Whitney brings on Amanda White from Therapy for Women to react to the most requested show from her audience, you guessed it: Gilmore Girls. They break down season one, episode 18 "The Third Lorelai," analyzing the dynamic between four generations of women—Emily, Lorelai, and Rory plus the chaotic arrival of Emily's mother-in-law Trix. Even if you haven’t seen Gilmore Girls or this episode, Whitney and Amanda explore the universal experiences of being controlled by a matriarch, how emotional distance in one generation can create enmeshment in the next which in turn can cause estrangement in the next, and the weaponization of money and gifts in family dynamics.

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Send a voice memo or email to whitney@callinghome.co

Amanda’s website: https://therapyforwomencenter.com/therapist/amanda-e-white-lpc/

Therapy for Women IG: https://www.instagram.com/therapyforwomencenter

Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

04:00 Scene 1: Emily loses control when her mother-in-law visits

07:12 Scene 2: Money as connection and control

23:04 Scene 3: Weaponizing gifts and criticism

440:54 Scene 4: Lorelai’s insecurity

49:21 The dinner table scale

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s 2026. If nothing changed in your family dynamic by the end of the year, would you be okay with that? How about five years from now? Whitney has a firm but loving message for anyone who's been collecting knowledge and awareness about their family dysfunction but stuck in that frustrating feeling of not knowing how to take action. She challenges you to recognize how much time, energy, and mental space your family's chaos is consuming and to stop waiting for other people to change before you can move forward. 

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Send a voice memo or email to whitney@callinghome.co

Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

02:37 Insight without action sucks

04:09 The daily toll of family dysfunction

12:01 The overintellectualizing plateau

18:22 If nothing changed in five years

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney unpacks a recent article from New York Magazine: “The Therapy That Can Break You” about Internal Family Systems (IFS) and what can go wrong when trauma treatment crosses ethical lines. She discusses the dangers of working with fragile populations without proper training, and what to watch for when working with different therapeutic modalities. She then answers two listener questions about navigating estrangement as the family scapegoat and balancing support for a depressed parent without losing yourself.

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466

Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhitFollow

Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

01:06 Introduction to IFS therapy and The Cut article

02:49 What went wrong at Castlewood Treatment Center

09:52 Believing victims and the reality of false memories

18:08 The need for stabilization when working with trauma

25:51 Listener question 1: Navigating estrangement as the family scapegoat

31:32 Listener question 2: Supporting a depressed parent without losing yourself

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever found yourself dreading the holidays because of family dynamics? In this episode, Whitney discusses dysfunctional family relationships during the holidays, the expectations we carry, and how to approach these situations in healthier ways. You will learn how to accept your family, set boundaries, and actually enjoy your holiday. We recommend listening to this before Thanksgiving dinner with your family.

Our New December topic at Calling Home is Holidays and Family Relationships. You can join The Family Cyclebreakers Club here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitney answers two caller questions. Caller 1 is dealing with cultural pressures to care for her gaining parents. Caller 2 has parents who are politicians with beliefs that differ from her own.

You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.

To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family can be challenging, especially when merging families with different backgrounds and expectations. In this episode, Whitney discusses why open communication, clear boundaries, and empathy are key to maintaining balance. I

Takeaways

• Balancing the needs of in-laws, parents, and your new family requires open communication and clear boundaries.
• Prioritize your immediate family while considering the needs of your extended family.
• Compromise and individual relationships with in-laws and parents can help navigate conflicts.
• Consider setting boundaries or distancing yourself in cases of abuse or harm

Timeline

03:58: Negotiating Contrasting Dynamics and Tensions

06:18: Standing Up to Traditions and Family Norms

08:20: The Importance of Open Communication and Clear Boundaries

11:04: Deciding the Role of Your Extended Family

16:26: Seeking Professional Support and Setting Boundaries

Connect

You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.

To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitney speaks with two callers. She explores the complexities of parent-child relationships, emotional neglect, parentification, and the challenges of navigating relationships with disabled parents. She discusses the emotional struggles faced by children of abusive parents, the responsibilities of parents to protect their children, and the nuanced perspectives of both victims and perpetrators within family systems. Additionally, Whitney addresses the impact of family businesses on emotional connections and the anxiety that can arise from financial responsibilities placed on children.

You can join the Family Cyclebreakers Club at Calling Home here.

