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Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
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Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

Author: Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

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Love, Happiness and Success with Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a top-ranked relationships and self improvement show that teaches growth-focused humans like you how to feel happier. Dr. Lisa will explain how to improve your relationships, fix communication problems, manage emotions, deepen emotional intimacy, and even heal heartbreak. You'll uncover obstacles holding you back, gain skills to help you learn & grow, and finally find direction toward your purpose-driven life. As a marriage counselor, psychologist, board-certified coach, and the CEO behind GrowingSelf.com, Dr. Lisa is here to show you how to get answers and make changes. Tune in to create the love, happiness, and success you want and deserve. It's time for you to grow and thrive!




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If you’re trying to improve marriage and it feels like you’re doing it alone, this is for you. When your spouse is checked out and every “we need to talk” goes nowhere, it’s exhausting. Maybe you’ve asked for date nights. You’ve suggested couples therapy. You’ve tried to discuss communication problems and you’re met with “I don’t know,” “No,” or silence. In this episode, we’re talking about why that happens… and what actually helps. Feeling lonely in your marriage can make you question everything. You may be wondering what to do when you’re the only one trying in a relationship, or whether your partner is emotionally checked out for good. It’s easy to assume that if your spouse refuses couples counseling, there’s nothing left to work with. But relationships are systems. When one part changes, the system shifts. I’m joined by Dr. Lee H. Baucom, Ph.D., author, pastoral counselor, life coach, and creator of the Save the Marriage program. With more than 30 years of experience helping couples in crisis, Lee specializes in situations where one partner is resistant or disengaged. Together, we unpack the pursue-withdraw cycle, why chasing your partner often backfires, and how small, invitational shifts can begin rebuilding connection. We also talk about the myth that “it takes two to tango,” the three levels of connection in marriage, and how to approach a partner who seems emotionally unavailable without escalating pressure. And we explore the harder question: when do you stop trying? How do you know you’ve done what you’re willing to do? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What to Do When You’re the Only One Trying in a Relationship 03:10 Why Couples Drift Apart Over Time 09:46 How One Person Can Change a Struggling Marriage 13:12 The Three Levels of Connection in Marriage 21:48 The Pursue-Withdraw Cycle and How to Stop Chasing Your Partner 33:09 How to Rebuild Hope in a Failing Relationship 42:19 Practical Steps to Reconnect With an Emotionally Checked-Out Partner 50:02 When to Stop Trying in a Marriage 55:54 Resources for Couples in Marriage Crisis If you’ve been carrying that heavy feeling of being the only one fighting for your marriage, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Clarity doesn’t come from another argument. It comes from one grounded conversation with someone who understands relationship systems and can help you sort through what’s possible and what your next step needs to be. If that would feel helpful, I’d love to invite you to schedule a free consultation with me or someone on my team at Growing Self. You’ll answer three quick questions so we can help you find the right support for you. It’s private, secure, and only takes a couple of minutes. Let’s find the right support for you—whether that means couples counseling, discernment work, or individual coaching to help you stop chasing and start feeling steady again. You deserve clarity. You deserve support. And you deserve to feel less alone in your marriage. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs  to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts.Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
When communication in a relationship starts to feel harder than it used to, it’s easy to wonder whether something is wrong, with your partner, or with the relationship itself. Many couples reach this point during the power struggle stage in relationships, when differences feel sharper, conflict escalates more quickly, and emotional safety can start to feel shaky. In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Thais Gibson, and we’re talking about why relationship power struggles are not a sign of failure, but a normal part of the stages of love. We explore what’s really happening beneath the surface when couples feel stuck in recurring conflict, including how the anxious avoidant relationship cycle can quietly take over communication and leave both partners feeling misunderstood or disconnected. Together, we unpack the myth that “good relationships should feel easy,” and talk honestly about normal relationship conflict, what’s expected, what’s workable, and what actually helps couples move forward. Thais shares practical frameworks for repairing after conflict, communicating needs more clearly, and rebuilding emotional safety in relationships, especially when old triggers and attachment patterns are getting activated. As you listen, I invite you to notice where you and your partner might be caught in the cycle, and what could shift if conflict became a doorway to understanding, growth, and repair instead of something to fear or avoid. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why the Myth That “Good Relationships Should Be Easy” Creates Conflict 03:12 The Stages of Love and How Relationships Change Over Time 05:33 The Power Struggle Stage in Relationships Explained 10:06 Why Triggers and Polarity Drive Relationship Power Struggles 16:21 The Anxious–Avoidant Relationship Cycle 17:40 Conflict and Repair Skills That Build Trust 29:36 Building Emotional Safety During Relationship Conflict 35:22 Communication Habits That Help Couples Move Forward If this conversation helped you recognize patterns in your relationship, especially around conflict, emotional safety, or feeling stuck in the power struggle stage, I want you to know you don’t have to navigate this alone. As a gift to you, you’re warmly invited to schedule a free consultation with me or a trusted member of my team at Growing Self. This is a private, secure conversation where you can share what’s really been happening in your relationship and what you’re hoping could feel different. You’ll answer three quick questions so we can thoughtfully match you with the right counselor or coach, someone who understands the kinds of dynamics Thais and I talked about today and can help you move toward clarity, connection, and repair. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it’s simply an opportunity to explore what support might look like for you. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs  to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
