Shows
Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.90: Breaking Free From Love Addiction with Dr. Janie LacyIn this episode, we sit down with trauma psychotherapist Dr. Janie Lacy to talk about a topic many women quietly struggle with—toxic relationships and love addiction. As therapists and women who’ve navigated our own relationship journeys, this conversation hits close to home as we unpack what truly defines a toxic relationship and why these dynamics can be so hard to recognize or leave.We also explore the roots of love addiction, trauma bonds, and attachment wounds—and why even strong, successful women can get stuck in painful relationship cycles. Dr. Lacy shares insights into the healin...
2026-03-1148 min
My Way Om with RobynRobyn Interviews Psychotherapist, Relationship Expert and Author, Colette FehrRobyn and Colette chat about her new book, The Cost of Quiet. Together we talk about behaviors, patterns and needs we all have and what happens when we expect our partner to manage our inner conflicts. We talk about myths versus realities, doing the inner work, and how we are all human.About Colette: Colette Jane Fehr is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in couples therapy. Her expert advice has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Oprah Daily, and on television and radio sta‐ tions nationwide. She...
2026-03-0755 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp. 89: Joy Costs Pain: How to Keep Going When Growth Feels Like SufferingIn this episode, we dive into a conversation that feels deeply personal—especially if you’re in a season of striving, questioning, or quietly wondering, Is this it? Inspired by Colette’s recent reading of A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, we reflect on success, purpose, and why even the seasons that look “good” from the outside can feel surprisingly disorienting and exhausting.We lean into the uncomfortable middle—the stretch where you’ve worked hard for something but still feel unsure of what’s next. We talk about the younger parts of ourselves that flare up when plans do...
2026-03-0438 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.88: The Selfish Year: How Listening to Yourself Changes Everything With Valerie JonesThis week on Insights from the Couch, we sit down with the fierce and unapologetic Valerie Jones to talk about her powerful book, The Selfish Year. And yes—we mean selfish in the most revolutionary way possible. Together, we unpack what it really means to stop abandoning yourself, to take radical responsibility for your life, and to choose your freedom—even when it disappoints other people.We dive into divorce, people-pleasing, inner child work, emotional abuse, and what Valerie calls “First Girl” and “Hurt Girl.” This conversation is about midlife awakening, reclaiming your voice, and learning how to sit in th...
2026-02-2549 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.87: Lead Like a Woman: The Hidden Strength of Soft Skills With Fran HauserIn this episode, we sit down with the brilliant Fran Houser for a conversation that feels especially relevant if you’re trying to be successful at work without losing yourself along the way. We talk about ambition, empathy, boundaries, and the exhausting double bind women still face in the workplace—where you’re expected to be both warm and bulletproof. Fran brings such grounded wisdom from her decades in corporate leadership, startup investing, and now her portfolio career, and we found ourselves nodding along the entire time.Together, we explore what it really means to lead with kindne...
2026-02-1849 min
Thank You Heartbreak with Chelsea Leigh Trescott266: Shrinking to Stay: How Avoidance Trains Us to Disappear with Colette FehrSend a textHave you ever noticed how, in love, we sometimes vanish before anyone asks us to? How we shrink, soften, and quiet ourselves—not because someone else forced us to, but because we learned avoidance as survival?In this episode, I sit down with Colette Fehr, licensed marriage and family therapist and author of The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations That Create Secure, Lasting Love. We dive into the patterns of self-silencing that many of us develop in relationships—patterns that quietly erode connection and teach us to disappear.
2026-02-1156 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp. 86: The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure Lasting LoveIn this episode, we sit down to talk about Colette's new book, The Cost of Quiet, and the patterns we see over and over again in couples therapy. We’ve watched brilliant, capable women slowly lose their voices in relationships, convincing themselves that staying quiet will keep the peace, all while resentment quietly builds. We unpack what really happens when conflict gets avoided, needs go unnamed, and emotional intimacy starts to erode. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “It’s not worth bringing up,” this conversation will challenge you to reconsider what that silence is actually costing you.Ep...
