Stronger in the Difficult Places

We’ve all been there—wishing someone we love would finally be different. Maybe it’s a spouse who won’t listen, a parent who won’t soften, or a friend who keeps repeating the same destructive patterns. The temptation is to pour our energy into fixing them—but what if the real path to peace and change begins with you? In this episode, I unpack why clinging to the hope that someone will change can keep you stuck, frustrated, and resentful. I offer practical, compassionate steps for accepting people as they are, protecting your worth with boundaries, and reclaiming your peace. Because the truth is, the second you change, the entire relationship changes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why trying to “fix” others only deepens disappointment and conflict How radical acceptance creates peace and clarity The trap of wasting energy on why someone won’t change How to set boundaries without losing yourself The surprising freedom that comes when you stop needing others to change Encouragement: You don’t need to wait for someone else to transform before you can breathe again. Peace doesn’t come when they change—it comes when you stop needing them to.   Resources & Next Steps: Connect with me on Instagram @drzoeshaw for daily encouragement. Subscribe to my newsletter for more conversations on healing, boundaries, and healthy love.  Preorder the book Stronger in the Difficult Places (coming September 30, 2025!): drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   If this episode spoke to you, please share it with a friend who needs hope in their relationships. And don’t forget to subscribe to Stronger in the Difficult Places so you never miss an episode.

What do you even call a divorce anniversary? Two years after the end of my marriage, I find myself reflecting—not on celebration, but on growth, healing, and the lessons heartbreak leaves behind. In this deeply personal episode, I’m sharing the three truths divorce taught me about co-dependency and how I’m learning to live and love differently. Whether you’re walking through the rubble of a relationship, navigating the lonely spaces of divorce, or stepping into love again with a hopeful but shaky heart, these lessons are for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why self-regulation must come before co-regulation and the practical ways you can ground yourself before leaning on someone else. The surprising difference between being alone and being lonely, and how solitude can actually become sacred. How boundaries create freedom, why they aren’t rejection, but an invitation to authentic love. This Episode Is For You If… You’ve struggled with co-dependency or shame in relationships. You’re navigating divorce, separation, or stepping into new love after loss. You want to stop abandoning yourself in relationships and learn how to show up fully as you.   Resources & Next Steps: Connect with me on Instagram @drzoeshaw for daily encouragement. Subscribe to my newsletter for more conversations on healing, boundaries, and healthy love.  Preorder the book Stronger in the Difficult Places (coming September 30, 2025!): drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder: you are not too much, and you are not alone.

So many women in difficult relationships hold onto a dangerous belief: if I just love him enough, I can save him. Psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott knows this illusion all too well. In her memoir Nightbird (Pierian Springs Press, May 12), she unflinchingly shares her journey through an emotionally abusive marriage, her husband’s tragic suicide, and the painful yet liberating process of rebuilding her life. In this conversation, Shavaun and I explore: Why so many women feel responsible for “saving” their partners—and how that belief keeps us trapped. How suicide or the threat of can be a control tactic and how greater awareness leads to compassion. The structural and emotional barriers that keep survivors in cycles of abuse—and what it takes to break free. How trauma, grief, and loss can become unlikely catalysts for healing, self-discovery, and even freedom. The power of authentic connection in reclaiming identity and rebuilding after devastation. Shavaun’s story is raw, sobering, and ultimately full of hope. Whether you’ve faced abuse, grappled with loss, or love someone who has, her voice is a reminder that healing is possible, and freedom is worth fighting for. Learn more about Shavaun’s work and her book Nightbird at shavaunscott.com.   Pre-order my book Stronger In The Difficult Places: drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