There is a particular kind of frustration that comes from knowing yourself well enough to recognize a pattern, and still feeling unable to stop it. You understand what you are doing. You may even understand why. And yet the behavior keeps showing up anyway. In this conversation, I’m sitting down with licensed marriage and family therapist and mental health educator Kati Morton to talk about why habits that no longer serve us can be so hard to change. Not because we lack insight or discipline, but because many of these patterns began as emotional coping habits. At one point, they helped us feel safer, more connected, or more in control. Over time, they quietly turned into ways we stay stuck. We explore how early relationship experiences shape perfectionism and control patterns, why self-sabotaging behaviors make sense once you understand the nervous system’s role in survival, and how shame keeps habits locked in place rather than motivating change. Kati shares why willpower is rarely the solution, and what compassionate habit change actually looks like when you stop trying to override yourself and start listening instead. We also talk about what happens when these patterns show up inside relationships, how to raise concerns without controlling or shaming your partner, and why understanding the function of a habit matters far more than trying to eliminate it. This episode is about breaking habits that keep you stuck by learning how to meet the underlying need in a healthier, more sustainable way. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question: What has this behavior been doing for me, and what might become possible if I approached myself with more curiosity and less judgment? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why willpower is not enough to change habits 03:49 How early relationship blueprints shape behavior 08:51 Perfectionism, people pleasing, and self-abandonment 12:25 Conditional love and control patterns 18:06 Nervous system regulation and survival responses 24:04 Emotional coping habits outside of relationships 31:03 Why shame reinforces habits 37:54 Addressing the root instead of cutting off symptoms 44:27 Supporting change in relationships without control 50:53 More from Kati Morton If this episode brought clarity to patterns you have been struggling with, and you would like support as you work toward change that actually lasts, I want to extend a personal invitation. You can schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. This is a private, secure space where you will answer three quick questions so we can help match you with the right counselor or coach for what you are navigating right now. Think of it as a thoughtful starting place, not a commitment. Just support, perspective, and help finding the right next step. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs  to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
If you’ve been dating for a while and you’re starting to feel tired, discouraged, or quietly wondering why this seems so much harder than it should be, you’re not imagining things. Modern dating can wear people down, the endless swiping, first dates that go nowhere, the emotional energy it takes just to stay open and hopeful. Many of the people I work with start to doubt themselves, not because anything is wrong with them, but because the process itself is exhausting. In this episode, I’m joined by Tim Molnar, a dating coach and former sociology professor, to talk about dating burnout recovery and how to approach dating with more clarity, intention, and emotional steadiness. Instead of pushing harder or checking out completely, we explore how to date more thoughtfully,  in ways that protect your mental health and help you stay connected to yourself along the way. We talk about why modern dating mental health struggles are so common, how swipe culture and endless choice can distort decision-making, and why so many good people end up feeling depleted rather than excited. Tim shares a research-backed, intentional dating strategy that helps you make better decisions sooner, reduce emotional drain, and focus your energy where it actually matters. If you’ve been trying to date without losing yourself — your values, your peace of mind, or your sense of hope — this episode offers a calmer, more grounded way forward. As you listen, you might reflect on this question: What would change if dating felt less like a test of your worth and more like a process you could approach with intention and self-trust? Episode Breakdown 00:00 Dating Burnout and Self-Doubt in Modern Dating 02:17 Tim’s Journey to an Intentional Dating Strategy 07:24 Why Modern Dating Impacts Mental Health 12:52 The “Third Door” Approach to Dating Without Burning Out 16:05 Expanding Your Social World Without Losing Yourself 21:15 Why Dating Apps Create Burnout and Inertia 25:49 Real-World Connection, Rejection, and Emotional Risk 36:29 Making Better Dating Decisions Earlier 39:43 The 80/20 Approach to Dating Without Burnout 43:40 Chemistry vs. Compatibility in Healthy Relationships 46:22 What Research Says Predicts Long-Term Relationship Success 50:47 The Power of the Slow Burn in Dating If dating has started to feel heavy, confusing, or emotionally draining, and you’d like a thoughtful place to land as you sort through what you need next, I want you to know there’s support available to you. I’d love to invite you to schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my Growing Self team. This is a private, secure space where you’ll answer a few simple questions so we can understand what’s been weighing on you and thoughtfully connect you with the right counselor or coach — someone who understands dating burnout, relationship decision-making, and how to help you stay open to love without losing yourself. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. This is simply an opportunity to feel understood, supported, and less alone as you find a calmer, more intentional way forward. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs  to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
If therapy feels like talking in circles, you’re not un-helpable. Your therapy might be the wrong kind of help. In today’s episode we’re talking about the big fat elephant in the therapy room: The disconnect between what therapists actually do, and what people are expecting to get out of it. Listen to get clarity about what therapy is actually designed to do, and more importantly what therapy is not—and how to choose the right support. The truth is that evidence based psychotherapy can be a literal life-saver. If you’re dealing with mental health issues, getting connected with a good, competent therapist can make all the difference between suffering, struggling, and having a nice life. Psychotherapy is valid, important, and effective for the treatment of mental health conditions.  But what about the 50% of people who show up for therapy who aren’t dealing with a mental health condition? Who are there to learn, grow, and develop themselves so that we can get traction in our lives, and have support to get where we want to go?  Those people? So many of them walk away from therapy feeling frustrated, stuck, or even wondering if they’re the problem. In this episode, I’m getting real about why therapy sometimes falls flat—and how you can reclaim your growth by understanding the actual purpose and process of therapy vs coaching. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why traditional therapy sometimes feels like “talking in circles” (and why it’s not your fault) What therapists are really trained for (hint: it isn’t always growth or day-to-day challenges) The major differences between therapy, mental health therapy, relationship therapy, and coaching—and how to know which one you need Red flags and disconnects to listen for during your first session How to interview a psychologist or counselor so you actually get results (not just insight) When coaching is more effective than therapy for life, relationship, and career issues What to know about insurance and why it matters if you’re not getting “treatment” Xoxo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby PS: On this show you’ll hear me talk about my coach training program for therapists, and the opportunity to work with one of them at a deeply discounted rate ($49!). Learn more and see if this is right for you. Special thanks to this month’s sponsors: Shopify: The all-in-one platform to build and grow your online business. Explore exclusive listener discounts at shopify.com/lhsWorking Genius founder Patrick Lencioni is on a mission to create self understanding and connection by helping people understand their genius and that of others. Listen to our conversation, then discover your strengths and get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
