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Beyond What Hurts Us
Beyond What Hurts Us
Author: Kristen Alderson
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Welcome to "Beyond What Hurts Us," the podcast where real-life healing and self-discovery take center stage. Join your host Kristen Alderson, as she navigates the twists and turns of life's challenges, validating traumatic experiences, and offering a guiding light toward hope, self-awareness, and authenticity.
At "Beyond What Hurts Us," we know that healing is a diverse journey, spanning physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Our mission is to empower you with insights and encouragement to embrace your own unique healing process.
Join Kristen as she embarks on this transformative journey, shedding light on the shadows of pain and discovering the strength that resides within each of us. Subscribe to "Beyond What Hurts Us" today, and let's heal together, one relatable and heartfelt conversation at a time.
Content by: Kristen Alderson
Edited by: Kristen Alderson
At "Beyond What Hurts Us," we know that healing is a diverse journey, spanning physical, emotional, and spiritual realms. Our mission is to empower you with insights and encouragement to embrace your own unique healing process.
Join Kristen as she embarks on this transformative journey, shedding light on the shadows of pain and discovering the strength that resides within each of us. Subscribe to "Beyond What Hurts Us" today, and let's heal together, one relatable and heartfelt conversation at a time.
Content by: Kristen Alderson
Edited by: Kristen Alderson
68 Episodes
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In this episode of Beyond What Hurts Us, Kristen and Leslie take a fresh look at the early 2000s dating advice phenomenon He's Just Not That Into You. While the book was intended to empower women to recognize when a man isn’t invested, we discuss why its message falls short in today’s dating landscape. We explore how the book places all the emphasis on whether he is interested—without ever asking if she is. It also ignores the emotional complexity of relationships, failing to acknowledge the very real grief that can come with the end of a relationship or even a situationship. At the heart of our conversation is a call for a more compassionate and nuanced approach to dating—one that prioritizes mutual respect, emotional honesty, and treating others the way we want to be treated. Whether you’re navigating dating disappointments or seeking healthier connections, this episode offers hope, guidance, and a much-needed reframe.
This week on Beyond What Hurts Us, Kristen and Leslie dive into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of abandonment, emotional literacy, and the art of mindful loving. From discussing the power of movement and embracing our "wild woman" to unpacking the five A's of healthy relationships—attention, affection, acceptance, appreciation, and allowing—we reflect on what it means to truly show up for ourselves and others. We share personal stories, insights from books like The Women Who Run With Wolves and How to Be an Adult in Relationships, and practical tips for navigating abandonment wounds and fostering connection. Join us as we lean into curiosity, embrace vulnerability, and begin to redefine how we engage in relationships with a deeper sense of awareness and intention.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie are joined by Brandy Cunningham to explore the intersection of recovery and personal choice. Together, they dive into the complexities of addiction, the structure of programs like AA, and the nuanced process of reclaiming agency after trauma. Brandy shares her experiences navigating recovery, challenging norms, and forging a unique path toward healing. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or curious about the journey, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights.
As the calendar turns to a fresh page, Kristen and Leslie embark on a reflective journey to set intentions for the year ahead. Together, they discuss the rituals of closing out the old year, choosing a "word of the year," and pulling a tarot card to explore its deeper meaning. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with personal insights, growth, and practical tips to embrace a "New Year, New Me" mindset.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive into the profound work of uncovering core beliefs and patterns that shape our lives, especially in relationships. Leslie leads Kristen to reflect on her experiences with perfectionism, over-functioning, and self-reliance, tracing their roots back to childhood. Through an open discussion on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy, Kristen and Leslie explore how deeply ingrained beliefs—like "I can only rely on myself"—manifest in adulthood and relationships. Together, they process what it means to observe yourself, acknowledge emotional needs, and move toward healing from the inside out.
Do you ever feel paralyzed by the pressure to be perfect? To be honest, this episode almost didn’t make it to air because the audio isn’t flawless. But in the spirit of embracing imperfection, Kristen and Leslie decided to share it anyway. Together, they dive into the roots of perfectionist panic—that overwhelming fear of falling short or making mistakes—and how it impacts our mental health, relationships, and creativity. Leslie offers insights through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS), helping us understand the parts of ourselves that drive perfectionism, where they come from, and why they often mean well but hold us back. Kristen and Leslie explore how to approach these parts with curiosity and compassion, showing how perfectionism develops as a protective mechanism and how we can begin to let it go. This episode is a testament to growth over perfection. Tune in to discover how letting go of unrealistic expectations can lead to a life that’s not perfect but full of joy, progress, and authenticity.
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the idea that healing often lies in the balance between extremes. Why do polarized emotions or opinions keep us stuck, and how can embracing the “shades of gray” in tough situations help us move forward? By finding the middle ground, we open ourselves to growth, understanding, and deeper healing. Join us as we discuss how balance is not about compromise but about clarity and peace.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie confront the difficult reality of discovering abusive behavior in people we once admired and explore the red flags we might have missed or dismissed. We discuss the emotional impact of shattered perceptions, why we sometimes ignore warning signs, and how to rebuild trust in our own judgment. This conversation is about learning to recognize and believe red flags, setting healthier boundaries, and finding resilience to move forward with clarity and self-assurance.
In this heartfelt episode, Kristen and Leslie sit down with Chelsea Ohlemiller, author of Now That She’s Gone, a deeply personal memoir chronicling her journey through grief after losing her mother. Chelsea shares the profound lessons learned from her mother's life, her grief, and how she’s found healing through preserving her legacy. Join us as we discuss the impact of love, loss, and how embracing a loved one’s memory can offer comfort and a path toward peace.
