Join us in this episode of Beyond What Hurts Us as Kristen and Leslie delve into the nuanced differences between compartmentalization and disassociation, two coping mechanisms often misunderstood. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, we explore how these mental processes manifest in our lives and the impact they have on our well-being. Tune in for a candid exploration of the mind and strategies for navigating complex emotions.
Mar 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 52
Love comes in many forms, from the undefined territory of 'situationships' to the enduring bonds of companionships and relationships. In this episode, Kristen, Leslie and special guest Nicki delve into the intricacies of human connection. Join us as we explore the blurred lines, the deep connections, and the defining moments that shape our experiences in love and companionship. From casual flings to committed partnerships, we'll discuss the joys, challenges, and everything in between. Get ready ...
Mar 20, 2024•47 min•Ep. 51
We're all learning, healing, and growing, and that includes your hosts! Join Kristen and Leslie this week as they check in with each other on what they're working on, how they're healing, and where they're growing currently.
Mar 13, 2024•28 min•Ep. 50
Embark on a heartfelt exploration of healing's winding road, where grief becomes an intricate part of the journey. In this episode, we share personal stories and expert perspectives on how closure isn't the end but the beginning of healing. Join us as we navigate the twists and turns, finding solace in the unpredictable, and discovering that true healing often starts when we embrace the complexities of grief.
Mar 06, 2024•34 min•Ep. 49
Welcome back to Beyond What Hurts Us. This week, Kristen and Leslie unpack the ins and outs of setting boundaries for healthier relationships. This week, we dive into real-life scenarios and practical tips to help you establish boundaries that work for you. From dealing with difficult family dynamics to asserting yourself at work, we cover it all. Join us as we demystify the art of boundary-setting and empower you to cultivate more meaningful connections while honoring your own needs....
Feb 28, 2024•37 min•Ep. 48
Join Kristen and Leslie as they explore attachment styles and how they impact our relationships. From childhood experiences to adult connections, we uncover how our attachment styles shape the way we love and connect with our partners. Discover practical tips and insights on nurturing secure attachments with your loved one. Learn how to communicate effectively, cultivate empathy, and create a safe space for vulnerability in your relationship. Together, let's embark on a journey of healing and gr...
Feb 21, 2024•36 min•Ep. 47
On this day of love, let's protect our love! In this episode, Kristen and Leslie get raw as they dive into the real-life challenges couples face and explore actionable steps to affair-proof your relationship. From cultivating trust through honest communication to prioritizing quality time together, we uncover the simple yet powerful strategies that can strengthen the bonds of love. Join us as we share relatable stories and insights that highlight the importance of investing in your relationship ...
Feb 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 46
Join Kristen and Leslie as they dive into the tumultuous waters of divorce. In this episode, they share candid stories and heartfelt conversations about the emotional rollercoaster of separation. From the initial shock to the journey of rebuilding, Kristen and Leslie explore the raw realities of divorce with empathy and insight. They reflect on shattered illusions, unexpected challenges, and the daunting task of starting over. But amidst the pain, there's hope. Through personal anecdotes and sha...
Feb 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 45
In this episode featuring special guest, Brandy Cunningham, Kristen and Leslie dive into the question: What is somatics if it's not trauma-releasing exercises? Together, they explore the profound freedom that arises from being tuned in to your body through the practice of somatics. Join the conversation as they discuss the empowering shift away from seeking external answers and towards the liberation found in the wisdom of your own body. With Brandy's guidance, challenge the conventional notion ...
Jan 24, 2024•50 min•Ep. 44
In this week's chat, Kristen and Leslie dive into the messy world of jealousy and mistrust in relationships, sharing their personal stories and shedding light on the tangled web of emotions. From tracing the primal origins of jealousy to unraveling its ties to trust issues and past wounds, they discuss the common struggles many of us confront. Emphasizing the significance of candid dialogue, self-discovery, and empathy in navigating these intricate emotions, the hosts reflect on how jealousy mig...
Jan 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 43
What is your focus for this new year? Amidst the age of information overload, how do you stay grounded and focused on your goals? Join Kristen and Leslie as they discuss how they set intention for 2024 with a single word. We explore practical strategies to simplify your life, declutter your mind, and empower your journey with a word that resonates.