2026-02-1143 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp. 85: The Cost of Quiet LIVE from the Stage: A VIP Book Launch ExperienceColette Fehr takes the stage during the live launch of her book, The Cost of Quiet, stepping into the role of author in front of a room filled with people who know her work and her story. The setting carries real weight, a public moment tied to years of private reflection, clinical insight, and lived experience around silence, conflict, and connection. This conversation matters because it captures what happens when ideas meant for the page are spoken out loud, in community, with real emotional stakes.Episode Highlights[00:00] Colette opens the evening, sharing why this...
2026-02-0442 min
The Art Of Imperfect AdultingMarriage, Divorce, and Emotional Growth with Colette FehrIn this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Colette Fehr about marriage, divorce, and the impact of family dynamics on adult relationships. Based in Orlando, Florida, Colette candidly shares her journey from growing up in a traditional, conflict-filled New York household to navigating her own early marriage, divorce, and eventual career as a couples therapist. Listeners will gain insights into how childhood experiences unconsciously shape relationship choices, why emotional disconnection—not conflict—is a leading destroyer of marriages, and how to have the difficult conversations that lead to lasting love.About Colette Fehr...
2026-01-3143 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.84: How to Finally Get the Life You Want with Katherine Woodward ThomasIn this episode, we sit down with the incredible Katherine Woodward Thomas, and honestly—you’re going to feel this one in your bones. We dive into why so many of us do all the insight-oriented healing work, understand our trauma inside and out… and still feel stuck repeating the same patterns. Katherine helps us name the missing piece: learning how to orient toward a future self that’s bigger than our past.Together, we explore how identity, trauma, and self-beliefs quietly shape our choices, our relationships, and our sense of what’s possible. This conversation is rich, hope...
2026-01-2839 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.83: Healing from Heartbreak: Rebuilding a Life You Love with Cole ZesigerIn this episode, we sit down with dating and heartbreak recovery coach Cole Zesiger for a deeply honest conversation about what really happens after a breakup—and why healing is so much harder than people want to admit. We talk about why heartbreak can feel all-consuming, how our brains are wired for attachment, and why “just move on” is some of the least helpful advice out there.Together, we explore what it actually takes to recover after loss, rebuild a meaningful life, and create healthier relationship patterns moving forward. Whether you’re newly single, stuck in an on-again...
2026-01-211h 00Insights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.82: The New College Admission Reality and How Not to Lose Your MindCollege admissions have changed dramatically since we were applying—and if you’re parenting a teen right now, you probably feel that in your bones. In this episode, we talk honestly about the new reality of college admissions, why even “perfect on paper” kids aren’t guaranteed a spot anymore, and how this process has become a major source of anxiety for both parents and teens. We share personal stories from our own families and what we’re seeing every day in our therapy offices.More importantly, we dig into how not to let college admissions take over your id...
2026-01-1433 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.81: The Essential Guide to Divorce at Midlife with Oona MetzIn this episode of Insights from the Couch, we sit down with licensed therapist, writer, and divorce support group leader Oona Metz to have one of the most honest, grounding, and hope-filled conversations we’ve ever had about divorce—especially at midlife. We talk about why divorce still carries so much stigma, why so many women feel isolated and ashamed, and what actually helps people heal instead of staying stuck.Together, we explore the emotional reality of divorce, why it can feel like a total identity loss, and how healing doesn’t come from rushing forwar...
2026-01-0746 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.80: The Year End Audit: What We're Shedding and What We're Keeping in 2026As we wrap up the year, we’re inviting you into a different kind of year-end ritual—one that’s less about resolutions and more about reflection. In this episode, we’re doing a midlife audit: looking honestly at what we’re ready to shed and what we want to intentionally carry forward into 2026. From other people’s opinions to outdated expectations, we’re talking about the emotional baggage that quietly drains our energy—and how freeing it can be to finally let it go.We also dig into what we’re keeping: connection, meaning, nervous system regulation, health...
