Emotionally Unavailable
This is truly a show about me and my journey. When I started Emotionally Unavailable, I thought I was just learning how to be more vulnerable. But somewhere along the way, vulnerability became transformation. Emotional. Spiritual. Human. Every guest I’ve spoken with has been a mirror, a teacher, a reflection of something I was meant to see. These conversations aren’t interviews. They’re energy exchanges. I’m not here as an expert. I’m here as a student of life. And together, we’re learning what it really means to open our hearts, to show up honestly, and to find connection in the spaces we once hid from. Welcome to Emotionally Unavailable. The journey back to ourselves starts here.
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Grief, Isolation, and Healing: Learning to Ask for Support After Loss
02/16/2026
Grief, Isolation, and Healing: Learning to Ask for Support After Loss
Therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, shares her lived experience of navigating grief after the loss of her son, Jake. She opens up about the waves of isolation, the disorienting nature of loss, and the quiet ways grief can reshape identity, connection, and daily life. Malisa explores the challenge of asking for support while grieving, the importance of being seen and held by others, and how community can become a lifeline in moments of profound pain. She reflects on her evolving spiritual beliefs, the complexity of finding meaning after loss, and the tension between carrying deep sorrow while still allowing moments of joy. This conversation offers an honest and compassionate look at grief—not as something to fix, but as something to be lived with—while gently guiding listeners toward connection, self-compassion, and intentional living. Grief can make it incredibly hard to know what you need—let alone ask for it. But you deserve support that actually meets you where you are. If you don’t know what to say, you can borrow these: 1. Ask for practical help “I’m overwhelmed—could you help me with groceries / a meal / a small task?” 2. Ask to not be rushed “I’m not trying to ‘move on’—I’m learning to live with this.” 3. Ask for grounding connection “Can we do something normal together? I need a break from the heaviness.” Ask even when it feels hard. You are not “too much.” Your needs are not a burden. Asking is not weakness—it’s how we stay connected when grief tries to isolate us. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: : Jen Taylor Insta: Contact Jen Taylor
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Emotional Abuse, Autoimmune Illness & the Mind-Body Connection: A Journey of Healing
02/13/2026
Emotional Abuse, Autoimmune Illness & the Mind-Body Connection: A Journey of Healing
Therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Keegan Read, host of the Retrieving Sanity podcast, for an honest conversation about trauma, health, and emotional recovery. Keegan shares his journey through childhood emotional abuse, family dynamics, autoimmune disease, substance use, and the long road toward self-discovery. Together, they explore how unresolved trauma impacts the body, how internalized beliefs shape identity, and why expressing emotion is essential for healing. This episode unpacks: The mind-body connection in trauma recovery How emotional suppression can manifest physically The impact of family systems and shame Breaking free from internalized narratives The role of authenticity and storytelling in healing Practical tools for emotional awareness and self-care If you’ve ever questioned how your past is affecting your body, your relationships, or your sense of self, this conversation offers grounded insight and hope. Healing begins when we stop hiding from what hurts — and start listening to what it’s trying to teach us. Keegan's Links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: Contact Jen Taylor: Jen Taylor Jen Taylor
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From Trauma to Transformation: How Somatic Movement Creates Emotional Freedom
02/11/2026
From Trauma to Transformation: How Somatic Movement Creates Emotional Freedom
In this powerful conversation, therapist and podcast host Malisa Hepner sits down with Angel Howard, Certified Somatic Therapist, Executive Coach, and inspirational speaker, to explore how somatic healing and movement can transform trauma. Angel shares her personal journey of resilience, uncovering family secrets, and using dance as a pathway to healing. Together, they discuss the role of the body in emotional expression, the importance of authenticity, and how movement supports nervous system regulation, communication, and personal growth. Choose one small way to let your body speak this week. Instead of processing everything through words, set a timer for five minutes and move however your body wants—stretching, swaying, shaking, or dancing. Notice what emotions surface without trying to interpret or fix them. Healing doesn’t always begin in the mind; sometimes it starts by giving the body permission to lead. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: Contact Jen Taylor: Jen Taylor Jen Taylor
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Somatic Healing Through Movement: How to Release Stored Emotions and Build Self-Trust
02/09/2026