To learn more about Whitney and her work, visit her website.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of this election, many Americans wonder: Can I continue to have a relationship with family members who disagree with me politically? In this episode, Whitney walks you through her own journey in a large family with different political beliefs and provides you with a series of questions to explore. This episode will help you decide what is the right decision for you in your unique situation.

You can join Whitney for weekly groups and content at Calling Home.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitney answers two caller questions. One is about enmeshed in-laws and the other is an adult who is trying to re-parent themselves. She discusses the profound effects of critical parenting on self-perception and self-love. She emphasizes that while individuals can work towards healing and self-acceptance, they may never fully replicate the unconditional love and support that their parents should have provided. Whitney encourages listeners to acknowledge their experiences and the impact of childhood trauma while also recognizing the importance of self-compassion and understanding in their healing journey.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I invited Janelle (@heyjanellemarie) from TikTok to the podcast this week. I have watched every single one of her toxic mother-in-law videos, and I've been dying to speak with her.

In this episode, Janelle discusses the challenges of navigating relationships with mothers-in-law and the impact it has on marriages. She shares her personal experiences and observations as a content creator on this topic. Our conversation explores common complaints from daughter-in-laws, such as postpartum issues and misalignment in marriages. Janelle also addresses the role of partners in managing these relationships and the cultural differences that can contribute to conflicts. The discussion highlights the need for boundaries and open communication to maintain healthy relationships with in-laws. We explore the challenges and dynamics of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, the shift in roles and expectations when a woman becomes a wife and mother, and how this can strain the relationship with her mother-in-law. Mothers-in-law, you can learn a lot from this episode (you, too, sons). And Daughters-in-law, I think this episode will leave you feeling heard, understood, and a little bit less crazy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

10:19 Common Complaints from Daughter-in-Laws

25:08 Challenging Reconciliation

30:57 Setting Boundaries for Children

44:12 Surrounding Yourself with Honest Feedback

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitney Goodman reflects on the first anniversary of the Calling Home podcast and community. She emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in navigating complex family relationships. The episode also addresses listener questions with a daughter who doesn't want her father to attend her wedding and an adult who wants to discuss her childhood memories with her siblings. There is also a special discount code in this episode for the Calling Home community.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman interviews Gabriel, also known as The Indomitable Black Man, about his journey to becoming a content creator who promotes respectful or gentle parenting. They discuss the challenges of being a black man in the gentle parenting space and the misconceptions surrounding discipline and abuse. Gabriel emphasizes teaching and guiding children through discipline rather than resorting to physical punishment. They also explore the long-term effects of abusive parenting on adults, including anxiety, depression, and difficulties with self-regulation. The conversation explores the impact of spanking and abuse, the importance of striving for more than 'fine' in parenting, the power imbalance between adults and children, the denial and accountability of parents, the cycle of bare minimum fatherhood, and breaking generational patterns.

Takeaways

• Spanking and abuse can have long-term negative effects on children, leading to physical and mental health issues.
• Parents should strive for more than just 'fine' in their parenting, aiming to provide the best for their children and create a positive legacy.
• The power imbalance between adults and children should be recognized, and physical discipline should be replaced with effective communication and guidance.
• Parents need to acknowledge and take accountability for the trauma they may have caused their children, rather than denying or minimizing it.
• Fatherhood should go beyond the bare minimum of providing for children's basic needs, and fathers should actively lead, guide, and support their children.
• Breaking generational patterns and cycles of trauma is essential for creating healthier and more positive family dynamics.

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co.

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney launches a new series exploring family dynamics in pop culture, starting with Netflix's "Nobody Wants This." Joined by Meg Josephson, author of the New York Times bestseller "Are You Mad at Me?", she breaks down the clash between Noah's enmeshed, guilt-driven Jewish family led by his controlling mother Bina, and Joanne's emotionally distant family that hides behind humor. They discuss what happens when parents fuse their identity with their children, the difference between closeness and enmeshment, how cultural expectations complicate boundaries, and whether you'd actually want to sit down at this family's dinner table.

