Still Talking About It

This week, Janelle is talking about a word that keeps popping up in her DMs lately… enmeshment.   What does it actually mean? And how is it different from just being close with your family? Janelle breaks down what enmeshment can look like in adulthood, why boundaries often feel like personal attacks in enmeshed families, and how growing up feeling responsible for a parent's emotions can quietly follow someone into their marriage.   She also answers follower questions about partners who can't seem to separate their mother's feelings from their own, what to do when "being a good son" starts to conflict with being a good husband, and how to approach these conversations without turning them into a war.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

This week, Janelle is flying solo and talking about something that a lot of followers have been asking her about lately… "low-effort families."   What happens when you marry into a family that doesn't reach out, doesn't anticipate needs, and doesn't show up the way you expected extended family would? And what happens when those same people suddenly start complaining about not seeing you or your kids enough?   Janelle breaks down the difference between mismatched expectations and genuinely unhealthy behavior, why disappointment often comes from hoping people will change once grandkids arrive, and how to tell the difference between someone who is being low-effort… and someone who is just being a jerk.   She also answers a follower question about in-laws who want access to the grandkids but refuse to make basic accommodations for their health and safety, and why protecting your kids is never "imposing."   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

This week, Janelle is joined by her first-ever guest, Madison LeBlanc Barbosa, creator, mom of two with a third on the way, and the woman behind the viral Monster-In-Law series.   They talk about how Madison unexpectedly built an online community, why so many women feel isolated after becoming mothers, and how her Monster-In-Law stories completely took on a life of their own.   Janelle and Madison also get into some of the wildest themes that keep showing up in submissions, why in-law dynamics often go sideways long before kids enter the picture, and what happens when expectations around support, boundaries, and control collide.   This chat is funny, eye-opening, and the kind of conversation that makes you feel a little less alone if you've ever thought, "it can't just be me."   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

Before we get into this episode, trigger warning. Part of this conversation includes discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation.   This week, we're still talking about emotional manipulation. Janelle answers a deeply layered follower question about misaligned expectations between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and how quickly things can escalate when boundaries are ignored.   The follower shares a situation where her soon-to-be mother-in-law invited herself over, berated her in her own home, and lashed out over not having the close, "best friend" relationship she expected. When the fiancé defended his partner, the conflict escalated even further, including a call from the father-in-law claiming the mother-in-law was feeling suicidal because of the distance.   Janelle breaks down why expecting instant closeness without mutual effort isn't normal, how emotionally neutral behavior is often mislabeled as rude, and why yelling at an adult in their own home is never appropriate. She also talks about why many daughters-in-law are guarded, especially after past relationships or toxic family dynamics, and why building trust should look like any other adult relationship.   The episode really digs into emotional manipulation, triangulation, and misplaced responsibility, especially when adult children are made to feel responsible for a parent's emotional well-being. Janelle is clear about what is and is not appropriate, and why taking space after emotionally aggressive behavior is not the same as giving someone the silent treatment.   She talks about the importance of presenting a united front at home, the difference between shared boundaries and individual ones, and why the follower does NOT owe an apology for enforcing basic respect.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

Okay, we HAVE to talk about the Beckhams.   Since EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER has been asking… What is going on with Brooklyn Beckham and his parents?!   After Brooklyn shared some very pointed messages about his relationship with his mom and dad, the internet exploded. And a lot of women immediately recognized the dynamic. A famous mom, a powerful family, and a daughter-in-law who suddenly becomes the problem.   Janelle talks about the tension between Brooklyn Beckham, his wife Nicola Peltz, and Victoria Beckham, including the wedding drama that people are dissecting (we all wanna see a video of the alleged inappropriate dance, right?!)    Is Brooklyn just a nepobaby throwing a tantrum? Or is this what it looks like when a controlling mother-in-law can't handle her son choosing his partner over her?   This isn't about picking sides blindly. It's about recognizing patterns, especially the ones that feel way too familiar if you've ever been painted as "the issue" for simply setting boundaries.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

This week, it's all about you and your questions.   Janelle is answering some of the most common and deeply personal questions she gets from her followers, including whether she's ever considered ending being no contact with her mother-in-law, if she worries about how her kids might one day understand that decision, and whether therapy has played a role in navigating mother-in-law issues as a couple.   If you've ever wondered whether you're doing the right thing, or questioned your own boundaries after outside pressure crept in, this conversation will probably resonate with you.    Grief, guilt, second-guessing yourself… It's all part of the package when you're navigating a difficult relationship with your MIL. So let's get real cozy and talk about it together.    For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

There's no one-size-fits-all rulebook when it comes to navigating your relationship with your in-laws… and this episode proves it.   This week, Janelle answers a round of follower questions covering some of the trickiest, most uncomfortable situations women find themselves in. From being no contact with your in-laws while your husband and kids still see them, to navigating wildly inappropriate comments and expectations that cross every possible line.   She talks about the emotional whiplash of protecting your peace while still trying to keep things functional, what it looks like when your boundaries don't match your partner's, and why you are never wrong for trusting your gut.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!    

The holidays are over… and if you're still recovering emotionally, you're are most DEFINITELY not the only one.    This week on Still Talking About It, Janelle has a full holiday season post-mortem for you. Because we all need it. What went well, what absolutely did not, and why family dynamics somehow feel even louder when there's a tree involved.   She's also sharing some of the worst (and funniest) gifts listeners received from their in-laws this year. It's giving confusing, passive-aggressive, and "did you even try?" energy.    If you opened a gift and had to fake a smile so hard your face hurt, then buckle up, buttercup! This one's for you.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.   Treat yourself to something nice from Cozy Earth. And, as an added treat, when you use the coupon code JANELLE, you'll get 20% off your order!  