Somatic Healing Through Movement: How to Release Stored Emotions and Build Self-Trust
Therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, sits down with Licensed Somatic Psychotherapist and author of “Shake Yourself Free”, Melanie Smithson, to explore the power of somatic practices and authentic movement as tools for emotional healing. Melanie shares her journey from CPA to somatic practitioner and explains how practices like breathwork, shaking, and intuitive movement help release emotions stored in the body. Together, they discuss meeting yourself where you are emotionally, working with resistance, building self-trust, and allowing grief and big feelings to move through without falling apart. This conversation offers practical, accessible tools for managing stress, emotional overwhelm, and deepening body-based self-awareness. Choose one simple somatic practice—such as 2–3 minutes of gentle shaking, slow intentional breathing, or intuitive movement—and practice it daily with the intention of listening rather than fixing. Notice what sensations or emotions arise, allow them to move through without judgment, and reflect afterward on what your body communicated. This builds self-trust and creates emotional regulation through the body. Melanie's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: Jen Taylor contact info: Jen Taylor ,
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Motherhood Without Losing Yourself: Identity, Self-Care, and Co-Regulation After Becoming a Parent
02/06/2026
Motherhood Without Losing Yourself: Identity, Self-Care, and Co-Regulation After Becoming a Parent
Therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, and Cindy Woulfe,certified meditation teacher and wellness advocate and author of, “In the Weeds: A Guide to Saving Your Own Soul on This Crazy Journey Called Motherhood”, explore the realities of motherhood, from postpartum identity shifts to the pressure of unsolicited advice. They discuss the importance of self-validation, co-regulation in parenting, breaking generational patterns, and practical ways parents can nourish themselves while raising emotionally healthy children. Create a daily self-nourishment ritual—no matter how small—that reinforces your identity outside of parenting. Practice self-validation before seeking external reassurance, and model co-regulation by tending to your own nervous system first. When parents care for themselves with intention, they build the emotional capacity to parent with presence, clarity, and connection. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: Jen Taylor , Contact Jen Taylor: Jentaylorfani@gmail.com
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Spiritual Awakening and Intuition: Healing, Belief, and the Human Experience
02/04/2026
Spiritual Awakening and Intuition: Healing, Belief, and the Human Experience
In this thoughtful conversation, therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, and Michelle Henderson, Author, speaker, mystic channeler, healer, explore the journey of spiritual awakening and the evolution of belief systems. They discuss intuition, healing, self-love, and compassion, examining how personal experiences shape spiritual understanding while emphasizing the balance between spiritual growth and our shared humanity. Identify one moment each day where you can respond from compassion instead of habit—toward yourself or someone else. Practice grounding that choice in your body and emotions, allowing spiritual insight to support your humanity rather than override it. Michelle's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: , Contact Jen Taylor:
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When “I Understand” Can Hurt And Why: Healing the Wound of Unvalidated Grief
02/02/2026
When “I Understand” Can Hurt And Why: Healing the Wound of Unvalidated Grief
In this solo episode, therapist and host Malisa Hepner unpacks why grief can feel so activating when someone says they “understand” your loss—especially when comparisons miss the mark. She explores how these moments often trigger deep neglect wounds and a fear that our pain isn’t being seen or honored. Rather than staying in victimhood or demanding external validation, Malisa invites listeners into a more grounded truth: our pain does not need to be validated by others to be real. Through compassionate reflection, she shares how healing begins when we recognize our triggers, take responsibility for our inner safety, and learn to validate ourselves—without minimizing the depth of our grief, or others. Notice the trigger: when you feel invalidated, name the neglect wound being activated. Release victimhood by separating your pain from others’ capacity to understand it. Practice self-validation: affirm the reality and depth of your grief without comparison. Create internal safety by meeting your pain with compassion before seeking it externally. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: Contact Jen Taylor: ,
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Choosing Yourself: Authenticity, Attachment, and the Quiet Work of Healing
01/30/2026
Choosing Yourself: Authenticity, Attachment, and the Quiet Work of Healing