Connect with Meg:https://megjosephson.com/

Order Meg’s new book:https://amzn.to/47tyvIi

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466

Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

00:00 Introducing Whitney’s new series

03:49 Character overview

09:07 When Bina’s identity gets fused with her son

14:39 Closeness and enmeshment

27:51 Bina confronts Joanne

34:15 Joanne at Shabbat scene

50:55 The dinner table scale

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitney Goodman and Dr. Ramani discuss how narcissism is in the family. This is a great episode for anyone who is wondering:

• Is my parent a narcissist?
• How do I deal with a narcissistic parent or family member?
• How do I set boundaries and disengage?
• Are narcissistic adult children born or raised to be this way?
• Should I go to therapy with my narcissistic family member?

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Part 3 of a 3-part series on adult child and parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney compares the survey results of estranged parents and estranged adult children. She shares her thoughts about the survey results and dives deeper into what this survey has taught us about this issue.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Whitney shares the findings from a survey of 2382 estranged adult children. She offers a deep dive into why many distance themselves from their parents. The survey reveals common themes such as unresolved conflict, emotional or physical harm, and the lasting impact of difficult childhood experiences, where self-preservation sometimes means breaking away.

• [07:40] A breakdown of the findings from the 2382 estranged adult children survey
• [25:20] The responses and how they reflect and align with our experiences 
• [26:04] A preview of part 3 and what to look forward to 

• “If your parent harmed you or you continue to be harmed by them, you have a right to protect yourself in the same way you do in other harmful or abusive relationships.” [03:52]
• “Parent and adult children, if they choose to have contact, both have a responsibility to show up as respective civil adults.” [04:05]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is Part 1 of a 3 Part Series on Adult Child and Parent estrangement. In this episode, Whitney discusses the findings from a survey of 204 estranged parents. You will hear how this group of parents feels about their estrangement from their adult child, what they're willing to do to fix the relationship, and if therapists and social media really are the cause of it all.

The responses from these parents reflect experiences and stories that resonate deeply with many who have faced the pain of family separation. They share their emotional struggles, expressing feelings of loss, confusion, and helplessness as they try to understand why their adult children have distanced themselves. These shared experiences highlight broader patterns in family dynamics, showing that estrangement is a complex yet relatable issue that touches many lives. We can learn a lot from the parents who were willing to share their experiences for this episode.

• [09:14] About the survey and how Whitney collected the data 
• [14:50] A breakdown of the findings from the survey of 204 estranged parents 
• [39:32] The responses and how they reflect our experiences and stories 
• [40:54] What to expect and look forward to in Part 2

• "Adult children have a lifetime of experience under their parent care; for a minimum of 18 years, the parent has power over them, and this power differential never completely goes away.” [03:13]
• “Parents should attempt to be strong, steady leaders even when their children are adults.” [03:35]
• “Adults are entitled to have and end relationships with whoever they want to have relationship with, parents and adult children both have this right in adulthood, no matter how painful that is.” [03:41]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this conversation, Whitney Goodman answers two caller questions about the complexities of estrangement and the challenges of communicating with parents. She emphasizes the importance of self-protection, setting boundaries, and understanding the dynamics of parent-child relationships.

Goodman also discusses the need for accountability and emotional intelligence in reconciliation efforts while acknowledging that not all relationships can or should be repaired. The conversation provides insights into how individuals can navigate their feelings and expectations when dealing with estrangement and communication with parents.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Estrangement: Understanding the Need for Communication

06:50 Setting Boundaries: The Importance of Self-Protection

10:01 The Complexity of Parent-Child Relationships

15:36 Protocols for Reconciliation: When to Seek Help

Quotes

• "I think we should always try to explain ourselves."
• "You have to be doing this because it's something that you want to do."
• "You don't have to forgive your parent."

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join The Calling Home Family Cyclebreakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at www.CallingHome.co.

IG: @sitwithwhit

TikTok: @whitneygoodmanlmft

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Family estrangement and going no contact are deeply painful and complex experiences that impact both adult children and their parents. Often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma, unmet emotional needs, or longstanding power dynamics, estrangement reflects a significant breakdown in communication and trust within the family. Adult children may choose to distance themselves as a means of self-preservation or to heal from past harm, while parents may struggle to understand or accept these boundaries. Navigating this estrangement requires compassion, reflection, and, often, the willingness to embrace change. Letting go of traditional power structures in parent-child relationships and learning to relate as equals can open the door to healing and, in some cases, reconciliation. However, when reconciliation is not possible, it’s important to acknowledge the grief of disconnection and focus on personal growth and emotional well-being. 

