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Dear Dr. Tracy

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Welcome to Dear Dr. Tracy, the podcast that helps you navigate the everyday challenges of relationships, marriage, and parenting with expert advice and real, relatable conversations. Hosted by clinical psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, this podcast is your place for honest, no-nonsense guidance on love, intimacy, boundaries, and communication. With over 18 years of experience, Dr. Tracy brings a mix of clinical expertise, evidence-based research, and personal insights as a wife and mother to help you break unhealthy patterns and build stronger connections. Each week, Dr. Tracy answers the questions so many of us have but don’t always know how to ask—about resentment, desire, mental load, and how to truly feel like a team with your partner. She’s joined by fellow experts, real couples, and her husband Greg, who offers a down-to-earth perspective on the struggles so many relationships face. If you’re ready for actionable tools and heartfelt conversations that will help you create a relationship that feels fulfilling, this podcast is for you.
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Episodes

Vulnerability, Vacation, and the Mental Load

Planning a summer vacation should bring connection—not conflict. But for many couples, time away becomes a pressure cooker for everything they haven’t talked about: the unequal mental load, unspoken expectations, and simmering resentment. In this episode, Dr. Tracy Dalgleish, clinical psychologist and couples therapist, is joined by her husband Greg to unpack how to prepare your relationship for vacation. Together, they dive into the emotional and logistical stress of the mental load, how to div...

Jun 26, 202554 min

Why Can’t I Change, Even When I Know What’s Wrong?

In this solo episode, Clinical Psychologist and Relationship Expert Dr. Tracy Dalgleish explores a common but painful experience in relationships: knowing what your partner needs, wanting to show up differently, and still defaulting to old, self-protective patterns. If you’ve ever said, “I love my partner, but I keep shutting down,” or “I know I’m hurting them, but I don’t know how to stop,” this episode is for you.Dr. Tracy shares a relatable story from her own marriage, explains how nervous sy...

Jun 19, 202549 min

Parenting Through Discomfort: Speaking up for our kids

In this solo episode, Dr. Tracy shares a personal story about standing up for her child, navigating hard conversations with other parents, and teaching children how to build trust in friendships. She explores what it means to act on your values, model courage, and help kids make sense of complex social situations. RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: ⁠⁠Take it here⁠⁠ Ready to deepen your connection...

Jun 12, 202528 min

Gaslighting, Manipulation & Mislabeled Pain: Reclaiming Nuance in Relationships with Dr. Morgan Anderson Part 2

What if the words you're using are keeping you stuck? In part two of this conversation, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Morgan explore how to step out of pathologizing language and into deeper emotional responsibility. You’ll walk away with practical tools to create healthier dialogue, rebuild safety, and connect more meaningfully with your partner. Learn more about Dr. Morgan Anderson - https://drmorgancoaching.com/Say hello to her on IG - https://instagram.com/drmorgancoaching RESOURCES: Join the next More ...

Jun 08, 202531 min

Gaslighting, Manipulation & Mislabeled Pain: Reclaiming Nuance in Relationships with Dr. Morgan Anderson Part 1

Is your relationship being hurt by the words you’re using? In this episode, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Morgan, attachment theory expert and psychologist, unpack how terms like “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” and “manipulation” are often misused—and why that misuse is damaging our relationships. Tune in for an honest, expert-led conversation that challenges oversimplified narratives and brings back the nuance we desperately need. Learn more about Dr. Morgan Anderson - https://drmorgancoaching.com/Say hello t...

Jun 05, 202539 min

The Silent Drift: Why So Many Couples Feel Like Strangers

In this episode, Dr. Tracy unpacks what The Four Seasons on Netflix gets right about long-term love. From emotional distance to growing apart, invisible labor to unspoken resentment, this isn’t just a show—it’s a mirror. And if you're feeling the quiet disconnection in your own relationship, this one's for you. RESOURCES: Join the next More Than Roommates Challenge! ⁠Click here⁠ Want your questions answered on the show? ⁠⁠Submit them here!⁠⁠ Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free...

