Stronger in the Difficult Places

Dr. Zoe, a licensed psychotherapist and relationship coach walks with you on your journey through fixing your difficult relationships, including that sometimes difficult one with yourself. Here, she offers a space where you can look at yourself and your relationship through a lens of psychology, faith and a dash of her own kind of feminism. Stronger in the broken places podcasts hosts guest from all over the world, from celebrity tv therapists to everyday women, authors and scientists, offering therapeutic tips, encouragement, camaraderie and support, helping women stay strong and transform difficult relationships. We’re not fixing them, we’re fixing you and that changes everything! Ask Dr. Zoe a burning relationship question https://www.drzoeshaw.com Or find her on Instagram @drzoeshaw

How Shame Shows Up in Your Parenting—Even When Your Kids Are Grown 05/06/2025

How Couples Can Resist Priority Drift In Your Relationship 04/29/2025

How Couples Can Resist Priority Drift In Your Relationship In this episode of Stronger in the Difficult Places, I’m joined by transformational relationship guide Nick Brancato for a powerful conversation on a subtle but common challenge in long-term relationships—priority drift. Nick opens up about his own relational journey and how even the most connected couples can find themselves slowly drifting apart when life’s demands begin to compete with their shared values and intentions. We unpack what priority drift looks like, how it shows up in everyday life, and most importantly—how to resist it. Nick shares his holistic approach to keeping love aligned, to help couples turn emotional disconnection into meaningful, sustainable growth. His insight is both tender and practical, offering tools for getting back in sync when you feel misaligned with your partner. We talk about: What “priority drift” is and why it’s so common How to recognize the early signs of disconnection Rituals and practices to help couples realign Why emotional insight + actionable steps are the key to lasting change Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been partnered for decades, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and recommit to what matters most—together. About Nick Brancato: Nick Brancato is a seasoned personal development coach and educator with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples connect, communicate, and thrive. With a master’s degree in education and a background as a Microsoft systems engineer, Nick blends practical tools with data-driven frameworks to guide clients through life’s challenges, including career shifts, financial pressures, and personal growth. Connect with Nick: Links and Resources: [Free Download] Steps to Healing from Complex Shame™: Are you a writer? Join me in person at the HopeWriters Writing Retreat—a beautiful weekend designed to help you craft, connect, and confidently step into your calling. For one week only, we’re offering a Mother’s Day special—your spot is just $97 with the code MOM2026. (Valid from April 18th - April 24th) Connect with me: /episode/index/show/thedrzoeshow/id/36364265

Is it Emotional Abuse—Or Something Else? 04/22/2025

The Link Between Insecure Attachment, Self Abandonment And Chronic Stress 04/15/2025

What if You’re The Red Flag? And What Do You Do About It? 04/01/2025

How The 12 Steps Can Transform Your Life And Relationships 03/25/2025

Overcoming The Shame Of Your Everyday Addictions 03/20/2025

Overcoming The Shame Of Your Everyday Addictions 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 cycle. If you’ve ever felt trapped in patterns you can’t seem to shake, this conversation will help you find hope, healing, and a path forward. What We Cover in This Episode: ✔️ Redefining addiction beyond drugs and alcohol ✔️ How shame fuels compulsive behaviors ✔️ The connection between emotional pain and everyday addictions ✔️ Steps to break free and cultivate self-compassion ✔️ The role of faith and community in healing If you’ve ever felt guilty or ashamed about the habits you can’t seem to control, this episode is for you. Connect with Chris Janssen: Chris Janssen, MA, BCC, is the author of Grace Yourself: How to Show Up for the Sober Life You Want and a leading results coach in performance and mindset. She has worked with hundreds of sought-after athletes, creatives, soldiers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses internationally, helping them to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. As a board-certified coach with a master’s in counseling psychology and over 25 years of experience, Chris excels in helping high-achieving perfectionists navigate performance pressure, overcome self-sabotage, and rewrite narratives. A California native, Chris and her husband, Scott, have been married for nearly 30 years. Together, they raised three children, now thriving young adults. Chris and Scott live in Los Angeles and love to ski, golf, be with their horses, and adventure outside. Links: Website: Facebook: Instagram: New Book, Grace Yourself: Connect with me: /episode/index/show/thedrzoeshow/id/35795835