In this episode, we discuss adult-child relationships, family estrangement, and how to navigate these disconnections with a special guest, Patrick Teahan. Patrick is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), childhood trauma specialist, and advocate for the Relationship Recovery Process therapy model. As a survivor of childhood trauma, Patrick brings both professional expertise and personal experience to the conversation to provide practical advice on letting go of power struggles, navigating grief when going no contact, and how both sides can work towards mutual understanding and growth. 

Join us as we unpack these sensitive issues and explore pathways toward healing!

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show with Patrick Teahan
• [02:39] Patrick’s experience in the parent and adult-child relationship space
• [07:39] The disconnect and what is happening in the parent-adult-child relationships
• [09:28] What trauma and abuse is and parental defense shame
• [14:05] How to fix relationships with estranged children
• [19:53] Relating as equals and how parent-children relationships change over time 
• [26:22] Working on yourself and accepting your parent for who they are
• [30:11] How to navigate the grief of going no contact 
• [35:54] The healing side of lack of connectivity and feeling estranged 
• [38:24] How to reach out and connect with Patrick 
• [39:16] Wrap up and end of the show

• “Abuse is anything that is less than nurture.” [09:37]
• “When a parent is self-righteous, it’s a sign of being massively triggered; you can’t teach someone who is defensive and triggered about human development.” [12:13]
• “You’re not going to die if you’re faulted; you’re not a bad person; what is going to fix the relationship with your children is to be open and admit some things were wrong.” [14:22]
• 
  

Website: https://www.patrickteahantherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickteahanofficial/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@patrickteahanofficial

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Surviving family holidays can be difficult when you are estranged or have unresolved tensions with your family. Holidays and events can bring deep-seated conflicts to the surface. The pressure to maintain peace can be overwhelming, especially when you're masking feelings of distrust and hurt. Navigating these relationships requires setting firm boundaries while managing the expectations of family members.

In this Q&A episode, Whitney answers real questions from callers who are having difficulties with their moms and siblings. She provides insights on how to handle estranged relationships, the strain of pretending everything is fine, and the emotional toll of unresolved conflicts. Whitney also offers strategies for maintaining peace during holidays or events, setting boundaries, and managing the pressure to keep everyone happy. 

• [00:01] Intro and what you will learn
• [00:29] How to handle dysfunction and pretending among family members 
• [04:56] How to navigate family events and holidays when estranged 
• [07:09] Calling Home resources for building new traditions
• [07:56] Prioritizing your own needs when you're with family

• “Pretending is so hard; pretending that everything is fine when it isn't or your trust or boundary was violated is so really difficult.” [01:41]
• “Stop trying to make your family be what it was or what you wish it would be, instead find a way to cope and enjoy what you can in the moment.” [07:31]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who should be in the delivery room?

In today’s episode, you will learn why having that conversation with yourself and other family members is critical, especially if you are an expectant mother. Whitney covers why each generations has a different perception and expectation about being in the delivery rooms. Older women, for example, believe they should be allowed in the room while their grandchild is being born while Gen Z mothers feel that they are 100% responsible for choosing who should be let in. What do you think? Let me know after listening to this episode of Calling Home.

Tune in!

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show 
• [00:31] Who should be in the delivery room?
• [00:59] What do women of older generations feel about it vs Gen Z mothers?
• [02:32] Stories from several women 
• [03:41] The different family dynamics and preferences
• [04:26] Factors to consider when making this decision
• [04:50] #Understand that birth is not a spectator sport
• [06:14] #Embrace open communication and set clear boundaries
• [07:27] # Consider cultural norms and personal beliefs
• [10:12] Questions to ask yourself before you get anyone to the delivery room
• [13:12] Wrap up and end of the show

• “Millenials and young Gen Z mothers believe that the person giving birth should 100% decide who gets in the delivery room.” [01:38]
• “The debate of who can be allowed in the delivery room should be a personal decision that should depend on a person’s preferences and family dynamics.” [04:08]
• “Birth is not a spectator sport. It is a medical procedure that is vulnerable, and you need someone close to you to offer support, care and guidance.” [04:50]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Accepting what Is and managing your relationship with parents who may never apologize or change their behavior is not an easy path. It requires a deep level of acceptance, acknowledging that your parents might not become the people you wish they were, and understanding that healing begins with accepting the situation as it is, not as you hope it would be. The path also involves setting boundaries that protect your emotional well-being while allowing space for the relationship to evolve. Whether you choose to continue contact or distance yourself, the focus should be on what serves your growth and peace. Accepting what is doesn't mean giving up; it means recognizing the limits of what your parents can offer and deciding how to move forward in a way that honors your own needs.