Can we just stop the bullsh*t? In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive deep into the emotional dynamics of the pursuer-withdrawer relationship and how to break free from the exhausting push-and-pull cycle. Instead of focusing on labels, we'll shift the focus to what truly matters: the relationship itself. Join us as we explore practical steps for healing attachment wounds, improving communication, and moving towards a healthier, more secure connection—no labels required.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the transformative power of gratitude as a tool for healing. By choosing to focus on what we’re thankful for, we can shift our mindset, allowing positivity and growth to flourish in our lives. We’ll dive into how gratitude helps us move beyond pain, heal emotional wounds, and create space for joy. Join us as we discuss practical ways to cultivate gratitude and watch the healing that follows.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive into the journey of moving from self-abandonment to self-love, exploring how you can shift your mindset to view yourself as "the one." We’ll discuss the importance of breaking patterns of neglecting your own needs and how to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. It’s about learning to prioritize your well-being and embracing the love and worth you deserve.
In this special episode, Kristen and her daughter Kendall take a break from the show's usual focus on healing to explore the joy that can be found all around us. While Beyond What Hurts Us typically dives deep into self-discovery and emotional well-being, we believe it's just as important to pause and appreciate the simple, beautiful moments life has to offer. Join us as we share stories, laughter, and a few surprises from our everyday adventures, reminding ourselves that healing isn't just about looking inward—it's also about embracing the happiness in our lives. Come along for a heartwarming conversation filled with jo
Have people in your life fallen away? What makes some relationships worth pursuing and others not? Listen this week as Kristen and Leslie reveal their hearts and thoughts on what repair actually looks like and what's required to work through conflict. Join them as they share their personal insights on the true nature of repair—what it takes to work through conflict, heal wounds, and rebuild connections. Whether you're facing challenges in friendships, family dynamics, or romantic relationships, this conversation offers a heartfelt exploration of how to navigate the ebbs and flows of human connection with grace and intention.
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the transformative power of stillness during challenging times. Discover how taking a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace silence can become a powerful tool for healing and rediscovering your inner strength. This episode delves into the importance of quieting the mind and creating space for emotional recovery, helping you navigate the journey to wholeness.
In this episode, we explore the "mother wound" and how it uniquely affects men. Kristen and Leslie delve into the emotional scars left by challenging maternal relationships and how these wounds manifest in adulthood, particularly in romantic relationships. Through personal stories and expert insights, we discuss the signs of the mother wound, its impact on trust and intimacy, and practical steps for healing. Join us to understand how addressing this deep-seated issue can lead to healthier, more fulfilling connections. Your Trauma Isn't Your Fault, but Your Healing Is Your Responsibility Trauma often stems from circumstances beyond our control, leaving deep emotional scars. It's important to acknowledge that your trauma isn't your fault; it's a result of actions or events inflicted upon you. However, healing from that trauma is your responsibility. Taking ownership of your healing journey empowers you to reclaim your life and well-being. This process involves seeking therapy, building a support system, and practicing self-compassion. By committing to your healing, you transform from a victim of your past to an architect of your future, fostering resilience and growth.
How can you tell if you're in an emotionally safe relationship? This week, Kristen and Leslie dive deep into the signs of emotional safety and the red flags of an unsafe relationship. They discuss personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical tips on how to recognize and cultivate a healthy, supportive intimate relationship. Whether you're navigating a new romance or reassessing a long-term partnership, this episode will help you understand what true emotional safety feels like and how to trust your intuition. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that aims to empower you to create stronger, more fulfilling connections. (Here's a clue: you CAN trust yourself!!)
After a brief hiatus, Kristen and Leslie are back this week to discuss the crucial role anxiety plays in signaling toxic relationships. Learn how to recognize the nervous signals your body sends when you're in an unhealthy relationship. We discuss common signs of anxiety, how to differentiate them from everyday stress, and the importance of trusting your nervous system. We also highlight the significance of trusting yourself and your intuition, empowering you to listen to your inner voice and make informed decisions for your well-being and emotional health. Join us as we explore strategies for identifying and addressing toxic dynamics, helping you foster healthier relationships.
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie delve into the fascinating world of sound healing and uncover the science behind its therapeutic benefits with special guest, Hoai-Huong Nguyen, of Inner Alchemist Healing Arts. We'll explore how different frequencies and vibrations can promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Our discussion includes insights from Hoai-Huong, who explains the principles of sound therapy and share compelling evidence of its effectiveness. Whether it's the soothing tones of a singing bowl or the rhythmic beats of a drum, sound healing has been used for centuries across various cultures to restore balance and harmony. As a special treat, Hoai-Huong will perform a live demo of her sound bowls, allowing you to experience the soothing and restorative power of sound firsthand. Join us as we explore the transformative power of sound, discuss practical applications, and provide tips on how you can incorporate sound healing into your daily routine for a healthier, more balanced life. We hope you enjoy. Please visit https://www.ourinneralchemist.com to schedule a healing session with Hoai-Huong.
In this empowering episode, we delve into the transformative journey of self-trust. Join us as we uncover the nuances of recognizing, building, and identifying this foundational aspect of personal growth and fulfillment. From candid discussions on overcoming self-doubt to practical strategies for cultivating inner confidence, our conversation offers insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to harness the power of self-trust in their own lives. Tune in as we embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, together.




