From the moment we enter the world, we begin learning. We absorb the rules of our families, communities, and larger societies. Some of these lessons serve us well, fostering connection, growth, and resilience.

But others come from systems designed to control and dominate, systems that teach us to trade our authenticity for approval, our agency for compliance, and our creativity for conformity.

In this episode, we speak with Carol and Jen who are working with ways to voice their needs with an eye to getting those needs met. We discuss:

• 1:02 Opening thoughts
• 3:45 How can I create a more mutual friendship with an old friend?
• 9:55 How to check out my assumption with my friend
• 16:06 I'm scared to speak up about what I want
• 23:20 My suggestion was shot down in a meeting and I collapsed afterwards. How can I show up when I'm shut down?
• 27:20 Step 1: Accepting where I am
• 28:00 Step 2: Ask a question. ANY QUESTION.
• 35:25 How to lead with more "I" and less "You"
• 40:06 Shadow work: I get to take up space
• 47:30 What can I do for myself once I've woken from a freeze response?

Please share with your family and friends!

Use PODCAST50 to get $50 off tuition for my Spring Deep Dive, The Art of Repair Work: From Regret to Resilience. Group starts on March 31st for 8 weeks, so register early to save your space.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans.


Subscribe & Follow:
Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.

Thank you for listening!

Here are more ways to connect with me:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join my Spring Deep Dive: The Art of Repair Work
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

This episode is devoted to those of us who feel frustrated when we're interrupted, or when a conversation we're having is diverted in a way that doesn't feel generative and connecting.

Listen in for the three strategies we can use and the three goals we can shoot for in order to create a new conversation.

We discuss:

• 3:10 I was having a heartfelt conversation and got interrupted. What can I do in moments like these?
• 8:09 Strategy #1: Say it badly to someone else, first
• 15:19 Doing our work on the backend allows for more choicefulness in the moment.
• 16:15 Strategy #2: Reflect the person back to them, and ask consent for a different conversation
• 21:45 Strategy #3: Raise awareness about the current dynamic
• 29:16 Goal #1: Shoot for playfulness
• 35:20 Goal #2: Detach from the other person's reaction
• 36:58 Goal #3: Accept yourself at your current level of practice
• 40:01 When I can't access humor, it might be because pain is present
• 41:54 Closing thoughts

Please share with your family and friends!

Use PODCAST50 to get $50 off tuition for my Spring Deep Dive, The Art of Repair Work: From Regret to Resilience. Group starts on March 31st for 8 weeks, so register early to save your space.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans.


Subscribe & Follow:
Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.

Thank you for listening!

Here are more ways to connect with me:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join my Spring Deep Dive: The Art of Repair Work
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus

Today, Colleen shares her experience of balancing emotional authenticity with others' expectations, while CJ explores the challenges of offering meaningful apologies and overcoming guilt and shame. This episode is for you if you've ever wondered:

• How do you stay connected when emotions run high?
• What’s the secret to offering an authentic apology without getting stuck in guilt or shame?
• How can you repair a strained connection and set boundaries with clarity and compassion?

We explore the tools and insights to navigate emotionally charged moments with care, curiosity, and courage. If you’ve ever struggled with miscommunication, misunderstood intentions, or the messy beauty of being human, this conversation is your guide to finding deeper connection—even when things feel imperfect.

Tune in and discover practical ways to bring more honesty, empathy, and resilience into your relationships.

We discuss:

• • 3:30 How do I share with my friend that I care, even if I'm not as upset as he is?
  • 9:12 I inadvertently offended someone. How can I repair that?
  • 14:18 We don't have to do things better - we can do them differently.
  • 19:10 How can I have a conversation with my roommate that prompts her to move out?
  • 24:45 Hard conversation tip #1: Pick up the other person's perspective.
  • 26:06 Releasing fear of conflict
  • 29:21 Closing thoughts

If, like CJ, you are yearning to up level your ability to take accountability for mistakes without sinking into regret or shame, that's exactly what we'll be practicing this spring in my Deep Dive.

Learn how to repair relationships while maintaining your dignity in From Regret to Resilience: The Art of Repair Work.

Use Coupon Code: PODCAST50 to save $50

Please share with your family and friends!

Use PODCAST50 to get $50 off tuition for my Spring Deep Dive, The Art of Repair Work: From Regret to Resilience. Group starts on March 31st for 8 weeks, so register early to save your space.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, join my monthly membership program. You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans.


Subscribe & Follow:
Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.

Thank you for listening!

Here are more ways to connect with me:

• Become a member of my online learning community
• Join my Spring Deep Dive: The Art of Repair Work
• Join our calls live
• Set up a private session
• Follow me on TikTok @dr.yvetteerasmus