What if your burnout, your self-doubt, your struggle to belong weren’t personal problems, but symptoms of a system that was never built for you?

In this raw and powerful conversation, Josh is joined by master intuitive psychology coach Helen to dismantle the myth of individual healing in a broken society. Together, they explore how patriarchy, capitalism, and outdated leadership models disconnect us from our true selves and how coming home to our intuition is an act of resistance.

This isn’t just another coaching chat. It’s a call to break free from the systems that broke you. Expect uncomfortable truths, gut-punch insights, and a reminder that real change starts within but never ends there.

Find Helen here -

www.helendudzinska.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-dudzinska-b75087184

Insta - @helendudzinska

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever dealt with a toxic person online or in real life, this episode is for you.

Josh breaks down a recent Facebook interaction that perfectly illustrates the exhausting tactics toxic people use to wear you down — from word salads to projection, reactive abuse, triangulation, moral superiority, and weaponised vulnerability.

You’ll learn:

• Why you’ll never “win” against a toxic person
• How they twist your words, deny reality, and drag you into chaos
• The difference between true vulnerability and manipulative victimhood
• How these same toxic tactics show up in cult-like communities and spiritual spaces
• Why gray rocking might be the only sane response

It’s raw, honest, a bit messy — and definitely dysfunctional.

Whether you’re healing from family dysfunction, dealing with online trolls, or navigating toxic dynamics in your life, this one will help you feel a little less crazy.

00:00 Introduction to Toxic Relationships

00:57 Personal Anecdote: The Persistent Commenter

04:32 The Facebook Confrontation

07:59 Understanding Reactive Abuse

17:17 The DAVO Tactic Explained

20:01 Confrontation and Gaslighting

22:22 Understanding Word Salad

23:45 Triangulation in Toxic Relationships

25:22 Weaponized Vulnerability

29:26 Moral Superiority and Cult-like Behavior

36:45 Personal Reflections and Community Building

40:55 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-up

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happens when you cut ties with your own family?

In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist and author Karl Melvin, whose book Navigating Family Estrangement has been a lifeline for people trying to break free from toxic family systems. Together, we dive into the misunderstood world of family estrangement — exploring the deep grief, the guilt, the gaslighting, and the complex layers of going no contact.

We talk about:

• Why estrangement is sometimes the healthiest choice
• How society often sides with the abuser
• The pressure to forgive, reconcile, and “just move on”
• What healing can actually look like on the other side

Whether you’ve cut contact, are considering it, or are struggling to stay away, this conversation will help you feel seen, validated, and a little less alone.

Karl Melvin is an IACP (Irish Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists) accredited psychotherapist with an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy. He has spent 14 years working with estranged adults of different perspectives, including adult sons and daughters, siblings and parents. He has spent several years training professionals on his own approach to understanding the complex reality of family estrangement in contemporary society and how to support clients through the various psychological, relational, and social challenges they face.

He has published one paper in the Family Journal, entitled The Changing Impact and Challenges of Familial Estrangement, and his first book, Navigating Family Estrangement, published by Routledge, is a practical guide for professionals and estranged adults and is available from all book sellers now.

Link to Book (There's sale on at the mo):

https://www.routledge.com/Navigating-Family-Estrangement-Helping-Adults-Understand-and-Manage-the-Challenges-of-Family-Estrangement/Melvin/p/book/9781032423067

Link to Workshop on Jun 5th (8 things everyone needs to know about family estrangement):

https://www.therapyacademy.ie/details/webinar/1673

Socials:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/karl-melvin-psychotherapist-ma-miacp-2a29679/

https://www.instagram.com/karl.melvin/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.