2025-12-3137 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.79: Ready for a Reboot? How Functional Medicine Gets to the Root of Midlife Health with Dr. Tracy McCarthyIn this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Tracy McCarthy, a brilliant functional medicine physician and psychiatrist, to talk about what it really takes to heal—especially in midlife. We explored how functional medicine goes beyond symptom management and instead focuses on the root causes of chronic conditions like anxiety, fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Tracy's perspective on how nutrition, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle play into our mental and physical well-being is deeply empowering.As someone who works with women navigating health and identity shifts in midlife, I found this conversation to...
2025-12-2450 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEP 78: The “Superwoman” Trap That Leads to Midlife Burnout with Nora NeitermanIn this deeply honest episode, we sit down with Nora Neiterman, creative director, brand strategist, and founder of Unsweetened New York, to talk about what happens when success comes at the cost of yourself. Nora shares how building a powerful, authentic brand while juggling motherhood, caregiving, and perfectionism eventually pushed her into full-blown burnout, and why ignoring the warning signs is so common for women in midlife.Together, we explore the hidden toll of living in constant overdrive and why healing doesn’t start by doing more, but by slowing down. Nora opens up about perimenopause, grief, ne...
2025-12-1743 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.77: Why Holiday Burnout Hits Women Hardest and How to Fix ItThe holidays are here, and if you’re already feeling that mix of excitement, pressure, and low-key dread, you’re in good company. In this episode, we dig into why holiday burnout hits women so disproportionately hard, how old expectations keep sneaking in, and what we can actually do to reclaim joy, presence, and a sense of sanity this season. From perfectionism and invisible labor to new traditions and deliciously low-effort holiday moments, we’re getting honest about what has to shift.Together, we explore the inner work, the practical strategies, and the gentle permission slips that help u...
2025-12-1030 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.76: Mr. Unavailable: Breaking Free From Loving Emotionally Unavailable Men with Dr. Marni FeuermanIn this heartfelt and revealing episode, we dive deep into the patterns, red flags, and emotional toll of loving someone who just can’t meet you emotionally. We’re joined by our brilliant friend Dr. Marni Feuerman—psychotherapist, author of Ghosted and Breadcrumbed, and relationship expert regularly featured in outlets like Psychology Today and SELF. Together, we unpack the signs of emotional unavailability, why so many women get stuck in these painful dynamics, and how to reclaim your power and self-worth in love.If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of confusing relationships, holding out hope...
2025-12-0352 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.75: Thanksgiving Episode: How to Deal with Difficult Family DynamicsIn this Thanksgiving episode, we’re settling in together—just like we would the night before a big holiday—to talk about the messy, heartfelt, complicated world of family dynamics. Even though both of us are having quieter Thanksgivings this year, we’re deep in our own real-life family seasons, and this conversation comes straight from the thick of it. We explore why the holidays stir up so much, why cut-offs have become so common, and how we can show up for ourselves without losing connection to the people we care about.We also dive into emotional toleranc...
2025-11-2636 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.74: The Defining Decade: Parenting Kids in Their 20's With Dr. Meg Jay, PhDIn this episode, we're joined by one of our absolute favorite authors and experts, Dr. Meg Jay, PhD. She's a clinical psychologist and bestselling author of The Defining Decade and The 20-Something Treatment, and she dives deep with us into why our 20s are such a defining time—and how many of the same principles can also empower us in midlife.We explore identity capital, weak ties, economic uncertainty, and how to better support our 20-something children as they navigate early adulthood. If you're in your 40s or 50s and parenting adult children, or just looking to re...
2025-11-1947 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.73: Understanding OCD with Dr. Brady Bradshaw MD and Dr. Robyn Cohen, PhDIn this episode of Insights From the Couch, we’re diving deep into what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) really is—and what it’s not. Forget the casual "I'm so OCD" comment—this conversation is all about the real, often misunderstood experiences of those living with this challenging and complex disorder. We're joined by two of our favorite experts: Dr. Brady Bradshaw, a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist, and Dr. Robyn Cohen, a developmental neuropsychologist. Together, we explore the many faces of OCD, from harm OCD to contamination fears, and mental compulsions that happen entirely inside someone’s mind.We’re al...
