Episode 127: Understanding Our Emotional Layers
In this episode, Kirk discusses the concept of layered emotions, and why they matter in life and in our relationships. He explains Surface vs. Core emotional expression, what it means to become “emotionally fluent,” and how we can apply that fluency to our closest relationships. In this episode, we’re digging into effective communication, empathy, and […]
Episode 126: Parenting through Transitions
In this episode, Kirk is joined by Stefanie Chou, whose oldest son is about to graduate high school, to discuss the art of parenting through difficult transitions. We discuss the uncomfortable emotions of transition moments, what it means to let go, and how to make room for a new relationship. We talk about the process […]
Episode 125: How to Handle Highly Emotional Parents: For Teens & Their Parents
In this episode, Kirk and Meg discuss what it means to be “highly emotional” in families, and, from the perspective of a teenager, how to handle it when our parents fit that description. Kirk explains 5 keys for teens (and family members) when handling a parent who is angry, sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. Meg asks […]
Episode 124: Did You Just Kiss the Microphone? A Conversation with My 8-year-old Daughter
In this episode, I am joined by my 8 year old daughter, Pepper, and I ask her about her views on friendship, kindness, and managing stress. I ask her what things she wishes grownups knew about kids, how she handles disappointments and frustrations, and what things she finds to be most important to her. It’s […]
Episode 123: How to Parent Adult Children without Being Overbearing
In this episode, my wife Meg & I discuss common misbeliefs and successful strategies for parenting adult children. We outline the difference between secure attachment and unhealthy bonds with our adult children, discuss when to give advice—or not, and chat about common parental beliefs that often get in the way of healthy relationships with our […]
Episode 122: How to Respond to Grief in Ourselves & in Our Loved Ones
In this episode, I am joined by Cori Lazarte, a therapist who helps clients who grieve. Together we discuss different ways that grief may enter our lives, what to say (and not to say) to those who are grieving, and we explain how important it is to make it ok to “not be ok,” and […]
Episode 121: Holiday Traditions—Should I Keep Them or Let Them Go?
In this episode, I explain the purpose of traditions and rituals in our families and relationships, and why they serve as a medicine for resilience in our times of struggle. I discuss how to determine when we may need to add traditions, and when we should give ourselves permission to let them go or to […]
Episode 120: How to Help Your Partner Feel the Love You Give
In this episode, I discuss why our love that we give sometimes gets brushed off, or goes unseen, or receives a lukewarm response. I explain how to help your partner feel the love you give. I describe the four rungs on the ladder of expressing love, how to access each step on that ladder, & […]
Episode 119: How to Build Emotional “Teflon” & Resilience in Kids
In this episode, I explain how we can help our kids to find and keep their emotional resilience, and how to create a “Teflon” for the hardships that they face, like loss, bullying, correction, and personal life storms. I explain how building secure attachment fits into that resilience. I also discuss how to help kids […]
Episode 118: Understanding Helicopter Parenting & What Style of Parenting Works Better
In this episode, I am joined by my wife, Meg, as we discuss what helicopter parenting is and what it isn’t. I explain the 4 commonly labeled styles of parenting, and we introduce a new parenting style that I’m excited to share with you, and which can help you focus your parenting efforts with greater […]