There’s a particular kind of emotional stuckness that’s hard to explain until you’ve lived it — the constant thinking about someone, replaying conversations, scanning for meaning in small moments, and slowly realizing that your inner world has begun to revolve around another person. That’s the experience we’re talking about today. In this episode, psychologist Orly Miller joins me for a thoughtful conversation about limerence vs love, and why intense longing can sometimes cross a line into something that feels more consuming than connecting. We talk about what limerence actually is, how it differs from healthy romantic attachment, and why it can be so difficult to move out of once you’re in it. For anyone quietly wondering how to stop limerence, this conversation offers clarity, language, and relief without judgment. As you listen, I invite you to notice how uncertainty, hope, and emotional focus may be shaping your experience of love,  and what might shift if more of that energy were returned to you, rather than staying fixed on someone else. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Loving Too Much: When Longing Becomes Painful 01:42 How Limerence Shows Up in Real Life 08:52 What Limerence Is (and What It Isn’t) 11:00 Limerence vs Love: Why Healthy Love Moves Forward 17:55 The Three Ways Limerence Can Exist 20:47 Hope and Doubt: What Keeps Limerence Alive 22:34 When Limerence Becomes Unhealthy 33:06 Inside a Limerent Episode 42:52 Why Healing Isn’t About the Other Person 44:54 Reclaiming Yourself and Moving Forward When patterns like these start to come into focus, it can bring relief, and also raise questions about what comes next. If this conversation stirred something for you and you’d like thoughtful support while you sort through it, I’d love to invite you to schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my Growing Self team. This is a private, secure space where you’ll answer a few simple questions about what’s been happening in your relationships and emotional life, and what you’d like to feel differently. From there, we’ll help you get matched with the right counselor or coach so you can move forward with clarity, self-trust, and care,  instead of staying stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs  to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
Struggling with a dead bedroom? Talking about sex can feel more vulnerable and more terrifying than almost any other conversation in relationships, but it's the key to bringing back the spark. In this episode, you'll learn how to talk about sex with your partner in ways that strengthen emotional intimacy, reignite sexual intimacy, deepen connection, and help couples communicate without shame, fear, or defensiveness. If you’ve ever wanted more closeness or desire in your relationship but felt frozen when it came time to talk about sex, you’re not alone. For many couples, learning how to talk about sex with your partner feels risky—even when love is strong and the longing for connection is real. Fear of rejection, conflict, or hurting each other can keep these conversations stuck beneath the surface, quietly eroding intimacy over time. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tara, a Kinsey-certified sexologist and tenured professor of sexual and relational communication, to talk about how to communicate better about sex in ways that actually build safety, trust, and closeness. We explore why sexual conversations feel so charged, how cultural conditioning shapes desire and avoidance, and what helps couples rebuild trust sexually after long periods of distance, rejection, or disconnection. You’ll hear practical guidance for starting these conversations gently, expanding what sexual intimacy can look like in long-term relationships, and taking responsibility for your own sexual self—without blame or shame. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question: What might become possible in your relationship if talking about sex felt safer, clearer, and more connecting than it does right now? Episode Breakdown 00:00 Why Talking About Sex Feels So Hard in Relationships 06:30 The Cost of Avoiding Conversations About Sex 15:00 How Sexual Communication Affects Intimacy and Connection 22:00 How to Talk About Sex Without Fear or Defensiveness 27:30 Understanding Your Sexual Self Before Communicating Needs 30:00 Redefining Sexual Intimacy Beyond Penetration 33:00 How to Ask for What You Want Sexually (Without Hurting Your Partner) 39:00 Navigating Sexual Differences in Long-Term Relationships 47:00 Rebuilding Sexual Trust and Attraction After Distance 52:40 The Core Skill: Knowing What You Want and Communicating It If this conversation stirred something for you—maybe a desire to feel closer, more confident, or more understood—you’re invited to schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my team. It’s a private, secure space where you can share what’s been happening in your relationship and what you’re hoping will feel different. You’ll answer three quick questions so we can thoughtfully match you with the right counselor or coach for your needs. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it’s designed to help you find support that fits, whether you’re working on communication, rebuilding sexual trust, or finding your way back to connection. Consider this a gentle next step and an open door, if and when you’re ready. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs  to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
When love and relationships turn into constant conflict, the problem isn’t that you’re bad at communicating; it’s that you’re negotiating without a strategy. In this episode, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby sits down with negotiation expert Rebecca Zung to unpack how communication breaks down in narcissistic relationships and what it really takes to negotiate effectively in a marriage or partnership marked by high conflict. If you’ve ever found yourself explaining, accommodating, or giving more and more in the hope that things will finally calm down, only to feel resentful or powerless later, this conversation is for you. Rebecca shares why negotiation is not just a legal skill, but a relationship skill and a self-worth skill, especially when you’re dealing with someone who is unpredictable, manipulative, or unwilling to meet you halfway. We talk about how to negotiate with a narcissist without losing yourself, including why mindset and preparation matter more than saying the “right” thing in the moment. Rebecca explains how common negotiation tactics like over-giving, people-pleasing, and JADE-ing (justify, argue, defend, explain) quietly undermine your position, and how clarity around your values, boundaries, and walk-away points can change the entire dynamic. You’ll also hear practical strategies for staying grounded and strategic in high-conflict relationships, setting boundaries without escalating conflict, and using leverage in ways that protect your energy, your self-respect, and what matters most to you. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this: Where have you been negotiating against yourself just to keep the peace? And what might shift if you approached these conversations with more clarity, intention, and respect for your own needs? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Negotiation Is a Relationship Skill 01:38 Rebecca Zung’s Personal Path to Negotiation Expertise 09:31 The First Negotiation Is With Yourself 13:26 Why Mindset Determines Negotiation Outcomes 18:24 Over-Giving, People-Pleasing, and Resentment 28:18 The Five I’s of Negotiation Leverage 43:30 Never JADE: How to Stop Giving Away Your Power 46:43 Setting Boundaries in High-Conflict Relationships If this episode resonated, and you’re realizing that navigating a high-conflict relationship requires more than just trying harder or explaining yourself better, I want you to know that support is available. I’d love to invite you to schedule a free consultation with my team at Growing Self. This is a private, secure space where you can share what’s been happening in your relationship and where you’re feeling stuck or drained. You’ll answer a few quick questions so we can thoughtfully connect you with the right counselor or coach, someone who understands high-conflict dynamics and can help you move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and self-trust. You don’t have to keep negotiating without a strategy, and you don’t have to do this alone. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
Imagine realizing the person you trusted was intentionally deceiving you the entire time. This episode pulls back the curtain on how con artists operate and the psychological devastation left in their wake. You'll learn how deception works, why even smart, capable people fall victim, and the lasting emotions from stress and anger to deep regret. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to increase your awareness, find the right professional support, and begin to move on safely. It’s a heavy but important conversation that may help you recognize danger before it’s too late. In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success, I’m joined by Johnathan Walton, an Emmy-winning former TV reporter and current reality TV producer, who became a leading voice on the psychology of the con artist after surviving a deeply destabilizing betrayal himself. He’s also the host, writer, and executive producer of the hit podcast Queen of the Con, and the author of Anatomy of a Con Artist. Together, we talk about how con artists manipulate emotions (not intelligence), why “I’m just trying to help” can be an early warning sign, and what happens to your brain and body when the relationship you thought was real turns out to be built on lies. We also get practical: the red flags that show up across scams, romance cons, and long-game manipulation, plus steps you can take to protect yourself—and what to do if you realize you’ve already been pulled in. A gentle note: This conversation includes explicit language and frank discussion of trauma responses, including intrusive revenge fantasies. Please take care of yourself while listening, and skip this one if you’re not in the right headspace today. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Moment You Realize Someone Isn’t Who They Say They Are 01:05 Con Artists, Betrayal Trauma, and Why This Conversation Matters 02:05 Trigger Warning and How To Listen Safely 07:04 Johnathan’s Story: The “Irish Heiress” Con Artist Case 11:20 How a Con Artist Hooks You Through Emotional Manipulation 30:33 The Red Flags of a Con Artist and How Patterns Form 41:27 The Trauma Aftermath: Shame, Rage, and Losing Trust in Yourself 46:38 Protecting Yourself After a Con Artist Betrayal 52:35 Dr. Lisa’s Guidance on Betrayal Trauma Support If you’re listening and realizing this episode connects to your own life, whether through a relationship, a financial loss, or the unsettling sense that something once trusted wasn’t real, I want you to have support, not just information. As a gift, I’d like to invite you to schedule a free consultation with my team at Growing Self. You’ll answer three quick questions, and we’ll help you book a private, secure consultation with the right counselor or coach for what you’re navigating right now. This is a thoughtful, low-pressure way to get clarity, feel supported, and take a steady next step forward. You don’t have to navigate this alone. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
What do you do when you're blindsided by unexpected and total life changes? I’m talking about the kind that shatter your sense of identity, happiness, and success all at once. How do you manage those overwhelming emotions and find a direction again? In this episode, you’ll learn just that: how to grow and heal when everything falls apart, find direction when you’re feeling trapped, and rebuild your sense of well-being for a new version of love, happiness, and success. I’m joined by Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist, creator of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, and the first Behavioral Science Advisor to the United Nations. Maya brings both personal experience and research-backed insight to the question so many people ask during major life transitions: Why does this feel so exhausting, disorienting, and scary — and how do I move forward without losing myself? Together, we talk about why life changes often feel like a threat to your identity, why uncertainty can drain your energy, and why there’s no single “right” way to grieve after major life events. Maya shares gentle, practical ways to begin healing that don’t require pushing yourself to be positive, rushing the process, or overhauling your life when you’re already tired. As you listen, I’d invite you to reflect on this: When so much has changed at once, what parts of you are still here? And what might become possible if this chapter isn’t the end of your story, but the beginning of something different? Episode Breakdown 00:00 When Life Falls Apart 01:23 Why Total Life Changes Feel So Destabilizing 01:55 Maya’s Story: Losing Big Dreams During Major Life Changes 07:10 How Life Transitions Threaten Identity 07:44 Finding Your “Why” After Everything Changes 11:17 There’s No One Right Way To Grieve Life Events 15:51 Why Uncertainty Is So Exhausting During Life Changes 22:33 A Self-Affirmation Tool For Identity After Total Life Changes 28:20 Moral Elevation: Finding Hope During Difficult Life Transitions 37:14 Why Community Helps You Heal After Major Life Events 42:35 Shared Psychology: Different Life Changes, Same Emotional Truths 45:40 Share This Episode With Someone Navigating Change If you’re living through total life changes right now and could use steady, thoughtful support as you find your footing again, I want to offer you something. I’ve created a simple way for you to schedule a free consultation that’s designed to truly meet you where you are. By answering three quick questions, you’ll be personally matched with the counselor or coach who’s best suited for what you’re navigating right now. This is a private, secure process, it only takes a couple of minutes, and it’s my way of making sure you don’t have to figure all of this out on your own. If this episode helped you put language to what you’ve been carrying, consider this an open door. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
