Unapologetically Sensitive

TITLE Taking a Podcast Pause; Self-Care GUEST Solo episode EPISODE OVERVIEW I'm taking a pause from the podcast. Not sure if it's temporary or permanent.  COVID has been brutal, but it has given us opportunities to redefine what we value. I initially had thoughts of failure when I decided to take a break, but now I see it as an act of self-love. We all should have joy, laughter and creativity in o...

TITLE I've Always Known I was Anxious GUEST Elizabeth Cush, LCPC EPISODE OVERVIEW Elizabeth shares her story and why she decided to specialize in anxiety.   She then defines anxiety, and we talk about the different ways that anxiety can present for people.   Elizabeth talks about common myths, and we talk about tools to use to manage anxiety and what type of lifestyle changes can also help to redu...

TITLE Complex childhood trauma and healing for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) GUEST Kina Wolfenstein EPISODE OVERVIEW Kina defines trauma (and it may surprise you), and how the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) responds to trauma. We talk what may not be considered trauma (but is), and how it impacts the person in adulthood (including attachment systems). Kina talks about trauma responses as they r...

TITLE The Brain of the Highly Sensitive Person GUEST Drs. Esther Bergsma EPISODE OVERVIEW Drs. Bergsma, a Dutch expert on High Sensitivity, discusses research from her book: The Brain of the Highly Sensitive Person. She explains the biological survival benefits of the trait in animals.   We talk about social rejection, and the negative messages HSPs receive around their traits.   Esther takes 7 ne...

TITLE The Challenges and Strengths of Sensitive Strivers in the Workplace GUEST Melody Wilding, LMSW EPISODE OVERVIEW Melody was named one of Business Insider's "Most Innovative Coaches" for her work on "Sensitive Strivers." Melody defines Sensitive Striver, and she talks about common challenges sensitive strivers face in the workplace. She talks about imposter syndrome, and ways to work with your...

TITLE This feels so awkward; my vulnerability softens my husband and improves communication GUEST Anni Furniss EPISODE OVERVIEW This is an honest and vulnerable chat.   Anni talks about feeling awkward, and how her vulnerability makes communication with her husband easier.   She talks about expectations around friendships, and the challenges and corresponding strengths she finds being a Highly Sen...

TITLE I wanted to understand my wife, who is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) GUEST Pete Childs EPISODE OVERVIEW Pete talks about wondering if he is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).   Taking the Online HSP Course helped Pete change how he looks at his interactions with his wife, who is a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Pete learned to understand more about what his wife (and Highly Sensitive Child)...

TITLE The Power of Attachment Styles and the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) GUEST Jessica Fern, MS   EPISODE OVERVIEW Jessica Fern explains why attachment is important; what fosters a secure attachment; what creates an insecure attachment; the 4 types of attachment systems, and she has an insight about the Highly Sensitive Person and attachment.   We talk about how attachment injuries show up in re...

TITLE Coming to a Place of Peace Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) GUEST Heather Bollman, MSN, RN EPISODE OVERVIEW Heather did not like being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). She struggled with accepting the trait.   She also felt challenged being a Highly Sensitive Person and working as a nurse.   Heather talks about learning to accept how she's wired, and developing an understanding of the t...

TITLE A Sensitive Man Who Embraces and Loves his Sensitivity.   GUEST Andy Smallman EPISODE OVERVIEW Andy talks about being called a woman/man when he was a teacher, and having a girlfriend break up with him because he wasn't "tough enough." His personal stories embody vulnerability that most can relate to, and they show his remarkable resilience. Andy is passionate about helping boys maintain the...

TITLE We (HSPs) are not too much GUEST Susan Kraker EPISODE OVERVIEW Susan is a therapist who specializes in relationships, and she works with the Highly Sensitive Person. She decided to take the Online HSP Course because she didn't have many friends who were also Highly Sensitive. We had a rupture during one of the groups, and we talk about this. Susan has some astute observations.   We both talk...

TITLE Leadership Skills that are innate traits for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) GUEST Dr. Catherine Zeisner   EPISODE OVERVIEW Dr. Catherine Zeisner describes what she calls competencies of good leadership.   We talk about thriving, resiliency, authenticity, self-advocacy and the value of sharing one's feelings. We relate these competencies back to how the Highly Sensitive Person is innately...

TITLE Boundaries, Consent and Creating Safety with Touch. A Conversation with a Certified Cuddle Therapist GUEST Keeley Shoup EPISODE OVERVIEW We underestimate the healing properties of touch, and the limitations of talk therapy. Keeley talks about the professional training to be a cuddle therapist. She rocks at communication, and setting clear expectations. We talk about awkward situations and ho...

