Dear Dr. Tracy

In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with author and producer Lindsay Jill Roth to talk about her new book, Romances and Practicalities—a love story woven together with 250 thoughtful questions designed to deepen connection and spark meaningful conversations between partners. Together, they explore the space where romance meets real life—how couples can navigate everyday responsibilities without l...

Dr. Tracy and her husband, Greg, dive into one of the most common relationship traps: the urge to fix rather than connect. After a personal moment of miscommunication, they break down how well-intentioned problem-solving can actually push partners further apart instead of bringing them closer. Greg shares his instinct to fix problems quickly, while Dr. Tracy unpacks the deeper emotional needs that...

Answering your questions! In this bonus episode, Dr. Tracy answers a powerful listener question: “Is divorce contagious?” She explores how a friend’s separation can impact our own relationship, the research behind social contagion, and why moments like these often reflect unspoken needs or desires. Taking her 18 years of working with clients through all seasons of their relationship, Dr. Tracy rem...

Have you ever reacted in a way that felt… bigger than the moment? Maybe your partner forgets to check in, and suddenly you feel unimportant or abandoned. Or you receive a small piece of feedback and spiral into shame. You might wonder, “Why am I like this?” In this episode, Dr. Tracy guides you through how to identify when your inner child is showing up—and how to begin healing those younger parts...

In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her husband, Greg, tackle a communication struggle that so many couples face—understanding why saying "I'm afraid to tell you because of your reaction" backfires. It’s a fine line, and crossing it can quickly turn a conversation into an argument. Dr. Tracy shares a personal experience that sparked this discussion, including a thought-provoking comment from one of her...

Have you ever felt lonely in your own relationship... longing for romance but afraid to ask for it? You’re not alone. So many of us crave connection, but the fear of rejection, disappointment, or even feeling like a burden keeps us silent. In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her husband Greg dive deep into the emotional weight of longing for more while holding back our true desires. They unpack why ask...

Have you ever been told that if something still triggers you, it means you haven’t healed? This idea oversimplifies trauma, healing, and how the nervous system actually works. In this episode, Dr. Tracy is breaking down why triggers aren’t just signs of unresolved wounds but natural responses from your nervous system—and why healing isn’t about never being triggered, but about recovering faster. W...

Most people approach arguments with one goal in mind: winning. But what if winning an argument actually means losing something far more important—connection? In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with Jefferson Fisher, a trial lawyer and viral communication expert, to explore why people approach conflict the wrong way. Jefferson shares practical strategies that will help you stay in control, reduce...

The butterflies have faded, the sparks feel dim, and now… it’s like you’re just coexisting. You love each other, but your relationship feels more like roommates than romantic partners. Sound familiar? In this episode, Dr. Tracy and Greg dive into what really happens after the honeymoon stage—why passion shifts, why connection starts to feel harder, and why so many couples struggle with feeling dis...

What do you do when a partner replies with “Well, I guess I’ll just never … again” after you share something with them? In this episode, Dr. Tracy and her co-host Greg answer this question and talk about how to respond to a partner’s "all or nothing" statement in response to a concern raised. Dr. Tracy talks about the underlying emotion in this expression, provides strategies for having a construc...

It’s here! Season 6 of the podcast is launching with a brand-new name: Dear Dr. Tracy! In this episode, Dr. Tracy’s pulling back the curtain on why she made this change, what it means for the future of the show, and how she’s stepping outside her comfort zone to bring you even deeper, more real conversations about relationships, resentment, intimacy, and all the messy in-between moments. Dr. Tracy...

Have you ever felt the urge to bite your tongue when something’s bothering you—just to keep the peace? Would you describe yourself as a conflict avoider? Or maybe your partner is a conflict avoider. In this episode, we dive into the real reasons behind conflict avoidance, uncovering how silent resentments can take a toll on your mental well-being and your bond with your partner. We’ll explore why...

In the season finale of the podcast, Dr. Tracy tackles one of her most frequently asked questions: "How do I get my partner to go to therapy?" But first, she has a special announcement to share: she's writing her second book! Dr. Tracy then dives into the importance of starting therapy early in a relationship to build trust, enhance communication, and address issues before they become critical. Sh...