In this Q&A episode, Whitney answers real questions from callers about how to respond to parents who initiate contact, particularly when past behaviors have caused emotional pain with self-compassion, acceptance, and choosing a path that aligns with personal healing.

Tune in!

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show 
• [00:29] How to respond when a parent initiates contact without apologizing
• [05:41] Accepting your parents: What they did, who they are, and what they can offer
• [09:06] Accepting your parent resources 
• [09:23] Walking the path of what was and is with acceptance 
• [11:57] Wrap up and end of the show

• “You are allowed to feel the way you are feeling about it; you are allowed to give yourself time to process those feelings and decide what change you need to make from there.” [05:19]
• “There is no right path, but the path to healing starts with accepting what is, what your parent did, and what they can do.” [08:39]
• “There is no guarantee that maintaining a relationship with a parent is going to fulfill you or going no contact with a parent is going to make your life better or easier; just walk the path that makes sense for you.” [13:22]                                          
• “It's so important to expect people to be who they have been and be pleasantly surprised when they are not, don't expect them to be different than they always have been, because that's where you're going to get hurt and disappointed.” [10:59]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Whitney Goodman and Vienna Pharaon, LMFT, as they discuss the role of the Golden Child in a dysfunctional family system. You will learn:

• how someone becomes the golden child
• why golden children struggle
• how sibling dynamics play into this role
• how to step out of the golden child role

Let’s Connect

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney answers two listener questions that share a theme: how do you protect your peace while staying connected to difficult family relationships? The first question explores reconnecting with in-laws after a year and a half of no contact—when is it safe to reopen that door, and how do you move forward without reopening old wounds? The second addresses hosting family in your new home when one relative consistently disrespects boundaries and your independence. Both questions wrestle with the tension between honoring your growth and navigating relationships with people who haven't changed.

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466

Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

01:14 Question 1: Reconnecting with in-laws after no contact

09:06 A few possibilities of what might happen here

11:59 Question 2: Hosting family when one relative disrespects boundaries

14:07 Potential outcomes of setting boundaries with the problem relative

17:56 Connect with the Family Cycle Breakers Club

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Balancing boundaries and empathy in family relationships means understanding and validating your family's feelings and experiences while also protecting your own emotional and mental well-being. Empathy allows you to connect with your loved ones on a deeper level, but without boundaries, it can lead to neglecting your own needs and compromising your personal space. Setting boundaries doesn't mean you care any less. Instead, it enables you to nurture healthy, respectful, and sustainable relationships without sacrificing your well-being.

In this Q&A episode, Whitney answers real caller questions on issues they are having with their family. Listen and get valuable insights on how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, practice empathy, and heal past wounds within family dynamics. 

Tune in!

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show 
• [00:29] How to practice empathy for your parent without breaking your boundaries 
• [07:22] How to navigate parent-sibling dynamics and adult healing 
• [13:00] Parent-sibling relationship healing and resources 
• [13:54] Wrap up and end of the show

• “You can have empathy and understanding for your parents without totally letting it derail and destroy any boundaries or personal space that you have in your life.” [07:08]
• “You have to start working on resolving and healing feelings around how you were treated in comparison to your siblings when you were younger so that it doesn't impact your life in a negative way.” [13:01]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Supporting a partner who has issues with their parents requires empathy, patience, and understanding. It's not just understanding their feelings but also actively putting yourself in their shoes and acknowledging their emotional experience. That is listening attentively, validating their feelings, and reassuring them that their emotions are legitimate. It's not about offering solutions or fixing the problem but showing that you care and are there to support them through their struggles. By creating a safe and non-judgmental space and encouraging them to express their needs and boundaries, you are helping them feel less alone on their journey, prepare to uphold their boundaries, and build a stronger connection between you both.

In this episode, we discuss strategies and insights for supporting a partner facing challenges with their parents. Listen and learn how to be a supportive partner, maintain healthy boundaries, and build a fulfilling and joyous relationship. 

Tune in!

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show 
• [00:59] How to support a partner who has a difficult relationship with parents
• [01:37] Be supportive, not judgemental 
• [02:57] Seek understanding and clarity of the situation 
• [03:39] Support your partner in a way that is helpful to them 
• [04:28] Set boundaries with your in-laws 
• [05:11] Keep your wounds in check
• [06:34] Listen and validate your partner's experience 
• [08:23] Respect your partner's boundaries
• [09:28] Practice patience and understanding 
• [10:21] Celebrate your partner's progress 
• [10:59] Create a safe space for continuous sharing 
• [11:20] Wrap up and end of the show

• “It is way easier for an outsider to recognize what is happening and label the problem; try to put yourself in your partner's shoes and understand their perspective.” [01:44]
• “Sometimes we get so caught up in supporting people how we think they should be supported rather than listening to them.” [03:44]
• “Ask your partner how they would like to be supported, listen to their suggestions, and allow them to be experts on their experience.” [04:01]
• “Sometimes we respond in a certain way to our partner's issues because we're being triggered; make sure you're working through your own stuff so you don't over or under react.”[29:59]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice, or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service. 

Mixing, editing and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feeling tired of being the parent to your parents is a common struggle, especially when they rely on you for emotional or even physical suapport. It can be overwhelming to manage their needs while trying to prioritize your own life and the family you're building. Setting boundaries is essential, not just for your well-being but also to maintain a healthy relationship with them. Healing from past hurts and learning how to rebuild relationships with parents who may have caused pain is crucial. It's important to protect yourself emotionally while still offering compassion and understanding, but also recognize when you need to step back to preserve your mental health.

In this Q&A episode, Whitney answers real questions from callers about relationship struggles with their parents. Listen and learn how to set boundaries and protect your emotional well-being and the family you are building while maintaining respect for your parents.

Tune in!

• [00:01] Intro and what in for you in today’s show 
• [00:26] How to set boundaries with parents in a compassionate way 
• [06:08] Healing from physical and emotional abuse from parents 
• [10:43] How to build a relationship with parents who have hurt you
• [15:54] When your parent wants to apologize resources 
• [16:23] Wrap up and end of the show

• “If you are a parent, set boundaries and make sure parenting your parents doesn't take away from your ability to parent your own child because there will be consequences.” [05:38]
• “You can’t have a real relationship without safety.” [10:34]
• “Healthy relationships are healthy and important for children; Unhealthy, abusive, or dangerous relationships are unhealthy for children.” [13:22]

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok.

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Mixing, editing and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Calling Home, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Todd Baratz on how childhood and family dynamics impact romantic relationships. He discusses why the environment we are raised in shapes who we are and how we communicate, which in turn influences the partners we choose. They also chat about "good enough" relationships and why relationships don't have to be perfect to be fulfilling. 

For more information on Todd Baratz’s book “How To Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind” visit toddsbaratz.com. Follow Todd on Instagram @yourdiagnonsense. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Whitney answers questions from listeners who are dealing with narcissists in their family and discusses how to set proper boundaries. The first caller’s question deals with a narcissist brother-in-law changing the family dynamic. The second caller recently discovered that her father was a narcissist and her mother the enabler and is questioning a situation she feels was unsafe for her son. When is the right time to set boundaries with your parents and how do you approach it?

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Calling Home, Whitney Goodman discusses the trend of mothers being overly attached to their sons, often referred to as "boy moms". This dynamic can be harmful to both the mother and son and lead to emotional incest, where the son is put into a husband-like role. Whitney talks about the reasons behind this phenomenon, including societal norms, lack of community support, and unfulfilled dreams of the mother. She also discusses ways to address this issue, such as practicing small separations, developing more support, setting boundaries, and encouraging independence.

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week our listener questions deal with navigating difficult family dynamics during holidays and events. The first caller struggles with an estranged family and feels isolated during celebrations. The second caller cut off their alcoholic mother for safety reasons, but struggles with her presence at family gatherings. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Calling Home, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Nedra Tawwab on the concept of enmeshment in family relationships. They talk about what enmeshment is and what makes it different from a close family relationship. Nedra emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries and respecting the autonomy of others, especially as children grow and become independent. She suggests that enmeshment can be addressed by gradually reducing contact to a comfortable level, asserting one's own needs and desires, and not expecting others to agree with or validate personal decisions. 

Follow Nedra Tawwab on Instagram at @nedratawwab. For more information on Nedra’s books visit nedratawwab.com. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney is answering more of your questions from the Calling Home voicemail line. The first caller is struggling with her spouse's lack of support for her decision to maintain no contact with her family, even in emergencies. The second caller, identified as the family scapegoat, is torn between cutting off contact with her family or trying to maintain a relationship for the sake of her own children. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Calling Home, Whitney discusses the topic of emotional incest, also known as covert incest. This form of emotional abuse occurs when a parent or primary caregiver treats their child like a romantic partner, relying on them for emotional support typically provided by a partner. Whitney will talk about when emotional incest often occurs and outline the three types: the romanticizing parent, the friendly parent, and the critical/abusive parent. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney explores parentification—what happens when children become caregivers, mediators, and "responsible ones" long before they're ready. Whitney shares research on how early caregiving shapes us, when it becomes harmful versus adaptive, and how to transform childhood survival skills into adult strengths without carrying the weight of obligation. She also breaks down the scene between Brittany and her estranged daughter on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466

Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

00:16 Breaking down the estrangement scene on Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

13:27 What is parentification and why does it happen?

17:19 The adaptive strengths of parentification

22:11 The maladaptive consequences of early caregiving

25:48 Transforming survival skills into strengths you choose

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the podcast we’re wrapping up May and our conversations about grandparent relationships by answering some listener questions on the topic. The first caller has concerns about her partner's parents, who may have been involved in or bystanders to childhood sexual abuse in their household. She’s worried how that will affect the relationship they have with any future children. The second caller, who has cut off contact with her parents, is wondering how to maintain a relationship with her supportive sister while avoiding her parents and keeping her children away from them at family events. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s episode of the Calling Home podcast, Whitney speaks with therapist and author Lindsay C. Gibson discusses the challenges of dealing with emotionally immature parents. They’ll discuss how emotional immaturity exists on a spectrum and can be influenced by various factors such as life stage and external circumstances. Lindsay will explain how adult children can express their feelings and set boundaries with their parents, rather than try to change them.

Find Lindsay’s book Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents on Amazon. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Calling Home podcast, Whitney answers more questions from listeners. The first caller discusses their decision to cut off contact with her abusive grandparents and now feeling guilty for doing so. Whitney will talk about why that is a normal response and strategies for moving past the guilt. The second caller shares their experience of growing up in a household lacking emotional maturity and how her parents struggled when she expressed views different from their own. Whitney talks about the generational differences in handling emotions and the challenges of tolerating differences between parents and their adult children. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Calling On Podcast, Whitney discusses the importance of setting boundaries with grandparents. She’ll explain why grandparents may struggle with boundaries due to generational differences, cultural beliefs, or a lack of respect for their adult children's parenting styles. If you’re struggling with these types of relationships, Whitney will give you strategies for clear communication, finding compromise, and explain how positive reinforcement can help establish and maintain these boundaries. She’ll also provide scripts for setting boundaries and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing a child's safety. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Calling Home podcast, Whitney is answering more of your questions. The first caller discusses a conflict with her sister, who has requested they attend family therapy before resuming communication. The second caller asks for advice on dealing with anger towards her sister, who has violated a boundary related to their abusive mother. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney will talk with therapist and author Sahaj Kaur Kohli. They’ll discuss the challenges of setting boundaries and maintaining healthy communication within multi-generational immigrant families. She highlights the pressure that immigrant parents often feel from their own parents, which can lead to rigid expectations and norms being passed down to their children. They will also talk about the importance of partners being on the same page when dealing with in-law dynamics and the need for individuals to manage their expectations of their parents. 

Fore more information on Sahaj Kaur Kohli and her book, "But What Will People Say?", visit sahajkaurkohli.com. 

Follow Sahaj on Instagram @sahajkohli 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mother’s Day is this Sunday and it can be very triggering for many individuals for a variety of reasons. Today on the podcast, Whitney will answer calls from listeners who struggle with this holiday. The first caller shares her struggle with maintaining no contact with her mentally ill mother due to the pain she causes, asking for advice on how to handle Mother's Day approaching. The second caller, a childless woman, expresses her resentment towards her siblings for leaving her to celebrate the holiday with their mother alone.

