Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this solo episode, Matt breaks down the core beliefs that define high agency—an empowering mindset rooted in action, clarity, and personal responsibility. Inspired by George Mack’s High Agency essay, Matt explores five foundational beliefs that high agency people carry and shares practical exercises you can start using today to apply them in your own life. You’ll learn: – Why leaving isn’t impossible – How to stop waiting for permission – What it means to ...
Mar 26, 2025•59 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! If silence makes you restless, anxious, or uneasy, you’re not alone. For many, silence isn’t peaceful. The second things get quiet, all the thoughts, emotions, and fears we’ve been avoiding start creeping in. And if you’ve been living in survival mode, silence doesn’t feel safe, it feels like the calm before the next storm. But what if silence isn’t something to fear? What if sitting in it is actually an important part of healing? In this episode, I break dow...
Mar 21, 2025•11 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Has common sense officially left the building? In this unapologetically real episode, we dive into why people are more confused than ever despite having access to endless information. From the rise of pop psychology trends and over-pathologizing human behavior to the pitfalls of therapy culture and self-diagnosis spirals, we break down how modern society has made everything way more complicated than it needs to be. We’re cutting through the noise and getting ...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! If you’ve loved someone struggling with addiction—whether you’re still in the relationship or you’ve left—the fear of rejection can feel overwhelming. It’s not just about someone saying “no,” it feels personal. It feels like proof that you weren’t enough. But what if rejection isn’t what you think it is? In this episode, I break down how unhealthy relationships mess with your sense of self-worth, why rejection can feel paralyzing, and why avoiding connection ...
Mar 14, 2025•10 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! We get it—healing feels like something you have to do alone. But what if that’s exactly what’s keeping you stuck? In this episode, we’re breaking down why community isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. We saw it firsthand this past weekend, and we’re here to tell you that if you’re not already part of a supportive group, you’re missing out. We’re talking about why connecting with others speeds up your healing, helps you break old patterns, and gives you the acc...
Mar 12, 2025•55 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Do you feel like you're constantly battling anxiety, even when there’s no real threat? In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , we’re diving into irrational anxiety —when fear and worry take over your mind despite the lack of actual danger. I share my personal journey with anxiety, the bandaid solutions that didn’t work, and the hard truths that finally helped me break free. We’ll discuss how to recognize irrational anxiety, challenge intrusive thoughts, and ...
Mar 07, 2025•16 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Are your feelings keeping you stuck? Whether you’re a spouse of an addict waiting for them to change, someone considering divorce but trapped by fear, struggling with weight loss, or trying to build a better career or life—you might be making one crucial mistake: waiting for the right feeling to take action. In this episode, we challenge the dangerous myth that motivation is the key to success. It’s not. Your feelings come and go, but your actions build your ...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Are your emotions guiding you or controlling you ? In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , we break down the difference between feeling your emotions and being ruled by them . You’ve heard us say “Feel the Feels,” but also “Eff your feelings.” So which one is it? Both. Emotional regulation isn’t about ignoring feelings or letting them dictate your actions—it’s about finding the middle ground . We’ll talk about: ✔ The difference between healthy reflection and...
Feb 28, 2025•17 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! What makes a great relationship? Is it knowing everything about your partner, or is it feeling truly known by them? In this episode of Till the Wheels Fall Off , we dig deep into what it means to be seen, heard, and understood in our closest relationships. Drawing from personal experiences, text conversations, and research—including a study that confirms feeling known by your partner is a stronger predictor of relationship satisfaction than knowing them—we ex...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , Paige challenges the popular idea that “everyone’s journey is different.” While our circumstances might vary, the emotional struggles we face—grief, betrayal, fear, loneliness—are universal. Paige dives into how believing your pain is unique can actually keep you stuck, isolated, and resistant to healing. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, anxiety, depression, or loss of a loved one, the truth is: you’re not alone,...
Feb 21, 2025•20 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! As parents, we want to raise strong, resilient kids—but sometimes, without realizing it, we lean on them in ways that can be damaging. In this episode, we’re tackling the tough but crucial topic of parentification, enmeshment, and emotional incest —when kids are put in roles they were never meant to fill. We break down: How to recognize if you're unintentionally placing emotional burdens on your child What’s healthy honesty with kids vs. oversharing your adul...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , we’re diving into why so many women struggle with people-pleasing, caretaking, and suppressing their needs —and the truth about where these behaviors actually come from. Spoiler alert: you weren’t born this way. For generations, women have been conditioned to put everyone else first. Our mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers weren’t just “nice” or “selfless”—they were surviving in a world where they had no real...
Feb 14, 2025•15 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Breaking free from generational cycles isn't just about addiction—it’s about rewiring everything you were conditioned to believe: how you communicate, how you cope, how you parent, and how you love. In this episode, we dive deep into what it really means to break toxic patterns, why it’s so hard, and how to measure progress. We explore the grief that comes with leaving behind the family dynamics you once knew, the resistance you'll face, and why it's all wort...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , we’re breaking down the truth about judgment—why it’s not the problem, but ignoring your instincts is. Society tells you that being judgmental is wrong, that you should always give the benefit of the doubt, and that compassion should override discernment. But what happens when that mindset keeps you stuck, excusing harmful behaviors, and doubting yourself? We’ve been conditioned to believe that judging others makes us ...
Feb 07, 2025•14 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Ever feel like no matter what you do, you're just spinning your wheels? There’s a reason for that. In this episode, we break down four sneaky mental traps that keep people stuck in bad relationships, dead-end jobs, toxic habits, and cycles of regret. We’re talking about: Why you’re measuring the wrong things in your life (and what actually matters) How you’re avoiding the hard choices without even realizing it Why you give great advice to others but can’t tak...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , we’re breaking down the excuses addicts use to justify staying the same —the guilt trips, the half-promises, and the ways they frame their struggles to keep you invested. You’ve heard it all: “In sickness and in health,” “Unconditional love means accepting me as I am,” “I’m trying! Recovery takes time!” —but what’s really happening beneath the surface? These aren’t necessarily intentional attempts to manipulate, but th...