In today's episode, Dr. Tracy welcomes Eli Harwood, a licensed therapist, author, and creator of the "Attachment Nerd" online community. Eli shares her personal journey of overcoming inherited attachment trauma, emphasizing the importance of breaking intergenerational cycles. Together, Dr. Tracy and Eli explore the pressures of parenting, emphasizing the value of attunement, co-regulation, and bei...

In today’s episode, Dr. Tracy delves into how early childhood experiences shape our adult relationships with Dr. Kate Truitt, an esteemed clinical psychologist and neuroscientist known for her expertise in trauma and resilience. Dr. Truitt, founder of the Truitt Institute and CEO of the Amy Research Foundation, shares insights from her memoir, Keep Breathing, highlighting the powerful role of the...

It’s safe to say that "mommy brain" is due for a rebrand! In this episode, Dr. Tracy sits down with Dr. Nikki Pensak, a clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker and author of "Rattled," to discuss the challenges and opportunities of motherhood, particularly during the postpartum period. Dr. Nikki shares her journey from academia to becoming a mother, emphasizing the mental health needs of mothers often...

In this mini session, Dr. Tracy talks with Rini and Shaun Frey about overcoming difficult periods in their relationship. Together, they discuss how anger and passive-aggressiveness can lead to disconnection and the importance of initiating early communication before things blow up. Despite eight months of built-up emotions, therapy helped them learn to talk openly and brought them closer. Rini sha...

Greg, AKA, Dr. Tracy's favourite co-host and hubby is back this week to discuss strategies to de-escalate disagreements. In this episode, they emphasize the importance of understanding how escalation occurs and how to effectively de-escalate before diving into the deeper and necessary conversations. They share insights from their own relationship, highlighting how childhood experiences shape behav...

In today’s mini-session, Dr. Tracy addresses coping with anxious attachment in relationships. She explains that it’s not your fault and stems from unmet needs in the past. Dr. Tracy emphasizes self-soothing with affirmations like “I am loved, I am enough, I am worthy” and highlights the importance of looking inward for acceptance. Understanding triggers, practicing self-compassion, and clearly com...

Trigger warning: Traumatic birth experience   In today’s session, Dr. Tracy sits down with Dr. Mona Amin, a board-certified general pediatrician, online parenting educator, wife and mother. She shares her mission to provide relatable content for parents, aiming to instill confidence and calm in their parenting journey. In this episode, Dr. Mona candidly opens up about her traumatic birth story, th...

In this mini session, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Becky discuss the impact of growing up with parents who, despite their best efforts, did not validate certain emotions. This creates an intergenerational legacy where unvalidated feelings become triggers today. They highlight the importance of changing the script for our children's future and our own mental health. By showing kindness, compassion, and curios...

Tired of always being the initiator in your relationship? This week, Dr. Tracy addresses the common issue of "my husband doesn’t plan date nights," a struggle many listeners have shared. She discusses the prevalent belief in heterosexual relationships that men should instinctively know and plan for their partner's needs, emphasizing that healthy relationships require intentional effort and open co...

In this week’s mini session, Dr. Tracy and Dr. Jen Douglas, a clinical assistant professor at Stanford University, licensed psychologist, and mental wellness speaker, tackle mom burnout and perfectionism, highlighting the pressures modern mothers face. They discuss how today’s moms spend twice as much time on parenting compared to 1965, coupled with the demands of being constantly available to emp...

The dynamic duo is back together! This week, Dr. Tracy welcomes back her fellow Canadian sister, Renee Reina, host of the top-ranking podcast The Mom Room, for an open and honest discussion about handling visitors after giving birth. Renee shares her personal experience and how her perspective on postpartum visits shifted after having her son, Milo. They distinguish between true support people and...

Today's mini session is all about scheduling sex and prioritizing intimacy. Don't leave sex until the end of the night when you're exhausted. Dr. Tracy encourages listeners to be intentional about scheduling it and making it a priority. Remember, intimacy isn't just about intercourse; it's also about emotional connection and shared activities. She offers suggestions and encourages new approaches l...