HERself

In this "Greatest Hits" episode we revisit one of our most impactful conversations with child development expert Claire Lerner. As parents who have personally navigated the challenges of raising children who don't respond to traditional gentle parenting approaches, we share how isolating and exhausting that experience can be and how Claire's expertise changed everything. Claire breaks down why some kids are simply wired differently, explains that challenging behaviors aren't manipulation but rather a need for boundaries and support, and offers practical strategies for helping children self-regulate. From rethinking timeouts to surviving big family gatherings, this episode is a must-listen for parents of strong-willed or highly reactive kids.

Key Topics Covered
Why some children are "wired differently" and don't respond to gentle parenting.
Understanding child behavior — why kids act out and what they actually need.
Claire's concept of the "safe space break" as a modern alternative to timeouts.
How to help children self-regulate during moments of aggression toward others.
Managing big family gatherings and holiday triggers for highly reactive kids.
How to talk to family members and teachers about your child's unique needs.
The importance of community and reducing parental isolation and burnout.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

Meet Claire.

Visit Claire's website. 

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF 

HERSELF AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzlink.to/az0BrkLl5pX9u 

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Life in your 40s can hit hard, and if you're feeling the weight of it all right now, you are not alone. In this episode, Abby gets real and personal about a difficult situation she's been navigating with one of her kids, and how the stress of it has started to feel like so much more than just "situational anxiety." Between caring for our families, keeping up with the house, showing up at work, and being everyone else's emotional rock, it can feel impossible to also take care of ourselves. But here's the thing: it IS possible, and it looks different for everyone.

Key Topics Covered:
What situational anxiety actually is and how it can slowly start to feel all-encompassing.
Why our 40s often bring a wave of hard life events, for us and the people we love most.
Amy's observation about why Abby handles stress better than almost anyone she knows.
The difference between situations we can't avoid and ones where we actually do have a choice.
Practical things we do to take care of ourselves when life feels overwhelming.
Why our brains crave predictability and what to do when life refuses to give us that.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

INFRARED SAUNA: https://amzlink.to/az05Rg8T8ZNO5 

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

What does it really take to create lasting behavior change, especially in the middle of busy motherhood? In this conversation, our friend and behavior change expert Karin Nordin shares a refreshing, research-backed approach rooted in compassion rather than discipline. Drawing from her background in health communication and her own personal struggles, Karin breaks down why traditional advice around habits often falls short and what to focus on instead. This episode offers a practical and realistic framework for moms who want to follow through on their goals without burnout, all while embracing a more flexible and sustainable way to create change.

Key Topics Covered:
The trampoline metaphor and how it helps reframe all-or-nothing thinking.
Why the word “habit” may be overemphasized and commonly misunderstood.
The difference between discipline and conscientiousness and why it matters.
Real-life examples of what qualifies as a habit and what does not.
Coaching strategies for implementing a consistent morning workout routine.
How to approach changes in eating patterns without relying on restrictions.
What a ritual check-in is and how to use it effectively.
Why routines should stay under 30 minutes.
The shift from focusing on consistency to prioritizing frequency.

Get your free Procrastination resource here: https://bodybrainalliance.com/herself

Follow Karin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karinnordinphd/

Karin’s Website: https://bodybrainalliance.com/

For more information on Karin's programs: bodybrainalliance.com/change-academy

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF 

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

What actually creates deep, meaningful friendships? In this episode, we explore the idea of radical honesty and why it might be the missing piece in your closest relationships. Inspired by a therapist’s take and rooted in Amy’s long-held belief, we unpack what it really means to show up truthfully with the people in your inner circle. 
Key Topics Covered:

• Why radical honesty is essential for deeper friendships.
• The impact of people pleasing on adult relationships.
• Navigating anxious attachment and overthinking.
• Recognizing and breaking co-dependent patterns.
• The role of tone and delivery in honest conversations.
• Simple, practical one-liners to start being more honest today.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF

FORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest location

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Long-term relationships often come with recurring challenges that don’t fully resolve, no matter how many times you revisit them. In this episode, we open up about the patterns that keep resurfacing in our own relationships and what it looks like to navigate those tensions with more awareness and intention. From communication differences to division of responsibilities, we share how we’re learning to approach these sticking points differently, including adjusting expectations, asking for what we need, and recognizing when support might need to come from outside the partnership.
Differences between verbal processing and internal processing in communication.
Navigating humor versus emotional support in sensitive moments.
The tendency for partners to jump into problem-solving mode.
Identifying when to lean on friends or therapists for deeper support.
Perceived imbalance in household and family responsibilities.
The role of recognition and appreciation in partnerships.
Gaining perspective through shared experiences and role reversal.
The added strain of parenting a child with special needs on a relationship.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:
Listen to Episode #333: Our Holy Grail Advice for Relationships : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/333-our-holy-grail-advice-for-relationships/id1489878793?i=1000761069923

HERSELF AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://amzlink.to/az0BrkLl5pX9u 

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.