May 29, 202543 min

Resentment and the Micro Moments: The Mug Left Beside the Counter

In this episode, Dr. Tracy shares a personal story about a mug left beside the sink—and how something so small can symbolize something much bigger in a relationship. Sitting with her husband, Greg, they explore how resentment builds in everyday moments, especially during busy seasons like summer when couples often shift into "roommate mode." They talk about: How micro-moments can quietly erode connection Why summer often intensifies disconnection The importance of naming resentment before it exp...

May 22, 202539 min

Understand Your Inner Parts with Britt Frank

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits with therapist and author Britt Frank to explore her new book Align Your Mind—a guide to understanding the inner conflicts that leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of sync with ourselves. They talk about the power of "parts work"—the idea that we all carry different inner parts with competing needs and beliefs—and how learning to listen to these parts can transform our mental health, relationships, and self-trust. Listen in and discover:What “parts work” r...

May 15, 202543 min

When a Bad Apology Isn't Enough

We’ve all heard it: “I said I’m sorry, what more do you want?” In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy and Greg unpack why so many apologies miss the mark — and what you can do when you’re left feeling unseen, dismissed, or even more hurt after hearing “sorry.” Together, they explore why bad apologies happen (hint: it’s not always malicious), the emotional cost of apology fatigue, and the scripts you can use to move from surface-level repair to real reconnection. If you've ever felt stuck in a cycle of ru...

May 08, 202551 min

5 Small Shifts That Build Real Connection

Emotional connection isn’t built by grand gestures—it’s created in the quiet, everyday moments between you and your partner. In this episode, Dr. Tracy shares 5 practical ways you can actually build connection with your partner, especially when things feel distant. Whether you’re stuck in the roommate phase or craving more closeness, these simple shifts can bring you back to each other—one intentional moment at a time. Learn more with Matthew Fray ⁠here⁠. ⁠Listen to our previous episode on micro...

May 04, 202519 min

Breaking the Myth of “Happy Wife, Happy Life”

We’re breaking down the myth of “happy wife, happy life” and why it’s quietly harming relationships. Dr. Tracy and relationship coach Matthew Fray explore how focusing only on your partner’s happiness can lead to resentment, disconnection, and the slow breakdown of intimacy. Learn why sharing your inner world matters more, how to move past the defensive narrative, and creating intentionality in the art of noticing to creating healthy habits in your relationship. Learn more with Matthew Fray ⁠her...

May 01, 202552 min

What I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Parenting (And What I’m Still Figuring Out)

In this deeply personal solo episode, Dr. Tracy reflects on a decade of motherhood—and the ways parenting has reshaped her identity, her marriage, her boundaries, and her inner world. This episode isn’t a guidebook. It’s a truth-telling moment for anyone feeling lost, tired, or stretched too thin. RESOURCES: Want your questions answered on the show? Submit them here! Discover your relationship negative cycle with my free quiz: Take it here Ready to deepen your connection? Download my 100 Questio...

Apr 24, 202531 min

The Romance You Want Starts With These Questions with Lindsay Jill Roth on Love, Intimacy, and Practical Connection

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with author and producer Lindsay Jill Roth to talk about her new book, Romances and Practicalities—a love story woven together with 250 thoughtful questions designed to deepen connection and spark meaningful conversations between partners. Together, they explore the space where romance meets real life—how couples can navigate everyday responsibilities without losing the spark, and why asking better questions is the secret to building a lasting relationship. L...

Apr 17, 202548 min

Stop Trying to Fix It! Why Your Partner Just Wants You to Listen

Dr. Tracy and her husband, Greg, dive into one of the most common relationship traps: the urge to fix rather than connect. After a personal moment of miscommunication, they break down how well-intentioned problem-solving can actually push partners further apart instead of bringing them closer. Greg shares his instinct to fix problems quickly, while Dr. Tracy unpacks the deeper emotional needs that often go unmet when one partner jumps straight to solutions. Through relatable stories, vulnerable ...