In a world where we’re taught to speak up, make our point, and persuade, the skill of listening often gets overlooked—and undervalued. Yet listening, when done well, can transform our relationships far more than talking or lecturing ever could. In this episode of Stronger in the Difficult Places, Dr. Zoe sits down with Licensed Professional Counselor Gina Yanovitch to explore how truly hearing others can deepen understanding, foster connection, and defuse conflict. Gina, author of Stop Avoiding It, shares how coping skills, neuroscience, and scripture can help us move out of our emotional minds, embrace uncertainty, and navigate hard conversations with grace.   What We Discuss in This Episode: Why listening is a more powerful relationship tool than talking or persuading How better listening can help you understand your partner on a deeper level The connection between coping skills and flexibility in problem-solving How to move out of your emotional mind and resist the urge to avoid discomfort The role of uncertainty and change in personal growth   About Gina Yanovitch: Gina Yanovitch is a Licensed Professional Counselor in sunny Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in trauma and relationships. In her new book, Stop Avoiding It, she equips readers with tools to face difficult emotions and conversations head-on—combining practical coping skills, brain science, and spiritual wisdom. Connect with Gina: Stop Avoiding It: stopavoidingit.com Website: mindhelm.org Instagram: @mind_helm   Pre-order my book Stronger In The Difficult Places: drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

What does it really take to make a long-term marriage work and why do so many couples struggle to stay connected over time? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Bonnie Comfort to explore the hard truths and hopeful tools behind enduring love. With over 30 years of experience working with couples, Dr. Comfort offers a candid look into the complexities of modern marriage, the emotional minefield of infidelity, and why empathy, not perfection, is the real glue that holds relationships together. We talk about the cultural conditioning that encourages women to be overly pleasing, the evolving power dynamics in long-term relationships, and how to navigate the inevitable incompatibilities that arise between two people over time. Dr. Comfort’s latest book, Staying Married Is the Hardest Part, is a compassionate, unflinching exploration of what it means to choose each other over and over again, even when it's not easy. In this conversation, we explore: - The infidelity trap and what it reveals about a relationship - The “glue” that helps couples weather storms and stay committed - The surprising risks inherent in couples’ therapy - How empathy becomes a sustaining force in long-term love - Why cultural messaging still trains women to please at their own expense - How to make peace with the inevitable incompatibilities in marriage - The shifting power dynamics that unfold over decades together   Meet Dr. Bonnie Comfort: Dr. Bonnie Comfort is a clinical psychologist, author, and expert in marital therapy. She holds an MSW from the University of Manitoba and a PhD from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles. Her psychological thriller Denial was published in seven countries and translated into four languages. Her newest book, Staying Married Is the Hardest Part, offers a raw, honest take on the emotional and psychological complexities of committed relationships. She lives in Portland, Oregon, with her long-time partner.   Connect with Dr. Bonnie Comfort:Website: www.bonniecomfort.comInstagram: @bonniecomfortauthor Facebook: Bonnie Comfort LinkedIn: Bonnie Comfort Buy her book Staying Married Is the Hardest Part: here Pre-order my book Stronger In The Difficult Places: drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

What do you do when life takes a turn you never asked for? When the diagnosis, the betrayal, the loss, or the slow unraveling of your plans leaves you feeling like the wrong person for the job? In this deeply personal and compassionate episode, Dr. Zoe reads a letter to anyone facing a life they didn’t expect. Originally written for an anthology, this letter was adapted for anyone navigating life-changing pain, disorientation, or shame. Whether you’re in the midst of grief, struggling with a sudden shift in identity, or simply wondering how to move forward this episode is a lifeline. You'll hear: -Why shame, guilt, and blame aren't yours to carry -How real bravery can look like breaking down, not holding it all together -The truth about phantom critics and inner comparison -A gentle invitation to stop fighting for the past and start building from the now -Why acceptance isn’t giving up—it’s grieving forward This is for the woman who is tired of pretending she’s fine. For the one who needs someone to say, “You are not broken.” For anyone who needs a breath, a moment, and a reminder: You’ve got this.   Resources & Links: Sign up for the newsletter: www.drzoeshaw.com Preorder the book Stronger in the Difficult Places (coming September 30, 2025!): drzoeshaw.com/book Last call to join the Stronger in the Difficult Places Launch Team ( closing July 31st!): join now   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it Rate & Review: If this episode moved you, helped you, or made you feel a little less alone, would you take a moment to leave a review? It helps more brave souls find this space of healing.