Jan 10, 2024•31 min•Ep. 42
Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics related to sexual assault. Please take care while listening. Join us for a deeply personal episode where Kristen and Leslie share their journeys of healing after sexual assault. This conversation is a safe space to explore the raw emotions, resilience, and healing that can come after this kind of traumatic experience. We discuss the power of breaking the silence, finding support in a community, and shedding the weight of shame. Tune in to ...
Jan 03, 2024•34 min•Ep. 41
Let's get real about the holidays and the unique relationship many of us have with alcohol. In this episode of Beyond What Hurts Us, Kristen and Leslie talk candidly about the challenges of navigating the complicated dynamics with drinking during the festive season and finding healing in the process. Whether you're redefining your relationship with alcohol or supporting someone who is, this episode provides a compassionate guide to navigating the holiday season. Tune in for stories of healing, s...
Dec 21, 2023•40 min•Ep. 40
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the ancient art of Reiki and its profound impact on holistic healing. Join us as we dive into the world of energy medicine, uncovering the secrets of this gentle yet powerful practice. Tune in to learn how Reiki can be a transformative force in your life, promoting a sense of calm, renewal, and holistic well-being. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and healing.
Dec 13, 2023•18 min•Ep. 39
We're fired for this one, y'all. Today, Kristen and Leslie are tackling the topics of twin flames and cult dynamics. Join us as we navigate the path to recognizing genuine connections, avoiding manipulative traps, and deftly handling tricky relationships. This episode breaks down cult tactics, equipping you with practical tools to spot red flags and empowering you to trust your instincts.
Dec 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, we're diving into how to break free from the "Should" trap and embrace the game-changing magic of 'Could.' We get it – life comes with a whole lot of expectations, and we've all felt the pressure of what we "should" be doing. But what if we told you there's a more liberating way? Join us as we chat about the messy, real-life journey of shedding the 'Shoulds' and finding empowerment in the land of 'Could.' We're unpacking stories of personal struggles, exploring the moments that ...
Nov 29, 2023•39 min
What does it mean to be a friend? This week, Kristen and Leslie are delving into a topic that hits close to home for many of us: the emotional rollercoaster of friendship loss. Join our candid conversation as we explore the tangled threads of emotions that come with saying goodbye to a friend. We'll share relatable stories, offer understanding, and provide practical tips for healing from the unique pain of friendship endings. Whether you're navigating a recent breakup or reflecting on past losse...
Nov 22, 2023•33 min•Ep. 36
This week, Kristen and Leslie are diving into a topic that hits close to home for everyone: conflict. Do you tend to avoid conflict? Or hold down the throttle on disagreements? Let's discuss how there might be a third option: leaning into conflict with curiosity. Join us as we explore how resolving conflict isn't just a process but a powerful tool for healing and strengthening trust. Through relatable stories and down-to-earth conversations, we'll uncover how embracing conflicts can be a game-ch...
Nov 15, 2023•37 min•Ep. 35
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie accidently step into the topic of grief. We talk about major grief, complicated grief and identifying grief in areas that we don’t often consider as grief. We chat about ways we have found helpful to help us through the grieving process and the importance of allowing ourselves to grieve. If you've ever felt the weight of loss, you'll find a sense of connection and understanding here. Join us as we explore the journey from heartache to healing, and how j...
Nov 01, 2023•35 min•Ep. 33
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie delve deep into the realm of our inner teenager and explore the profound significance of acknowledging, addressing, and healing this often overlooked part of ourselves. Join us as we uncover the hidden treasures and challenges that lie within our adolescent selves, and discover why this journey is essential for personal growth and emotional well-being. Additional resources to heal your inner teenager: https://www.wellandgood.com/inner-teenager-healing/ ...
Oct 25, 2023•38 min•Ep. 32
In this episode of "Beyond What Hurts Us," Kristen and Leslie discuss toxic behavior in the workplace, joined by a special guest, Ashley. Together, they shine a light on the pervasive issue of toxic leaders and coworkers and their profound influence on corporate culture. They delve into vital questions that have been on the minds of countless employees: Will there be a paradigm shift in corporate culture as more individuals choose to leave toxic work environments? Can corporations, with their co...