In this solo episode, therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, reflects on the subtle but profound ways grief continues to shape her inner world—especially in relationships. She shares why she chose to shift the format of her podcast, honoring authenticity, capacity, and self-care over expectation. She explores attachment patterns, independence, and the emotional responses that surface when grief meets intimacy. This conversation names the often-overlooked micro losses of grief—the small, daily moments that remind us of what’s changed—and underscores the importance of community, self-honesty, and compassion as ongoing companions on the healing path. Notice where you are asking yourself to “push through” instead of listening in. Today, choose one small act of self-trust—whether that’s changing a plan, naming a feeling out loud, or letting yourself need support—and remind yourself that healing isn’t about doing more, but about being more honest with where you actually are. Where are you imposing expectations on yourself around a label you never needed to carry in the first place? Shed that shit. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Holding Yourself With Kindness: Gratitude, Vulnerability, and Healing
01/28/2026
Holding Yourself With Kindness: Gratitude, Vulnerability, and Healing
In this uplifting conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner is joined by Laura Bratton, founder of Ubi Global, to explore gratitude as a practice of honoring the work we do on ourselves. Together, they reflect on the courage it takes to show up, do the inner work, and continue evolving—especially when growth feels slow, unseen, or exhausting. This conversation highlights the power of self-compassion, perseverance, and community in sustaining personal transformation, reminding listeners that gratitude doesn’t have to be about outcomes—it can be about who we are becoming and the effort we choose to make, again and again. Instead of forcing positivity, choose one moment each day where you offer yourself compassion first—then notice what you’re grateful for. Healing begins when we stop demanding strength from ourselves and start allowing tenderness. Laura's Links to Laura's previous episode: , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Healing the Inner Child: Trauma, Self-Love, and Rewriting Your Story
01/26/2026
Healing the Inner Child: Trauma, Self-Love, and Rewriting Your Story
In this deeply moving conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Hilary Momberger Powers—former child actress who voiced Sally in the Charlie Brown cartoons, now a recovery warrior, mentor, and author—to explore the lasting impact of trauma on personal development and healing. Together, they unpack how early wounds shape identity, the importance of inner child work, and what it truly means to break free from victimhood. Hilary shares her journey of reclaiming her power through empathy, self-reflection, and community support, emphasizing that real empowerment comes from within. This episode highlights the transformative power of self-love, acceptance, and consciously choosing to rewrite your story. Spend 10 minutes journaling a letter to your inner child, acknowledging one past wound that still shapes your reactions today. Then write a second letter from your adult self offering compassion, validation, and a new narrative rooted in worthiness and self-trust. Hilary's , , Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here: :
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Finding Your Purpose: Using Purpose as a Compass for Clarity and Alignment
01/23/2026
Finding Your Purpose: Using Purpose as a Compass for Clarity and Alignment
In this soulful and insightful conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Ian, founder of PurposeU.ai, to explore the evolving journey of discovering one’s purpose. Ian shares how purpose transformed from a vague concept into a powerful decision-making tool in his own life, helping him move from confusion to clarity in both personal and professional realms. Together, they unpack why defining your purpose matters, how recognizing your uniqueness creates deep inner alignment, and the profound shifts people experience when they begin living from their true calling. The conversation closes with a look at PurposeU, an AI-powered course designed to simplify the path to self-discovery and help individuals uncover what they’re truly here to do. Instead of searching for a “perfect” purpose, start by noticing what consistently lights you up, what problems you feel drawn to solve, and where your lived experience meets service. Write a one-sentence purpose statement that feels true right now — not forever — and begin using it as a filter for decisions. If a choice moves you closer to alignment with that statement, it’s a yes. If it pulls you further from it, it’s a no. Purpose isn’t found all at once — it’s clarified through courageous, aligned action. Ian's Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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When Survival Becomes Awakening: Trauma, Recovery, and the Return to Self
01/21/2026
When Survival Becomes Awakening: Trauma, Recovery, and the Return to Self