Why do so many women find themselves in relationships where they’re doing all the emotional labor? And what role does childhood—and especially the way we raise boys—play in this dynamic? In today’s powerful episode, Dr. Gloria K. Vanderhorst joins me to unpack the lifelong impact of early emotional conditioning—particularly for boys. With over 50 years of experience working with individuals, families, and schools, Dr. Gloria brings deep insight into how our earliest experiences shape how we love, relate, and often repeat patterns without even realizing it. We explore why boys are often taught to disconnect from their emotions, how that affects their adult relationships, and what it takes to change—even later in life. Whether you're parenting a son, partnered with an emotionally shut-down man, or healing from your own emotional inheritance, this episode will speak to your heart. In this episode, we discuss: Why early childhood memories—especially unconscious ones—still affect us today How boys are taught to lose touch with their emotions, and the cultural cost Why emotional labor often falls to women—and what we can do about it How Women condition men to emotionally abandon them The price we all pay for the emotional suppression of men How real change is possible at any age A practical framework for healing and self-awareness: Read, Reflect, Respond About Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst: Dr. Gloria K. Vanderhorst is a licensed psychologist and author of the best-selling book Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change. With five decades of experience, she’s helped individuals of all ages understand how early experiences shape their present—and how to heal from trauma in order to grow. Resources Mentioned: Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change by Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst – Available on Amazon Connect with Dr. Gloria on her website or social media: www.drvanderhorst.com https://www.youtube.com/@gloriakvanderhorst https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloria-vanderhorst   Pre-order my book Stronger In The Difficult Places: drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

What if anxiety wasn’t the enemy, but a signal? In this powerful episode, Dr. Zoe talks with psychotherapist and transformational coach Bonnie Brindle about why anxiety is just energy—and how to channel it instead of being ruled by it. Bonnie shares her own story of living with intense anxiety, what finally helped her break free, and the surprising way your energy system could be sabotaging your calm. You’ll walk away with practical, empowering tools to regulate your nervous system before hard conversations, build internal trust, and quiet your mind when your relationship feels uncertain. We Talk About: Why anxiety is just energy and how to move it through your body Simple tools to calm anxiety before a difficult conversation What to do when you don’t trust your partner—and how to separate truth from fear The #1 mistake people make when trying to “fix” their anxiety Bonnie’s personal journey of overcoming years of chronic anxiety How to spot and disarm “crazymakers” in your life Energy-based techniques that complement traditional therapy   About Our Guest: Bonnie Brindle is The Anxiety Avenger™—a licensed psychotherapist, author, educator, transformational coach, and international speaker. She blends talk therapy with evidence-based energy practices to help clients shift out of survival mode and into self-trust and emotional freedom. Bonnie’s work is grounded in the belief that peace is possible for everyone—once you learn to decode the chaos. Connect with Bonnie Brindle: Website: www.bonniebrindle.com Order a personalized copy of Bonnie's book, Cracking the Crazymakers’ Code Receive Bonnie's bi-monthly newsletter, Musings from the Menagerie   Pre-order my book Stronger In The Difficult Places: drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

Welcome back to Stronger in the Difficult Places. I’m your host, Dr. Zoe, and today we’re digging deep into a topic that hits close to home for so many women in difficult relationships: the difference between enmeshment, co-dependence, and healthy interdependence. These patterns can be hard to recognize when they’re all you’ve ever known. Maybe you were taught that love means sacrifice. That closeness means never saying no. That boundaries are rejection. But the truth? Real love doesn’t require you to disappear. In this episode, you’ll learn: The key differences between enmeshment and co-dependence How these dynamics show up in parent-child and romantic relationships Why emotional fusion is not the same as intimacy What healthy interdependence actually looks and feels like How to begin untangling your identity from someone else’s needs This episode is for the woman who’s tired of losing herself in the name of love. Who wants connection — but not at the cost of her own soul. Who’s ready to set boundaries not out of anger, but out of clarity and care. Remember: We’re not fixing them. We’re fixing you. And that changes everything.   Resources & Links: Pre-order my book Stronger In The Difficult Places:  drzoeshaw.com/book   Free Downloads: Download the Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™ PDF: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Subscribe + Review: If this episode spoke to your heart, please rate and review the show! It helps more women like you find the strength to get stronger in their difficult places. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Hit subscribe so you never miss a dose of truth, healing, and empowerment.    

