Conversations from the Heart – Details, episodes & analysis

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Conversations from the Heart

Yvette Erasmus

Society & Culture

Education

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 142

A weekly, soul-nourishing podcast offering psychologically grounded, heart-centered reflections on human relationships, inner healing, and compassion-based communication.

Focused on live mini-coaching moments to help callers shift from reactive, domination-based communication to collaborative, heart-centered connection. Listen for new scripts for stuck situations, new ways of responding to old relationship dynamics and guidance on how to approach these situations with empathy, self-awareness, and effective communication strategies. Here, we emphasize understanding both one's own needs and the needs of others, creating safe spaces for vulnerable conversations, and finding ways to express ourselves authentically while respecting others' boundaries.

Recent rankings

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - relationships
12/04/2026
#59
🇬🇧 Great Britain - relationships
29/03/2026
#100
🇫🇷 France - relationships
20/12/2025
#94

Spotify

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https://yvetteerasmus.com/membership-join-now/
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http://yvetteerasmus.com/
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https://yvetteerasmus.com/school-of-human-connection/
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https://www.youtube.com/@DrYvetteErasmus
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https://www.youtube.com/@YvetteErasmusPsyD
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVZoqn6GDWDV4-2KORfCZvg
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https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/conversations-from-the-heart/id1700733937
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Score global : 58%

Publication history

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#124 - When You’re Doing All The Emotional Labor

Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 46:21

In this week's conversation, Vanessa brings forward the pain of a friendship that feels increasingly one-sided. Together, we explore the difference between situational limits and structural limits in relationships, how to trust the “data” we receive when others shut down, and the grief that comes with realizing we may be doing too much emotional labor.

We explore how to discern when to keep engaging, when to step back, and how to communicate desires for mutuality without blame. We also look at why some people can talk the talk of empathy yet still struggle to walk it in relationships. And, how to honor our own boundaries when reciprocity is missing.

Listener Takeaways

•Learn how to interpret someone’s emotional shutdowns as information about capacity rather than a reflection on your delivery.

•Recognize the signs of over-functioning in friendships and how to stop carrying all the emotional labor.

•Practice asking direct but compassionate questions that clarify whether mutuality is truly present.

•Understand the developmental stages of NVC practice and why some people can use the tools for their own needs but not yet offer reciprocity.

•Embrace grief as a necessary step when relationships aren’t mutual, while keeping your heart open to future possibilities.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

Twice a month, I host live calls where members bring real relationship dilemmas. We slow things down and I'll help you see what's actually happening and how to respond with more integrity, strength and care.

You will find a safe space for live discussions and a supportive community of like-minded, open-hearted humans.

Stay updated on new episodes and resources by subscribing wherever you listen to podcasts or visiting yvetteerasmus.com.

Here are more ways to connect with me:

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#123 - They Took Out the Line About Me

Monday, December 8, 2025 • Duration 32:31

When Nancy learned that her niece had removed a single sentence from a family speech, one that acknowledged Nancy’s marriage and presence, it triggered a wave of old pain. What may seem like a small omission unearthed decades of erasure, advocacy, and exhaustion.

In this deeply moving conversation, we explore how one personal moment of being edited out becomes a microcosm of much larger cultural shifts. As stories of marginalized people are quietly removed from government websites, training programs, and public institutions, Nancy’s family moment reflects a collective trend: what gets remembered, and what gets deleted, is never neutral.

Together, we navigate the emotional toll of invisibility, the weight of lifelong advocacy, and the tender discernment it takes to speak up with care. Whether you’ve been left out of the story, or left someone else out, this episode offers a powerful invitation to return ourselves, and each other, to the circle.

Listener Takeaways:

•Erasure may not be loud,but it’s deeply impactful. Small omissions can reactivate deep emotional wounds, especially for those historically marginalized.

•Silence isn’t neutral. Bystanders and witnesses have power, too. A lack of acknowledgment can deepen the harm.

•Discernment is key. Speaking up doesn’t always mean confronting the whole crowd. Often, one honest conversation is what opens the door to healing.

•Advocacy fatigue is real. Especially for elders who’ve carried this work for decades. There’s wisdom in knowing how to keep showing up in ways that preserve your energy and dignity.

•Returning non-love with love is an act of sovereignty. It’s not about people-pleasing: it’s about transforming disconnection into care without abandoning yourself.

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

#114 - How to Say No Without Guilt

Monday, October 6, 2025 • Duration 37:54

When someone you care about is in crisis, how do you say “no” without guilt? In this episode, Julia brings a powerful, relatable question: how do I set a kind but clear boundary with a friend who wants to move into my space indefinitely?

What unfolds is a rich conversation about friendship, emotional safety, and the difference between care and over-responsibility. We explore what to say when someone “trauma dumps,” how to set boundaries without turning it into a negotiation, and how to stop absorbing others’ emotional projections.