Oct 18, 2023•41 min•Ep. 31
In this candid episode of 'Beyond What Hurts Us,' Kristen and Leslie get real about the ways misogyny rears its ugly head in our everyday lives. Whether it's the most powerful man in office, the obnoxious character at the bar, or sometimes even the men we share our beds with, women have been dealing with the likings of women-hating behaviors since the beginning of time. This week, we invite you to join us on a personal journey of healing from misogyny while pondering a pressing question: 'Why ar...
Oct 11, 2023•29 min•Ep. 30
Does being a good partner mean always responding with what we think the other person wants to hear? In this episode of Beyond What Hurts Us, Kristen and Leslie take a deep dive into Fawning, a common but lesser known trauma response (there's more than just fight or flight - who knew?!). We all encounter moments when societal pressures or past experiences make it challenging to be our authentic selves. Join us as we explore what the fawning response is and how it functions as a trauma reaction. W...
Oct 04, 2023•36 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, Kristen and Leslie explore a powerful tool for healing trauma and cultivating the life you desire: manifestation. We'll discuss how positive thinking and intention-setting can be transformative, especially for women who often find it challenging to prioritize their own needs due to societal conditioning and family obligations. Leslie helps us break down how these techniques work and why they can be a game-changer. Through real stories and practical exercises, you'll learn how to...
Sep 27, 2023•32 min•Ep. 28
In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie don't shy away from the messy realities of relationships. We bring you real stories from both those who've felt the sting of betrayal and those who've made painful choices. Through these raw, relatable conversations, you'll gain insight into the tangled web of emotions and the aftermath infidelity often brings. Join us as we explore the rocky road through grief, forgiveness, and personal growth. Our aim is to shed light on the shared human experiences b...
Sep 20, 2023•46 min•Ep. 27
Today's part two episode about healing from sexual experiences, Kristen and Leslie tackle a universal struggle that many of us have faced: retroactive jealousy. We're going to delve into the nitty-gritty of healing from your partner's sexual past, dealing with jealousy, navigating suffering, and ultimately, learning to love yourself. Join us for an episode that's all about shedding light on the shadows of the past and stepping into a brighter, self-loving future. If you've ever struggled with je...
Sep 13, 2023•36 min•Ep. 26
Let's talk about s3x, baby! In part 1 of this multi-episode topic, Kristen and Leslie speak candidly about the sometimes uncomfortable topic of sex. This week's episode includes identifying some of the factors in our own sexual shame and the process of shedding toxic sexual narratives that have held us back for far too long. Join us as we share personal stories and offer practical tips for breaking free from the stigma that surrounds our sexuality. It's time to unburden ourselves and step into a...
Sep 06, 2023•24 min•Ep. 25
Do you have a relationship stuck on repeat? Are you caught in a toxic loop with someone you know isn't good for you but you can't seem to let go of? In today's episode, Kristen and Leslie navigate the emotional landscapes of individuals who find themselves ensnared in unhealthy connections, mistaking love for dependency. Through personal stories and expert insights, we explore the reasons we sometimes form a toxic attachment and the psychological mechanisms that perpetuate these patterns. From o...
Aug 30, 2023•32 min•Ep. 24
Victom? Or Victor? Why do some folks rise about and choose resilience? Why is it easier for some people to let everyone else do the work for them and embody learned helplessness? Discover the deep-reaching effects of losing parents and siblings in this episode. Kristen and Blake discuss some of their toughest life moments - losing parents, losing siblings. We explore how grief shapes relationships, trust, and connections. Tune in for heartfelt conversations, practical advice, and compassionate i...
Aug 23, 2023•39 min•Ep. 23
Trigger warning: this episode contains sensitive content that may be distressing to some listeners. Topics discussed include childhood mental illness, personality disorders, child abuse, suicidal children, sexual assault, and miscarriage. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these issues, please seek appropriate support from mental health professionals or helpline services. In today's powerful episode, we share an inspiring story of triumph over so...
Aug 09, 2023•44 min•Ep. 22
