must be intentional. Jacqueline shares why.
[3:50] - The importance of planning and setting goals, especially for women moving into leadership roles.
[5:48] - Defining etiquette and why it’s about making others feel comfortable, not just manners. [8:10] - Transitioning careers and how to take those first steps, including finding a mentor and continuing education.
[12:01] - Building confidence through trial and error, and why failure doesn’t define you.
[16:00] - The challenges women face with confidence, especially in high-paying jobs and leadership roles.
[19:24] - Communicating assertively while staying poised and maintaining professionalism.
[25:12] - How to control your emotions in high-pressure situations and become a respected leader.
[30:12] - Breaking out of your comfort zone: Why you need to challenge yourself to grow.
[31:20] - Acknowledging the importance of mentorship and relationship-building in your career. [34:49] - Networking tips: How introverts and ambiverts can excel at making meaningful connections.
[38:38] - Final reflections on living "above the line" with intentionality in your professional life.

Resources:
Jacqueline Whitmore’s website: https://etiquetteexpert.com/

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we are back with Vanessa Reiser for part two of our deep dive into narcissistic abuse. We continue unpacking the signs, behaviors, and long-term effects of dealing with narcissists, including the devastating post-separation abuse that often follows the end of these toxic relationships. Vanessa explains key terms like gaslighting, hoovering, and supply, providing listeners with practical tips on how to recognize and protect themselves from narcissistic behaviors.

Vanessa also offers valuable insight into what recovery looks like—how to escape, heal, and rebuild your life after enduring this form of psychological manipulation. If you’ve ever struggled in a relationship with a narcissist or suspect someone in your life might be manipulating you, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll walk away feeling empowered and ready to reclaim your life.

Episode Highlights:
[1:39] - Understanding key terms like gaslighting, hoovering, and narcissistic supply.
[6:00] - What is hoovering? Why narcissists come back, and how to protect yourself.
[7:45] - What happens when you cause "narcissistic injury"? The risks of confronting a narcissist.
[10:40] - Can you neutralize a narcissist in a relationship if you can’t leave? Practical advice.
[12:01] - How to safely get out of a relationship with a narcissist: Tips for planning your exit.
[14:01] - Minimizing contact and communication with a narcissist when planning to leave.
[19:29] - Encouraging your children to think independently to avoid narcissistic relationships.
[21:42] - First steps in emotional healing after leaving a narcissist.
[24:13] - Finding the right therapist or coach for support and how to protect yourself legally.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we dive into the complex world of narcissistic abuse with the incredible Vanessa Reiser, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in narcissistic and cult abuse. Together, we explore what it’s really like to experience this insidious form of domestic violence, how to identify narcissistic behaviors early on, and the warning signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Vanessa shares her personal story of surviving narcissistic abuse, shedding light on the psychological manipulation that victims face and the steps they can take to heal and escape.

This episode is packed with insights on understanding narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), the difference between someone acting narcissistically versus having NPD, and the trauma bonds that make it so difficult for victims to break free. Whether you're dealing with a narcissist in your life or just curious about the subject, this episode will open your eyes to the tactics used by these master manipulators and the hope that lies in recovery.

Episode Highlights:
[3:10] - Vanessa’s personal journey: From working in the Bronx to becoming an advocate for domestic violence survivors.
[6:10] - What is narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and how does it differ from narcissistic behavior?
[9:22] - Red flags to watch for in a relationship: Love bombing, superficial charm, and fast-moving affection.
[12:46] - How long can a narcissist hold their mask before revealing their true self?
[15:33] - The dangerous cycle of abuse and why victims struggle to leave.
[18:25] - The role of intermittent reinforcement and how victims become addicted to the narcissist’s approval.
[22:16] - The biological and psychological factors that drive narcissistic behavior.

Resources:

For more on this topic visit our website insightsfromthecouch.org If you have questions please email us at info@insightsfromthecouch.org we would love to hear from you!

If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here’s to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. Stay tuned for more!