Libsyn Directory

Navigating the Fawning Response

Release Date: 12/16/2025

Why Your Nervous System Matters More Than Calories in Perimenopause

The Ali Damron Show

Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron and Morgana Lakatos Hayward discuss the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, focusing on the hormonal changes that affect women's health, weight loss, and overall well-being. They explore the inadequacies of traditional dieting methods, the importance of understanding women's unique biological needs, and the role of stress and nervous system regulation in health. The discussion also covers the significance of intuitive eating, self-trust, and the challenges faced by women in the sandwich generation. Morgana shares insights from her 60-Day Shed...

How to Know When to Pause—and When to Push

The Ali Damron Show

How do you know when to pause… and when to push? In this episode, I’m talking about something so many women struggle with—giving themselves permission in hard seasons of life. When you’re overwhelmed, burned out, caregiving, dealing with hormone changes, anxiety, or chronic stress, the rules you used to live by don’t always apply anymore. I break down how to tell the difference between: when your nervous system truly needs rest, regulation, and compassion, and when a gentle push forward is actually the most supportive thing you can do. You’ll also learn about the...

Navigating the Fawning Response

The Ali Damron Show

Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron and Kelly Kessler explore the concept of self-respect and the fawning response, discussing how it manifests in relationships and personal dynamics. They delve into the importance of understanding the nervous system, the impact of grief on personal growth, and the necessity of setting boundaries. The discussion also touches on the pressures of holiday expectations, the challenge of asking for help, and the journey towards internal validation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of choosing oneself and cultivating a supportive community. Takeaways...

Rucking: The New Trend in Fitness

The Ali Damron Show

Summary In this conversation, Ali Damron and Kayla Girgen discuss the benefits of rucking, a form of exercise that involves walking with weight. Kayla shares her journey from a corporate job to becoming a registered dietitian and personal trainer, emphasizing the importance of evolving perspectives on nutrition. They explore the role of AI in nutrition coaching, the integration of rucking with other forms of exercise, and the significance of managing stress and sleep for overall health. Kayla also highlights her upcoming book and programs designed to help women navigate their health journeys,...

Staying Regulated During the Holidays: What to Do When It’s All Too Much

The Ali Damron Show

Summary If the holidays leave you feeling overstimulated, snappy, or totally wiped out, you’re not alone. Between family dynamics, endless to-do lists, travel, sugar, alcohol, and expectations from every direction, your nervous system is under a lot of pressure this time of year. In this episode, Ali breaks down what’s actually happening in your body during holiday stress and why people-pleasing, overcommitting, and “pushing through” keep you stuck in survival mode. You’ll learn practical tools to stay regulated in the middle of family gatherings, set gentle emotional boundaries,...

Wellness Has Lost the Plot: How to Spot the Holiday Health Grift

The Ali Damron Show

Summary This holiday season, your feed will be flooded with “must-have” wellness products — detox kits, powders, trackers, supplements, and miracle solutions promising to fix your stress, your hormones, and your sleep. But do we really need all of this stuff? In this episode, I’m breaking down how wellness has drifted away from its roots and turned into another form of consumerism — selling us insecurity in the name of self-care. I’ll share how to spot wellness grifters, what real well-being actually looks like, and the few time-tested practices that still matter: acupuncture,...

The Hidden Reason HRT Isn’t Working Like You Hoped

The Ali Damron Show

You balanced your hormones, but something still feels off. In this episode, I discuss the deeper factors that make or break your HRT results—like chronic stress, cortisol, emotional tension, and burnout. Discover how to support your body and mind so your hormones can actually do their job and you can feel like yourself again. Ali's Resources: BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10

The Guilt of Doing Less: Why Rest Feels Unsafe for So Many Women

The Ali Damron Show

Summary In this conversation, I discuss the critical need for rest and the societal pressures that make it difficult for women to slow down. I explore the connection between productivity and self-worth, and how the nervous system reacts when one attempts to take a break. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing bodily signals of fatigue and the emotional resistance that often accompanies the need for rest. Takeaways If you slow down, you may feel unsafe. Rest is often equated with falling behind. Your body communicates through fatigue and anxiety. Women often struggle to relax...

How to Stay Regulated When the Holidays Feel Like Too Much

The Ali Damron Show

Even if you love the holidays, this season can push your nervous system into overdrive — from family dynamics and endless to-do lists to sugar crashes and overstimulation. In this episode, I share practical tools to stay grounded, set gentle boundaries, and actually enjoy the season without burning out. Learn how to recognize when your body’s entering survival mode and what to do to come back to safety, balance, and calm. Ali's Resources: BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough 10% off using code ALIDAMRON10

Why Does Everything Feel So Hard Right Now?

The Ali Damron Show

We’re not broken—we’re just overwhelmed. Kylie Larson and I explore how to quiet the noise, feel safe in your body, and start leading with acceptance instead of control. In this episode, Kylie Larson and I unpack the difference between what you think you need and what you actually need when it comes to health, wellness, and feeling like yourself again. We talk about the endless noise out there—how easy it is to chase the next fix—and why the real work often looks less like control and more like compassion. We also dig into what it means to feel safe in your body, how lifestyle...

More Episodes

Summary

In this conversation, Ali Damron and Kelly Kessler explore the concept of self-respect and the fawning response, discussing how it manifests in relationships and personal dynamics.

They delve into the importance of understanding the nervous system, the impact of grief on personal growth, and the necessity of setting boundaries.

The discussion also touches on the pressures of holiday expectations, the challenge of asking for help, and the journey towards internal validation. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of choosing oneself and cultivating a supportive community.

Takeaways

Self-respect is crucial for personal growth.
Fawning is a response to external pressures and expectations.
Understanding the nervous system is key to healing.
Self-abandonment can lead to unhealthy relationships.
Grief can catalyze significant personal change.
Choosing yourself often means setting boundaries.
The holiday season can amplify feelings of stress and obligation.
Asking for help is a vital skill to develop.
Recognizing patterns of behavior is essential for change.
Internal validation is more important than external approval.

Sound bites

"I was completely abandoning myself."
"You are allowed to prioritize your peace."
"Your energy is worth something."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Respect and Fawning Response
02:56 Understanding Self-Abandonment and Fawning Patterns
05:58 The Impact of Relationships on Self-Identity
09:01 Navigating Grief and Personal Transformation
12:11 The Role of Community and Support in Healing
15:00 Choosing Yourself: The Journey of Self-Love
17:45 The Pressure of Holiday Expectations and Self-Care
20:54 Asking for Help: Building the Muscle of Vulnerability
27:03 Navigating the Challenge of Receiving Help
28:49 The Illusion of External Validation
29:44 The Pursuit of Fulfillment
31:00 Understanding Personal Desires
32:34 Setting Boundaries in Relationships
35:38 Creating Safety Within Yourself
37:42 Recognizing Fawning Behavior
39:50 The Energy Behind Actions
41:16 Choosing Yourself and Your Peace
43:39 Filtering Relationships
46:38 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Discovery