PSYCHO THERAPIST

EPISODE 120: UPDATE FROM RENEE!

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0400

WE'RE BAAAA-AAAAAACK!

Well, almost. For now, Renée is back with an update. And, as with all episodes in which Renée is the guest, this one is unplanned, unedited, and a little unhinged. It's exactly what you're used to!

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EPISODE 119: RENEE

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

You know the drill: unplanned, unscripted, a bit unhinged. Renée has big news about some big changes. We'll let her explain...

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EPISODE 118: CLAIRE

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Claire found a glass pipe at home when she was 10 years old and brought it to school. At that age, she had no frame of reference for her parents' addictions. "When other people were like, 'Dude, what's your mom on?' it really started to sink in," she explained to Renée. The violence and instability at home led Claire to a lot of risky behavior as an adolescent, and at 16 she was a pregnant high school sophomore. Spoiler alert: Claire is now married to a supportive partner; she found her career passion; she has a beautiful relationship with her two teenage kids. How did she get there? Well, as you can imagine, there is quite a story in between, and Claire is great at telling it; she is smart, energetic, funny, and vulnerable...everything we could want in a guest! Her openness and intelligence make it easy for Renée to get in there and sort through the clinical content. Claire has done a lot of healing work already and is better than most at self-care, so she is understandably flummoxed by an uptick in her CPTSD symptoms. They talk moms, marriage, money, movement, and more as Renée explains Claire's recent symptom surge, outlines the steps to resolving it, and sneaks in a last minute conversation about the dangers of "self discipline." Plus, she answers a listener question about cheating in the intro!

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EPISODE 117: LJ

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 03:00:00 -0400

"Things started to get hard...when I realized there were beauty standards," LJ told Renée. LJ was adopted from South Korea by when she was 6 months old. Growing up in Vermont, she found herself paradoxically situated between the progressive political spirit of the Northeast and its pervasive, problematic whiteness. LJ is a mental health counselor and smart as a whip, so she is able to explain beautifully the complicated intersections of her racial and sexual identity development. As she does, she and Renée discuss everything from fetishization to white fragility to how the state of Vermont is "inherently queer." LJ makes so many fascinating points that Renée almost forgets she is supposed to help her! Specifically, LJ came to the show wondering how to assert herself in conversations with invalidating friends and family; she is struggling to break the codependent pattern of worrying more about the other person's comfort than she does about herself. There are a lot of layers for Renée to cut through on the way to LJ's answer, and cut through them she does! The path is a little more abstract and nuanced than usual, which gets Renée even more excited than usual, leading to an ending that is just as exciting as usual. This one is heady in the best possible way.

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EPISODE 116: MEGAN

Wed, 28 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Megan's earliest memory is of being abused, and that abuse remained a defining feature of her childhood, along with significant neglect. She spent part of her childhood in foster homes, part with her grandparents, and part navigating her mother's mental illness and addiction. Her history is so traumatic that Renée can barely control her reactions (and, you know, she barely tries), but Megan is remarkably resilient and ready to sort out the horrors of her upbringing and the abusive relationships that followed. In the process, she and Renée discuss neurodivergence, intergenerational trauma, fragile egos, addiction, childbirth, and more - and somehow they do a lot of laughing. Megan has so much content, and she delivers it with stunning cycle-breaker spirit, making it that much easier for Renée to map out her path to healing. There is a lot to chew on in this one, and it leads to a gloriously happy ending. Plus, Renée answers some listener questions in the intro!

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EPISODE 115: IMANI

Wed, 21 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Imani came to the show to talk about America's favorite symptom: anxiety. In the last few months, the anxiety that Imani has suffered since middle school has increased significantly, and she has no idea why. The question is particularly tricky because Imani has much less content than our usual guest. Renée is up for the challenge, though! She investigates, combing through Imani's childhood and adolescence, ultimately separating her functional anxiety from her dysfunctional anxiety, her trauma from her stress, and her physiological symptoms from her psychological symptoms. By the end, Imani has a comprehensive plan for resolving her layers of distress. If you need a refresher course on anxiety, this is the episode for you. Plus, Renée delivers a new chapter of The Rodent Chronicles in the intro!

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EPISODE 114: MIKE

Wed, 14 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

The laughter starts at the very beginning this week. Mike is a brilliant storyteller with a particularly compelling voice, and he makes Renée laugh - a lot. But don't let his buoyant humor fool you: Mike has been through it. "I would just sit at home and cry," he explains of the long stretches of time in his life when he has been lost in emotional pain. To make matters more difficult, Mike cannot pinpoint the exact source of his distress. He and Renée sort through the delusions, depressions, and difficulties that have defined his three decades of life and find that there is likely a complicated knot of childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, and neurological injury that led to Mike's unusual symptoms - and ultimately to his psychotic break. They talk masculinity, mania, mushrooms, dreams, diagnoses, and more while Renée organizes Mike's experiences and symptoms, finally pulling it all together into a unique formulation. This one is different in the best possible way, thanks largely to Mike's engaging personality, beautiful candor, and excellent insight. Plus, Renée makes an exciting announcement in the intro and answers some listener questions about trauma and memory. This one is equal parts learning and laughter, just the way we like it.

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EPISODE 113: HANNAH

Wed, 07 May 2025 03:00:00 -0400

When Hannah was seven months old, her parents sent her to live with a foster mother, and it would be four years before she was reunited with her family. The strangest part about this is that it wasn't strange at all; at the time, this was a common arrangement for Nigerian families in the UK. Hannah's story continues to be unpredictable and unique: she went from military school and the Merchant Marines to earning an MFA in Creative Writing and hosting a cannabis literary club. She comes to the show because she wants to stop making herself smaller for others' comfort. Hannah's intelligence, drive, and self-possession are abundantly clear when she talks - so what's going on? As Renée searches for the source of Hannah's discomfort, it becomes clear that there is much more trauma in Hannah's story than is immediately evident. They sort through the layers of familial, cultural, and racial variables to isolate the trauma strands and identify the pieces that are blocking Hannah's growth, ultimately identifying the healing tools and wellness strategies that will uncover Hannah's voice. And then just when it seems like the conversation is over, Hannah brings some fabulous last-minute content; they talk sleep hygiene, the 7 types of rest, revenge procrastination, burnout, activism, and more. Plus, Renée talks about moving, depression, and mice - yes, mice - in the intro. This one is all over the place, in the best possible way.

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EPISODE 111: PAIGE

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

This episode talks in detail about rape.

"I've actually been really scared to talk about these things," Paige told Renée as she started to tell her story and lose her breath. Paige had a relatively happy childhood and an appropriately "boy crazy" adolescence. Unfortunately, her first boyfriend was so abusive and controlling that, until recently, she kept the details of the five-year relationship buried far away from her consciousness. Now a happily married, 32 year-old mother of three, Paige finds herself suddenly overcome by the trauma - memories, feelings, all of it -- and she has come to the show hoping Renée can help her stabilize. Her story is intense and it was hard for her to tell it, but her bravery is stunning. Renée helps Paige understand her intense symptoms and new triggers, and by the end Paige not only has her breath back, but she also has hope and a plan.

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EPISODE 110: CHAD

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

"It's an abusive relationship sometimes," Chad told Renée. He wasn't talking about his love life - he was talking about his job. Chad, who brings equal parts strength and sensitivity to the conversation (not to mention a seriously soothing voice), works as a 911 Dispatcher, and, as he explains, he often wants out but just can't leave. This relationship with his job is a big part of the reason Chad has come to the show; he is hoping Renée can help him let go of the stress he carries not only because his job is inherently stressful, but also because he puts so much pressure on himself. Having a job that demands hypervigilance makes it extra tricky to manage stress, but Renée is up for the challenge. She and Chad sort out the intersections of his childhood trauma and his current stress situation and develop a solid plan for salvaging his nervous system. As it turns out, this is a little more complicated than work stress, and Chad uncovers new layers and makes new connections right up until the very end of the conversation. But before they get into it, Renée has a story to tell. So much so that the intro is long enough to be its own episode. And we thought about making it an entirely separate episode. Instead, we are giving you one big juicy one. Muah!

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EPISODE 109: JESS

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Jess was raised in the Mormon church and was a perfectly happy child - until she was sexually assaulted by two neighbors at 11 years old. Even at that young age, she had the self-possession to report the incident, only to be told by the church that the assault was her fault. This was the origin of Jess's "bad picker," as she calls it; she found herself drawn to abusive relationships before extricating herself from the church and its dogma. The journey from oppression to autonomy was dynamic and deeply difficult, and, Jess is ready to share the whole story. She has done a lot of healing work already, and her strength and smarts shine at every turn. Still, despite her remarkable resilience, she continues to struggle with the symptoms of CPTSD, and she comes to the show hoping Renée can provide the elusive layer of healing that will finally free her. Renée can, but not before Jess takes us through a ton of trauma twists and turns. Religion, relationships, suicide, sexuality, body image, babies, and more: all leading up to a beautifully happy ending.

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EPISODE 108: CHRIS

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Chris had a happy childhood. He has an aspirational marriage. He loves his job. So what the hell is he doing on the show? Well, Chris had a happy childhood, but his brother did not, and this difference has strained their relationship to near estrangement - and that is what Chris is doing on the show. Not only does he want help navigating the conflict with his brother, but he also wants to protect the relationships he has with his brother's kids - without betraying his own boundaries. Fortunately for Chris, Renée loves few things more than analyzing messy family dynamics and talking about B-B-B-B-B-Boundaries. They dig in deep and get it all sorted. Plus, Renée answers a juicy listener question in the intro. Siblings, spirituality, personality disorders, energetic boundaries, near death experiences: this one has a little something for everyone!

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EPISODE 107: TATIANA

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

"I remember dieting a lot," Tatiana explained to Renée about her childhood, recalling that her mother regularly told her "You'd look prettier if you lost twenty pounds." Her mother's constant criticism corrupted not only Tatiana's relationship with food but also her relationships in general - with herself, with partners, with her body. Tatiana is startlingly wise for her age; her insight, intelligence, and vulnerability make her story even more compelling, and the content is compelling enough on its own: mothers, eating disorders, body image, alcohol, adderall, abandonment, codependency, boundaries, depression, medication, love bombing, and that's not all. Tatiana has a specific question for Renée that doesn't emerge until more than halfway through their conversation: Why is her body rejecting her current partner? And this is where things get extra juicy. Renée helps Tatiana sort out the many layers of her current experience, and by the end Tatiana has a cohesive and empowered narrative, new hope, and a plan.

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EPISODE 106: REAL TALK WITH RENEE

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

Hey everyone; this is Renée. The first thing you need to know about this week's episode is that it's not a real episode. It's a long-form placeholder. There was a bit of a disaster with tonight's episode (hint: the disaster's name starts with R and hosts the show), and you know there is no way I was going to skip a week of content without at least letting you know what's going on. So this was intended to be a brief explanation, but as usual I kept talking. If you are looking for the engaging guests, informative content, and quick thinking you're used to from me, come back next week, or pick any other week for that matter. I promise to deliver. All bets are off this week, as I publicly reckon with my perfectionism and arrogance. Cool.

But no one can say I have skipped a week. 106, baby. ;)

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EPISODE 105: JESUS

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0400

"Well now you've made it much more complicated!" Jesus told Renée when she offered an explanation for his social isolation. Indeed, Jesus came on the show hoping to promote his comedy and have a quick conversation - but you know Renée can't let him off that easily. Instead, she took Jesus on a deep dive into his history of self-proclaimed "not caring." He didn't care about school, he doesn't care about socializing, and he doesn't care about not caring. What's going on? Well, Jesus didn't really care about that, either, until Renée stumbled onto some juicy details. As it turns out, there is, a concrete explanation for some of Jesus's avoidant relationship behaviors - and the longer they talked, the more Renée found. They cover friendships, cheating, dopamine, oxytocin, and more - and at the end, they do finally talk about comedy. It's a fun kickoff for Season 3!

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EPISODE 104: KIMBERLY

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0500

"I can't move past it," Kimberly explained to Renée, referring to the loss of her closest friendship. The loss of the friendship was complicated by the loss of a baby, and now Kimberly finds herself dealing with what she can best describe as "survivor's guilt." When she and Renée dug into the situation, it became clear that Kimberly is still, years after the friendship fracture, in deep pain - and as they dug even deeper, they found that there is lot more going on than just this break-up. Kimberly is brave and vulnerable and smart, and she makes it easy for Renée to sort it out. They talk mean girls, friendship trauma, grief, and more. Plus, Renée teaches a new strategy for dealing with social anxiety in the intro. It's a juicy episode with which to wrap up Season 2!

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EPISODE 103: JAYE

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

"I was just born sponge-y," Jaye told Renée, explaining her exquisite sensitivities. These sensitivities made for a challenging childhood, one that would have been difficult for any child given Jaye's emotionally neglectful and conflict-ridden home. Now a 37 year-old therapist in the UK, Jaye has healed many of her old wounds, but there are still some pain points that traditional therapy has not addressed. Specifically, Jaye struggles with boundary setting, is plagued by persistently negative self-talk, and finds herself regularly "trodden on" by others; she comes to the show hoping Renée can answer the age-old question: Is it me or is it them? On the way to an answer, the two women discuss wonky diagnoses, ego responses, neurodivergence, and more. Ultimately, Renée gets to the root of the problems, and Jaye provides a compelling narrative thanks to her sharp intelligence and dry Virgo wit - and, extra bonus: her accent is like buttah.

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EPISODE 102: SAMI

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Sami brings an issue to the show that no other guest has: he desperately wants to get a dog. Doesn't sound like a problem, right? It is for Sami, because when he thinks about becoming a pet parent, his mind immediately goes to the inevitable loss he will face when the dog dies. He is having the same problem with dating. He isn't pursuing love because he is too scared of what he anticipates will be an inevitably messy breakup. And here's the thing: Sami really wants a dog - and a girlfriend. What's going on? Well, there are a few variables conspiring to keep Sami longing for love both human and canine. Renée helps him sort it all out in a conversation that covers Sami's difficult childhood, his romantic relationships, his neurodivergence, Scorpio sensitivities, and more.

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EPISODE 101: ALLY

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Ally, a former middle school teacher turned professional artist, has come to the show to talk about two of therapy's favorite topics: parents and boundaries. Specifically, Ally needs help setting boundaries with her parents - the trick is, she wants to do so without confrontation. Renée accepts the challenge, and as she formulates a plan for Ally, they make a few stops at other topics: toxic teachers, teenagers, bullying, anxiety, friendships, money, and more. Ally has a lovely voice, a fast dry wit, and some tricky family dynamics to navigate. It all gets sorted in a fun, fast-paced conversation. Plus, Renée tells a sordid story on request and talks about safely discharging anger in the intro. Lots of content and lots of laughing as we start the countdown to Season 3!

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EPISODE 100: TORIE

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0500

When Renée asked Torie what she does for work, Torie responded, "Ugh. You're going to hate this. I'm a lawyer." This was only one of many times that Torie made Renée laugh out loud. Hilarious and whip-smart, Torie grew up in an "enmeshed" family that survived both her mother's brain tumors and her father's catastrophic car accident. She navigated severe anxiety as a child, postpartum depression as a new mom, and, most recently, an existential crisis. She comes to the show hoping Renée can help her map out a path to the life satisfaction that has so far eluded her. Along the way, they talk about parenting challenges, mental health care, family boundaries, and a lot of other things that help Renée identify the different forces that conspire to keep Torie frustrated. And, for the record, this is the podcast's 100th episode! Torie's openness and quick wit make for an episode well-deserving of the honor.

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EPISODE 99: LAYLA

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

"I'm the mediator...I'm the oldest everything," Layla told Renée. While she is the oldest child in her immediate family and the oldest cousin in her extended family, Layla is the youngest guest we have ever had on the show. You'd never guess that from listening to her, though; she is wise beyond her years and lovely in every way. She is also carrying a timeless burden, one that most of us unpack much later in life. Layla brings all the podcast favorites to this episode - fragile ego responses, enmeshment, codependency, complex trauma - and she asks some familiar questions, including, "Why am I attracted to this jerk?" and "How to do I set boundaries with my mom without hurting her?" Renée answers these questions and more, and Layla makes us all look bad with her stunning maturity.

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EPISODE 98: CHRISTY

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Christy reached out to Renée in a Q&A with this question: "My skin gets red and blotchy whenever I'm around cis men. What's going on?" Since Renée needed a lot more information before she could formulate an answer, she and Christy and decided to sort it out on the show. They look at Christy's childhood, her marriage, her experience as a parent - all of it - ultimately arriving at a fascinating explanation, one that both Renée and Christy are quite excited about. And get this: it's NOT trauma! What is it, then? Well, the answer is complex, so you'll just have to listen to find out. Fortunately, the path to it is juicy - anger, relationships, politics, psychosomatics, astrology, martyrdom, and more. It's also a lot of fun, thanks largely to Christy's infectious energy, beautiful openness, and intelligent insight.

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EPISODE 97: DEENA

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

"I don't really want to talk about this at all, but let's do it," Deena told Renée when they started talking. Deena, a performing artist, has a brilliant dry wit - but in this case she was only half-joking. She has a bunch of painful content that she'd rather ignore; fortunately, she's too smart for that, so she has come to the show for help unpacking the knot of depression and trauma she has been carrying for years. And that's not all: she and Renée talk about ADHD and how it can complicate friendships, people-pleasing behaviors, what "healed" really means, and more. Deena's humor, intelligence, honesty, and eloquence make for a brilliant conversation, so much so that Renée stops mid-conversation to tell her so. This one is fast-paced, rich in content, and ends with a path to personal peace.

