Optimal Relationships Daily - Dating, Marriage and Parenting

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2868: 7 Things NOT to Say to Someone Who Has Anxiety by Jen Hayes on Compassionate Language

2026-01-1408:05

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2868: Jen Hayes sheds light on the damaging impact of common phrases people say to those with anxiety, often with good intentions, but harmful results. By breaking down seven misguided statements and offering compassionate alternatives, she helps listeners better support loved ones struggling with anxiety through empathy, understanding, and emotional presence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me/7-things-not-to-say-to-someone-who-has-anxiety/ Quotes to ponder: "Anxiety is not something you can just 'turn off'." "Anxiety doesn't have a set end point, and it can make you feel hopeless, depressed, and give you the illusion that you're losing your mind." "Many people with anxiety have learned to hide their anxiety very well, but that doesn't mean they don't feel it."

2867: You Have Two Choices: Choose Better Men or Treat Men Better by Evan Marc Katz on Dating Awareness

2026-01-1309:08

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2867: Evan Marc Katz explores the emotional aftermath of dating disappointments through the story of Paul, a good man hardened by repeated heartbreak. Katz challenges women to reflect on their own dating patterns, suggesting that true relationship success lies in both choosing better partners and embodying the generosity they wish to receive. The takeaway is clear: give wisely, love openly, and walk away from those who can't reciprocate. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.evanmarckatz.com/blog/understanding-men/you-have-two-choices-choose-better-men-or-treat-men-better Quotes to ponder: "You can literally change the way he acts towards you just by being happier, more playful, more generous and less judgmental towards him." "It's not HIS fault he's taking advantage of you. It's YOUR fault for choosing him and staying with him, the same as it's Paul's fault for perpetually choosing selfish women over givers." "Have you been the 'giver' in relationships and concluded that you're never going to be that way again?"

2866: [Part 2] How to Get off the Emotional Roller Coaster and Date from a Centered Place by Melissa Josue of Melissa the Love Coach

2026-01-1211:17

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2866: Melissa Josue explores how attachment to dating outcomes fuels anxiety and emotional instability, urging a shift toward inner wholeness and self-trust. By practicing detachment, cultivating possibility over expectation, and reconnecting with your true self, you reclaim your power and date from a place of grounded confidence and peace. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://melissathelovecoach.com/get-off-emotional-roller-coaster-date-centered-place/ Quotes to ponder: "When you're attached to an outcome, you feel at the mercy of your circumstances and in constant fear of loss." "Rather than being in the energy of expectation and being attached to an outcome, shift to being in the energy of possibility." "You realize that no one can ever rob you of yourself. You are safe. There is nothing to lose that cannot be replaced and nothing to gain that adds to who you are."

2865: [Part 1] How to Get off the Emotional Roller Coaster and Date from a Centered Place by Melissa Josue of Melissa the Love Coach

2026-01-1108:41

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2865: Melissa Josue explores the emotional highs and lows that often accompany modern dating and reveals how attachment to specific outcomes can leave us feeling anxious and out of control. By learning to let go and practice healthy detachment, not indifference, we can date from a grounded, centered place that fosters genuine connection and emotional clarity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://melissathelovecoach.com/get-off-emotional-roller-coaster-date-centered-place/ Quotes to ponder: "One of the most challenging issues that many of my clients and blog readers struggle with in dating is feeling like they're on an emotional roller coaster." "When you're attached, you're riding between the thrill of having something and the threat of losing it." "It's about having a much deeper awareness of your human experience, but from a place of being centered and a place of profound openness, not attachment." Episode references: The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Spiritual-Laws-Success-Pocketbook/dp/1878424114

2864: Mindful Self-Management Strategies: How to Regulate Your Emotions in an Increasingly Complex and Chaotic World by Kylee Lessard

2026-01-1113:09

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2864: Kylee Lessard shares transformative insights from the Inner MBA program at NYU, offering practical tools to regulate emotions and shift from stress to presence in daily life. By exploring Professor Jeremy Hunter's concept of mindful self-management, listeners gain accessible strategies, like self-dialogue, cold exposure, and nervous system awareness, to reclaim calm, energy, and clarity amid the chaos. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.ablueskymind.com/blog/mindful-self-management-strategies Quotes to ponder: "Self-management, in the modern world, is all about managing the flow of your attention and the way your nervous system responds to the flow of your attention." "Where attention goes, energy flows." "Your nervous system dictates how much you struggle by bringing either accepting or resisting energy to pain that arises." Episode references: Inner MBA by NYU: https://innermbaprogram.com

2863: Feeling Unloved: "You Don't Love Me, Nobody Loves Me" by Vironika Tugaleva on Self Worth

2026-01-1008:27

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2863: Vironika explores how our feelings of being unloved often stem not from others' actions, but from deep, unresolved inner wounds and self-rejection. Her powerful story traces the journey from external blame to self-awareness, ultimately revealing that true healing begins when we decide to treat ourselves with compassion. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.vironika.org/nobody-loves-me/ Quotes to ponder: "I thought other people were causing me pain. In reality, they were just accidentally clicking 'play' on already existing tapes inside my mind." "The thing about hating myself was that I didn't realize I was doing it." "My relationships with others became defined by their ability either to save me from my misery or to hurt me by perpetuating it."

