How to be a Human Being in the World with Dr. Kathleen Young

Grief is a journey no road map could ever navigate, yet, it's a path many of us will walk with heavy hearts. This week, as Kathleen sits across from Annette Tran, there's a shared understanding that her story — losing her mother to COVID-19 amidst the pandemic's harsh distancing measures — is one of profound sorrow and resilience. They discuss the anguish that accompanies loss and t...

In today’s episode, Kathleen opens up about the personal victories in her recovery, from taking those initial unassisted steps to finding the courage to reconnect with friends. The healing journey isn't just about the physical aspect; it's a delicate balance of mental strength as one confronts the shadows of pain and fear that remain once the body has healed. Kathleen steers the conversa...

When Kathleen made the tough decision to bid farewell to her long-time physical therapist, the emotional weight of that goodbye surprised her. It sparked a realization that goodbyes, whether to people or phases of life, carry a complexity often unacknowledged. In our latest episode, Kathleen wades through the sentimental currents that goodbyes stir up, exploring the often-overlooked significance o...

Friendships are like gardens; they demand our time and care to flourish. In the hustle of life's relentless march, it's all too easy for these connections to wither. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the trials and triumphs in the quest to keep these bonds thriving. Through personal tales and the concept of 'PRN' (as needed) friendships, Kathleen discusses the ebb and...

When a colleague's simple acts of kindness transformed the way Kathleen experienced one of life's hurdles, it wasn't just her broken foot that found support; her heart did too. In today's episode, she recounts how this friend's empathy and thoughtfulness - like her offer to look after Kathleen's child - changed not only her recovery process but their friendship as wel...

As she sat with her feet up, nursing a broken foot and a bruised ego, Kathleen’s good friend Timi Lewis stopped by to remind her that hitting the big 5-0 isn't the end - it's an intermission with the best yet to come. Their laughter-filled conversation, now a podcast episode for all to enjoy, wanders through the bittersweet reality of midlife, the second act that's full of promise,...

Watching her son navigate the complex world of social interaction with the help of specialized training made Kathleen realize something profound: aren't we all, in some ways, struggling to connect? It's not just those on the autism spectrum who could benefit from a little guidance in the art of friendship. This episode peels back the layers of our social challenges, from internal barrier...

In this episode, Kathleen explores the nuances of friendships and the power of open communication. Reflecting on the new year and a recent snowfall in her city, she shares insights into the diverse reactions to snow in different regions. This episode is inspired by a meaningful text exchange with a friend who sincerely inquired about how she could be a better friend.  This chat isn't just abo...

Every parent's journey is marked by a unique set of trials and revelations – Kathleen’s has been no exception. The parenting path she has navigated is paved with distinctive challenges and heartfelt moments, particularly in raising a child with sensory hypersensitivity. As she peels back the layers of her personal evolution as a mother, Kathleen confronts raw emotions of guilt and the pressur...

Happy New Year! In this week’s episode, we're not just recounting moments; we're transforming how we view the very essence of our kin. Because loving them for who they are - flaws, quirks, and all - can be a monumental shift toward personal peace and enriched relationships. Tune in as Kathleen navigates the rocky path of acceptance and the empowering act of drawing boundaries from a plac...

Brig Johnson empowers high-achieving women to become unapologetically confident! With a background in healthcare, she's turned her expertise into a thriving 6-figure life business. Known for her bold, direct approach and compassionate guidance, Brig's motto is "Better business through sufficiency." When Brig Johnson swapped her nurse anesthetist scrubs for the life coach mantle...

This past year, Kathleen has weathered a storm of surprises, from a broken foot to navigating the chaos of New York City on crutches. Join her on a heartfelt journey through the unpredictable twists of life and the valuable lessons they teach us about adaptability and personal happiness. Reflecting on the challenge of staying flexible when plans falter, she shares how this mindset not only helps u...

