Untethering Shame

In this conversation, Kyira and Jennifer Ginty explore the deep connection between emotions, shame, and healing. Jennifer shares her personal journey of surviving childhood trauma, navigating Complex PTSD and depression, and ultimately creating  My Moody Monster  — a tool designed to help both children and adults externalize and regulate big emotions. Together, they discuss how society teaches us...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “I’ve made so many decisions based on what I thought I ‘should’ do. I’m trying to live by my values now, but I feel lost. Where do I even start?” We explore the messy, brave, and often disorienting process of untangling your identity from the “shoulds” you've inherited — and beginning the work of living by your own...

In this thought-provoking episode, Kyira Wackett and Avani Patel delve into the societal pressures and standards that shape our lives. They explore the challenges of asking for help in a world that often equates vulnerability with weakness. Through personal stories and insightful discussions, they uncover how societal norms impact our sense of belonging and self-worth. Join them as they discuss th...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “How do I grieve someone who’s still alive? I’m watching a loved one self-destruct and I feel powerless.” We explore the pain of ambiguous loss — the kind of grief that comes not from death, but from disconnection, decline, or change in someone you love. Inside this episode, we’ll talk about: What ambiguous loss is and...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. Episode: Shame & the Shadow Self with Lena Papadopoulos In this final episode of our summer re-release series, Kyira sits dow...

In this solo episode, I’m opening up about something I’ve carried shame about for most of my life —  body hair  — and how it became a symbol of all the ways I thought I didn’t belong. From being called “Chewbacca” in school to obsessing over whether or not I shaved before a trip or a workout, I learned to tie my worth to how “smooth” or “presentable” my body looked — and the shame ran deep. But th...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “I’ve built my whole identity around being high-achieving, but now I’m tired. Who am I if I’m not constantly proving my worth?” We dive into the emotional weight of tying your value to productivity and performance — and how to start untangling your identity from the pressure to constantly  do  in order to feel like you...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. Episode: Shame & Money with Kyley Caldwell Money is one of the most emotionally charged topics in our lives—and shame is ofte...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “I’m dating someone new and they’re great, but I keep waiting for something to go wrong. How do I stop sabotaging what feels good?” We unpack the fear of being seen, loved, and safe — especially when past pain makes “good” feel unfamiliar or even threatening. Inside this episode, we’ll talk about: Why your nervous syst...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. Episode: Shame & Ambition with Andrea Barr In this conversation, Kyira and certified coach Andrea Barr explore what it means...

In this solo episode, I’m diving into a tool that has changed my life and the lives of so many of my clients:  cognitive reframing  — the practice of shifting how we think about our experiences to reduce shame, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. We explore how even subtle mindset shifts can dramatically change how we engage with difficult moments, and why reframing isn’t about toxic positivity — it...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “Whenever someone compliments me, I instantly deflect or downplay it. How do I learn to actually believe good things about myself?” We explore how shame, fear of visibility, and old survival strategies make it hard to accept even the kindest words — and how to begin building a new relationship with self-worth. Inside t...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. Episode: Shame & Binge Eating with Kyira Wackett In this solo episode, Kyira shares her own story and lived experience with b...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “I always find myself being the ‘fixer’ in every relationship — friendships, family, work. I don’t know how to stop without feeling like I’m abandoning people.” We explore the deeper emotional wiring behind fixer behavior — and why it’s often less about control and more about safety and self-worth. Inside this episode,...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. _________________ In this conversation, Kyira Wackett and Cassandra Johnson discuss the importance of acknowledging and healing t...

Have you ever felt guilty for throwing out food you forgot about, buying clothes you never wore, or needing to replace something you thought should have lasted longer? You’re not alone. In this episode, Kyira shares her own story of holding onto worn-out underwear (yes, really) and explores why so many of us feel shame about “wasting” money. Together, we’ll look at how these feelings come from sca...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “Hey Kyira, I could really use some perspective on something that’s been weighing on me. Lately, I’ve been feeling like I’m always disappointing my partner because I’m hardly ever in the mood for sex. It’s not that I don’t care about them or that I’m not attracted to them — I do. But it feels like no matter how much I...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. ___________________ In this conversation, Kyira Wackett and Abby Payne explore the themes of self-worth, people pleasing, and the...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “Hi Kyira, my partner and I keep getting stuck in the same arguments over and over. It’s usually about small things — like how plans get communicated or whether someone followed through on something they said they’d do — but somehow it escalates every time into this big fight about feeling disrespected or not cared for...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. _______ In this conversation, Kyira and Stacey discuss the topic of narcissism. They explore the definition of narcissism and how...

Ever snapped at someone you love or shut down completely, only to wonder later,  “Why did I react like that?” In this episode, Kyira unpacks what it really means to be  triggered , why these intense reactions happen, and how you can learn to recognize and respond to them with more compassion. Using insights from Internal Family Systems (IFS), Kyira guides you through five common signs you’re trigg...

In this episode, I respond to a question from Mark, who writes: “Hi Kyira, my name’s Mark, and I’m in my early 40s. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with how people see me — whether they respect me, whether I’m coming across as competent or put together. On the outside, I think most people would describe me as confident, but inside I’m constantly worrying that I’m not enough or th...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. ________ In this episode, Jessica Parente joins us to discuss the topic of codependency and its connection to shame. Codependency...

In this episode, I respond to a question from an anonymous listener who writes: “Hi Kyira, I’m about six months into sobriety, and while I’m proud of myself, I’m also really struggling. I’ve lost a lot of friends because they don’t understand my decision, and some family members have made shaming comments like ‘You’re no fun anymore’ or ‘You think you’re better than everyone.’ It feels like I’m gr...

Summer Re-Release Series We’re taking a pause to rest and reflect—and sharing some of your favorite episodes in the meantime. These powerful conversations are worth revisiting, whether it’s your first time listening or a timely return. New episodes resume September 7th. _____________ In this episode of the Untethering Shame podcast, Kyira and Sabrina Trobek delve into the intricate relationship be...