Hi! Today I am sharing my three little epiphanies for the week about love is blind, estranged family members having mental health issues, and why some people will never get help when they're struggling. We also have 2 caller questions. #1 is deciding what kind of relationship she can have with her mother, #2 has a MIL who screams at her and crosses every boundary. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show a...
Mar 20, 2025•25 min
Over 22,000 of you answered my poll questions about abandonment and estrangement. In this episode, I review your responses and discuss what "abandonment" means in the context of adult-child and parent relationships. As always, thank you so much for contributing to this episode. I love it when we collaborate like this. Let me know your thoughts! Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466. Foll...
Mar 18, 2025•41 min
I'm answering a caller's question today. This caller has a very distant relationship with her father, and she's trying to figure out what to do. He's super invested with his step-kids and those grandchildren, but he can't seem to show up for her and her children. I try to help this caller understand why she has resentment for her father's ambivalence, how to grieve that loss, and what to do about the relationship. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Wh...
Mar 13, 2025•27 min
I read the book I Can Fix This by Kristina Kuzmič and immediately knew I needed to get her on the show. In this episode, we talk about what it's like to have a teenager with a mental health diagnosis, surrendering to the fact that we cannot control it, and how to help them and yourself. This is the perfect episode for anyone who has felt clueless, helpless, and out of control in the face of a loved one's mental health struggles. (I also say the one thing that she wishes people would stop saying ...
Mar 11, 2025•54 min
Hi! In this Q&A episode, I am talking about my three little epiphanies this week: why it's good to be a little bit delusional, a new podcast from NPR about conspiracy theories, and accepting imperfection in our family relationships. We also have two caller questions: Caller 1 is trying to set boundaries with her in-laws and does not want them to drink around her child. Caller 2 is unsure if she should re-connect with her dad. He kicked her out of the house at 16 and wants to have lunch. Watc...
Mar 06, 2025•23 min
Over 2,000 people responded to my Instagram polls about gender and family. Thank you again for participating! In this episode, I review the results of those polls and explore how gender stereotypes can harm family relationships: How hearing your parent speak negatively about the opposite gender impacts you What happens when your parents talk negatively about each other Sibling favoritism based on gender Breaking generational patterns of harmful gender norms in families Join The Family Cyclebreak...
Mar 04, 2025•38 min
In this episode of the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney shares insights from the Family Cyclebreakers Club group this month: the grief of not having a supportive family the challenges of navigating dysfunctional family dynamics (your in-laws and your own family) the sacrifices individuals make to avoid family conflict 00:00 Introduction to Family Dynamics and Relationships 02:26 The Impact of Family Dysfunction on Romantic Relationships 06:49 Navigating Dysfunctional Family Relationships 10:32 Sacr...
Feb 27, 2025•19 min
In this episode, we explore how children are drawn into adult roles—whether through emotional or logistical parentification. We examine the family conditions that create these dynamics, share real-life examples, and discuss how these experiences impact you as an adult. We’ll also explore how the very skills you developed to survive can both help and hinder you later in life, and provide actionable strategies for reclaiming your inner child and healing generational patterns. Join The Family Cycle...
Feb 25, 2025•25 min
Whitney discusses her three little epiphanies for the week: therapy lingo continues to be a force for good on reality TV parents are cutting off their adult children Should parents get to control your life if they give you money? She also answers two caller questions. Caller 1 is planning a wedding and doesn't want to invite all of her family members. Caller 2 is trying to find a way to navigate one of the most challenging issues you can face within a family - child grooming and potential child ...
Feb 20, 2025•34 min
In this episode, Whitney Goodman explores the four attachment styles and their impact on romantic relationships. She discusses the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized, explaining how they manifest in relationships and how they are influenced by childhood experiences. She also shows how attachment styles are portrayed in Netflix's new season of Love Is Blind. Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Attachment Styles and Family Dynamics 03:21 Understanding Secure Attac...
Feb 18, 2025•35 min
In this epsiode, Whitney answers two caller questions and gives her three little epiphanies for the week: Sutton's mom on RHOBH A new phrase she's using to push through hard times Being a cyclebreaker sucks sometimes Caller 1 is upset about her parent's horrible marriage. Caller 2 is responding to a smear campaign from her sister in law. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466. Follow Whit...
Feb 13, 2025•30 min
In this episode, Whitney shares her 3 Little Epiphanies for the week: Mary Cosby from RHOSLC did an amazing job How RHONY is an example of "therapy speak" entering the mainstream in a good way How Whitney is choosing to handle her news consumption in 2025 She also answers two caller questions. Caller 1 is having a baby and doesn't want the baby to meet her father. Caller 2 recently lost her grandmother and is trying to navigate Grandpa having a new girlfriend. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club:...
Feb 06, 2025•31 min
This is a two-part series with the hosts of Nuance Needed. In part 1, Whitney, Amanda, and Sam discuss the complexities of parental estrangement, the misconceptions surrounding it, and the impact of social media on family dynamics and estrangement. In Part 2, we reflect on the impact of their work on social media on their personal lives, the challenges of parenting, and tips to avoid estrangement. You can listen to part two on Nuance Needed. For online therapy in 42 states, visit Amanda's practi...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr
In this Q&A episode, Whitney speaks to 2 callers. Caller 1 has a distant parent who doesn't invest much in their relationship. Should she cut them off, or is this just another estrangement fantasy? Caller 2 is a new parent who is worried about messing up his kid. This is the pep talk you need if you can relate. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466. Follow Whitney on Instagram: www.i...
Jan 30, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this conversation, Whitney Goodman and Marc explore the significance of emotions in personal development and relationships. They discuss the lack of emotional education in families and schools, the impact of cultural perspectives on emotional expression, and the importance of having supportive figures in one's life. They also delve into practical strategies for emotional regulation and the connection between emotional well-being and success. In this conversation, Marc and Whitney explore the ...
Jan 28, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode of the Calling Home podcast, Whitney answers your questions about emotional immaturity, providing insights into the dynamics of family relationships, the importance of genuine apologies, and the challenges of caring for emotionally immature parents. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466. Follow Whitney on Instagram: www.instagram.com/sitwithwhit Subscribe to Whitney's You...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode, Whitney Goodman explores the complexities of emotional maturity, particularly in the context of adult children dealing with emotionally immature parents. She discusses the common fantasy that parents can change if children learn the right ways to interact with them, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, accountability, and setting boundaries. Whitney also highlights cultural influences on emotional immaturity and provides insights into recognizing signs of potential grow...
Jan 21, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode, Whitney addresses two caller questions. The first caller discusses her awakening to the dysfunction within her family and how uncomfortable she feels now. The second caller asks about the confusing behavior of her emotionally immature in-laws, who present a different persona in public compared to their private interactions. Whitney provides insights on navigating these difficult relationships and emphasizes the importance of acceptance, self-care, and personal boundaries. Timeli...
Jan 16, 2025•34 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode, Whitney Goodman discusses emotional immaturity, its traits, and how to effectively deal with emotionally immature individuals. She emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation and provides practical strategies for managing interactions, drawing from insights in Lindsay C. Gibson's book, 'Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents.' Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club: www.callinghome.co/join Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 14, 2025•24 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode of the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney Goodman discusses emotional maturity and the complexities of family relationships, particularly when spirituality and religion create barriers. She addresses a caller's question about navigating relationships with emotionally immature family members who use spiritual beliefs to justify their actions. Whitney emphasizes the importance of empathy, acceptance, and support in these situations while highlighting the pain of rejection that can arise...
Jan 09, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode of the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney Goodman shares concrete steps you can take to become more emotionally mature. She explores various aspects of emotional maturity, including self-awareness, accountability, emotional regulation, empathy, and vulnerability. Whitney provides practical insights and strategies for listeners to enhance their emotional maturity and navigate relationships with emotionally immature individuals. Chapters: 11:03 The Importance of Accountability 16:20 Emo...
Jan 07, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this conversation, Whitney Goodman speaks to two callers and answers their questions. Question 1 addresses the complexities of navigating difficult family relationships, sharing how we feel with our family, and accepting parents. Question 2 is about gifts from estranged grandparents and the nuances of handling gifts. Join The Family Cyclebreakers Club, here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 12, 2024•35 min
In this episode, Whitney Goodman explores the complexities of gift-giving and receiving during the holiday season. She discusses the emotional weight of gifts, the pressures of navigating family dynamics, and the impact of estrangement on these interactions. Whitney provides actionable tips for setting boundaries and understanding the deeper meanings behind gifts, especially in dysfunctional family settings. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and self-awareness in managi...
Dec 10, 2024•43 min
In this episode, Whitney Goodman addresses the complexities of family estrangement during the holiday season. She discusses the emotional challenges faced by individuals who are estranged from their families, particularly during a time that emphasizes togetherness. Whitney provides insights on coping strategies, the importance of setting boundaries, and the need for self-acceptance. She also emphasizes that individuals are not defined by their family dynamics. Join Whitney and other family cycle...
Dec 05, 2024•28 min
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Dec 03, 2024•37 min
Have you ever found yourself dreading the holidays because of family dynamics? In this episode, Whitney discusses dysfunctional family relationships during the holidays, the expectations we carry, and how to approach these situations in healthier ways. You will learn how to accept your family, set boundaries, and actually enjoy your holiday. We recommend listening to this before Thanksgiving dinner with your family. Our New December topic at Calling Home is Holidays and Family Relationships. You...
Nov 26, 2024•26 min
In this episode, Whitney answers two caller questions. Caller 1 is dealing with cultural pressures to care for her gaining parents. Caller 2 has parents who are politicians with beliefs that differ from her own. You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here. To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 21, 2024•35 min
Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family can be challenging, especially when merging families with different backgrounds and expectations. In this episode, Whitney discusses why open communication, clear boundaries, and empathy are key to maintaining balance. I Takeaways Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family requires open communication and clear boundaries. Prioritize your immediate family while considering the needs of your extended family. Compromise ...
Nov 19, 2024•21 min
In this episode, Whitney speaks with two callers. She explores the complexities of parent-child relationships, emotional neglect, parentification, and the challenges of navigating relationships with disabled parents. She discusses the emotional struggles faced by children of abusive parents, the responsibilities of parents to protect their children, and the nuanced perspectives of both victims and perpetrators within family systems. Additionally, Whitney addresses the impact of family businesses...
Nov 14, 2024•43 min
In the wake of this election, many Americans wonder: Can I continue to have a relationship with family members who disagree with me politically? In this episode, Whitney walks you through her own journey in a large family with different political beliefs and provides you with a series of questions to explore. This episode will help you decide what is the right decision for you in your unique situation. You can join Whitney for weekly groups and content at Calling Home. Learn more about your ad c...
Nov 12, 2024•36 min