Apr 10, 202548 min

Q&A: Is Divorce Contagious? The Hidden Impact of Watching Friends Split Up

Answering your questions! In this bonus episode, Dr. Tracy answers a powerful listener question: “Is divorce contagious?” She explores how a friend’s separation can impact our own relationship, the research behind social contagion, and why moments like these often reflect unspoken needs or desires. Taking her 18 years of working with clients through all seasons of their relationship, Dr. Tracy reminds listeners that while divorce isn’t truly “catching,” it can be a mirror inviting us to pause an...

Apr 06, 202515 min

Is That Really You… or Your Inner Child? How to Recognize and Heal Emotional Triggers

Have you ever reacted in a way that felt… bigger than the moment? Maybe your partner forgets to check in, and suddenly you feel unimportant or abandoned. Or you receive a small piece of feedback and spiral into shame. You might wonder, “Why am I like this?” In this episode, Dr. Tracy guides you through how to identify when your inner child is showing up—and how to begin healing those younger parts of you that still carry unmet needs and emotional wounds. This episode explores: What the inner chi...

Apr 03, 202540 min

Are You Really Sharing or Just Being Defensive?

In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her husband, Greg, tackle a communication struggle that so many couples face—understanding why saying "I'm afraid to tell you because of your reaction" backfires. It’s a fine line, and crossing it can quickly turn a conversation into an argument. Dr. Tracy shares a personal experience that sparked this discussion, including a thought-provoking comment from one of her social media posts that made her pause and reflect: Was she explaining her perspective, or was she ...

Mar 27, 202539 min

Why Asking for Romance Feels So Hard (And How to Fix It)

Have you ever felt lonely in your own relationship... longing for romance but afraid to ask for it? You’re not alone. So many of us crave connection, but the fear of rejection, disappointment, or even feeling like a burden keeps us silent. In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her husband Greg dive deep into the emotional weight of longing for more while holding back our true desires. They unpack why asking for romance can feel so vulnerable, how past experiences shape our fears, and the subtle ways re...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 9 min

Are You Really ‘Unhealed’… or Is It Just Your Nervous System? A Polyvagal Perspective on Triggers

Have you ever been told that if something still triggers you, it means you haven’t healed? This idea oversimplifies trauma, healing, and how the nervous system actually works. In this episode, Dr. Tracy is breaking down why triggers aren’t just signs of unresolved wounds but natural responses from your nervous system—and why healing isn’t about never being triggered, but about recovering faster. We’ll explore: What Polyvagal Theory teaches us about triggers and emotional reactions How your vagal...

Mar 13, 202545 min

Why You Don't Want to Win Your Next Conversation - with Jefferson Fisher

Most people approach arguments with one goal in mind: winning. But what if winning an argument actually means losing something far more important—connection? In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with Jefferson Fisher, a trial lawyer and viral communication expert, to explore why people approach conflict the wrong way. Jefferson shares practical strategies that will help you stay in control, reduce defensiveness, and shift from a "you vs. me" mindset to an "us vs. the problem" approach. In this e...

Mar 06, 202547 min

After The Honeymoon Stage: What Your Relationship Needs Now

The butterflies have faded, the sparks feel dim, and now… it’s like you’re just coexisting. You love each other, but your relationship feels more like roommates than romantic partners. Sound familiar? In this episode, Dr. Tracy and Greg dive into what really happens after the honeymoon stage—why passion shifts, why connection starts to feel harder, and why so many couples struggle with feeling distant as life gets busier. If you’ve ever thought: Why doesn’t it feel the same anymore? Are we falli...

Feb 27, 202542 min

The “I Guess I’ll Never…” Trap – Breaking Free from All-or-Nothing Thinking

What do you do when a partner replies with “Well, I guess I’ll just never … again” after you share something with them? In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her co-host Greg answer this question and talk about how to respond to a partner’s "all or nothing" statement in response to a concern raised. Dr. Tracy talks about the underlying emotion in this expression, provides strategies for having a constructive conversation in that situation, and how to break out of this tricky cycle that stops couples fr...

Feb 20, 202522 minSeason 6Ep. 3

Why I Had to Change, My Next Big Project, and the F-er Cake—Welcome to Dear Dr. Tracy!

