Beyond What Hurts Us

In this episode of  Beyond What Hurts Us , Kristen and Leslie take a fresh look at the early 2000s dating advice phenomenon  He's Just Not That Into You . While the book was intended to empower women to recognize when a man isn't invested, we discuss why its message falls short in today's dating landscape. We explore how the book places all the emphasis on whether  he  is interested—without ever a...

This week on Beyond What Hurts Us, Kristen and Leslie dive into the complexities of relationships, exploring themes of abandonment, emotional literacy, and the art of mindful loving. From discussing the power of movement and embracing our "wild woman" to unpacking the five A's of healthy relationships—attention, affection, acceptance, appreciation, and allowing—we reflect on what it means to truly...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie are joined by Brandy Cunningham to explore the intersection of recovery and personal choice. Together, they dive into the complexities of addiction, the structure of programs like AA, and the nuanced process of reclaiming agency after trauma. Brandy shares her experiences navigating recovery, challenging norms, and forging a unique path toward healing. Whether y...

As the calendar turns to a fresh page, Kristen and Leslie embark on a reflective journey to set intentions for the year ahead. Together, they discuss the rituals of closing out the old year, choosing a "word of the year," and pulling a tarot card to explore its deeper meaning. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with personal insights, growth, and practical tips to embrace a "New Year, Ne...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive into the profound work of uncovering core beliefs and patterns that shape our lives, especially in relationships. Leslie leads Kristen to reflect on her experiences with perfectionism, over-functioning, and self-reliance, tracing their roots back to childhood. Through an open discussion on Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR therapy, Kristen and Leslie e...

Do you ever feel paralyzed by the pressure to be perfect? To be honest, this episode almost didn't make it to air because the audio isn't flawless. But in the spirit of embracing imperfection, Kristen and Leslie decided to share it anyway. Together, they dive into the roots of perfectionist panic —that overwhelming fear of falling short or making mistakes—and how it impacts our mental health, rela...

In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the idea that healing often lies in the balance between extremes. Why do polarized emotions or opinions keep us stuck, and how can embracing the "shades of gray" in tough situations help us move forward? By finding the middle ground, we open ourselves to growth, understanding, and deeper healing. Join us as we discuss how balance is not about comp...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie confront the difficult reality of discovering abusive behavior in people we once admired and explore the red flags we might have missed or dismissed. We discuss the emotional impact of shattered perceptions, why we sometimes ignore warning signs, and how to rebuild trust in our own judgment. This conversation is about learning to recognize and believe red flags,...

In this heartfelt episode, Kristen and Leslie sit down with Chelsea Ohlemiller, author of Now That She's Gone, a deeply personal memoir chronicling her journey through grief after losing her mother. Chelsea shares the profound lessons learned from her mother's life, her grief, and how she's found healing through preserving her legacy. Join us as we discuss the impact of love, loss, and how embraci...

Can we just stop the bullsh*t? In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive deep into the emotional dynamics of the pursuer-withdrawer relationship and how to break free from the exhausting push-and-pull cycle. Instead of focusing on labels, we'll shift the focus to what truly matters: the relationship itself. Join us as we explore practical steps for healing attachment wounds, improving communication...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the transformative power of gratitude as a tool for healing. By choosing to focus on what we're thankful for, we can shift our mindset, allowing positivity and growth to flourish in our lives. We'll dive into how gratitude helps us move beyond pain, heal emotional wounds, and create space for joy. Join us as we discuss practical ways to cultivate gratitu...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie dive into the journey of moving from self-abandonment to self-love, exploring how you can shift your mindset to view yourself as "the one." We'll discuss the importance of breaking patterns of neglecting your own needs and how to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. It's about learning to prioritize your well-being and embracing the love and worth you de...

