Is it Emotional Abuse—Or Something Else?
Stronger in the Difficult Places
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...
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The Link Between Insecure Attachment, Self Abandonment And Chronic Stress
Stronger in the Difficult Places
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...
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What if You’re The Red Flag? And What Do You Do About It?
Stronger in the Difficult Places
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...
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How The 12 Steps Can Transform Your Life And Relationships
Stronger in the Difficult Places
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...
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Overcoming The Shame Of Your Everyday Addictions
Stronger in the Difficult Places
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...
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Navigating Everyday Grief
Stronger in the Difficult Places
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,...
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How To Advocate For Yourself In Difficult Relationships
Stronger in the Difficult Places
Why is it so easy to stand up for others but so hard to advocate for ourselves? If you’ve ever felt stuck between not wanting to seem "too much" and not knowing how to use your voice effectively, this episode is for you. I’m joined by Heather Hansen—former trial lawyer turned advocate coach—who shares powerful insights on breaking free from “good girl syndrome,” building the skills to confidently speak up, and learning how to own your voice without fear or guilt. If advocating for yourself feels uncomfortable, overwhelming, or just plain impossible, this conversation will empower...
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How To Make Good Decisions When You Feel Guilty
Stronger in the Difficult Places
I hear this all the time: How do I make a good decision when I feel guilty for making it? In today’s episode I address how to make a decision, even when you feel bad about it. It’s easier than you think and you can do it! Connect with me:
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Say it Right: How To Talk So Your Partner Will Listen and You Will Feel Heard - In Six Steps
Stronger in the Difficult Places
It doesn’t matter what you say, the only thing that matters is what is heard. This isn’t my original quote, but I’ve lost who said it along the way. Understanding this truth has been the turning point in my communication in all of my relationships. In today’s episode, I have such a wonderful, meaty, conversation with Rebecca Mullen, author, speaker, relationship coach, about how to have better communication with your spouse in 6 simple steps- Even if you barely talk anymore. Rebecca is my personal business coach and friend. This is her second time on my podcast and I’m inviting...
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Why You Shouldn't Believe Everything You Think - And If You Do, It's Holding You Back
Stronger in the Difficult Places
Your thoughts are powerful and most of us believe them- much to the detriment of ourselves and our relationships. On today's episode, I have a discussion with renowned author, Joseph Nguyen about why you shouldn't- and more importantly how you go about the process of not believing what you think. Joseph Nguyen is the author of the #1 international bestselling book, Don't Believe Everything You Think, which has been translated into 17+ languages. He is a writer who helps others realize who they truly are beyond their own thinking and conditioning to live an abundant life free from psychological...
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