The Choosing Change Podcast

Summer is often marketed as the season of confidence, carefree fun, and "beach bodies." But for many people, it can also bring heightened body image struggles, comparison, self-consciousness, and pressure to look or feel a certain way. In this episode, Miriah and Abby unpack the many ways summer can impact our relationship with our bodies — from swimsuit season and social media to the expectation...

This week, Miriah and Abby discuss the often-overlooked reality of vacation anxiety. Miriah and Abby explore why stepping away from our daily routines doesn't automatically mean our minds and bodies can switch into relaxation mode. From the pressure to have the "perfect" trip to the challenges of slowing down after months of stress, we discuss the ways our nervous systems can struggle to adjust wh...

This week, Miriah and Abby dive into a conversation about the college transition process. As the school year winds down and graduation approaches, the transition to college looms large for many families. This shift is not only significant for teens but also for parents and siblings, as everyone navigates the emotional and practical changes that come with this milestone. Tune in for key insights on...

Many people underestimate the power of body language in today's technological world. However, it still plays a crucial role in the dating process and significantly impacts the way we form connections. In this episode Abby and Miriah explore how to decode body language signals, understand their implications, and put this knowledge to use in improving your dating interactions.

This week, Miriah sits down with our wonderful community partner Sandra Zell, Pennsylvania attorney and divorce mediator. Sandra shares her expertise on divorce mediation, a process where both parties come together to resolve their differences without the need for separate attorneys. Navigating divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences of a person's life, but mediation may help cut th...

This week, Abby and Miriah tackle one of our most-requested topics: How to be a truly supportive partner. The ladies explore the importance of communication (and metacommunication!), discuss the role that self awareness plays in partner communication, and explain why it can sometimes feel hard to offer support. Whether you're in a new relationship, a long-term partnership, or are simply trying to...

This week, Miriah is joined by Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, Christine Hennigan, ChFC®, CDFA®. Miriah and Christine explore the many emotional, logistical, and financial challenes that often arise during the divorce process. Christine unpacks common financial mistakes that occur during the divorce process and shares key steps to take when you realize that a divorce may be likely. For listen...

This week, Miriah sits down for an enlightening conversation with Molly McGraw, Clinical Research Nurse Practitioner and lead yoga instructor at LOVE Infrared Fitness Studio. Miriah and Molly delve into Molly's unique orientation, which blends Western science and ancient yoga philosophy, and explore how this background impacts Molly's approach to fitness. Miriah and Molly also discuss the concept...

This week, Miriah and Abby sit down for a chat about a topic that frequently comes up in the therapy room — how to know when it is time to end an adult friendship. The ladies discuss physical and emotional cues that indicate a friendship might be unhealthy, explore the importance of shared values in sustaining friendships over time, and role play conversations around boundary violations in relatio...

Miriah is joined by psychiatric nurse practitioner Brianna Dawson, PMHNP-BC, who specializes in maternal mental health. In this in-depth conversation, Brianna sheds light on the often-overlooked complexities of maternal mental wellness, explains the concept of the "fourth trimester," and elaborates on how biological, psychological, and social factors interplay in shaping maternal mental health. 

This week, Miriah sits down with Ellen McAliney, PT, DPT, the owner of Essence Physical Therapy, to explore the role that your pelvic floor plays in overall wellbeing. Miriah and Ellen explore the function and importance of the pelvic floor before diving deep into an exploration of the connection between trauma and pelvic floor health. Ellen also identifies signs of potential pelvic floor dysfunct...

In this episode of the Choosing Change podcast, Miriah welcomes Joe Owens, a social worker and person in recovery, to discuss the profound impact of lived experience in recovery work. This conversation not only sheds light on Joe's personal journey but also emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the healing process.

This week, Miriah is joined by Charles Knowles, founder Vision + Fitness and Love Yoga, for a conversation that focuses on the importance of self-care, community, and developing a sustainable approach to fitness, especially as we transition into the new year. Charles and Miriah also explore the intersections between mental and physical fitness and unpack the role of accountability in building an i...

This week, Miriah is joined by Abby Ponticello Payne, MFT for a new episode of our mini series: "Questions I Wish I Could Ask My Therapist"! Buckle up for answers to all of the juicy questions you've always wanted to ask, such as: Does your therapist actually self-care? Who is their celebrity crush? And, what's their toxic trait?  We believe that healing is relational, and your therapists are peop...

This week, Miriah is joined by Sara Silliman, LMFT for a deep dive on modern dating culture. Miriah and Sara break down the importance of portraying oneself authentically when creating a dating app profile and examine what being intentional looks like in the context of online dating. The ladies discuss "healthy dating resolutions" for 2026, as well as some habits that we may want to leave behind i...

This week, Miriah is joined by Lauren Cohen, LAMFT for a new episode of our mini series: "Questions I Wish I Could Ask My Therapist"! Buckle up for answers to all of the juicy questions you've always wanted to ask, such as: Does your therapist actually self-care? Who is their celebrity crush? And, what's their toxic trait?  We believe that healing is relational, and your therapists are people too!...

This week, Miriah is joined by financial coach and founder of Moneyskope, Alex Marukos, CFA®, CFP®, to discuss one of the hot topics that so many of us grapple with at this time of year... holiday spending pressure! Alex and Miriah dive into questions such as: Why do so many people overspend or feel guilty about holiday shopping? What strategies can people use to manage spending while still mainta...

Miriah herself is in the hot seat for this week's edition of our "Questions I Wish I Could Ask My Therapist" series! In this mini episode, Miriah is interviewed by her dear friend and colleague Amber Pleasants, LPC. Buckle up for answers to all of the juicy questions you've always wanted to ask, such as: Does your therapist actually self-care? Who is their celebrity crush? And, what's their toxic...

This week, Miriah sits down with Lauren Cohen, LAMFT to break down the topic of co-parenting during the holiday season. Miriah and Lauren identify several concrete strategies for successful co-parenting during one of the most hectic times of year, including boundary-setting techniques and methods for communicating with high-conflict people. Miriah and Lauren also explore the benefits of creating a...

This week, Miriah is joined by Sara Silliman, MFT for the first episode of our new mini series: "Questions I Wish I Could Ask My Therapist"! Buckle up for answers to all of the juicy questions you've always wanted to ask, such as: Does your therapist actually self-care? Who is their celebrity crush? And, what's their toxic trait?  We believe that healing is relational, and your therapists are peop...

Miriah sits down with Abby Ponticello Payne, MFT for a conversation about navigating life transitions that coincide with the holiday season. Abby and Miriah discuss the expectations and pressure that often surround the holidays and explore emotions that can arise when a change in the family system impacts ingrained family traditions. This episode dives deep into how the word "should" can come into...

The first episode of the Choosing Change Podcast features our practice founder, Miriah Rutledge, LMFT, as she opens up about her extensive work as a domestic violence advocate and therapist who specializes in working with survivors. Miriah gets vulnerable about her own experience as a survivor of domestic violence, discusses her journey to specializing professionally in this focus area, and shares...