The Terri Cole Show

He's spent his career interviewing the world's leading mental health experts, but Kyle Kitson still struggles with depression, codependency, and self-sabotage. The difference? Now he has the framework to actually work through it. From marine animal training to mental health education, his journey proves that knowledge without application is just entertainment. This conversation covers the tiny habit formula that actually sticks, the animal training rule that stops you from setting yourself up to fail, and why approaching your mind with curiosity instead of judgment changes everything. Real talk about doing the work. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/774

If you're a high achiever who constantly feels like you're either "too much" or "not enough," this conversation will resonate deeply. Amina Alai, author of "The Ambition Trap," shares her journey from severe burnout and autoimmune disease to building a sustainable model of success that doesn't require sacrificing your health. Discover what's behind painful ambition, why doing it alone is killing your growth, and how to embrace the seasonal nature of achievement.  Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/773

Have you ever been ghosted, breadcrumbed, or found yourself stuck in yet another situationship, wondering, How did I end up here again? If so, you are not alone, and nothing is wrong with you. In this episode of The Terri Cole Show, we are unpacking what these painful experiences can teach you about your deeper relational patterns, because it’s rarely just about that one person who vanished or strung you along. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/772

Feeling drained, unmotivated, or emotionally stuck? You might be facing burnout. Not just physical exhaustion, but mental and emotional overload. In this episode with Samantha Skelly, founder of Pause Breathwork, we explore what burnout really is and why suppressing your feelings keeps you trapped in it. Discover how short, daily breathwork sessions can calm your nervous system, release emotional tension, and help you reconnect with your energy. It’s time to stop pushing through burnout and start breathing your way back to yourself. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/771

Discover how childhood trauma and C-PTSD shape our ability to form healthy connections, set boundaries, and rebuild self-trust. In this episode, Anna Runkle, creator of the “Crappy Childhood Fairy,” shares her journey, therapeutic writing tools, and insights from her book Connectability. We explore emotional regulation, nervous system healing, and how to move from isolation to authentic connections. If you’re interested in self-help and personal growth, this conversation offers guidance for creating deeper, lasting connections after trauma. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/770

Have you ever been in a meeting where someone suddenly calls your name and you freeze? Your mind goes completely blank, your body tenses, and even though you know the answer is in there somewhere, you cannot find the words. Or maybe you are in a heated conversation, someone accuses you of something unfair, and instead of speaking up you go silent. You just freeze. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. Freezing in the moment is incredibly common. From CEOs to public speakers, from parents to teenagers, many of us have experienced the silent freeze. For some, it happens only occasionally. For others, it is almost chronic, showing up whenever they feel put on the spot. In this episode of The Terri Cole Show, I am breaking down why we freeze, what it really means, and most importantly, what you can do to work with your body and mind to move through it. The good news is that there are many strategies you can practice to expand, regain your voice, and communicate more effectively. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/769

Emotions are not the enemy, they are the doorway to being present. In this episode with Josh Pais, we explore how emotions guide us back to being present and how embracing all emotions allows deeper self-growth. Discover simple tools to accept emotions, stop resisting, and practice being present every day. If you’re curious about emotions, mindfulness, and the freedom that comes from being present, this episode is for you. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/768

Sobriety doesn’t have to come from rock bottom, it can be a conscious choice for self-growth and mental freedom. In this episode, author Suzanne Warye shares her journey from “mommy wine culture” to reclaiming her clarity, health, and purpose. Discover how reframing sobriety can transform your relationship with yourself, break free from limiting beliefs, and empower you to outgrow what no longer serves you. This conversation is for anyone questioning alcohol and seeking a path of conscious living. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/767

For many of us, emotional security is the missing piece in our relationships. It’s subtle, but its absence is exhausting. Without it, love feels like walking on eggshells, never fully able to relax into who we are. This week on The Terri Cole Show, I share what emotional security really means, why it matters so much, and how to start cultivating it in yourself and with the people you love. Because when it’s missing, everything is more challenging than it needs to be. But when it is present, everything becomes easier and more transparent. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/766

A journey through laughter and vulnerability: comedian Trae Crowder shares how his career in comedy took off after his viral “Liberal Redneck” videos and how he faced an unexpected challenge—anxiety. With raw honesty, he opens up about on-stage panic attacks and the alternative therapies that helped him regain balance. This episode explores the intersection of comedy, identity, and emotional resilience. Beyond political humor, Trae reveals how anxiety transformed him as both a person and an artist, offering powerful insights into authenticity, personal growth, and the strength found in vulnerability. Comedy, psychology, and self help come together in a conversation that inspires and humanizes. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/765