In this powerful episode, Dr. Zoe sits down with author and biblical life coach Dawn Ward to talk about the often-invisible toll that guilt, shame, and self-blame take on mothers of addicted children. Dawn shares how faith helped her move forward in her calling, even while her loved ones were still in the midst of their struggle. Together, they explore how trauma can keep us stuck, what it means to truly feel again, and how to reclaim peace without waiting for the perfect outcome. Dawn Ward is an author, speaker, Bible teacher, and a certified biblical life coach. She is the founder of The Faith to Flourish, a ministry offering support and encouragement to women with addicted loved ones. She is married to Steve and mom to three adult children. Her book, From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children, published September 2024, is now available.   Connect with Dawn: Website: www.thefaithtoflourish.com Instagram: @thefaithtoflourishblog Her Book: From Guilt to Grace: Hope and Healing for Christian Moms of Addicted Children: here   Resources & Links: Free Downloads: Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: here Share This Episode With: A friend stuck in a confusing, painful relationship Someone who keeps hoping for change but needs permission to take a breath Any woman struggling to trust again—whether in their relationship, or in themselves Subscribe + Review: If this episode spoke to your heart, please rate and review the show! It helps more women like you find the strength to get stronger in their difficult places.   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website    

Trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship—and when it breaks, it can feel like your world is unraveling. In this deeply honest and empowering episode, Dr. Zoe speaks to the woman who finds herself in the painful in-between: staying in a relationship with a partner she no longer fully trusts. Whether the betrayal is emotional, financial, or physical—or the result of consistent minimization of your needs—Dr. Zoe shares five powerful steps to help you regain clarity, agency, and peace. This episode isn’t about making the decision to stay or leave. It’s about choosing you—your healing, your stability, your voice. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why radical honesty is the first step to healing How to detach your emotional stability from your partner’s behavior What clear, consequential boundaries actually sound like How to reclaim your agency instead of waiting for change Why grieving the loss of trust is necessary—before you can truly choose your next step   Resources & Links: Free Downloads: Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat—a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling.  Sign up here Share This Episode With: A friend stuck in a confusing, painful relationship Someone who keeps hoping for change but needs permission to take a breath Any woman struggling to trust again—whether in their relationship, or in themselves Subscribe + Review: If this episode spoke to your heart, please rate and review the show! It helps more women like you find the strength to get stronger in their difficult places.   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

If you’re feeling tired—but not just in your body, in your soul—this episode is for you. Dr. Zoe sits down with Tracie Braylock, holistic nurse, educator, and author of Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry. Together, they unpack what “radical relaxation” really means (hint: it’s not about bubble baths) and why women especially need to redefine their relationship with rest. We talk about: Why modern stress is more than just a lifestyle issue—it’s a spiritual and physiological one The difference between numbing out and true restoration How to recognize your stress signals before your body forces you to stop The role of boundaries in protecting your peace How Biblical wisdom and scientific research both point to the necessity of deep rest Tracie brings her experience as a former operating room nurse and her current role as a writer with Proverbs 31 Ministries to offer grounded, compassionate insights for women who carry too much—and rest too little. Take a deep breath, press play, and give yourself permission to stop striving and start receiving the rest your body and soul actually need. Connect with Tracie: Website: traciebraylock.com Instagram: @traciebraylock Book: Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry   [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: here Get the First Chapter of Stronger in the Difficult Places: here   Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat—a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. Sign up here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

