Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo share real, honest, and practical ways to improve communication and relationships, especially during holiday gatherings. They recount personal anecdotes about family holiday experiences, discuss how to manage expectations, and tackle hard conversations around politics, rel...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo welcome back licensed therapist Vanessa Trine, known for her expertise in anxiety disorders and trauma. Vanessa shares practical ways to handle holiday stress and anxiety, offering insights into maintaining balanced communication and setting boundaries. From discussing the...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo delve into the dynamics of introducing a new partner to your family during the holidays. From deciding if your relationship is ready to tackling family traditions and expectations, this episode covers the practical steps and research-backed strategies to ensure the introdu...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the holiday pressures of gift-giving. They share insights on finding meaningful and thoughtful gifts, the impact of mismatched gifts, and how to avoid financial stress during the holidays. The conversation explores the importance of communication and relationships,...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore the profound impact of appearance on personal and professional relationships. From the concept of “pretty privilege” to the influence of grooming and scent, they delve into how your look can shape perceptions and opportunities. The discussion includes insights on c...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the importance of editing our speech and the adage, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." They explore the impact of words on relationships and communication, providing insights into when silence is more beneficial than speaking. The convers...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore practical ways to enhance communication and strengthen relationships among adult siblings. They discuss common challenges such as dealing with aging parents, inheritance conflicts, feeling left out, and more. The hosts emphasize the importance of employing softer s...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo dive deep into the complexities of adult sibling relationships. This episode responds to previous discussions about relationships with aging parents and transitions into exploring the significance of sibling relationships in adulthood. Topics include the causes of strain,...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo are joined by Jason Harper, a professional mediator specializing in employment and special education. Jason shares his journey into mediation, the challenges of being a special education mediator, and the strategies he employs to manage difficult conversations involving pa...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore the challenges of adulting as both you and your parents age. The hosts explore practical strategies for setting boundaries, handling unsolicited advice, and maintaining healthy communication with older parents. Through humor and insightful discussions, they address...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the impact of assumptions on relationships and provide practical tools to replace these assumptions with clarity. Through real-life examples, they explore how silent assumptions can fuel misunderstandings and share strategies for fostering open communication and tr...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore the art of giving feedback. Reflecting on the discomfort of receiving harsh feedback, they present two effective strategies for providing constructive criticism without triggering defensive reactions— the Positive Feedback Sandwich and the Situation-Behavior-Impact...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the “Avoid Criticize Loop,” a destructive conflict pattern in relationships. They explain how indirect communication, passive-aggressive comments, and involving third parties escalate conflicts instead of resolving them. Through relatable examples, the hosts emphas...

In this Father's Day special episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo step aside and give the microphones over to their spouses, Pete, Tom, and Ralph. In this episode, they dive into personal stories, tips for self-care, managing work-from-home life, and the joys and struggles of parenting. Tune in for an insightful conv...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo dive into the topic of tit-for-tat arguing and its detrimental impact on relationships. They explore the concept of critical startup moments, blame shifting, and the risks of competitive retaliation. The hosts offer practical strategies for breaking these negative patterns...

In this heartfelt episode, we welcome back Melissa Beck, President of Anonymous Philanthropy, to share her wisdom on balancing the multifaceted roles of being a mother, career woman, and spouse. From managing career expectations, unseen labor, and burnout, to the importance of boundaries and the emotional rollercoaster of motherhood, Melissa provides deep insights and practical advice. The episode...

In this enlightening episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, co-hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo delve into the complexities of maintaining cherished relationships. The episode addresses the common tendency to focus on differences rather than similarities and offers practical tools to bridge gaps and create connections. It highlights examples from everyda...

Welcome back to Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, featuring hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo. In today's episode, we explore “reframing”—a powerful mental communication tool backed by research that helps cultivate resilience, clarity, and purpose. The discussion juxtaposes growth versus fixed mindsets and optimism versus pessimism, drawing on insights from Mar...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo discuss the importance of setting boundaries in personal and professional relationships. They demystify common misconceptions, explore why boundaries are essential for healthy interactions, and offer practical advice on how to create, state, and maintain effective boundaries. The c...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo explore the concept of stonewalling in relationships. They discuss common misconceptions, Gottman's Four Horsemen, and the damaging effects stonewalling can have on relationships. The conversation includes personal anecdotes, practical advice on how to manage and recognize stonewal...

In this episode of Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc, Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo take a deep dive into defensiveness in relationships. They explore how defensiveness affects communication, relationships, and even children, drawing from personal experiences and research by Dr. John Gottman. The hosts break down Gottman’s 'Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse' and dis...

In this episode of “Asking For A Friend with TalkDoc,” Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel and Teighlor Polendo discuss the intricacies of communication and relationships, emphasizing the difference between intent and impact. Using Maya Angelou's quote as a backdrop, the hosts explore how words and actions leave lasting impressions.  Join the conversation as they share personal stories and...

In this episode, TalkDoc, Meredith and Teighlor dive into the hilarious and insightful things kids say. From funny family anecdotes to holiday preparations, discover the lighter side of parenting and the developmental quirks of childhood speech.  Listen in as our hosts discuss the cognitive theories behind children's humor and the importance of embracing curiosity over social embarrassment.  The e...

In this episode, TalkDoc, Meredith and Teighlor share personal anecdotes from their week, including funny family moments and unexpected challenges that set the tone for a lively and relatable discussion. They dive into the fascinating dynamics of conformity and the pressures to fit in, exploring why people often stay silent in group settings or avoid conflict.  The conversation unpacks the psychol...

In this episode of “Asking for a Friend,” hosts Dr. Pamela Kreiser, Meredith Edwards Nagel, and Teighlor Polendo take a deep dive into the fascinating world of humblebragging. Together, they unpack what humblebragging really is, why we do it, and how it shapes our social interactions. With humor and relatable examples, the hosts explore the subtle yet powerful impact humblebragging has on friendsh...