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

Society has conditioned women to view prioritizing their needs and saying "NO" as selfish acts. In doing so, we've unintentionally become self-neglectful, leading to a monotonous, black-and-white existence. In today's episode, Kathleen is joined by Alyson Roberts, a true embodiment of embracing life to the fullest. Alyson is not only a talented baker, avid traveler, and adventu...

Making close friends in midlife can feel challenging. Kathleen shares her experiences and thoughts on the subject, shedding light on the common barriers to forming meaningful connections. As she prepares to launch a small group relationship study, she reflects on the responses she received from her Instagram audience and delves into the importance of intentionality and vulnerability in nurturing f...

In this episode, Kathleen welcomes back Dr. Latifat Akintade of MoneyfitMD to discuss embracing disappointment. They challenge the notion of avoiding this emotion, advocating for its recognition as a natural part of life. As a universal experience, disappointment spans from minor letdowns to significant events. The duo encourages listeners to reframe their perspective on disappointment and view it...

As August's sun-drenched days give way to the approaching fall, Kathleen is struck by a bittersweet sensation, a tinge of sadness as she bids goodbye to the cherished season. Her reflection leads her to an inspiring realization: the art of savoring life's moments and the profound impact of a scarcity mindset on our ability to do so. Join her in exploring how cultivating an abundance mind...

The most important ingredient in offering support and supporting others offering support is safety - creating safety in our relationships with others. The heart of the episode revolves around a lively discussion between Kathleen and her two close college friends. Together, they explore the complexities of supporting friends through challenging times. The trio candidly shares their thoughts on how...

A lot of time, we create unnecessary drama in our heads by telling stories. We do this all the time, trying to anticipate or predict an outcome when in reality we have no idea how it will turn out. DO these stories serve us? Should we keep creating more? Tune in to this week's episode to find out! In a nutshell, Kathleen talks about: The problem with trying to predict the future.  How we tell...

#InMySoftGirlEra has taken over social media with images of women enjoying luxurious vacations, indulging in extravagant experiences, and more. But is there more to the soft life than just aesthetics? And how does it impact Black women who often face stereotypes of being angry, independent, and strong? In today's episode, Kathleen welcomes back Brigette Lumpkins, a strategist, advisor, busine...

Resentment often arises from uncommunicated or unmet expectations, especially when people please and want others to do things differently. Kathleen highlights why resentment is optional and that holding onto it only harms oneself, not the other person involved. She explores how envy can play a role in fostering resentment, as people may wish to make different choices but feel restricted by societa...

In this episode, Kathleen dives into the topic of self-acceptance and its importance in fostering closer and more fulfilling relationships. She highlights that self-acceptance allows individuals to let their guard down safely, making vulnerability possible. Embracing oneself and accepting personal flaws and insecurities can lead to a stronger sense of self-worth, decreased dependence on others&apo...

In our perfectionist society, we often build walls to protect ourselves from shame. However, embracing our authentic selves and allowing others to see us fully leads to heartfelt connections and removes the need for a constant guard. In the final part of our Vulnerability series, Kathleen embraces vulnerability, empowering you to do the same. Instead of letting others in like a wrecking ball, she...

Oftentimes we are quick to ascribe meanings to the actions of our loved ones and follow by being angry and resentful rather than being expressive. And this stirred up the rich question; Why do we put up a protective armor from the deepest form of intimacy we can enjoy? Tune in today as Kathleen digs deeper into a series of episodes on Vulnerability. With reflections from her Women's coaching...

Kathleen wakes up, genuinely feeling happy, alive, vibrant, and ineffable. With a heart full today, she sets us on another amazing relationship milestone. Reflecting on the struggles we face in maintaining genuine sparks in our relationships, the investments she makes in her relationships, and the party she considered attending during our last episode, Kathleen shares marvelous insights on her ong...