In this special episode, Kristen and her daughter Kendall take a break from the show's usual focus on healing to explore the joy that can be found all around us. While Beyond What Hurts Us typically dives deep into self-discovery and emotional well-being, we believe it's just as important to pause and appreciate the simple, beautiful moments life has to offer. Join us as we share stories, laughter...

Have people in your life fallen away? What makes some relationships worth pursuing and others not? Listen this week as Kristen and Leslie reveal their hearts and thoughts on what repair actually looks like and what's required to work through conflict. Join them as they share their personal insights on the true nature of repair—what it takes to work through conflict, heal wounds, and rebuild connec...

In this week's episode, Kristen and Leslie explore the transformative power of stillness during challenging times. Discover how taking a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace silence can become a powerful tool for healing and rediscovering your inner strength. This episode delves into the importance of quieting the mind and creating space for emotional recovery, helping you navigate the journey to...

In this episode, we explore the "mother wound" and how it uniquely affects men. Kristen and Leslie delve into the emotional scars left by challenging maternal relationships and how these wounds manifest in adulthood, particularly in romantic relationships. Through personal stories and expert insights, we discuss the signs of the mother wound, its impact on trust and intimacy, and practical steps f...

How can you tell if you're in an emotionally safe relationship? This week, Kristen and Leslie dive deep into the signs of emotional safety and the red flags of an unsafe relationship. They discuss personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical tips on how to recognize and cultivate a healthy, supportive intimate relationship. Whether you're navigating a new romance or reassessing a long-term p...

After a brief hiatus, Kristen and Leslie are back this week to discuss the crucial role anxiety plays in signaling toxic relationships. Learn how to recognize the nervous signals your body sends when you're in an unhealthy relationship. We discuss common signs of anxiety, how to differentiate them from everyday stress, and the importance of trusting your nervous system. We also highlight the signi...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie delve into the fascinating world of sound healing and uncover the science behind its therapeutic benefits with special guest, Hoai-Huong Nguyen, of Inner Alchemist Healing Arts . We'll explore how different frequencies and vibrations can promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Our discussion includes insights from Hoai-Huong, who explains the princip...

In this empowering episode, we delve into the transformative journey of self-trust. Join us as we uncover the nuances of recognizing, building, and identifying this foundational aspect of personal growth and fulfillment. From candid discussions on overcoming self-doubt to practical strategies for cultivating inner confidence, our conversation offers insights and inspiration for anyone seeking to h...

In this episode, Kristen and Leslie sit down with Kristi Howard Shultz, MSW to unravel the complexities of communication in today's world. They explore how embracing diverse perspectives and constructive dialogue can bridge divides, whether it's in relationships, politics, or everyday interactions. From dissecting the impact of traditional gender roles on communication to sharing anecdotes about n...

Due to overwhelming popularity of the first episode, Kristen and Leslie return to explore the intricacies of Retroactive Jealousy once more. Our co-hosts delve deeply into the emotional complexities of being caught in the grip of RJ and offer invaluable insights on supporting your partner through this challenging experience. From navigating intrusive thoughts to cultivating trust and empathy in re...

Join us in this episode of Beyond What Hurts Us as we explore Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) from a fresh perspective. Kristen and Leslie challenge the stereotypes and in an attempt to foster a deeper understanding of ADD, they discuss the impact on the brain, behavior, and beyond. Whether you're personally affected by ADD or simply curious to learn more, this episode promises to offer a relatab...

Join us in this episode of Beyond What Hurts Us as Kristen and Leslie delve into the nuanced differences between compartmentalization and disassociation, two coping mechanisms often misunderstood. Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, we explore how these mental processes manifest in our lives and the impact they have on our well-being. Tune in for a candid exploration of the mind...

Love comes in many forms, from the undefined territory of 'situationships' to the enduring bonds of companionships and relationships. In this episode, Kristen, Leslie and special guest Nicki delve into the intricacies of human connection. Join us as we explore the blurred lines, the deep connections, and the defining moments that shape our experiences in love and companionship. From casual flings...