2025-11-1249 min
Love Thy Neighbor ShowLTN 7 - The Online Dating Disconnect• Launch of "Love Thy Neighbor" with Dan, Tom, and Colette Fehr • Banter about walking to Publix and Colette teasing Dan • Colette attends "Pitch a Friend" Orlando dating event and explains its PowerPoint pitch format • Discussion of dating app burnout, swipe fatigue, and loss of real connection • Colette's "Red Flag or Green Flag" game and insights on in-person chemistry • Jokes about people falling for the presenter instead of the friend pitched • Commentary on gendered dating perceptions and differing timelines • Emphasis on body language, vibe, and physical chemistry over screens • Comparison of "vibes" vs. science in attraction • Event at Gravity Tap Room; next one Dec 3...
2025-11-0645 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.72: The Power of Being Difficult: How to Reclaim Your Boundaries and Your Voice with Tonya LesterWe are beyond excited to welcome the brilliant Tonya Lester to the couch this week! As a psychotherapist, writer, and author of the new book Push Back: Live, Love, and Work with Others Without Losing Yourself, Tonya joins us for a raw and resonant conversation about how women lose their voices in relationships, how to reclaim them, and why it’s never too late to start showing up fully for yourself.We dig into some of the most pressing issues we see with women in midlife—emotional labor, resentment, perfectionism, and the dreaded “burned out pursuer” dynamic. Tonya sh...
2025-11-0545 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.71: Reclaiming Identity After Divorce with Heather SweeneyIn this deeply moving episode, we sit down with the brilliant author and military spouse-turned-memoirist, Heather Sweeney. Her new book Camouflage: How I Emerged from the Shadows of a Military Marriage takes us inside the complex emotional terrain of identity loss, divorce, resilience, and ultimately, self-discovery. Heather's story is not just one of heartbreak, but of reclaiming voice, power, and purpose—especially for women navigating life after a long-term partnership.We talk about everything from the layered reality of military marriage to the quiet courage it takes to start over. Heather shares what it's like to lose yo...
2025-10-2942 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.70: The New Rules of Parenting and Grandparenting Toddlers with Devon KuntzmanEver feel like your toddler is trying to break you? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by the incredible Devon Kuntzman—toddler parenting expert and author of the brand new book Transforming Toddlerhood: How to Handle Tantrums and Power Struggles and Raise Resilient Kids Without Losing Your Mind. We dive into the real talk about toddler behavior, emotional regulation, and how we as parents can stay sane and connected in the chaos.Whether you’re in the thick of toddlerhood yourself, preparing for grandparenting, or just love understanding the "why" behind those tiny tornadoe...
2025-10-2242 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.69: Mothers Gone Wrong: The Psychology of Unknown Number and the Most Notorious True Crime CasesIn this intense and emotionally charged episode, we dive deep into some of the most chilling and perplexing true crime cases involving mothers who committed unimaginable acts against their own children. From psychological abuse to cold-blooded murder, we’re peeling back the layers on what happens when motherhood takes a dark, dangerous turn.We explore the twisted motivations and complex psychopathology behind cases like Unknown Number, Casey Anthony, Lindsay Clancy, Ruby Franke, and her notorious partner Jodi Hildebrandt. We’re not just recapping the crimes—you’ll hear our raw reactions as therapists and mothers, and we’ll take yo...
2025-10-1548 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.68: Disappointing Affirmations: The Sarcastic Self-Help You Didn't Know You Needed with Dave Tarnowski We’re thrilled to bring you this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with Dave Tarnowski—author, creative force behind the Instagram phenomenon Disappointing Affirmations, and the man redefining self-help with a dose of sharp wit and raw honesty. With over 2.5 million followers, Dave’s take on mental health, neurodivergence, grief, and healing resonates deeply—and this episode is no exception.Together, we explore Dave’s late-in-life diagnoses of bipolar disorder and ADHD, his journey through therapy, sobriety, and grief, and how humor became his lifeline. We dive into the making of his newest book, Sorry in Advance for Making Thin...