2862: How to Create a Chore and Reward System for Kids by Andy Hill of Marriage, Kids and Money on Habit Formation

2026-01-0907:17

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2862: Andy Hill shares a practical, age-appropriate system for teaching kids responsibility and money management through a mix of unpaid family chores and paid "money chores." By combining a simple three-task allowance system with "Save, Spend, and Give" jars, he lays the groundwork for lifelong habits of contribution, self-discipline, and financial awareness, all while keeping it fun and achievable for young kids. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://marriagekidsandmoney.com/mkm-challenge-create-a-chore-and-reward-system-for-kids Quotes to ponder: "When the chore is done, inspect their work to make sure they did it right. They know you're engaged and you care about the hard work they did for the family." "Help your child 'Spend, Save and Give' responsibly." "If they save up a bunch of money for something big, meet them in the middle if you want."

2861: How Our Baby Slept Through the Night After Just 3 Days of Sleep Training by Amanda Brownlow on Nighttime Routines

2026-01-0807:14

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2861: Amanda Brownlow shares how a gentle variation of the cry-it-out method helped her baby sleep through the night in just three days. Emphasizing routine, patience, and parental follow-through, she walks readers through a step-by-step nighttime strategy that helped her family reclaim rest and sanity. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://hellobrownlow.com/2019/01/10/how-our-baby-slept-through-the-night-after-just-3-days-of-sleep-training/ Quotes to ponder: "Babies and children crave routine." "You shouldn't touch your baby while checking in on him." "Talk it over with your partner and decide what your time limit on crying is." Episode references: BabyCenter: https://www.babycenter.com Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman: https://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-Bebe-Discovers-Parenting/dp/0143122967

2860: What Does Trust and Commitment Look Like in a Relationship? by Mary Beth George with Gottman on Relationship Stability

2026-01-0706:28

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2860: Mary Beth George explores the real meaning of trust and commitment through the lens of her 25-year marriage, blending personal anecdotes with insights from the Gottmans' relationship framework. Her reflections highlight how daily choices, shared hardships, and intentional appreciation can build emotional safety and deepen intimacy in long-term partnerships. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.gottman.com/blog/what-does-trust-and-commitment-look-like-in-a-relationship/ Quotes to ponder: "Commitment is really a verb because it is the actions you take daily to let your partner know we are with them and that you make decisions with them in mind." "When you cherish your partner, you feel that they're irreplaceable. You simply cannot imagine your life without them, even when times are rough." "You create trust and safety by turning towards them to work out your differences." Episode references: Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love: https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Dates-Essential-Conversations-Lifetime/dp/1523504463

2859: Don't Underestimate Me Just Because I'm Not Dominating the Conversation by Rachel Ginder with Introvert Dear

2026-01-0608:15

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2859: Rachel Ginder challenges the misconception that quietness equals meekness, revealing the rich inner world of introverts who may not speak often but possess fierce self-awareness and conviction. Her reflection invites deeper understanding of introversion, not as shyness or weakness, but as a quiet strength that doesn't always need to prove itself to be powerful. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://introvertdear.com/news/introvert-not-doormat/ Quotes to ponder: "Introverts often go quiet because we have so many passionate thoughts rushing through our heads that it's impossible to verbalize them all." "Being contemplative is strong, because those who know their own minds and have cultivated a sense of self are never as meek and mild as they initially seem." "Getting to know an introvert may take twice as long, but I promise that the time spent is just as rewarding."

2858: [Part 2] When Your Partner Isn't Sure They Want a Future With You by Tonya Lester on Relationship Uncertainty

2026-01-0507:42

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2858: Tonya Lester explores the painful uncertainty of being with someone who can't commit, offering a grounded, compassionate roadmap for reclaiming your voice and agency. Listeners will gain clarity on when to wait, when to walk, and how to protect their self-worth in relationships that feel stuck in limbo. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.tonyalester.com/blog//when-your-partner-isnt-sure-they-want-a-future-with-you Quotes to ponder: "Everyone should have a bottom line regarding what they want from a partner in a relationship." "It's important to note that a healthily attached person can become anxiously attached if they spend too long with an avoidant partner." "Be realistic. Is the person in front of you who you really want? Or are you waiting for them to conform to your fantasy of who they could be?" Episode references: Eat, Pray, Love: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Pray-Love-Everything-Indonesia/dp/0143038419 Attached: https://www.amazon.com/Attached-Science-Adult-Attachment-YouFind/dp/1585429139

2857: [Part 1] When Your Partner Isn't Sure They Want a Future With You by Tonya Lester on Relationship Uncertainty

2026-01-0409:05

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2857: Tonya Lester explores the emotional toll of loving someone who can't commit, revealing how unresolved childhood dynamics and early romantic experiences can shape our patterns in adult relationships. This honest reflection helps listeners recognize anxious attachment, stop settling for emotional breadcrumbs, and start reclaiming their self-worth. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.tonyalester.com/blog//when-your-partner-isnt-sure-they-want-a-future-with-you Quotes to ponder: "Never wait to be in somebody's top spot. If you have to convince someone of how great you are, they shouldn't be in your top spot." "If you are anxiously attached, any relationship, no matter how unsatisfying, is better than being alone." "You're frustrated about putting your life on hold while your partner is 'figuring things out.'"

2856: Family Budget Meetings - Yes, You Need To Have Them by Michelle Schroeder-Gardner of Making Sense of Cents

2026-01-0411:30

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2856: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner emphasizes the critical role regular budget meetings play in building financial awareness, trust, and collaboration within a household. By openly discussing income, expenses, and financial goals, couples can avoid miscommunication, prevent financial surprises, and create a united path toward long-term success. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.makingsenseofcents.com/2016/05/budget-meetings.html Quotes to ponder: "A family who has regular money talks and budget meetings is more likely to be financially successful and happy than a family that doesn't." "Money talks and budget meetings do not have to be excruciatingly long. They can be as short as 10 minutes, so there is no reason to not have them regularly." "Everyone should be aware of their financial situation. It's not fair for one person to manage it all, and you would be in for a rude awakening if something were to happen to that person."

2855: How to Heal Hypervigilance by Shana Olmstead on Trauma Healing

2026-01-0308:44

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2855: Shana Olmstead offers empowering guidance for sensitive and empathic individuals struggling with hypervigilance, especially in emotionally charged relationships. Through intentional practices like energetic visualization, grounding techniques, and heart-centered affirmations, she teaches how to reclaim presence, soothe the nervous system, and interact from a place of love rather than fear. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2021/11/08/how-to-heal-hypervigilance/ Quotes to ponder: "You can't control him, but you are in charge of your own energy!" "With awareness comes choice and freedom." "He is so compassionate and empathic, always trying to make everyone around him happy, especially his dad. This resulted in anxiety, resentment, and exhaustion!"

2854: The Truth About Secrets: 4 Reasons Our Kids Don't Keep Secrets by Jen of This Time of Mine on Emotional Safety

2026-01-0210:57

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2854: Jen explores why teaching children not to keep secrets builds stronger emotional safety, trust, and communication. Instead of equating secrecy with trustworthiness, kids can show integrity through kindness, reliability, and by practicing respectful privacy. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://thistimeofmine.com/why-our-kids-dont-keep-secrets/ Quotes to ponder: "A surprise is something we keep quiet TEMPORARILY and makes people happy or excited when we share it." "Secrets aren't safe. Secrets aren't kind. Secrets aren't honest. Secrets don't make us trustworthy." "Secrecy is intentional and isolating. Privacy, however, is something everyone deserves."

2853: On Burnout and Your (Loss of) Personal Identity by Jenny Lee of Hello Brio on Burnout Recovery

2026-01-0109:27

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2853: Jenny Lee explores the silent crisis many mothers face: the erasure of personal identity under the weight of parenthood. By reframing burnout not as a failure but as a signal to reinvest in what makes you, you, she offers tangible steps to reclaim your sense of self, starting with self-care and extending into rediscovery, compromise, and purpose. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.hellobrio.com/blog/burnout Quotes to ponder: "It's not okay for us to say, 'It's tough, and I think I made a huge mistake becoming a parent.'" "Self-care should be your baseline: Get your full night's sleep, and exercise regularly." "In rediscovering your sense of identity, you will be a better mother. A better employee. A happier, more well-rounded person." Episode references: Untamed by Glennon Doyle: https://www.amazon.com/Untamed-Glennon-Doyle/dp/1984801252

2852: A Paradigm Shift in New Year's Resolutions by Allison Carmen on Fresh Mindset Shifts