If you want to feel happier in your relationships, understanding Enneagram types changes everything. This growth-focused conversation dives into love, happiness, and emotional intimacy through the lens of personality. You'll learn why different Enneagram personality types experience emotions and relationships differently and how couples can grow and heal by improving communication, mindset, and self-awareness through understanding each other's Enneagram type. In this episode, I’m sharing a meaningful and wide-ranging conversation with Ian Morgan Cron, a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and host of the Typology podcast. Together, we explore how Enneagram types shape relationship dynamics, why misunderstandings happen even in loving partnerships, and how learning each other’s emotional wiring can lead to deeper connection instead of ongoing frustration. We talk about why love and attachment can feel so powerful, why it’s often harder than expected to let go of unhealthy relationships, and how personality patterns influence conflict, empathy, and emotional pacing. We also dig into Enneagram and relationships, including how different Enneagram types process feelings, respond to stress, and experience intimacy in very different ways. I share personal insights about discovering my own Enneagram 7 tendencies and how that awareness changed the way I understand closeness, independence, and emotional connection in my own relationships. As you listen, I invite you to notice where you may be assuming your partner experiences the world the same way you do. Understanding Enneagram personality types isn’t about labeling or fixing yourself or your partner. It’s about building compassion, improving communication, and creating relationships where both people feel understood and emotionally safe. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Relationship Mistake That Affects All Enneagram Types 03:55 Dr. Lisa’s Enneagram Shift: From Type 3 to Enneagram 7 10:15 Enneagram Testing and Why Many People Mistype 15:54 Enneagram 7 in Relationships: Emotional Pacing and Empathy 23:43 Is Love Addictive? Attachment and Codependency in Relationships 34:50 Enneagram Types and Relationships: Using Differences to Grow 39:13 Compatibility vs. Companionability in Enneagram Relationships 52:05 A Relationship Exercise to Understand Your Enneagram Dynamic If this episode helped you see your relationship patterns more clearly, or helped you understand why certain dynamics keep repeating, I’d love to offer you a thoughtful next step. You’re invited to schedule a free consultation designed to help you find the right kind of support for where you are right now. By answering three quick questions, we’ll thoughtfully match you with a counselor or coach who understands relationships, personality, and the kind of growth you’re working toward. This is a private, secure experience and a genuine gift of support, and it only takes a couple of minutes to get started. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
“How to be more confident” is one of the most common things people tell me they want, and also one of the most misunderstood. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll finally feel confident once I calm my anxiety, stop second-guessing myself, or stop worrying about what other people think,” this conversation offers a very different starting point. In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success, I’m joined by Dr. Aziz Gazipura to talk about confidence as something deeper than appearances or bravado. I’m revisiting this episode on why confidence is really about your relationship with yourself, how social anxiety and people-pleasing quietly erode self-trust, and why trying to look confident often leaves people feeling more anxious and disconnected. We also talk about the inner critic as a misguided safety system, how avoidance keeps anxiety alive, and why confidence grows through practice, self-compassion, and supported risk-taking rather than positive thinking alone. If you struggle with social anxiety, harsh self-talk, or the habit of saying yes when you mean no, this conversation offers a steadier, more realistic way forward. As you listen, I’d invite you to reflect on this: Where in your life have you been trying to feel confident without being on your own side? And what might shift if confidence started with how you treat yourself when things feel uncomfortable or imperfect? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What confidence really means (and why it’s misunderstood) 01:48 Confidence as your relationship with yourself 07:32 From social anxiety and people-pleasing to real confidence 12:45 The inner critic and the “safety police” 16:51 Social anxiety vs. low confidence (and why avoidance makes it worse) 22:56 How confidence is built through practice and exposure 31:11 People-pleasing and “niceness” as anxiety patterns 38:21 Boundaries, authenticity, and healthy relationships 45:03 Projected dislike and changing self-talk 50:28 Final takeaways + where to find Dr. Aziz If this episode resonates and you’d like support building real confidence (the kind rooted in self-trust, authenticity, and emotional safety), I’d love to invite you to schedule a free consultation. This is a private, secure space where you can share what’s been weighing on you and what you want to feel differently. You’ll answer three quick questions so we can help match you with the right counselor or coach on my team. Many people experience this as a meaningful first step toward feeling more grounded, more supported, and more confident in their lives. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
Have you been feeling ready to start a new chapter in life, but also unsure how to begin? Not because everything is falling apart, but because something inside you knows it’s time for more. In this classic episode of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast, I’m joined by my colleague Dr. Lisa Severy to talk about how rewriting your story can open the door to real, lasting change—in your career, your relationships, and the way you see yourself. Dr. Lisa specializes in narrative career counseling, a powerful approach that helps people understand the deeper life themes shaping their choices. We talk about why traditional career advice often misses the mark, how work and identity are deeply connected, and what it really takes to move forward when you feel stuck, restless, or quietly dissatisfied—even if your life looks “fine” from the outside. This conversation is for you if you’re sensing that a new beginning is calling, but you don’t want to jump into another situation that looks different yet feels the same. Together, we explore how insight comes before action, why patterns tend to repeat when the internal story doesn’t change, and how giving yourself permission to rewrite old narratives can be one of the most meaningful decisions you ever make. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 How to start a new chapter in life by rewriting your story 02:27 Meet Dr. Lisa Severy and the narrative approach to career change 06:18 Why traditional career counseling doesn’t work for real life change 11:14 Life themes, meaning, and choosing work that fits who you are 19:30 The emotional cost of staying comfortable but unfulfilled at work 23:30 What to do when you feel stuck and overwhelmed by options 29:24 Giving yourself permission to change and release old “shoulds” 35:27 The Great Resignation and reclaiming agency in your career 41:57 Why career patterns repeat when the internal story doesn’t change 47:54 A powerful exercise to clarify what’s missing in your next chapter 52:58 Final reflections and how to get support for your next chapter I want you to know that you don’t have to figure your next chapter out on your own. One of the ways I support people at this point is by inviting them to schedule a free consultation with me or a member of my Growing Self team. It’s a private, secure space where you can talk honestly about what’s been feeling stuck, what’s been weighing on you, and what you hope might feel different going forward. You’ll answer just three quick questions, and we’ll help match you with the right counselor or coach for where you are right now. I hope you’ll see this as a small but meaningful gift to yourself as you begin shaping what comes next. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
