TED Radio Hour How to repair your most important relationships
50 snips
Nov 21, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, shares her step-by-step process for mending parent-child relationships, emphasizing accountability and emotional impact. Alua Arthur, a death doula, reveals the importance of acknowledging mortality and enjoying life’s present moments, offering practical ways to improve our relationship with death. Valérie Cotoy from the Indigenous Leadership Initiative highlights the critical role of Indigenous guardianship in conservation, urging listeners to elevate Indigenous voices to foster biodiversity and climate solutions.
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Sunday Night Yell That Sparked Repair Work
- Becky Kennedy recounts a Sunday night where she lost her temper at her son over dinner and he slammed his door.
- The moment left her feeling abyssal and motivated her to learn how to repair effectively.
Trauma Is About Aloneness Not The Event
- Trauma is defined by how an event is processed, especially if it is stored in aloneness rather than connection.
- Repairing changes how the memory lives in a child's body and reduces lifelong self-blame.
Repair Yourself Before Reconnecting
- Do repair with yourself first: name the behavior, separate it from your identity, and reduce shame before reconnecting.
- Tell the child you are working on managing your feelings and that the yelling wasn't their fault.
