Forget surface-level advice and toxic positivity Megan and Laura dive headfirst into the emotional and psychological labor of modern life. From parenting and relationships to political tension and personal healing, this show unpacks the why behind our behaviors and offers practical strategies for growth, grounded in both clinical insight and real-life experience.
With raw conversations and expert-informed dialogue, guest Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, explores what it really takes to stay connected to ourselves and others in today’s world.
Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, @theandway, is a seasoned clinician and peace-making advocate with a deep commitment to community healing. https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/
Her background includes:
Leading a group private practice focused on mental health and trauma recovery
Working with vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals with HIV, veterans at the VA, and clients in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs
Co-hosting monthly gatherings with Love Anyway, fostering understanding in politically polarized communities
Her blend of clinical expertise and grassroots activism brings a unique and grounded perspective to every episode.
What We Talk About:
Emotional Labor in Parenting
How to identify, redistribute, and recover from the invisible workload.
Guilt, Shame & Compliance Regret
Learn the psychological difference and how to move from self-blame to self-awareness.
Boundaries Without Burnout
Practical tips for setting boundaries in relationships, family, work, and parenting.
Unsolicited Advice & Assertive Communication
When others overstep and how to speak your truth without spiraling.
Individualism vs. Collectivism
How cultural conditioning affects everything from parenting to conflict resolution.
Conflict as Growth
We teach you how to navigate it, not avoid it—because real connection includes discomfort.
Parenting With Emotional Intelligence
Raising resilient kids while breaking cycles and building healthier dynamics.
Navigating Political Conversations
How to disagree without disconnecting—and when to walk away.
Mental Health, Media, and Modern Life
Coping with anxiety, setting realistic expectations, and making intentional choices.
Why You’ll Keep Listening:
You’re done with surface-level advice and craving emotional depth
You’re parenting, partnering, or processing—and want to do it better
You want tools rooted in clinical insight, emotional intelligence, and real-life experience
You care about community healing, not just personal growth
You’ll Walk Away With:
Scripts for hard conversations
Tools to manage conflict and reduce emotional reactivity
Support for parenting in a mentally healthy way
Language to advocate for yourself in messy relationships
Permission to change, grow, and hold boundaries that honor your values
Perfect For:
Parents, helpers, cycle-breakers, caretakers, adult children of dysfunction, educators, therapists, and anyone exhausted by the emotional gymnastics of modern life—but not willing to give up on connection.