We also talk about what happens when you’re the one being “cut off,” and how to have hard conversations earlier, before resentment builds up.

Listener Takeaways:

•Language for setting kind, non-negotiable boundaries.

•What to do when someone guilts you for not showing up the way they want.

•How to hold your ground when someone weaponizes past generosity.

•A loving reframe for this common myth: If I can’t meet your need, I must be a bad friend.

•Tips for inviting safer, more mutual friendships (from both ends).

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

Here are more ways to connect with me:

Join the School of Human Connection

#25 - Staying Connected During Difficult Conversations

Season 1 · Episode 25

Monday, January 22, 2024 • Duration 01:02:47

Have you ever had that moment in a conversation where you just go "deer in the headlights" and aren't sure what to say next?

And then you notice yourself having a lot of judgments about what the other person said, but you also have "rules" in your mind about being "nice" and so you stall out?

On this week's podcast we dive into three compelling topics:

Protecting pets and animals from abuse
Holding space for a friend in a harmful relationship
And, responding to prejudice

If you've ever wondered how to have kind but direct and honest conversations about something that matters to you, this episode is for you. We explore what it takes to respond in courageous ways that allow us to be authentic and to show up with clear integrity, even if our authenticity and integrity might create awkwardness or discomfort for others.

Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(1:18) After witnessing the abuse of a living being, how do I approach the person responsible?
(25:09) How do I help a friend who is ashamed because of harmful things their partner said to them?
(38:53) How do I regulate my nervous system and get in touch with needs and emotions in the moment?
(45:14) How should I respond to racial prejudice with someone who makes a negative comment?
(56:24) Instead of asking "why" questions, what is the better way of asking questions?
(59:17) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

#24 - Building Communities of Support

Season 1 · Episode 24

Monday, January 15, 2024 • Duration 58:41

Have you ever found yourself wondering who your people are, and where you can find them? Personal growth sometimes means we're surrounded by loved ones who can't receive us in the way we want to be received.

This week, we examine how we can approach imbalances with grace, advocate for our emotional needs, and communicate effectively to ensure that everyone, including ourselves, feels heard and valued.

We touch on the rawness of vulnerability, the importance of choosing companions wisely, and the sometimes painful process of letting go when the reciprocity just isn't there.

We also discuss the complexities of seeking honest feedback and expressing our communication preferences, especially when our defenses are down.

Show notes:
(0:00) Intro
(1:20) How do you ask a group facilitator to grant airtime to members fairly?
(20:45) How do I have others listen to me in the way that I'm listening to them?
(43:13) How do I find people with the same mindset I can connect to?
(49:36) How do I ask the people who matter for feedback without sugarcoating?
(52:25) How do I communicate my need to connect and feel heard in the moment more than finding a solution?
(56:35) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

Here are more ways to connect with me:

Join the School of Human Connection

#23 - The Difference Between Wanting Validation and Needing It

Season 1 · Episode 23

Monday, January 8, 2024 • Duration 53:07

As we navigate the delicate interplay between self-expression and the quest for approval, we unravel the truth that seeking affirmation isn't the villain we often paint it to be. In this episode, we talk about setting our expectations on how people would respond to our creative output and opening our minds to the possibilities of various reactions.

Regarding therapy, things can get complicated, can't they? It's like a dance of words and emotions, where sometimes you're unsure who's leading. We strip back the layers of uncertainty that cloak the therapist-client relationship as we explore how to foster clear, assertive communication.

Finally, we talk about honoring plans and the respect that comes with it, not just for others but for ourselves. Whether it's navigating a last-minute change of plans with grace or aligning your free spirit with the expectations of those around you, this episode provides strategies for clear, compassionate communication.

Show notes:
(0:51) How can I enjoy my work and let go of the fact that not everyone needs to love it?
(11:29) How can I honor my need to be seen and heard even when the feedback I receive is not what I expected?
(18:20) How do I ask my therapist for a roadmap after being blown off and dealing with the fear of asking again?
(41:31) How do I deal with my friend who feels disrespected when I change my mind about our plans?
(51:08) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

#22 - The Essential Role of Self-Connection in Successful Relationships With Others

Season 1 · Episode 22

Monday, January 1, 2024 • Duration 57:02

It's often said that we can only connect with others to the extent that we've connected with ourselves, first.

But what does that actually mean, and how can we use deep self-connection to actually improve our relationship with someone else?

In this week's episode, the role of self-connection comes up twice, and we discuss a method for processing through triggers outside of the relationship before bringing those feelings to our partner.

Processing through our own emotions and reactions in a safe and calm space away from our partner allows us to determine what work is our responsibility outside of the relationship, and what work needs repairing within it.

Being intentional about what we choose to work on in our relationships helps us create really clear requests, and allows us to calmly observe how our requests are welcomed by our partner.