2025-12-3106:03

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2852: Allison Carmen invites us to rethink the purpose behind our New Year's resolutions by drawing on the selfless wisdom of Amma, the Hugging Saint. Instead of resolutions rooted solely in personal gain, she challenges us to shift our focus toward small acts of service that can profoundly impact others, offering a more meaningful path to growth and fulfillment. Read along with the original article(s) here: http://www.allisoncarmen.com/a-paradigm-shift-in-new-years-resolutions/ Quotes to ponder: "Where there is true love, anything is effortless." "Many of us are licking off the chocolate and only giving up the peanuts just to keep our lives the way they are today." "Maybe we can stop looking at work emails for the sake of efficiency while riding the elevator and instead have a conversation with an elderly neighbor." Episode references: Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi): https://amma.org Embracing the World: https://www.embracingtheworld.org

2851: Where to Meet Men Offline by Dr. Diana Kirschner of Love In 90 Days on Meeting Men Naturally

2025-12-3010:10

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2851: Dr. Diana Kirschner reveals six powerful strategies for meeting high-quality men in real life by stepping away from dating apps and toward enriching, "mentastic" activities. From advanced hobby groups to teaching classes and changing up your routine, her approach encourages authentic connection through shared interests and natural chemistry. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://lovein90days.com/where-to-meet-men-offline/ Quotes to ponder: "Mentastic activities are ongoing classes or activities that really interest you and that have lots of men in them." "Find and say hello to three new men every day." "You will be in your element, at maximum charisma, and usually surrounded by men who look up to you." Episode references: Society for American Baseball Research: https://sabr.org Habitat for Humanity: https://www.habitat.org Meetup: https://www.meetup.com

2850: [Part 2] Should I Be Worried if He Hasn't Said "I Love You" by Melissa Josue of Melissa the Love Coach on Understanding Relationship Pace

2025-12-2909:00

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2850: Melissa Josue offers thoughtful, empowering guidance for navigating the emotional gray area when your partner hasn't said "I love you." She shares practical ways to open communication, clarify emotional needs, and assess readiness for deeper commitment, while also addressing how to gently handle an ex who still hopes for reconciliation. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://melissathelovecoach.com/should-i-be-worried-if-he-hasnt-said-i-love-you/ Quotes to ponder: "I want a relationship where I know my man loves me. What do you think about this?" "The worst case scenario is that he doesn't reciprocate your feelings. But either way, your sharing and your honesty increases your confidence." "There's no easy way to do it if he's still in love with you. It's going to be painful either way because he still has feelings for you."

2849: [Part 1] Should I Be Worried if He Hasn't Said "I Love You" by Melissa Josue of Melissa the Love Coach on Understanding Relationship Pace

2025-12-2809:02

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 2849: Melissa Josue highlights the importance of honoring your emotional needs when a partner hasn't said "I love you" after a long-term relationship. She urges self-reflection on what love means to you and whether your need for verbal affirmation is a core requirement for deeper commitment. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://melissathelovecoach.com/should-i-be-worried-if-he-hasnt-said-i-love-you/ Quotes to ponder: "Whenever you're feeling an issue in your relationship, it's not 'nothing.' It's a need or requirement that's not being met for you in your relationship." "Going into deeper levels of involvement and commitment with someone without feeling truly secure in where the relationship is going is worrisome because it doesn't feel 'safe.'" "What matters is how YOU want to be loved."

Comments (12)

Golnoosh Sabery

this was all I had to hear ❤️🫂

Jan 20th

Kaya

this is a quick and easy listen I like to keep a copy of it downloaded to my phone so I can listen to it while I'm in the car during times where I'm feeling anxious or stressed about a certain social situation or things get tense at home.poignant!

Jul 28th

_Maryami_

wow that was perfect , l think u change alot lives with youre episodes . thank you✨

Aug 30th

Mohammed Mehrvand

Hello I am an English teacher and a YouTuber, i just wanted to use some of your podcast on my channel for practicing engish and I can invite them to subscribe to your channel. that would be great if I had your permission. thank you

Oct 14th

Ron McKinley

completely disappointed in this pod cast, twisted views of what a man really is.

Jun 16th

wearsunscreen

Oh please. Another entitled Mom telling us how perfect she is.

Mar 30th

T. K. Bennett

Thank you for this!! I needed this!!!

Jun 12th

Anna Tramposch

this is so shallow how do you consider this real advice...

Jun 6th

Faye0103

All great information! Thank you for the reminders. 😘

Apr 21st

Michi Primer

Oh, I can relate to this! Though it is not like having 2 houses near one another, there are some similarities. My current relationship is we have a house together in India, but I come back to my home country ( for 4-6months) to visit with my family and work a little. He remains in India taking care of the orchard and running the house. We have been in this type of telationship for 6 years and it is the best relationship I've ever had in my entire life. With todays technology...video chatting...were always connected. When I return its like seeing each other for the first time...simply awesome! Works for us!

Jan 26th

Tracy Goutermont

re: Episode 157: This is awful advice from an obviously selfish man who believes it is okay for men to have a narcissistic harem.

Jan 4th

Reply (1)

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