In this deeply moving conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Justin LaPree, a Marine veteran, former Austin firefighter, entrepreneur, and suicide survivor who turned his darkest moment into a movement of healing, to explore the long arc of trauma, recovery, and the courageous journey back to self-love. Justin shares his story of childhood trauma, military service, and the inner battles that led to a suicide attempt — and how entheogenic medicines and spiritual practices opened a new path toward healing. Together, they discuss the role of community, intention, and storytelling in recovery, and how shared experiences can transform pain into connection, meaning, and compassion. Choose one intentional practice this week that helps you meet yourself with honesty instead of judgment. Whether it’s journaling, meditation, breathwork, or therapy, create a small, sacred space where you can listen to what your pain is trying to teach you — and take one compassionate step toward yourself. Justin's links: , , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Griefie Monday: When Grief Shows Up in the Small Moments
01/19/2026
Griefie Monday: When Grief Shows Up in the Small Moments
In this episode of the Griefie Monday series, therapist and host Malisa Hepner offers a raw and tender look at what grief feels like in the middle of ordinary life. She reflects on fluctuating moods, the way grief lives in the body, and the emotional weight of her home environment. Malisa shares the challenges of managing grief alongside very real practical stressors, including a legal matter connected to Jake’s past, and how these layered responsibilities can quietly intensify sorrow. Through a vulnerable story of a family grocery trip that ended with locking her keys in the car, she explores frustration, humor, resilience, and the courage it takes to ask for help. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes self-compassion, the non-linear nature of healing, and the shared human experience of loss, reminding us that there is no single way to grieve — only many honest ways to survive and keep going. Grief doesn’t only live in the big moments — it lives in the parking lots, the errands, the mistakes, and the quiet overwhelm. This week, practice one gentle act of self-permission: notice where your body is holding grief, allow yourself to ask for help without shame, and remember that coping isn’t about doing it perfectly — it’s about doing it honestly. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. (Perfect for single owner/operator small business looking for low budget ad space) Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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From Survival to Self-Discovery: How Vulnerability Supports Mental Health and Healing
01/16/2026
From Survival to Self-Discovery: How Vulnerability Supports Mental Health and Healing
In this deeply human conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Gretchen Schoser—suicide attempt survivor, mental health advocate, award-winning podcast host, and tech entrepreneur—to explore vulnerability, self-discovery, and the power of sharing our stories. Together, they discuss how kindness, imperfection, and honest conversations can transform pain into connection. This episode highlights the importance of self-care, supportive communities, and using lived experience to normalize mental health and create meaningful change. Your story doesn’t need to be polished to be powerful. Healing often begins the moment we let ourselves be seen—messy, honest, and imperfect. Choose one safe space this week to tell the truth about how you’re really doing, whether that’s with a friend, a therapist, or on paper. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s an invitation for connection, compassion, and collective healing. Gretchen's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Grief, Guilt & Grace: Parenting, Addiction, and Finding Purpose After Loss
01/14/2026
Grief, Guilt & Grace: Parenting, Addiction, and Finding Purpose After Loss
Jen Taylor rejoins host Malisa Hepner for a raw, soul-centered conversation about grief, guilt, and the ripple effects of addiction on families. As mothers and licensed social workers, they share personal experiences with loss, the heartbreak of parenting through addiction, and the spiritual questions that follow. Together, they explore open communication, the autonomy of the soul, astrology as a meaning-making lens, and how connection can transform pain into purpose—offering listeners compassion, clarity, and hope on the healing path. Choose one honest conversation this week—within yourself or with someone safe—where you name the guilt you’ve been carrying without trying to fix it. Let it be witnessed. Then ask: What would it look like to honor my loved one by living with a little more tenderness today? Healing begins when pain is allowed to speak and purpose is invited to listen. Jen's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Grief, Self-Compassion, and the Courage to Be Seen After Losing a Child
01/12/2026
Grief, Self-Compassion, and the Courage to Be Seen After Losing a Child
In this heartfelt solo episode, therapist and host Malisa Hepner shares her journey through grief after the death of her son, Jake. She explores the emotional and physical toll of loss, the loneliness of grieving in a grief-avoidant culture, and the necessity of self-compassion during heartbreak. Malisa reflects on vulnerability, community, and the slow process of rebuilding life while honoring a love that never leaves. Release the idea that grief should look a certain way. Let today be enough. Your emotions are not a problem to solve—they are love finding its voice. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Breaking Free from Old Patterns: Vulnerability, Self-Awareness & the Path to Joy
