Episodes

  • 334. Dopamine Detoxing is a Scam (But You Should Still Do It)

    334. Dopamine Detoxing is a Scam (But You Should Still Do It)
    May 12 2025
    In today's fast-paced digital world, the concept of "dopamine detoxing" has gained traction as a method to reset our brains from constant stimulation. But what exactly is dopamine detoxing, and does it hold any scientific merit? Today, we'll delve into the science behind dopamine, debunk the myths surrounding dopamine detoxing, explore how modern motivations hijack your brain's reward system, and then I’ll give you actionable strategies to recalibrate your relationship with dopamine and your world so you can feel more peaceful, serene, and content.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/dopamine-detoxing-is-a-scam-but-you-should-still-do-it Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/ Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives, where you’ll find past episodes. Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comReady to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 333. Why You (or Your Partner) Struggle to Talk About Feelings: Understanding Alexithymia

    333. Why You (or Your Partner) Struggle to Talk About Feelings: Understanding Alexithymia
    May 5 2025
    If you’ve ever felt like your partner shuts down when you ask, “How are you feeling?” or you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what I’m feeling; I just feel off,” you might be dealing with something deeper than emotional avoidance. You might be dealing with alexithymia. No, it’s not a disease. Nobody’s broken. But it’s real, and it affects your relationships, your mental health, and your ability to connect with yourself. Because if you don’t know how to identify or express your emotions, it’s going to be hard to have the connections and relationships you want. Today you’ll learn exactly what alexithymia is, the science behind it, and my six-step plan to build the skill of knowing what you’re feeling so you can create more connection, ease, and joy.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-you-or-your-partner-struggle-to-talk-about-feelings-understanding-alexithymiaGrab my Feelings List: https://abbymedcalf.com/feelingslist Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives, where you’ll find past episodes.Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comFor more quick tips, subscribe to my YouTube channel: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtubeA great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shopSay hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
  • 332. Why We Eat Our Feelings: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Eating

    332. Why We Eat Our Feelings: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Eating
    Apr 28 2025
    Ever found yourself knee-deep in a pint of ice cream after a stressful day, convincing yourself that this is "self-care"? (Or is that just me?). Emotional eating is a common (yet sneaky) coping mechanism that many people struggle with. Why do we turn to food when we’re stressed, sad, or even bored? More importantly, how can we break free from the cycle? Today we’re diving into the psychology behind emotional eating, why it’s so hard to stop, and my top six research-backed ways to regain control over what’s on your plate and what’s really weighing on your mind.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/why-we-eat-our-feelings-understanding-and-overcoming-emotional-eatingGrab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbookWant to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.comReady to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shopA great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shopSay hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • 331. A New Mindset for Navigating Neurodiverse Relationships

    331. A New Mindset for Navigating Neurodiverse Relationships
    Apr 21 2025
    If you’re in a relationship where one or both partners are on the autism spectrum, you’ve probably noticed that the usual relationship advice doesn’t quite work for you. You might have read articles, watched videos, or even talked to a therapist, but instead of feeling helpful, that advice often leaves you feeling more frustrated, disconnected, or misunderstood. Here’s why: you’re not just speaking different love languages; you’re coming from different neurological cultures. This isn’t about broken communication. It’s about translation. When you shift your mindset to view your relationship like a cross-cultural partnership, where both people bring strengths, challenges, and a completely valid worldview, you stop trying to fit into someone else’s mold and start building a relationship that actually works for you. Today we’ll explore what it really takes to make a neurodiverse relationship thrive, starting with letting go of neurotypical expectations and embracing a mindset of curiosity, patience, and collaboration.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/a-new-mindset-for-navigating-neurodiverse-relationships Grab my FREE How I Show Love Worksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/showlovesheet Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • 330. Codependency and Boundary Red Flags When Dating

    330. Codependency and Boundary Red Flags When Dating
    Apr 14 2025

    Dating should be exciting, filled with curiosity, fun, and a growing sense of connection. But if you’ve struggled with boundaries in the past or found yourself repeatedly in relationships that drain you, you might unknowingly be attracting (or being attracted to) codependent dynamics. Today we’ll break down what codependency looks like in dating, how to spot red flags early (before you’re in too deep), and the subtle ways someone might be trampling your boundaries that you shouldn't ignore. You’re going to learn actionable tools to create healthier connections, build confidence in your boundaries, and avoid relationships that pull you into an unhealthy cycle of over-giving, rescuing, or feeling responsible for someone else’s happiness.

    ____________________________

    Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/codependency-and-boundary-red-flags-when-dating

    Get these 25 Boundaries & Self-Worth Affirmations: https://abbymedcalf.com/affirmations

    Join the One Love Collective Community! https://abbymedcalf.com/patreon

    Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries with my book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook

    Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

    ____________________________

    Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.


    Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com


    Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

    Say hello on social:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

    YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

    Get bonus content on Patreon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
  • 329. The Science of Friendship: How to Build, Keep, and Let Go of Friends as an Adult

    329. The Science of Friendship: How to Build, Keep, and Let Go of Friends as an Adult
    Apr 7 2025

    Friendship is one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of our well-being. Not only does the research show that friendships keep us mentally healthy, but studies also show they keep us physically healthy. As adults, making and maintaining friendships can feel more complicated than it once did, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure of how to build meaningful connections. Today, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a good friend, how to create new friendships as an adult, and what makes a friendship healthy and fulfilling. You’ll also learn how to recognize when a friendship is no longer serving you and how to let go with grace and we’ll answer that age-old question, “Can men and women be friends?” Whether you’re looking to strengthen your current friendships, meet new people, or navigate your social anxiety in these situations, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and insights to build the kind of friendships that bring joy, ease, and connection into your life.

    ____________________________

    Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/the-science-of-friendship-how-to-build-keep-and-let-go-of-friends-as-an-adult


    Get the 7-Day Friendship Challenge: https://abbymedcalf.com/friendshipchallenge


    Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook


    Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

    ____________________________


    Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.


    Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com


    Ready to dig deeper? Take one of my online courses (some are FREE!) or grab a workbook: https://abbymedcalf.com/shop


    Say hello on social:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

    YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

    Get bonus content on Patreon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • 328. Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: The Four Steps to Set Healthy Boundaries with Family

    328. Stop Feeling Overwhelmed: The Four Steps to Set Healthy Boundaries with Family
    Mar 31 2025

    Families can be wonderful and supportive, but they can also be experts at overstepping, guilt-tripping, and ignoring personal space, like a TSA agent who really loves their job. If you've ever struggled to say "no" to a family request (that felt more like a demand), you're not alone. The good news? You can establish limits and boundaries without turning into a villain or cutting ties completely. Today you’ll learn actionable strategies and my four steps to set healthy, effective boundaries with the people you’re trying so hard to love.

    ____________________________

    Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/stop-feeling-overwhelmed-the-four-steps-to-set-healthy-boundaries-with-family


    Join Abby's One Love Collective or buy the bundle for this episode!

    Grab my Boundaries Within Different Cultures Worksheet: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-cultures

    Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book on Amazon, Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier to use as a companion to the book or as a standalone masterclass: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook

    Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book

    ____________________________

    Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes.

    A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop

    Say hello on social:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalf

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthriving

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthriving

    YouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube

    Get bonus content on Patreon

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    56 mins
  • 327. Fear of Rejection vs. Fear of Abandonment: How to Tell the Difference and Heal Both

    327. Fear of Rejection vs. Fear of Abandonment: How to Tell the Difference and Heal Both
    Mar 24 2025
    Fear of rejection and fear of abandonment are certainly similar, but they hold some important differences. In fact, what you do to heal your fear of rejection, is not necessarily what you do to heal your fear of abandonment. Although they’re closely related, they’re still distinct emotional experiences and they show up differently in your relationships, your self-perception, and in your coping mechanisms. Today you’ll learn all about the differences and how to apply specific tools for each so you can heal and find a healthy balance in all your relationships.____________________________Full blog and show notes: https://abbymedcalf.com/fear-of-rejection-vs-fear-of-abandonment-how-to-tell-the-difference-and-heal-both Grab my FREE Mindfulness Starter Kit: https://abbymedcalf.com/product/mindfulness-starter-kit/Join Abby's One Love Collective on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/c/abbymedcalf Learn how to create and hold healthy, loving boundaries. Buy my newest book Boundaries Made Easy: Your Roadmap to Connection, Ease and Joy https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries or The Workbook: Boundaries Made Easier: https://abbymedcalf.com/boundaries-workbook Want to feel happier and more connected in your relationship? Buy my #1 bestselling book on Amazon, Be Happily Married: Even If Your Partner Won’t Do a Thing: https://abbymedcalf.com/book____________________________ Looking for past episodes of the Relationships Made Easy Podcast? Head over to https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast and https://abbymedcalf.com/podcast-the-archives where you’ll find past episodes. Subscribe today to get my love letter to you! This biweekly reminder will keep you on the path to creating connected, happy relationships (especially the one with yourself!). https://abbymedcalf.com A great idea to stay motivated and keep your head in a positive direction is to buy some of my fabulous, inspirational merchandise. Get yourself a t-shirt, mug, tote bag or notebook with that daily reminder that you’ve got this! https://abbymedcalf.com/shop Say hello on social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbymedcalfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbymedcalfthrivingLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/abbymedcalfthrivingYouTube: https://abbymedcalf.com/youtube Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    51 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup