Who We Are & What We Need

In this conversation, Katherine Spearing discusses her new book, 'A Thousand Tiny Papercuts,' which explores the complexities of spiritual abuse and the journey to reclaim autonomy after leaving high-control religious environments. The discussion delves into the insidious nature of spiritual abuse, the confusion experienced by individuals trying to navigate their faith, and the emotional turmoil t...

Join Catherine Quiring in conversation with Megan Griffith, autistic and ADHD life coach, content creator, and author of Welcome to AuDHD: How to Survive and Thrive as an Adult with Autism and ADHD . This wide-ranging discussion explores what it means to live at the intersection of autism and ADHD, from communication differences and alexithymia to masking, self-trust, and disability identity. Mega...

Have you ever caught yourself in cycles of self-sabotage, then felt like this proved you were fundamentally flawed? For years, many of us were told this was evidence of our “sinful nature.” But what if that explanation isn’t just wrong—what if it’s creating the very problems it claims to solve? This episode explores religious trauma through Internal Family Systems therapy, revealing how “dying to...

Description:  ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses psychological abuse and trauma. Please prioritize your safety. Crisis resources in description. If you’ve escaped a narcissistic or abusive relationship but still hear your abuser’s voice saying “you’re worthless,” “you’re stupid,” or “you’ll never amount to anything”—you’re not going crazy. That voice has a name: the Inner Destroyer. Unders...

If you’re neurodivergent, highly sensitive, or creative, your inner critic probably attacks who you are, not just what you do. It whispers “you’re too much,” “you’re too weird,” or “you’ll never fit in.” This isn’t random self-doubt—it’s the Inner Underminer, carrying years of messages about being “different.” This episode explores why sensitive, creative, and neurodivergent individuals develop pa...

If you’re neurodivergent and traditional perfectionism advice like “just lower your standards” feels impossible, this episode explains why. Perfectionism works differently in ADHD, autistic, and other neurodivergent brains—and requires different solutions. This episode explores the unique intersection of perfectionism and neurodivergence, how masking trauma creates impossible internal standards, a...

Do you feel guilty when you rest? Does a relentless voice tell you “there’s always more you should be doing”? Meet your Inner Taskmaster—the critic that measures your worth by your productivity and keeps you trapped in the hustle culture hamster wheel. This episode explores the most common inner critic many of us carry: the voice convinced your value equals your output. Learn why this protective p...

That harsh voice in your head isn't going anywhere—and that's actually not the problem. The real issue is trying to fight or eliminate your inner critic instead of understanding what it's trying to do for you. What you'll learn:✓ Why your inner critic exists (hint: it's trying to protect you)✓ practical steps to befriend rather than battle your internal voice✓ What changes when you stop fighting y...

In this follow-up episode, Catherine Quiring continues her story—this time focusing on the turning points that led her back to herself. Through self-compassion, somatic healing, and IFS, she learned to listen inward with curiosity instead of shame. Catherine invites us into the beauty of emotions as messengers, the wisdom of the body, and the medicine of Indigenous perspectives that remind us: eve...

In this episode of  Who We Are & What We Need , Catherine Quiring shares the raw and tender story of her early years—growing up within authoritarian Christianity and the pressures of ableist meritocracy. These systems taught her to silence her desires, distrust her emotions, and hollow herself out to fit expectations of holiness and success. Through honest storytelling, Catherine explores how...

Every healing path has a rhythm, a shape, a pattern of descent and return. In this episode of  Who We Are & What We Need , Catherine Quiring explores the archetypal forms of transformation—from labyrinths to the Eco-Heroine’s path. Through story and reflection, she begins to trace the contours of her own journey: moving through the harm of authoritarian systems, shedding what no longer served...

What happens when caring for everyone else means losing sight of yourself? In this episode, Catherine Quiring explores the hidden costs of people-pleasing and the journey of learning to trust yourself again. She shares why people-pleasing begins as a survival strategy, how hyper-empathy intensifies the pull to silence your own needs, and what it looks like to come home to your body, your emotions,...