01/09/2026
Breaking Free from Old Patterns: Vulnerability, Self-Awareness & the Path to Joy
Therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Joni Woods, author of, “Burned, Blocked and Better Than Ever”, a certified life coach and culture strategist with over 15 years of experience in communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship dynamics. Joni shares her powerful journey from a challenging marriage through addiction, grief, and loss, toward self-discovery and empowerment. Together, they explore how societal expectations shape our relationships, why emotional intelligence and self-awareness are foundational to healing, and how vulnerability and inner-child work open the door to authentic connection, self-compassion, and lasting joy. Practice conscious vulnerability. This week, choose one relationship (including the one with yourself) and practice naming your feelings without defending, fixing, or minimizing them. Ask yourself: What does my inner child need right now—validation, safety, or compassion? When vulnerability is paired with emotional intelligence, it becomes a bridge to deeper connection, healing, and joy rather than a risk you have to survive. Joni's links: , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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The Happiness Helix Explained: Stress, Emotional Awareness, and the Power of Vulnerability
01/07/2026
The Happiness Helix Explained: Stress, Emotional Awareness, and the Power of Vulnerability
Therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, joins Adam Brownlie, Australian author, philosopher, as he breaks down happiness, emotional regulation, and the impact of stress on motivation and mental health. Adam introduces the Happiness Helix and its six pillars, offering practical insight into emotional awareness, vulnerability, and navigating relationships and grief. This conversation highlights how understanding emotions—rather than suppressing them—leads to more meaningful connections and sustainable well-being. When stress shows up, notice where it lives in your body before reacting. Take three slow breaths and name the emotion without judgment. Emotional awareness is the first step toward regulation—and vulnerability grows when we respond instead of react. Adam's links: , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Loneliness, Flow, and Finding Joy: Supporting Gen Z Girls in a Disconnected World
01/05/2026
Loneliness, Flow, and Finding Joy: Supporting Gen Z Girls in a Disconnected World
In this heart-opening conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Faith Spencer—certified Happy for No Reason trainer and author of The Oneness Guide for Today—to explore the emotional landscape of Gen Z girls navigating loneliness, technology, and disconnection. Together, they unpack how social media and digital life impact social skills, self-worth, and belonging, while offering grounded wisdom on connection, communication, and cultivating happiness from the inside out. This episode weaves together insights on parenting, personal growth, forgiveness, visualization, manifestation, and the art of surrendering to life’s flow—reminding listeners that joy isn’t something we chase, but something we allow. A soulful invitation to reconnect with self, trust intuition, and find meaning in the unfolding journey. Create space for flow instead of forcing certainty. This week, notice where you’re gripping too tightly—your plans, your expectations, or your timeline. Choose one small moment each day to soften: put the phone down, take three intentional breaths, and ask yourself, “What would connection look like right now?” Whether that’s reaching out, resting, or simply being present, let joy come from participation in life—not perfection. Happiness grows when we stop trying to earn it and start allowing ourselves to feel it. Faith's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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When Grief Has No Script: Sitting With Fear, Love, and the Aftermath of Loss
01/02/2026
When Grief Has No Script: Sitting With Fear, Love, and the Aftermath of Loss
In this deeply vulnerable solo episode, therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, shares her raw and unfolding experience of grief after the loss of her son, Jake. Recording alone for the first time, she speaks candidly about the fear, awkwardness, and emotional weight that accompany early grief, as well as the unexpected strength found in family, community, and honest connection. This episode explores what it means to live moment by moment, confront painful memories, and soften toward oneself in a grief-phobic society. With compassion and courage, Malisa reflects on vulnerability, communication, self-forgiveness, and the slow search for meaning in tragedy—offering a space where grief is allowed to be seen, spoken, and held. Grief doesn’t ask you to be brave—it asks you to be honest. This week, choose one moment where you let yourself name what you’re feeling without fixing it. Say it out loud to someone safe, write it down, or simply acknowledge it within yourself. Notice how presence—not productivity—creates the smallest opening for breath, connection, and self-forgiveness. Healing doesn’t come from carrying grief quietly; it comes from allowing yourself to be human in it. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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#1 Most listened to episode in 2025 - Michela Giordano Castro - From Fundamentalism to Freedom: Healing Shame, Reclaiming Identity, and Integrating Spirituality with Mental Health