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EPISODE 96: HALEY

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Our first guest of the year is here to blow your mind. Haley was sex trafficked as a young child - by her mother. Now 31 years old and a mother herself, Haley comes to the show to tell her story and deepen her healing. She has done so much work already to break the many cycles of dysfunction into which she was born, but, as any cycle breaker will tell you, the work can feel endless. Renée gives Haley potent supports to keep her life force spinning as she finds leaves behind the deeper trauma scars and practices new boundaries with others and new love for herself. Haley's story is gutting, but Haley herself is a lovely wonder whose honesty and strength will astound you.

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EPISODE 95: NEW YEAR'S SPECIAL

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0500

Renée is back with one more episode of storytelling and psycho-education to kick off the new year. This week, she narrates the series of disasters that hit just as she was leaving Italy and makes meaning from the madness. Then, she answers listeners' questions about domestic violence, the ego, and defense mechanisms. Next week, we return to our usual format with some amazing guests. Until then, sink your teeth into some meaty content delivered with Renée's characteristic unfiltered, unedited, unchecked energy.

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EPISODE 94: YEAR END WRAP UP!

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:00:00 -0500

Renée continues last week's series of episodes from Italy in trademark style: unplanned, unedited, and with a lot of words. This week, she talks about being a gluten-free vegan in the land of pizza and pasta before answering a few particularly interesting listener questions. Topics include why so many married couples are breaking up, how to tell your partner you're upset without causing a fight, and the best ways to intervene on panic and anxiety attacks. Plus, there's a bonus section at the very end that was recorded only moments before the episode aired in which Renée serves a little extra honesty. From her makeshift studio in Messina, Italy, Renée closes out the year with some hardcore content and some softcore ramblings. There's a little something for everyone: Happy Holidays!

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EPISODE 93: Q&A WITH RENEE

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

We take a break from our regular programming this week so that Renée can catch up on some juicy questions from listeners. Topics include fractured relationships, EMDR, phobias, and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. And as always with Renée-only episodes, it's raw! No editing, no breath work breaks, just a whole lot of information. If you have a question for Renée that didn't make it to this episode, don't despair. There will be another, longer Q&A episode coming very soon, so keep those questions coming!

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EPISODE 92: MICKAYLA

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Mickayla is a stand-up comedian, which makes her an excellent storyteller, and she has quite the story to tell - one she has never told before. She decided to come to the show after realizing that the trauma of her marriage is interfering with her new single life; she is constantly triggered in her new relationships, and she feels her depression creeping back to full strength. To make it more complicated, Mickayla does not currently have access to therapy or EMDR, though she has done both in the past. Fortunately, Renée picks up where Mickayla's past work in therapy left off. The two of them do quite a lot of laughing despite the intensity of Mickayla's narrative, and even Mickayla's dog weighs in a few times. Ultimately, Renée maps out a path for Mickalya that leads her farther away from her trauma and nearer to the closeness and wholeness she craves.

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EPISODE 91: MICHELLE

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0500

"I call it my 'splat from grace!'" Michelle told Renée. "My entire life turned upside down with my divorce." She isn't kidding. Michelle's marriage started out "fairy tale-esque" and devolved into an abusive nightmare over the course of 18 years. She comes to the podcast hoping Renée can help her deal with the worst consequence of her family's fracture: her broken relationship with her adult son. In order to get it sorted, Renée follows Michelle through the dramatic narrative that begins with Michelle's dream family and ends with her son refusing to speak to her. Fortunately for us, Michelle is a live wire, which makes the story extra compelling. Her family situation is indeed rather tricky, but it starts to come into focus once Renée unearths Michelle's older, unresolved pain. In the end, they get it all sorted: Michelle has a plan for moving forward, and she clearly has the energy to put that plan into action!

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EPISODE 90: TRAVIS

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Travis was diagnosed with both depression and ADHD as an adult, and recently his symptoms have intensified to the point that they are creating problems in his marriage and sabotaging his satisfaction with life in general. "I've stopped trying to pursue things that I want," he explained to Renée. Travis came to the show in the hopes that Renée can help him manage his executive dysfunction and recapture his initiative. And so she does, clarifying the relationship between ADHD and depression before giving Travis actionable strategies for managing his symptoms, restoring harmony in his marriage, and finding his motivation. They make a few stops along the way to talk about grief, alcoholism, and the difference between negative reinforcement and punishment. Travis and Renée are both self-proclaimed nerds with psychology backgrounds, so the conversation gets into a groove quickly, thanks largely to Travis's gentle spirit, sharp intelligence, and impressive insight. Plus, the intro is extra this week: Renée outlines 5 steps for navigating stressful family holidays. The season is upon us, people! Gird your loins, channel your breath, and, if all else fails, let these 73 minutes distract you.

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EPISODE 89: ALYSSA G.

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

"I was the kind of kid that made friends with my bully," Alyssa told Renée. This didn't help her much, because the bullying was rampant. She was bullied at school all day, every year, only to come home to the biggest bully of all: her father. Add to that the facts that Alyssa grew up racially isolated and that her parents' divorce only intensified her father's abuse, and you get a nasty web of complex trauma. Alyssa comes to the show looking for help with the present, however, specifically a friend break-up that she can't get over. As is so often the case, it turns out that the emotions of the present are tangled up in the past, so Renée helps Alyssa develop a plan to untangle them. Alyssa is not only smart, articulate, and creative; she also laughs easily, which is particularly impressive given the many pain points in her history. And at only 22, that pain is still fresh. Alyssa shares her story with humor and vulnerability, and Renée points her towards the healing that will put her many years of therapy to good use.

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EPISODE 88: MARK

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:00:00 -0500

"Here I am two years later and I still think about her every day," Mark told Renée, referring to his ex-wife. His first marriage survived his partner's affair and went on to produce two children before ending amicably in divorce. His second marriage came to a much pricklier conclusion, and Mark is still struggling to accept and process its end. He came to the show hoping Renée can help him "get closure and move on." And get this: he specifically wants some guidance around his own relationship behaviors, which he identifies as narcissistic and abusive. You read that right: he wants to discuss his own narcissistic behavior. He and Renée discuss all of it and more, and ultimately they arrive at the answers Mark needs to understand and address his own behaviors as well as to accept the end of his marriage. Mark adds a compelling curveball at the end, and Renée puts an astrological spin on it before she ties it all together with a big, intergenerational, therapeutic bow. From marital rituals to grief rituals to hangover rituals, the conversation gets deep fast and covers loads of content, thanks largely to Mark's brilliant honesty, easy humor, and deft storytelling. (Plus, the intro to this one is extra juicy and all about last week's controversial episode.)

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EPISODE 87: BIANCA

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0500

Edited to add this note from Renée:
Hey there everyone! The feedback on this episode has been intense already. I was aware when we aired it that this would be the case! Our guests are almost exclusively deeply vulnerable and eager for support. Bianca comes to the show in a much different place. So I decided to air this episode to challenge us all -- myself included. How do we find our empathy and desire to help someone who doesn't immediately inspire us to want to help them? If you find yourself frustrated when you listen to this one, I get it. And I encourage you to go into that frustration and ask yourself why it is. There are some obvious reasons, and then there are some deeper ones. Go deep! Lastly, if you are new to the show, I recommend you go back a few episodes to start. This one is a better listen once you are familiar with the format of the show. I love you all! - renée

Bianca went from feeling herself and living her dream life as a dancer in L.A. to losing herself in the chaos of new motherhood during Covid lockdown. Now, she finds herself sorting the leftover pieces of a broken relationship, specifically the shame and self-consciousness she learned from her ex-partner's critical voice. Bianca's only objective when she came to the show was to tell her story - and she has a lot to say! Fortunately for us, she is an engaging storyteller. And at the end of Bianca's beautifully thorough narrative, Renée surprises her by dropping some existential bombs, connecting Bianca's past to her present and giving her an entirely new way to think about her future. It's well worth the wait to hear the pieces come together.

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EPISODE 86: MICHEE

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

"I think I'm just a temporary person," Michee told Renée, explaining that she has never felt prioritized by friends or family. She describes her childhood as "toxic and abusive," with a controlling, unpredictable father and a loving but absent mother. She has struggled with all of her relationships, whether platonic, familial, or romantic, and insists that she "wasn't someone people cared much for." You need to hear Michee for only a few minutes to know that this can't be true. She is smart, funny, gracious, forgiving, talented, honest, resilient - she is extraordinary. Then why are her relationships so dysfunctional? This is one of the questions Michee and Renée explore and answer. They also talk about how to hold boundaries and empathy at the same, how to safely excavate repressed emotions, and, at the end of the episode, why Michee struggles to say no to unwanted physical touch. Don't sleep on Michee; her humor is sneaky! She cracks Renée up several times. In exchange, Renée helps her find the way out of the depression and codependency that has kept her stuck.

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EPISODE 85: BOBBY

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

When Bobby applied to be a guest on the show, he wanted help resolving the leftover emotional wounds from his childhood, which he described as one of "constant chaos, instability, and... abuse." Despite some intense breakthroughs in talk therapy, strands of trauma remained. But get this: a few days before he recorded his episode, Bobby had a life-changing Ayahuasca journey that healed those wounds. And that's not the only fascinating part of Bobby's story. He tells Renée about all of it, from growing up and coming out as a gay man in a hyper-masculine community to the estrangement and reconciliation he navigated with each of his family members to the cataclysmic psychedelic experience that healed his emotional wounds - and more. Renée narrates the therapeutic pieces and shares some details from her own psychedelic experiences, and in the end she gives Bobby a plan to start healing his body now that his mind and soul are well. Bobby is a fantastic storyteller with a story that's intense, dramatic, full of happy endings, and a lot of fun.

