Why do so many difficult conversations happen over a school break, a holiday meal, or at an important family event? How can we better prepare ourselves, and start managing our expectations? This episode explores:

• Ways we can navigate difficult* conversations.
• Why we can stop trying to have the right answer.
• Questions to ask ourselves as we set our intentions and our boundaries.
• How to offer a heads up in advance of divulging surprising news.
• The importance of chosen families, and of friendship gatherings.
• Tips for helping others and ourselves, even when things go wrong.

*This episode is not applicable for abusive situations.

Our guest is: Lindsay Geist, who holds an MDiv and MSW, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her graduate work at Duke Divinity School and UNC-Chapel Hill (according to Lindsay: “yes, you can go to two rival schools at the same time...as long as you don’t mention it during basketball season!”). She runs her own private practice; and leads trainings on mental health, addressing anxiety, and soul care. Lindsay also co-hosts the podcast, “Not Alone: Conversations on Faith and Mental Health.”

Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, a historian of women and gender.

Listeners to this episode may also be interested in:

• How We Show Up: Reclaiming Family, Friendship and Community, by Mia Birdsong
• It’s a Wonderful Life: Insights on Finding a Meaningful Existence, by Frank Martela
• Tw-eats: Big Feelings and Short Recipes for Those Who Cook and Eat With Love, David K. Smith
• Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself, by Nedra Glover Tawwab
• This podcast episode on dealing with rejection
• This podcast on the value of spending time outside
• This podcast on Cooking and Grief



Welcome to The Academic Life! On the Academic Life channel we are inspired and informed by today’s knowledge-producers, working inside and outside the academy. Find us on Twitter: @AcademicLifeNBN.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/academic-life