Some grandparents think that when they say "I want to see the kids", it means you should immediately pack everyone up, drive across town, clear your schedule, and magically make it happen.   This week, Janelle answers a follower question about dealing with grandparents who feel entitled to time with their grandkids, and who expect visits to happen on their turf… at their convenience… on one of your only two days off.   The reality of modern parenting is that most families have two parents who both work outside the home, endless chores, weekend sports, grocery runs, meal prep, and whole host of other things to get done on the weekends. Not to mention the basic human desire to literally just breathe for five minutes.    Expecting your adult children to somehow squeeze a 4 hour visit at their house every Sunday is actually super out of touch.    SO, how can you shift the responsibility back where it belongs? And, how can you communicate with your parents or in-laws that if they truly want a meaningful relationship with your kids, they need to fit themselves into YOUR routine, not the other way around.   If you've ever been made to feel guilty for not spending your precious weekend sitting on someone else's couch, this one's for you.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.  

'Tis the season for side-eyes, shady comments, and awkward family photos that don't include you.   If you're MIL has ever tried to stage a photoshoot with your husband and kids WITHOUT YOU IN IT, you're going to want to listen this week.   We're diving into the chaos of family get-togethers, from the weird things relatives say at dinner, to the in-laws who insist on "just one picture" that mysteriously excludes all the spouses.   If you're someone who feels the need to prep yourself mentally for Christmas (or whatever holiday madness your family celebrates), and need help learning how to set boundaries before the wine starts flowing, and what to do when your MIL tries to stage-manage the family photo like she's directing a movie, then you don't want to miss this.   It's part therapy session, part survival guide, and fully relatable. So grab your drink, practice your fake laugh, and remember… you don't owe anyone a "Merry Christmas" if it costs you your peace.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.  

So you finally cut off your toxic mother-in-law… but what happens when you might have to see her again? This week, Janelle shares a story from a follower who has been no contact with her MIL for over a year, and is now TERRIFIED to attend a family event where she'll be in the same room. Janelle also opens up about hearing from the wife of someone she went to school with… Who turns out to have a nightmare MIL of her own. From anxiety before family gatherings to setting firm boundaries that actually stick, Janelle talks about what it REALLY means to protect your peace, even if it makes things a little awkward. If the thought of bumping into your MIL makes your stomach drop, grab a drink and tune in. You're in good company. For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.

Tis the season for stuffing, stress, and subtle shade from your in-laws.   This week, Janelle is talking all things holidays: deciding whether to pack up and spend the season with your in-laws, having those tough "we're doing our own thing this year" conversations, and redefining what the holidays look like for your family.   From guilt trips to wish lists, Janelle talks about why this time of year brings out the worst in certain people (*ahem* your mother in law *ahem*), and how to survive the holiday season without losing your mind.   If the phrase "but we've always done it this way" makes your eye twitch, this episode is basically going to feel like free therapy. (Although Janelle is NOT a therapist and doesn't claim to be one… So, take whatever she says with a grain of salt, kids!)   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.  

Some mother-in-laws just don't know the meaning of "stay in your lane."   This week, Janelle shares one of her most jaw-dropping follower stories yet… a MIL who secretly booked flights and arranged for her own mother to move in with her son and daughter-in-law for an entire month. Without asking. Without warning.   So, what happens when boundaries are ignored? And, how should you handle any similar situation that arises (spoiler alert: your husband has to be part of the solution.)   Because if your MIL is overstepping and your partner's response is "she didn't mean it like that," you've got bigger problems than the guest room.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.  

Vacations are supposed to be relaxing. And they usually are… Until the in-laws get involved.   This week, Janelle is talking about the chaos that ensues when a family "vacation" turns into a passive-aggressive competition. Who sleeps where, who pays for what, and who gets the kids' attention first… it's all on the table.   From beach trips gone bad to why your MIL suddenly thinks she's co-parenting the minute "HER" grandkids arrive, Janelle has advice on how to survive family getaways without losing your mind.   And, at the end of the day, sometimes NOT taking the big family vacation is the right move. Because you need to protect your peace, and sometimes, the best vacation is the one you didn't take together.   For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.  

Welcome to the club; we've been waiting for you. In the debut episode of Still Talking About It, host Janelle Riddell kicks things off by sharing a little bit about her own story: how her relationship with her mother-in-law went from "polite small talk" to full-on emotional warfare. Then, Janelle answers a few wild listener questions; including one about a MIL who quite literally threw an adult temper tantrum. Sometimes, setting boundaries can make you feel like YOU'RE the problem… When most of the time, that's not the case at all. If you've ever struggled to set boundaries with your in laws, felt the strain on your marriage because of the things your MIL says and does, or if you've ever cried in the bathroom after a family dinner, then this is the podcast for you.  For more mother-in-law content, make sure you're following Janelle on Instagram and TikTok.

If you've ever had a mother-in-law who made your life miserable, YOU'RE NOT ALONE!!! Still Talking About It is the podcast where we finally say the quiet part out loud. Hosted by Janelle (yes, THAT Janelle from TikTok), Still Talking About It is the podcast ALL about toxic mothers-in-law, impossible family expectations, and the emotional gymnastics required to keep your sanity. From jaw-dropping stories to honest conversations about boundaries, guilt, and reclaiming your peace, this show is a safe space for every daughter-in-law who's been through it. Whether you're trying to navigate holidays, handle backhanded comments, or understand why your MIL seems to have lost her mind since becoming a grandma... Pull up a chair. We're still talking about it… because it's time we did.