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EPISODE 84: ALYSSA

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

"Emotions were a taboo thing in my house," Alyssa said when Renée asked about her childhood. And, get this: Alyssa is now a therapist. She raised in an invalidating environment by an emotionally misattuned mother and often absent father, but since then Alyssa has made it her job, literally and figuratively, to honor her sensitivity and sharpen her insight. She has done both and beyond, yet she still struggles to release her anger over the circumstances of her recent divorce, and for good reason. Renée helps her get to the bottom of it, and in the process they untangle Alyssa's complicated relationship with her mom and unresolved grief around her dad. That's not it, either! This is a fast-paced, punchy, and content-rich episode!

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EPISODE 83: DAN

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Dan grew up in an abusive household with perfectionist parents who often asked him, "Why can't you be normal?" Not only did Dan feel misunderstood and disconnected at home, but he also struggled in social situations; his childhood was lonely. Now, at 41 years old, Dan has a loving wife, a happy daughter, and a new understanding of his neurodivergence. What he doesn't have is a sense of peace about his parents. That's where Renée comes in. She and Dan sort out his wounds and triggers, and in the process they talk about all sorts of stuff, including online dating, cycle breaking, and finding purpose. Renée gives Dan hope that he can finally silence his father's critical voice in his head, and Dan gives everyone a master class in corrective emotional experiences. (Plus, there's an anxiety tutorial in the intro!)

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EPISODE 82: BRANDI

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Last week's guest, Annette, shared with us late in the episode that she is in an abusive relationship, one that she is not quite ready to leave. So many people were moved by Annette's story, and some of those people reached out to Renée with questions about why it can be so hard to leave an abusive partner. Renée had planned to address the questions in this week's intro - and then Brandi came to the show. "I'm not afraid to talk about it anymore. I need to talk about it," she said. Brandi's beautiful bravery is brilliantly timed. She recently left her husband for the 5th time, and she comes to the show to tell her story, a perfect follow-up to last week's conversation. Brandi takes us through the details, and then Renée breaks down the layers of trauma, domestic violence, addiction, and grief to outline Brandi's path forward. Plus, Guest Co-Host Ashley shares some of her own story, one that is at times startlingly similar to Brandi's. There's a lot of trauma and a lot of healing in this episode, an unintentional but fitting Part Two to Annette's Part One. And don't worry, there still manages to be plenty of nonsense; the episode ends with a mini stand-up routine. You know, the usual.

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EPISODE 81: ANNETTE

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

"I have so many stories for you, you don't even know," Annette tells Renée early in this episode. And, wow, was she right. Fortunately for all of us, Annette is hilarious and smart and tells her story perfectly. This makes it easy for Renée to find places to go - so much so that a conversation that Annette had expected would be about one aspect of her childhood trauma becomes a much deeper and more complex dive. Annette and Renée cover a lot of topics as they explore her story, from promiscuity to polyamory to why self-love is so elusive. And make no mistake: this is an intense one, a roller-coaster narrative that takes an unexpected deep and dark dive into the present at the end. Somehow it's a lot of fun, too, once again thanks to Annette's engaging openness. Renée is able to not only find hope in Annette's story but also give her practical steps towards finally separating her present from her past, much to Annette's surprise.

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EPISODE 80: LISA

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Lisa ordered diet pills through the mail when she was 15 years old, and that order became the cornerstone of a decades long eating disorder. She has completed an inpatient eating disorder treatment program, she attends ongoing outpatient therapy, and still she falls back into disordered eating whenever her stress is unmanageable. Lisa has worked hard, and she is tired of shrinking herself. She comes to the show hoping Renée can help her figure out how to stop battling herself and her body. Renée goes looking for what Lisa's treatment missed, and in the process she and Lisa discuss relationships, parts work, psychedelics, why relapses are helpful, and why traditional eating disorder treatment just doesn't work. By the end, Lisa knows what needs to heal, and Renée shows her how to get there.

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EPISODE 79: TOLU

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 22:00:00 -0400

On the heels of Andre's punchy episode, Tolu changes the tempo this week. If André was pop punk, Tolu is smooth jazz. His voice is gentle and comforting, and his spirit matches. Tolu doesn't have a childhood trauma story to tell, but he does have a problem he needs help with, and it just happens to involve one of Renée's favorite topics: meddling moms. Despite a childhood he calls "fun" and the easy awareness that his mom loves him, Tolu, now 29, finds himself dreading contact with her. What's going on? Enmeshment is the name of the game, and Renée gets in there and sorts the boundary problems and solutions, while Tolu tries to get Renée and Ashley to talk about themselves - and succeeds a few times. Ultimately, Renée and Tolu not only conduct a master class on boundaries, they also discuss how to navigate unbalanced romantic and platonic relationships and the relationship between codependency and social anxiety. Renée gives Tolu concrete strategies for managing all of it, Tolu gives us all reasons to root for him.

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EPISODE 78: ANDRE

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:00:00 -0400

Andre is a 47 year-old father of three who is "tired of being in survival mode." He comes to the show hoping Renée can help him resolve his persistent anxiety. And she can, but not before she and Andre discuss his childhood trauma, his first wife's death from cervical cancer, racism, parenting, stand-comedy, grief, and more. Andre has a complicated story, and he is brilliant at telling it, which makes it easy for them to unravel the persistent knot that has lived in his body for decades. Andre is as funny as he is vulnerable, much to Renée's delight. He basically takes over the last third of the episode and teaches a master class that is beautifully wise and hilarious all at once - much like Andre himself.

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EPISODE 77: ELIO

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

"I'm just terrified to get close to anyone right now," Elio told Renée early in their conversation. When you hear their story, you will easily understand their terror. Elio wasn't sure what they wanted from coming on the show, but they certainly gave Renée plenty to work with. There have been a series of hard hits in Elio's short life, and yet their spirit is bright and infectious; they inspire Renée to carve out some healing within overwhelming circumstances. Elio's playfulness makes it easy for Renée to navigate their intense content, and the two of them cover a lot of topics - sexuality, social anxiety, survival, schools...these are only a few. It's a juicy episode with an inspiring guest and no shortage of laughs, thanks to Elio's inexplicably lovely energy.

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EPISODE 76: JENNY

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This episode starts with a few different bouts of uproarious laughter, and this definitely sets the tone for the episode. There is a lot of laughing, thanks to both our hilarious guest, Jenny, and also our inimitable guest co-host, Victoria. Jenny is beautifully colorful. Her stories are colorful, her language is colorful, her life is colorful. From selling cannabis cookies to medical students to selling real estate at the top of the field, she has put her impressive drive to good use. Renée does her best to keep Jenny's boundless energy on task, and eventually she finds the well of darkness underneath the laughter. Jenny has endured and witnessed some deeply disturbing things, and yet she has never been to therapy. A recent violent experience has reactivated her older, unresolved trauma, and, having stuffed the trauma away for years, she now finds herself struggling with rage and reactivity. She has come to the show hoping Renée can help. Renée does an in-depth analysis of Jenny's anger and maps out the steps she can take to find peace. This one starts out absurdly fun, travels through some intense pain, and comes back to laughter at the end.

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EPISODE 75: KRISTIN

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Kristin was kidnapped when she was 3 years old. Let's just start there. Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. In her 37 years of life, Kristin has endured almost every type of trauma one can imagine - attachment, sexual, medical, financial - and she has lived in over 40 different places, including prison. Her story would be hard to believe if Kristin weren't so beautifully honest and vulnerable as she narrates it. So while her story is tragic and shocking, Kristin herself is inspiring. And in between the tragic and shocking, her conversation with Renée also manages to be laugh-out-loud funny. Kristin comes to the show hoping Renée can answer one question: After having been hurt so many times in so many ways, how can she trust again? Renée gives Kristin an answer and a plan, and Kristin gives us a story you'll never forget.

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EPISODE 74: RENEE

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Hey there, everyone. Renée here. As requested, I am back this week as the guest to take you on a wild ride through my romantic relationship history. Just a reminder that unlike our normal weekly episodes, those with me as the guest build on one another. So if you haven't yet listened to Episodes 60 and 67, go back and listen to those first - this one will make much more sense once you have. Likewise, if you're new to the podcast, don't start here! This isn't our normal format. As for the rest of you, well, you know the drill. This one comes to you with no preparation, no editing, and no shame. You've been warned. See you on the other side!