Embracing vulnerability opens the door to the possibility of experiencing rejection, criticism, and anxiety. Our brain, in an attempt to shield us from these discomforts, often generates thoughts that discourage vulnerability. However, by suppressing these challenging emotions, we also dampen the potential for incredible growth, profound connections, and extraordinary moments that can arise from s...

Change often brings along a sense of loss and triggers emotions like fear, vulnerability, and anxiety. It can create an illusion that happiness will only come once certain conditions are met. However, it's essential to realize that sometimes all you need to let go of is your unhappiness and the belief that you can only find happiness elsewhere. During the summer of 2023, Kathleen is deeply im...

Are you feeling like you're moving away from that goofier and fun mom you are meant to be? This episode is definitely for you! Oftentimes, as a mom, you feel compelled to be the perfect mother - hiding your feelings of burnout, overwhelm and annoyance not knowing that in doing so you are doing a great disservice to your kids, who in reality benefit from seeing you in your humanness.  Listen i...

Many people find themselves lured into going harder on themselves or using humor or alcohol to cope with mental health difficulties, but this only sweeps you into limiting beliefs and is detrimental to your well-being. One needs to acknowledge the darkness, extend themselves some compassion, and speak to a fellow professional for there must be a crack for the light to get in - a vulnerable crack c...

Are you truly content and fulfilled with your friendships? As adults, nurturing and maintaining meaningful connections requires dedication, time, and even the courage to be vulnerable. It's all too easy to push people away and seek out new relationships, perpetuating a cycle of shifting priorities. However, the key lies in recognizing the value of those already present in your life and active...

In a world where you can be anything, be authentic. Aligning what you want and the kind of life you're leading right now may be messy, but when it comes to Dr. Lisa, it's a resounding "YES". Lisa believes that it is very possible to tap into our true power that roots in individuality, and carve your path to living a fulfilling life.  Listen in today as Kathleen speaks to Dr. Li...

People tend to avoid formal endings of relationships because they'd rather avoid the emotions that come with ending things. However, the earlier we recognize that there's no better way to do it than to fully feel the emotions, the better for everyone involved. The solution? Saying it out loud and closing the door. Tune in to this week’s episode as Kathleen talks more about relationship e...

How many times have you said yes to others, hidden your NO just to make them like you or feel better? Although it is okay in close relationships to show up for people when they need you, bending backwards, and saying no to yourself to overcompensate for your friend's or family's need broods a chronic and hard-to-rid-of habit – people pleasing. And this pleases everyone but yourself, buil...

The truth is we will never fully know what is going on in someone else’s life. We don’t know the full truth and all their stories. This is why when they make mistakes, we should make an effort to understand that they are mere human beings. After all, to err is human! In today's episode, Kathleen talks about the importance of acknowledging the humaneness of the people around us, our flaws as h...

There's no legacy so rich as vulnerability; it's so crucial in maintaining satisfying relationships whether platonic or not, and it's human. Despite this, it takes a lot of bravery to be vulnerable with other people and admit how much you care about them.    Who else would be better position to talk about vulnerability other than an avoidant attachment lady, Kathleen? In today’s epi...

For any relationship to thrive, there has to be feedback. After all, isn’t that how we tell that a communication loop is complete? However, being on the receiving end of tough feedback is hard and uncomfortable and it can be the cause of a permanent relationship fracture.  Navigating conflicts in relationships from Episode 19 is the baseline upon which Kathleen seeks to share today's explorat...

We live in a society that places high value on being married or being in a long-term partnership. So when such relationships come to an end (or don't happen), there is some sort of discomfort that comes with making that public. In today's episode, Kathleen talks about 'relationship shame', and how women can learn to embrace all aspects of their relationships. Tune in to learn m...

In today's episode, Kathleen speaks to Keisha Edwards Hunt, who at 24, was pregnant and enrolled in graduate school. Early in her pregnancy, her adviser encouraged her to take a leave of absence, doubting whether she would be able to complete the program as a single unemployed mother in a difficult relationship. Unbeknownst to them, in the turmoils of her personal life, which she held with a...