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Calling Home podcast, Whitney discusses the complex dynamics of grandparent relationships. She’ll talk about why grandchildren are not a 'do-over' for parents of adult children, and that grandparents should not view their role as a second chance at parenthood. This episode is primarily focused on grandparents who have a strained relationship with their adult children and why they need to repair that relationship in order to have a healthy one with their grandchildren. Whitney will also provide a list of steps for grandparents to take in order to demonstrate change and accountability. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney is answering more of your questions. Today, she’ll talk to a listener that is struggling to understand her chaotic upbringing, which was marked by her parents' nasty divorce, her mother's substance abuse and mental health issues, and her father's absence. Whitney will talk about the importance of accepting and grieving these types of experiences. The second caller has questions on how to set boundaries within her culture, which is often seen as a foreign concept in her family. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Visit Mindhappy.com and use HOME15 for 15% off first monthly subscription!

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Calling Home, Whitney discusses the impact of unresolved childhood trauma with the host of the Adult Child Podcast, Andrea Ashley. Andrea shares her personal journey of growing up in a loving but dysfunctional family, dealing with addiction, and discovering the concept of "adult children" of alcoholics and dysfunctional families. They’ll also touch on the difficulty of moving forward without an apology from parents and the importance of inner child work in healing.

Learn more about the Adult Child Podcast at adultchildpodcast.com and follow Andrea on Instagram @adultchildpod. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Visit Mindhappy.com and use HOME15 for 15% off first monthly subscription!

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney tackles an increasingly persistent narrative about family estrangement: therapists are encouraging people to cut ties from their families. Drawing from hundreds of responses from her audience—including adult children and estranged parents—she examines what actually happens in therapy rooms and whether the notion of a "secret underground movement" of therapists pushing estrangement holds up to scrutiny. She also answers a listener question about breaking cycles of reconciliation and abuse with a verbally abusive parent.

Whitney Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and the founder of Calling Home, a membership community that helps people navigate complex family dynamics and break harmful cycles.

Have a question for Whitney? Call in and leave a voicemail for the show at 866-225-5466Join the Family Cyclebreakers Club⁠⁠

Follow Whitney on Instagram | sitwithwhit

Follow Whitney on YouTube | @whitneygoodmanlmft

⁠⁠Order Whitney’s book, Toxic Positivity

Learn more about ad choices. Visit podcast.choices.com/adchoices

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice.

00:00 Are therapists encouraging estrangement?

02:22 The origins of this question and why it matters

05:58 What actually happens in therapy rooms

14:45 The difference between support and persuasion

29:19 Criticisms of therapists

39:31 Listener question: Breaking the cycle with a verbally abusive parent

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Description: 

In this episode of the Calling Home podcast, Whitney is answering more of your questions. The first caller is looking for advice on how to navigate a relationship with emotionally and physically distant parents. Then, our second caller wants to discuss a difficult relationship with her mother, who views her as an extension of herself. 

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Calling Home Podcast, Whitney Goodman discusses how to grieve the apology you've never received from a parent. This apology may have never been received due to various reasons such as death, mental health issues, or refusal to acknowledge past wrongs. Whitney will talk about how to accept this reality and focus on healing yourself and why you may need to abandon the fantasy of an ideal parent-child relationship. 

Head over to cozyearth.com and use promo code "callinghome" for an exclusive 35% off.

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Click here to get “Toxic Positivity” on paperback. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whitney Goodman is answering more calls from the Calling Home voicemail. Today’s first call involves a listener who is involved in a multi-generational family business, that unfortunately has some toxic workplace behaviors. The second caller is asking for advice on handling a relationship with her fiance who struggles to understand why she has certain boundaries set with her parents.

Have a question for Whitney? Call Home at 866-225-5466. 

Join Whitney’s Family Cycle Breakers Club for further support and discussion on family dynamics at CallingHome.co. Follow the Calling Home community on Instagram or TikTok. 

Follow Whitney Goodman on Instagram or TikTok. 

The Calling Home podcast is not engaged in providing therapy services, mental health advice or other medical advice or services, is not a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare provider, and does not create any therapist-patient or other treatment relationship between you and Calling Home or Whitney Goodman. For more information on this, please see Calling Home’s Terms of Service.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.