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EPISODE 73: YOLANDA

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Yolanda grew up fearing two things, God and her mother, and she had the anxious, people-pleasing behavior to show for it! After losing her dad at 18, however, Yolanda ditched her "good girl" role for the first time. She has been back and forth ever since: between rules and rebellion, between partners, between versions of herself. Now in her 40's, Yolanda comes to the show to ask Renée, "How did I fall into this pattern again?" To get to an answer, Renée follows Yolanda through her relationship history - and it is a juicy rollercoaster of a narrative. Yolanda not only has a compelling story to tell, she's a captivating storyteller. By the end, Renée takes all the twists and turns and ups and downs and makes sense of them, much to Yolanda's surprise and delight. Ultimately, Yolanda has an answer to her question, and her rawness and charm mean everyone else has a great time on the way there.

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EPISODE 72: KENNY

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400

When Kenny was in middle school, he participated in his first drive-by shooting. Not long after, he went to prison for the first time; ultimately he would serve 28 years. He was released 7 months ago and has come to the show to tell his story. Kenny and Renée talk about all of it - murder, Maslow, family, gangs, grief, and more. Despite the devastating trauma he unfolds, Kenny makes Renée laugh quite a bit. Renée captures the psychological strands and gets Kenny started on a healing path, while Kenny's honesty and intelligence make for a fascinating conversation.

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EPISODE 71: LEANNE

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

"The more people that know, the better," Leanne told Renée after she narrated her devastating experiences as a patient in the Troubled Teen Industry, a network of therapeutic boarding schools and treatment centers that she first entered at 12 years old. This is the first time Leanne is telling her entire story; she only recently began telling it at all. And despite an understandable bout of stage fright beforehand, she not only tells her story but also delivers a gripping cautionary tale that exposes the web of corruption and greed at the heart of these systematically abusive "therapeutic" centers. Plus, she does all of this with a wisdom and fluency that belie her 19 years of age. Leanne came to the podcast to educate others, and also she came to ask Renée one critical question: "How do I move forward?"

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EPISODE 70: JOJO

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0400

By age 7, Jojo had already faced the very adult ideas of murder and self-loathing. Now in her early 20s, she is grounded, healing, and absolutely lovely. The story of how she arrived at said loveliness is fascinating, and lucky for us, she is here to tell it. She is here also to ask Renée why, after so much healing, she still struggles so desperately with confidence. They talk families, psychedelics, racism, and lateral violence before identifying the wound that keeps Jojo stuck and developing a plan to resolve it.

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EPISODE 69: VIVIAN

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 01:00:00 -0400

Vivian and her story are both so compelling that they defy summary. She is hilarious and engaging - and she has been through unthinkable trauma. Fortunately, she has a brilliant therapist and a seemingly bottomless well of resilience. What she doesn't have, however, is a way out of her current emotional predicament. She comes to the podcast hoping Renée has some advice to offer where this predicament is concerned. Guess what? Renée does. Vivian has questions, Renée has answers, and everyone does a lot of laughing.

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EPISODE 68: MATT

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Matt "had no idea" what he wanted or was expecting from being on the show, but he did know that he had a story to tell. He is 41 years old, funny, whip smart, stunningly resilient, and he has never been in a relationship or on a date. This will make sense when you hear what he has survived. Renée and Matt discuss the terrorizing abuse he endured at two different Catholic schools and the complicated path to his recoveries from both trauma and substance abuse. Due in large part to Matt's inspiring spirit, everyone does a lot of laughing -- including Ari, who is back as a guest cohost. Be prepared to be stunned by both Matt's story and his tenacity.

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EPISODE 67: RENEE

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 23:00:00 -0400

Back by popular demand! Renée returns this week as the guest on her own show to follow up on Episode 60 and answer listener questions - this time, she traces the development and resolution of both her eating disorder and her chronic illness and explains how the two intersect. This is a raw, rogue, really Renée episode: no planning, no editing, no breaks, no outro - just a whole lot of content. Next week, we will return to our regularly scheduled guests and our finicky editing, But for now, Renée lets it rip. Enjoy!

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EPISODE 65: KAILA

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0400

When Kaila was a 16 year-old runaway, she was tricked into coming home only to be virtually kidnapped and taken to residential treatment. Her experiences that followed were so intense that she has written a book about them. But now, just as the book is about to be released, Kaila is panicking. Why is she suddenly riddled with fear about sharing her truth? She comes to the show hoping Renée can help her reclaim her confidence. Almost as exciting as Kaila's story is her relief when Renée sorts it! Be prepared to be blown away by Kaila, her story, and her remarkable resilience.

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EPISODE 64: DALTON

Wed, 29 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400

"Feelings really aren't me," Dalton told Renée about halfway through their conversation. In addition to making Renée laugh, his sentence sums up the problem he brings to the podcast. Dalton has suffered more than a few tragic losses in the 28 years he has been alive, and the experiences have left him less than friendly with his emotions. It is often said that comedy comes from tragedy, and in Dalton's case, this idea holds true. He has managed to retain his humor - and then some - but loss after gripping loss have stranded his more tender feelings. Renée goes on an excavation mission to find Dalton's exiled emotional self, and in the process they touch on issues from pet loss to parenting. In the end, Renée gives Dalton a plan for stepping back into his feelings, and Dalton leaves Renée with a stomach sore from laughing.

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EPISODE 63: KAEDEN

Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

In the three decades they have been alive, Kaeden has survived some profoundly traumatic events, including their mother's suicide and their own nervous breakdown. Despite a childhood they describe as "terrorizing," Kaeden astonishingly emerged with a beautifully tender heart. Likewise, after years spent recreating their childhood dynamics with problematic partners and self-defeating behaviors, Kaeden is now happily married, reinvested in creating art, and steeped in insight. Still, they struggle with dissociation, chronic feelings of unworthiness, and the general sense that they are "stuck." They come to the show hoping Renée can get them unstuck and on the path to true healing. After navigating the gripping story of Kaeden's life to date, Renée maps the path to wholeness and liberation. And, as always, both of them manage to laugh plenty along the way.

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EPISODE 62: MAKENSI & MICK

Wed, 15 May 2024 03:00:00 -0400

Makensi and Mick are artistic, articulate Aussies. Parents to a 3 year-old daughter, they share the desire to have a more harmonious relationship, and they come to the show hoping Renée can help them get there. Renée talks first to Makensi and then to Mick, exploring their childhoods, their current emotional landscapes, and the fights they hope to extinguish. As the conversation unfolds, clear patterns emerge, and thanks to the couple's remarkable insight and honesty, Renée is able to tie the strands of their individual childhood wounds to their current marital conflicts. It's couple's therapy, deconstructed!

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EPISODE 61: LOVE (Bonus Episode!)

Wed, 08 May 2024 01:00:00 -0400

What do you get when you mix a traumatized nervous system and a new relationship? For Love, a 37 year-old single mom with an uber-social boyfriend, it's a whole lot of anxiety. So much anxiety, in fact, that she and her new man are fighting almost every weekend. She comes to the podcast hoping Renee can help her figure out how to build intimacy while navigating the many triggers associated with her unresolved trauma. Renee helps love leverage the, well, love that the couple shares and gives her a plan towards deeper healing.

It's an extra episode this week to mark the switch to our new schedule. New episodes will now be released on Wednesday mornings. We know a lot of you are used to listening on Mondays, so this way you will still have a new one if you want to stay on schedule. We gotchu!

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EPISODE 60: RENEE

Mon, 06 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Yes, that Renée. The host of the show. She's the guest. What's going on? Well, a whole bunch of stuff! This episode is something a little different. Rather than get into it here, We'll just let you listen.

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EPISODE 58: ROB

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

"I honestly don't think you could give me any therapy," Rob wrote to Renee when she asked if he wanted to be on the show. He agreed to appear nonetheless, and Renee took his hopelessness as a challenge. Once Rob's story unfolded, it was clear that he had come to his hopelessness honestly, as his biography is punctuated by bullying, chaos at home, addiction, and isolation. Despite this - or perhaps because of this - Rob is absolutely hilarious, which makes his already stunning story that much more compelling. By the end of the conversation, Renee has a stomach ache from laughing, and Rob has a solid sense of hope.

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EPISODE 57: ALYSON

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Alyson, an artist who attended the renowned "Fame" school in New York City, was 14 the first time she met with a therapist. Despite some prickly family dynamics that would have been perfect therapy content, Alyson had had a different agenda. "I was afraid I was going to die a virgin!" Spoiler alert: she didn't. This theme of longing, however, became a constant presence in Alyson's life. Now, after marriage and divorce, Alyson is back in the dating world and cannot seem to figure out why she is always pining after unavailable men. She comes to the show hoping Renee can figure it out. The two women talk fathers, fawning, and facebook crushes before Renee figures out what is holding Alyson back from the love she wants. Alyson is a brilliant story teller with a compelling life history, and by the time Renee is finished, she also has a new lease on love.

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EPISODE 56: TYLER

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0400

Tyler describes his childhood home as an "active war zone." After years of physical and emotional abuse by his parents, he married young in the hopes that he could create the harmonious family for which he longed as a child. Unfortunately, he once again found himself in an abusive relationship, this time with his ex-wife, who is now colluding with Tyler's mother in a grueling custody battle. Having survived decades of depression, anxiety, physical pain, and grief, he comes to the show with hope and an open heart, ready to embrace any insight and direction Renee can offer. And she has plenty, of course! As Tyler unfolds his absolutely stunning story, Renee traces the trauma strands and leverages his remarkable resilience to harness the light within a devastatingly dark family story.

