Aja Rutledge

The Reality Between Us

Society EN ↓ 3 episodes

The Reality Between Us explores what happens underneath relationships. Through the lens of trauma, nervous systems, self-awareness, and relational patterns, Aja Rutledge examines the forces quietly shaping how we connect, conflict, communicate, avoid, trust, and make meaning of our experiences. Most relationship advice focuses on behavior. This podcast explores what's driving the behavior. Rather than offering formulas or quick fixes, The Reality Between Us looks beneath the surface of our relationships, with partners, family, friends, coworkers, and most importantly, ourselves, to understand...

Author

Aja Rutledge

Episodes

Maybe It's Not a Communication Problem 08.07.2026 23:08

Communication is one of the first things we point to when a relationship is struggling. But what if communication isn't the place to start? In this episode, we explore why communication is only as healthy as the people participating in it. We look at how trauma, nervous system activation, internal safety, and our need to be understood shape what happens long before words are ever spoken. We also e...

Before We Talk About Relationships 01.07.2026 24:09

Before we talk about relationships with other people, we have to understand the relationship we're having with ourselves. In this opening episode, I share the experiences that shaped the perspective behind this podcast and why I believe healing isn't just about understanding trauma...it's about rebuilding the relationship with yourself. We explore self-compassion, self-trust, boundaries, over-func...

Introducing The Reality Between Us 14.06.2026 2:08

New here? Start here. In this short introduction, I share what The Reality Between Us is about, why I created it and the conversations we'll be having about relationships, self-awareness, conflict, connection, and the hidden dynamics that shape them all. If you're ready to look a little deeper, start here.