In this episode, Jen Hatmaker shares her journey of how to Heal after loss and embrace new beginnings. She opens up about grief, growth, and the importance of community while navigating midlife changes and codependency. Her story is a reminder that you can Heal even in the most disruptive seasons of life. This interview dives deep into what it means to rebuild yourself after loss, from embodying practices like meditation to setting boundaries with time and energy. Whether you’re searching for ways to Heal, move forward, or find joy after loss, this episode offers tools and hope for personal growth and transformation. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/764

Do you ever think about ‘the cost’ of real love? I’m talking about the kind of love that stretches, challenges, and asks you to grow. That’s what we’re getting into in this episode of The Terri Cole Show. Because while love is beautiful, meaningful, and deeply fulfilling, it also asks something of us. And that’s not a bad thing. But it’s something we rarely talk about. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/763

Discover how psychotherapist Nicole Sachs turned her chronic pain diagnosis into a journey of mind-body healing. In this episode, Nicole shares her powerful methods like Journal Speak and the ANSR framework to release repressed emotions, calm anxiety, and restore nervous system balance. If you’ve struggled with chronic pain, anxiety, or stress-related illness, this episode offers practical tools for self-healing, emotional resilience, and long-term personal growth. Learn how addressing your inner world can transform your physical health and empower your life. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/762

Parenting isn’t just about managing your child’s emotions—it starts with regulating your own. In this conversation, Alyssa Blask Campbell shares how unresolved childhood wounds affect the way we parent, and why emotional regulation is the foundation for healthier family dynamics. Through her FACTS framework, she explains practical tools backed by neuroscience to support both adults and kids. If you’re interested in personal growth, psychology, or self-help strategies, this interview will shift the way you think about parenting and give you new tools for everyday life. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/761

Have you ever reacted in ways you later regret? In this episode we’ll explore what emotional reactivity really is, why it’s often tied to old wounds and unmet needs, and how you can break free from the cycle. You’ll learn practical tools to pause, breathe, set healthy boundaries, and respond with clarity instead of reacting on autopilot—building more peace, emotional intelligence, and self-respect in your daily life. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/760

On today’s episode, I invite Caitlin Crosby on to The Terri Cole Show for a dive into ambition, betrayal, and boundary setting as a female entrepreneur. Caitlin shares her personal story of overcoming the betrayal of a trusted CFO and how she learned to trust her instincts. Plus, we chat about how the same struggles we have in professional life often pop up in our personal lives as well. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/759

Growing up with emotionally immature parents often leaves lasting patterns like people-pleasing, hyper-independence, or caretaking. In this episode, we explore why setting healthy boundaries with parents who are critical, inconsistent, or self-absorbed feels so hard—and why it’s essential for your healing. Emotionally immature parents can make boundaries feel impossible. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to create boundaries that actually work—from scripting conversations to handling guilt-tripping or anger. If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your peace and finally prioritize your own well-being, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/758

In this inspiring conversation, Julie Smolansky, CEO of Lifeway, shares her journey of resilience, healing, and leadership. From escaping the Soviet Union with her family to unexpectedly becoming a CEO at 27 after her father’s sudden passing, Julie opens up about overcoming trauma, sexism, and self-doubt while building a successful business rooted in the mind-gut connection. She also reveals her passion for advocacy—producing The Hunting Ground to raise awareness about unreported crimes on campus, co-founding Test400k to fight for justice, and navigating the painful boundaries of addiction within her own family. This interview is a powerful reminder that growth, empowerment, and mental health are possible when we honor our truth and lead with courage. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/757

What if the very thing we fear could actually make us stronger? In this powerful conversation, Terri Cole sits down with Jeff Krasno to explore how good stress can be a surprising ally for health, vitality, and longevity. Together, they uncover how challenges, when embraced in the right way, can activate the body’s natural capacity to heal and grow. Jeff shares his personal journey, the science behind beneficial stress, and why our modern lifestyle has stripped away the kinds of challenges we actually evolved to handle. From fasting and movement to tough conversations, he shows that leaning into discomfort can transform both body and mind. If you’re ready to rethink your relationship with stress, this episode will open your eyes to practical tools you can use right away. Instead of avoiding all discomfort, discover how harnessing the right kind of stress can expand your healthspan, increase resilience, and unlock your longevity. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/756

Content note: This episode discusses manipulative and abusive relationship dynamics that may be triggering for some readers. Have you ever been in a relationship with someone who made you question your own reality?  Maybe it's romantic, familial, or even just a friendship where every disagreement somehow leaves you thinking, "Did I misremember that? I really thought I said that out loud... maybe I didn't?" If you're nodding your head right now, you're not alone. For years, my community has been asking me to break down how to identify narcissists and sociopaths because the confusion around these two personality types can literally be dangerous.  When you can't tell what you're dealing with, you can't protect yourself effectively. After 25 years as a licensed psychotherapist, I've seen too many brilliant, capable people get trapped in relationships that slowly eroded their sense of self.  The good news? Once you understand the key differences between narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder (which includes sociopathy), you can spot the red flags early and protect your peace. Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/755