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EPISODE 55: YVONNE

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Yvonne is a firecracker! An actor, writer, and comedian who has been sober for 31 years, Yvonne has done a lot of therapy to unburden herself of the codependent behaviors she developed while growing up with an emotionally withholding, narcissistic father and hypercritical, dysregulated mother. But despite her hard-won confidence, compelling personality, and many tries at dating, Yvonne hasn't met a man who can hold her interest. What's going on? That's the question Yvonne brings to the show, and Renée has answers. The two women have a blast talking drugs, astrology, rage, and revenge before Renee breaks it down and finds the trap that is keeping Yvonne stuck.

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EPISODE 54: ANDREW

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0400

Andrew grew up in a small town that left his voracious, neurodivergent mind profoundly bored. As a teen, this boredom bred criminal behavior and depression. As an adult, however, his energy found outlets in tremendously successful entrepreneurial endeavors. His peripatetic lifestyle and demanding career kept Andrew safely away from his deeper emotions until a recent breakup cracked him open. He has been working on himself with characteristic commitment since then and comes to the podcast wondering if Renee can find the places where he still needs healing. And make no mistake: he has been on it. So he is pleasantly shocked when Renee does, in fact, find the sweet spots that will lead to deeper transformation. It's hard to say who talks faster, but, regardless, Andrew and Renee tear it up in a fast-paced, lightbulb-pinging episode.

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EPISODE 53: MORGAN

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:00:00 -0400

Morgan is a former Olympic athlete who can't stop moving - moving homes, moving her body, moving away from pain. She comes to the podcast hoping Renee can help her move from self-criticism to compassion and from distraction to contentment. And since Morgan has recently pivoted from sports to psychology as she studies to become a therapist herself, she deftly unrolls her trauma stories, from her experiences as the parentified child of a single mom to recent familial betrayal. Renee finds the connections and the pressure points and helps Morgan carve out a path to peace, leaving perfectionism and self-loathing in the rearview mirror.

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EPISODE 52: MAYA

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Maya comes to us from New Zealand hoping Renee can get her unstuck. She suffered an emotional trauma during the birth of her second child for which she holds her husband responsible. Now, three years later, Maya still hasn't been able to let go - she hasn't forgiven her husband, and she doesn't understand why. Renee doesn't understand why either, at first! But she realizes Maya will have to go back in order to go forward, so they put together the psychological puzzle with pieces made of Maya's childhood trauma and current relationship dynamics. Things start to make sense quickly, and there are several "aha!" moments for Maya, whose compelling narrative paves the way for Renee's plan forward.

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EPISODE 51: ADAM C.

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Adam C. comes to the podcast with a whole bunch of juicy content to discuss: his recent diagnoses of borderline personality disorder and type 2 diabetes; self-destructive romantic relationships; and the internet's favorite topic...narcissists! And these are only a few of the stops Renee and Adam make as they endeavor to break Adam out of the relational patterns that keep him from healthy attachment. Adam's candor, insight, and humor set the perfect stage, and Renee digs deep to find the missing piece of his healing puzzle.

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EPISODE 50: SHANA

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

"I feel like I just got off Dr. Phil. I don't even know what just happened!" So said Shana towards the end of her conversation with Renee. Shana had come to the podcast without ever having listened to it; she had no expectations. Having noticed from Renee's Instagram bio that she is a nutritionist as well as a therapist, Shana figured they could discuss her recent weight gain. A few minutes into their conversation, though, Renee had other ideas. They talk through Shana's
experiences with addiction, abusive relationships, debilitating anxiety, and family conflict. Renee does answer Shana's questions about weight gain in the end, but only after leaving a very excited Shana with a new, liberating lens on her past, present, and future.

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EPISODE 49: AMY

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Amy has gone from a controlling mother to controlling girlfriends to controlling partners. She comes to the podcast looking to better understand this pattern and, ultimately, to break it. Renee traces through Amy's history - with stops for closer looks at issues from abandonment fear to toxic masculinity- as she helps Amy develop a plan to break the pattern deepen her trust in herself. Plus, Josh tells the story of his harrowing Valentine's Day dinner!

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EPISODE 47: MALIN

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

This week's guest brings a different type of problem to the show. Malin comes to the podcast with a puzzle. She's had some persistent physical symptoms for a while now, and she has started to wonder if they aren't all in her head - or maybe because of her head? She comes to the podcast hoping Renee can help her figure it out. Is she making herself sick with her mind? And, if she is, can she make herself well with her mind? Renee is determined to solve the puzzle, and she leaves no stone unturned. By the end, Malin has some working hypotheses and new healing practices to try. The conversation touches on a bunch of topics on the way, from family dynamics to nutrition to the limitations of traditional medicine.

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EPISODE 46: MARS

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Mars has endured a volatile and chaotic childhood, the violent death of her brother, and her own substance abuse battle. And that's not all. Still, it is only now, in her 40s, when she finds herself immobilized by the trauma. She was particularly eager to come on the podcast, hoping Renee can help her out of the social isolation she has created. Renee realizes early that what Mars needs most is hope, and she guides Mars through the creation of a narrative that opens up space for joy. The episode starts with tears and ends with laughter - and even includes a surprise update.

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EPISODE 45: PATTY

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Patty has suffered and healed from the worst pain possible: her newborn baby died in her arms. And this was not the first major trauma she endured. Despite a serious of abusive experiences punctuated by this massive tragedy, Patty has not only survived but has legitimately thrived: she worked hard to heal the wounds she accumulated through the first 4 decades of her life and has built a career that is consistent with her soul. Why, then, is she now facing a new bout of debilitating anxiety and persistent distress? And what can she do about it? Patty came to the podcast hoping that Renee can answer these questions. The two women sort through Patty's remarkable past before tackling the prickly circumstances of her present. And thanks to Patty's irrepressible spirit, there is joy and laughter throughout.

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EPISODE 44: SIDNEY

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

After marrying at a very young age, Sidney (who is still at a very young age!) has found herself in constant movement. When she isn't working, she is running; when she isn't literally running, she is figuratively running. In her own words, Sidney finds it "such a struggle" just to breathe. Renée helps Sidney understand what is happening in her body and mind and designs practices to ease Sidney into her body when even breath feels overwhelming. Sidney's lovely sweetness is in stark contrast to the prickliness of her past, and her nervousness belies her remarkable strength. Spoiler alert: she's cracking jokes by the end of the episode.

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EPISODE 43: KELVETTE

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Kelvette's last partner cited some rather dubious reasons for ending their relationship. And despite the fact that he told her directly that he does not want to spend his life with her, Kelvette cannot let go. This is even more surprising once you get to know Kelvette: she is an absolutely hilarious, delightful, intelligent, insightful, no-BS firecracker. So what the heck is going on? This is exactly the question Kelvette came to the podcast to answer. Renée sorts through Kelvette's relationship history and helps her understand why she is not only accepting but actually pursuing someone who doesn't value her. In the meantime, Kelvette cracks Josh and Renee up at every turn.

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EPISODE 42: VANESSA

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Vanessa left home at 17 after a traumatic childhood that positioned her as a parentified child - one who watched her father die of a drug overdose - and that is only the tip of her trauma iceberg. Despite the fact that she "feels good most days," Vanessa still suffers the fragmentation and self doubt that rooted so early in her tumultuous life. Vanessa and her remarkble, inspiring spirit came to the podcast looking for help sorting through the decades of complex trauma that still live in her body. Renée takes a metaphoric fine-toothed comb to Vanessa's life, guiding her through a deeper understanding of the abuse, abandonment, addiction, codependency, loneliness, and sense of inadequacy that have conspired to keep her from wholeness. Vanessa's irrepressible energy marvelously matches Renée's, and the two women bring bright energy to some very dark content. It's a juicy, inspiring episode: Happy New Year!

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EPISODE 41: MAX

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 21:00:00 -0500

Max says his mother and father approached parenting on a "sliding scale from permissive to neglectful." Currently an undergrad psychology student who has done some intense therapy, Max understands a lot about his family. But even with his vast experiential and academic knowledge, he still finds himself confounded by his dad. He comes to the podcast hoping Renée can help him crack the code. Together they sort through Max's formative experiences with his dad, and Renee helps Max make some sense out of otherwise senseless wounds. Max's fast mind and incredibly soothing voice add extra layers to an already layered (and fun) conversation.

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EPISODE 40: REBECCA

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Rebecca is whip-smart and wildly witty. Growing up in a family that, as she says, "never met boundaries," Rebecca was a parentified child who has since endured assault, harassment, and the loss of her brother. She has tenaciously pursued healing, but finds herself still mired in anger that she fears she will never release. She asks Renee for help harnessing this anger as she prepares for a therapy session with her dad during which she hopes to finally set the boundaries that her parents could not. There is a lot for the two women to cover, and they do so without missing any chance for a laugh. It's a juicy episode that manages to bring light to some dark topics while squeezing in a whole lot of learning.