As December unfolds, Kathleen navigates the challenges and unexpected turns that have come her way during this holiday season. Sharing a personal journey marked by a broken foot and subsequent health complications, the episode explores the transformative impact of these setbacks. The central focus is on the universal force that compels a slowdown, providing an invaluable opportunity for self-refle...

Here's a personal story: I've spent years chasing professional opportunities, moving from city to city, and always prioritizing my career. But, in the hustle, I struggled to build meaningful friendships, often ending up feeling isolated and disconnected in new environments. Recognize that story? Maybe you've lived it? This episode dives into the complexities of establishing friendsh...

This episode is a special treat for you as Kathleen invites her friend, Dr. Toya Clay, to join the conversation. Toya, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, opens up about her journey, being a single mother to a child on the autism spectrum with a rare variant called pathological demand avoidance. The two delve into their own experiences, discussing the influence of trauma on their career paths, pe...

In this episode, Kathleen interviews Ashley Gray, a successful entrepreneur and former attorney. Ashley shares her inspiring journey from law to owning a preschool, driven by the influence of motherhood and the pursuit of work-life balance. The episode explores Ashley's initial struggle with missing the prestige of being a lawyer and her evolving self-perception during this shift. Tune in for...

Drawing from a personal experience of spontaneously making plans with a newer friend visiting New York City, Kathleen reflects on the dynamics of friendships and the effort required to maintain them. The episode explores the idea of having too many friends and the associated challenges. Kathleen shares insights from conversations with others and emphasizes the value of being open to new friendship...

In this episode, Kathleen hosts a special guest, Nicole Coward. The two share a long-standing friendship, originating from their meeting 17 years ago while volunteering in New York. Despite a period of separation, their recent reconnection seamlessly reignited their bond. Nicole is not only a cherished friend but also an attorney who has diverged from a conventional legal career to establish her o...

What's the key to getting good at making friends? Is it a skill that can be developed? In this episode, Kathleen explores the crucial skill of building relationships, focusing on friendships. She challenges common beliefs about building connections and emphasizes the power of a simple mindset shift. Consider this episode an encouragement to focus on yourself, your beliefs, and how you can cha...

In this episode, Kathleen discusses the concept of making peace with one's current life, emphasizing the importance of shifting one's perspective and finding contentment. She touches on our tendency to focus on the negatives, redefines "settling" in a positive light, and encourages embracing what we have. Kathleen advises that major life changes should come after finding conten...

Regret is a wasted emotion because it's tied to the past, which remains unchangeable. When we dwell on past decisions, it tends to have a negative impact, leading to self-doubt and a nagging feeling of having made the wrong choices. In this episode, Kathleen candidly reflects on her own regrets, spanning relationships, marriage, career, and her place of residence. She delves into the idea tha...

In this episode, Kathleen shares insights from a facilitated group discussion on making friends in midlife, emphasizing the perceived exhaustion and barriers linked to socializing. She highlights the importance of finding a balance between rest and social engagement, encouraging deliberate choices in building connections. In a nutshell, Kathleen talks about:  - Struggles faced by high-achieving in...

In this episode, Kathleen speaks to Dr. Krystal Sodaitis, a Certified Life and Weight Coach and an expert in neurodiversity and pediatrics. Dr. Sodaitis works with a diverse range of individuals, particularly focusing on serving gifted young adults, adolescents, and medical students who have neurodevelopmental diagnoses. She provides coaching and support to help these individuals navigate their ch...

Today Kathleen is joined by Mariah Wickham, a certified life coach, Enneagram specialist, storyteller, and a mom of two who's been married for 21 years. Mariah's passion lies in utilizing the Enneagram Personality System as a guiding tool to empower individuals in their personal growth journey, unlock their true potential, and cultivate meaningful connections. For Mariah, this system has...

In this episode, Kathleen holds a raw and honest discussion about raising a child on the autism spectrum. She is joined by her dear friend, Dr. Randy Sealey, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon and father to an amazing son named RJ, who has autism. Kathleen and Randy share their personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs of navigating the world of autism. They discuss the initial diagnosis, societa...