Is anger, regret or sadness still tying you to your past? In this episode, you’ll learn how finding forgiveness helps you heal unhealthy emotions, create closure, and move on. You’ll learn about the two types of forgiveness and how to shift your mindset so you can finally feel happier, freer, and more like yourself again. If happiness and well-being feel out of reach right now, I hope you dive into this one. Forgiveness often sounds simple, but it can feel deeply challenging when anger, regret, or unresolved pain linger. I’m revisiting this episode because these unhealthy feelings tend to hold on quietly, shaping how we feel long after the moment has passed. In this conversation, I talk about what forgiveness really is and what it is not, and how finding forgiveness can support healing and closure without excusing harm or abandoning your boundaries. We explore the difference between forgiving yourself and forgiving someone else, especially when there has been no apology, no repair, or no justice. You’ll hear how to work with difficult emotions like sadness and resentment, how to move on when the other person may never change, and how forgiveness can support your growth, well-being, and peace of mind. If part of you feels like you should be over it by now, but something still feels unfinished, this episode offers a more compassionate way forward. Forgiveness is not about forgetting or minimizing what happened. It’s about releasing what no longer serves you so you can heal and feel happier in your life today. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Finding Forgiveness and Emotional Healing 03:25 The Two Types of Forgiveness: Yourself and Others 05:52 How Anger, Regret, and Guilt Impact Happiness 07:56 Self-Forgiveness Through Compassion and Growth 15:00 Making Amends and Repairing Harm 21:59 How to Forgive Someone Who Isn’t Sorry 24:19 Letting Go Without Excusing Harm 28:56 Forgiveness, Boundaries, and Emotional Safety 31:19 Choosing Forgiveness to Move On and Feel at Peace If this conversation about finding forgiveness stirred something tender for you, I want you to know you don’t have to work through it alone. I’d love for you to schedule a free consultation with me or someone on my team at Growing Self. It’s a private, secure space to share what you’ve been carrying and get matched with the right counselor or coach for where you are right now. You’ll answer three quick questions, and we’ll help you take a thoughtful next step toward healing and clarity. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self Special thanks to this month’s sponsors of the Love, Happiness and Success Podcast: Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit shopify.com/lhs to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts. Working Genius — A powerful assessment that helps entrepreneurs and leaders focus on what they naturally do best. Get 20% off with code LHS at workinggenius.com
Most people don’t realize they’re running on autopilot until life forces them to stop. Through the lens of ‘Memento Mori’, this episode shows you how living for meaning can help you find direction, improve your overall well-being, and create a purpose-driven life. You’ll learn how to use this mindset shift to support your self improvement, reduce your stress, and cultivate happiness right now. I’m joined by Karen Salmansohn, author and mindset coach, for a conversation about living for meaning and finding direction through the lens of Memento Mori. I’m revisiting this episode because its message feels especially relevant right now - how to reduce stress, stay grounded in your mindset, and create a purpose-driven life without giving up your ambition or drive. Rather than being morbid, the Memento Mori mindset offers clarity. It brings you back into the present moment and helps you make more intentional choices about who you are becoming and what truly matters. Together, we explore why traditional to-do lists often leave people feeling busy but unfulfilled, and how shifting toward values-based, identity-driven habits can support greater happiness and emotional well-being. This episode is an invitation to step out of autopilot, reconnect with what matters most, and begin living with more intention starting exactly where you are. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question: If your time is limited, what deserves more of your attention right now? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Welcome to Love, Happiness & Success 00:48 The “funeral question” and how it helps you live with meaning 01:19 Memento Mori and using mortality awareness to find direction 05:29 Karen’s wake-up call and the origin of Your To Die For Life 09:13 “Everything that is not given is lost” and the meaning of legacy 14:22 Aristotle on happiness vs pleasure and building a purpose-driven life 21:08 The to-die list, core values, and identity-based habits 30:22 Karen’s seven core values and intentional daily choices 38:28 Mortality marbles and a mindset shift that reduces stress 46:31 Dr. Lisa’s 9/11 story and choosing a more intentional life If this gives you a desire for more meaning, more clarity, or a different relationship with stress, I want to offer you something supportive. You’re invited to schedule a free consultation with me or a trusted member of my team. This is a private, secure space to talk about what’s been weighing on you, what you want to feel differently, and what kind of support would truly help you move forward. You’ll answer just a few quick questions so we can thoughtfully match you with the right counselor or coach and help you take the next step toward a more intentional, purpose-driven life. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
If you’ve been hearing more about psychedelic therapy and wondering whether it’s a genuine breakthrough for healing—or just the latest mental health trend—you’re not alone. Many people feel curious, hopeful, and skeptical all at once. This conversation is meant to help you slow down, understand what the research actually shows, and think clearly about whether this path is right for you. In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success, I’m joined by psychiatrist and MDMA-assisted psychotherapist Dr. Scott Shannon, founder of Wholeness Center, the largest integrative mental health center in the U.S. Together, we talk about how psychedelic therapy works differently from conventional psychiatric treatment, why it can help disrupt rigid trauma patterns in the brain, and what researchers are learning about long-term healing—not just short-term symptom relief. We also spend time on the parts of this conversation that matter just as much: the risks, the ethical boundaries, and the importance of preparation, professional support, and integration. Psychedelic therapy isn’t appropriate for everyone, and it isn’t something to pursue casually or without careful guidance. This episode offers a grounded, responsible look at how people can think critically about safety, readiness, and what to look for in a qualified provider. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on a few questions: What kind of healing are you actually looking for? What does feeling “better” really mean to you? And how do you decide which growth paths deserve your trust, time, and care? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Psychedelic therapy explained: promise, research, and real risks 02:31 Why psychedelic therapy differs from traditional psychiatric medication 04:55 Trauma, brain patterns, and how psychedelic therapy disrupts stuck loops 07:00 MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD and why healing can continue long after treatment 12:21 A paradigm shift in mental health: supporting the brain’s capacity to heal 19:30 What MDMA actually does in therapy: safety, self-compassion, and trauma processing 25:47 Mystical experience, meaning, and the spiritual dimension of psychedelic therapy 30:09 Ethical concerns, safety risks, and how to evaluate psychedelic therapy providers 38:00 Preparation and integration: why psychedelic therapy is more than the experience itself If this conversation leaves you thinking about your own healing or growth, I want to be clear that Growing Self does not offer psychedelic therapy. What we do offer is thoughtful, evidence-based therapy and coaching for people who want to grow with intention and care. If you’d like, I’d love to help you think through what kind of support would actually be most helpful for you. I’ve created a simple, private way to do that. By answering just a few quick questions, we can help match you with the right therapist or coach for a complimentary consultation—someone who understands what you’re navigating and where you’d like to go next. Schedule a free consultation today. Consider it a small gift from me, and a gentle next step if you’re ready for one. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
You’re speaking... they’re nodding… and yet somehow, the disconnect lingers. Western culture teaches us that communicating more clearly will fix the problems in our relationships, but what if the missing piece isn’t “more talking” at all? What if learning how to listen differently is what actually changes everything? When we understand how to listen in a deeper, more intentional way, communication problems soften, conflict and repair become easier, and emotional intimacy has room to grow. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Haru Yamada, a sociolinguistics researcher, writer, and author of Kiku: The Japanese Art of Good Listening. Haru holds a PhD from Georgetown University and has spent her life studying language, culture, and communication across borders. Having grown up moving between countries and cultures, her work centers on listening as a relational skill and a form of intelligence that supports both emotional and physical health. She now lives in London with her French partner in a multicultural family where listening is essential. Together, we explore what the Japanese art of listening teaches us about how to listen in relationships. We talk about why hearing words is not the same as being understood, how tone, silence, pacing, and emotional awareness shape connection, and why so many couples feel unseen even when conversations sound productive on the surface. This conversation offers a reframe for anyone who wants to be a better listener and communicate with more care, clarity, and compassion. If you’ve ever wondered how to listen in a way that actually helps your partner feel safe and understood, this episode offers listening skills you can start using right away. These are skills that support conflict and repair, strengthen emotional intimacy, and help couples move out of stuck communication patterns and into real connection. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on these questions: Where might you be listening for information, when what your partner really needs is to be listened to as a person? And how might your relationships change if feeling heard became the goal, not winning the conversation? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Communication Problems Persist in Relationships 01:02 The Japanese Art of Listening and How It Changes Relationships 02:56 Speaking vs Listening: Who Is Responsible for Understanding? 05:18 How Listening Impacts Relational Health and Healing 08:35 “Kiku” and Listening With 14 Hearts: Hearing Information vs Hearing a Person 16:10 Listening Skills That Build Emotional Intimacy 19:31 Why Conflict Happens When We Don’t Feel Heard 25:17 How Expectations Shape What We Hear 28:50 How to Be a Good Listener in Love and Relationships 35:27 Staying Present: The Hardest and Most Important Listening Skill 40:19 Listening as Care: How Being Heard Supports Healing and Repair If you’d like support as you practice listening differently and creating more understanding in your relationships, I’d love to help you find the right next step. I’ve created a simple, private way for you to connect with the support that fits you best. You can answer a few quick questions, and we’ll help you schedule a free consultation with the right counselor or coach on my team. It’s a quiet, pressure-free space to talk about what’s really been happening in your relationships and what you want to feel differently moving forward. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
What if the key to success and happiness isn’t working harder, but finally understanding how you’re wired to thrive? Many people unknowingly work against their own strengths and personality, leading to stress, stalled career growth, and strained relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn how to uncover obstacles, unlock your personal greatness, and start living in your type of working genius. Burnout doesn’t always come from doing too much. Often, it comes from spending too much time doing the kind of work that drains you. Patrick Lencioni and I talk about why stress, frustration, and self-criticism are frequent signals of misalignment rather than failure, and how understanding your natural skills can change the way you work, lead, and relate to the people you love. Patrick is the creator of the Working Genius assessment and author of The Six Types of Working Genius. Together, we explore how the Working Genius framework helps people understand their strengths, release shame around what feels hard, and create healthier relationships at work and at home. We also talk about why rest alone doesn’t resolve burnout, and why doing more of the right kind of work often restores energy, confidence, and momentum. As you listen, you may find yourself reconsidering long-held beliefs about success, productivity, and what you “should” be good at, and noticing where clarity could replace stress. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Feeling Burned Out and Self-Critical at Work and Home 05:06 Burnout as Working Outside Your Strengths 06:56 The 6 Types of Working Genius Explained 11:45 How Working Genius Differences Affect Relationships 17:50 Enablement and Tenacity as Essential Strengths 21:08 Shame, Comparison, and Misunderstood Skills 32:41 Using Working Genius to Improve Couples and Team Communication 41:34 Why Doing Less Does Not Fix Burnout 55:35 Moving Toward Career Alignment Without Major Life Changes Are you feeling stretched thin while trying to crush it at work and keep up with everything at home? Burnout might be looming and that isn’t just because you’re doing too much. It’s often about doing the wrong kind of work. Patrick created the Working Genius assessment to help you discover what kind of work gives you energy and what drains it. It’s helped me find more balance, not by doing less, but by focusing on what I’m actually wired for. If you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to level up in business and life, take the Working Genius assessment today and get 20% off with code LHS at https://www.workinggenius.com/  xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