12/31/2025
#1 Most listened to episode in 2025 - Michela Giordano Castro - From Fundamentalism to Freedom: Healing Shame, Reclaiming Identity, and Integrating Spirituality with Mental Health
Originally titled - Losing My Religion In this powerful and deeply reflective conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Michela Giordano Castro, LCSW, to explore the journey from religious fundamentalism to spiritual awakening. Together, they unpack how rigid belief systems can shape identity, fuel shame and guilt, and quietly impact mental health—often under the guise of morality or devotion. Malisa and Michela discuss the courage it takes to question inherited beliefs, the grief that can accompany deconstruction, and the necessity of boundaries when faith spaces become unsafe. This conversation highlights the healing power of curiosity, community, and self-worth, while also calling for greater accountability within religious institutions to prevent harm and abuse. At its heart, this episode is an invitation to reclaim authenticity, integrate mental health with spirituality, and remember that faith should never cost you your sense of self. Spend time reflecting on the beliefs you carry that were taught through fear, shame, or obligation rather than love. Ask yourself gently: Does this belief help me feel more connected to myself—or more disconnected? Choose one place in your life where you can practice curiosity instead of compliance, and set a boundary that honors your emotional and spiritual safety. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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#2 Most listened to episode of 2025: She talks to Angels
12/29/2025
#2 Most listened to episode of 2025: She talks to Angels
Original description: Hello and happy Friday! Today's wonderful guest is DeDe Lyons! Empowerment Coach, author, motivational speaker and angel guide, Dede Lyons is the Founder of the Feel Good Express lifestyle program. Lyons self empowered journey began at age 40 in 1990, when in the midst of a career in broadcast television in NYC, she found herself running out of steam. She witnessed herself and colleagues burning out from the high demands of their jobs. She was determined to find more ways to feel more energized and invigorate herself and her sales team so she embarked on a journey to recharge her mindset and raise her vibration. Utilizing mind/body/spirit tools including self healing books, juice fasting, aromatherapy, journaling and the power of positive thinking, Dede extracted the pearls of wisdom that would eventually become the foundation of Feel Good Express. At age 62 years young Dede stepped away from her successful 32-year career in broadcast sales and management, 25 years in NYC at Cox Media Sales, Petry Television and 7 years at WPTV the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach. Then began on her Feel Good Express path, relaying she was in “rebootment” not in retirement. She wrote her first book, The Joy of Tweeting and later the Feel Good Journal. Today she writes magazine articles, leads seminars, workshops along with her private coaching practice. She has had numerous podcast guest appearances on the Love Light Show on Voice America, WPTV-NBC Today Show at 11, Next To Madison Podcast, The Power of People Show and the Epic Love Show with Pipers Angels. Most recently Dede has created and produced her own new Mini-Podcast: A Dose of Dede, where she shares weekly on social media, her Feel Good Express practical empowerment tools for life! You can find Dede and her links @ her insta .
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# 3 Most listened to episode in 2025: Alchemize Your Pain
12/26/2025
# 3 Most listened to episode in 2025: Alchemize Your Pain
Happy Wednesday (Not Friday as I accidentally say in the intro lol)! Today's guest is the amazing Kat Daou. Kat uses family constellation therapy and ancestral intuitive readings to help you understand your blocks, experience freedom and connect to your truest self. Kat and I both found our path to our own magic through sifting through all of the things we thought we were supposed to hate about ourselves or feel ashamed of. Kat is showing the world that you can't have light without dark nor dark without light and she's saying it with her whole chest. I received so much personal healing from this conversation and I know that you will too! Oh, and if that wasn't enough, Kat also hosts "Healing With Kat", the podcast. You can go to learn which cyclebreaker archetype you are, to learn more about working with Kat and to find Kat on insta. is where you can find places to listen to Kat's show! Enjoy!