TITLE Should We Call Sensitivity a Superpower?   GUEST Solo episode EPISODE OVERVIEW If the trait of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is neutral, is it incorrect to call being an HSP or sensitivity a superpower?  This is something I've been thinking about for some time.  Dr. Elaine Aron, who coined the trait Highly Sensitive Person, and has written extensively about HSPs, sees the trait as ne...

TITLE   The Rebellious Widow: A Practical Guide to Love and Life After Loss GUEST   Jill Johnson-Young, LCSW EPISODE OVERVIEW   Jill talks about the impetus for writing her newest book, "The Rebellious Widow: Reclaiming Life and Love after Loss," which came from the blogs she wrote through the deaths of both of her wives. Jill's book is a guide to successfully navigate and grow through terminal il...

TITLE How to Manage Your Anxiety in a Holistic, Loving Way GUEST Victoria Albina EPISODE OVERVIEW Victoria defines anxiety, and we talk about social and anticipatory anxiety—especially as they are related to the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). Victoria talks about de-armoring, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and codependency.   Victoria gives an abundance of things we can do to ground ourselves, an...

TITLE Everything is Love; I Love Myself GUEST Sarah Buino, LCSW EPISODE OVERVIEW In a culture that values and rewards productivity, it can be challenging for the Highly Sensitive Person, who thrives at being vs. doing.   Sarah talks about coming to fully love herself. We talk about trauma training, boundaries, developmental trauma. We talk about the gifts and challenges of living during COVID.   S...

TITLE 10 Strategies for Managing When You're Feeling Down GUEST Solo episode EPISODE OVERVIEW Many of us are struggling with mood and high levels of ongoing stress.   I give 10 tangible strategies for coping when we're struggling.   I also share about the challenges I experienced over the holidays and wondering if maybe I have SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP),...

TITLE Sarah Buino, LCSW, CADC, RDDP, CDWF    Interviews Patricia   GUEST Sarah Buino EPISODE OVERVIEW Sarah Buino interviews me—these are from her show notes--One of my greatest joys in life is connecting with a fellow outcast and truth-teller. All the better if said person comes equipped with a badass nickname like Mad Lady-Balls. Patricia Young, LCSW, the person behind the stern, brass-plated mo...

TITLE A Highly Sensitive Person and Introvert, Heidi Tamm, Talks About Her Experience Taking the Online HSP Course GUESTS Heidi Tamm EPISODE OVERVIEW Heidi talks about these questions—How did you feel about the cost? Was it worth it? How was it having an online experience? Did you feel connected to the other members of the group? How was it being an introvert in the group? Did you feel seen, heard...

TITLE No One Ever Asked Me: "What Do I Need?" GUEST Rachel Glick EPISODE OVERVIEW Rachel learned she was a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) when she searched online for Why do I cry when I listen to music?   Rachel talks about embracing her traits as an HSP after taking the Online HSP Course, and how it has changed how she parents her Highly Sensitive Child, and how she is forming deep connections wi...

TITLE If You Can't See, Imagine with John, the Blind Woodsman GUEST John Furniss   EPISODE OVERVIEW John is an amazing woodworker who is totally blind.   He also has a cooking segment on Tik Tok called Cooking with the Lights Out .   John and his wife Anni, are both talented artists. John talks about how he lost his vision, and how he uses his strengths to create amazing pieces of woodwork.   He e...

TITLE How Myers-Briggs Personality Type Can Be Used To Improve Relationships And Parenting GUEST   Sandra Etherington EPISODE OVERVIEW   Sandra uses personality type to help you change the way you see your family and relationships. We talk about the most common personality types for the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), and Sandra describes the traits she sees most commonly in HSPs.   We talk about t...

TITLE A Highly Sensitive Therapist talks about Feeling Invisible, & How She Views Her Anxiety After Learning She Was An HSP GUEST Kitty McCormick, LCSW EPISODE OVERVIEW Kitty is a childhood friend who is now a therapist.   We talk about the anxieties we both felt as children, but never discussed. Kitty's father was a prominent public figure, and she was pushed into acting/auditioning as a child to...

TITLE Struggling on Thanksgiving—Boundaries and More. Sigh GUEST Solo Episode EPISODE OVERVIEW I'm needing to set some boundaries, and I'm having the eternal struggle of many Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)—I know what I need to do, but I'm the only one who sees the problems, the risks and I feel alone in this.  I'm realizing that it would be easier if everyone agreed with me, but my growth has to...