Jan 31, 2025•20 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! When addiction, trauma, or abuse shape your life, how much of that story is yours to share? In this raw and thought-provoking episode of Till the Wheels Fall Off , we tackle the controversial question of whether speaking out about your experiences is an act of healing or betrayal. Too often, spouses of addicts are told to stay silent, to protect reputations, or to keep family struggles private. But at what cost? We discuss the impact of secrecy, how silence p...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 12 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this reflection, Paige explores the true essence of being present and why it matters. She shares a childhood memory of quiet connection with nature, illustrating how presence can ground us, ease anxiety, and bring clarity. Paige discusses practical ways to cultivate this mindset, from grounding exercises and intentional focus to disconnecting from distractions like phones. She emphasizes the profound benefits of presence, including improved relationships, ...
Jan 24, 2025•8 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Till the Wheels Fall Off , we are joined by Amber Hollingsworth, the creator of the YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down and founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center. Together, we explore the misunderstood role of spouses in the recovery process, the power of influence over control, and why tough love often misses the mark. Amber shares insights on using accountability tools like SoberLink, balancing empathy with boundaries, and how to r...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , Paige dives into the essential question: Are you living by your values? Drawing inspiration from a Freya India article on anxiety and values, she reflects on how self-love and self-respect aren’t given—they’re earned through action. Paige breaks down how values like honesty, health, and personal integrity serve as an inner compass, helping us make decisions and create a life we’re proud of. She emphasizes that living b...
Jan 17, 2025•11 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode, we sit down with Sheri and Matt Salis from the Untoxicated Podcast to explore the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the profound impact these experiences have on relationships. Sheri and Matt share their journey, starting from the early years of their marriage, through the decade of Matt's active addiction, and into the challenging process of rebuilding their lives and relationship. We dive deep into topics like natural detachment, res...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 33 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! It’s a week into the new year, and while resolutions are fresh on our minds, some of you may already feel yourself slipping. This is the perfect time to confront a reality that can change everything: no one is coming to save you. If you’ve been waiting for someone to fix your life, make decisions for you, or pull you out of the tough situations you’re in, it’s time to stop. The truth might feel harsh, but it’s also freeing—because the power to change your lif...
Jan 10, 2025•24 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Till the Wheels Fall Off , we dive into the paradox of lukewarm lives and why sometimes, when things get worse, it can actually be the catalyst for positive change. We explore how challenging times teach us about relationships, resilience, and what truly makes a great partner. From navigating emotional rock bottoms to questioning what we tolerate in life, we discuss the "Region Beta Paradox" and why tolerable discomfort often leads to prolo...
Jan 08, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Paige’s Perspective , we dive into the power of the questions we ask ourselves and how they shape our lives. Are your inner questions keeping you stuck, or are they guiding you toward growth? Learn how to identify disempowering questions like, “Why does this always happen to me?” and reframe them into empowering ones like, “What can I learn from this?” Through real-life examples, journaling prompts, and practical strategies, you’ll discover...
Jan 03, 2025•14 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this two-part New Year’s special, we dive deep into the lessons, challenges, and victories of the past year. We reflect on our personal growth, professional milestones, and the hard truths that shaped our journey—and maybe yours too. Part one kicks off with a powerful year-end review exercise, designed to help you reflect on how far you’ve come—because, yes, you’ve accomplished more than you think. Plus, we share our own goals for 2025, lessons learned, an...
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! Empathy is a beautiful quality, but when it starts to overshadow your self-respect, it can become a trap. In this episode, Paige explores the fine line between caring for someone and enabling them, unpacking why letting people face the consequences of their actions is often the most loving—and respectful—choice you can make. Through relatable examples and practical advice, she dives into how unchecked empathy can erode your boundaries, delay someone else’s gr...
Dec 27, 2024•15 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode, we’re getting real about complaining—why we do it, when it’s healthy, and when it becomes a trap that keeps us stuck. Complaining isn’t the enemy; sometimes, you need to let off steam and call out the frustration. But here’s the truth: if all you’re doing is talking about the problem without taking action, you’re just spinning your wheels. We’ll dive into: The good side of complaining —how venting can clear your head and highlight what needs ...
Dec 20, 2024•12 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! The holidays can get messy when unspoken issues come to light. In this episode of Till the Wheels Fall Off , we dive into the complexities of accountability during the holiday season. When a spouse or partner’s actions have rippled out and hurt family or friends, how do you navigate the awkward tension? Matt shares actionable advice for those on the recovering side of addiction, urging them to take ownership and repair the damage they've caused—no matter how ...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode, Paige shares thoughts on Optimism Theatre —a concept Matt explored in a recent TWFO article. While he told the story from his perspective as someone in recovery, Paige focuses on why it’s so difficult for spouses and partners to set boundaries and be assertive in these relationships. I dive into how the addict’s performance of optimism—promising change, saying the right things, and creating false hope—can keep us stuck in cycles of waiting an...
Dec 13, 2024•18 min
Have an episode suggestion? Text us! In this episode of Till the Wheels Fall Off , we sit down with the brilliant Celeste Yvonne, celebrated author of It’s Not About the Wine and a powerful voice in the conversation on sobriety, motherhood, and societal expectations. Celeste shares her deeply personal journey of quitting alcohol, navigating the mental load of motherhood, and confronting the harmful messaging of “mommy wine culture.” We explore how women often turn to alcohol to cope with the cru...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 37 min