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# 4 Most Popular Episode of 2025: Rising Through Fear: Authenticity and the Power of Self-Belief
12/24/2025
# 4 Most Popular Episode of 2025: Rising Through Fear: Authenticity and the Power of Self-Belief
Therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, and Robert B. Foster, a transformational speaker, coach, and author, explore the transformative power of mindset, resilience, and authenticity. Sharing his powerful journey from losing everything to becoming a thriving fitness coach and author, Robert opens up about confronting fear, silencing inner criticism, and learning to accept help. Together, they discuss the language of self-belief, the art of staying present, and how small, consistent steps can create monumental change. Fear may whisper, but truth speaks louder. Every setback can become sacred ground for self-discovery when you choose courage over comfort. Robert’s story reminds us that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about rising with deeper faith in who you’re becoming. Robert's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Nine Days After: Grief, Love, and Honoring Jake
12/22/2025
Nine Days After: Grief, Love, and Honoring Jake
In this deeply moving and vulnerable conversation, Malisa Hepner shares her raw, in-process journey through grief just nine days after the loss of her son, Jake. Speaking from the middle of the heartbreak—not hindsight—Malisa reflects on the surreal nature of tragedy, the immediate impact of grief on mental and physical health, and the complexities of navigating family dynamics while still learning how to breathe through each moment. She opens up about what it looks like to practice self-care, lean on community, and model healthy emotional expression for her family in real time. This conversation is not about having answers, but about allowing vulnerability, honoring memories as they arise, and learning—day by day—how meaning and love can exist alongside profound loss. A tender, honest offering for anyone grieving, supporting someone in grief, or learning how to sit with pain without trying to fix it. Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Remembering the Soul’s Story: Past Life Regression, Consciousness, and the Healing Power of Soul Contracts
12/19/2025
Remembering the Soul’s Story: Past Life Regression, Consciousness, and the Healing Power of Soul Contracts
In this expansive and thought-provoking conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Craig Meriwether, author and past life regression therapist, to explore the mysteries of consciousness, reincarnation, and the soul’s long memory. Craig shares cultural and scientific perspectives on past lives, the therapeutic role of regression work, and how soul contracts shape our life lessons and relationships. Together, they reflect on family dynamics, spiritual responsibility, and the delicate role therapists play when guiding clients through past life memories. This episode invites listeners to consider healing not as something we rush toward—but something we remember, layer by layer, across lifetimes. Instead of asking “Why is this happening to me?” try asking “What might my soul be learning here?” You don’t need to believe in past lives to work with the wisdom of the question. Notice the recurring patterns in your relationships, family dynamics, or emotional wounds—especially the ones that feel ancient or familiar. Journal on this: If this challenge were a teacher, what lesson keeps returning until I listen? Healing often begins not with answers, but with reverence—for the story your soul is still telling. Craig's links: , , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Leaving Psychological Abuse & Reclaiming the Self: Healing, Identity, and the Paramore Paradox
12/17/2025
Leaving Psychological Abuse & Reclaiming the Self: Healing, Identity, and the Paramore Paradox
In this deeply moving episode, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Kristen Crabtree, author, divorce coach, and self-described archeologist of the self, to explore the courageous journey of leaving a controlling and psychologically abusive marriage. Kristen shares how trauma-informed therapy illuminated the reality of her experience and empowered her to choose herself—despite fear, grief, and uncertainty. Together, they unpack the role of meditation, self-reflection, and community in healing from relational trauma, and introduce Kristen’s transformative framework, the Paramore Paradox, a pathway to rediscovering identity after emotional erosion. The conversation also centers the unique challenges faced within psychologically abusive relationships—particularly in the LGBTQ+ community—and offers hope, clarity, and compassion for those quietly questioning their reality. This episode is an invitation to listen inward, trust your knowing, and remember that reclaiming yourself is not selfish—it is sacred. Begin the excavation.Set aside ten quiet minutes this week and reflect on one question: “Where have I been managing myself to stay safe instead of being myself to feel alive?” Notice what arises—without judgment. Write it down. Sit with it. Let it be information, not a verdict. Healing from psychological abuse often begins not with dramatic exits, but with gentle truths finally being named. Kristen's links: , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Reclaiming Power After Loss: Midlife, Sobriety, and Becoming 50 Fabulous and Fearless