2025-10-0850 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.67: Healing From Trauma Bonds with Dr. NaeIn this deeply moving and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Dr. Nadine Macaluso—therapist, author, and trauma bond expert—to explore the insidious dynamics of trauma bonded relationships. Nadine bravely shares her own experience as the ex-wife of “The Wolf of Wall Street,” shedding light on the coercion, manipulation, and psychological warfare that define these toxic partnerships. But more than just surviving, Nadine walks us through what it truly takes to heal, reclaim your identity, and find peace on the other side. We unpack what trauma bonding really means (and what it doesn’t), the behavioral patterns that make these...
2025-10-0138 min
Love Thy Neighbor ShowLTN 1 - Why Couples Stop Talking!• Launch of "Love Thy Neighbor" with therapist Colette Fehr • Colette's TEDx talk on relationships (April 3) and 13 years of experience • Her first marriage as "surface perfection" (family, labs, SUVs, picket fence) but emotionally empty • Husband's disengagement, loneliness, and realization of controllable vs. uncontrollable factors • Conflict avoidance as central issue; fear of arguments; lack of modeled healthy resolution at home • Growing up in "suffer in silence" or emotionally closed households • Comfort discussing with colleagues vs. difficulty with spouses due to higher stakes • Acting despite fear as her first principle; few families openly model conflict • Breaking intergenerational anger patterns and temper issues • Avoidance behaviors...
2025-09-2642 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.66: Discovering Your Sexual Self: Sensuality, Pleasure, and Desire at MidlifeHey there, friends! In this episode, we sit down with our fabulous returning guest, Dr. Juliana Hauser, to talk about her powerful new book, A New Position on Sex. Trust us when we say, this conversation is one you do not want to miss. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your sexual self, stuck in old beliefs, or just plain exhausted, Dr. Juliana offers an entirely new—and deeply empowering—way to approach sexuality in midlife.We dig into everything from sensuality and sexual agency to what it means to feel vibrant, connected, and alive again—on your own te...
2025-09-2449 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.65: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at MidlifeIn this episode of Insights from the Couch, we're diving into one of the most talked-about but least understood challenges many women face at midlife: imposter syndrome. We're Colette and Laura, two therapists and best friends, and we're getting real about the self-doubt that shows up right when we're trying to level up in life, work, and relationships.We unpack why imposter syndrome hits so hard in midlife, how it keeps you stuck in comparison and perfectionism, and why it's time to ditch the stilettos and stop shrinking. We also share our personal stories of growth, setbacks...
2025-09-1736 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.64: Everything You Need to Know About GLP-1 Medications at Midlife with Amy Wrenn, NPIf you’ve been hearing all the buzz about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound, and you’re wondering if they could be the right fit for you at midlife, this is the episode to press play on. We brought on nurse practitioner and health optimization expert Amy Wrenn to demystify what GLP-1s actually are, how they work, who they’re for, and what you really need to know about taking them during perimenopause and menopause. Amy is passionate, informed, and totally relatable—she cuts through the hype to bring clarity to a topic that’s been wrapped in...
2025-09-1044 minInsights from the Couch - Real Talk for Women at MidlifeEp.63: Women Waking Up: How to Create a Midlife Transformation With Passion, Purpose, and PlayIn this episode, we sit down with the vibrant and inspiring Wendy Valentine, host of The Midlife Makeover Show and author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play. Join us as we talk about how midlife doesn't have to mean crisis—it can mean awakening. Wendy shares her deeply personal story of rebuilding her life from the ground up, and the radical self-love and resilience that fueled her transformation. We dive into the emotional truths of midlife, from grief and divorce to rediscovering joy and authenticity. Wendy doesn't just inspire, she equips you with ta...
2025-09-0346 min