This episode with Catherine Quiring examines self-trust as the cornerstone of psychological well-being and authentic living. Grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and research on interoception and self-compassion, Catherine explains how people lose trust in themselves under authoritarian systems or through people-pleasing patterns, and how to rebuild it step by step. Catherine delves into the...

In this episode, we explore the science, psychology, and spirituality of  hyper-empathy —a rare gift that allows us to feel deeply and connect profoundly, but that can also overwhelm without the right tools. You’ll learn: The  neuroscience of empathy —how the insula, ACC, amygdala, and mirror neurons shape emotional sensitivity The spiritual perspective of  clairsentience —“clear feeling” as intui...

Join host Catherine Quiring for a deeply insightful conversation with Kristi Williams , a religious trauma coach, as they explore the intricate ways attachment patterns shape our spiritual lives. In this episode of Who We Are and What We Need , they delve into how early relationships lay the foundation for how we connect—to ourselves, to others, and to the divine. Kristi vulnerably shares her own...

In this enlightening episode, Catherine and Ashley delve into the powerful synergy between spirituality and psychology, exploring how these two disciplines can be harmoniously integrated to foster personal growth. Join us as we uncover transformative insights and practical strategies that can help you navigate life's challenges with a deeper sense of purpose and understanding. Whether you'...

What do stress spirals, people-pleasing, and your go-to meltdown mode have in common? They all make perfect sense — once you know your Enneagram type. In this lively conversation, Catherine Quiring and Jackie Contessa dive into the wild world of the Enneagram, showing how this ancient tool can help you make sense of your quirks, calm your inner chaos, and finally get out of your own way. Jackie sp...

In this engaging conversation, Catherine Quiring and Joanne Kim explore the Enneagram, its relevance in therapy, and its application in understanding personal relationships and popular culture, particularly through the lens of Catherine’s favorite show Ted Lasso. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence, the role of instincts in the Enneagram, and how these concepts can help individua...

In this special edition of "Who We Are and What We Need," Catherine Quiring delves into the profound impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy on her personal journey. Through heartfelt poetry and memoir excerpts, Catherine shares how IFS has been a catalyst for healing and self-discovery, offering a relational approach that transforms inner dialogue and fosters genuine connection...

In this conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with Dorcas Chang-Tozun about her work in social innovation, the importance of empathy, and the various ways sensitive individuals can engage in justice work. They discuss the unique challenges faced by highly sensitive people in activism and the need for compassion in a divided world. Dorcas emphasizes the significance of relational activism and the...

Catherine Quiring explores the concept of emotional medicine, emphasizing the importance of care, love, and compassion in today's world. She discusses various forms of healing, including breath, dance, rest, curiosity, and grief, as essential tools for navigating life's challenges. Catherine reflects on personal experiences and insights, highlighting the significance of boundaries, voice,...

In this episode, Catherine Quiring speaks with Andrew Lang about navigating political overwhelm and the importance of community action. They discuss the role of curiosity and compassion in conversations, the challenges faced by therapists during crises, and the significance of collective support in resisting fascism. The conversation also touches on the pressures of activism, the need for balance,...

In this conversation, Andrew Lang shares the concept of 'Gentle Change' and how it relates to activism in today's political climate. He emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and the need for a gentle yet fierce commitment to social change. The discussion between Catherine and Andrew covers various aspects of activism, including the distinction between waves and point...

In this conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with Jenny McGrath, a licensed mental health counselor and researcher on purity culture. They explore the impact of purity culture on women's identities, the healing power of movement, and the connection to nature. Jenny shares her journey of deconstructing her faith and understanding the historical roots of Christian nationalism. The discussion empha...

In this enlightening conversation, Catherine Quiring speaks with retired therapist, Nancy Hagman, LMHC about her exploration of the Divine Feminine. They delve into the significance of the labyrinth as a symbol of transformation, the cycles of nature, and the influence of goddess archetypes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of community, the power of circles, and the need to reconnect with...