Only Trying to Help

College advisor, Meredith Goodman, helps us understand the ways in which well-meaning people may lead a college applicant astray. She has tips for being more helpful to the young adult in your life. 

Our old friend Jennifer Ollis Blomqvist joins us again-- this time, to share her observations and insights about coaching kids' sports teams. What are the things that coaches say and do that REALLY HELP? 

Laurie Dimond joins the show to talk about the ways that we reassure people (or attempt to) during difficult times. Where does the urge come from? And is it actually helpful? Listen and find out. 

Higher education and wellness professional, Joshua Bensink joins Dr. Kate Watson to talk about the well-meaning, but unhelpful, things people do to "help" college-aged youth. 

Sometimes when we’re trying to help someone, we focus on the wrong things—what advice to give, what solution to offer, or what the “right” words might be. But the most important ingredient in helping might actually be something much simpler: the relationship. In Episode 138 of the Only Trying to Help podcast, Ravi Maharajh joins the conversation to talk about why rapport matters so much when we’re trying to support others. Before people accept guidance, feedback, or help, they usually need to feel understood, respected, and safe with the person offering it. We also take a few nostalgic detours into 80s movie references, because sometimes the best conversations about helping others include a little laughter along the way. If you’ve ever wondered why good advice sometimes falls flat—or why some people seem naturally better at helping than others—this episode explores the powerful role of connection.