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EPISODE 39: PAULE

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0500

Paule's childhood was dominated by religious abuse, the scars from which still conspire to rob his days of joy. Nonetheless, Paule has taken his healing work head-on; his lifeforce is indefatigable. He came to the show hoping Renee could help him make greater strides in his healing, and as she does they discuss a wide range of details, from his diagnosis to his recent relationship with a woman 20 years his senior. Renee sets Paule on track for deep healing, and Paule keeps the conversation going with his infectious spirit.

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EPISODE 38: JD

Mon, 04 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0500

JD has a challenging mental health diagnosis, regrets about her last relationship, and a fantastic sense of humor. She brings all of these to the show in the hopes that Renee can help her resolve her problematic romantic patterns. The two women discuss the validity of JD's diagnosis as well as how the early attachment trauma of JD's adoption contributes to her current challenges in love. Renee outlines a plan for JD's healing that will help her practice new relational behaviors by starting with the relationship she has with herself. Their conversation moves through topics like suicide and abandonment with unflappable levity, and in the end JD's hope transcends her diagnoses and doubts.

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EPISODE 37: MIKE

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Mike has done a lot of work on himself and came to the show excited to tackle his recent experiences of procrastination and "self-sabotage." Since both he and Renée like to talk a lot about a lot, they tackle not only that but much more - from substance abuse to taking compliments. Renee helps Mike untangle the current manifestations of some long-festering issues, and it's hard to say which one of them has more fun doing so. Most importantly, Mike leaves with a whole new take on some long-standing behaviors and beliefs.

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EPISODE 36: TIMOTHY

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 02:54:14 -0500

Timothy is a divorced dad with a beautifully balanced life - a life he worked hard to create. When he found himself in personal crisis 6 years ago, he dove into healing with stunning bravery and commitment, despite having been raised in a repressed and avoidant emotional environment. Now in his 40s, Timothy finds himself facing a tricky life transition. Renée helps him explore the choices that are currently confounding him, and in the process they smooth out some leftover trauma wrinkles. Timothy's resilience and vulnerability make for a juicy, inspiring conversation that answers the question, "How do I move forward?"

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EPISODE 35: AIYANA & JOSEFA

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 12:56:22 -0500

When Aiyana was younger, she liked that her mom was more like a friend than a parent. Now that she is a mom herself, Ayana is starting to realize that her relationship with her mom was problematic - as was much of her childhood. Lately, Aiyana finds herself mired in anger, which is particularly problematic since Aiyana and her daughter live with Aiyana's mom, Josefa. The two women have been arguing a lot, despite a mutual commitment to improving their relationship. And this is where Renée comes in. Ayana and Josefa came to the podcast asking Renée to help them find a way to move forward. Renée helps both women navigate the shame, anger, messy boundaries, and unresolved trauma that is currently straining their communication and cohabitation. Despite the many different strands of pain that are woven throughout the tapestry of this family system, the three women find hope and understanding - at one point, everyone in the studio was crying! But as is always our goal, we managed to find the laughter throughout, and everyone involved finishes the conversation with a sense of excitement for what is to come, largely due to the remarkable resilience and vulnerability that this mom and daughter bring to the table.

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EPISODE 34: MAEVE

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 02:27:58 -0500

Maeve grew up with a single mom in an abusive household and often dreamt of meeting the dad she never knew, fantasizing that he would rescue her from her isolation and loneliness. When she was 12, her dreams came true - well, sort of. She finally met her father, only to find her dreams of security dashed. Now, at 33, Maeve has risen above the horrors of her upbringing; she is wise, resilient, and insightful. Still, she finds herself struggling to keep old pain patterns out of her adult relationships. Currently in the midst of a divorce, Maeve asks Renée to help her remove the trauma strands from her adult life and answer a burning question: Is it okay to stay connected to her ex? Renee and Maeve sort through the issues and point Maeve towards the relief and wholeness she has worked so hard to reach.

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EPISODE 33: JUSTIN

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 23:45:35 -0400

Justin says it was "synchronicity" that he came across Renee and the podcast in an Instagram ad. After a lifetime of both emotional and physical trauma, Justin has employed many different healing practices, from meditation to cryotherapy. Despite his remarkable dedication, he still suffers extreme anxiety most days. What's going on? Renee helps Justin sort through his past to find the wounds that still need healing. By the end, everyone in the studio can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and Renee and Josh are left stunned by Justin's story.

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EPISODE 32: ALI

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 09:34:07 -0400

Ali's life has been punctuated by abandonment, domestic violence, and homocide. Still, she managed to get a nursing degree and support a family in the wake of so much trauma. Renée helps her create a coherent narrative to support her healing as they sort through the relational complications that are currently blocking her. It's a wild ride, thanks to Ali's remarkable energy, humor, and resilience.

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EPISODE 31: ALENA

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 19:18:23 -0400

Despite a horrible childhood, Alena is remarkably happy. With a career she loves, a healthy son, and a brilliant co-parenting relationship, she feels like she has it all. Some of her friends and family, however, think differently; they tell Alena she needs a romantic partner. This is where Renee comes in. Alena comes to the podcast to ask if she is missing something. Is it possible that her unresolved trauma is being repressed and denied? Is she avoiding intimate relationships because of the trauma? Are her friends and family right? Renee helps her answer these questions and more in an upbeat episode that answers the question, "Is a romantic partner necessary for a truly happy life?"

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EPISODE 30 PART 2: MICHAEL

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 23:20:43 -0400

Last week we talked to Robelle, and this week it's her partner Michael's turn: He does not disappoint. Michael shares his journey from addiction to fatherhood and, along the way, he stumbles across some unhealed wounds. Renee helps Michael identify the pain points and develop strategies for healing, while also weaving Michael's story together with Robelle's to find the best way for the couple to move forward. There is a lot of laughing, a little crying, and some bonus Josh content that is extra juicy.

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EPISODE 30: ROBELLE

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 17:26:12 -0400

Robelle and her partner, Michael, have been together for a decade and are now parents of a 2 year-old. They came to the podcast to get help from Renée with their relationship and their new roles as parents. In this episode, Renee talks to Robelle; next week in Part 2 she will talk to Michael; and in a month or two, after working with them a bit, she will talk to them together. As for Robelle: she is a spitfire! Her childhood was unstable and forced her to grow up fast, and her early experiences definitely set her up for difficulty trusting men. As she tells her story, Renée makes connections between Robelle's past and her present and starts to identify the most important issues facing the couple.

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EPISODE 29: JANE

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 19:46:42 -0400

Jane came to the show to ask Renee for help with two things: her 17 year-old daughter and her own self-esteem. The teenager breaks her curfew regularly, and Jane has repeatedly let it slide. Now, tensions are building in the home as Jane's husband grows increasingly frustrated with his stepdaughter. The conversation starts like most other episodes, but about halfway through it takes a turn when Jane's husband asks to tell us his side of the story - a first time occurrence on the podcast! Renee separates out the strands of this family process knot before taking on Jane's self esteem struggles, pointing the family towards a more unified dynamic.

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EPISODE 28: JAY

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 22:17:54 -0400

Jay breaks our long run of fabulous female guests, and we are here for it. He came to the show after finding one of Renée's Instagram posts about anxiety in the hopes she can help him with his. After a lifetime of intermittent anxiety and depression, Jay felt his symptoms intensify last fall, and they haven't let up since. He is new to therapy and desperate to understand why he suddenly feels so bad. Renee traces his symptoms over the last few decades and - spoiler alert! - they figure it out. Jay's relief is palpable by the end, and he leaves with hope and a plan. And, of course, Renee and Josh manage to keep the tomfoolery alive.

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EPISODE 27: NATALLIA

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 22:16:55 -0400

Natallia came to the podcast after reading one of Renée's posts on anger in the hopes that Renée could help her understand why she is often angry at her children for "no reason." So while the conversation started out as a rescue mission for an overworked mom, it evolved into a much more complex and at times shocking case. Renée traces Natallia's path from an abusive, poverty stricken childhood in Belarus to her current life as a married mom with two master's degrees. In a mind-blowing twist, Renée finds that Natallia's trauma is not limited to her childhood. As always, the episode ends with answers and hope, and there are plenty of laughs along the way.

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EPISODE 26: MOLLY

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 19:51:29 -0400

Molly had, in her words, "a rare, special, trauma-free childhood." She currently lives a beautiful life. Plus, she has done extensive work in therapy and with other healing practices. Then why she is experiencing a long list of distressing symptoms? Her days are plagued by anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, headaches, insomnia, and more. She asks Renée to help her figure out what is going on and what to do about it, which means sorting through a complicated conglomeration of content. Spoiler alert: it's a happy ending. Plus, Josh is extra funny.

