Trust isn’t soft—it’s structural. In this episode, Dr. David Zierk breaks down how trust forms, fractures, and rebuilds through what he calls relational reliability. Using his T-R-U-S-T framework—transparency, responsibility, unity, sincerity, and time—he shows why trust is “square one” for every relationship, whether at home or at work. Through everyday examples, he reveals why ruptures hurt so much, how safety shapes connection, and what it really takes to repair what’s been broken. If you’ve ever struggled to trust again—or to earn it—this episode gives you a clear path back to steady ground and stronger bonds.

Episode highlights:

→ Trust is the starting line for every healthy relationship and every true connection.

→ The T-R-U-S-T framework.

→ Relational reliability—showing up consistently—rebuilds safety faster than any apology.

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify!

If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one!

1. For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right.

For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

We’ve all felt it—the moment your smile stays on, but your stomach drops. In this episode, David unpacks what it means to be on emotional thin ice: Those fragile seconds when insecurity spikes, clarity slips, and old patterns take the wheel. Using his I-C-E model—your Inner Connection to Everything—he explains why these shaky moments matter and how awareness, acknowledgment, analysis, and adaptation guide you back to solid ground. You’ll learn how to spot the cracks, name what’s happening, and choose connection over defense. If you’ve ever felt off balance, this one brings you back to center.

Episode highlights:

→ Feeling “on thin ice” signals a loss of your inner connection to confidence and clarity.

→ Insecurity spikes when old internal threats get triggered beneath the surface.

→ Four moves—awareness, acknowledgment, analysis, and adaptation—help you shift from reaction to reconnection.

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify!

If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one!

1. For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right.
2. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or foggy about your next step? Dr. David Zierk introduces the COURSE Method—a six-step framework for transforming uncertainty into confident progress. From career shifts to relationship decisions to organizational change, this episode gives leaders a repeatable mental model they can rely on when clarity is nowhere in sight.

Highlights

→ The six letters (C-O-U-R-S-E) that convert confusion into momentum. → How dual reflection improves decisions and relationships. → Why you don’t need a full plan—just a dependable process.

Follow Dr. David Zierk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-zierk-psyd-ab99302/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidzierk/

Website: www.davidzierk.com

Subscribe to his re.fresh newsletter: www.davidzierk.com/resources/newsletter/

About Dr. David Zierk:

With a substantive background in psychological work with individuals and teams, Dr. Zierk enjoys bringing his experience to the stage and corporate clients by providing them with the tools and language necessary for effective outcomes. Most recently, he’s published a book called Mind Rules: Who’s In Control—You or Your Mind?

Dr. Zierk is a graduate of the University of Denver with a Master of Arts and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado. He’s affiliated with the American Psychological Association, American Psychotherapy Association, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and National Academy of Neuropsychology.

He currently resides in Denver, Colorado, with his wife and has three children. When he’s not on stage or working with a team, David loves to cycle in the mountains with his wife, Carol.

Follow, rate, and review Dr. Z on Apple and Spotify!

If you love Dr. Zierk’s episodes, here's how to follow her so you never miss one!

1. For Apple, click the “Follow” button at the top of the page on the right.
2. For Spotify, click the “Follow” button below Dr. David Zierk’s show tile.