Show notes:
(1:20) I have romantic feelings for my friend who doesn't feel the same way. What do I do?
(8:00) How to choose what to bring up to my partner
(16:10) I want my partner to grow with me. How can I make that happen?
(18:10) How do I tell my partner I want to go to couples counseling?
(28:09) My mother dominates holiday conversations. What can I do?
(39:18) How do I know whether to make a request or ask for feedback?
(42:46) How can I respond to someone else's negative reactions?
(54:43) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

#21 -What To Do When Talking Gets Tough

Season 1 · Episode 21

Monday, December 25, 2023 • Duration 57:57

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation, wondering how things got so heated?

We've all been there, and this week, we're peeling back the layers of authentic communication to help you navigate those tricky talks. We discuss the importance of personal growth and its transformative impact on how one perceives and interacts with family members. Recognizing the emotional undercurrents and approaching them with empathy and assertiveness is vital for setting boundaries and fostering healthier relationships.

We also tackle the challenge of timely and conscious communication. Addressing issues as they arise rather than letting them fester can break the cycle of venting and regret.

This episode emphasizes the power of asking for what we want without attachment to outcomes, paving the way for mutual respect and understanding. Through this, we underline the potential for personal growth and the cultivation of meaningful interactions.

Show notes:
(0:50) How do I prep for a mediation when I am in the dark about the nature of the upset?
(11:56) How do I improve the family dynamics and communication with a sister who bosses me around?
(28:38) How can I respond when someone tells me what I “need to” do?
(35:50) What are other options for dealing with my dad, who's in assisted living?
(53:11) How do I manage my feelings and support a young family member who says we never have enough time together?
(56:02) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

#20 - How to Apologize: Two Examples

Season 1 · Episode 20

Monday, December 18, 2023 • Duration 56:50

How we impact others, matters.

In an interdependent world, our choices and actions ripple out into the lives of others - either making things better, or worse.

Sometimes, we positively impact others through our vulnerability, our generosity, our humor - our essential and imperfect willingness to live from our shared humanity.

Other times, we fall short. Under stress or full up with our own buckets of pain, we can spill over in less kind, less connected, less vulnerable ways than we'd like. Our unawareness, our defenses, our disconnectedness, our unavailability in those moments can act like a drain, sucking energy out of interactions, or like a hedgehog - creating prickles and bristles in the place of connectedness and softness.

So what do we do when we've shown up in ways we now regret?

How can we restore connection, without losing our dignity?

When we ground ourselves in the part of ourselves that listens without judgment and connects without shame or blame, then our messier moments can become springboards for more intimate and vulnerable connections with others that actually build more trust.

By tuning into the impact we have on one another - intentional or not - and genuinely caring about one another's needs, we can find our ways into repair work that actually reconnects and helps us all learn and grown

As you'll discover in this week's podcast, greeting ourselves with empathy and understanding is a necessary (but not sufficient) first step if we're wanting to engage in deeper repair work with others.

Show notes:
(0:55) I haven't shown up professionally in the ways I've wanted to? How do I share that with colleagues?
(23:52) Someone emotionally exploded all over me and now I'm left holding the emotional baggage. What do I do next?
(48:55) What has been meaningful today? Input from call participants.
(54:56) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

#19 - But If I Tell You No, Will I Still Matter to You?

Season 1 · Episode 19

Monday, December 11, 2023 • Duration 01:01:17

Domination System Programming is very good at teaching us that our value lies in our ability to meet the needs of others.

To the extent that I make you feel good, I'm a pleasure to be around.

When I'm willing to override my own needs for rest or play and work instead, I am rewarded by being called "dedicated" or "motivated".

If I work hard at meeting your needs and put my needs last, I'm a "loving" and "giving" person.

It can be an absolute revelation when we realize we are not here to be used as a tool for others to meet their needs. Instead, as we discuss on this week's podcast, we are here to be subjective, sovereign human beings who are learning how to be in interdependent relationship with one another.

Show notes:
(1:33) Saying no feels scary but I don't want to be used. What do I do?
(5:40)How do I reveal myself without upsetting someone else?
(12:30)An example of a soft way to say "No"
(19:15) The difference between calibrating language and surviving someone's negative judgments of us
(23:25)I want the connection to another, but I need to impose a boundary. What should I say?
(26:26)Sometimes I lie to avoid others because it feels easier. How can I up level that strategy?
(36:00)My Ex needs help. Do I have to be the one to help him?
(42:15) How idealizing others can dehumanize them
(45:25) In Domination Cultures, the word "respect" is often code for "obedient"
(46:15) We are not here to be objects to be used by other people
(48:15) Tell me more about Domination Cultures
(49:52) How can I navigate a strained situation with more lightness?
(59:12) Outro

For ongoing practice and deeper learning, I warmly invite you to become a member of The School of Human Connection.

Conversations from the Heart – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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Conversations from the Heart – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other30

Youtube3

Apple Podcast1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other30

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