12/15/2025
Reclaiming Power After Loss: Midlife, Sobriety, and Becoming 50 Fabulous and Fearless
Therapist and host, Malisa Hepner, sits down with Tina Coleman, author of 50 Fabulous and Fuckable, for a raw and empowering conversation about grief, sobriety, and reclaiming the self in midlife. Tina shares her journey from massage therapist to author and speaker, shaped by profound personal loss and a deep dive into metaphysics as a way to make meaning of life’s hardest moments. Together, they explore how grief can crack us open rather than break us, the courage it takes to choose sobriety, and what it truly means for women to step into their power as they age. This episode is an invitation for women—especially those in midlife—to release shame, honor their desires, and embrace a life that feels fully alive, embodied, and unapologetically theirs. Take a moment to reflect on the version of you that emerged after your hardest loss. Not who you were before it—but who you became because you survived it. Write down three ways grief, sobriety, or life’s ruptures have clarified what you no longer tolerate and what you now crave. Then ask yourself: Where am I still shrinking out of habit or fear? Empowerment in midlife isn’t about reclaiming youth—it’s about reclaiming truth. Let this be the season where you choose aliveness over approval and live as if your desires are not something to apologize for, but something to honor. Tina's links: , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Reclaiming Identity Beyond the Uniform: Trauma, Transformation & True Self-Leadership
12/12/2025
Reclaiming Identity Beyond the Uniform: Trauma, Transformation & True Self-Leadership
In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, therapist and host Malisa Hepner sits down with Robert Wheeler, host of Battle Harder podcast, Navy veteran, former federal officer and founder of BattleFitted, to explore the deeply human journey beneath the roles we wear. Together, they unpack the emotional impact of military and law enforcement careers, illuminating how chronic stress, hypervigilance, and unresolved trauma shape identity long after the uniform comes off. Through honest dialogue, they discuss emotional regulation, the necessity of self-care, and the courage required to break generational patterns of silence and self-sacrifice. Rob shares how gratitude, fitness, coaching, and disciplined mindset work became catalysts for rediscovering who he is—not as a title, but as a whole human being. This episode is an invitation to anyone who’s ever felt consumed by their role to reclaim their voice, reconnect with their body, and begin again with intention. Begin building a life that expands beyond what you do by practicing identity-based grounding. Ask yourself: Who am I when no one needs anything from me? Choose one practice—gratitude, movement, or emotional check-ins—to anchor you each day. Commit to a boundary that protects your energy, and release the belief that carrying everything alone is strength. Healing is the discipline of returning to yourself, one honest moment at a time. Rob's links: , , Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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Awakening to Adulthood: Emotions, Lessons & the Journey Back to Self
12/10/2025
Awakening to Adulthood: Emotions, Lessons & the Journey Back to Self
Therapist and host Malisa Hepner, and Natasha Sattle, author of “Shit Adults Never Taught Us”, dive into the complexities of adulthood, mental health, and relationships. Together they explore how childhood experiences shape the way we communicate, love, and protect ourselves, and how the body often reveals what the mind tries to ignore. Through honest reflection and personal stories, they examine the power of vulnerability, the importance of naming emotions, and the continual process of rediscovering who we are. This dialogue offers a grounded, compassionate look at what it means to grow up, wake up, and care for ourselves in a world that often asks us to disconnect. Pause and practice emotional naming: Take five minutes today to check in with your body and identify one emotion you are carrying. Write down where it shows up physically, what memory or belief it’s connected to, and one way you can care for yourself in response. This simple practice strengthens your mind-body awareness, deepens communication with yourself and others, and helps you move through adulthood with clarity instead of autopilot. Natasha's links: , , Book: Subscribe to Emotionally Unavailable’s Patreon! $3-Become a friend of the show and support its mission $5-Ad free episodes $10-Benefits listed above and free access to monthly workbook $30- In addition to the above benefits, you can receive recurring ad space on episodes posted outside of Patreon. Want to be a guest on Emotionally Unavailable? Send Malisa Hepner a message on PodMatch, here:
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