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EPISODE 24: MARCELLA

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 14:49:47 -0400

When Marcella was 12 years old, her mother woke her in the middle of the night and forced her to make a life and death decision for her entire family. That was neither the first nor the last time that young Marcella would be charged with adult responsibilities, and decades later, her sleep is still disrupted by recurring dreams fueled by the fear she has stuffed away since childhood. Even with these reminders, it has been only in the last year that Marcella has begun to unpack the realities of her childhood, which she describes as "a piece of origami that keeps unfolding." Renee helps Marcella sort through an absolutely astonishing narrative, one that leaves Josh nearly speechless. Marcella's wisdom and resilience are stunning throughout, and her irrepressible life force leaves room for a whole lot of laughing. And speaking of laughter: Josh is NOT speechless during the intro to this episode, catching Renee off guard. You think you've heard her laugh before? Just wait.

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EPISODE 23: KES

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 17:03:46 -0400

To use her own words, Kes is currently "cracking open." As a younger person, she was taught to avoid vulnerability and ignore her own needs. Lately, though, her system has been revolting against these positions - so much so that she recently dropped an F-Bomb on her very conservative father. So, what's going on? How can she best navigate this expansion? Can she really put herself first? And what about the persistent anxiety that plagues her daily? Renee answers these questions and more in a lively conversation that traces the transition from trauma to truth.

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EPISODE 22: CEE CEE

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:50:19 -0400

Cee Cee has been experiencing intrusive, violent images and sensations so intense that she has taken time off of work to address them. But because of the severe depression that is almost always present, along with the many obstacles to getting the right therapy, she has not yet untangled her debilitating symptoms. Renee shows Cee Cee the connections between her current experiences and her past and develops a plan to get Cee Cee out of the house and into healing. Cee Cee's story is heavy, but Renee manages to infuse the conversation with humor and hope, which is buoyed by Cee Cee's incredible resilience and commitment.

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EPISODE 20: REGAN

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 17:01:04 -0400

Regan was diagnosed with Lupus when she was 9 years old. Three decades later, Regan has finally resolved the medical mysteries that defined her childhood, though she is still reckoning with the trauma of growing up in a chaotic home with a mentally ill parent. Renee gives a developmental frame to Regan's endlessly compelling narrative and helps Regan chart the next steps in reclaiming her life from the intersecting traumatic experiences under which it began. (Plus some laughing, naturally.)

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EPISODE 19: SARAH

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 13:53:23 -0400

Sarah's dad gave her a shot of Goldschlager liqeur when she was 12 years old. Now, 26 years later, after losing her mother to heart disease and her sister to an overdose, Sarah finds herself struggling with her relationship to alcohol. She is currently studying for a career in counseling while also raising a tween, jobs that take up enough time and energy to distract her from her own pain, but still she knows she needs to heal. Should she go to rehab? What's best for her daughter? Renee sorts out the strands of trauma and addiction and helps Sarah forge a path to wellness. As they wade through the pain of the last few decades, Renee and Sarah somehow find the humor at almost every turn. There is a little crying, a lot of laughing, and, ultimately, a road to wholeness.

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EPISODE 18: KIMBERLY & ELLA

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 16:12:58 -0400

Kimberly and her daughter, Ella, have been struggling with tension and distance in their relationship. Now that Ella is a mom herself, both she and Kimberly want to forge a healthier relationship, but they can't seem to untangle the misunderstandings and resentments - and this is where Renee comes in. At first, Renee thinks boundaries are the issue, but as she finds out, the story goes much deeper. As with all things mother-daughter related, it isn't easy and the minefields are many! Renee untangles the multi-generational mess, helping Kimberly and Ella find a path back to the closeness and unity they crave.

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EPISODE 17: MAYA

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 21:43:38 -0400

Maya is, in her own words, from a "lineage of fucked-up women." After losing her mother decades ago to a tragic accident, Maya was left with a case of arrested development as well as the gripping fear that she, too, will die young with a body full of unresolved trauma. Renee helps her forge a path out of the existential anxiety and physical distress that have recently dominated her days. Maya's brilliant dark humor and unflappable spirit transcend the many layers of trauma she holds, and somehow she and Renée have a blast as they figure out how to harness hope and heal generations of pain.

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EPISODE 16: CIARA

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:46:38 -0400

Ciara had to be an adult when she was a child. Taking care of everyone else left her little time to know herself. Now in her early 30s, Ciara tells Renée that she doesn't know what she wants and needs. This is affecting her 4 year relationship and activating a lot of old wounds. Did we mention that she and her family were Somali refugees who came to the States when Ciara was 4? Oh yeah, that too. Ciara and Renée cover a lot, from traumatizing cultural practices to misattuned mom to sex. Despite three decades of emptying herself out, Ciara is a resilient BOSS! Her insight, intelligence, honesty, and humor make for a compelling session.

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EPISODE 15: BRITTNY

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:35:29 -0400

As a child, Brittny was treated more like her mother's employee than her daughter. Despite the fact that her mom has not been able to participate in repairing the relationship, Brittny is currently thriving - well, on paper, anyway. She asks Renee for guidance in navigating the anger and anxiety left behind from her childhood, emotions which are now manifesting in both her mind and body. Renee and Brittny cover a lot - there are "aha" moments as well as "haha" moments. (Don't hold that last sentence against Brittny. ) And in the end, Brittny's path to freedom is clear!

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EPISODE 14: COREY

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 21:00:00 -0400

Corey has worked hard to resolve his childhood trauma, both on his own and in therapy. Now, after a failed attempt at EMDR, his healing has stalled. He takes Renée on a circuitous route, dodging the real content with jokes and hilarious anecdotes. But never fear! Halfway through, Renée figures out where the blocks are, and by the end of the episode, Corey has new therapeutic goals and a new treatment plan.

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EPISODE 13: LIBBY

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 22:34:04 -0400

Renee likes to say, "There are only two things that cause suffering: trauma and capitalism." So far, she has talked to many guests about trauma. This week, Libby joins her to talk about trying to reverse the damage that capitalism has done to her body and soul. Renee narrates the psychological aspects of this massive undertaking and wrestles with her own rampant consumerism in the meantime. This episode brings a lot of learning and a lot of laughs. You know...the usual!

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EPISODE 12: KELL

Sun, 28 May 2023 16:29:54 -0400

This week: perfectionism, codependency, Fox News parents, medication confusion, and more. Kell (not to be confused with Kelley from Episodes 1 and 4) was overwhelmed by a recent PTSD diagnosis and unsure about treatment options. Renée helps her map a specific path to healing while they manage, as always, to do a lot of laughing.

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EPISODE 11: ADAM S.

Sun, 21 May 2023 22:12:19 -0400

Adam, a screenwriter/actor, has been Renée's client for the last year. During that time, he realized many of his relationships in Hollywood were reenactments of his childhood trauma. So he did an existential 180! He and Renée talk about his decision to leave LA - and he takes a few swings at Hollywood in the process! Trauma, narcissism, sexual abuse, Al Qaeda, harassment, Mormonism... these are only some of the topics they cover in a conversation that is equal parts intense and hilarious.

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EPISODE 10: JACKIE

Sun, 14 May 2023 23:53:32 -0400

From secrets and lies to freedom through psychedelics! Jackie has been Renee's client since 2018. When they met, Jackie "didn't believe in therapy." But when her husband died unexpectedly, Jackie dove deeper into her work with Renee. Since then, she has rebuilt her life, only to have the shadows of her trauma return. In this episode, Renee talks to Jackie about her story, from becoming a widow in her early 30s to her recent therapeutic mushroom trip. Not only is it a fascinating story, but Jackie is hilarious, making all this trauma talk somehow fun.

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EPISODE 9: PAUL

Sun, 07 May 2023 23:32:52 -0400

Following his mother's death, Paul embarked on a mission to resolve the trauma he held after decades of his father's abuse against both his mother and himself. After finding his voice, publicly acknowledging the abuse he endured, and diving into his own healing, Paul finds himself in the midst of a divorce. In this episode, Renée helps him identify the wounds that still need healing as well as understanding why they formed and how they'll resolve.

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EPISODE 8: JULIA

Mon, 01 May 2023 02:28:01 -0400

This week we take a break from childhood trauma. A palate cleanser, if you will! In Episode 8, Renée turns a psychological lens on the intense last year of Julia's life. This guest - our first Australian caller - goes where most won't. Marriage, infidelity, reclamation: Julia's candor makes for a fascinating conversation.

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EPISODE 5: ARI

Sun, 09 Apr 2023 21:00:00 -0400

For the first time on the podcast, Renée talks with one of her real-life psychotherapy clients! Ari explains how their work in therapy on childhood trauma and identity has led to a major family conflict. It's an intense story peppered with a lot of laughing.

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EPISODE 4: SAM

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 03:36:19 -0400

Family conflict, grief, gender, sexuality, addiction, parenting, abuse, humor - Sam brings it all!

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EPISODE 3: RACHEL

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 23:47:39 -0400

Renée talks to new guest, Rachel, about the childhood trauma and abuse that are interfering with her current relationships and the unprocessed anger she struggles to control. Rachel's stunning vulnerability and insight make for an intense, compelling, and at times laugh-out-loud funny episode.

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EPISODE 1: KELLEY

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 22:32:03 -0400

Therapy, psychology, nutrition and assorted irreverences

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