What’s the secret to a marriage full of love, happiness, and success? Happy, thriving couples know that achieving your couple goals—and treating growth like a shared adventure—is what creates deep connection and long-term happiness. In this episode, you’ll learn how to uncover obstacles in relationships, communicate proactively, deepen emotional intimacy, and strengthen your bond through intentional, growth-focused love. So many couples set goals for their careers, finances, or personal growth, but rarely pause to ask: What are we working toward together? I’m revisiting this episode because the conversation feels just as relevant now as when it first aired. Joined by licensed marriage and family therapist and relationship coach Sarah B., we talk about how couples can take a proactive, growth-focused approach to building a strong, connected marriage—long before problems turn into crises. We explore why emotional awareness and communication skills are often missing from our early relationship education, and how that gap quietly creates distance over time. You’ll hear practical ways couples can clarify shared goals, stay connected through busy seasons of life, and create emotional safety around some of the most sensitive topics in a marriage, including communication, intimacy, sex, and money. As you listen, I invite you to reflect on this question: If your relationship mattered just as much as every other goal in your life, what would you start doing differently together? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Achieving Your Couple Goals: Love, Happiness, and Success in a Marriage 00:44 Designing Your Shared Future Together 05:48 Uncover Obstacles in Relationships Before Crisis Hits 09:31 Be Willing to Be Messy: The Mindset That Builds Emotional Intimacy 15:41 The Relationship Check-In That Helps Couples Communicate Proactively 19:17 The “Powerball” Exercise to Clarify Couple Goals and Values 22:45 Quality Time That Actually Feels Connecting 30:10 Communicate Proactively: Naming Needs Before You Get Triggered 32:13 Empathy and Boundaries When Conversations Escalate 40:04 Sex and Money: Emotional Safety and Radical Honesty If you’re thinking about what you want for your relationship moving forward, I’d love to offer you a gentle next step. As a listener of the podcast, this is my way of inviting you into a more supported, intentional process. You can answer three quick questions to help us understand what’s feeling most important in your relationship right now and what kind of support would be the best fit. It’s private, secure, and only takes a couple of minutes. From there, we’ll help you schedule a free consultation with the right expert—someone who can support you in clarifying your couple goals, strengthening emotional intimacy, and building a relationship grounded in love, happiness, and success. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
Do you ever find yourself longing for deeper human connection, yet unsure how to actually make it happen? So many people are trying to overcome loneliness while craving friendships that genuinely support their happiness, well-being, and the desire to grow and heal. In this episode, we explore what strengthens your social wellness - from simple practices that help you reconnect with yourself to meaningful experiences that help you feel happier. My guest today is Julia Hotz, a solutions-focused journalist and award-winning author of The Connection Cure. Julia has spent years studying why loneliness is so widespread, what it does to our bodies and minds, and why meaningful relationships feel harder to build than ever. Today, we discuss social prescribing - an emerging practice where doctors and therapists “prescribe” activities like art classes, forest walks, or book clubs based on what matters to you most. These aren’t hobbies for the sake of hobbies; they’re structured ways of reconnecting with joy, identity, and people who help you feel more like yourself. Julia shares powerful stories, including Glenn, a 92-year-old veteran who went from weeks of silence to a real friendship, and Jonas, who lives with social anxiety and found that culture, music, and stories were his bridge back to connection. We talk about why meaningful relationships aren’t just about companionship but self-expansion, helping you understand who you are through the people you connect with. We also explore the internal obstacles that make it harder to overcome loneliness: time constraints, social anxiety, and the awkwardness many people still feel after years of disrupted connection. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why social connection and strong relationships boost health and happiness 00:40 Introducing Julia Hotz and The Connection Cure 01:11 How the UK’s minister of loneliness sparked social prescribing 06:47 What loneliness really is and how it impacts your brain and body 10:26 Self-expansion: how deep relationships help you know yourself 12:28 Rebuilding community: from Bowling Alone to modern social prescribing 14:21 Glenn and Ryan’s story: loneliness to friendship at age 92 18:05 Social anxiety and culture “vitamins”: easier ways to meet people 23:20 How people connect differently: activities, intimacy, and friendship 26:18 Flipping “What’s wrong with me?” to “What matters to me?” 31:14 Why 20 minutes in nature can reset your mind and attention 38:35 How to “prescribe yourself” connection and build a values-based social life If something in this episode resonates and you’re thinking, “I don’t want to feel this alone anymore,” we would love to support you. At Growing Self, you can schedule a free consultation to get connected with a therapist or coach on my team who truly understands what it takes to overcome loneliness and build meaningful human connection. You’ll be able to chat with someone who can walk alongside you as you strengthen your social wellness, rebuild friendships, and feel happier. Schedule a free consultation today. You are worthy of relationships where you feel seen, chosen, and emotionally safe. You don’t have to figure this out alone. 💗 xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self
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Comments (6)

Sarah Lockwood

This gave me permission to prioritize some pleasurable hobbies that have felt like a luxury taking me away from other life priorities. Now I understand how healthful my hobbies are in creating connection and personal growth.

Dec 12th
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Olivia Duke

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Feb 15th
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Olivia Duke

This article is great. I like it very much. Thank you! https://fireboyand-watergirl.co

Feb 15th
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Olivia Duke

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Feb 15th
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Rebecca Vardiman

Dr. Lisa, my partner and I so appreciate your podcast and have grown a lot as we follow along. I'm looking for the link to the obituary you read from near the end. Wonderful! Would like to read it and share with friends. Thanks, Rebecca V

Jan 10th
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Mustafa Thunder

from now on, I should listen to this episode probably every month. so packed with wisdom.

Oct 30th
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