Parenting doesn't end when your kids become adults—and neither does the complicated relationship we have with shame as parents. In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by family coach, former educator, and licensed mental health expert Anastasia Arauz to explore how shame weaves its way into our parenting, our family dynamics, and even into the lives of our adult children. Anastasia brings her rich background in counseling, play therapy, and education to help us uncover the hidden ways shame impacts how we show up as parents—and more importantly, what we can do about it. Her work empowers moms to lead their families with love, clarity, and resilience, while also prioritizing their own well-being. In this episode, we discuss: How shame sneaks into your parenting even when you "know better" The connection between shame and unhealthy family dynamics Why our unhealed shame can unintentionally burden our children Practical steps to parent from a place of confidence instead of fear Strategies to break cycles of guilt, perfectionism, and self-criticism in parenting Whether your children are toddlers, teenagers, or fully grown adults, it's never too late to examine how shame is operating in your family—and to make powerful shifts toward healthier, more joyful relationships.   Connect with Anastasia: Website Instagram: @anastasiaju YouTube TikTok: @anastasia.arauz4 LinkedIn   Links and Resources: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat—a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling.  Sign up here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

In this episode of Stronger in the Difficult Places, I’m joined by transformational relationship guide Nick Brancato for a powerful conversation on a subtle but common challenge in long-term relationships—priority drift. Nick opens up about his own relational journey and how even the most connected couples can find themselves slowly drifting apart when life’s demands begin to compete with their shared values and intentions. We unpack what priority drift looks like, how it shows up in everyday life, and most importantly—how to resist it. Nick shares his holistic approach to keeping love aligned, to help couples turn emotional disconnection into meaningful, sustainable growth. His insight is both tender and practical, offering tools for getting back in sync when you feel misaligned with your partner. We talk about: What “priority drift” is and why it’s so common How to recognize the early signs of disconnection Rituals and practices to help couples realign Why emotional insight + actionable steps are the key to lasting change Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been partnered for decades, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and recommit to what matters most—together.   About Nick Brancato: Nick Brancato is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master’s degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life’s challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Connect with Nick: Website Instagram: @personaldevcoach Book: Prioritize Us   Links and Resources: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat—a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling.  Sign up here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Is this emotional abuse… or just a hard relationship moment?” You’re not alone. In today’s episode, Dr. Zoe breaks down the crucial difference between emotional abuse and other common relational struggles—like conflict, insensitivity, emotional immaturity, or human imperfection. When you’ve grown up in dysfunction or carry the weight of Complex Shame™, it can be hard to trust your internal radar. This conversation is here to help you recalibrate. You’ll Learn: What emotional abuse actually looks like—and why it’s often so subtle How to distinguish between a painful moment and a toxic pattern The role of Complex Shame™ in how we interpret (and misinterpret) relationship dynamics Why clarity is essential to healing—and how to start finding it Resources Mentioned: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: here Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat—a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. Sign up here   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

In this episode, we dive deep into the body’s role in healing with Kate, a physical therapist, author, and embodied freedom and transformation coach. Kate specializes in helping service-driven women who feel like they're falling apart—overwhelmed, exhausted, and trapped in cycles of chronic anxiety, pain, and fatigue. We also unpacked how shame shapes our identity and how the unhealed stress and trauma we carry doesn’t just affect us—it ripples into our relationships. When we stay disconnected from our bodies, we struggle to show up fully for ourselves and others. But when we begin to listen, release, and heal, we open the door to deeper connection, compassion, and freedom. With a background in neuro and pain science, she offers a powerful lens into how stress and trauma are held in the body—and how releasing them can create real transformation. We talked about what it means to come back to your body, how physical tension reflects emotional holding, and she even guided me through some surprising exercises to uncover what I’ve been carrying. This conversation is a reminder that healing isn’t just a mental process. It’s physical. It’s embodied. And it’s deeply personal. Resources & Mentions: Her book: The Good Girl RX Freebie: Sneak Peek of The Good Girl RX     Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

We’ve all been taught how to spot red flags in others—but what if we’re the red flag? In this powerful episode, Dr. Zoe unpacks the uncomfortable but essential question: could your own behaviors, coping mechanisms, or unresolved trauma be playing a role in your relationship struggles? With compassion and clarity, she explores how complex shame and survival patterns might show up as self-sabotage, emotional unavailability, or codependency—and how recognizing these patterns is the first step toward healing. This isn’t about blame. It’s about brave introspection, self-compassion, and taking radical ownership of your growth. What You'll Learn: The subtle ways red-flag behaviors can manifest in everyday life How complex shame might be driving your relationship dynamics Why self-awareness is the most powerful relationship tool you have Practical steps to shift from reactivity to intentional connection Whether you’re healing from a toxic relationship or trying to build healthier ones, this episode will challenge and empower you to look inward—and come out stronger on the other side. Resources & Mentions: Book: Stronger in the Difficult Places (coming soon!): pre-order now   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