It’s here! Season 6 of the podcast is launching with a brand-new name: Dear Dr. Tracy! In this episode, Dr. Tracy’s pulling back the curtain on why she made this change, what it means for the future of the show, and how she’s stepping outside her comfort zone to bring you even deeper, more real conversations about relationships, resentment, intimacy, and all the messy in-between moments. Dr. Tracy discusses why the name change, how you can be part of the show, what’s been going on behind the sce...

Feb 13, 202520 minSeason 6Ep. 1

Stop Sidestepping Conflict: How to Embrace Disagreements and Grow Stronger Together

Have you ever felt the urge to bite your tongue when something’s bothering you—just to keep the peace? Would you describe yourself as a conflict avoider? Or maybe your partner is a conflict avoider. In this episode, we dive into the real reasons behind conflict avoidance, uncovering how silent resentments can take a toll on your mental well-being and your bond with your partner. We’ll explore why we often dodge difficult conversations, the long-term impact on both individuals and couples, and sh...

Feb 13, 202555 minSeason 6Ep. 2

How to Get Your Partner to Go to Therapy

In the season finale of the podcast, Dr. Tracy tackles one of her most frequently asked questions: "How do I get my partner to go to therapy?" But first, she has a special announcement to share: she's writing her second book! Dr. Tracy then dives into the importance of starting therapy early in a relationship to build trust, enhance communication, and address issues before they become critical. She discusses the challenges many couples face, especially when one partner is hesitant, often due to ...

Aug 15, 202441 minSeason 5Ep. 33

Fostering Secure Attachment, Connection, Repair with Our Kids & Beyond with Eli Harwood

In today's episode, Dr. Tracy welcomes Eli Harwood, a licensed therapist, author, and creator of the "Attachment Nerd" online community. Eli shares her personal journey of overcoming inherited attachment trauma, emphasizing the importance of breaking intergenerational cycles. Together, Dr. Tracy and Eli explore the pressures of parenting, emphasizing the value of attunement, co-regulation, and being present with children during painful moments rather than trying to eliminate their pain. Eli also...

Aug 08, 202449 minSeason 5Ep. 32

Understanding the Amygdala and Trauma Bonding with Dr. Kate Truitt

In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy delves into how early childhood experiences shape our adult relationships with Dr. Kate Truitt, an esteemed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist known for her expertise in trauma and resilience. Dr. Truitt, founder of the Truitt Institute and CEO of the Amy Research Foundation, shares insights from her memoir, Keep Breathing, highlighting the powerful role of the amygdala—"Amy"—in shaping our responses to safety, lovability, and belonging. Their discussion cover...

Aug 01, 202452 minSeason 5Ep. 31

Matrescence & Beyond: Redefining Mommy Brain with Dr. Nikki Pensak

It’s safe to say that "mommy brain" is due for a rebrand! In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with Dr. Nikki Pensak, a clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker and author of "Rattled," to discuss the challenges and opportunities of motherhood, particularly during the postpartum period. Dr. Nikki shares her journey from academia to becoming a mother, emphasizing the mental health needs of mothers often overlooked. They discuss the transformation of the maternal brain during matrescence, the pressures...

Jul 25, 202447 minSeason 5Ep. 30

Mini Session #11: Overcoming Obstacles in Your Marriage with Rini and Shaun Frey

In this mini session, Dr. Tracy talks with Rini and Shaun Frey about overcoming difficult periods in their relationship. Together, they discuss how anger and passive-aggressiveness can lead to disconnection and the importance of initiating early communication before things blow up. Despite eight months of built-up emotions, therapy helped them learn to talk openly and brought them closer. Rini shares her struggle with vulnerability and the expectation that men should take the first step, while S...

Jul 21, 202412 min

From Escalation to Calm: Practical Tips for Dealing with Disagreements with Dr. Tracy and Greg

Greg, AKA, Dr. Tracy's favourite co-host and hubby is back this week to discuss strategies to de-escalate disagreements. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of understanding how escalation occurs and how to effectively de-escalate before diving into the deeper and necessary conversations. They share insights from their own relationship, highlighting how childhood experiences shape behaviour in relationships and the impact of perpetual conflicts. Dr. Tracy and Greg discuss the physical...

Jul 18, 202456 minSeason 5Ep. 29
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