In this powerful episode, Ian and I explore how these time-tested principles can radically shift your relationship with yourself and others. We talk about the freedom that comes from radical honesty, the courage it takes to confront your own story, and how the Twelve Steps can guide anyone—no matter their background—toward healing and wholeness. This conversation is real, vulnerable, and packed with insight. Whether you’re familiar with the Steps or just curious, this episode will challenge and inspire you to take your own brave next step toward change. Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, speaker, trained psychotherapist, songwriter, and Episcopal priest, but he may be best known for popularizing the Enneagram.   You can learn more about Ian and his book: https://ianmorgancron.com/about-ian   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

Addiction isn’t just about substances—it can show up in our everyday lives in ways we don’t always recognize. Whether it's scrolling endlessly on social media, emotional eating, overworking, or even seeking validation from others, these everyday addictions can hold us back from true freedom. And often, the biggest barrier to overcoming them isn’t just the habit itself—it’s the shame we carry around it. In this episode, I sit down with author and speaker Chris Janssen to talk about the sneaky ways addiction manifests, why shame keeps us stuck, and how we can break free from the cycle. If you’ve ever felt trapped in patterns you can’t seem to shake, this conversation will help you find hope, healing, and a path forward.   What We Cover in This Episode: ✔️ Redefining addiction beyond drugs and alcohol ✔️ How shame fuels compulsive behaviors ✔️ The connection between emotional pain and everyday addictions ✔️ Steps to break free and cultivate self-compassion ✔️ The role of faith and community in healing   If you’ve ever felt guilty or ashamed about the habits you can’t seem to control, this episode is for you.   Connect with Chris Janssen: Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is the author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want and a leading results coach in performance and mindset. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage, and rewrite narratives. A California native, Chris and her husband, Scott, have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they raised three children, now thriving young adults. Chris and Scott live in Los Angeles and love to ski, golf, be with their horses, and adventure outside.   Links: Website: https://www.chrisjanssencoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjanssencoaching/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chris3janssen New Book, Grace Yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Yourself-Show-Sober-Life/dp/1637633378   Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website

Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one or experiencing life’s biggest losses. In this episode, I sit down with Natasha Smith to explore the often-overlooked grief we carry in our everyday lives. From unmet expectations to life transitions, we discuss why acknowledging these losses matters and how we can find healing in the small moments. Whether you’re navigating a major loss or simply feeling the weight of unspoken grief, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to process, heal, and move forward with grace. Natasha Smith is a certified grief educator, advocate, wife, mother, and former engineer turned homeschooler. Now a two-time published author and a native of North Carolina, she is also a speaker and podcaster, sharing stories on faith, family, and grief. Natasha’s work has been featured in Propel Women, Influence Magazine, Her View from Home, Focus on the Family, TODAY Parents, and other online publications. She has contributed essays to books with Guideposts and in So God Made A Grandma, a new release from Her View From Home. Natasha’s books, Can You Just Sit with Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life (September 2023, IVPress) and Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness (February 2025, IVPress), are available wherever books are sold.  Connect with her on social media @imnatashasmith. BOOK INFO: https://www.ivpress.com/black-woman-grief PRESS KIT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Press-Kits/A0964-press.pdf EXCERPT: https://www.ivpress.com/Media/Default/Downloads/Excerpts-and-Samples/A0964-excerpt.pdf BIO: https://www.ivpress.com/natasha-smith Listen to her podcast and read her blog at imnatashasmith.com. Follow her on Twitter: @imnatashasmith     Connect with me: Dr. Zoe Shaw on Instagram Dr. Zoe Shaw on Facebook Dr. Zoe Shaw Website